The Atwater group is engaged in interdisciplinary research focusing on solid state physics, device physics and materials science issues and phenomena of functional materials and devices.
We study the quantum properties of surface plasmons both for fundamental insights into their physics as well as for applications in quantum information science.
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In collaboration with the Joint Center for Artificial Photosynthesis, we are researching how to build an efficient, fully-integrated photoelectrochemical (PEC) device for the production of renewable fuels including hydrogen (near term) and hydrocarbons (long term).
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Electromagnetic metamaterials are artificial materials comprised of nanostructures. The Atwater Group is particularly interested in two of the most famous theoretically predicted optical functionalities of metamaterials: epsilon-near-zero and negative index metamaterials.
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Widespread adoption of solar energy faces several barriers, most notably the cost of modules and installation. We are addressing these barriers by using silicon in a new way. We are also investigating microwire solar fuel devices which have the potential to replace fossil fuels.
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We are designing and building a spectrum-splitting photovoltaic module that will achieve unprecedentedly high efficiency. In addition, we are investigating several alternative materials that can potentially replace or complement traditional silicon photovoltaics.
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