Thomas Kempa, Ph.D.

Associate Professor, Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University

 

2025 Experimental Physics Investigator

Thomas Kempa, Ph.D.
Image credit: Will Kirk, Johns Hopkins University Communications Team
 

Research Description

Thomas Kempa explores excitonic optical emitters in nanoscale semiconductors to uncover quantum phenomena and enable future technologies in optics, memory, and quantum information processing. His research introduces a new concept called “lattice embossing,” which couples metal-organic frameworks to two-dimensional semiconductors to confine, direct, and tune exciton behavior. By chemically programming the molecular framework to express bespoke and varied lattice symmetries and electronic properties, Professor Kempa’s team is aiming to develop devices that control exciton dynamics and quantum states with unprecedented precision.

Research Impact

Professor Kempa’s research introduces a versatile molecular lattice platform that can be coupled to a wide range of two-dimensional materials. The vastly tunable periodic potential borne by this molecular lattice enables control over excitons, phonons, strain fields, magnetic textures, and other emergent phases. By offering new degrees of freedom for manipulating quasiparticle states and many-body interactions, Kempa’s approach could open new opportunities for discovery and innovation across condensed matter physics, materials science, and quantum technologies — including applications in optics, memory, and quantum sensing.

 
 

related links

Experimental Physics Investigators Initiative Science Johns Hopkins University, Department of Chemistry Back

Education

Ph.D., Harvard University
B.S., Boston College

Affiliated Investigators