Search NASA⌕ Search

Engineering topics

Sood, A. K.

Publications and source records attributed to Sood, A. K..

X-ray-Based Techniques to Study the Nano–Bio Interface

X-ray-based analytics are routinely applied in many fields, including physics, chemistry, materials science, and engineering. The full potential of such techniques in the life sciences and medicine, however, has not yet been fully exploited. We highlight current and upcoming advances in this direction. We describe different X-ray-based methodologies (including those performed at synchrotron light sources and X-ray free-electron lasers) and their potentials for application to investigate the nano–bio interface. The discussion is predominantly guided by asking how such methods could better help to understand and to improve nanoparticle-based drug delivery, though the concepts also apply to nano–bio interactions in general. We discuss current limitations and how they might be overcome, particularly for future use in vivo.

77 NANOSCIENCE AND NANOTECHNOLOGY↗

Uncovering the Effects of Metal Contacts on Monolayer MoS 2

Metal contacts are a key limiter to the electronic performance of two-dimensional (2D) semiconductor devices. In this work, we present a comprehensive study of contact interfaces between seven metals (Y, Sc, Ag, Al, Ti, Au, Ni, with work functions from 3.1 to 5.2 eV) and monolayer MoS 2 grown by chemical vapor deposition. We evaporate thin metal films onto MoS 2 and study the interfaces by Raman spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and electrical characterization. We uncover that (1) ultrathin oxidized Al dopes MoS 2 n-type (>2 × 1012 cm –2 ) without degrading its mobility, (2) Ag, Au, and Ni deposition causes varying levels of damage to MoS 2 (e.g. broadening Raman E' peak from <3 to >6 cm –1 ), and (3) Ti, Sc, and Y react with MoS 2 . Reactive metals must be avoided in contacts to monolayer MoS 2 , but control studies reveal the reaction is mostly limited to the top layer of multilayer films. Finally, we find that (4) thin metals do not significantly strain MoS 2 , as confirmed by X-ray diffraction. These are important findings for metal contacts to MoS 2 and broadly applicable to many other 2D semiconductors.

2D materials↗

A mosaic infrared sensor for space astronomy, phase 3

Short wavelength (1 to 3 micron) HgCdTe mosaic detector arrays for space astronomy purposes were fabricated and studied. Honeywell will test and analyze these arrays at moderate temperatures (300-130K). Low temperature testing will be performed at the University of Hawaii. Short wavelength mosaic arrays were fabricated on three wafers and one array from each wafer was tested and analyzed. The p-type base carrier concentration on these wafers was an order of magnitude lower than typically used so far on this program (10 to the 14/cc as compared to 10 to the 15/cc). Tunneling currents are expected to decrease with this decrease in carrier concentration, resulting in improved performance at very low temperatures. The risk with such a low carrier concentration is that fixed charge in the surface passivating layer must be carefully controlled to prevent surface inversion layers.

Sood, A. K.↗

Moderate temperature detector development

P-side backside reflecting constant, photodiode characterization, and photodiode diffusion and G-R currents were investigated in an effort to develop an 8 m to 12 m infrared quantum detector using mercury cadmium telluride. Anodization, phosphorus implantation, and the graded band gap concept were approaches considered for backside formation. Variable thickness diodes were fabricated with a back surface anodic oxide to investigate the effect of this surface preparation on the diffusion limited zero bias impedance. A modeling technique was refined to thoroughly model diode characteristics. Values for the surface recombination velocity in the depletion region were obtained. These values were improved by implementing better surface damage removal techniques.

Marciniec, J. W.↗

Moderate temperature detector development

The development of (Hg, Cd)Te detectors for 8 to 12 micrometer wavelength regions capable of achieving significantly improved sensitivity at noncryogenic temperatures is discussed.

Sood, A. K.↗