Assistant Professor
Research Areas: Inorganic, Materials
Email: yitong.dong-1@ou.edu
Office: SLSRC 3210
Education:
B.S., 2010, Nanjing University, China
Ph.D., 2018, Texas A&M University
Postdoc, 2018-2021, University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Research Keywords:
quantum dot, single photon emitter, spectroscopy, quantum dot synthesis, quantum light source, single nanocrystal spectroscopy, photocatalysis, electrochemistry
The research interests of Dong's group include developing and synthesis of novel nanomaterials and elucidating their photophysical and electronic properties for photonics, energy, and photocatalysis applications.
Semiconductor nanocrystal Quantum Dots (QDs) possessing superb optical properties such as tunable narrow-band emission, high luminescence efficiency, and solution processability are highly suitable for the next generation materials of novel photonics and energy applications. Research in the Dong group at the University of Oklahoma focuses on the developing and synthesis of new QDs with exquisite control of size, shape, and surface, and studying their optical and electronic properties at single particle level. Our group also aims to exploit the advanced QD material to enable cutting-edge photonics devices such as ultra-fast single photon sources.
Specifically, our research directions are:
Nanocrystal Synthesis with Precise Control
A reliable synthesis method with precise control over the size, shape, surface and composition of nanocrystals promises the discover of their unique optical property. Our group unites reaction kinetics and thermodynamics to realize precise control of nanocrystal synthesis. The nanocrystals generated are highly uniform and can be applied and studied for various applications.
Single Particle Studies and Quantum Photonics
Quantum Photonics such as Single Photon Emitters (SPEs) are key sources in quantum information sciences (QIS) that will benefit the building of quantum computing network in the future. Colloidal quantum dot (QD) possessing superb optical properties such as high light emission efficiency are highly suitable for quantum light sources. Recently, lead halide perovskite colloidal QDs has emerged as a promising photon source due to its defect tolerance, fast emission and Auger recombination rates. Our lab applies cutting edge microscopes to study optical properties on a single particle level. We are trying to develop the next generation of quantum photonics utilizing carefully designed nanocrystals combined with creative surface ligand engineering.
Nanocrystal Growth Kinetics and Thermodynamics
In semiconductor nanocrystal syntheses, although ensemble properties such as photoluminescence and absorption spectra can be monitored by taking aliquots from the reaction, the fast nucleation process and microscopic picture of growing kinetics are not readily accessible to normal experimental measurements. Our group studies nanoparticle growth kinetic at Miniaturized liquid/liquid (L/L) interface. The nanometer-sized L/L interface will enable the analysis of the nanocrystal growth kinetics at single particle level with high sensitivity.
