High Performance Photoswitches Using Carbon Nanotube - Si Heterojunctions for Optoelectronic Logic devices

本项目的目的是研究单壁碳纳米管-硅基异质结结构中的一种新颖的光响应行为。我们将采用实验和理论研究相结合的方法来理解这一现象的起源。利用这些架构，将开发用于光电晶体管、逻辑门和模数转换器等概念验证电路元件的高性能光电开关。拟议工作的智力价值在于揭示新观察到的现象的物理学，并克服工程挑战，使高性能设备的开发成为可能。新的机制，如多重激子的产生过程，以及碳纳米管-硅异质结的能带结构对载流子注入的影响，将被研究。了解这一新现象的起源及其在先进光电子体系结构中的应用是一项变革性的研究主题，它将结合纳米设备物理的实验和理论方面的专业知识，以及纳米材料组装和集成的开创性技术。该计划的更广泛影响包括为研究生、本科生和高中生提供引人入胜的教育和研究体验。接触最先进的材料合成、表征和器件制造方法，国际研究的可能性，以及低维系统的物理、化学、材料科学和电子学方面的教育，将为他们的学术和非学术职业生涯做好适当的准备。面向本科生、合作社和高中生的短期“教育研究”模块；面向年轻学者的研究生课程开发和教育模块；以及对少数群体参与的关注被协同整合到该计划中。

The objective of this program is to investigate a novel photoresponse behavior in single-wall carbon nanotube - silicon based heterojunction architectures. A combination of experimental and theoretical studies will be used to understand the origin of this phenomenon. Using these architectures, high-performance optoelectronic switches for proof-of-concept circuit elements such as phototransistors, logic gates, and analog-to-digital converters will be developed. The intellectual merit of the proposed work lies in unfolding the physics of the newly observed phenomenon, and overcoming the engineering challenges that will enable the development of high performance devices. The role of novel mechanisms such as the multiple exciton generation process, and the impact of band structure of carbon nanotubes-silicon heterojunctions on carrier injection will be investigated. Understanding the origin of this novel phenomenon and its application in advanced optoelectronic architectures comprise a transformative research thrust, which will combine expertise in experimental and theoretical aspects of the physics of nanoscale devices and pioneering techniques of nanoscale materials assembly and integration. The broader impacts of this program include compelling educational and research experiences for graduate, undergraduate and high-school students. A combination of exposure to state-of-the-art materials synthesis, characterization and device fabrication methods, a possibility of international research, and education in physics, chemistry, materials science and electronics of low-dimensional systems will appropriately prepare them for both academic and non-academic careers. Short-term "educational research" modules for undergraduates, co-ops, and high-school students; graduate curriculum development and educational modules for young scholars; and a focus on minority involvement are synergistically integrated into the program.