Nathaniel J. Huáng
Senior scientist
Dr Nathaniel J. Huáng (黄健) is a principal investigator leading NPL’s pioneering efforts in Quantum Light and Matter, the research exploring the intricate interplay between light and condensed matter in the quantum regime, to drive the advancement of quantum science, metrology, and technologies.
Nathaniel leads the development and application of state-of-the-art experimental techniques within the metrology platform of UK’s national excellence for Quantum Light and Matter at Extremes (Qlimate), including advanced magneto-optical spectroscopy and nanoscopy (eg magneto-μ-photoluminescence and Raman spectroscopy, Landau level spectroscopy, Faraday rotation spectroscopy and microscopy, absorption/reflection/transmission spectroscopy), correlated magneto-optical-transport techniques (eg photocurrent spectroscopy and nanoscopy), and deeply sub-diffraction optical techniques such as scattering-type scanning near-field optical microscopy (s-SNOM), pushing the limits of spatial and experimental extremes, in particular at low temperatures and high magnetic fields using the UK’s first OptiCool system at NPL. The team’s research efforts focus on understanding condensed matter physics of low-dimensional quantum matter nanostructures and devices, such as van der Waals and topological systems, nanowires, quantum dots, and next-gen semiconductors. Through collaboration and shared dedication to fundamental science, the team continues to advance both pure and applied physics, fuelling innovation in quantum light and matter technologies that address global challenges, and sharing scientific knowledge for the betterment of humanity.
Born in Northeast China, Nathaniel received his BSc in Engineering Physics with First Class Honours from the Hong Kong Polytechnic University in 2012, with a thesis on pulsed laser deposition and characterisation of ferroelectric thin films, under the supervision of Professor Helen L. W. Chan. He completed his DPhil in Condensed Matter Physics at the University of Oxford in 2016, on magnetotransport studies on graphene and related two-dimensional semiconductor nanostructures at low temperatures and high magnetic fields, under the supervision of Professor Robin J. Nicholas. This was followed by his postdoctoral research in Oxford, focusing on high magnetic field effects on optical and vibronic properties of macromolecules and their nanostructures, during which time he designed and built a magneto-optical measurement system operating at high magnetic fields up to 21 T and low temperatures down to 1.4 K.
Nathaniel serves as a member and expert of several national and international committees focusing on nano- and quantum technologies, including BSI NTI/1 and ICT/4, IEC TC 113, ISO TC 229 and ISO/IEC JTC 3, as well as CEN TC 352 and CLC/JTC 22. He is a member of the Institute of Physics (MInstP), and a Committee Member of the IOP Quantum Electronics and Photonics Group. Nathaniel also regularly serves the scientific community as reviewer for journal articles and UK/EU grant applications (eg UKRI Future Leaders Fellowships, EPSRC Research Hub, QuantERA, Royce Industrial Collaboration Programme) and is a member of the UKRI Talent Peer Review College.
Since 2021, Nathaniel has supervised 5 PhD students and collaborated closely with several EPSRC CDT and DTP programmes. He is also a visiting professor at Kyungpook National University, South Korea. His peer-reviewed publications in condensed matter physics, quantum light & matter, magneto-optics and magnetotransport have been so far cited over 2,500 times. A full list of his publications can be found on his Google Scholar page.
A champion of authenticity in science, Nathaniel holds an uncompromising stance against research misconduct, as well as any hype, pretension, opportunism, and unnecessary showmanship, valuing substance, ethics, and integrity above all else.
Areas of Interest
Nathaniel’s research has involved a wide range of topics in condensed matter physics, nano- and quantum technologies. Key topics include:
- Quantum light and matter
- Quantum metrology
- Magneto-optics and magnetotransport at cryogenic temperatures and ultrahigh magnetic fields
- Advanced optical nanoscopy and spectroscopy (eg s-SNOM)
- Topological & low-dimensional quantum systems
- Next-generation semiconductor nanostructures and devices for quantum technologies (eg quantum transducers and modulators) and renewable energy applications
Beyond his main research, Nathaniel is also interested in:
- Quantitative, statistical, and computational methods including artificial intelligence for basic and applied research
- Interdisciplinary frontiers where physics meets other areas of sciences and technologies