Optical Manipulation of Group III Atoms

Colorado State University, Fort Collins CO

Investigators

Abstract

In this project laser light forces will be used to directly focus gallium and indium atoms during the molecular beam epitaxy of III-V heterostructures. The ability to focus the Group III atoms is particularly interesting because they are the key building blocks of modern III-V semiconductor lasers. The optical method will provide unprecedented control in the location and size of the nanostructures. Thus, the work has the potential of revolutionizing nanofabrication at the system level, and will have significant impact on the field of optoelectronics and on the physics of heterostructures.