Physics Colloquium: Lasers and solar cells using organic, perovskite, and III-V semiconductors

Physics Colloquium
Lasers and solar cells using organic, perovskite, and III-V semiconductors

Dr. Alex Grede
NRC Postdoc residing at the Naval Research Laboratory

Abstract:
The number of different semiconductors in your pocket and your wrist is growing. From a simple undergraduate research project at RIT I learned about how light could help me determine the electrical characteristics of a diode that I could not contact electrically and this has led me to research optoelectronics in a variety of semiconductors now common in our lives. This talk focuses on state-of-the-art optoelectronic devices and in discussing the physics and design constraints for different semiconductors the similarities to basic silicon devices can be seen. Optoelectronics are also inherently multidisciplinary, while a basic understanding of semiconductor devices is useful, band structure calculations, electromagnetic field simulation, optics design, high speed electronics, and signal processing are all important in this field. Specifically discussed is non-epitaxial lasers using organics or perovskites, micro-concentrator photovoltaics, epitaxially grown quantum well lasers for the mid-infrared, and power beaming using high powered lasers.

Speaker Bio:
Dr. Grede received his bachelor’s degree from RIT in microelectronics engineering and his PhD at Penn State in electrical engineering. He is currently in his second year as a postdoctoral fellow at the Naval Research Laboratory. Dr. Grede’s research interests are in semiconductor devices, optoelectronics, and metrology. He has previously studied infrared and perovskite lasers, micro-concentrating photovoltaics, photonic integrated circuits, and organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs). Dr. Grede is currently researching laser power beaming and neurophotonics.

Intended Audience:
Anyone with interest in the topic. All are Welcome.

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