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Materials Day 2006 - Posters

Electronic/Photonic Materials and Devices

• B06 - Synthesis of Laterally Aligned Carbon Nanotubes using Magnetic Bacteria
  N. Kumar, W. Curtis, J. Hahm
  Abstract: We report a straightforward method to produce multiwalled carbon nanotubes using magnetic nanoparticles of Magnetospirillium magnetotacticum as catalysts. Carbon nanotube growth on these nanoparticles resulted in multiwalled carbon nanotubes of an average diameter of 13 nm showing a narrow distribution in diameter. The magnetic character of the iron-containing catalysts was exploited to generate biased growth orientations of the multiwalled carbon nanotubes during their synthesis. This magnetic bacteria-based synthetic approach represents a step forward towards synthesis-directed assembly of carbon nanotubes which is needed for easy integration of these materials into nanoelectronic devices.
  
  
• C04 - Growth of High Purity Bulk Single Crystal 6H-SiC by Halide Chemical Vapor Deposition
  M. Fanton, D. W. Snyder, B. Weiland, R. Cavalero, W. J. Everson, E. J. Oslosky, R. D. Gamble, J. M. Redwing, M. Skowronski
  Abstract: Development of single crystal silicon carbide substrates is of interest for the development of next generation high power and high frequency devices for various military, aerospace, and telecommunication applications. A bulk growth process, termed halide chemical vapor deposition (HCVD), was developed to overcome many of the shortcomings of conventional SiC growth process. The HCVD process provides the ability to maintain a constant gas phase stoichiometry, or Si/C ratio throughout the growth process. Initial experimental work resulted in single crystal growth rates approaching 300 µm/hr. Impurity concentrations are on the order of 1.0e15 atoms/cm3 or lower for most trace elements. In addition, crystals with resistivities ranging from 10-1 to 1011 ohm-cm have been produced. These key data points suggest that the HCVD process has significant potential for industrial scale-up.
  
  
• C05 - Electro-Optic Materials and Technologies
  D. A. Scrymgeour, L. Tian, V. Gopalan
  Abstract: This poster will present a number of novel electro-optic and nonlinear optical device technologies for steering, dynamic focusing, frequency conversion, and beam shaping applications. They are based on controlling ferroelectric domains into diverse shapes and sizes to achieve and seamlessly integrate different functionalities on a single chip.
  
  
• C06 - Hybrid Semiconductor-Metal-Silica Fiber Based Metamaterials
  N. Baril, D. J. Won, B. Jackson, P. Sazio, J. Badding, V. Gopalan
  Abstract: We present unique metamaterial structures by filling extremely long lengths of micro-to-nano scale holes in photonic crystal fibers with semiconductors and metals. These create highly ordered nanowires in a fiber matrix for all-fiber optoelectronics.
  
  
• C07 - Ferroelectric Single Crystal Fibers for High Frequency Electrooptic Modulation and Optical Frequency Shift
  C. Huang, A. Bhalla, R. Guo
  Abstract: External modulation of laser in telecommunication is most effectively carried out using electrooptic single crystal waveguide. Besides the well-known LiNbO3, ferroelectric strontium barium niobate (SBN) crystals are attractive due to their high electrooptic coefficients and low half wave voltage. Their EO properties, typically obtained under low frequency electric field driving conditions, contain both primary and secondary contributions arising from electromechanical coupling. Single crystal fibers (SrBa)Nb2O6 and LiNbO3 grown by laser heated pedestal growth method are investigated to explore the frequency dispersion of electrooptic property both for mechanically stress-free crystals (low frequency) and at microwave driving frequency of 10GHz. Using a single piece of SBN crystal fiber under a moderate microwave field, the optical pulse can be uptuned/downtuned, squeezed/expended in the range of GHz, controlled by the relative position of optical pulse traversing the crystal fiber in a microwave cavity. The experimental configuration is of general significance in electrooptic property studies. The effective microwave photonic interactions demonstrated in ferroelectric SBN crystals provide a potential solution for the bandwidth definitions and wavelength tuning applications.
  
