Exciton Dynamics in Proximitized Chiral Heterostructures

NSF Award Search · 01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT · $550,000 · view on nsf.gov ↗

Abstract

Nontechnical Summary Chirality is a geometric property of objects and materials that lack mirror image symmetry. Your hands are mirror images of each other but cannot be superimposed on each other. Chirality is seen widely in nature at the molecular level. For example, amino acids in proteins are left-handed, while sugars in DNA and RNA are right-handed. Such handedness also determines how many semiconductors emit or absorb polarized light or transport electrons. While materials chirality has applications from drug design to nanoelectronics, the transfer of chirality to neighboring non-chiral materials remains poorly understood. Chirality transfer also appears in a large class of non-chiral inorganic semiconductors, known as perovskites, when they incorporate chiral organic molecules. The focus of this project is on chirality transfer from hybrid chiral perovskites to two-dimensional (2D) semiconductors with excellent optical properties. Chirality transfer in heterostructures of chiral perovskites and non-chiral 2D semiconductors will discriminate emission and absorption of polarized light as well electrons of spin up and down. The project will reveal new insights into how spin-based effects can be shared between materials without the need for magnets. This could unlock new possibilities for future quantum or optical technologies. This project includes a closely integrated educational and outreach components, benefitting students in the Buffalo area. Through summer worksho

Key facts

NSF award ID
2532768
Awardee
SUNY at Buffalo (NY)
SAM.gov UEI
LMCJKRFW5R81
PI
Wanyi Nie
Primary program
01002526DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
All programs
Microelectronics and Semiconductors, QUANTUM INFORMATION SCIENCE, Optics and Photonics
Estimated total
$550,000
Funds obligated
$550,000
Transaction type
Standard Grant
Period
09/01/2025 → 08/31/2028