THE HONG LAB

A circulatory light source enabled by trap-engineered phosphors

We are developing a circulation-delivered internal light source for biomedical applications that need light emission deep inside the body, such as optogenetics, fluorescence imaging, and photodynamic therapy.

Infrared neural modulation with semiconducting polymers

We leverage the demonstrated deep-brain penetration of NIR-II light (1000-1700 nm) to develop infrared optogenetics based on bandgap-engineered semiconducting polymers.

Tissue modulation with nanoantennas and free-space radio waves

We are developing injectable nanoantennas and radiofrequency (RF) generators to modulate and communicate with the biological tissue with free-space radio waves.

Bioinspired synthesis of water-soluble solid-state nanophosphors

We are developing a bioinspired approach to synthesize solid-state ceramic phosphors with nanometer sizes and water solubility.

Seeing the sound: materials with mechanoluminescence

Mechanoluminescent materials convert focused ultrasound into light emission.