Controlling Defects(Doping) in Semiconductor Quantum Dots Semiconductor nanoparticles are potential materials for next generation solar cells, but manipulating defects of these materials remains a challenge. A goal of our research is develop economically viable colloidal methodologies to produce doped quantum confined particles (quantum dots) and study their fundamental properties. Doping nanoparticles and quantum dots results in new and interesting science. Critical components of this research are to find ways to circumvent challenges and to understand the underlying mechanisms of doping quantum dots. Colloidal Synthesis of Nanomaterials Our group has been involved in synthesizing a variety of new nanomaterials at Kansas State University. Many of the materials are the result of the hypothesis driven research where we intend to investigate a particular material in terms of its function, however in some instances we have stumbled across some new materials. One of the driving force for exploring new nanomaterials is that the currently available materials are not sustainable to address the specific needs. We are developing materials that are potentially more environmentally friendly and abundant. Mechanism of Colloidal Growth of Nanomaterials Colloidal synthesis of nanomaterials is a cheap process that can be potentially scaled up for industrial production. Controlling the growth of nanoparticles in colloidal solution is an important step towards developing materials with well-defined optical and physical properties. Our goal is to understand how the interplay of thermodynamics and growth kinetics determines the size and the size distribution of nanoparticles. The thermodynamic control of the nanoparticle growth may lead phenomena such as the formation of magic sized nanoparticles. Magnetic Properties of Colloidal Nanoparticles Interaction of magnetic field with nanoparticles will be important to remotely manipulating these particles from our macroscopic world to control processes at the microscopic level. In this work, we are interested in exploring the basic science of how magneto-optical phenomena take place in colloidal metal and magnetic nanomaterials. Specifically, we are investigating the Faraday rotation of metal and magnetic nanomaterials and how these materials differ from their bulk counterparts. Cancer Treatment and Drug Delivery with the help of Magnetic Nanoparticles Magnetic hyperthermia represents a one step development towards selective and uniform heating of cancerous tissue by introducing nanometer sized magnetic particles close to a tumor site. The temperature increase of the tissue can significantly contribute to the destruction of the cancerous cells. Heating takes place by power absorption of the nanometer sized superparamagnetic and ferromagnetic particles from alternating magnetic field. Development of Electromagnets for Biological Applications Manipulating small magnetic nanoparticles in solution require homogeneous and inhomogeneous magnetic fields. The Chikan group has developed several pulsed magnets that aim to rotate and translate magnetic nanomaterials. These magnetic fields will be utilized to achieve instantaneous drug release in biological medium.