Acquisition of an Ultrafast Near-Infrared Streak Camera Spectroscopic System for Materials Characterization and Education
Abstract
This proposal seeks funding to acquire a streak camera spectroscopic system for photoluminescence detection in the near-infrared (NIR) spectral range with 20 picosecond resolution. The system requested consists of a streak camera with InP/InGaAs photocathode, spectrometer, charge-coupled device video camera for the streak readout, and timing electronics unit. Additional funding is requested for optical and optomechanical components and fabrication services to integrate the new instrument with existing spectroscopic instrumentation at UCSB Optical Characterization Facility (OCF). The streak camera is capable of high-sensitivity time resolved detection of NIR light in the range 950-1700 nm which is relevant for characterization and development of novel low-bandgap materials used in panchromatic photovoltaic devices (solar cells), NIR light detectors, organic electronics components, and other areas of DoD interest. Because of the unique sensitivity, spectral range of detection, and temporal resolution it will significantly facilitate ongoing and proposed research efforts by allowing to implement spectroscopic techniques developed for the visible range of spectrum toward characterization of NIR-emitting materials. The camera will be employed in DoD-funded projects focused on development of novel optoelectronic materials and devices and development of biologically-active molecules for determination of singlet and triplet excited states life-times, studies of exciton kinetics and diffusion properties in solid materials formed from conjugated polymers and small molecules, investigation of charge carrier recombination effects, and other experiments that rely on the time-resolved detection of luminescence in the NIR range of spectrum.The streak camera will become a part of equipment at OCF, a user facility. It will be available to campus and external users on the pay-per-use basis, with user fees covering the cost of operation and maintenance. The camera will be the only such instrument in the USA available to public.As a part of the OCF, new optical characterization capabilities will also impart a broader educational impact in undergraduate and graduate laboratory courses. The PIs have developed graduate level lecture and laboratory courses with an emphasis on understanding the electronic and optical properties of organic semiconducting materials and devices. In addition to using this instrument for teaching and research, the instrument will be made available to high school,undergraduate, community college students, teachers, and teacher interns through several outreach programs at UCSB.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Aug 20, 2019
- Source ID
- N000141912527
Entities
People
- Rebecca Eggeman
Organizations
- Office of Naval Research
- United States Navy
- University of California, Santa Barbara