Nanotechnology: Electronics of Self-Assembled Nanostructures Based on Nanocrystallite Quantum Dots

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9871996 Bawendi This project combines expertise in Chemistry, Physics, Chemical Engineering, and Materials Science to synthesize, process and characterize self-assembled quantum dot based nanostructures. It integrates activities for creating nanocrystalline quantum dots, surface derivatization, self- assembly, and ultra-sensitive electronic measurements and spectroscopy, to explore the chemistry and physics of single and coupled nanocrystalline quantum dots. The investigators will develop control of spatial positioning of nanocrystallites on a nanometer scale. Proteins or oligonucleotides which self-assemble will be used as directing agents for the formation of nanostructures. Each of these biomolecules can be engineered to bind to a specific ligand on the surface of a nanocrystalline quantum dot. The biological system then serves as a template for the controlled positioning of quantum dots on a surface. Ultra- sensitive charge sensing methods will be used to probe the electronic structure of such quantum dots. These measurements will address both the energetics and the extent of delocalizaton of charges inside or localized on the surface of the quantum dots. Additionally, it is planned to spectroscopically characterize charged single quantum dots. The spectroscopic properties of nanocrystalline dots are expected to strongly depend on the number of charges present in the dot, analogous to the filling of atomic orbitals; this may lead to control over the interaction of photons with the nanostructures through adjustment of the charge density on the dots. Such a capability opens the possibility of using nanocrystalline quantum dots as building blocks for microphotonic devices. The interdisciplinary collaboration combining sensitive electronic measurements with the chemical control of the dots, their environment, and their spatial positioning may allow optimization of the chemistry of the self-assembled nanostructures and the observation of new physics of confine d electrons. %%% The project addresses basic research issues in a topical area of science and engineering having high technological relevance. The research will contribute new knowledge at a fundamental level to important aspects of electronic/photonic devices. The basic knowledge and understanding gained from the research is expected to contribute to improving the performance of advanced devices by providing a fundamental understanding and a basis for designing and producing improved materials, and materials combinations. An important feature of the program is the integration of research and education through the training of students in a fundamentally and technologically significant area. Graduate students will be co-advised by the four investigators across the disciplines of Chemistry, Physics, Chemical Engineering, and Materials Science integrating research and education from an interdisciplinary perspective. This research grant is made under the Nanotechnology Initiative (NSF 98-20), and is co-funded by the MPS Office of Multidisciplinary Activities(OMA), the Division of Chemical and Transport Systems, and the Division of Materials Research. ***