Search NASA⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search NASA

Results for “semiconductor nanostructures”

Search indexed NASA NTRS and DOE OSTI research on propulsion, heat transfer, battery materials and energy systems. Follow report and document links to the original sources.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 127 records · Page 7

Optimizing molecular light absorption in the strong coupling regime for solar energy harvesting

The strong coupling of optical absorbers (e.g., molecules or semiconductors) to confined photonic modes fundamentally alters the physical properties of the coupled system via the formation of hybrid light-matter states. One potential application of strong light-matter coupling relies on exploiting it to localize light-induced charge excitation processes to small volumes of material. Applications that would benefit from this localization include thin-film photovoltaics, photodetection, photocatalysis, and others, where the overall performance depends on the ability of a material to amplify light absorption (i.e., the formation of electron-hole pairs) within specific locations in space. This contribution investigates how strong light-matter coupling affects light absorption rates in molecular absorbers coupled to photonic nanostructures. Here, our results show that the molecular light absorption efficiencies are highest in configurations where the strongly coupled molecules interact directly with the incoming photon flux. We also identify a nonlinear dependence in the molecular absorption as a function of concentration, unique to the strongly coupled systems. Based on these results, we propose design principles for engineering nanostructured systems that allow for high efficiencies of charge carrier localization into strongly coupled absorbers.

14 SOLAR ENERGY↗

Resolving the Electron Plume within a Scanning Electron Microscope

Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), a century-old technique, is today a ubiquitous method of imaging the surface of nanostructures. However, most SEM detectors simply count the number of secondary electrons from a material of interest, and thereby overlook the rich material information contained within them. Here, by simple modifications to a standard SEM tool, we resolve the momentum and energy information on secondary electrons by directly imaging the electron plume generated by the electron beam of the SEM. Leveraging these spectroscopic imaging capabilities, our technique is able to image lateral electric fields across a prototypical silicon p–n junctions and to distinguish differently doped regions, even when buried beyond depths typically accessible by SEM. Intriguingly, the subsurface sensitivity of this technique reveals unexpectedly strong surface band bending within nominally passivated semiconductor structures, providing useful insights for complex layered component designs, in which interfacial dynamics dictate device operation. Further, these capabilities for noninvasive, multimodal probing of complicated electronic components are crucial in today’s electronic manufacturing but is largely inaccessible even with sophisticated techniques. These results show that seemingly simple SEM can be extended to probe complex and useful material properties.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Exploring the Structural Origins of Optically Efficient One-Dimensional Lead Halide Perovskite Nanostructures

Metal halide perovskites have excellent optoelectronic properties. This study aims to determine how the optoelectronic properties of a model perovskite, cesium lead bromide (CsPbBr3), change with length and thickness in one dimension (1D). By examining the photophysics of CsPbBr3 quantum dots (QDs), nanowires (NWs), and nanorods (NRs), we observe the influence of confinement, exciton diffusion, and trapping on their optical properties. Our findings reveal that exciton diffusion to trap states limits the photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) of 1D CsPbBr3 in the weakly confined regime (8-14 nm) and explains their long-lived exciton dynamics, while enhanced radiative rates contribute to achieving near-unity PLQY in the strongly confined regime (<7 nm). Consequently, blue-emitting, 2.4 nm-thick CsPbBr3 NRs were 3.6X more emissive than the conventional CsPbBr3 QDs. This study underscores how structural optimization can improve the optoelectronic performance of CsPbBr3 and provides insight into the complex interplay of radiative and nonradiative processes in 1D ionic semiconductors.

