Periodic Reporting for period 2 - D-SPA (Diamond-based nanomaterials and nanostructures for advanced electronic and photonic applications)
Okres sprawozdawczy: 2019-04-01 do 2023-01-31
We have carried out a 4-year program of knowledge transfer and networking between the University of Leicester, UK (UoL), Cork Institute of Technology, Ireland (CIT), Catalan Institute of Nanoscience and Nanotechnology, Spain (ICN2), University of Birmingham, UK (UoB), Teer Coatings Ltd, UK (TCL), Zhejiang University of Technology, China (ZJUT), University of Science and Technology Beijing, China (USTB), and Oak Ridge National Laboratory, USA (ORNL). The objective of the proposed joint exchange programme aims to establish long-term stable research cooperation between the partners with complementary expertise and knowledge to develop diamond-based nanomaterials and nanostructures for advanced electronic and protonic applications (D-SPA), including growth of diamond films, fabrication of diamond nanostructures, development of diamond biomarkers, development of diamond power devices, and development of diamond-plasmon hybrid photonic devices.
The specific objectives of the D-SPA RISE project are the following:
i) To promote the cooperation between SMEs and Universities within Europe and cooperation of European with TC academic institutions;
ii) To develop diamond growth and doping protocol, focusing on single crystalline, polycrystalline,and nanocrystalline growth, using ion implantation as a doping method. Comparison studies will be carried out to explore the different growth facilities and mechanisms;
iii) To develop diamond-based biomarkers through surface functionalisation;
iv) To develop diamond power devices for harsh environments;
v) To develop diamond-plasmon hybrid photonic devices;
vi) To effectively manage the secondments so that added value is provided to the seconded staff; and to effectively disseminate the project objectives, progress and findings.
The specific objectives of the D-SPA RISE project are the following:
i) To promote the cooperation between SMEs and Universities within Europe and cooperation of European with TC academic institutions;
ii) To develop diamond growth and doping protocol, focusing on single crystalline, polycrystalline,and nanocrystalline growth, using ion implantation as a doping method. Comparison studies will be carried out to explore the different growth facilities and mechanisms;
iii) To develop diamond-based biomarkers through surface functionalisation;
iv) To develop diamond power devices for harsh environments;
v) To develop diamond-plasmon hybrid photonic devices;
vi) To effectively manage the secondments so that added value is provided to the seconded staff; and to effectively disseminate the project objectives, progress and findings.
Work Package 1 entails administrative, financial, and project management responsibilities. Leicester serves as the coordinator for the entire project and assumes the leadership role within WP1. Professor H. Ye, the Principal Investigator (PI), has adeptly ensured the efficient day-to-day management and coordination of the project. Additionally, Prof. Ye provides comprehensive managerial guidance to the consortium, acts as the designated consortium contact person, and interfaces with the EC regarding all contractual matters. This role has proven to be exceptionally demanding, particularly given the unexpected challenge posed by the pandemic occurring in the midst of the project.
Work Package 2 focuses on Diamond growth, and in the context of this work package, we have executed a series of impactful secondment activities. We have grown a series of diamond films with various grain size and thickmess and surface funtionality . The consortium members’ input proved invaluable in guiding the optimal structuring and execution of international collaborative endeavors, encompassing staff and student exchanges. The collaborative efforts between University of Leicester and its partners culminated in the successful cultivation of high-quality nanocrystalline diamond films, achieved through the innovative hot filament chemical vapor deposition method.
Work package 3 is on the topic of diamond biomarkers. University of Leicester’s collaboration with CIT and USTB has yielded comprehensive characterisation of the photoluminescence properties inherent to the diamond films. This intricate analysis holds pivotal significance in the context of subsequent biomarker applications. A series of samples were subjected to meticulous optical investigations, employing techniques including Raman spectroscopy, fluorescence imaging, and photoluminescence spectroscopy. The outcomes derived from these studies have unveiled intriguing luminescent phenomena within the diamond material. Importantly, these observations potentially serve as discriminative indicators, enabling the potential differentiation between naturally occurring and laboratory-crafted diamond gemstone.
Work Package 4 centers around the development of diamond-based power devices, employing cutting-edge patterning technologies like electron beam lithography and nanoimprint lithography. Notably, innovative Metal-Insulator-Semiconductor (MIS) diode and MISFET devices have been successfully fabricated, utilizing diamond as gate layers through conventional photolithography techniques. Comprehensive assessments of device performance and evaluations have been meticulously conducted, yielding detailed insights, resulting in a number of publications.
