Structural properties of rare-earth doped wide bandgap semiconductor nanowires
EMSL Project ID
32090
Abstract
The proposed research aims to probe and understand structural properties of rare-earth doped wide bandgap semiconductor nanowires, specifically zinc oxide (ZnO) and gallium nitride (GaN) nanowires, using high-resolution transmission electron microscopy techniques. This project is part of the on-going efforts by the PI to achieve a fundamental understanding of optical and magnetic properties in these novel materials and how these properties can be controlled by the material dimension, surface conditions, electronic doping, and external electric fields. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) techniques will be used to study structural properties, specifically the bulk and the surface lattice characteristics of rare-earth doped nanowires. In this general user proposal (open call), the access to the JEOL 2010 high-resolution transmission electron microscope in the Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, with three two-day slots of the TEM time for every month, is requested. The high spatial resolution capabilities and the available electron diffraction modes, including nanometer beam electron diffraction and convergent beam electron diffraction, of this HRTEM facility are ideal for proposed studies.
The information obtained by HRTEM studies will provide the basis for understanding the optical and magnetic properties of rare-earth doped ZnO and GaN nanowires, which will enable an integrated control of optical and magnetic properties in a single nanoscale material system. With semiconductor nanowires emerging as one of the most powerful and versatile building blocks for future devices, this proposed research will contribute significantly to the realization of ultra-high-density and low energy-loss integrated electronic and photonic technologies as well as highly sensitive biological/chemical sensing applications.
Project Details
Project type
Exploratory Research
Start Date
2009-03-26
End Date
2010-03-28
Status
Closed
Released Data Link
Team
Principal Investigator
Team Members
Related Publications
Applied Physics Letters 95, 193111 (2009)