Synthesis Assembly Modeling Optics Electronics Magnetics Catalysis
Our group’s research on the optical properties of nanomaterials spans three major fields of interest: tunable non-linear optical properties, upconversion of light, and plasmonic enhancement. In the realm of non-linear optical properties, we synthesize distinctive nanostructure architectures and assemblies to bring rise to optical anisotropy. For upconverting nanoparticles, we use rare-earth element dopants and hosts to excite electrons with two photons of low-energy light to produce one photon of higher energy. With optimization in mind, we are looking to enhance these systems using plasmonic materials, such as gold nanoparticles, or new shape morphologies.
Figures from:
1. Diroll, B.T., Koschitzky, A., and Murray, C. B. “Tunable Optical Anisotropy of Seeded CdSe/CdS Nanorods” J. Phys. Chem. Lett. 2014, 5 (1), 85-91
2. Ye, X., et. al “Morphologically controlled synthesis of colloidal upconversion nanophosphors and their shape-directed self-assembly” PNAS 2010, 107 (52), 22430-22435
3. Saboktakin, M., et. al “Plasmonic Enhancement of Nanophosphor Upconversion Luminescence in Au Nanohole Arrays” ACS Nano 2013 7 (8) 7186-7192