NSF East Asia and Pacific Summer Institute for FY 2012 in Japan

Sanehira Erin M, Seattle WA

Investigators

Abstract

This action funds Erin Sanehira of University of Washington to conduct a research project, entitled "Using self-assembly to fabricate a novel photonic signal transmission device," during the summer of 2012 at University of Tokyo in Tokyo, Japan. The host scientist is Professor Motoichi Ohtsu. The Intellectual Merit of the research project is that this technology utilizes a self-assembly technique to fabricate a nano-scale optical waveguide from cadmium-free, visible-wavelength emitting quantum dots. Photonic signal transmission has the potential to replace conventional electronics with smaller, more energy-efficient optical devices. By using optical near-field interactions to transmit signals, there are fewer propagation losses compared to alternative waveguide technology. The Broader Impacts of an EAPSI fellowship include providing the Fellow a first-hand research experience outside the U.S.; an introduction to the science, science policy, and scientific infrastructure of the respective location; and an orientation to the society, culture and language. These activities meet the NSF goal to educate for international collaborations early in the career of its scientists, engineers, and educators, thus ensuring a globally aware U.S. scientific workforce.