GOALI: Mechanically Biased Self-Assembly of 2-D and 3-D Quantum Structures Using a Novel Nanostamping Process

该项目的研究目标是探索使用纳米机械压头作为冲压工具来指导分子束外延(MBE)生长的量子点的自组装，从而实现新型二维和三维量子结构的纳米可制造性。提出的方法旨在理解和控制表面效应，如各向同性和各向异性应变场，用于纳米结构的定向自组装。纳米压痕将被用来研究机械压印表面应变的精确纳米材料的能力，在这些表面应变上将研究量子点的成核、定位和功能。该研究计划将支持和加强弗吉尼亚联邦大学和阿肯色大学校园的本科生和研究生教育活动。计划通过持续的讲座和演示向当地高中生和教师进行推广，使他们能够沉浸在纳米科学和技术的世界中，并旨在促进未被充分代表的学生对科学和工程的早期兴趣。拟议研究的影响将允许发展新兴的基于量子点的设备的科学和技术，并通过提供一种将新的纳米设备与现有的半导体设备相集成的方法来增强现有技术，以创建多功能的纳米集成微系统。纳米压痕作为一门科学和仪器平台从分析仪器向纳米制造工具的转变将是纳米机械仪器工业的重大突破。此外，使用纳米压头作为冲压工具不仅适用于外延自组装量子点的图案化，也适用于化学合成的量子点、自组装量子线以及生物纳米结构的图案化。为制造用于电子、光电子和生物设备、分子传感器和互连的新型纳米结构体系开辟了可能性。

The research objective of this GOALI project is to explore the use of a nano mechanical indenter as a stamping tool to direct the self-assembly of molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) grown quantum dots for the nano-manufacturability of novel 2-D and 3-D quantum structures. The proposed approach seeks to understand and control surface effects, such as isotropic and anisotropic strain fields, for the directed self-assembly of nanostructures. A nanoindenter will be used to investigate the ability to mechanically stamp precise nanopatterns of surface strain on which quantum dot nucleation, positioning, and functionality will be studied. The research program will support and enhance the educational activities at both the undergraduate and graduate level on the Virginia Commonwealth University and University of Arkansas campuses. Planned outreach to local high school students and teachers through on-going lectures and demonstrations will allow for immersion to the world of nanoscience and technology, and aims to promote early interest of underrepresented students into science and engineering.The impact of the proposed research will allow for the advancement of the science and technology of emerging quantum dot-based devices, as well as enhance existing technologies by providing a means for integrating novel nanodevices with existing semiconductor devices to create multifunctional nano-integrated micro systems. The transition of nanoindentation as a science and the instrument platform from an analytical instrument to a nano-manufacturing tool would be a vital breakthrough in the nanomechanical instrumentation industry. Furthermore, the use of a nanoindenter as a stamping tool should be applicable to patterning not only epitaxially self-assembled quantum dots but also chemically synthesized quantum dots, self-assembled quantum wires, as well as biological nanostructure patterning. Opening up the possibility for the fabrication of novel nanostructure architectures for electronic, optoelectronic and biological devices, molecular sensors, and interconnections.