  
• C08 - IRIS (Infra-Red Imaging Sensors): an Engineering Research Center
  T. Kane
  Abstract: A great wealth of data awaits in both the Mid- and Far- IR using a new class of versatile imagers, which are not only multi-spectral, but demonstrate significantly higher resolution, and include active illumination. The IRIS center is poised to address the most novel, or "disruptive", of these newest technologies! The core team of Penn State, Duke, Georgia Tech, and Stanford will be joined by colleagues from Arizona State, Carnegie-Mellon, CREOL at UCF, Hampton, Howard, NCA&T, and a host of industrial collaborators, all of whom bring unique areas of strength to bear on this research. Infra-red imaging, enabled by the novel technology to be developed at the IRIS center, will open up scientific, industrial and educational doors. As an educational vehicle, the IRIS center will provide content, motivation, curriculum enhancement, and interactive capabilities to teachers and students alike.
  
  
• C09 - Integrated Dielectric Materials for Electronics
  M. Lanagan
  Abstract: Dielectric materials are essential for microwave and pulsed power components. The vision is to create new dielectric materials and integrate them into prototype structures with enhanced functionality. At low frequency, discrete structures with magnetic, dielectric and conductor materials are integrated into a single package. Electric fields are concentrated in capacitor elements and magnetic fields are concentrated in inductor elements. The performance and energy density of these discrete components are enhanced by using ferroelectric and ferromagnetic materials. At high frequency, periodic structures are engineered to exhibit properties that are not possible in single-phase materials or nature. These materials are known as artificial dielectric or metamaterials.
  
  URL: http://www.mri.psu.edu/directory/displayrecord/1364.asp
  
  
• C10 - Increased Efficiency of Dye Sensitized Solar Cells Through Light Manipulation
  N. M. Abrams, L. I. Halaoui, J. A. Mikulca, K. Holliday, G. D. Barber, T. E. Mallouk, V. H. Crespi
  Abstract: The mechanism of enhancing photocurrent efficiencies over typical dye-sensitized TiO2 solar cells (GrStzel cells) has been investigated by fabricating tandem cells and coupling TiO2 photonic crystals to standard GrStzel cells. The use of a bilayer structure leads to enhanced light harvesting in the incident to photon current efficiency through the localization of photons, Bragg diffraction, and multiple scattering. On a cost per watt basis, both the dye cell and the Si concentrator cell use relatively inexpensive components, and by combining them we exploit the best features of both. With no improvements over currently reported lowlight dye cell efficiencies or higher concentration ratios on Si devices, an overall efficiency of ~15% can be expected. An improved dye cell and higher concentration ratio Si devices without a higher Si cell temperature could yield >20% efficient systems.
  
  
• C11 - Planar Multiband Infrared Metallodielectric Photonic Crystals and Other Novel Photonic Materials
  T. S. Mayer, D. Werner, J. Bossard, R. Drupp, L. Li, X. Liang, J. Smith, Y. Tang
  Abstract: The design and fabrication of planar infrared filters is presented. Frequency Selective Surface (FSS) technology was optimized using a Genetic Algorithm (GA) to synthesize several Metallodielectric Photonic Crystals (MDPCs) that exhibit multiple strong stopbands at far-infrared wavelengths. All-dielectric FSS are optimized to produce stopbands in the far-IR. Planar left-handed metamaterials and reconfigurable concepts are also explored using FSS technology.
  
  
• C12 - Materials for Electronics and Optoelectronics: Metallizations, Semiconductors, and Nanowires
  S. E. Mohney
  Abstract: Research on the following families of materials for electronic and optoelectronic devices will be described: wide band gap semiconductors (SiC and group III nitrides), compound semiconductors, icosahedral boride semiconductors, semiconductor nanowires, and interconnect metallizations.
  
