# CAREER: Advancing intelligent circular spectropolarimeter with chiral perovskite heterostructures

> **NSF 01002627DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT** · Yale University (CT) · $575,000

## Abstract

Nontechnical description: 
Light carries far more information than brightness alone. Its color and polarization contain valuable signals used in secure communication, imaging, and sensing technologies. However, systems capable of analyzing richer optical information—such as identifying circular polarization and spectrum simultaneously—are typically bulky, slow, and incompatible with modern microelectronics. Developing compact devices that directly decode complex optical signals is therefore an important challenge. This project addresses this need by developing circular spectropolarimeters based on chiral hybrid perovskites, an emerging class of semiconductor materials whose structure lacks mirror symmetry—similar to our left and right hands—and enables directional control of electron spin. By investigating how the handedness and wavelength of light influence spin-selective charge generation and transport in these materials, this research will establish a new scientific framework for translating complex optical information directly into characteristic electrical readouts. The resulting ultracompact device platform will advance applications such as secure optical communication, biological sensing, and imaging technologies, while the fundamental insights generated by this research will contribute to a broader range of disciplines, including photonics, chemistry, and quantum information science. Education and outreach are integrated into this project through K-12 summer workshop

## Key facts

- **NSF award ID:** 2542866
- **Awardee organization:** Yale University (CT)
- **SAM.gov UEI:** FL6GV84CKN57
- **PI:** Mengxia Liu
- **Primary program:** 01002627DB NSF RESEARCH & RELATED ACTIVIT
- **All programs:** Artificial Intelligence (AI), CAREER-Faculty Erly Career Dev, Microelectronics and Semiconductors, ELECTRONIC/PHOTONIC MATERIALS, Advanced Manufacturing
- **Estimated total:** $575,000
- **Funds obligated:** $575,000
- **Transaction type:** Standard Grant
- **Period:** 06/01/2026 → 05/31/2031

## Primary source

NSF Award Search: https://www.nsf.gov/awardsearch/showAward?AWD_ID=2542866

## Citation

> US National Science Foundation, Award 2542866, CAREER: Advancing intelligent circular spectropolarimeter with chiral perovskite heterostructures. Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-06-08 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nsf/2542866. Licensed CC0.

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