Andrew (Andy) Greenspon

Andrew (Andy) Greenspon

Ph.D. Candidate
Optical Properties of 2D Transition Metal Dichalcogenides
Characterization of Lanthanide Emitters in Thin Soft Materials
AndyGreensponHeadshot

Education

B.A. Physics
Amherst College, 2011

S.M. Applied Physics
Harvard University 2015

Research

I am studying the optical properties of the two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenide (2D TMD) molybdenum disulfide (MoS2). I am 1) coupling MoS2 to optical cavities for photoluminescence emission enhancement via the Purcell effect, 2) studying the material and optical properties of CVD grown MoS2 on alternative substrates, and 3) developing ways of incorporating light-emitting defects into MoS2.

I have also studied the emission properties of lanthanide emitters incorporated into varying environments for possible applications such as waveguides, optical cavities, and sensors. I can bind lanthanide ions to organic ligands to form a chelated complex to provide a uniform chemical environment for the lanthanide. I then use polyelectrolyte multilayers as a binding matrix for controlling the number and location of complexed lanthanide emitters on a surface. I have studied the optical stability and properties of the lanthanides in this environment and characterized the structure of these layers.

Contact Information

9 Oxford St., Room 226, Cambridge, MA 02138
p: 617-496-3060