Khadga Jung Karki

Coherent two-dimensional photocurrent spectroscopy in a PbS quantum dot photocell

Recently there has been growing interest in the role of coherence in electronic dynamics. Coherent multidimensional spectroscopy has been used to reveal coherent phenomena in numerous material systems. Here we utilize a recent implementation of coherent multidimensional spectroscopy--two-dimensional photocurrent spectroscopy--in which we detect the photocurrent from a PbS quantum dot photocell resulting from its interactions with a sequence of four ultrafast laser pulses. We observe sub-picosecond evolution of two-dimensional spectra consistent with multiple exciton generation. Moreover, a comparison with two-dimensional fluorescence spectra of the quantum dots demonstrates the potential of two-dimensional photocurrent spectroscopy to elucidate detailed origins of photocurrent generating electronic state coherence pathways. Since the measurement is based on detecting the photocell current in situ, the method is well suited to study the fundamental ultrafast processes that affect the function of the device. This opens new avenues to investigate and implement coherent optimization strategies directly within devices.

Multiple exciton generation in nano-crystals revisited: Consistent calculation of the yield based on pump-probe spectroscopy

Multiple exciton generation (MEG) is a process in which more than one exciton is generated upon the absorption of a high energy photon, typically higher than two times the band gap, in semiconductor nanocrystals. It can be observed experimentally using time resolved spectroscopy such as the transient absorption measurements. Quantification of the MEG yield is usually done by assuming that the bi-exciton signal is twice the signal from a single exciton. Herein we show that this assumption is not always justified and may lead to significant errors in the estimated MEG yields. We develop a methodology to determine proper scaling factors to the signals from the transient absorption experiments. Using the methodology we find modest MEG yields in lead chalcogenide nanocrystals including the nanorods.

Structure and Dynamics of Dodecaborate Clusters in Water

We have studied using molecular dynamics simulations the interaction of the dodecaborate anion, B(12)H(12)(2-), and its amino, trimethyl, and triethyl derivatives with water molecules. We found peculiar organization of the water molecules in the first solvation shell with the formation of a dihydrogen bond between the hydrogen atoms of the anions and the hydrogen atoms of the water molecules. The simulations also show that the organization of the hydration shell is strongly influenced by the substituents in the anions. These differences are likely to play an important role in understanding the interaction of the anions with biological systems like membranes and proteins in aqueous environments.

Molecular Dynamics Simulation Study of Chlorophyll a in Different Organic Solvents.

Herein, we present a new model of chlorophyll a for molecular dynamics simulations based on the optimized potentials for liquid simulations force field. The new model was used to study the structural and dynamic properties of the molecule in three different solvents: water, methanol, and benzene. The results of the simulations show that structural and dynamic properties of the chlorin ring are similar in both methanol and benzene. In methanol and water, the magnesium in the chlorin ring binds the oxygen of the solvent molecules with residence times of 2566 and 1300 ps, respectively. In both methanol and benzene, the phytol tail shows a worm-like chain distribution with a larger persistence length for the molecule in benzene. On the contrary, chlorophyll a in water adopts a more compact structure with the phytol chain folded onto the chlorin ring. This conformation is consistent with the expected conformation of the aggregates of chlorophyll a in aqueous environments. Finally, the rotational time constants obtained with our model from the simulations in methanol (125 ps) and benzene (192 ps) are in good agreement with the value extrapolated from the experimental data.

Ultrafast photoinduced dynamics in quantum dot-based systems for light harvesting

Colloidal semiconductor nanocrystals, referred to as quantum dots, offer simple low-temperature solution-based methods for constructing optoelectronic devices such as light emitting diodes and solar cells. We review recent progress in the understanding of photoinduced processes in key components of a certain type of quantum dot solar cells where the dots sensitize a suitable metal oxide, such as ZnO or TiO2, for electron injection, and NiO for hole injection. The electron and hole injection dynamics are discussed in detail as a function of the quantum dot size and core-shell structure, the linker molecule type, and the morphology of the accepting metal oxide. Hole trapping is identified as a major factor limiting the performance of quantum dot-based devices. We review possible strategies for improvement that use core-shell structures and directed excitation energy transfer between quantum dots. Finally, the generation and injection of multiple excitons are revisited. We show that the assumption of a linear relationship between the intensity of transient absorption signal and the number of excitons does not generally hold, and this observation can partially explain highly disparate results for the efficiency of generating multiple excitons. A consistent calculation procedure for studies of multiple exciton generation is provided. Finally, we offer a brief personal outlook on the topic.

