Low-dimensional Tunable Infrared Detectors Based on a Novel Mask-less and Self-aligned Process

基于新型无掩模自对准工艺的低维可调谐红外探测器Hooman Mohseni，西北大学0621887学术成就：长期以来，人们一直预测低维器件应该能够产生波长选择性的中波和长波红外探测器，并且可以在室温或接近室温的温度下工作。因此，基于量子点的红外探测器成为研究热点。然而，纳米尺寸量子点的加工过程中所涉及的困难阻碍了迄今为止预测性能的成功演示。该计划的目标是开发一种新的方法来实现电调谐量子点，可以避免上述问题。将使用一种基于自对准和自隔离的新的处理技术。将对优化的设备进行评估，结果将用于在程序期间的几个周期内微调处理。更广泛的影响：可在室温或接近室温下工作的高性能中波和长波红外探测器对许多医疗、工业和国土安全应用有重大影响，如乳腺癌、牙科和甲状腺疾病的诊断、隐藏裂缝的快速检测和非金属地雷检测。此外，根据该研究计划开发的方法提供了一种独特的方法来抑制声子散射，并可以显着提高其他设备的性能，包括量子级联激光器和量子计算机。这里提出的新的处理方法应该适用于广泛的纳米器件。此外，所提出的纳米表征方法的结果将提供有价值的信息，为研究社区工作的纳米尺度的光电器件。 将鼓励来自代表性不足和少数群体的本科生和研究生参加这项研究。在这方面，该项目将利用研究生教育联盟和西北大学的教授课程。

Low-dimensional Tunable Infrared Detectors Based on a Novel Mask-less and Self-aligned ProcessHooman Mohseni, Northwestern University0621887Intellectual Merit: It has long been predicted that low-dimensional devices should be able to produce mid- and long-wave infrared detectors that are wavelength selective, and can operate at or near room temperature. Therefore, significant research has been focused on quantum-dot-based infrared detectors. However, the difficulties involved in the processing of nanometer-size quantum dots have prevented successful demonstration of the predicted performance so far. The goal of this program is to develop a novel method for realization of electrically-tunable quantum dots that could avoid the above issues. A novel processing technique based on self-alignment and self-isolation will be used. Optimized devices will be evaluated, and the results will be used to fine-tune the processing over several cycles during the program. Broader Impacts: High performance mid- and long-wave infrared detectors that can operate at or near room temperature have significant impacts on many medical, industrial, and homeland security applications such as diagnosis of breast cancer, dental and thyroid diseases, fast detection of hidden cracks, and non-metallic landmine detection. Moreover, the method developed under this research program provides a unique approach to suppress phonon scattering and can significantly improve the performance of other devices including quantum cascade lasers and quantum computers. The novel processing methods proposed here should be applicable to a wide range of nano-devices. Also, the results of proposed nano-characterization methods will provide valuable information for the research community working on nano-scale optoelectronic devices. Undergraduate and graduate students from under-represented and minority groups will be encouraged to take part in this research. The project will take advantage of Alliances for Graduate Education and the Professorate program at Northwestern University in this regard.