Currently serving as the Deputy President (Research and Technology) at the National University of Singapore (NUS) and holding the distinguished Tan Chin Tuan Centennial Professorship, Professor Liu is among 16 internationally recognized inventors selected for the 2025 NAI Fellows cohort. This distinction acknowledges not only scientific excellence but also the translation of research discoveries into patented technologies with significative societal and economic benefits. These innovations reflect Professor Liu’s dual commitment to advancing knowledge and fostering technology commercialization.

Organic semiconductors, the central theme of Professor Liu’s research landscape, are materials characterized by their π-conjugated molecular structures enabling electronic conduction and photoluminescence. Unlike traditional inorganic semiconductors, organic materials offer promise for flexible, lightweight, and cost-efficient electronic devices. Professor Liu’s pioneering investigations have elucidated the mechanisms by which these materials efficiently emit light, thereby contributing to the advancement of organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs) and other optoelectronic components.

One of the pivotal breakthroughs in Professor Liu’s work is the detailed understanding of exciton dynamics within organic semiconductor films. Excitons—bound electron-hole pairs created upon photon absorption—play a crucial role in light emission and device efficiency. By controlling molecular packing, energy level alignment, and interface engineering, her research has optimized exciton formation and recombination processes, which underpin brighter and more stable light emission. These insights have formed the foundation for highly efficient OLED displays used in modern consumer electronics.

Beyond displays, Professor Liu’s inventions have paved the way for innovative applications that extend into the domain of advanced medical diagnostics. Organic semiconductor devices can be tailored for sensitive optical biosensing, enabling non-invasive detection of biomarkers with enhanced specificity and temporal resolution. Her patented technologies include organic photodetectors and sensors with tunable spectral responses, which facilitate early disease detection and real-time patient monitoring with improved portability and reduced costs compared to conventional methods.

Optical data encryption represents another cutting-edge application stemming from Professor Liu’s research portfolio. By exploiting the unique photophysical properties and molecular interactions in organic semiconductors, her work has enabled the creation of materials that respond dynamically to environmental stimuli or encryption keys with distinct optical signatures. These innovations advance secure communication technologies by embedding complex authentication protocols directly into materials, thus offering robust protection against counterfeiting and data breaches.

The impressive scope of Professor Liu’s inventive output is reflected in her holding over 30 patents, many of which have been licensed globally. Such extensive intellectual property embodies the transition from basic research to industrial application, reinforcing her role as a leader who drives technology transfer. The commercial adoption of these patented technologies by a diverse range of companies underscores the universal relevance and scalability of her work in organic electronics and photonics.

Professor Liu’s election to the NAI Fellowship complements a succession of prestigious accolades she has garnered throughout her career. Notably, she was the recipient of the President’s Science Award in 2024, Singapore’s highest honor recognizing outstanding scientific contributions. Additionally, her membership in the US National Academy of Engineering since 2022 further testifies to her technical eminence and global influence in engineering science and innovation.

The National Academy of Inventors, known for promoting invention and entrepreneurship, convenes its 15th Annual Conference on June 4, 2026, in Los Angeles, where the 2025 laureates, including Professor Liu, will be officially recognized. This event unites leading innovators whose patented work has left indelible marks on both industry and society. The inclusion of Professor Liu in this gala assembly highlights her sustained excellence and leadership within the vibrant innovation ecosystem.

Organic semiconductor research remains a highly dynamic field at the intersection of chemistry, physics, and materials science. Professor Liu’s research exemplifies how deep theoretical understanding entwines with methodical experimentation to yield materials exhibiting novel optoelectronic functionalities. By harnessing supramolecular interactions and molecular engineering, her group advances the design of next-generation functional materials that promise applications ranging from energy-efficient lighting to biointegrated devices.

Furthermore, Professor Liu’s role as a senior academic leader amplifies her impact beyond the laboratory. By spearheading research strategies at NUS and mentoring emerging scientists, she cultivates an environment conducive to innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration. Her vision integrates cutting-edge research with translational science, accelerating the pace at which novel discoveries evolve into viable applications that address pressing global challenges in healthcare, communications, and sustainable technologies.

