CAREER: Group II-VI Semiconductor Vapor Phase Epitaxy Guided by Kinetically Active Surface Agents

技术：该职业奖的研究部分旨在全面了解化学惰性物质在II-VI半导体材料异质外延沉积的薄膜和纳米结构演变中的作用。它测试了一个假设，即惰性气体能够通过动力学破坏附原子运动来诱导表面活性剂样效应，从而使热力学上首选的岛状生长模式被抑制，而有利于以一层接一层的方式进行。通过使用分析技术和设备制造，研究这些生长模式是否会产生与光伏应用相关的优越材料特性。非技术：该项目涉及材料科学主题领域的基础研究问题，具有高技术相关性。这项基础研究如果成功，将有助于进一步开发用于能量收集的薄膜光伏材料。通过使用可再生能源和纳米技术促进可持续发展的工程解决方案的实施，教育和推广活动将为社会提供具备实现可持续城市环境所需的知识、培训和社会意识的工程师。

Technical: The research component of this CAREER award aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the role that chemically inert species play in the evolution of thin films and nanostructures for the heteroepitaxial deposition of the II-VI semiconductor materials. It tests the hypothesis that an inert gas is able to induce a surfactant-like effect by kinetically disrupting adatom motion such that the thermodynamically preferred island growth mode is inhibited in favor of one that proceeds in a layer-by-layer manner. It investigates, through the use of analytical techniques and device fabrication, whether these growth modes give rise to superior material properties that are of relevance to photovoltaic applications.Non-technical: The project addresses basic research issues in a topical area of materials science with high technological relevance. The fundamental research, if successful, could help further development of thin-film photovoltaic materials for energy harvesting. Education and outreach activities, geared towards the implementation of engineering solutions that promote sustainability through the use of renewable energy and nanotechnologies, will provide society with engineers equipped with the knowledge, training, and social consciousness needed to realize a sustainable urban environment.