Ordering/Lithography in Glasses/Alloys

Arizona State University, Scottsdale AZ

Investigators

Abstract

This project addresses fundamental atomic level characterization, alloy ordering, and direct-write lithography. These activities are relevant to superconducting, semiconducting and optical nanos-tructures. The lithography approach utilizes a direct-write, inorganic process which uses the high-energy, 0.5nm diameter beam of a scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM) to convert doped silicate glass films to nanostructures, such as nanorings. Silicon nanodots and nanowires may also be formed. Patterned Ge and Nb nanorings in silicate glass (about 20nm in diameter) have been demonstrated. Arrays of nanorings (of various elements) will be fabricated in silicate films on silicon nitride membranes, and their semiconducting, superconducting and optical prop-erties measured. Calculations of optical properties of nanorings are in collaboration with F. Gar-cia de Abajo. The project also addresses formation of Josephson arrays and weak link fabrication via STEM. The general intellectual merit of the project lies in prospects for understanding, char-acterizing and forming atomic structures within thin films by new means in order to obtain wanted novel properties. These include electrical currents which circulate forever, media with negative optical refractive index, semiconductor quantum nanorings for computing and improved intermetallic alloys. %%% The project addresses fundamental materials science research issues associated with electronic materials having technological relevance. An important feature of the project is the strong em-phasis on education, and the integration of research and education. The project includes support of students, a planned exhibit at the Arizona Science Museum, visits to elementary and high schools in a specially equipped minibus, and laboratory tours for high school students (http://www.asu.edu/clas/csss/csss/). ***