Louis E. Brus

My research is in the physical chemistry of materials--interfaces, nanocrystals, and nanotubes, especially in relation to optical and electronic properties. In each situation we try to figure out what the electrons are doing. This work can include theoretical modeling, numerical DFT calculations, experimental chemical physics, and synthetic chemistry. We try to understand the size evolution of solid state properties from molecular properties. We also seek to create new materials with nanoscale structure by both kinetic and thermodynamic self-assembly methods. We specialize in Electric Force Microscopy and Confocal Laser Optical Microscopy for observation of single nano-objects. In the last several years, we have worked on carbon nanotubes, transition metal oxide nanocrystals, silicon nanocrystals, and Ag nanocrystals acting as microscopic antennas for local electromagnetic field enhancement.