Oddo, Alexander M↗

Structure and magnetism in epitaxial Fe 1 + x VSb nanocomposite films

The combination of ferromagnetism and semiconducting behavior offers an avenue for realizing novel spintronics and spin-enhanced thermoelectrics. Here we demonstrate the synthesis of doped and nanocomposite half-Heusler Fe 1+x VSb films by molecular beam epitaxy. For dilute excess Fe (x < 0.1), we observe a decrease in the Hall electron concentration and no secondary phases in x-ray diffraction. Magnetotransport measurements suggest weak ferromagnetism that onsets at a temperature of T c ≈ 5 K. For higher Fe content (x > 0.1), ferromagnetic Fe nanostructures precipitate from the semiconducting FeVSb matrix. The Fe/FeVSb interfaces are epitaxial, as observed by transmission electron microscopy and x-ray diffraction. Further, magnetotransport measurements suggest proximity-induced magnetism in the FeVSb from the Fe/FeVSb interfaces, or superparamagnetically coupled Fe-rich clusters, at an onset temperature of T c ≈ 20 K.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Topological surface currents accessed through reversible hydrogenation of the three-dimensional bulk

Hydrogen, the smallest and most abundant element in nature, can be efficiently incorporated within a solid and drastically modify its electronic and structural state. In most semiconductors interstitial hydrogen binds to defects and is known to be amphoteric, namely it can act either as a donor (H + ) or an acceptor (H - ) of charge, nearly always counteracting the prevailing conductivity type. Here we demonstrate that hydrogenation resolves an outstanding challenge in chalcogenide classes of three-dimensional (3D) topological insulators and magnets — the control of intrinsic bulk conduction that denies access to quantum surface transport, imposing severe thickness limits on the bulk. With electrons donated by a reversible binding of H + ions to Te(Se) chalcogens, carrier densities are reduced by over 10 20 cm -3 , allowing tuning the Fermi level into the bulk bandgap to enter surface/edge current channels without altering carrier mobility or the bandstructure. The hydrogen-tuned topological nanostructures are stable at room temperature and tunable disregarding bulk size, opening a breadth of device platforms for harnessing emergent topological states.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Hopping crossover and high-temperature superspin glass behavior in Ni films deposited on MoS 2

Realizing the potential of MoS 2 and other two-dimensional semiconductors in spintronic devices requires a fundamental understanding of their interaction with ferromagnetic metals. We have investigated the transport and magnetic properties of thin Ni films grown on single-crystal MoS 2 substrates. The Ni is found to have a granular morphology with an average grain size of approximately 2 nm. Like previously investigated granular Ni/insulator composites below the percolation threshold, transport is found to proceed via hopping. However, our Ni/MoS 2 sample exhibits a dual crossover: activated hopping to 𝑇−1/2 variable-range hopping at a higher temperature and then a transition to power-law behavior at a lower temperature. The magnetoresistance was used as a novel probe for uncovering superspin-glass-like behavior above room temperature in the Ni/MoS 2 nanostructure, which also exhibits a collective ferromagnetic state at very low temperatures, reminiscent of superferromagnetism.

75 CONDENSED MATTER PHYSICS, SUPERCONDUCTIVITY AND↗

Ultrafast Carrier and Lattice Dynamics in Plasmonic Nanocrystalline Copper Sulfide Films

Excited carrier dynamics in plasmonic nanostructures determines many important optical properties such as nonlinear optical response and photocatalytic activity. Here it is shown that mesoscopic plasmonic covellite nanocrystals with low free-carrier concentration exhibit a much faster carrier relaxation than in traditional plasmonic materials. A nonequilibrium hot-carrier population thermalizes within first 20 fs after photoexcitation. A decreased thermalization time in nanocrystals compared to a bulk covellite is consistent with the reduced Coulomb screening in ultrathin films. The subsequent relaxation of thermalized, equilibrium electron gas is faster than in traditional plasmonic metals due to the lower carrier concentration and agrees well with that in a bulk covellite showing no evidence of quantum confinement or hot-hole trapping at the surface states. The excitation of coherent optical phonon modes in a covellite is also demonstrated, revealing coherent lattice dynamics in plasmonic materials, which until now was mainly limited to dielectrics, semiconductors, and semimetals. These findings show advantages of this new mesoscopic plasmonic material for active control of optical processes.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Morphological Modulation of TiO 2 Nanotube via Optimal Anodization Condition for Solar Water Oxidation

