Spectroscopic studies of Charge Recombination in Hybrid Perovskites for Lasers and Solar Cells

Organometallic halide perovskites have attracted huge research interest in the last few years as materials for applications in photovoltaic solar cells, light-emitting devices and lasers. In our group we have demonstrated easy fabrication and stable performance of distributed feedback perovskite lasers which are optically pumped [1]. In order to achieve electrically driven laser action, it is important to understand charge recombination processes at high carrier densities which include radiative and non-radiative bimolecular recombination (electron-hole) and many-body (Auger) interactions.

The aim of this project is to understand the charge transport and recombination processes in hybrid perovskites. It will use our advanced facilities to measure optical properties on the femtosecond and longer timescales. Experimental studies of charge recombination will combine ultrafast photoluminescence and optical pump-probe techniques which are well developed in our labs. Charge transport will be studied by time-resolved spectroscopy of bilayers of perovskite and electron and hole transporting layers as well as time-resolved photoluminescence imaging [2].

This project will lead to new understanding of an important class of materials for light-emitting diodes, lasers and solar cells, and help to realise an electrically driven laser.

Funding is available for UK and European applicants. We regret that we cannot fund candidates from other countries.

[1] G.L.Whitworth et al. “Nanoimprinted distributed feedback lasers of solution processed hybrid perovskites”, Optics Express, Vol. 24, pp. 23677-23684 (2016),

[2] http://www.st-andrews.ac.uk/physics/osc/femtofacility.shtml