We are interested in the synthesis and advanced application of optically-active nanoscale colloidal systems including semiconductor quantum dots, metal and metal oxide nanoparticles, and rare-earth doped photon upconverting nanocrystals. These nanoscale materials exhibit unique properties, not found in the bulk, that have made significant impacts on technologies from light-emitting diodes in screen displays to potential clinical therapies and diagnostic applications. Our work focuses on the design and synthesis of advanced materials (isotropic and anisotropic), tailoring their surface chemistry to improve stability and functionality, and understanding inter- and intramolecular energy transfer interactions for integration into optical and optoelectronic applications. Materials undergo full physical and optical characterization including electron microscopy, steady-state and time-resolved photoluminescence spectroscopy, UV-Vis-NIR absorption spectroscopy, and dynamic light scattering.  

key words

nanocrystals; quantum dots; metal nanoparticles; photon upconversion; rare-earth; lanthanide; energy transfer; colloidal; photoluminescence

Citizenship:  Open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents

Level:  Open to Postdoctoral applicants