Sandwiched confinement of quantum dots in graphene matrix for efficient electron transfer and photocurrent production

Quantum dots (QDs) and graphene are both promising materials for the development of new-generation optoelectronic devices. Towards this end, synergic assembly of these two building blocks is a key step but remains a challenge. Here, we show a one-step strategy for organizing QDs in a graphene matrix via interfacial self-assembly, leading to the formation of sandwiched hybrid QD-graphene nanofilms. We have explored structural features, electron transfer kinetics and photocurrent generation capacity of such hybrid nanofilms using a wide variety of advanced techniques. Graphene nanosheets interlink QDs and significantly improve electronic coupling, resulting in fast electron transfer from photoexcited QDs to graphene with a rate constant of 1.3 × 109 s−1. Efficient electron transfer dramatically enhances photocurrent generation in a liquid-junction QD-sensitized solar cell where the hybrid nanofilm acts as a photoanode. We thereby demonstrate a cost-effective method to construct large-area QD-graphene hybrid nanofilms with straightforward scale-up potential for optoelectronic applications.

Different emissive states in the bulk and at the surface of methylammonium lead bromide perovskite revealed by two-photon micro-spectroscopy and lifetime measurements

Two photon photoluminescence (2PPL) from single crystals of methyl ammonium lead bromide (CH3NH3PbBr3, MAPbBr3) is studied. We observe two components in the 2PPL spectra, which we assign to the photoluminescence (PL) from the carrier recombination at the band edge and the recombination due to self-trapping of excitons. The PL Stokes shift of self-trapped excitons is about 100 meV from the band-gap energy. Our measurements show that about 15% of the total PL from regions about 40 μm deep inside the crystal is due to the emission from self-trapped exciton. This contribution increases to about 20% in the PL from the regions close to the surface. Time resolved measurements of 2PPL show that the PL due to band-edge recombination has a life time of about 8 ns while the PL lifetime of self-trapped excitons is in the order of 100 ns. Quantification of self-trapped excitons in the materials used in photovoltaics is important as such excitons hinder charge separation. As our results also show that an appreciable fraction of photo-generated carriers get trapped, the results are important in rational design of photovoltaics. On the other hand, our results also show that the self-trapped excitons broaden the emission spectrum, which may be useful in designing broadband light emitting devices.

Phase-synchronous detection of coherent and incoherent nonlinear signals

The nonlinear optical response of a material system contains detailed information about its electronic structure. Standard approaches to nonlinear spectroscopy often use multiple beams crossed in a sample, and detect the wave vector matched polarization in transmission. Here, we apply a phase-synchronous digital detection scheme using an excitation geometry with two phase-modulated collinear ultrafast pulses. This scheme can be used to efficiently detect nonlinear coherent signals and incoherent signals, such as higher harmonics and multiphoton fluorescence and photocurrent, from various systems including a photocell device. We present theory and experiment to demonstrate that when the phase of each laser pulse is modulated at the frequency phi(1) and phi(2), respectively, nonlinear signals can be isolated at the frequencies n(phi(2) - phi(1)), where n = 0, 1, 2, ... . This approach holds promise for performing nonlinear spectroscopic measurements under low-signal conditions. (Less)

Generalized lock-in amplifier for precision measurement of high frequency signals

We herein formulate the concept of a generalized lock-in amplifier for the precision measurement of high frequency signals based on digital cavities. Accurate measurement of signals higher than 200 MHz using the generalized lock-in is demonstrated. The technique is compared with a traditional lock-in and its advantages and limitations are discussed. We also briefly point out how the generalized lock-in can be used for precision measurement of giga-hertz signals by using parallel processing of the digitized signals.

Molecular Properties of Astaxanthin in Water/Ethanol Solutions from Computer Simulations

Astaxanthin (AXT) is a reference model of xanthophyll carotenoids, which is used in medicine and food industry, and has potential applications in nanotechnology. Because of its importance, there is a great interest in understanding its molecular properties and aggregation mechanism in water and mixed solvents. In this paper, we report a novel model of AXT for molecular dynamics simulation. The model is used to estimate different properties of the molecule in pure solutions and in water/ethanol mixtures. The calculated diffusion coefficients of AXT in pure water and ethanol are (3.22 ± 0.01) × 10(-6) cm(2) s(-1) and (2.7 ± 0.4) × 10(-6) cm(2) s(-1), respectively. Our simulations also show that the content of water plays a clear effect on the morphology of the AXT aggregation in water/ethanol mixture. In up to 75% (v/v) water concentration, a loosely connected network of dimers and trimers and two-dimensional array structures are observed. At higher water concentrations, AXT molecules form more compact three-dimensional structures that are preferentially solvated by the ethanol molecules. The ethanol preferential binding and the formation of a well connected hydrogen bonding network on these AXT clusters, suggest that such preferential solvation can play an important role in controlling the aggregate structure.