Acquisition Of a Fourier-Transform Infrared Ellipsometer with Cryostat for Research and Education
Abstract
The National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year (FY) 2016 and the Department of Defense (DoD) Appropriations Act for 2016 allocated $28M to assist Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Minority-Serving Institutions (HBCU/MI). The program aims to (a) enhance research programs and capabilities in scientific and engineering disciplines critical to the national security functions of DoD; (b) enhance the capacity of HBCU/MI to participate in defense research programs and activities; and (c) increase the number of graduates, including underrepresented minorities, in fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) that are important to the defense mission. The FY 2016 DoD HBCU/MI Research and Education Program Broad Agency Announcement (BAA) solicited proposals from single investigators at HBCUs and MIs for the acquisition equipment and instrumentation in scientific areas important to one or more the three defense research offices, namely: Army Research Office (ARO); Office of Naval Research (ONR); and the Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR). All equipment/instrument grant awards made under this program will have a 12-month performance period. The PI requests funds for acquisition of a Fourier-transform infrared variable-angle ellipsometer. A commercial instrument will be customized to measure the complex refractive index from 2 to 40 µm at temperatures between 80 and 800 K, for bulk materials, thin epitaxial films, and nanostructures. Research: (1) Precise knowledge of the optical constants of infrared materials is required for infrared communication, sensing, and detector applications, including operation in extreme temperature environments. Important examples include the investigation of silicon-germanium-tin alloys and their band gaps as well as InAs/GaSb superlattices. (2) The infrared optical response is also related to lattice vibrations, free carriers (doping or metallic), and electronic effects (narrow-gap semiconductors). Therefore, another point of focus will be correlated complex oxides with d- and f-electrons, especially the relationship between the lattice dynamics and phase transitions (for example antiferromagnetic to paramagnetic, or metal-to-insulator). (3) The effective optical constants for 2D patterned nanostructures (metamaterials) will also be studied and related to the optical properties of the constituent materials. Instruction: Ellipsometry is a unique tool for teaching undergraduate students. Much of the research proposed here will be carried out by undergraduate students. The PI has an excellent track record of engaging undergraduate students in research, leading to journal articles and conference presentations. The department has instructional laboratory courses for seniors and graduate students, in which equipment is aging and must be upgraded. The instrument will also support a proposed interdisciplinary minor in nanotechnology and its instructional laboratory course. Proposed experiments include rocksalt lattice absorption (reststrahlen band), doping in semiconductors, direct band gaps in narrow-gap materials, and light scattering in metamaterials. STEM education and outreach: The PIÕs lab will be used for outreach in orientation programs, tours for K-12 students, and in departmental orientation for new students. Engagement of students will increase retention and graduation rates of underrepresented and high-risk students, enhancing the participation of natural-born US citizens in STEM jobs related to national security.
Document Details
- Document Type
- DoD Grant Award
- Publication Date
- Feb 06, 2017
- Source ID
- W911NF1610492
Entities
People
- Stefan Zollner
Organizations
- Army Contracting Command
- New Mexico State University
- Office of the Secretary of Defense