Materials Development for Solar-Powered Lasers

Forschungsthema/Bereich

Synthesis of Nanocrystals, Dye Sensitization, Near Infrared Laser

Typ der Abschlussarbeit

Master

Startzeitpunkt

01.04.2026

Bewerbungsschluss

13.03.2026

Dauer der Arbeit

6 months

Beschreibung

Solar-powered lasers represent a promising, sustainable approach to generating coherent light, with potential applications in optical communication, sensing, and photonic energy conversion. A major limitation in developing such devices is the low absorption of photons by conventional gain media, which restricts excitation and reduces overall lasing performance. Lanthanide-doped nanocrystals are attractive candidates for laser emitters due to their photostable near-infrared (NIR) emission and long excited-state lifetimes, but their weak optical absorption limits effective utilization of solar energy for excitation.
This project addresses this challenge through antenna-assisted light harvesting, wherein organic dye antenna complexes are chemically attached to the surface of lanthanide-doped nanocrystals. These molecular antennas efficiently capture solar radiation and transfer the absorbed energy to the lanthanide emitters, thereby enhancing NIR emission and enabling low-threshold solar-powered lasing. The research involves synthesis and surface functionalization of nanocrystals, followed by comprehensive characterization using UV–Vis absorption and photoluminescence spectroscopy to study optical properties and energy transfer efficiency, X-ray diffraction (XRD) to determine crystal structure and phase purity, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to analyze nanocrystal size, morphology, and crystallinity.
Through this project, the student will develop practical skills in advanced nanomaterials synthesis and functionalization, gain experience in spectroscopic and microscopic characterization techniques, and energy transfer mechanisms in luminescent systems. This Master’s project is ideal for students who are interested in advanced materials with real technological relevance and who want to gain hands-on experience in both synthesis and characterization. The project provides a solid foundation for careers in materials development, optoelectronics, as well as preparation for PhD-level research.

Voraussetzung

Voraussetzungen an Studierende

• a. Studying Master’s degree in Chemistry, Physics, Materials Science, Nanotechnology, or a related discipline
• b. Basic understanding of inorganic materials, organic dyes, nanoscience, or optical spectroscopy
• c. Strong interest in experimental research of materials science and photonics
• d. Motivation to work independently and in a collaborative research environment
• e. Prior laboratory experience in synthesis or spectroscopy is a definite advantage

Studiengangsbereiche

• Ingenieurwissenschaften
  Materialwissenschaft & Werkstofftechnik
  Optics & Photonics
• Naturwissenschaften und Technik
  Chemie

Betreuung

Titel, Vorname, Name

Haque, Anamul

Organisationseinheit

IMT, KIT

E-Mail Adresse

anamul.haque@kit.edu

Link zur eigenen Homepage/Personenseite

Website

Bewerbung per E-Mail

Bewerbungsunterlagen

• Anschreiben
• Lebenslauf
• Immatrikulationsbescheinigung

E-Mail Adresse für die Bewerbung
Senden Sie die oben genannten Bewerbungsunterlagen bitte per Mail an anamul.haque@kit.edu


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