The development of epitaxial growth of semiconductors has enabled the control and manipulation of structures on an atomic scale. As such, it is now possible to investigate experimentally the fundamental properties of semiconductor nanostructures while creating interesting opportunities for next generation semiconductor devices. My research at OU focuses on the magneto-optical and optoelectronic properties of semiconductor quantum dots.
The primary focus of this research is in utilizing experimental techniques such as magneto-photoluminescence, electroluminescence, and impedance spectroscopy, amongst others, to investigate the physical properties of semiconductor quantum dots and nano-rings. My interest in these areas is driven primarily by possible applications in both magnetic memory elements and next generation photovoltaics. Specifically, we have been investigating magneto-optical effects such as the optical Aharonov-Bohm effect and magnetic polarons in semiconductor nano-rings, and the feasibility of utilizing quantum dot structures in 3rd generation photovoltaics. In addition, I have also been working with industrial collaborators at the Sharp R&D facility in Oxford (UK) to investigate the physical properties of dilute nitride semiconductors for applications in multi-junction solar cells for concentrator photovoltaics.
As well as working closely with the groups of Santos and Mullen here at OU, I have ongoing collaborations with the University of Oxford and University College London in the UK, CRHEA-CNRS in France, as well as SUNY Buffalo, Ohio University and Queens College CUNY, here in the United States.
Representative Publications:
- S.M. Willis, J.A.R. Dimmock, F.Tutu, H.Y. Liu, M.G. Peinado, H.E.Assender, A.A.R. Watt, I.R. Sellers, "Defect mediated extraction in InAs/GaAs quantum dot solar cells", Solar Energy Materials and Solar Cells 102, 142 (2012). http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.solmat.2012.03.010
- Ian R. Sellers, Wei-Sin Tan, Katherine Smith, Stewart Hooper, Stephen Day and Matthias Kauer, "Wide Depletion width of 1 eV GaInNAs Solar Cells by Thermal Annealing," Appl. Phys. Lett. 99, 151111 (2011).
- Ian R. Sellers, Rafal Oszwałdowski, Igor Zutic, Athos Petrou, Bruce D. McCombe et al., "Robust Magnetic-Polarons in (Zn,Mn)Te quantum dots," Phys. Rev. B 82, 195320 (2010).
- Ian R. Sellers, Vincent R. Whiteside, Igor L. Kuskovsky, Alexander O. Govorov and Bruce D. McCombe, "Aharonov-Bohm excitons at elevated temperature in type-II ZnTe/ZnSe quantum dots," Phys. Rev. Lett. 100, 136405 (2008).
- Hui-Yun Liu, Ian R. Sellers, David J. Mowbray, Maurice S. Skolnick et al., "Improved Performance of 1.3μm multi-layer quantum dot lasers using a high temperature growth GaAs spacer layer," Appl. Phys. Lett. 85, 704 (2004).