NIRT: Study of Electro- and Magneto-Mechanical Nano-Assemblies

ECS-0506738 T. LU，RPI目标：本研究的目的是在外部驱动力（机械，电，磁或热）下三维纳米结构的机械响应的生长和测量。该方法是使用斜角沉积技术来制造杆、梁和螺旋弹簧形式的纳米结构。这种沉积技术是一种物理自组装方法，其基于在将原子物质热蒸发或溅射沉积到平坦或模板化衬底上期间的遮蔽效应。这些纳米结构的基本机电，磁力，磁阻，阻尼和热传输特性的特点是使用纳米探针，测量力，电流，磁场和热传输。将获得这些纳米结构的机械性能和任何偏离其体积标度定律的基本知识。更广泛的影响：该研究将为美国经济在NEMS（纳米机电系统）应用（如致动器，谐振器和阻尼器）中开辟许多新的机会。它还将为基础研究和实际应用提供前所未有的机会。包括的领域是用于光通信的纳米光子器件，用于高效光发射器的能量器件，高效传热和热电提取器，极其敏感的化学和生物传感器，纳米流体反应器，磁传感器阵列，超高密度3D磁记录和纳米催化。这是一个价值数十亿美元的高科技产业，将节省能源，提高生活质量。研究生和博士后将通过综合研究，教育和推广活动进行培训，并为高科技劳动力做好准备。

ECS-0506738 T. LU, RPIObjective: The objective of this research is the growth and measurement of the mechanical responses of three-dimensional nanostructures under external driving forces (mechanical, electrical, magnetic or thermal). The approach is to use an oblique angle deposition technique to fabricate nanostructures in the forms of rods, beams, and helical springs. This deposition technique is a physical self-assembly method based on the shadowing effect during thermal evaporation or sputter deposition of atomic species onto a flat or templated substrate. The fundamental electromechanical, magnetomechanical, magnetoresistive, damping, and thermal transport properties of these nanostructures will be characterized using nanoscale probes that measure force, current, magnetic field, and heat transport. Fundamental knowledge in the mechanical properties of these nanostructures and any deviation from their bulk scaling laws will be gained. Broader impact: The research will open up many new opportunities in the US economy in NEMS (nanoelectromechanical systems) applications such as actuators, resonators, and dampers. It will also provide unprecedented opportunities for fundamental studies and practical applications. Areas included are nanophotonic devices for optical communication, energy devices for efficient light emitters, highly efficient heat transfer and thermoelectric extractors, extremely sensitive chemical and biological sensors, nanofluidic reactors, magnetic sensor arrays, super-high-density 3D magnetic recording, and nano-catalysis. These represent a multi-billion-dollar high technology industry that will save energy and improve the quality of lives. Graduate students and postdocs will be trained through the integrative research, education, and outreach activities and be ready for the high tech work force.