NSF-Europe: Photonics, Plasmonics and Molecule-Based Nanomaterials: Preparation, Design, Properties Optimization and Device Aspects

该项目是西北大学材料研究所（NU）和位于爱尔兰共和国科克大学学院的国家微电子研究中心（NMRC）之间的联合研究和教育计划。该项目涉及基于分子的纳米结构光学材料的设计、合成、表征、基本理解和优化，用于制造光子器件，特别强调超高速光开关。研究的方法有多新颖？(2)和？(3)具有（或不具有）等离子体场增强的材料可以提高光子开关的速度和效率。特别的重点放在合成和不寻常的新组装？(3)基于富勒烯、金属氧化物、新型金属大环和纳米粒子共振场增强p共轭聚合物的材料，具有大的三阶光学响应。另一个重点是研究激发态下分子开关的增强敏感性。这项工作的基本科学目标涉及亚稳激发态的非线性响应的制备、测量和理解。预期的应用是在光学计算和信号处理中，基于在这种亚稳态中预测的增强非线性响应。将设计和合成新的分子发色团，包括具有扭曲p -体系的分子发色团。该联合项目的长期目标包括开发超紧凑光子和等离子体集成电路，包括利用纳米结构材料中的非线性效应的超快（近亚皮秒）光开关。该项目还将促进对分子材料中光子效应的理论认识。参与该计划将丰富学生，教师和他们的同事的研究和教育环境。该项目致力于与具有技术相关性的电子和光子材料相关的基础研究问题。该项目的一个重要特点是非常重视教育，强调研究和教育的整合，以及提供科学和教育效益的国际合作。这些包括：1；跨学科和国际研究机会。2. 将研究与教育相结合的经验。3. 科学内容与课程开发。4. 研究和教育资料的外联和全球传播。5. 面向科学教师和代表性不足学生的暑期研究项目——合作者将在实验室接待科学教师和代表性不足的学生进行暑期研究。根据拟议的项目，这些夏季参与者还将参与西北大学和爱尔兰NMRC之间的教育交流项目。本项目为美国国家科学基金会与欧洲材料研究合作项目（NSF 02-135）。该项目是与爱尔兰共和国科克大学学院合作进行的。

This project is a joint research and education program between the Materials Research Institute at Northwestern University (NU) and the National Microelectronic Research Center (NMRC) at the University College, Cork, Republic of Ireland. The project addresses design, synthesis, characterization, fundamental understanding, and optimization of molecule-based nanostructured optical materials for the fabrication of photonic devices with a special emphasis on ultra-high speed optical switches. The approach is to study how new ? (2) and ? (3) materials with (or without) plasmon field enhancement can increase the speed and efficiency of photonic switches. Special focus is placed on the synthesis and self-assembly of unusual new ? (3) materials based on fullerenes, metal oxides, novel metallomacrocyles, and nanoparticle resonant field-enhanced p-conjugated polymers having large third- order optical responses. Another focus is on the study of enhanced susceptibilities in excited molecular states for switching. The fundamental scientific aim of this effort involves the preparation, measurement and understanding of nonlinear responses in metastable excited triplet states. The anticipated application is in optical computing and signal processing, based on an enhanced nonlinear response predicted in such metastables. New molecular chromophores, including those with twisted p -systems, will be designed and synthesized. The long-term objectives of the joint program include the development of ultra-compact photonic and plasmonic integrated circuits including ultra-fast (near-sub-picosecond) optical switches using nonlinear effects in nanostructured materials. The project also will advance theoretical understanding of photonic effects in molecular materials. Involvement in the program will enrich the research and education environment of students, teachers, and their colleagues. %%% The project addresses fundamental research issues associated with electronic and photonic materials having technological relevance. An important feature of the project is the strong emphasis on education, with emphasis on integration of research and education, and an international collaboration providing both scientific and educational benefits. These include: 1. Interdisciplinary and International research opportunities. 2. The experience of integrating research with education. 3. Science content and curriculum development. 4. Outreach and global dissemination of research and education information. 5. Summer Research Program for science teachers and under-represented students-collaborators will host science teachers and under-represented students in their laboratories to perform summer research. Under the proposed program, these summer participants will also be involved in educational exchange programs between Northwestern University and the NMRC in Ireland. This NSF project is a Cooperative Activity in Materials Research between the NSF and Europe (NSF 02-135). The project is being carried out in collaboration with the University College, Cork, Republic of Ireland.