In summary, Professor Liu Bin’s election as an NAI Fellow is a testament to her extraordinary achievements in organic semiconductor science and technology. Her research not only deepens fundamental knowledge in light emission mechanisms but also drives the development of transformative technologies with wide-ranging societal benefits. Through her patented inventions, esteemed leadership, and commitment to innovation, Professor Liu embodies the spirit of scientific creativity and entrepreneurship in the 21st century.

Subject of Research: Organic Semiconductors and Optoelectronic Materials

Article Title: Professor Liu Bin Honored as National Academy of Inventors Fellow for Pioneering Organic Semiconductor Innovations

News Publication Date: Not specified

Web References:
https://academyofinventors.org/nai-welcomes-2025-class-of-fellows/

Image Credits: College of Design and Engineering at NUS

Keywords: Organic semiconductors, patent innovation, optoelectronics, OLED, light-emitting devices, organic photodetectors, molecular engineering, optical data encryption, medical diagnostics, National Academy of Inventors, technology commercialization

Janus TMDs derive their name from the two-faced Roman deity, a fitting metaphor for the unique structural asymmetry inherent to these materials. Their atomic structure consists of distinct top and bottom layers made from different elements, resulting in an internal polarity that profoundly influences their interaction with electromagnetic waves. This innate electric dipole moment renders Janus materials exceptionally responsive to external stimuli such as light, setting them apart from traditional layered TMDs and enabling novel optomechanical behaviors.

Central to the study was the use of molybdenum sulfur selenide (MoSSe) layered atop molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂), forming a heterostructure whose optical properties the researchers probed using second harmonic generation (SHG) spectroscopy. SHG is a nonlinear optical process in which incident photons at a certain frequency are converted into emitted photons at twice that frequency, effectively doubling the light’s energy and providing a sensitive probe of the material’s symmetry and electronic environment. Under normal conditions, the SHG from these crystals manifests as a symmetrical six-lobed pattern mirroring their hexagonal lattice symmetry.

However, the research team made a remarkable observation: when the frequency of the incident laser light matched the material’s intrinsic resonances, the SHG pattern became distorted, losing its typical symmetry. This distortion offered a window into the subtle influence of light-induced forces within the crystal lattice. Specifically, the electromagnetic field of the incoming photons exerted a mechanical pressure—an effect known as optostriction—that displaced atoms within the Janus layers, breaking the material’s native symmetry and reshaping its optical response.

This optomechanical coupling in Janus TMDs is amplified by the material’s asymmetric layering, which enhances the interaction between the atomic sheets and the incident light. The layered heterostructure behaves like a nanoscale system in which mechanical strain and electronic excitation are intricately linked, allowing minute forces from photons to induce measurable changes in the physical structure. Detecting these forces directly is challenging due to their minuscule magnitude, but changes in the anisotropy of the SHG signal provided a powerful, indirect method to probe these internal strains.

The discovery has significant implications for the development of future photonic devices. Light-driven forces that can deform material lattices enable the design of tunable optical components that operate on extremely small scales. Unlike electronic transistors, which rely on electrical currents and are prone to resistive heating, photonic devices harnessing optomechanical effects promise faster operation speeds and vastly improved energy efficiency. Such technology could redefine the architecture of optical switches, modulators, and detectors, paving the way for faster, cooler, and more compact computing platforms.

Janus TMDs’ unique response to light also sets the stage for novel sensor designs. Their sensitivity to mechanical deformation induced by tiny optical forces could lead to ultrasensitive detectors capable of monitoring vibrations, pressure changes, or even quantum fluctuations. These capabilities are crucial for advances in areas ranging from environmental sensing to quantum information science, where precise control of light-matter interactions at the nanoscale is essential.

The researchers emphasize the broader scientific and technological potential unlocked by exploiting the structural asymmetry of Janus materials. By tuning light frequencies to specific resonances within these materials, it is possible to engineer dynamic strain fields that modulate their electronic and optical properties on demand. This tunability represents a paradigm shift in material science, where the traditional static viewpoint of crystals gives way to actively controllable, adaptive nanosystems.