  
• D01 - Electronic Materials Synthesis and Characterization
  J. M. Redwing
  Abstract: The focus of our research is on the development of new processes, materials and structures using vapor phase synthesis techniques. Specific research that will be highlighted includes our work on semiconductor nanowire synthesis by vapor-liquid-solid growth, in-situ stress measurements during metalorganic chemical vapor deposition of group III-nitride thin films and hybrid physical-chemical vapor deposition of superconducting magnesium diboride thin films.
  
  
• D02 - Synthesis and Doping of Group IV Semiconductor Nanowires
  K. K. Lew, S. M. Dilts, L. Pan, Y. Wang, T.-T. Ho, T. S. Mayer, E. C. Dickey, J. M. Redwing
  Abstract: There is currently intense interest in one-dimensional nanostructures, such as nanotubes and nanowires. Vapor-liquid-solid (VLS) growth, which is one of the most common fabrication methods, has been used to produce single crystal semiconductor nanowires such as Si and Ge. The goal of this work is to develop a more fundamental understanding of VLS growth kinetics and intentional doping of Si and Ge nanowires. p-type and n-type Si nanowires will be fabricated via the addition of dopant gases such as B2H6, trimethylboron, and PH3 with SiH4 during growth. The study is then extended to fabricate SiGe alloy nanowires by mixing SiH4 and GeH4. Bandgap engineering in Si/SiGe heterostructures can lead to novel devices with improved performance compared to Si. Eventually, the central theme of this research is to provide a scientific knowledge base and foundation for the design of Si, Ge, and SiGe nanostructures that will be of importance in nanoscale device applications.
  
  
• D03 - Mist Deposition in Semiconductor Manufacturing and Beyond
  K. Chang, K. Shanmugasundaram, W. Mahoney, J. Ruzyllo
  Abstract: Liquid precursors are commonly used in semiconductor processing. To form a thin film liquid precursors are physically applied to the wafer surface and then solidified by thermal curing. Poster introduces mist deposition process as a method which may extend the use of liquid precursors in semiconductor manufacturing in those applications in which spin-on and spray processes will be of limited use. The method of mist deposition is independent of the size and shape of the substrate and in contrast to other physical liquid deposition methods allows selective deposition of the film. Principles of the method as well as properties of mist deposited films are explained and different mist deposition applications are considered based on experimental results. Applications other than in semiconductor manufacturing are also considered.
  
  URL: http://www.semi1source.com/notes/
  
  
• D04 - Engineered Dielectric Structures for Advanced High Frequency Applications
  E. Semouchkina, A. Baker, G. Semouchkin, M. Lanagan
  Abstract: We explore new ways to enhance functionality and reduce size of high-frequency components and devices by effecting wave processes in their circuitry through local integration diverse materials in the design. This research integrates fundamental study of electromagnetic wave interaction with non-uniform media, approbation of new ideas in engineering hybrid materials, and development of innovative devices vital for advanced wireless communication systems. In particular, novel miniature filters, antennas and periodic meta-material structures are being developed. Full wave electromagnetic simulations are used for the analysis and the design, and the Low Temperature Cofired Ceramics technology is employed for prototype fabrication.
  
  
  
• D05 - Overview of Crystal Growth at the Penn State EOC Materials Department
  M. Fanton, D. W. Snyder, W. J. Everson, T. E. Bogart, E. Frantz, O. Maksimov, V. D. Heydemann
  Abstract: The Penn State Electro-Optics Materials Department has developed a wide range of specialized capabilities for growth of bulk and thin-film crystal materials for electronic, optical and electro-optic device applications. These capabilities are used to execute both internal research projects as well as to support industrial entities in the Electro-Optics Alliance. This poster describes the techniques available and research programs currently underway in bulk and thin film crystal growth. Examples of bulk crystal growth techniques include physical vapor transport (PVT) for SiC, AlN and ZnS, halide chemical vapor deposition (HCVD) for SiC and AlN, Czochralski growth of oxide crystals for laser gain and optical window applications, and solid state recrystallization of IR window materials. Thin film crystal growth techniques include molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) of III-Nitrides and oxides, chemical vapor deposition of SiC, and chemical vapor deposition of AlN.
  
