Xilai Liu is currently pursuing a PhD in Physics at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, having commenced his studies in autumn 2023. His research is focused on two-dimensional semiconductor materials, with particular emphasis on transition metal dichalcogenides. Liu investigates emergent quantum phenomena—such as fractional Chern states, superconductivity, correlated insulating states, and topological phases—across monolayers, van der Waals heterostructures, and twisted bilayer and trilayer assemblies. By integrating electrical transport measurements, primarily through tunnelling diode probes, with optical spectroscopies under low temperatures and external magnetic fields, his work aims to reveal novel electronic phases and establish foundational insights for future quantum and optoelectronic device platforms.