Nanowire-Based Functional Devices and Assemblies

The manipulation of optical energy in structures smaller than the wavelength of light is key to the development of integrated photonic devices for computing, communications and sensing. The goal of this multidisciplinary project is to develop the science and technology of a broad spectrum of 1-dimensional inorganic semiconducting nanostructures or nanowires for energy-related applications, particularly in the area of sub-wavelength photonic integration.  These nanostructures intrinsically provide the desired optical and electronic properties to generate, route and detect light on a fully integrated photonic circuitry.

All fundamental aspects of inorganic semiconductor nanowires are investigated:

• precise control of growth, composition, complexity and functionality
• properties, capabilities, applications
• hierarchical assembly and system integration of nanowires 

CURRENT PROJECTS     P. I.  Peidong Yang

• GaN and ZnO nanowire hetero- and homo-junctions and investigating doping/alloying and diffusion.
• Quantum efficiency studies on GaN and ZnO nanowires.
• Developing UV confocal optical microscopy for imaging nitride and oxide nanowires.
• Investigation of optical coupling and photonic characteristics of nanowire dimer and other assemblies.
• ZnO nanowire based LED
• White LED development based on InGaN nanowires.
• GaP/GaN nanowire heterostructures.
• Explore the nanowire coupling with plasmonics structures and even plasmonics cavities.
• Investigation of placing nanowire active medium in external optical cavity.
• Explore the concept of  nanowire evanescent wave sensing mechanism and using nanowire as nanorpobe for PH sensing  and cell imaging with high spatial resolution.