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Sensors and Electron Devices Directorate Research Areas

Piezoelectric and Micromechanical Technology

 

Microdevice Technology

Advisor: M Dubey

Key words: microelectronics, micromechanics, optoelectronics, thin films, microcrystals, advanced materials, microsystems, MEMs, NEMS, Bio-MEMS

This program encompasses research and development of electronics and RF devices, sensors, and actuators including modeling, simulation, processing, fabrication, prototyping, testing and characterization, failure analysis, prognostics, and diagnostics. Innovative and cutting edge research and technology in Nano-electromechanical system (NEMS), Micro-electromechanical system (MEMS), Micro-optomechanical and Micro-optoelectromechanical devices, acousto-electronic MEMS, and Micro Power are areas of major interest. Critical technology for intelligent system development involve frontiers in science and research to emulate biological systems in order to understand fundamentals and underlying basic physical mechanisms and engineering, bio-informatics, and bio-MEMS.

ARL is also very enthusiastic about the inventions and development of Micro Autonomous Systems and Technologies including Micro- and submicron-scale sensors, processors, secure, sensitive, and reliable micro-communications hardware integrated with low but high density power sources. Technology and research in Nano-Micro Robotics, Robotic Swarms, Micro Unattended Ground Sensors, Unattended Air Vehicles, Micro- and submicron-scale propulsion systems with acceptable durability and stability, guidance and control algorithms including Artificial Intelligence for nearly-autonomous systems with ability to fly, loiter, and move on surfaces are of immense importance.

We are investigating a new radical technology for monolithic and heterogeneous integration of electronic, acoustic, mechanical, optical, chemical, and biological device elements and functions at nano/micrometer scales for smart adaptive, flexible, multifunctional sensor arrays and actuator platforms. Emerging enabling MEMS and NEMS Technology Research Applications, as well as Nano-biotechnology for advanced bio-electronic and bio-magnetic materials is also a top priority research task.

Specific areas of interest include MEMS Integrated Circuit, Application Specific MEMS-IC, System-On-a-Chip, System-On-a-Package, Radio-Frequency (RF) MEMS, RF Phase Shifters, Electronic Scanning Antenna, Micro/Nano Antenna, Micro-optic devices, and devices utilizing ferroelectric lead zirconate titanate (PZT), AlN and ZnO thin films. ARL is fully equipped with state-of-the-art deposition, etching and lithography equipment, and leading cutting edge research in thin-film of PZT, AlN, ZnO, and Refractory Metals, and operates a world class MEMS/NEMS sensors and actuators prototyping facility for bulk and surface micromachining of PZT, AlN, Si, GaAs, SiC, GaN, HTSC, and refractory materials. One of the most modern and advanced facilities and expertise are also available for advanced atomic-scale microanalysis of materials and devices, characterization of RF, acoustic, optical devices and materials.

Nanoelectronic Devices for Energy Harvesting Applications

Topic Title: Nanoelectronic Devices for Energy Harvesting Applications

Advisor: BM Nichols

Keywords: Energy harvesting, nanoelectronics, nanodevices, rectenna, nanostructures, electron beam lithography, uncooled infrared

This programs encompasses the research and development into materials and/or devices for energy harvesting applications.  Development of novel devices for energy harvesting of visible and infrared radiation is of particular interest and warrant 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.

Candidates should have a background in device physics, microelectronics/electrical engineering, chemical engineering, mechanical engineering or materials science.  Candidates will work in one of 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.  Potential candidates with experience in micro- and/or nanofabrication, electronic transport characterization, and RF device testing are considered extremely beneficial.  Candidates will utilize existing resources at ARL, including 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.

Direct Measurement of Magnetic Noise

Advisor: A Edelstein

Keywords: Magnetic

Often magnetic noise in metallic ferromagnets is measured indirectly by measuring the resistivity.  We are seeking a postdoc to investigate a novel, more general concept for using magnetic sensors to directly measure magnetic fluctuations in thin films and nanoparticles.  The sensors will be either spin valves or magnetic tunnel junctions.  The initial focus of the research will be on using thin film lithography and signal processing techniques to validate this new approach.  Once the method is developed, the initial application of the technique will be to make magnetic noise measurements near the Curie point of thin film ferromagnets.