Solar Quantum Cutting and Spectral Downconversion using Doped Semiconductor Nanocrystals

The physical properties of inorganic crystals can be dramatically transformed by controlled introduction of impurities or other defects. Many commercial phosphors rely on such transformations when lanthanide or transition-metal activator ions, or other defined defects, are introduced into sensitizer crystals. This talk will describe some of our group's recent research into controlling, understanding, and exploiting the physical properties of colloidal doped semiconductor nanocrystals for photon management in solar spectral-conversion applications. Fundamental spectroscopic and electronic-structure properties will be emphasized as they pertain to understanding some of the unusual photoluminescence mechanisms observed in various highly luminescent nanostructures. Specific applications of these nanocrystals for solar photon management will also be described.

Speaker: Daniel Gamelin, Univ. of Washington