L. Jay Guo Honored by National Academy of Inventors for Pioneering Work in Flexible Electronics
L. Jay Guo, a prominent figure in electrical engineering and computer science, has been recognized by the National Academy of Inventors for his significant contributions to the development of next-generation flexible electronics and light-based technologies.
Among his many achievements, Guo has developed an innovative approach to creating small structures through nanopatterning. This method, which diverges from traditional lithography, involves a process akin to printing and utilizes roll-to-roll nanoimprint technology. By employing flexible base materials, this technique simplifies the scaling of nanopatterning for industrial manufacturing.
Collaborating with industry partners, Guo has applied nanopatterning to develop innovative products such as flexible displays, touchscreens, and lighting, as well as structural color inspired by the optical phenomena in butterfly wings. His work has piqued the interest of major corporations like Samsung and Toyota. Additionally, Guo has co-founded two startups that leverage thin film manufacturing technologies, both of which began operations in 2018.
Zhenqiang Ma, a distinguished professor at the University of Wisconsin, praised Guo’s work, stating: “Dr. Guo is an outstanding scholar and inventor in the field of nanotechnology and manufacturing. He made extraordinary technical contributions through innovation and invention, which have made significant economic and societal impacts in the past twenty-five years.”
Guo’s first startup, Zenith Nano, provides products including flexible, transparent conductors for touchscreens, electrochromic windows, and flexible solar cells. His second venture, InLight technologies, led by a former Ph.D. student, offers structural color solutions for automotive coatings, cosmetics, and colored solar panels.
Currently, Guo is exploring methods to replicate chrome coatings without using toxic chromium and is integrating AI into the design of advanced optical coatings. “I have long had a conviction that the ultimate success of engineering research is to deploy in the real world,” Guo remarked. “It is an honor to have these efforts recognized by the National Academy of Inventors.”
In addition to his achievements, Guo serves as a professor of applied physics, mechanical engineering, and is the director of macromolecular science and engineering.
