Our group currently investigates the spectroscopy and photophysics of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs), a promising nanoscopic material formed from carbon atoms. These molecular-sized tubes display remarkable physical properties with promising applications in the fields of nano-scale electronics, solar energy harvesting, molecular sensing, and medical diagnostics and therapy. However, the use of SWCNTs in these applications is hindered by the polydispersity of nanotube structures-as each structure has its own unique physical and chemical properties, including structure-dependent short-wave infrared (SWIR) optical signatures- which result from typical nanotube growth methods. We are working to develop and enhance optical SWCNT analytical methods by exploiting the photoluminescent properties of the semiconducting nanotube species, which were first discovered and then later structurally interpreted here in our lab. In addition to more basic studies, such as the detailed elucidation of nanotube electronic structure and the structure-specific photophysical properties of SWCNTs, we are also applying our knowledge of SWCNT photoluminescence towards applications in non-invasive biomedical imaging, analytical nanotechnology, and structural health monitoring. For more information, please browse the more detailed descriptions of current research projects found in the research focus tab of this website. Also, do not hesitate to contact us with any questions.