Broadband Optical Characterization of Semiconductors and Metal: Semiconductor Nanocomposites
Abstract
This instrumentation enhanced our characterization capabilities over the mid-infrared, far-infrared,THz, and sub-THz regions of the electromagnetic spectrum. Specifically, we received a Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometer/IR-microscope and associated accessories to probe theoptical properties of the nanostructured materials we prepare by molecular beam epitaxy and other synthesis techniques. The requested instrumentation has enabled us to (1) optically study structures emitting/absorbing >5 micrometer where our grating spectrometer systems become insensitive and (2) readily characterize patterned structures electrically and optically, greatly enhancing our device characterization capabilities. For example, these capabilities have enabled us to measure the absorption properties of emergent photodetector materials, such as AlInAsSb digital alloys grown on GaSb. The instrumentation has also enabled us to directly measure the plasmonic response of doped semiconductors and semimetallic rare earth monopnictides, as well as the optical resonances associated with buried dielectric structures. This has greatly enabled our work in the burgeoning fields of epitaxial plasmonics and high contrast photonics, which could enable the integration of plasmonic functionality into the heart of photonic devices. This tool has established manifold new research capabilities and has already been used by roughly a dozen researchers at UT-Austin, as well as several others from other leading research universities. These critical new capabilities (lifespan 15-20 years) have dramatically enhanced the PIs current, upcoming, and long-term research efforts sponsored by DoD, while providing hands-on experience characterizing new state-of-the-art materials/devices to a number of future scientists and engineers.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 31, 2016
- Accession Number
- AD1067191
Entities
People
- Seth R. Bank
Organizations
- University of Texas at Austin