With the depletion of fossil fuels and the rising global demand for energy, photoelectrochemical (PEC) water splitting presents a promising solution to avert an energy crisis. Titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ), an n -type semiconductor, has gained popularity as a photoanode due to its remarkable PEC properties. Nevertheless, inherent challenges such as a wide band gap (~3.2 eV), charge recombination, and slow oxygen evolution reaction (OER) rates at the surface limit its practical application by constraining light absorption. To overcome these limitations, we have developed TiO 2 nanotubes (NTs) using a facile anodization method. This study examines the impact of anodization growth parameters on solar water oxidation performance. Specifically, TiO 2 NTs with modified anodization time (referred to as TiO 2 -6) showed a 3.5-fold increase in photocurrent density compared to the as-grown TiO 2 NTs. Furthermore, electrochemical analyses, such as electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), indicated a significant decrease in charge transfer resistance following the adjustment of on-off anodization time. Additionally, the TiO 2 -6 photoanode demonstrated a higher electrochemically active surface area (ECSA) than other samples. Therefore, optimal nanostructuring parameters are crucial for enhancing the PEC properties of TiO 2 NTs. Overall, our findings offer valuable insights for fabricating high-quality TiO 2 NTs photoanodes, contributing to developing efficient PEC systems for sustainable energy production.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Novel self-assembled two-dimensional layered oxide structure incorporated with Au nanoinclusions towards multifunctionalities

Two-dimensional (2D) layered oxides have recently attracted wide attention owing to the strong coupling among charges, spins, lattice, and strain, which allows great flexibility and opportunities in structure designs as well as multifunctionality exploration. In parallel, plasmonic hybrid nanostructures exhibit exotic localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) providing a broad range of applications in nanophotonic devices and sensors. A hybrid material platform combining the unique multifunctional 2D layered oxides and plasmonic nanostructures brings optical tuning into the new level. Here, a novel self-assembled Bi 2 MoO 6 (BMO) 2D layered oxide incorporated with plasmonic Au nanoinclusions has been demonstrated via one-step pulsed laser deposition (PLD) technique. Comprehensive microstructural characterizations, including scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM), differential phase contrast imaging (DPC), and STEM tomography, have demonstrated the high epitaxial quality and particle-in-matrix morphology of the BMO-Au nanocomposite film. DPC-STEM imaging clarifies the magnetic domain structures of BMO matrix. Three different BMO structures including layered supercell (LSC) and superlattices have been revealed which is attributed to the variable strain states throughout the BMO-Au film. Owing to the combination of plasmonic Au and layered structure of BMO, the nanocomposite film exhibits a typical LSPR in visible wavelength region and strong anisotropy in terms of its optical and ferromagnetic properties. This study opens a new avenue for developing novel 2D layered complex oxides incorporated with plasmonic metal or semiconductor phases showing great potential for applications in multifunctional nanoelectronics devices.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Alkali triel chalcogenide nanocrystals: a molecular reactivity approach to ternary phase selectivity

Alkali-metal-based materials are promising building blocks for energy conversion and storage technologies. Here, we use a molecular reactivity-based solution-phase approach to selectively synthesize multiple phases and specific polymorphs of lithium- and sodium-containing triel chalcogenide nanocrystals, LiTrCh 2 , NaTrCh 2 , and NaTr 3 Ch 5 , where Tr = Ga and In and Ch = S, Se, and Te. Analogous to the case of binary II–VI and III–V tetrahedral semiconductors, where the two commonly isolated zinc blende and wurtzite polymorphs are separated by only 1–50 meV f.u. −1 , we find that LiTrCh 2 nanocrystals easily adopt tetragonal (chalcopyrite) and orthorhombic polymorphs separated by only 2.7–6.2 meV f.u. −1 Because of this small energy difference, soft colloidal synthesis succeeds in accessing either one of these polymorphs, depending on the specific dichalcogenide precursor used. Highly reactive diethyl diselenide favors the thermodynamically more stable tetragonal I$\bar{4}2$d phase, whereas mildly reactive diphenyl diselenide favors the kinetic, metastable orthorhombic Pna2 1 phase. Density functional theory calculations confirm the relative energies among multiple LiTrCh 2 polymorphs and also model the observed powder X-ray diffraction pattern of a new C2 NaIn 3 Te 5 phase. 7 Li, 69 Ga, and 77 Se solid-state NMR spectra are consistent with phase-pure ternary LiGaSe 2 nanocrystals. A majority of the nanocrystal compositions are visible-light emitters. This work opens the door to new Li/Na-based ternary triel chalcogenide nanostructures for energy storage and conversion applications.

