Electronic characterization of composite materials for MEMS and nanoscale integration

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Recent advances in microelectronic systems and devices have been driven by the integration of systems and functionality that cannot be directly provided by conventional microelectronics. One example of this is the functionality provided by a micro-electro-mechanical system (MEMS) that can be used as a resonant structure for low-power frequency referencing and/or filtering in a signal processing system. Developments of this nature rely heavily on understanding material properties separately and in combinations not found in nature - i.e. treating a composite material as a novel or 'artificial' material.   This proposal will develop an emerging scanning probe microscopy technique (SPM) that can characterize the dynamic mechanical response of MEM structures and image the dynamic polarization response of materials. This will include the design and testing of an active photonic material - a switchable device that can reject microwave and millimeter wave signals in a well-defined "stopband" range when activated. Development of theory for the photonic devices will be supported by stroboscopic SPM experiments that can image the effects of radio-frequency surface acoustic waves. While further developing our understanding of the dynamics of artificial materials, these studies will contribute to enhanced testing of MEM structures, non-mechanical optical switches and new approaches to designing surface acoustic wave filters.   In addition, emerging themes in the study of directed fabrication using dielectrophoresis will explore the electrical character of molecular electronic contacts as they form - and link to collaborative studies in electrophysiology of acute neural slices where new electrode materials and system-on-chip electrode designs will help strengthen this important biomedical field.   The interdisciplinary and collaborative nature of this research will provide an exciting and rewarding environment for students to develop their skills while working on projects of practical and scientific importance.