Natural Science 0251 - Illuminating the Future

Light responsive materials--substances that can sense, modify, and harvest light energy--have emerged as a central element of current and future technologies in diverse fields. In biology, a major recent breakthrough, the brainbow, for the first time allows us to see the connectivity of neurons in the brain. Fluorescent microscopy is used to visualize structure and detect disease, and light-activated compounds are being developed for drug delivery. In renewable energy, fluorescent organic compounds are among the fastest-developing photovoltaic materials, promising to largely replace conventional silicon. Paper-thin, flexible organic solar cells offer tunable light-harvesting capabilities at a fraction of the cost of silicon cells, and can be installed on roofs and windows and incorporated into curtains, tents, and even clothing. This course examines these emerging technologies and the light-responsive materials at their core. Students will be introduced to the physics of light sensing and harvesting and examine the applications in biology and renewable energy through current research literature. Each student will have the opportunity to examine particular applications in-depth through oral presentations, short reports, and a final paper. Prerequisite: one semester of college-level chemistry.

Independent Work Quantitative Skills In this course students are generally expected to spend at least 6 to 8 hours a week of preparation and work outside of class time.