Pavel, Md Riad Sarkar [Iowa State Univ., Ames, IA ↗

CO 2 –Based Dual–Tone Resists for Electron Beam Lithography

The increasing global environmental and energy crisis has urgently motivated the advancement of sustainable materials. Significant effort has been focused on developing new materials to replace the fossil-based resists in the semiconductor industry based on greener sources such as ice, dry ice, small organic molecules, and proteins. Such resist materials, however, have yet to meet the stringent requirements of high sensitivity, high resolution, reliable repeatability, and good compatibility with the current protocols. To this end, CO 2 -based polycarbonates (CO 2 -PCs) obtained from the copolymerization of CO 2 and epoxides are demonstrated as sustainable dual-tone (positive & negative tone) resists for electron beam lithography. By adjusting the chemical structure, developing agent, and molecular weight, the CO 2 -PCs present high sensitivities to electron beam (1.3/120 μC cm -2 ), narrow critical dimensions (29/58 nm), and moderate line edge roughness (4.6/26.7 nm) for negative and positive resists, respectively. Here, a deep understanding of the exposure mechanism of CO 2 -PC resists is provided on the basis of the Fourier transform infrared, Raman, and electron ionization mass spectroscopy. 2D photonic crystal devices are fabricated using the negative and positive CO 2 -PC resists, respectively, and both devices show distinct colors derived from their well-defined nanostructures, indicating the great practical potential of CO 2 -derived electron beam resists.

nanofabrication↗

Novel In-situ Patterning Technique to Fabricate Single Quantum Dots for Quantum Photonics

Photon sources able to emit single or entangled photon pairs are key components in quantum information systems. Semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) are promising candidates due to their high efficiencies and ease of integration with other photonic or electronic components. State-of-the-art QDs, however, are limited to certain emission wavelengths and specific applications due to material choice constraints and their randomness in shape/size. This project is focused on developing a novel in-situ patterning technique to realize QDs with a broad emission range, shape/size control and the ability to emit single/entangled photons. Our approach has two key elements: (1) In-situ patterning via arsenic-induced nanovoid etching on antimonide surfaces and (2) In-filling of nanovoids to form QDs. By closely controlling the experimental conditions, it is shown that this technique can be used to realize III-V QDs in As 2 - etched nanovoids on a GaSb surface. The exposure to As 2 in terms of substrate temperature, time and flux is found to have a significant impact on the process variables such as nanovoid depth, QD dimensions etc. An in-depth analysis of the etch mechanism reveals that by controlling the As 2 exposure, uniform 3-dimensional nanostructures with varying areal densities can be obtained without an in-filling step. Preliminary optical characterization of these nanostructures shows that these QDs may be relevant for realizing emitters in the telecom wavelength range.

73 NUCLEAR PHYSICS AND RADIATION PHYSICS↗

Epitaxial Regrowth and Hole Shape Engineering for Photonic Crystal Surface Emitting Lasers (PCSELs)

In the present research, epitaxial regrowth by molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) is investigated as a fabrication process for void-semiconductor photonic crystal (PhC) surface emitting lasers (PCSELs). The PhC is patterned by electron beam lithography (EBL) and inductively coupled plasma (ICP) etch and is subsequently regrown by molecular beam epitaxy to embed a series of voids in bulk semiconductor. Experiments are conducted to investigate the effects of regrowth on air-hole morphology. The resulting voids have a distinct teardrop shape with the radius and depth of the etched hole playing a very critical role in the final regrown void’s dimensions. We demonstrate that specific hole diameters can encourage deposition to the bottom of the voids or to their sidewalls, allowing us to engineer the shape of the void more precisely as is required by the PCSEL design. A 980 nm InGaAs quantum well laser structure is optimized for low threshold lasing at the design wavelength and full device structures are patterned and regrown. An optically pumped PCSEL is demonstrated from this process.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Distinguishing Electron and Hole Dynamics in Functionalized CdSe/CdS Core/Shell Quantum Dots Using Complementary Ultrafast Spectroscopies and Kinetic Modeling

