Tikaram Neupane – Light Matter Interaction – Best Researcher Award 

Assist. Prof. Dr. Tikaram Neupane embarked on his academic path with a strong foundation in physics, culminating in a Ph.D. in Condensed Matter and Optical Physics from Hampton University (2016–2020). His dissertation focused on the third-order optical nonlinearity of tungsten and molybdenum disulfide atomic layers, highlighting his early interest in light-matter interaction phenomena. Prior to this, he earned an MS in Condensed Matter Physics from the University of Wyoming and a Post Graduate Diploma in Earth System Physics from the International Center for Theoretical Physics, Trieste, Italy. His early research projects spanned from quantum materials to geophysical modeling, setting a multidisciplinary foundation for his future work.

💼 Professional Endeavors

Since 2021, Dr. Neupane has served as Assistant Professor of Physics at The University of North Carolina at Pembroke, where he is responsible for teaching, coordinating applied physics programs, and actively recruiting undergraduate students. He also held a postdoctoral research associate position at The University of Southern Mississippi, focusing on ocean optics, ocean color, and remote sensing in collaboration with NASA’s Stennis Space Center. Dr. Neupane’s leadership roles extend beyond academia as he directs regional science fairs, organizes international conferences, and serves on editorial boards and scientific committees.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

Dr. Neupane’s research centers on light-matter interaction in low-dimensional materials and nanostructures. His Ph.D. work explored nonlinear optical properties, including nonlinear absorption and refraction in atomic layers and quantum dots, UV/Visible absorption, photoluminescence studies, and all-optical switching mechanisms. He has demonstrated advanced phenomena such as polarization-controlled four-wave mixing and second-order hyperpolarizability via self-phase modulation, contributing substantially to the understanding of photon interactions at the nanoscale. His expertise also spans ocean optics and remote sensing, showcasing the breadth of his research in light-matter interaction.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Dr. Neupane’s research has had significant impact both in condensed matter physics and applied optics. His work is recognized through awards like the Best Presentation Award at the International Conference on Nanoscience and Nanotechnology (ICNST) in 2019 and multiple research grants from NASA and the Department of Defense. His leadership in organizing scientific conferences, serving as guest editor for special journal issues, and evaluating prestigious scholarships reflects his broad influence on the scientific community. His active role in science fairs and community outreach promotes STEM education and inspires the next generation of physicists.

🏆Academic Cites

Dr. Neupane’s publications on light-matter interaction phenomena in nanoscale materials have been cited extensively, underscoring the relevance and innovation of his research. His experimental and theoretical insights into nonlinear optical processes contribute to foundational knowledge utilized by researchers worldwide. These citations reflect the growing recognition of his contributions to the fields of condensed matter physics and applied photonics.

🌟 Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking ahead, Dr. Tikaram Neupane is poised to continue making pioneering contributions to light-matter interaction research, focusing on novel quantum materials and optical phenomena with potential applications in photonics and quantum technologies. His commitment to mentoring students, advancing interdisciplinary research, and fostering scientific collaborations ensures a lasting legacy in both academia and applied physics. As Chair of the 8th ANPA International Physics Conference in 2025, he will further strengthen international scientific dialogue and innovation.

📝Light Matter Interaction

Dr. Neupane’s work significantly advances the understanding of light-matter interaction in atomic layers and quantum dots, driving innovations in nonlinear optics and photonics. His research explores fundamental light-matter interaction mechanisms, such as four-wave mixing and self-phase modulation, providing insights crucial for next-generation optical devices. Through his academic and leadership roles, Dr. Neupane promotes cutting-edge research in light-matter interaction, bridging theoretical physics and practical applications.

✍️ Notable Publication


📝Spatial Self-Phase Modulation in WS2 and MoS2 Atomic Layers

Authors: T. Neupane, B. Tabibi, F.J. Seo

Journal: Optical Materials Express, 10(4), 831–842

Year: 2020

Citations: 27


📝Piezoelectricity Enhancement and Bandstructure Modification of Atomic Defect-Mediated MoS2 Monolayer

Authors: S. Yu, Q. Rice, T. Neupane, B. Tabibi, Q. Li, F.J. Seo

Journal: Physical Chemistry Chemical Physics, 19(35), 24271–24275

Year: 2017

Citations: 17


📝Spatial Self-Phase Modulation in Graphene-Oxide Monolayer

Authors: T. Neupane, B. Tabibi, W.J. Kim, F.J. Seo

Journal: Crystals, 13(2), 271

Year: 2023

Citations: 16


📝Second-Order Hyperpolarizability and All-Optical-Switching of Intensity-Modulated Spatial Self-Phase Modulation in CsPbBr1.5I1.5 Perovskite Quantum Dot

Authors: T. Neupane, H. Wang, W.W. Yu, B. Tabibi, F.J. Seo

Journal: Optics & Laser Technology, 140, 107090

Year: 2021

Citations: 14


📝Third-Order Optical Nonlinearity of Tungsten Disulfide Atomic Layer with Resonant Excitation

