Biophotonics: Protein-Semiconductor Integrated Optoelectronics

Regents Of The University Of Michigan - Ann Arbor, Ann Arbor MI

Investigators

Abstract

0412387 Bhattacharya This proposal is concerned with the study of the basic photoresponse characteristics of the light-sensitive protein bacteriorhodopsin (BR) and its application to novel light switches and modulators using semiconductor-based photonic crystals. Genetic engineering and chemical modification of BR will be studied, to reduce the fall time in the protein photoresponse. The protein will be deposited on selected surfaces by electrophoretic deposition and other techniques. The response times, of ~ picoseconds, will be measured by a novel terahertz radiation detection scheme. BR-FET-VCSEL monolithically integrated bio-photoreceivers and phototransceiver arrays will be designed, fabricated and characterized. Utilizing the large electro-optic effect in BR, its application to novel all-optical light switches in semiconductor photonic crystals will be demonstrated.