NER: Nanophotonic Devices Based on Direct Coupling of Surface Plasmons and Quantum Dots

本研究的目的是实现从量子点直接激发表面等离子体激元（或表面等离子体波）。实现这一任务的方法开始于我们实验室中InAs/GaInAs/GaAs材料系统的分子束外延过程中使用Stranski-Krastanow自组装机制生长的高质量量子点。结合现有的电子束光刻和成像干涉光刻，纳米光子结构和器件研究耦合将生长，制造和表征。使用严格的技术从耦合波方法的建模将有助于理解的物理机制，如偶极偶极相互作用耦合量子点和表面等离子体。 成功地实现这样的器件结构可以允许表面等离子体的直接电激发，并且使得基于衰减全反射取代等离子体传感器的几种新器件成为可能。此外，该计划采取的方法需要研究人员对材料，设备和电磁特性之间的相互作用有一定的了解，为研究生和博士后的广泛教育提供了难得的机会。新墨西哥州的大学履行在本科和研究生水平的代表性不足的群体的成功教育的关键责任。我们的计划与最近在新墨西哥州大学建立的国家纳米技术基础设施网络节点的推广工作保持一致，该网络节点作为推广到当地公立学校的渠道，但也与当地媒体有着密切的联系，这些媒体应该有助于进一步提高公众对纳米光子学重要发展的认识和理解。

The objective of this research is to achieve direct excitation of surface plasmons (or surface plasma waves) from quantum dots. The approach to accomplishing this task starts with the high quality quantum dots grown using the Stranski-Krastanow self-assembly mechanism occurring during molecular beam epitaxy of the InAs/GaInAs/GaAs materials system in our laboratory. Combined with available e-beam lithography and imaging interferometric lithography, nanophotonic structures and devices investigating coupling will be grown, fabricated and characterized. Modeling using rigorous techniques evolved from coupled wave approaches will help in understanding of physical mechanisms such as dipole-dipole interactions coupling quantum dots and surface plasmons. Successfully achieving such a device structure may allow direct electrical excitation of surface plasmons and make possible several new devices replacing plasmon sensors based on attenuated total reflection. Furthermore, the approach taken by this program requires a level of understanding by the researcher of the interplay between materials, device, and electromagnetic properties that offers exceptional opportunities for the broad-based education of graduate students and postdoctoral associates. The University of New Mexico fulfills a key responsibility in the successful education of underrepresented groups at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Our program strongly aligns with the outreach efforts of the National Nanotechnology Infrastructure network node recently established at the University of New Mexico that serves as a conduit for outreach to local public schools, but also has strong ties to local media that should aid in furthering public awareness and understanding of important developments in nanophotonics.