  
• D06 - Dielectric and Piezoelectric Films and Devices
  S. Trolier-McKinstry
  Abstract: The research group of Susan Trolier-McKinstry revolves around 3 thrusts: thin films dielectrisc and piezoelectrics, spectroscopic ellipsometry, and templated grain growth for orienting ceramics. The group both studies the fundamental mechanisms that control the magnitude of the piezoelectric coefficient in thin films and makes microelectromechanical systems utilizing materials such as lead zirconate titanate. Among the devices made are switches, accelerometers, pump actuators, and adaptive optics components. In dielectric films, the group concentrates on temperature stable dielectrics with permittivities in the range of 80 - 3000. In many cases, low processing temperatures are also emphasized. Spectroscopic ellipsometry is used as a nondestructive probe of interfacial reactions, especially at buried interfaces. Finally, templated grain growth is being explored as a means of preparing bulk piezoelectric ceramics with improved piezoelectric activity.
  
  
• D07 - Penn State's International Center for Actuators and Transducers (ICAT) Laboratory Commercializing Devices
  K. Uchino, M. L. Mulvihill
  Abstract: Micromechatronics is commercializing ICATÆs piezoelectric ultrasonic motors, high power transformers, energy harvesting devices. Ultrasonic motors, the size of a grain of rice exhibiting rotation speeds of 200 to 2000 rpm with torque ranging from 0.01 to 0.2 mNm have been demonstrated. Piezoelectric transformers have been designed that exhibit high electromechanical power density, no electromagnetic noise, higher efficiency that can be miniaturized and are easy to fabricate resulting in lower cost compared to electromagnetic transformers. A prototype 35W, 115VAC to 15VDC adaptor for a laptop computer application has been fabricated. The cymbal transducer has been shown to harvest electric energy more than 100 mW under dynamic noise vibrations such as automobile engine. The AMS micro-robots with 4 piezoelectric actuators and 4 electromagnets exhibit an inch-worm type motion. It can make rotation, translation to any direction and circular motion with 30 nm position resolution.
  
  URL: http://www.psu.edu/dept/ICAT/Home/ICAThomepage.htm
  
  
• D08 - Conjugated Polymers for Plastic Electronics
  J. Claude, K. Li, Z. Liang, Q. Wang
  Abstract: Organic electroactive materials are now being considered as the active materials in displays, electronic circuits, solar cells, chemical and biological sensors, actuators and lasers. We present our recent efforts on the synthesis, assembly and characterization of novel pi-conjugated polymers for electronic applications. New nonlithographic methods for the generation of conducting polymer micropattern on solid substrates have been developed. Conjugated polymer multilayer films with molecular-level controlled thickness and architecture have been produced for LEDs and photovoltaics.
  
  URL: http://www.matse.psu.edu/wang
  
  
• D09 - High Quality Epitaxial Films of MgB2 Superconductor for Basic Research and Applications
  A. V. Pogrebnyakov, Y. Cui, K. Chen, P. Orgiani, V. Ferrando, S. Raghavan, V. Vaithyanathan, X. X. Xi, J. M. Redwing, Q. Li, D. G. Schlom, Z.-K. Liu
  Abstract: The technique of hybrid physical-chemical vapor deposition (HPCVD) successfully solves materials issues of thin film growth of the 39 K MgB2 superconductor, such as the volatility of Mg and the chemical activity of both Mg and MgB2. Epitaxial MgB2 films fabricated by HPCVD are of high crystalline quality and have very low residual resistivity (0.26 µOhm.cm)and critical temperature (41 K) exceeding that of bulk samples. The development of this method includes the growth of multilayers of MgB2 with other insulating and conducting materials (AlN, MgO, TiB2, TiN), as well as lithographic process required for the application of MgB2 in Josephson devices and integrated circuits. Modification of MgB2 films by carbon doping to increase current carrying capacity in high magnetic fields and fabrication of C-doped MgB2 coated wires are the steps towards the high field applications of this superconductor material.
  
