9730019 Risbud The goal of this project is to develop new synthesis science for III-V nitride nanoclusters applicable to quantum dot structures. The approach is to combine inspirations from the synthetic chemistry of block copolymers and precursors to nitride compounds to process nanocrystals of III-V nitride materials sequestered in polymeric matrices. Parallel investigations of the microscopic, optical and electronic properties of nitride quantum dots will be pursued. Transmission electron microscopy and electron diffraction will be employed to study the structure, size distribution, and defects of the quantum dots. Optical spectroscopies will be used to characterize the band gap of the quantum dots, quantum confinement, and- emission processes (photoluminescence and time resolved spectroscopy). The effects of synthesis parameters, defects, surface passivation, and impurities on the behavior of the III-V nitride quantum dots will be studied using these primary measurement and characterization methods. %%% The project addresses basic research issues in a topical area of materials science having high technological relevance. The research will contribute basic materials science knowledge at a fundamental level to important aspects of electronic/photonic devices. The basic knowledge and understanding gained from the research is expected to contribute to improving the performance and stability of advanced devices by providing a fundamental understanding and a basis for designing and producing improved materials, and materials combinations. An important feature of the program is the integration of research and education through the training of students in a fundamentally and technologically significant area.
