CAREER: Spin dependent transport properties of semiconducting nanostructures

提案标题：半导体纳米结构的自旋相关输运特性美国天主教大学约翰·菲利普这项研究的目的是探索通过铁磁/半导体器件结构提高载流子自旋输运效率的方法。其方法是减少铁磁/半导体界面的耗尽区，并调节界面电阻面积积，以实现大的自旋输运，从而实现实际器件。这种方法在技术上重要的半导体通道上进行了探索，例如硅、锗和具有低带隙和大自旋轨道耦合的半导体。智能优点：为了设计和制造高性能的半导体自旋电子器件，探索了一种新的技术来调节铁磁/半导体隧道接触的界面电阻，该技术使用了一层非磁性的、低功函数的薄层。这种方法允许探索合适的低功函数材料来操纵界面性质和新颖的器件设计，以实现高效的基于半导体的自旋电子学。更广泛的影响：这项研究将建立一个对自旋电子学领域具有重大影响的新方向，从而使新一代具有多功能的新型设备成为可能。自旋基器件的优点包括低功耗、高存储密度以及具有低漏电流和低开关能量的晶体管。这项研究的综合教育和推广部分将为纳米技术的新课程提供新的内容，为本科生和研究生以及哥伦比亚特区的高中学生和教师提供实践学习机会，特别是为人数众多的少数族裔和代表性不足的学生提供机会。该计划还涵盖科学和工程的各个方面，包括半导体加工、器件设计和制造以及超高真空技术，这些技术对以技术为基础的经济至关重要。

Proposal Title: Spin dependent transport properties of semiconducting nanostructuresJohn Philip, The Catholic University of AmericaThe objective of this research is to explore methods to improve the efficiency of carrier spin transport through ferromagnet/semiconductor device structures. The approach is to reduce the depletion region in a ferromagnet/semiconductor interface and tune the interface resistance-area product for achieving large spin transport for realizing practical devices. This approach is explored on technologically important semiconducting channels such as silicon, germanium and semiconductors with low-band-gap and large spin-orbit coupling. Intellectual Merit: In order to design and fabricate high-performance semiconductor spintronic devices, a novel technique to tune the interface resistance of the ferromagnet/semiconductor tunnel contacts using a thin layer of non-magnetic, low-work-function layer is explored. This approach allows exploration of suitable low-work-function materials for manipulating interface properties and novel device designs to achieve efficient semiconductor-based spin electronics. Broader Impacts: This research will establish a new direction with significant impact on the field of spin electronics and thus make possible new generations of novel devices with multi-functionalities. The advantages of spin-based devices include low power consumption, high storage density and transistors with low leakage currents and switching energies. The integrated educational and outreach component of this research will provide novel content for new courses in nanotechnology, hands-on learning opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students as well as District of Columbia high school students and teachers, especially for the large population of minority and under-represented students. This program also covers diverse aspects of science and engineering including semiconductor processing, device design and fabrication and ultra-high vacuum techniques that are essential for a technology-based economy.