Nanostructured surfaces: growth processes and patterns, new electronic and optical materials

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The quantum theory of electrons in solids was initially tested using high-purity single crystals that have full three-dimensional symmetry. Subsequently, Cho and Arthur of Bell Laboratories developed a method, called molecular beam epitaxy, for growing multilayer materials. The study of electron motion in these two-dimensional systems led to the discovery of new physics that included the quantum hall effect, the fractional quantum hall effect and giant magnetoresistance. The challenging problem of controlling the architecture of materials at the atomic and molecular level is now being addressed. The primary aim of the emerging field of nano-architectonics is to assemble individual atoms and molecules into novel structural architectures that have tailored electronic, optical and magnetic properties. In this proposal, new methodologies will be developed for assembling novel nano-structured surfaces using materials commonly used to make electronic devices (Si and Ge) and organic light emitting devices (organoborons and porphyrins). These projects will allow a new generation of scientists to be trained in electronic and optical material growth. We will use molecular beam epitaxy and self-assembly methods to grow two-dimensional atomic crystals of Ge and Si, in the graphene crystal structure. These structural polymorphs will have novel electronic properties. Single molecule luminescence spectroscopy will be used to develop robust new methods for fabricating luminescent thin films with high luminescent efficiency. New methodologies, recently developed in my group, for assembling molecular lattices on Si surfaces using strong covalent binding and steric hindrance will be extended to create new structurally ordered organic/inorganic interfaces. Atomistic studies of domain growth will also be performed in a model system to gain insight into the mechanisms by which high-quality electronic materials can be grown. These studies will provide fundamental insight into how optical and electronic material properties can be tailored using atomic and molecular-scale structural control.