Join us to hear from Richard Robinson about his research at Cornell University!

Abstract: Magic-sized clusters (MSCs) are atomically precise semiconductor nanostructures whose discrete compositions give them unique, quantized optical and electronic properties. Recent advances in synthesis and characterization have revealed new dimensions of tunability in MSC behavior, extending well beyond conventional size-dependent effects. CdS MSCs behave molecule‑like, exhibiting soft interparticle interactions and accessing richer phase behavior than larger nanocrystals. They can reversibly isomerize between discrete structural states and self‑assemble into hierarchically ordered, optically active films. Meniscus‑guided evaporative assembly of these films produces large homochiral domains with g‑factors approaching 1.1 —among the highest reported for semiconductor particles. 

These strong optical properties have led to the discovery of non-reciprocal linear dichroism and for design rules towards films with pure optical rotation, linking their structural handedness directly to their photonic responses. Together, these phenomena open routes to controlling light–matter interactions in unprecedented ways, enabling chiroptical photonics, quantum-confined optoelectronics, and sensitive probes of symmetry in solution-phase nanoclusters. Unlocking these novel properties paves the way for MSC-based devices with engineered polarization, chirality, and spin–photon coupling as intrinsic design parameters.
 

Host: Katie Knowles | kknowles@ur.rochester.edu

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