Michael Davidson with Prof. Harsh Mathur

 Auger Processes in Semiconductor Quantum Dots

The nanostructure of quantum dots has been researched extensively in recent years, with emphasis on applications in lasers and photovoltaic cells. The unique properties derive from the tunable bandgap of the quantum confined semiconductor and the electron-hole interactions as they differ from bulk semiconductor. The dominant mechanism by which optically excited nanoparticles are believed to lose energy are Auger processes in which electrons and holes recombine without emission of radiation. We will focus on developing a theoretical framework for understanding Auger processes in nanoparticles using second-quantized methods and a mixture of analytical and computational techniques, while attempting to make contact with experiments being performed in our department.