"Organic Materials for Near-Infrared Photonics: Design, Synthesis, Property and Device Applications"

目前，基于有机/聚合物材料的发光二极管、液晶显示器、太阳能电池等光电器件只能在可见光区（400-800 nm）工作。能够采集、转换或产生近红外（NIR）区域（800-2000 nm）的光的有机材料鲜为人知，但在新兴的光子应用中可能有用，例如电信组件、生物成像、用于节能的热吸收剂和全光谱光伏器件。 该研究的主要目的是解决与有机光电材料相关的重要科学问题：（1）如何通过分子带隙调节实现NIR选择性或全色吸收，（2）如何实现和利用所需的NIR显色性质，（3）如何提高NIR光发射和光伏转换的量子效率。其他目标是开发有机光子材料，并提供训练有素的高素质人才。 开发新型光电材料和器件的科学方法包括（i）在分子和超分子水平上设计低带隙材料和（ii）利用独特的分子聚集诱导效应和表面等离子体效应。这项研究将在开发具有近红外吸收、光致发光、电致发光、光伏和显色特性的光子材料方面取得重大进展，并展示独特的热辐射吸收材料和新型有机光电器件，如发光二极管、光电探测器和分子开关，这些器件可以在近红外区（例如，800-2000 nm）。 该研究计划旨在培养对现代科学技术的欣赏，并开发创新的培训模块。学生将接受培训，以获得先进的合成化学，材料科学一般和光子学具体的知识，并在合成，表征，设备制造和测试的实践经验。

At present, light-emitting diodes, liquid-crystal display, solar cells and other optoelectronic devices based on organic/polymer materials can only operate in the visible region (400-800 nm). Organic materials that can harvest, convert or produce light in the near-infrared (NIR) region (800-2000 nm) are less known but potentially useful in emerging photonic applications, such as telecom components, bio-imaging, heat absorbers for energy saving, and full-spectrum photovoltaic devices. A primary objective of the proposed research is to address important scientific questions related to organic optoelectronic materials: (1) how to achieve NIR-selective or panchromic absorption via the molecular bandgap tuning, (2) how to realize and utilize the desired NIR chromogenic property, (3) how to improve the quantum efficiency of NIR light emission and photovoltaic conversion. Other objectives are to develop organic photonic materials and to provide the well-trained, highly-qualified personnel. Scientific methods for the development of new optoelectronic materials and devices include (i) the design of low-bandgap materials at the molecular and supramolecular levels and (ii) utilization of unique molecular aggregation-induced effect and surface plasmonic effect. The proposed research will lead to significant advances in the development of photonic materials having the NIR-absorbing, photoluminescent, electroluminescent, photovoltaic and chromogenic properties, and demonstration of unique thermal radiation-absorbing materials and novel organic optoelectronic devices, such as light-emitting diode, photodetectors and molecular switch that can work efficiently in the near-infrared region (e.g., 800-2000 nm). The research program is designed to nurture an appreciation for modern science and technology and develop innovative training modules. The students will be trained to gain knowledge in advanced synthetic chemistry, materials science in general and photonics specifically, and have hands-on experience in synthesis, characterization, device fabrication and testing.