CAREER: Micro/Nano-Fabrication of Conjugated Polymers

为了提高包装密度、效率和运行速度，对更小、更通用的电子和光电器件的需求持续增长。对越来越小的设备的探索现在已经到达了最后的前沿——分子尺度。器件尺寸的进一步减小必须发生在解决分子集成或更有趣的离散分子的水平上。通过使用扫描探针显微技术和已经合成的pi共轭聚合物的新型分子构建块，我们建议创建定义的，坚固的，功能性的纳米结构，这将测试超小型化的极限。这种方法依赖于用作为聚合物沉积模板的单层单体修饰底物。该研究计划将为各种电子材料的集成和纳米制造方法提供见解，并将提供材料和方法，以提供对与电子工业相关的复合系统的界面行为的精确控制。从长远来看，有机纳米结构在设计微电路元件和量子波器件方面具有很大的灵活性。在本研究中需要解决的关键问题包括：什么材料可以用来制造微纳米结构；如何产生纳米级的特征；特征尺寸的限制是什么，这些特征的稳定性和特性是什么？我们目前参与了乔治亚理工学院和亚特兰大地区的一些项目，以增加学生对技术教育的参与，包括针对少数民族、女性和大学预科学生的项目。通过科学博物馆的本科生外展计划，我们正在开发说明性互动化学展览，以及一个充满活力的示范和研讨会计划。课程开发活动包括几乎完全以解决问题为基础的高级有机化学课程的开发，聚合物化学课程的介绍，以及跨学科实验室实验的开发。＊＊＊

9501716 Collard Demand for smaller, more versatile electronic and opto-electronic devices continues to grow in order to increase packing density, efficiency and operational speed. The search for smaller and smaller devices has now reached the final frontier, the molecular scale. Further reduction in device size must occur at a level which addresses ensembles of molecules, or, more intriguing, discrete molecules. Through the use of scanning probe microscopic techniques and with novel molecular building blocks of pi-conjugated polymers that have already been synthesized, we propose to create defined, robust, and functional nanostructures which will test the limits of ultraminiaturization. This approach relies on the modification of substrates with monolayers of monomers that serve as templates for polymer deposition. The research program will provide insight into approaches for integration and nanofabrication of various electronic materials and will furnish materials and methods that provide precise control over the interfacial behavior of composite systems relevant to the electronics industry. %%% In the long term, organic nano-architectures promise great flexibility in the design of microcircuitry elements and quantum wave devices. The key issues to be addressed in this research include: What materials can be used to fabricate micro- and nanostructures; how can nanoscale features be produced; what are the limits of feature dimensions, and what are the stability and properties of these features? We are currently involved in a number of programs at Georgia Tech and in the Atlanta area to increase the involvement of students in technical education, including programs for minorities, women, and precollege students. Through an undergraduate outreach program to science museums we are developing illustrative interactive chemistry exhibits, and a vibrant demonstrat ion and workshop program. Curriculum development activities include development of an advanced organic chemistry course based almost entirely on problem solving, introduction of a polymer chemistry course, and development of interdisciplinary laboratory experiments. ***