MSE Talks: Claudia Avalos, New York University

Speaker: Claudia Avalos, New York University

Title: Lighting up Magnetic Resonance: The Role of Spin in Optical Pathways

Abstract: The development of new materials for quantum sensing and high photoluminescence requires a two prong approach that combines both experiment and theory. Our research focuses on how structural modifications or spin defect incorporation in organic chromophores and inorganic perovskites can perturb their optical properties. In this presentation I will discuss two classes of photoactive materials that have been investigated in my group, chromophore-radical (C-R) dyads and lanthanide doped halide perovskites. Using a combination of computational tools, magnetic resonance and optical spectroscopy, we identify several important design principles controlling the optical pathway as well as the magnetic interactions present in these materials. These results inform our future approaches for designing C-R dyad structures for quantum sensing as well as for developing new defect incorporation methods for improving the photoluminescence properties of lead halide perovskites.

Bio: B.S. in Chemistry and Biochemistry at California State University Chico PhD in Physical Chemistry at UC Berkeley with Alex Pines on "Detection and polarization of electron and nuclear spins in diamond" Postdoc: Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne with Lyndon Emsley, worked on "Dynamic nuclear polarization and characterization of ferroelectrics" Awards: Teaching Innovation Award, NSF CAREER, ACS PRF

When 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm on 20 February 2026
Building PHO 211