NANOTECHNOLOGY
Current Research - Nanophotonics
Summary
The objective of this proposal is to explore the science and technology of nano-structural photonics for DP applications. Indeed, the enhanced functionality of nano photonic-devices hold great promises for applications, such as high-speed optical switching and high sensitivity chemical sensing.
The basic nano-photonics unit consists of nano-dots, nano-fibers and nano-structures. The nano-dot and fibers are for light-emission/amplification/detection and nano-structures for light manipulation and processing. In general, there are two distinct methods for building nano photonic devices. One is the so-called "top-to-down" approach that often involves semiconductor lithographic techniques. This approach is expensive and yet can produces large area structures with few defects. The other is the "bottom-up" approach, which typically relies on self-assembly or programmed assembly techniques. This method is cheaper, yet it's not as easy to build complicated devices over a large area and with little defects. It is also to be noted that a nano-photonic program must invest in nano-spectroscopy, as the device size is nano-meter in scale.
Under this proposal, the basic nano-units are examined, the two fabrication approaches explored and a new nano-spectroscopic tool built. Particularly, a new set of light-emitting nano-materials, methods for nano-assembling and templating nano-dots, and tools for nano-spectroscopy have all been developed. To enhance collaboration, a clear path for an integrated effort between Labs has also been implemented. Four research teams, with complimentary expertise, have been formed among the seven participating DOE labs. For the past year, three workshops were held at three separate locations (Los Alamos, Argonne and Ames) to facilitate interaction and formulate joint research projects. This effort has led to the creation of four joint research projects among the two thrusts that we proposed. In the "Nano-crystals and -fibers for an Enhanced Optical Functionality" thrust area, two projects entitled "Assembly of nano-clusters on silicon surfaces" and "polymer-based non-linear nano-photonics" are created. In the "Photonic Crystals and Optical Communications" thrust area, two projects are also created, entitled "nano-crystal quantum dots as active media for photonic crystal lasers and amplifiers" and "Fabrication and testing of nano-structures for photonic crystals". I believe this progress has set a solid foundation for achieving our end goals of high speed optical switching and an enhanced optical functionality.
Assembly of Nanoclusters on Silicon Surfaces
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Authors:L. Maya, K. A. Stevenson, G. Muralidharan, and T. G. Thundat E. A. Kenik, J. C. Wells
Center for Engineering Science Advanced Research
1Chemical Sciences Division, 2Life Sciences Division, 3Metals and Ceramics Division,
4Computer Science and Mathematics Division,
Oak Ridge National Laboratory
J. Hollingsworth and V. Klimov
Chemistry Division
Los Alamos National Laboratory
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