Dr. I-Te Lu embarked on his academic journey with a strong foundation in Materials Science and Engineering, earning his BS from National Chiao Tung University (NCTU), Taiwan in 2010. His early academic pursuits showcased his interest in advanced materials and their interactions, leading him to pursue an MS in Applications of Synchrotron Radiation on Materials at NCTU and the National Synchrotron Radiation Research Center (NSRRC). His thesis focused on Synchrotron Radiation Infrared Ray Analysis of Human Lung Adenocarcinoma Living Cells, demonstrating his commitment to interdisciplinary research. He later completed his PhD in Materials Science with a Minor in Physics at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech), USA, where his thesis on First-principles calculations of electron-defect interactions and defect-limited charge transport laid the groundwork for his future contributions to quantum materials research.

💼 Professional Endeavors

Dr. Lu has had an illustrious professional career, working at some of the most prestigious research institutions worldwide. Currently, he serves as a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in Prof. Angel Rubio’s research group at the Max Planck Institute for the Structure and Dynamics of Matter (MPSD), Germany, where he develops quantum electrodynamics density functional theory (QEDFT) functionals for solid-state materials. Prior to this, he was a Postdoctoral Scholar in Prof. Marco Bernardi’s research group at Caltech, focusing on electron-defect interactions in materials using first-principles methods. His work as a Research Assistant at Caltech from 2015 to 2020 was instrumental in co-developing PERTURBO, an open-source code for electron-phonon interactions and carrier dynamics, further establishing his expertise in computational materials science.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Lu’s research primarily revolves around light-matter interaction, quantum materials, and computational methods. His expertise spans first-principles calculations, synchrotron radiation analysis, and high-performance computing. His work in QEDFT functionals and electron-phonon interactions has provided significant insights into how light interacts with materials at the atomic scale. His research contributions extend to nanomaterials, defect engineering, and optoelectronics, making his work essential in the development of next-generation quantum materials. His research at NSRRC on synchrotron light beams (XAS, XPS, and TXM) for material characterization further solidified his interdisciplinary approach, bridging physics, materials science, and quantum mechanics.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Dr. Lu’s impact in light-matter interaction research is evident through his contributions to major scientific projects, including PERTURBO and QEDFT functional development. His expertise in first-principles calculations has influenced a wide range of studies in computational materials science, making him a key contributor to the field. His work has received international recognition, earning him the Humboldt Research Fellowship in Germany (2021-2023) and a Government Scholarship for USA Study from Taiwan’s Ministry of Education (2014-2017), both prestigious accolades that highlight his scientific contributions.

🏆Academic Cites

Dr. Lu’s research has been widely cited in academic journals, with his work on electron-phonon interactions, defect-limited charge transport, and quantum electrodynamics serving as a reference point for researchers worldwide. His ability to develop computational tools such as PERTURBO has made his research highly valuable in both theoretical and applied physics. His participation in the Argonne Training Program for Extreme-Scale Computing (ATPESC) in 2017, where he received intensive training in high-performance computing, further underscores his contributions to computational material science.

🌟 Legacy and Future Contributions

As Dr. I-Te Lu continues his research in light-matter interaction, his future contributions are set to revolutionize the understanding of quantum materials. His development of QEDFT functionals and his expertise in electron-defect interactions will be crucial in advancing materials for quantum computing, energy applications, and optoelectronic devices. His ongoing research at Max Planck Institute positions him at the forefront of materials science, ensuring that his legacy in computational modeling and quantum materials research will continue to inspire future generations.

📝Light-matter Interaction

Dr. I-Te Lu’s groundbreaking work in light-matter interaction has paved the way for advancements in quantum materials and optoelectronic devices. His computational models, including PERTURBO, have enhanced the understanding of light-matter interaction at the atomic level. With ongoing research in quantum electrodynamics and solid-state materials, Dr. Lu remains a leading figure in light-matter interaction, shaping the future of materials science.

Notable Publication


📝Perturbo: A software package for ab initio electron–phonon interactions, charge transport, and ultrafast dynamics

Authors: JJ Zhou, J Park, IT Lu, I Maliyov, X Tong, M Bernardi

Journal: Computer Physics Communications

Year: 2021

Citations: 232


📝Solid-State Divalent Ion Conduction in ZnPS₃

Authors: AJ Martinolich, CW Lee, IT Lu, SC Bevilacqua, MB Preefer, M Bernardi, ...

Journal: Chemistry of Materials

Year: 2019

Citations: 49


📝Efficient ab initio calculations of electron-defect scattering and defect-limited carrier mobility

Authors: IT Lu, JJ Zhou, M Bernardi

Journal: Physical Review Materials

Year: 2019

Citations: 45


📝High-yield water-based synthesis of truncated silver nanocubes

Authors: YM Chang, IT Lu, CY Chen, YC Hsieh, PW Wu

Journal: Journal of Alloys and Compounds

Year: 2014

Citations: 32


📝First-principles ionized-impurity scattering and charge transport in doped materials

Authors: IT Lu, JJ Zhou, J Park, M Bernardi

Journal: Physical Review Materials

Year: 2022

Citations: 29


📝Using defects to store energy in materials–a computational study

Authors: IT Lu, M Bernardi

Journal: Scientific Reports

Year: 2017

Citations: 23


📝Surface modification of commercial PtRu nanoparticles for methanol electro-oxidation

Authors: CW Kuo, IT Lu, LC Chang, YC Hsieh, YC Tseng, PW Wu, JF Lee

Journal: Journal of Power Sources

Year: 2013

Citations: 23


📝Combined experimental-theoretical study of electron mobility-limiting mechanisms in SrSnO₃

Authors: TK Truttmann, JJ Zhou, IT Lu, AK Rajapitamahuni, F Liu, TE Mates, ...

Journal: Communications Physics

Year: 2021

Citations: 19

I-Te Lu – Light-matter Interaction – Best Researcher Award 

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