Welcome! We are a research group led by Prof. Andrea Pickel in the Walker Department of Mechanical Engineering at The University of Texas at Austin.
We develop optical tools to address micro and nanoscale heat transfer challenges, with an emphasis on luminescent probes and spectroscopic techniques. We apply these tools to operating devices, during chemical reactions, and in other demanding environments.
Optical Thermometry Beyond the Diffraction Limit
From semiconductor devices to catalysis to energy storage, micro and nanoscale heat transfer phenomena impact a wide array of modern technologies. Measuring temperature at these small length scales under realistic operating conditions remains a frontier challenge.
Conventional optical techniques offer powerful insights yet are inherently constrained by the optical diffraction limit. To circumvent this obstacle, we perform single-nanoparticle measurements, develop spectral multiplexing approaches, and adapt biological super-resolution imaging techniques to create a super-resolution toolkit for nanoscale thermal metrology.
Engineering Impact Across Fields
We aim to develop minimally invasive, broadly compatible approaches that can be applied to a large range of scientific and engineering problems. Examples include improving the reliability and security of next-generation microelectronics, providing mechanistic insights into emerging catalysis platforms, and enhancing battery safety and performance.