  URL: http://www.personal.psu.edu/faculty/x/x/xxx4/
  
  
• D11 - General Research Interest
  S. Yin, F. Wu, Y. Yang
  Abstract: Dr. Stuart Yin's group efforts are primarily focused on innovative optical/photonic devices and their applications to high speed communications, sensing, and biophotonics. Current major activities include: Ultra-fast all fiber tunable filter; High temperature harsh environment distributed sensing; High speed all optic switch; Multifunctional, temporal and spatially multiplexed confocal microscopy; Infrared and Raman imaging for biophotoics. Yin's group has been funded by a variety of government agencies ((such as DoD, DoE, NSF), industries (such as GE) and private foundations. Yin's group currently contains 8 Ph.D. students, 2 Master Students and 1 Postdoctoral researcher.
  
  
• D12 - Ultra-Fast, All-Fiber Tunable Filter Based on Long Period Grating
  S. Yin, K. Reichard, J. Lee, C. Hahn, S. H. Nam
  Abstract: Long period fiber gratings (LPGs) selectively couple energy from the core mode of a single mode fiber to forward propagating cladding modes. The wavelengths at which coupling occurs are a function of the grating period, fiber geometry, and the refractive indices of the core, cladding, and ambient. By reducing the cladding thickness, a single resonant wavelength can be achieved in the near infrared. The thin cladding also causes the resonant wavelength to become sensitive to changes in the ambient refractive index. An ultra-fast, all-fiber filter can be created by adding a second cladding layer made of electro-optic polymer to the thin cladding LPG. The resonant wavelength of the novel three-layer device can be tuned by applying an electric field across the polymer cladding. This filter can achieve tuning speeds in the nanosecond range, has low insertion loss, and narrow bandwidth. It is a cost effective and can be used in a variety of applications from communications to sensing.
  
  
• E01 - An Innovative NQDs Embedded STF Microcavity Resonator and Light Emitting Device
  J. Liou, D. Cui, J. Xu, A. Lakhtakia
  Abstract: An innovative narrow-bandwidth circularly-polarized light emitting device made with chiral structure microcavity is presented here. Nanocrystal quantum dots (NQDs) was characterized and fit as gain photoluminescence (PL) medium inside this light emitting device structure. The Laser Induced Forward Transfer (LIFT) technique was used for manufacuturing multi-color light emitting device array. In addition, sculptured thin film (STF) based polarization selection microcavity effect was studied and optimized for the NQDs PL spectrum and implemented into the device. Several potential applications are possible in the future.
  
  
• E02 - Novel Electroactive Materials and Tunable Photonic Devices
  Q. Chen, D. Jeong, Y. Wang, Q. M. Zhang, S. Yin, V. Gopalan, S. Trolier-McKinstry
  Abstract: Photonic crystals with large tunability are attractive for many important operations in optic communications. One challenge in achieving large tuning range by external fields is the small strain or refractive index change in the currently available electroactive materials. Recently, a first principle calculation predicted a large electro-optic effect in PVDF based polymers. Indeed, in P(VDF-TrFE-CFE) terpolymer in which a small amount of chlorinated termonoer is copolymerized with P(VDF-TrFE) to modify the phase stability and create nano-polar phases, a large E-O effect has been realized. Furthermore, the terpolymer also exhibits large electrostrictive strain. Utilizing the P(VDF-TrFE-CFE) terpolymer, a long period fiber grating is under investigation in which a refractive index change in the cladding can result in a large tuning. Photonic crystals with defects modes will be fabricated in which the large tuning available can produce switching in the guided modes.
  
  
• E03 - Soft Electronic Materials and Related Devices
  S. Zhang, C. Huang, B. Chu, B. Neese, K. Ren, Q. Wang, Q. M. Zhang
  Abstract: Making use of delocalized electron systems and molecular confomations, high dielectric constant polymers and nano-composites have been developed for various device applications such as artificial muscles, high efficiency capacitors, actuators and sensors, and microfludic devices for bio-chips. The microdevices based on these soft electroic materials can be fabrticated using teh inkjet microprinting technology.