Novel 2D Patterned Quantum Devices from Energetic Beam Processing

纳拉扬穆蒂修订的摘要提案#0701417拟议活动的目的这项研究的目的是开发能够实现以前无法获得的量子受限半导体结构的二维图案化的技术和方法；了解降维对这些结构的光电特性的影响；使用这些方法和这种理解来制造新型原型设备；以及在跨学科研究方面培养本科生和研究生。该方法利用离子束和光子束处理技术的进步来制造这些结构，使用弹道电子发射显微镜等先进技术来理解它们，并在量子点红外光电探测器等新型设备中开发它们的特性。拟议活动的智能优点最近发现的半导体材料的性能严重依赖于极低水平的合金化，这为使用离子束和光子束处理合成这些结构打开了未知的机会。这种方法特别适合于制造尺寸、形状、位置和连接性可控的集成的横向图案化量子结构。从结构上看，这些材料看起来是无缺陷的单晶，合金成分变化很小；但从电子角度来看，它们将表现出量子限制。拟议活动的更广泛影响该计划将为未来在化学传感、热成像、夜视、医疗诊断和空间应用方面的应用铺平道路。这项研究的几个关键概念将被整合到教师研究经验暑期计划、波士顿科学博物馆教师和指导顾问纳米技术研讨会以及本科生和研究生的培训中。

Narayanmurty Revised Abstract Proposal #0701417Objectives of the Proposed ActivitiesThe objectives of this research are to develop the techniques and methodology to enable previously unattainable two-dimensional patterning of quantum confined semiconductor structures; to understand the effect of reduced dimensionality on the optoelectronic properties of these structures; to use these methods and this understanding to fabricate a novel prototype device; and to train undergraduate and graduate students in interdisciplinary research. The approach uses advances in ion and photon beam processing to make these structures, to understand them using advanced techniques such as Ballistic Electron Emission Microscopy, and to exploit their properties in a novel device such as a Quantum Dot Infrared Photodetector.Intellectual Merit of the Proposed ActivitiesThe recent discovery of semiconductor materials whose properties depend dramatically on very low levels of alloying has opened unexplored opportunities for the synthesis of these structures using ion and photon beam processing. This method is uniquely suitable for the fabrication of integrated, laterally patterned quantum structures of well-controlled size, shape, location, and connectivity. Structurally, these materials will appear as defect-free single crystals with small variations in alloy composition; however, from an electronic point of view, they will exhibit quantum confinement. Broader Impacts of the Proposed ActivitiesThis program will pave the way for future applications in chemical sensing, thermal imaging, night vision, medical diagnostics and space applications. Several key concepts from the research will be integrated into the Research Experience for Teachers summer program, the Nanotechnology Symposium for Teachers and Guidance Counselors at the Boston Museum of Science, and the training of undergraduate and graduate students.