Sensors and Electron Devices Directorate Research Areas

Nanoelectronic Devices for Energy Harvesting Applications

Advisor: Nichols, Barbara M.  (Barbara.nichols@us.army.mil    301-394-0602)
Keywords: Energy harvesting; Nanoelectronics; Nanodevices; Rectenna; Nanostructures; Electron beam lithography; uncooled infrared

This program encompasses the research and development into materials and/or devices for energy harvesting applications. The development of novel devices for energy harvesting of visible and infrared radiation is of particular interest and warrants the use of nanoscale materials and/or nanotechnology fabrication techniques. The program aims to model, fabricate, and test various nanoelectronic devices, including but not limited to nano-rectennas.
Research will focus on the following areas: (1) design, fabrication, and electrical testing of nanostructure-based (e.g., nanotubes, nanowires, nanorods) devices and (2) device design, modeling, and fabrication of nano-rectenna energy harvesting devices. Materials characterization and synthesis techniques, such as scanning probe microscopy, Raman spectroscopy, chemical vapor deposition, and electrochemical deposition/etching may also be used in this research. Experience in micro- and/or nanofabrication, electronic transport characterization, and RF device testing are considered extremely beneficial. ARL resources include a class 10/100 cleanroom with e-beam lithography, dry etching and physical vapor deposition tools, cryogenic nanomanipulation/probing capabilities, semiconductor characterization, and high frequency testing equipment.