Jonathan Wheeler with Clemens Burda (Dept. of Chemistry)

 Investigations of the Optical Properties of CdS Nanoparticles for Potential Applications in Spintronics

The goal of this project is to investigate the optical properties of Cadmium Sulfide (CdS) semiconductor nanoparticles using spectroscopic techniques such as UV-vis, fluorescence and laser spectroscopy in the femtosecond time regime. Preliminary studies on how the properties of these materials are affected by its chemical environment (i.e pH of medium and effect of ligand ) will first be evaluated to provide a basic understanding on the nature of these materials.  After acquiring adequate understanding on the basic properties of CdS nanocrystals, techniques for doping with ferromagnetic transition metals and possibly rare earth Lanthanides will be explored. The unique magneto-optical properties of these materials will be examined for potential future applications in the area of spintronics.