GOALI: Tunable Quantum Coupling in Nanomechanical Heterostructures

目标：利用纳米力学异质结构可调谐量子耦合目的：本研究的目的是确定表面量子阱的能级是否可以通过纳米力学驱动来调谐，就像光学腔的谐振频率可以通过移动镜子来调谐一样。带间和子带间级跃迁都将被研究。该方法是利用微机械加工的化合物半导体异质结构悬臂梁，这些悬臂梁在纳米尺度的间隙上坍塌。这种装置易于制造，并且在蚀刻释放时自然崩溃。此外，隙高从隙到接触逐渐变化，使得光发射研究与量子耦合相比更加容易。智力优点：这种方法的优点是显著的。涉及到新的物理，与目前的技术相比，可以实现的能量状态调整的数量是巨大的。理论分析表明，两个接触的表面量子阱可以使它们的第一个量子化能级位移超过150nm，最终受限于高能量时的能带偏移和低能时的热展宽。更广泛的影响：这项研究的影响可能是巨大的。目前的半导体光发射器和探测器的调谐范围有限。这里的概念可以将带间转换的调谐扩展到30%，将子带间转换的调谐扩展到一个数量级。这个项目将为本科研究人员提供机会，作为面向妇女、少数民族和小型学院学生的纳米技术网络倡议的一部分。该项目还将为一名或多名高中生提供研究机会，通过在双子城地区的一个当地学区的导师计划。字数：248字（不包括章节标题）

NSF 0702515GOALI: Tunable Quantum Coupling using Nanomechanical HeterostructuresObjective:The objective of this research is to determine whether the energy levels of surface quantum wells can be tuned using nanomechanical actuation like the resonant frequency of an optical cavity can be tuned using movable mirrors. Both interband and intersubband level transitions will be investigated. The approach is to utilize micromachined cantilevers of compound semiconductor heterostructures that have collapsed across a nanometer-scale gap. Such devices are easy to fabricate and naturally collapse upon etch release. Further, the gap height gradually changes from gap to contact making light emission studies versus quantum coupling much easier.Intellectual Merit:The merits of such an approach are significant. New physics is involved, and the amount of energy state tuning that can be achieved is immense compared to current technology. Theoretical analysis shows that two surface quantum wells brought into contact could shift their first quantized levels by over 150nm, limited ultimately by band offsets at high energies and thermal broadening at low energies.Broader Impact:The impact of the research could be immense. Current semiconductor light emitters and detectors have limited tuning ranges. The concepts here could extend the tuning of interband transitions to 30% and intersubband transitions to an order of magnitude. This program will provide opportunities for undergraduate researchers as part of a Nanotechnology Network initiative for women, minorities, and students from small colleges. The program will also include research opportunities for one or more high school students through a Mentor Program in one of the local school districts of the Twin Cities area.Word Count: 248 Words (not including section titles)