Research

Research

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.

Research Topics

  • Thin Film Photovoltaics
  • Semiconductor Nanocrystals
  • Active Ferroelectric Oxide Thin Films
  • Plasmonics – Nanophotonic Materials and Devices

application of topics

  • Solar cells and LEDS
  • Nonvolatile memory devices
  • MEMS Devices
  • Waveguides and modulators


Research Areas

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Plasmonic Nanostructures

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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Artificial Photosynthesis

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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Metamaterials and Metasurfaces

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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Photovoltaic Nanostructures and Microstructures

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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Photovoltaic Materials and Devices

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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