Group IV Quantum Dots for Integrated Photonics
Abstract
The proposed research aims to develop materials for a new type of telecommunications technology called integrated photonics. Integrated photonics uses light to transfer data on a chip instead of electricity, improving the speed and energy efficiency of telecommunications. The improved energy efficiency means that the chips will produce less heat during operation, allowing for less thermal management and more compact and lightweight design. We will use small (approximately 1 – 10 nm in diameter) Si-Ge-Sn alloy crystallites (“quantum dots”) which have unique and unusual properties due to quantum-size effects. Examples of such properties include increased light absorption and light emission, and optical properties that can be tuned by changing the particle size. These materials address key challenges which have thus far prevented the development of integrated photonics; for example, they can be easily scaled to large-area wafers, are comprised of elements that are compatible with existing chip-manufacturing processes, and efficiently absorb and emit light at telecommunications wavelengths (around 1200 – 1700 nm). Success in this research will enable telecommunications technologies that provide higher data transfer rates while using less energy than today’s state-of-the-art technology. This will improve several Air Force capabilities, such as airborne and space surveillance, communication, and computational capabilities.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- May 02, 2017
- Source ID
- FA95501710170
Entities
People
- Matthew G. Panthani
Organizations
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research
- Iowa State University
- United States Air Force