Sushrut Ghonge is a fifth-year graduate student in the Physics and Astronomy department. His doctoral materials research focuses on superradiance and upconversion photoluminescence in semiconductor nanocrystals. Sushrut is advised by Professor Boldizsár Jankó, Physics and Astronomy, and co-advised by Masaru Kuno, Chemistry and Biochemistry.
Q: How did you get interested in materials research?
A: I got interested in materials research only after I started graduate studies in physics. I learned that we could use fundamental theories of atomic physics to predict the properties of materials. Any new technological advancement requires the development of new materials. For example, we need flexible, transparent, and electrically conducting materials to make foldable touch displays. Similarly, we need bright coherent sources of light for quantum communication. I still find it exciting that we can use fundamental theories of physics to predict the properties of real-world materials.
Q: Why are you studying materials here at Notre Dame?
A: I first came to Notre Dame as an undergraduate researcher during the summer after my sophomore year. I experienced a sense of community among students, staff, and faculty in the Physics department. People here are friendly and collaborative, in contrast to the unhealthy competition that prevails in most academia. Graduate students, even in different research areas, make each other feel at home and help each other. This is in addition to the excellent materials science program at Notre Dame with world-renowned faculty.
Q: What most excites you about your research?
A: One of my projects is figuring out the mechanism of photoluminescent laser cooling of materials. While most materials heat up when we shine a laser on them, some luminescent materials emit more light energy than they absorb and cool down in the process. My colleagues have been able to keep these materials (e.g., Cesium Lead Bromide) up to 80 degrees below room temperature by continuously shining a laser on them! However, no one knows the mechanism underlying this process. Understanding this mechanism can also help us discover new materials with this property and ultimately be used to make so-called optical refrigerators.
Sushrut received his bachelor’s degree in Engineering Physics from the Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi. Currently, when he’s not engaged in classwork, teaching, or student activities, you’re most likely to find Sushrut hiking, cooking, or reading books.
