Quantum Dots & Interfaces

Many-body perturbation theory for colloidal nanocrystals and molecule/metal contacts.
  • Timeline: 2019 – 2024
  • Role: PhD Researcher
  • Affiliation: Wayne State University

Overview

This project examined how ligands, solvents, and solid supports reshape the optical and electronic structure of quantum dots. By combining GW/BSE calculations with dielectric embedding and explicit interface models, I mapped the structure–property relationships that control emission energies, hot carrier relaxation and catalytic activity.

Highlights

  • Quantified ligand-induced shifts in excitonic gaps for CdSe nanocrystals and hybrid interfaces.
  • Developed workflows for converged Coulomb truncation and surface screening corrections within WEST.
  • Collaborated with spectroscopy groups to interpret transient absorption and single-dot photoluminescence.

Representative Publications

Continuing Directions

Future work focuses on mixed-dimensional heterostructures, integrating machine-learned polarizabilities, and closing the loop with time-resolved experiments.