Descrizione del progetto
Verso l’optoelettronica a infrarossi efficiente, flessibile e a basso costo
I punti quantici colloidali sono un tipo di nanocristalli semiconduttori prodotto per via sintetica a partire da soluzioni. Grazie alle loro particolari proprietà elettroniche e ottiche, questi elementi hanno mostrato notevoli potenzialità per le applicazioni optoelettroniche. Rappresentano, ad esempio, una piattaforma versatile per il rilevamento ottico, l’imaging e la spettroscopia nella parte infrarossa corta e media dello spettro elettromagnetico. Tuttavia, la tecnologia delle sorgenti luminose a punti quantici si rivela ancora costosa, ingombrante e spesso composta da elementi chimici limitati. Il progetto NOMISS, finanziato dall’UE, cercherà di sviluppare una nuova classe di punti quantici processabili in soluzione utilizzando una serie più ampia di elementi. Sarà approfondito lo studio delle interazioni luce-materia per aumentare l’efficienza di emissione della luce nell’infrarosso, sperando di poter incorporare i nuovi punti quantici nei circuiti fotonici integrati.
Obiettivo
Printed opto-electronics based on solution processable colloidal semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) can make available a much-needed small footprint, low cost and flexible platform for optical sensing, imaging and spectroscopy in the technologically relevant short and mid-wave infrared (IR) spectrum (1.5 μm – 5 μm). However, while this revolution took place in the visible spectrum, and is happening at the side of detection for IR light, QD IR light source technology is currently expensive, lacking performance and is based on restricted chemical elements. Moreover, final device assemblies have large footprints, limiting their functionality in consumer devices requiring large scale deployment. In NOMISS, I will therefore explore a route towards ‘printable IR opto-electronics’ by developing a new class of solution-processable QDs based on non-restricted elements with efficient IR emission. I will study both their fundamental IR light-matter interactions, aimed at increasing light emission efficiency, and the possibility to incorporate them with small-footprint photonic integrated circuits (PICs). To this end, I will first extend the bottom-up chemical synthesis of tunable III-V In(As,Sb,P) QDs. Next, I will study their (non-)linear optical properties, using a novel ultrafast and broadband IR optical spectroscopy methodology, in particular focusing on the fundamental questions related to the QD’s organic/inorganic interface and how to optimize spontaneous & stimulated IR emission. Finally, I will develop a framework to combine these materals with silicon based PIC’s to realize cheap & small-footprint IR light sources, in particular optically pumped lasers. After NOMISS, the new cross-disciplinary and high-impact field of 'printable IR opto-electronics' will be available. To meet these high risk challenges, I will lead a multi-disciplinary team with experts in nanochemistry, nanophysics and nanophotonics engineering.
Campo scientifico
- natural sciencesphysical scienceselectromagnetism and electronicsoptoelectronics
- engineering and technologynanotechnologynano-materials
- natural scienceschemical sciencesinorganic chemistrymetalloids
- engineering and technologynanotechnologynanophotonics
- natural sciencesphysical sciencesopticsspectroscopy
Parole chiave
Programma(i)
- HORIZON.1.1 - European Research Council (ERC) Main Programme
Argomento(i)
Meccanismo di finanziamento
HORIZON-ERC - HORIZON ERC GrantsIstituzione ospitante
9000 Gent
Belgio