Modular Conjugated Polymers for Mid-Infrared Photonic Applications
Abstract
This project will develop the fundamental chemistry and new soft matter systemsenabling optical to electrical signal transduction of mid-infrared (>2 ?m) light, a fundamentalcapability which forms the foundation for industrial, scientific, energy, medical, and defenseapplications. The approach capitalizes on new technology, which affords systematic and precisecontrol of the properties of donor-acceptor (DA) conjugated polymers extending throughout themid-wavelength infrared (MWIR: 3-8 ?m). Narrow band gap conjugated polymers demonstratecomplex properties in the solid-state that are difficult to predict a priori from simple molecularstructure considerations. The ultimate functionality of these materials in IR optoelectronicapplications will require control over the frontier orbital energetics (separation, position, andalignment), ground state electronics, interchain arrangements, solid-state properties, and manyother molecular features with synthetic precision that has yet to be demonstrated. The objectivesof this research are to: 1) precisely control the electronic and structural properties of narrow bandgap DA copolymers; 2) generate materials with effective and controlled spectral coverage in theshort-wavelength IR (SWIR: 1.4–3 ?m) and extending into the MWIR; 3) investigate IR lightdetection, primarily in the 2-5 ?m region, using photodiode test structures; and 4) delineatestructure-function-property relationships for improving performance. Devices will be designed toachieve solution-processed polymer-based photodetectors that function in the IR by carefullytuning materials functionality, optimizing device architecture, and evaluating organic and hybridmaterials composites. We will also investigate the range, sensitivity, detectivity, dark resistance,and response speeds of new photoconductive materials with very narrow band gaps and comparethem to archetypal systems such as PbSe (1.5-5.2 ?m), and alloys of HgCdTe .
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Jul 28, 2017
- Source ID
- FA95501710261
Entities
People
- Jason D Azoulay
Organizations
- Air Force Office of Scientific Research
- United States Air Force
- University of Southern Mississippi