Diatom frustules as nature-designed building blocks for photonic applications

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The siliceous frustules of diatom microorganisms characteristically show highly regular structuring on length scales stretching from the nanometer to the micrometer range, with the structural patterns and dimensions dependent on the specific diatom species. This structuring has been proposed to impart unique optical properties, similar to 2D or 3D photonic crystals, with possible implications for the diatoms’ photobiology. To obtain artificial materials with structures on the nanoscale, advanced techniques are being developed with the aim of inducing novel photonic and plasmonic effects, desirable for optical or optoelectronic applications. The purpose of this project is to explore the use of diatom frustules as a convenient source of nanostructures and nanostructured templates in optical elements and optoelectronic devices. Starting with a novel photodetector device architecture - recently developed for organic semiconductors - in which the photocurrent response is highly sensitive to the existent interfaces and their structuring, diatom frustules will be introduced as building blocks into practical devices, and their performance tested. Surface functionalization strategies will be explored to develop and enhance the desired optical and/or electronic properties of the frustules. Through a combination of optical and structural characterisation, and using a range of experimental techniques supplemented with simulations, we aim to improve the device performance, as well as to optimize the device architecture to fully benefit from the unique structural features of the diatom frustules.