Work Package 5 revolves around the creation of diamond-plasmon hybrid photonic devices, with a set of key objectives: (1) achieving plasmonic metamaterials with exceptionally small mode volumes, surpassing deep subwavelength scales, (2) integrating diamond nanocrystals into the metamaterial architecture through self-assembly techniques; (3) thoroughly characterizing the spontaneous emission behaviors of NV centers within the nano-diamond crystals within these hybrid structures. The University of Birmingham has initiated preliminary investigations into the design of the meta-structure centered around diamond. The employment of high-quality diamond substrates stands as the foundation for subsequent nanostructure fabrication facilitated by electronic beam lithography and focused ion beam techniques. These nanostructures present formidable challenges in fabrication, with their optical properties fully assessed. The work in this domain remains highly intricate and demanding, reflecting our dedication to achieving significant progress.
Work Package 2 focuses on Diamond growth, and in the context of this work package, we have executed a series of impactful secondment activities. We have grown a series of diamond films with various grain size and thickmess and surface funtionality . The consortium members’ input proved invaluable in guiding the optimal structuring and execution of international collaborative endeavors, encompassing staff and student exchanges. The collaborative efforts between University of Leicester and its partners culminated in the successful cultivation of high-quality nanocrystalline diamond films, achieved through the innovative hot filament chemical vapor deposition method.
Work package 3 is on the topic of diamond biomarkers. University of Leicester’s collaboration with CIT and USTB has yielded comprehensive characterisation of the photoluminescence properties inherent to the diamond films. This intricate analysis holds pivotal significance in the context of subsequent biomarker applications. A series of samples were subjected to meticulous optical investigations, employing techniques including Raman spectroscopy, fluorescence imaging, and photoluminescence spectroscopy. The outcomes derived from these studies have unveiled intriguing luminescent phenomena within the diamond material. Importantly, these observations potentially serve as discriminative indicators, enabling the potential differentiation between naturally occurring and laboratory-crafted diamond gemstone.
Work Package 4 centers around the development of diamond-based power devices, employing cutting-edge patterning technologies like electron beam lithography and nanoimprint lithography. Notably, innovative Metal-Insulator-Semiconductor (MIS) diode and MISFET devices have been successfully fabricated, utilizing diamond as gate layers through conventional photolithography techniques. Comprehensive assessments of device performance and evaluations have been meticulously conducted, yielding detailed insights, resulting in a number of publications.
Work Package 5 revolves around the creation of diamond-plasmon hybrid photonic devices, with a set of key objectives: (1) achieving plasmonic metamaterials with exceptionally small mode volumes, surpassing deep subwavelength scales, (2) integrating diamond nanocrystals into the metamaterial architecture through self-assembly techniques; (3) thoroughly characterizing the spontaneous emission behaviors of NV centers within the nano-diamond crystals within these hybrid structures. The University of Birmingham has initiated preliminary investigations into the design of the meta-structure centered around diamond. The employment of high-quality diamond substrates stands as the foundation for subsequent nanostructure fabrication facilitated by electronic beam lithography and focused ion beam techniques. These nanostructures present formidable challenges in fabrication, with their optical properties fully assessed. The work in this domain remains highly intricate and demanding, reflecting our dedication to achieving significant progress.
The D-SPA consortium is poised to significantly enhance Europe's prowess in advanced photonic, sensing, and diamond technologies, solidifying the continent's leadership in the burgeoning realm of photonic device utilization across diverse applications. This collaborative effort will champion research and technical excellence, seizing emerging prospects through innovative methodologies for seamlessly integrating diamond into power and photonic devices. This approach will facilitate the harmonious evolution of technology and applications, thereby catalyzing Europe's journey towards a knowledge-centric society. By aligning with the strategic objectives outlined in Horizon 2020, this endeavor stands to propel industry transformation towards heightened value addition and sustainable development.
Therefore we envisage that the D-SPA project will substantially bolster Europe's prowess in cutting-edge wide bandgap semiconductor power devices and advanced photonic technologies. This, in turn, will elevate the competitiveness of European manufacturers specializing in photonics, optics, and coatings equipment, solidifying Europe's preeminence in the swiftly expanding domains of power electronics and photonics. By capitalizing on its existing leadership and prior investments in Research and Technological Development (RTD) within this scientific domain, Europe is poised to leverage the project's outcomes. The project's ambit extends to advancing the boundaries of knowledge within the core realm of photonics, amplifying Europe's dominion in this field. Strategic focus will be directed towards disseminating excellence and sharing results, thereby propelling the growth of the European photonics community and engendering a favourable impact.
Therefore we envisage that the D-SPA project will substantially bolster Europe's prowess in cutting-edge wide bandgap semiconductor power devices and advanced photonic technologies. This, in turn, will elevate the competitiveness of European manufacturers specializing in photonics, optics, and coatings equipment, solidifying Europe's preeminence in the swiftly expanding domains of power electronics and photonics. By capitalizing on its existing leadership and prior investments in Research and Technological Development (RTD) within this scientific domain, Europe is poised to leverage the project's outcomes. The project's ambit extends to advancing the boundaries of knowledge within the core realm of photonics, amplifying Europe's dominion in this field. Strategic focus will be directed towards disseminating excellence and sharing results, thereby propelling the growth of the European photonics community and engendering a favourable impact.