CAREER: Nanoelectronic and Nanophotonic Characterization of Hybrid Hard and Soft Materials

这个CAREER项目涉及互补扫描探针显微镜（SPM）技术，用于在硅表面上共价纳米图案化聚合物和生物分子，并具有综合研究和教育计划。一种方法探索反馈控制光刻作为模板氢钝化硅表面的后续湿化学在环境条件下的手段，和第二种方法，称为液相纳米光刻（LPN），试图图案有机分子直接从溶液中使用导电AFM到硅表面上。除了纳米光刻，该项目还探索了创新的频率相关纳米电子和纳米光子表征方案。纳米级阻抗谱（NIS）将开发描绘的相位和振幅响应的电流通过导电AFM针尖响应于一个可变的频率施加的偏压。事实上，NIS将提供一个纳米级的空间地图，显示软硬混合材料的频率依赖性电子行为。在光敏材料的情况下，光电流将通过样品照明下的导电AFM针尖检测;而从电致发光材料发射的光子将用光电二极管和电流互感器测量。这些研究思想的基本要素将被纳入一个全面的跨学科纳米级教育和推广计划。为了促进研究生和本科生之间的跨学科互动，该研究包括与其他学术部门的教师和行业代表进行国内和国际合作。该项目解决了具有技术相关性的材料科学专题领域的基础研究问题。对本科生和代表性不足的少数民族的外联将通过PI通过西北大学纳米科学与工程中心共同组织的纳米技术计划本科生和少数民族实习的研究经验来解决。此外，PI参与开发新的基于网络的纳米材料课程。然后，该本科课程将适应K-12学生，非科学专业和国内外公众的纳米材料世界模块的开发。该项目的范围将使学生接触到材料合成，加工和表征方面的新挑战和研究方法。该项目的一个重要特点是高度重视教育，并将研究与教育相结合。***

This CAREER project addresses complementary scanned probe microscopy (SPM) techniques for covalently nanopatterning polymer and biological molecules on silicon surfaces with an integrated research and education plan. One approach explores feedback controlled lithography as a means for templating hydrogen passivated silicon surfaces for subsequent wet chemistry in ambient conditions, and a second approach, termed liquid phase nanolithography (LPN), attempts to pattern organic molecules onto silicon surfaces directly from solution using conductive AFM. In addition to nanolithography, this project explores innovative frequency dependent nanoelectronic and nanophotonic characterization schemes. Nanoscale impedance spectroscopy (NIS) will be developed to delineate the phase and amplitude response of current through a conductive AFM tip in response to a variable frequency applied bias. NIS would provide, in effect, a nanoscale spatial map of the frequency dependent electronic behavior of hybrid hard and soft materials. In the case of photoactive materials, photocurrent will be detected through the conductive AFM tip under sample illumination; whereas, photons emitted from electroluminescent materials will be measured with a photodiode and current preamplifier. The basic elements of these research ideas will be incorporated into a comprehensive interdisciplinary nanoscale education and outreach program. In an effort to induce interdisciplinary interactions among graduate and undergraduate students, the research includes domestic and international collaborations with faculty and industrial representatives from other academic departments. %%% The project addresses fundamental research issues in a topical area of materials science having technological relevance. Outreach to undergraduates and underrepresented minorities will be addressed through a Research Experience for Undergraduates and Minority Internships in Nanotechnology program that the PI is co-organizing through the Northwestern University Nanoscale Science and Engineering Center. Additionally, the PI is involved in developing new web- based nanomaterials coursework. This undergraduate coursework will then be adapted for the development of a nanomaterials world module for K-12 students, non-science majors, and the general public both domestically and abroad. The scope of the project will expose students to new challenges and research approaches in materials synthesis, processing, and characterization. An important feature of the project is the strong emphasis on education, and the integration of research and education. ***