Research Bio
Ashok Ajoy is an associate professor in the Chemistry Department. His research interests include: Physical Chemistry — nanoscale NMR spectroscopy, targetable spin hyperpolarization agents, methods for quantum sensing and quantum computing with spins, and the chemical physics of spin transport and dynamics at the nanoscale.
Nuclear spins are ubiquitous, constituting everything around us, and are quantum objects endowed with extremely long coherence times. They do not participate in chemical reactions, but report on their local chemical environment, making them excellent reporters of chemical structure. NMR spectroscopy can probe these spins but suffer from several technical limitations.
His research is innovating a new paradigm of deployable NMR probes, with the aim of enabling NMR spectroscopy within natural sample environments. By "bringing NMR to the sample" with nanoscale spatial resolution, they harness the exquisite chemical specificity of NMR to reveal insights into reaction mechanisms in-situ.
Research Expertise and Interest
physical chemistry, nanoscale NMR spectroscopy
In the News
Seven UC Berkeley Faculty Named 2026 Sloan Fellows
For Better Quantum Sensing, Go With the Flow
Researchers Demonstrate New 3D Printing Technique for Quantum Sensors
Ashok Ajoy Awarded 2022 Caldarelli Prize in Magnetic Resonance
Diamonds engage both optical microscopy and MRI for better imaging
Teaching
Individual Study or Research [AST 299 - 015]
Physical Chemistry [CHEM 120A - 001]
Seminars for Graduate Students [CHEM 298 - 040]
Research for Graduate Students [CHEM 299 - 063]
Professional Preparation: Supervised Teaching of Chemistry [CHEM 300 - 054]
Introduction to Quantum Computing II [CHEM C191B - 001]
Introduction to Quantum Computing II [EECS C191B - 001]
Introduction to Quantum Computing II [PHYSICS C191B - 001]
Individual Study or Research [AST 299 - 009]
Seminars for Graduate Students [CHEM 298 - 037]
Research for Graduate Students [CHEM 299 - 032]
Professional Preparation: Supervised Teaching of Chemistry [CHEM 300 - 012]
Individual Study or Research [AST 299 - 015]
Instrumental Methods in Analytical Chemistry [CHEM 105 - 001]
Seminars for Graduate Students [CHEM 298 - 040]
Research for Graduate Students [CHEM 299 - 063]
Professional Preparation: Supervised Teaching of Chemistry [CHEM 300 - 054]