Vo Khuong Dien Research Group
Theoretical & Computational Research on Condensed Matter Physics and Nanoscience
Our group investigates the quantum behaviour of electrons, excitons, and phonons in low-dimensional materials using advanced theory and high-performance computing. We combine first-principles methods, and data-driven techniques to uncover key mechanisms behind light–matter interactions, electron–phonon scattering, and thermoelectric transport.
Our vision is to build a unified platform for simulating and engineering quantum materials for next-generation optoelectronics, and energy technologies.
News & Highlights
We maintain an active portfolio of collaborative research, student projects, and international activities. Below are some of our recent milestones.
News
Below is a sample format. You can keep adding items here manually.
- 2025 · [Update here: e.g., “Dr. Vo invited talk at …”]
- 2024 · [Update here: student awards, new papers, workshops]
- 2023 · [Update here: collaborations, invited seminars, etc.]
People
Dr. Vo Khuong Dien
Leader
Education
- Dr. in Physics, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan (2022)
- B.Sc. in Engineering Physics, Can Tho University, Viet Nam (2018)
Employment Experiences
- Lecturer, Can Tho University, Can Tho, Viet Nam (12/2025–Now)
- Researcher–Lecturer, FPT University, Can Tho, Viet Nam (06/2025–12/2025)
- Postdoctoral Researcher, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan (2023–2025)
Contact Information
- vkdien@ctu.edu.vn
- Affiliation
- Department of Physics, College of natural sciences, Can Tho university, Vietnam
- Office
- Department of Physics office, Campus-II, Can Tho University
Students & Collaborators
Openings
We welcome motivated students who are interested in quantum materials, exciton physics, electron and phonon transports, and computational methods.
- B.Sc. / M.Sc. projects on exciton and thermoelectric properties in 2D materials.
Research
Exciton Physics in 2D Materials
This work investigates how crystal-symmetry breaking in monolayer SnS and SnSe enables robust valley-selective optical transitions. Using first-principles GW-BSE calculations, the study reveals that different polarization states of light couple selectively to distinct electronic valleys, providing a controllable valley degree of freedom. The results identify tin chalcogenide monolayers as promising candidates for next-generation valleytronic devices where information can be encoded and manipulated through valley polarization.
- Nguyen Thanh Tien, Pham Thi Bich Thao, Nguyen Thi Han, Vo Khuong Dien. “Symmetry-driven valleytronics in single-layer tin chalcogenides SnS and SnSe.” PRB 109, 155416 (2024). DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevB.109.155416
Machine-Learning-Accelerated Thermoelectric Design
This research line uses first-principles calculations combined with machine-learning interatomic potentials to explore the thermoelectric potential of low-dimensional materials. In monolayer penta-InP5, we demonstrate that ultralow lattice thermal conductivity and favorable electronic transport properties yield a high thermoelectric figure of merit (ZT) at room temperature, making it promising for flexible and wearable applications.
- Nguyen Thanh Tien, Pham Thi Bich Thao, Duy Khanh Nguyen, Nhat Le Thanh, Vo Khuong Dien. “Thermoelectric properties of penta-InP5: A first-principles and machine learning study.” Journal of Applied Physics 137, 8 (2025). DOI: 10.1063/5.0251741
Tunable Thermal Transport via Electron–Phonon Coupling
Using first-principles calculations combined with on-the-fly machine-learning force fields, this work demonstrates that electron–phonon coupling (EPC) can dominate heat transport in hole-doped monolayer penta-graphene. The intrinsic absence of out-of-plane mirror symmetry enables direct coupling between charge carriers and flexural (ZA) phonons, a mechanism that is forbidden in graphene.
When the Fermi level is tuned toward the Van Hove singularity, the enhanced electronic density of states strongly amplifies EPC, leading to a pronounced suppression of the lattice thermal conductivity by approximately 66% at room temperature and a more than twofold enhancement of the thermoelectric figure of merit.
- Nguyen Thanh Tien, Pham Thi Bich Thao, Nguyen Thi Han, Vo Khuong Dien. “Symmetry-driven valleytronics in single-layer tin chalcogenides SnS and SnSe.” PRB 109, 155416 (2024). DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevB.109.155416
Selected Publications
- Nguyen Thanh Tien, Pham Thi Bich Thao, Duy Khanh Nguyen, Nhat Le Thanh, Vo Khuong Dien. “Thermoelectric properties of penta-InP5: A first-principles and machine learning study.” Journal of Applied Physics 137, 8 (2025). DOI: 10.1063/5.0251741
- Nguyen Thanh Tien, Pham Thi Bich Thao, Nguyen Thi Han, Vo Khuong Dien. “Symmetry-driven valleytronics in single-layer tin chalcogenides SnS and SnSe.” PRB 109, 155416 (2024). DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevB.109.155416
- Vo Khuong Dien, Pham Thi Bich Thao, Nguyen Thi Han, Nguyen Duy Khanh, Le Vo Phuong Thuan, Ming-Fa Lin, Nguyen Thanh Tien. “Strain-controlled electronic transport and exciton radiative lifetime in monolayer GeS.” PRB 108, 205406 (2023). DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevB.108.205406
- Vo Khuong Dien, Nguyen Thanh Tien, Nguyen Duy Khanh, Nguyen Thi Ngoc Han, Ming-Fa Lin. “From hexagonal to rocksalt structure: A computational study of gallium selenide under hydrostatic pressure.” PRB 108, 205150 (2023). DOI: 10.1103/PhysRevB.108.205150
- Vo Khuong Dien, Nguyen Thi Han, Wei Bang-Li, Kuang-I Lin, Ming-Fa Lin. “Correlation between orbital hybridizations, phonon spectra, and thermal properties of graphene, germanene, and plumbene.” pss (RRL) 17(5), 2200469 (2023). DOI: 10.1002/pssr.202200469
Full publication list: Google Scholar / ORCID
Codes & Tools
This section lists public codes, tutorials, and repositories that support research and teaching in computational quantum materials.
Berry Curvature & Spin Texture Toolkit
Python scripts to plot Berry curvature, spin textures, and valley-resolved band structures from Wannier-based tight-binding models, useful for valleytronics and topological materials.
[Please contact us for more details]
Thermoelectric Transport Post-Processing
Scripts to read Sigma/Seebeck/Conductivity data, compute ZT with axact el-ph relaxation time, and generate publication-quality plots for 2D thermoelectric materials.
[Please contact us for more details]
Gallery / Album
A few snapshots from workshops, talks, and group activities.
Workshop at HNUE with Prof. Shung-Jen Chen and old friends from NYCU (11/2025)
With Prof. Nguyen Thanh Tien's research group at VCTP-50 (08/2025)
Contact
Address
Department of Physics
College of Natural Sciences
Can Tho University
Campus II, 3/2 street, Ninh Kieu district, Can Tho city, Viet Nam
vkdien@ctu.edu.vn