The evolution of excitation energy and photogenerated charges in semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) functionalized with molecular acceptors can be probed on ultrafast time scales using techniques such as transient absorption (TA) spectroscopy. However, historical interpretations that the 1S(e)-1S 3/2 (h) transition in Cd-chalcogenide QDs is fully attributable to electrons may be misleading, and multiexponential models used to fit TA kinetics do not correspond directly to specific photophysical processes. Here, we present visible-wavelength and mid-IR TA and time-resolved photoluminescence measurements to inform a comprehensive kinetic model of the photoexcited CdSe/CdS core/shell QDs functionalized with passivating oleic acid (OA), hole-accepting ferrocene, or electron-accepting naphthalene bisimide (NBI). We show that ~30% of the 1S signal and 72% of the IR signal can originate from holes in well-passivated core/shell QDs. We also demonstrate evidence of electron trapping in OA-capped core/shell QDs, with additional electron transfer and hole trapping in the QDs functionalized with NBI. Electron (hole) trapping and detrapping occur in 450 ± 100 ps (430 ± 70 ps) and 340 ± 100 ps (1.1 ± 0.4 ns) respectively, while the time constant for electron transfer to NBI is ~1.8 ns. The comprehensive picture of photophysical processes provided by the complementary ultrafast techniques and kinetic modeling can accelerate both the fundamental science and application development of nanostructured and molecular systems.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

Colloidal quantum dot lasers

We report semiconductor nanocrystals represent a promising class of solution-processable optical-gain media that can be manipulated via inexpensive, easily scalable colloidal techniques. Due to their extremely small sizes (typically <10 nm), their properties can be directly controlled via effects of quantum confinement; therefore, they are often termed colloidal quantum dots (CQDs). In addition to size-tunable emission wavelengths, CQDs offer other benefits for lasing applications, including low optical-gain thresholds and high temperature stability of lasing characteristics. Recent progress in understanding and practical control of processes impeding light amplification in CQDs has resulted in several breakthroughs, including the demonstration of optically pumped continuous-wave lasing, the realization of optical gain with direct current electrical injection and the development of dual-function electroluminescent devices that also operate as optically pumped lasers. The purpose of this Review is to assess the status of the field of CQD lasing and discuss the existing challenges and opportunities. A particular focus is on approaches for suppressing nonradiative Auger recombination, novel optical-gain concepts enabled by strong exciton-exciton interactions and controlled CQD charging, effects of nanocrystal form factors on light amplification and practical architectures for realizing electrically pumped CQD lasers. This overview suggests that the accumulated knowledge, along with the approaches developed for manipulating the optical-gain properties of colloidal nanostructures, perfectly position the CQD field for successfully addressing a long-standing challenge: the realization of CQD-based laser diodes. Colloidal quantum dots are promising materials for realizing versatile, wavelength-tunable, solution-processed lasers. This Review surveys recent advances in colloidal quantum dot lasing, provides an in-depth analysis of outstanding challenges and discusses a path forward to implementing technologically viable lasing devices.

36 MATERIALS SCIENCE↗

Impact of cobalt doping on structural and magnetic properties of zinc oxide nanocomposites synthesized by mechanical ball-milling method

A series of zinc oxide (ZnO) semiconductor nanocomposite samples doped with different concentrations of cobalt (Co) were successfully synthesized via simple and highly effective mechanical ball-milling method using suitable precursors. All doped nanocomposites crystallized in hexagonal wurtzite formation of ZnO. No alteration in the wurtzite structure, with no evidence of any segregated secondary phase(s) was detected with increasing doping concentrations. This result unambiguously verified the substitution of Zn 2+ sites by Co 2+ ions in the ZnO host lattice for different doping concentrations. Moreover, room temperature ferromagnetic behavior was observed in all doped nanocomposite samples in the reported work. Present study clearly shows that mechanical ball-milling is a facile, inexpensive, eco-friendly method to synthesize crystalline and magnetic Co doped ZnO nanocomposites for next generation spin-based devices.

