Technical: This project strives for deeper understanding of fundamental synthesis/processing and properties of nanowires. The research includes a new synthesis/processing method permitting single, polycrystalline nanowires composed of CdS, CdSe, and ZnSe to be formed via electrodeposition. The approach includes fabrication of transistors and photoconductive detectors from single nanowires on insulating SiO2 and glass. The nanowire fabrication method, called Lithographically Patterned Nanowire Electrodeposition (LPNE), is expected to allow nanowires to be patterned onto these surfaces using optical lithography. Important factors to be studied are nanowire size, composition, and grain size.
The project addresses basic research issues in a topical area of electronic/photonic materials science with high technological relevance. The interdisciplinary nature of the research encompassing nanofabrication, surface chemistry, electrochemistry, spectroscopy, solid-state physics, and electronics, with the complementarity and interdependence of the research tasks, provides exceptional educational opportunities for graduate and undergraduate students. Additionally, local high school students will be assimilated into these research activities.
