CAREER: Using Plasmons to Characterize Molecular Structure for Nanoscale Electronics

本职业项目研究分子电子学中的电压开关机制及其在纳米级光电器件中的扩展。该方法是基于耦合表面等离子体到分子结。通过这些实验，可以直接观察到分子层的光学光谱和拉曼光谱作为施加偏压的函数。测量表明，是否机制，如键扭转，氧化还原化学，或机械重新安排是负责双稳电流-电压（IV）开关。其他活动将涉及将分子电子开关集成到纳米级等离子体波导中，以控制等离子体传播。用于电光调制器、光存储器和光逻辑电路等器件的金属-分子金属波导将被制造和表征。这项研究有望增强特定电子功能分子的设计，并影响更小、更低功耗计算的发展。该项目涉及电子/光子材料科学中具有技术相关性的基础研究问题。与研究部分一起，这个项目将涉及一个实质性的教育和推广方案。PI将努力为高中生、本科生和研究生提供令人兴奋和有价值的研究机会。这些经验将是课堂教学的重要补充。他将与斯坦福大学工程多样性项目合作，通过研究机会吸引代表性不足的少数族裔学生。为了加强对当地高中生的教育，特别是那些历史上处于弱势地位和代表性不足的学校的学生，他承诺“收养一个班级”，将斯坦福大学的研究生带进教室，每年做几次示范和讲座。他还将整合教学和课程开发，包括研究成果，旨在提供成功从事科学和技术职业所需的基本技能

This CAREER project addresses mechanisms of voltage switching in molecular electronics and their extension to nanoscale opto-electronic devices. The approach is based upon coupling surface plasmons into molecular junctions. Through these experiments, optical and Raman spectra of molecular layers as a function of applied bias are directly observed. The measurements indicate whether mechanisms such as bond torsion, redox chemistry, or mechanical re-arrangements are responsible for bistable current-voltage (IV) switching. Additional activities will address integration of molecular electronic switches into nanoscale plasmon waveguides to control plasmon propagation. Metal-molecule metal waveguides for devices such as electro-optic modulators, optical memories and optical logic circuits will be fabricated and characterized. This research is expected to enhance design of molecules for specific electronic functions, and impact the development of smaller, lower-power consumption computing.%%% The project addresses fundamental research issues in electronic/photonic materials science having technological relevance. In conjunction with the research component, this project will involve a substantial program of education and outreach. The PI will strive to provide exciting and valuable research opportunities for high school, undergraduate, and graduate students. These experiences will be an important supplement to classroom education. In cooperation with the Engineering Diversity Program at Stanford, he will work to attract underrepresented minority students through research opportunities. To enhance the education of local high school students, particularly within historically disadvantaged and underrepresented schools, he has committed to "Adopt a Class," bringing graduate students from Stanford with him into the classroom to give demonstrations and lectures several times a year. He will also integrate teaching and course development to include results from research, and aims to provide fundamental skills needed for successful careers in science and technology.***