Pooja Tyagi

False multiple exciton recombination and multiple exciton generation signals in semiconductor quantum dots arise from surface charge trapping

Multiple exciton recombination (MER) and multiple exciton generation (MEG) are two of the main processes for assessing the usefulness of quantum dots (QDs) in photovoltaic devices. Recent experiments, however, have shown that a firm understanding of both processes is far from well established. By performing surface-dependent measurements on colloidal CdSe QDs, we find that surface-induced charge trapping processes lead to false MER and MEG signals resulting in an inaccurate measurement of these processes. Our results show that surface-induced processes create a significant contribution to the observed discrepancies in both MER and MEG experiments. Spectral signatures in the transient absorption signals reveal the physical origin of these false signals.

Controlling Piezoelectric Response in Semiconductor Quantum Dots via Impulsive Charge Localization

By direct observation of coherent acoustic phonons, we demonstrate a novel extrinsic piezoelectric response in colloidal CdSe semiconductor quantum dots. This response is driven by the migration of charges to the surface of the quantum dot on a vibrationally impulsive time scale. Surface- and fluence-dependent studies reveal that the observed carrier capture based piezo response is controllable and is at least an order of magnitude larger than the intrinsic piezo response of wurtzite CdSe.

Two-Color Two-Dimensional Electronic Spectroscopy Using Dual Acousto-Optic Pulse Shapers for Complete Amplitude, Phase, and Polarization Control of Femtosecond Laser Pulses

We demonstrate a dual pulse-shaper setup capable of independent polarization, phase, and amplitude control over each pulse. By using active phase stabilization, we achieve a phase stability of ~λ/314 between the two pulse shapers, making the dual-shaper setup suitable for both two-quantum and one-quantum measurements. The setup is compact and easily switchable between pump-probe and collinear geometries. We further illustrate the functionality of the dual-shaper setup by performing two-color 2D visible spectroscopy on colloidal CdSe quantum dots in pump-probe geometry.

Evidence of energy transfer in nanoparticle-porphyrins conjugates for radiation therapy enhancement

We report progress towards combining radiation therapy (RT) and photodynamic therapy (PDT) using scintillating nanoparticle (NP)-photosensitizer conjugates. In this approach, scintillating NPs are excited by clinically relevant ionizing radiation sources and subsequently transfer energy to conjugated photosensitizers via FRET, acting as an energy mediator between ionizing radiation and photosensitizer molecules. The excited photosensitizers generate reactive oxygen species that can induce local damage and immune response. Advantages of the scheme include: 1) Compared with traditional radiation therapy, a possible decrease of the total radiation dose needed to eliminate the lesion; 2) Compared with traditional PDT, the ability to target deeper and more highly pigmented lesions; 3) The possibility of additional photosensitizing effects due to the scintillation of the nanoparticles. In this work, the photosensitizer molecule chlorin e6 was covalently bound to the surface of LaF3:Ce NPs. After conjugation, the photoluminescence intensity of NPs decreased, and fluorescence lifetime of conjugated chlorin e6 became sensitive to excitation wavelength, suggesting rapid FRET. In addition, scintillation spectra of nanoparticles were measured. Preliminary calculations suggest that the observed scintillation efficiencies are sufficient to enhance RT. In vitro cancer cell studies suggest conjugates are taken up by cells. Survival curves with radiation exposure suggest that the particles alone cause radiosensitization comparable to that seen with gold nanoparticles.

Quantized Extrinsic Piezoelectricity in Quantum Dots Revealed by Coherent Acoustic Phonons

Employing real time observation of coherent acoustic phonons, we demonstrate a novel extrinsic piezoelectric response of quantum dots, that is quantized, tunable and an order of magnitude larger than their intrinsic piezo response.

Probing biexcitons in quantum dots using femtosecond pump/probe and two dimensional electronic spectroscopy

We report on the electronic structure of biexcitons in CdSe quantum dots using state-selective femtosecond pump/probe spectroscopy. The pump/probe experiments are compared to direct probing of biexcitons via two-dimensional electronic spectroscopy.