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CH↗

The Atomic Drill Bit: Precision Controlled Atomic Fabrication of 2D Materials

The ability to deterministically fabricate nanoscale architectures with atomic precision is the central goal of nanotechnology, whereby highly localized changes in the atomic structure can be exploited to control device properties at their fundamental physical limit. Here, an automated, feedback-controlled atomic fabrication method is reported and the formation of 1D–2D heterostructures in MoS 2 is demonstrated through selective transformations along specific crystallographic orientations. The atomic-scale probe of an aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscope (STEM) is used, and the shape and symmetry of the scan pathway relative to the sample orientation are controlled. The focused and shaped electron beam is used to reliably create Mo 6 S 6 nanowire (MoS-NW) terminated metallic-semiconductor 1D–2D edge structures within a pristine MoS 2 monolayer with atomic precision. From these results, it is found that a triangular beam path aligned along the zig-zag sulfur terminated (ZZS) direction forms stable MoS-NW edge structures with the highest degree of fidelity without resulting in disordering of the surrounding MoS 2 monolayer. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations and ab initio molecular dynamic simulations (AIMD) are used to calculate the energetic barriers for the most stable atomic edge structures and atomic transformation pathways. These discoveries provide an automated method to improve understanding of atomic-scale transformations while opening a pathway toward more precise atomic-scale engineering of materials.

2D materials↗

Redox Couples Control Band Bending, Photovoltage, and Quasi-Fermi Levels in Tungsten Oxide (WO 3 ) Photoanodes

Tungsten oxide (WO 3 ) is a well-known photoanode and photocatalyst for photoelectrochemical (PEC) water oxidation. Because the compound has a deep valence band, it can facilitate the oxygen evolution reaction without added cocatalysts, and it can drive the oxidation of species with much higher electrochemical potentials, including the conversion of water to hydrogen peroxide, sulfate to persulfate, and iodate to meta-periodate. Here, we use the liquid vibrating Kelvin probe surface photovoltage (liquid VK-SPV) technique in combination with open circuit potential (OCP) and photoelectrochemical (PEC) scans to assess the possibility of reaching such oxidizing potentials in aqueous electrolytes and at open circuit. Here, this is done by mapping the quasi-Fermi levels of electrons and holes at the interfaces as a function of the light intensity. Nanostructured WO 3 photoelectrodes for this purpose were fabricated by thermal annealing of a tungstic acid solution on fluorine-doped tin oxide. Electrochemical measurements are conducted at open circuit and 400 nm LED light illumination in electrolytes containing fast (O 2 /H 2 O 2 ), slow (O 2 /H 2 O), and very oxidizing (NaIO 4 /NaIO 3 ) redox couples. Photovoltage values scale with the light intensity and with the built-in potential for each redox couple and reach values up to 0.61 V under 20 mW cm –2 illumination for the NaIO 4 electrolyte. This shows that the photoelectrodes behave like Schottky-type diodes whose maximum possible energy output is determined mainly by the built-in voltage of each junction. For slow redox couples, the quasi-Fermi level of the holes increases with light intensity due to hole accumulation at the WO 3 –liquid interface. For example, for the O 2 /H 2 O electrolyte, interfacial hole accumulation and removal occur on the 90–300 s time scale. For the fast hole acceptor H 2 O 2 , on the other hand, the quasi-Fermi level of the photoholes is pinned to the electrochemical potential of the O 2 /H 2 O 2 couple. This limits the energy conversion efficiency of the electrode. Overall, these results reveal the influence of charge transfer thermodynamics and kinetics on the photovoltage of WO 3 . Furthermore, the work further establishes VK-SPV as a contactless method to observe the photovoltage, carrier dynamics, and quasi-Fermi levels of semiconductor-liquid junctions.

Electrodes↗