A Novel Structure for 3-Dimensional Quantization in Semiconductor Diode Lasers

本研究的目的是了解和开发一种新的三维(3D)量子化半导体激光器有源层设计，称为纳米孔。这种方法是使用一层能量较低的材料来创建量子点结构的逆结构，该层被穿孔，并在其中嵌入了足够小和足够紧密的较高带隙材料的比特，以引入3D量化。智力优势：虽然传统的量子点可以表现出非常强的量子化效应，但这些量子点往往是稀疏的、弱耦合的、分布不规则的和大小可变的。纳米孔结构解决了所有这些问题，并引入了其他方法所不具备的额外的中间设计自由度“孔图案和几何形状”。在这些结构中也有一些意想不到的行为的证据，包括在导带和价带内的禁带能隙，这将被探索。能隙的存在为太赫兹频率的产生和发射提供了有趣的潜力。广泛的影响：仔细控制半导体结构中的3D量子化行为对未来纳米级电子和光子设备至关重要。因此，该项目的成功可能会对电子和光子集成电路和系统的关键领域产生革命性的影响。本科生大量参与这项工作，目标是让代表性不足的群体参与，并计划每年至少有一名中学教师参与这项计划，以了解研究并为学生制定教案。

The objective of this research is the understanding and development of a novel three-dimensional (3D) quantized semiconductor laser active layer design called the nanopore. The approach is to create the inverse of a quantum dot structure using a layer of lower energy material "a quantum well" that is perforated and has imbedded in it bits of higher bandgap material that are small enough and close enough together to introduce 3D quantization. Intellectual Merit: While conventional quantum dots can show very strong quantization effects, the dots are often sparse, weakly coupled, irregularly distributed, and variable in size. The nanopore structure addresses all of these issues and introduces additional intermediate design freedom "pore pattern and geometry" unavailable in other approaches. There is also evidence of some unexpected behavior in these structures, including a forbidden energy gap within the conduction and valence bands, which will be explored. The presence of an energy gap offers intriguing potential for terahertz frequency generation and emission.Broader Impacts: Carefully controlled 3D quantized behavior in semiconductor structures is critical to future nanoscale electronic and photonic devices. Therefore the success of this program can have transformative impact on the critical fields of electronic and photonic integrated circuits and systems. There is substantial involvement of undergraduates in this work, targeted toward the participation of underrepresented groups and a plan to "teach the teacher" involving at least one middle school teacher in this program each year to learn about research and develop lesson plans for their students.