Moungi Bawendi

Colloidal Quantum dots and other nanomaterials provide platforms for novel chemistries, spectroscopies, and technologies in a broad range of fields. In addition, knowledge gained from applying nanomaterials can provide insights and applications beyond the specific nanomaterial being studied. Spectroscopy focused at the single quantum dot level has uncovered fundamental electronic and optical properties that highlight the potential and challenges of broadly applying quantum dots in light emitting applications and as potential sources of quantum light. The broad color range and saturation of the emission from quantum dots has found application in a variety of technologies where classical luminescence is of interest, including displays and fluorophores for bio-medical imaging in the short-wave infrared. Recent results show that some colloidal quantum dot structures display highly efficient single photon emission with optical coherence times that are an appreciable fraction of their radiative lifetimes, pointing to their potential in quantum optical devices. This talk will cover both the fundamental spectroscopy behind colloidal quantum dots as light emitters, as well as a range of applications.

Professor Moungi Bawendi received his A.B. in 1982 from Harvard University and his Ph.D. in 1988 from The University of Chicago. This was followed by two years of postdoctoral research at Bell Laboratories, working with Dr. Louis Brus, where he began his studies on nanomaterials. Bawendi joined the faculty at MIT in 1990, becoming Associate Professor in 1995 and Professor in 1996.

Professor Bawendi has followed an interdisciplinary research program that aims at probing the science and developing the technology of chemically synthesized nanocrystals and other nanostructures. This work has included: (1) the development of novel methods for synthesizing, characterizing, and processing quantum dots, magnetic nanoparticles, and tubular J-aggregates as novel materials building blocks, (2) studying fundamental optical and magnetic properties of nanostructures using a variety of spectroscopic methods, including the development of optical photon correlation tools to study single nanoscopic emitters, (3) incorporating quantum dots and magnetic particles into various optical and electronic device structures, and (4) developing nanoparticles and other agents for biomedical imaging. In addition, Professor Bawendi has translated knowledge gained in his lab to the marketplace and to the clinic.

• Time: 11.00 AM
• Location: 206 Furnas Hall
• Seminar Flyer