Quantum Dots: From Curiosity to Technology (30th Annual Stauffer Lectureship, Day 1 of 2)

• Prof. Moungi Bawendi, MIT
• Sponsored by Stanford Department of Chemistry
• April 21st, 3:00-4:00 pm, In-person, Free, Stanford University, Sapp Center Auditorium (STLC111), Learn more

Colloidal quantum dots combine quantum effects, nanometer dimensions, and a chemical synthesis. They were one of the early examples of engineered functional nanomaterials. As such, they have served as a model in the development of nanoscience and nanotechnology. They provide a platform for exploring new size dependent fundamental properties as well as a sandbox for developing new applications.  This talk will cover the origin story of chemically synthesized quantum dots, their basic physics, the synthesis that unlocked their widespread study and applications, an overview of their properties, and a few of their applications, including in bio-imaging and as emissive materials in displays.

About the Speaker

Professor Moungi Bawendi, the Lester Wolfe Professor of Chemistry at MIT, received his A.B. in 1982 from Harvard University and his Ph.D. in 1988 from The University of Chicago. This was followed by two years of postdoctoral research at Bell Laboratories, working with Louis Brus, where he began his studies on nanomaterials. Bawendi joined the faculty at MIT in 1990, becoming Associate Professor in 1995 and Professor in 1996.

Professor Bawendi was one of the initial developers of the field of colloidal quantum dots. Driven by an interest in light-matter interactions, he has followed an interdisciplinary research program that has probed the science and technology of chemically synthesized nanostructures. His work has advanced both fundamental studies as well as applications. His laboratory has demonstrated applications of nanomaterials for light emission, photodetection, spectral sensing, solar energy harvesting, and bio-imaging. His group has pioneered novel optical tools for the spectroscopy of single nanostructures.

Professor Bawendi’s studies have included: (1) the development of methods for synthesizing, characterizing, processing, and assembling quantum dots, magnetic nanoparticles, J-aggregates, and thin films of semiconducting perovskites, (2) the study of the fundamental optical and magnetic properties of nanostructures using a variety of spectroscopic methods, including the development of photon correlation tools to study single nanoscopic emitters and emitters of quantum ligtht, (3) incorporating quantum dots, magnetic particles, J-aggregates, and thin film materials into optical and opto-electronic device structures, and (4) developing optical tools and probes, both fluorescent as well as magnetic, including nanoparticles and other contrast agents, for biomedical imaging.

Professor Bawendi is a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, a fellow of the National Academy of Inventors, a member of the US National Academy of Sciences, and a member of the National Academy of Engineering.

Professor Bawendi is a co-laureate of the 2023 Nobel Prize in Chemistry.