CAREER: Towards Engineering Thermal Transport in Nanostructured Based Devices

在这项工作中，正在发展新的实验技术来研究纳米结上的电能到热能的转换以及具有纳米尺寸界面的载流器件的有效热输运特性，例如超晶格纳米线和纳米线-薄膜结。寻求使用应力、应变和温度退火来设计纳米结构材料和/或纳米结的传输特性的策略。这些发现将被用于设计和制造高效的热电能量转换装置、高导热碳纳米管复合材料以及具有低接触电阻的纳米结。一种多学科的方法正在导致对纳米材料和纳米器件传输的关键方面的理解，在设计高效的热电发电机和可靠的基于碳纳米管的纳米电子方面有潜在的突破。具体的研究活动与一个全面的教育和推广计划相结合，旨在针对不同年龄段和科学专长的参与者。

In this work new experimental techniques are being developed to investigate electric-to-thermal energy conversion at nanojunctions and the effective thermal transport properties across current-carrying devices with nanosize interfaces, such as superlattice nanowires and nanowire-thin film junctions. Strategies to engineer the transport properties of nanostructured materials and/or nanojunctions using stress, strain, and temperature annealing are sought. The findings will be used to design and fabricate efficient thermoelectric energy-conversion devices, high thermal-conductivity carbon-nanotube composites, and nanojunctions with low electrical contact resistance. A multidisciplinary approach is leading to an understanding of key aspects of transport in nanomaterials and nanodevices with potential breakthroughs in designing efficient thermoelectric power generators and reliable carbon-nanotube-based nanoelectronics. The specific research activity is integrated with a comprehensive program of education and outreach designed to target participants over a wide range of age groups and scientific expertise.