6 EC
Semester 1, period 2
5354MFLE6Y
The course Materials for Light-Energy Conversion introduces you to fundamental concepts of light-matter interaction in nanoscale and molecular systems used in energy conversion and sensing applications. These materials feature strong and tunable light absorption and scattering in the UV, visible, and near-IR regions of the electromagnetic spectrum.
The course begins with fundamental concepts necessary to understand light-matter interaction in nanoparticles and molecular chromophores.
The course will then continue as a survey of various aspects of plasmonic and excitonic materials for photochemistry and energy applications.
We will discuss fundamental aspects of light-matter interactions in nanoparticles of noble metals, such as gold, silver, and copper. Upon interaction with light, these nanoparticles exhibit so-called plasmon resonances, which have unique features that emerge from the optical and electronic properties of metal nanoparticles. The students will develop the theoretical toolbox necessary to understand the properties and evaluate the applicability of plasmonic nanoparticles in a variety of contexts, from light-energy conversion to optical sensing.
We will also highlight fundamental aspects of molecular photochemistry. We will cover the theoretical underpinnings of light-matter interaction in organic chromophores and other excitonic semiconductors. We will then continue with concepts related to excitation energy transfer and photoinduced charge separation. We will also discuss the experimental measurement techniques needed to characterize these processes in molecular chromophore systems as well as their use in applications such as organic photovoltaics, dye-sensitized solar cells, and light emitting diodes.
During the course, students will apply their newly acquired understanding of light-matter interactions in photoactive materials to the analysis of recent scientific literature. Each student will carry out an in-depth study on a specific topic from the course and present their findings in a short seminar
|
Activity |
Hours |
|
|
Self study |
126 |
|
| Contact hours | 42 | |
|
Total |
168 |
(6 EC x 28 uur) |
Requirements concerning attendance (OER-B).
Additional requirements for this course:
Attendance is not part of the assessment, but it is expected. The in-class activities involve significant discussion and depend on everyone's engagement. If a serious circumstance prevents you from attending, please email the course coordinator.
| Item and weight | Details |
|
Final grade | |
|
0.5 (50%) Tentamen | Must be ≥ 5.5 |
|
0.2 (20%) Perusall engagement | Must be ≥ 5.5 |
|
0.2 (20%) Literature study presentation | Must be ≥ 5.5 |
|
0.1 (10%) Weekly exercises | Must be ≥ 5.5 |
The final exam will be open note. You may use any printed/written notes and a calculator, but you may not use any electronic devices with internet connectivity (laptop, phone, tablet, etc.).
You may participate in the retake of the course only if you have taken the original exam. If for some reason you cannot participate in the exam, contact the lecturers at least one day before the original exam date.
In person during dedicated consulting hours.
Weekly exercises, which may be done in a group, but each student must turn in their own version. The assignments are graded on completion, not correctness. Completion means evidence of a clear attempt on all parts of the assignment. The solutions will be posted after the submission date, after which it is no longer possible to receive credit for late assignments.
Literature presentation of a recently published research article. You will present this in a small symposium at the end of the course. You will be graded on your presentation as well as your participation in the discussion of other presentations. Rubric is posted on Canvas.
The 'Regulations governing fraud and plagiarism for UvA students' applies to this course. This will be monitored carefully. Upon suspicion of fraud or plagiarism the Examinations Board of the programme will be informed. For the 'Regulations governing fraud and plagiarism for UvA students' see: www.student.uva.nl
| Weeknummer | Onderwerpen | Studiestof |
| 1 | Course Introduction+Light Extinction | |
| 2 | Fundamentals of Plasmonics+Plasmonic Photochemistry | |
| 3 | Fundamentals of excitonic systems+Photophysical Transitions | |
| 4 | Photothermal Effects+Plasmonic near-fields | |
| 5 | Excitation Energy Transfer+Photoinduced Charge Separation | |
| 6 | Plasmonic thermometry/SERS+LEDS and PVs | |
| 7 | Student Presentations | |
| 8 | Exam Week |
C. Ramanan
A. Baldi