Theoretical Studies of Electronic and Optical Properties of Nanocrystal Quantum Dots and Ordered Nanocrystal Solids
This project explores how size and structure affect light emission, electron behavior, and interactions within and between semiconductor nanocrystals.
This grant is no longer accepting proposals
NRC Research Associateship Programs has archived this opportunity.
Funder: NRC Research Associateship Programs
Due Dates: May 1, 2025 | August 1, 2025 | November 1, 2025 | February 1, 2026
Funding Amounts: $99,200 stipend plus $3,000 travel allowance; relocation assistance and health insurance available. Typical award duration 2-3 years.
Summary: Postdoctoral fellowship for theoretical research on electronic and optical properties of II-VI semiconductor nanocrystal quantum dots and ordered nanocrystal solids at the Naval Research Laboratory.
Key Information: Open to U.S. citizens and permanent residents; requires Ph.D. earned within 5 years; close collaboration with experimental researchers emphasized.
Description
This postdoctoral research opportunity at the Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) focuses on theoretical studies of the electronic and optical properties of II-VI semiconductor nanocrystals, including nanocrystal quantum dots and ordered nanocrystal solids. The research investigates key dynamical optical characteristics such as:
- Radiative recombination times
- Transition oscillator strengths
- Nonradiative Auger recombination times
- Thermalization times of nonequilibrium carriers
- Spin relaxation times
The project explores how these competing processes depend strongly on crystal radius and influence photoluminescence quantum efficiency. It also examines the polarization properties of luminescence from assemblies of nonspherical nanocrystals, characterizing their shape and orientation distributions.
Additional research areas include:
- Spin-spin contact interactions between electrons and holes
- Interactions with nuclear and magnetic ion spins in various quantum dots
- Band formation and transport properties in ordered and binary nanocrystal solids
The program encourages close collaboration with experimental researchers to integrate theoretical insights with experimental data.