Authors: T. Neupane, S. Yu, Q. Rice, B. Tabibi, F.J. Seo

Journal: Optical Materials, 96, 109271

Year: 2019

Citations: 10


📝Cubic Nonlinearity of Molybdenum Disulfide Nanoflakes

Authors: T. Neupane, Q. Rice, S. Jung, B. Tabibi, F.J. Seo

Journal: Journal of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, 20(7), 4373–4375

Year: 2020

Citations: 5


📝Spin-Resolved Visible Optical Spectra and Electronic Characteristics of Defect-Mediated Hexagonal Boron Nitride Monolayer

Authors: S. Yu, B. Tabibi, Q. Li, F.J. Seo

Journal: Crystal, 12, 906

Year: 2022

Citations: 3


📝Cubic Nonlinearity of Graphene-Oxide Monolayer

Authors: T. Neupane, U. Poudyal, B. Tabibi, W.J. Kim, F.J. Seo

Journal: Materials, 16(20), 6664

Year: 2023

Citations: 2

Nadir Abdullayev – Optical Properties – Best Researcher Award

Prof. Nadir Abdullayev began his academic journey with a deep interest in condensed matter physics, focusing on the fundamental properties of electronic systems. From the early stages of his career, he dedicated himself to understanding electric and galvanomagnetic phenomena in low-dimensional electronic systems. His rigorous academic training provided him with the expertise to analyze and interpret complex physical behaviors, particularly in strongly anisotropic crystals.

💼 Professional Endeavors

Throughout his career, Prof. Nadir Abdullayev has conducted extensive and systematic research in the field of electric and galvanomagnetic effects, including the normal and anomalous Hall effects, magnetoresistance, and Shubnikov-de Haas oscillations. His work is primarily focused on low-temperature physics, with experiments reaching temperatures as low as 0.3 K and magnetic fields up to 8 Tesla. His expertise extends to the study of electronic localization effects, such as weak localization, weak antilocalization, and electron-electron interactions, which are crucial for understanding charge transport in advanced materials.

🔬 Contributions and Research Focus

A significant aspect of Prof. Abdullayev’s research is his work on optical properties, including Raman scattering, infrared reflection, photoluminescence, and spectral ellipsometry. His contributions to the field have deepened the understanding of how light interacts with low-dimensional systems, particularly layered and chain crystals. Additionally, his research on phonon spectra and phonon processes has provided groundbreaking insights into heat capacity, thermal expansion, and heat transfer mechanisms in these materials. Notably, he was the first to explain the negative thermal expansion along the layers of graphite using the "membrane effect" and the "thermal anomaly" in heat transfer.

🌍 Impact and Influence

Prof. Nadir Abdullayev’s impact on the field of condensed matter physics is substantial, with his research influencing both theoretical and experimental studies in optical properties and electronic transport phenomena. His findings have paved the way for further developments in material science, particularly in the study of highly anisotropic crystals. His expertise in electronic localization effects and phonon interactions has earned him recognition in the international scientific community, making him a sought-after expert in his field.

🏆Academic Cites

The significance of Prof. Abdullayev’s work is reflected in the high number of citations his research has received in esteemed academic journals. His studies on optical properties and phonon spectra have been widely referenced by researchers working on advanced electronic and optical materials. His contributions serve as a critical foundation for ongoing research in low-temperature physics and material characterization.

🌟 Legacy and Future Contributions

Looking ahead, Prof. Nadir Abdullayev continues to push the boundaries of research in electronic and optical materials. His future contributions are expected to further refine the understanding of optical properties in low-dimensional systems, leading to new applications in nanotechnology, quantum materials, and energy-efficient electronic devices. His legacy as a pioneer in the study of anisotropic crystals and phonon processes will undoubtedly influence future generations of scientists and engineers.

📝Notable Publication


📝Prediction and observation of an antiferromagnetic topological insulator

Authors: MM Otrokov, II Klimovskikh, H Bentmann, et al.

Journal: Nature

Year: 2019

Citations: 1131


📝Novel ternary layered manganese bismuth tellurides of the MnTe-Bi₂Te₃ system: Synthesis and crystal structure

Authors: ZS Aliev, IR Amiraslanov, DI Nasonova, et al.

Journal: Journal of Alloys and Compounds

Year: 2019

Citations: 229


📝Tunable 3D/2D magnetism in the (MnBi₂Te₄)(Bi₂Te₃)ₘ topological insulators family

Authors: II Klimovskikh, MM Otrokov, D Estyunin, et al.

Journal: npj Quantum Materials

Year: 2020

Citations: 228


📝Native point defects and their implications for the Dirac point gap at MnBi₂Te₄(0001)

Authors: M Garnica, MM Otrokov, PC Aguilar, et al.

Journal: npj Quantum Materials

Year: 2022

Citations: 107


📝Elastic properties of layered crystals

Author: NA Abdullaev

Journal: Physics of the Solid State

Year: 2006

Citations: 55


📝The nature of negative linear expansion in layer crystals (C, Bn, GaS, GaSe, and InSe)

Authors: GL Belenkii, EY Salaev, RA Suleimanov, NA Abdullaev, et al.

Journal: Solid State Communications

Year: 1985

Citations: 49


📝Grüneisen parameters for layered crystals

Author: NA Abdullaev

Journal: Physics of the Solid State

Year: 2001

Citations: 41