Quantum control, semiconductor dynamics

The research of Paul Brumer and his colleagues addresses several fundamental problems in theoretical chemical physics. These include studies of the control of molecular dynamics with lasers.98 In particular, the group has demonstrated that quantum interference effects can be used to control the motion of molecules, opening up a vast new area of research. For example, one can alter the rate and yield of production of desirable molecules in chemical reactions, alter the direction of motion of electrons in semiconductors, and change the refractive indices of materials etc. by creating and manipulating quantum interferences. In essence, this approach, called coherent control, provides a method for manipulating chemistry at its most fundamental level.99... 

This type of method was used by Brus and co-workers in studies on CdS and ZnS [12, 13], which have led to the explosion of interest in solid samples of semiconductors which show quantum confinement effects. They [12] prepared CdS nanoparticles by a process involving the controlled nucleation of CdS in dilute aqueous solutions of cadmium sulfate and ammonium sulfide. The dynamic equilibrium between solvated ions and solid CdS in acetonitrile, as a solvent in the presence of a styrene or maleic anhydride copolymer, allowed the preparation of... 

Solar cells based on hot carrier extraction and CM rely on precise control of hot carrier relaxation were expected to be realized in nanostructured semiconductors e.g. QDs) because of enhanced carrier arrier interactions and discretized energy levels. As will be shown below, TRTS is capable of probing charge carrier dynamics at early times after photoexdtation, including intraband relaxation and CM in bulk materials and quantum dots. As such, TRTS represents a powerful technique for evaluating novel semiconductor systems that may be used in the design of more efficient solar cells. 

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