Properties of Semiconductor and Magnetic Nanostructures

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There is a continual drive in nearly all high-technology industries towards smaller, higher performance and higher efficiency semiconductor, opto-electronic and magneto-electronic components and devices. Key to achieving these gains is the ability to manufacture structures at progressively smaller length scales, now approaching a billionth of a metre across. Structures this small are often prefixed by the term "nano" which implies "one billionth". It is the purpose of this research program to contribute towards the scientific framework necessary for understanding semiconductor and magnetic nano-structures and how changes at the atomic level can impact the performance of a complete device. In order to investigate structures this tiny, highly focused probes of electrons are scanned across the surface of a sample and the electrical currents generated, light produced, and the electrons scattered off of and through the sample are measured. By studying how these electrons interact with a unique arrangement of atoms, valuable insights can be gained into how nano-sized devices work. The main outcome of this research will be an increased understanding of the operation of semiconductor and magnetic devices at the nano-scale that will lead to improved device functionality. In addition, it is expected that the methodologies developed for characterizing and improving these systems will find cross applications in the biological, chemical and environmental sciences. Canada will benefit from this work through the training of highly skilled researchers that can contribute to the competitiveness of Canada's high-technology industries.