Underlying the experimental achievements is a robust theoretical understanding of the complex interplay between optical fields and lattice dynamics. The team’s findings highlight how electromagnetic radiation can act as a mechanical agent, not just an energy source, within specially engineered materials. This mechanistic insight into optostriction at the atomic level offers new perspectives for manipulating other two-dimensional materials and heterostructures beyond Janus TMDs.

This cutting-edge research received support from prominent agencies, including the National Science Foundation and the U.S. Department of Energy, among others. Such investment reflects the broad interest in harnessing two-dimensional materials to create next-generation devices that merge optics, electronics, and mechanics in novel ways. As the field evolves, the intricate balance of symmetry, structure, and light-matter interaction in Janus TMD heterostructures will likely inspire a wave of innovation in nanoscale engineering.

Looking ahead, the possibilities for integrating Janus TMDs into practical technologies are immense. Their ability to respond dynamically to optical inputs can form the basis for quantum light sources, tunable lasers, and reconfigurable photonic circuits. Combined with their atomic thickness and mechanical flexibility, these materials will be central to developing wearable and flexible optoelectronics that adapt in real-time to changing environmental conditions or user demands.

This study’s findings underscore how subtle atomic-scale asymmetries in materials can yield outsized technological benefits. By revealing the optomechanical dynamics within Janus TMDs, the Rice University team has opened a new frontier at the intersection of condensed matter physics, materials science, and photonics. The integration of mechanical forces generated by light into functional materials design promises to reshape how future devices process and control information, laying the foundation for a new era of light-based technologies.

The research article, titled “Optomechanical Tuning of Second Harmonic Generation Anisotropy in Janus MoSSe/MoS₂ Heterostructures,” was published in ACS Nano and documents the experimental methodologies and detailed analyses underlying these discoveries. The authors declare no conflicts of interest, emphasizing the fundamental nature of the work as a building block toward innovative scientific applications. This groundbreaking work not only advances understanding of Janus materials but also charts a course for vibrant future research and development at the nanoscale.

Subject of Research: Transition metal dichalcogenides, two-dimensional materials

Article Title: Optomechanical Tuning of Second Harmonic Generation Anisotropy in Janus MoSSe/MoS2 Heterostructures

News Publication Date: November 4, 2025

Web References:

• Study DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.5c10861
• Rice University news site: news.rice.edu

References:
Zhang, K., Dandu, M., Hung, N., Zhang, T., Barré, E., Saito, R., Kong, J., Raja, A., & Huang, S. (2025). Optomechanical Tuning of Second Harmonic Generation Anisotropy in Janus MoSSe/MoS₂ Heterostructures. ACS Nano. DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.5c10861

Image Credits: Kunyan Zhang / Rice University

Keywords

Transition metal dichalcogenides, Two-dimensional materials, Materials science, Thin films, Semiconductors, Optoelectronics, Electronics, Light, Light-matter interactions

Optoelectronic devices serve as sophisticated platforms for in-sensor computing functions. They are designed to enhance features and compress data through the strategic modulation of defect states in semiconductor channels. This capability directly impacts photoresponsivity and time constants, allowing for swift communication between sensors and the environments they inhabit. The intricate dance of light and materials transforms static observation into dynamic intervention, a leap forward in our technological toolkit. However, achieving these functionalities is not merely an outcome of design; it is profoundly dependent on precise fabrication and testing protocols formed during their production.

The fabrication of in-sensor computing devices begins with the selection of appropriate nanoscale semiconductor thin films. These materials—and their specific properties—determine the performance limits and applications of the devices being engineered. With commercial suppliers available, researchers gain access to high-quality semiconductor materials that render the fabrication process more efficient and remarkably reproducible. The implementation of these materials is pivotal; they are the very bedrock upon which the complex process of creating autonomous, rapid-response systems rests. By leveraging established technologies in cleanroom environments, scientists can construct devices that push the boundaries of what has been considered possible thus far.

