Solution-processed optoelectronic devices: investigating and controlling materials parameters for enhanced performance

半导体是信息时代的基础。计算机运行在硅上。互联网的光纤主干使用InGaAsP激光器产生的光束。数码相机在可见光的硅传感器上记录图像，或者在需要红外夜视时用InGaAs光电探测器阵列记录图像。纯净、完美的晶体是当今大部分半导体技术的基础。然而，种植单晶半导体的设备是昂贵的，就像它的操作一样，特别是考虑到经常需要危险的试剂。在此，我们建议进一步推进我们在溶液处理光电子学方面的工作。我们最近的研究表明，自旋投射红外光学传感器的性能可以超过其完美的单晶同类。现在，我们寻求通过本提案加深对溶液处理光电器件的操作的理解；并利用这种认识，通过合理的控制来提高器件的性能。我们将提出并实验验证我们溶液处理光导光电探测器内响应性和噪声起源的模型；通过材料加工，对材料的结构和电子特性进行实验控制；并利用此控制来演示光电探测器性能的合理工程，以实现特定的应用目标。总之，我们将继续研究材料化学、加工和器件物理，以实现为特定应用量身定制的高产量、一致的光电器件。在科学层面上，这项研究将对胶体量子点块状材料和表面的控制操作产生深入的见解。在应用层面，该研究将导致成像记录性能设备（一个用于可见波长视频帧率操作，另一个用于夜视应用）。该项目将通过其产生的见解，为我们在解决方案处理的光电探测器技术商业化方面的平行活动提供基础科学支持。

Semiconductors are the foundation of the information age. Computers run on silicon. The Internet's fiber-optic backbone uses beams of light generated in InGaAsP lasers. Digital cameras register images in silicon sensors for visible light, or InGaAs photodetector arrays when infrared night vision is needed.    Pure, perfect crystals are the basis of much of today's semiconductor technology. However, the equipment to grow single-crystal semiconductors is costly, as is its operation, especially in view of the dangerous reagents that are often required.    We propose herein to advance our work in solution-processed optoelectronics. We have recently shown that spin-cast infrared optical sensors can outperform their perfectly single-crystal counterparts. Now we seek, through the present proposal, to deepen understanding of the operation of solution-processed optoelectronic devices; and to use this understanding to improve device performance through rational control.    We will put forth and experimentally validate a model of the origins of responsivity and noise inside our solution-processed photoconductive photodetectors; demonstrate experimental control, through materials processing, over the structural and electronic properties of materials; and use this control to demonstrate rational engineering of photodetector performance towards to specific application-oriented goals.    In sum, we will pursue the materials chemistry, processing, and device physics to make it practical to achieve high-yielding, consistent, optoelectronic devices tailored to particular applications. At a scientific level, the research will yield insights into the controlled manipulation of colloidal quantum dot bulk materials and surfaces. At an applied level, the research will lead to record-performance devices (one for visible-wavelength video-frame-rate operation, the other tailored to night-vision applications) for imaging. The project will, through the insights it generates, also provide foundational scientific support to our parallel activity in the commercialization of our solution-processed photodetector technology.