Welcome to Shen Lab
We focus on the emergent properties of quantum materials and related novel tool development.
We study a variety of materials, such as high-temperature superconductors, topological insulators, and quantum materials at the atomically thin limit. By probing their interaction with electromagnetic radiation, ranging from x-rays to the ultraviolet, and into the microwave regime, we gain insight into the underlying physics governing their emergent properties.

Our People
Dr. Shen is the Paul Pigott Professor in Physical Sciences, Professor of Physics and Applied Physics Departments, and a senior fellow of the Precourt Institute for Energy at Stanford. He is the Advisor for Science and Technology of SLAC and a member of the faculty advisory board of the Knight-Hennessy Scholars program at Stanford. He has mentored about one hundred graduate students and postdocs, with their career paths approximately 50–50 split between faculty members of research universities, as well as positions in industry and national laboratories.
More about our people
Quantum Materials
Our current research involves the study of emergent properties in quantum materials, particularly strongly correlated electron systems such as the cuprate and iron-based unconventional superconductors, as well as topological and 2D materials, and thin films.
While our primary experimental tool is angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES), we also perform experiments using resonant x-ray scattering and near-field microwave microscopy techniques.
More about quantum materials
Novel Instrumentation
As an experimental research group in condensed matter physics, we are well known for developing and utilizing angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES) to study complex material systems.
We have also developed other novel spectroscopic and imaging tools, such as time- and spin-resolved ARPES, soft X-ray scattering, and microwave impedance microscopy, as well as molecular beam epitaxy systems combined with in situ ARPES.
More about tool developmentSelected Publications
The Shen group has made important contributions to our understanding of quantum materials and development of cutting edge instrumentation for over 30 years. A history of our highlights are displayed below, and a complete list of our publications may be found here.