The process detailed in a recent study presents a comprehensive methodology tailored for researchers familiar with microfabrication techniques. The intent is to establish a robust framework for developers and engineers seeking to explore the nuances of optoelectronic devices. This method can be completed in approximately 14 days, from initiation to realization, particularly beneficial for research laboratories with pressing timelines. Such efficiency is critical in a fast-paced field where technological advancements are rapidly evolving. This exhaustive protocol ensures that insights gained from one project can be translated into larger-scale applications and innovations.

Characterizing these optoelectronic devices requires a structured evaluation process. Researchers need to test the visual adaptation and motion perception responses of the fabricated devices to confirm their efficacy. This testing covers the devices’ capabilities in real-world scenarios, ensuring their operational reliability in dynamic environments. As these devices interact with incoming data, understanding their performance in varying conditions becomes paramount. This is where the intricate details of time constants and photoresponsivity truly shine, revealing how devices adapt and learn from the stimuli around them.

The concept of in-sensor computing marks a pivotal evolution in technology. It invites us to consider how sensory information interacts with computational models at the point of detection. By enabling computation at the source, these devices reduce the need for data transmission, diminishing delays that can hamper the effectiveness of other systems. As the computational prowess continues to improve, we envision scenarios where machines respond almost instantaneously to sensory inputs, propelling forward applications in fields like autonomous driving, wearable technology, and smart cities.

Moreover, the adaptability of this fabrication and testing protocol emphasizes its versatility across various applications. Researchers are not confined to a single methodology; they can extend their approaches to explore other semiconductor thin films grown through different techniques. This openness fosters collaboration and innovation across laboratories, paving the way for shared discoveries and novel technologies. As the landscape of semiconductor research continues to expand, we anticipate groundbreaking findings that stem from the foundational protocols designed in these studies.

But this is more than a mere academic pursuit; the implications for healthcare, environmental monitoring, and consumer electronics are profound. As devices become more capable and energy-efficient, they can be deployed in remote areas lacking robust infrastructure. Bioinspired in-sensor computing devices have the potential to revolutionize how we understand our surroundings, enhancing communication between humans and machines. This interactivity will undoubtedly yield smarter environments that can intuitively react to human needs.

Looking forward, the evolution of optoelectronic devices holds promise for enhancing the efficacy of artificial intelligence systems. Systems capable of processing data in real time, with the ability to learn from immediate environments, can radically redefine sectors like security, agriculture, and urban planning. The integration of in-sensor computing with intelligent algorithms may very well be the key component in developing truly autonomous systems. As researchers continue to explore and refine these devices, we can expect the emergence of solutions that are not only innovative but reflect significant improvements over traditional computational paradigms.

As we venture further into this new scientific frontier, the need for collaboration and interdisciplinary efforts becomes essential. Researchers must engage across fields—optical engineering, materials science, data analytics—to harness the collective intellect necessary to advance in-sensor computing technologies. The confluence of insights and practices from various domains will undoubtedly drive forward progress, enabling outcomes that are both groundbreaking and transformative for society as a whole.

In conclusion, the ability to fabricate and characterize optoelectronic in-sensor computing devices represents a crucial that extends far beyond mere technical achievement. It reflects a paradigm shift in how we interact with technology, paving the way for real-time analytics and responsive systems that could redefine various industries. Researchers who understand both the theoretical background and practical applications of these devices will be at the forefront of this technological revolution ushering in an era where human-computer interaction reaches new heights. This intersection of nature and technology serves as a testament to the potential that lies within meticulous research efforts and continuous innovation. As this field continues to evolve, we will witness advancements that might transform our world in unimaginable ways.

Subject of Research: Bioinspired In-Sensor Computing Devices

Article Title: Fabrication and characterization of optoelectronic in-sensor computing devices

Article References:

Zeng, G., Ma, S., Wan, T. et al. Fabrication and characterization of optoelectronic in-sensor computing devices.
Nat Protoc (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41596-025-01262-5

Image Credits: AI Generated

DOI: 10.1038/s41596-025-01262-5

Keywords: In-sensor computing, optoelectronic devices, semiconductor materials, bioinspired technology, real-time analysis, data processing, microfabrication techniques, visual adaptation, motion perception.