Ultrafast Laser Studies of Hot Electron Photoemission Dynamics and Scanning Photoionization Microscopy (SPIM) of Plasmonic Nanostructures
Ultrafast lasers will probe hot electron behavior in plasmonic nanostructures for solar energy applications like photovoltaics and optoelectronics.
This grant is no longer accepting proposals
NRC Research Associateship Programs has archived this opportunity.
Funder: NRC Research Associateship Programs
Due Dates: February 1, 2025 | May 1, 2025 | August 1, 2025
Funding Amounts: $82,764 stipend plus $3,000 travel allowance; typical appointment duration 2 years.
Summary: Postdoctoral fellowship to conduct ultrafast laser studies of hot electron photoemission dynamics and scanning photoionization microscopy of plasmonic nanostructures for solar energy applications.
Key Information: Open to U.S. citizens with a doctoral degree; research conducted at NIST in Boulder, CO; requires contacting Research Adviser prior to applying.
Description
This postdoctoral research opportunity focuses on advancing the understanding and control of hot electron dynamics in plasmonic nanostructures using ultrafast laser techniques. The research aims to address the critical challenge of efficient solar energy harvesting by studying the resonant absorption and hot carrier excitation in metallic nanostructures such as gold, silver, and copper nanorods, nanospheres, and nanoshells.
The project involves the use of a novel ultrafast laser method called scanning photoionization microscopy (SPIM), which enables simultaneous time-, angle-, and energy-resolved electron photoemission spectroscopy of single plasmonic nanoparticles. This technique provides nanoscale spatial, femtosecond temporal, and angle-resolved momentum resolution to explore how nanoscale geometry and optical fields influence hot carrier excitation and emission.
Research outcomes will contribute to the development of photochemical, photovoltaic, and ultrafast optoelectronic applications by improving the efficiency of hot carrier extraction and control. The work also explores advanced topics such as Chiral Induced Spin Selectivity (CISS) and Photoelectron Circular Dichroism (PECD) effects in plasmonic and chiral molecular systems.
The research is conducted at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Physical Measurement Laboratory, Quantum Physics Division, located in Boulder, Colorado.
