Grant: Research Tools and Instruments - Category 1 (<$150,000)

The external performance of nanoelectronic and quantum optoelectronic devices such as quantum cascade lasers is governed by their inner workings - as described by the spatial profiles of electrons, holes and potentials. Without an experimental means of probing these inner distributions, the chief mechanisms responsible for sub par device performance remain speculative at best. This award provides essential support for the acquisition of a liquid-Helium temperature conductive atomic force microscope (AFM) for research and education in material and quantum device characterization. The AFM system will be a platform for various novel scanning probe microscopy (SPM) measurements at nanometer scales, such as scanning voltage microscopy, scanning differential spreading resistance microscopy and etc. It can be operated at both cryogenic temperatures (as low as 1.5 K) and room temperature and provides ultra-stable scans and very low noise level. It supports three operation modes: contact mode, non-contact mode and modulation mode, which makes it a very versatile and enabling tool for different research purposes. The proposed system is an indispensable tool for the applicant's research projects on terahertz quantum cascade lasers and nanoelectronics. It will provide essential capabilities to our research on: 1) development and characterization of THz quantum cascade lasers; 2) investigation of internal dynamic processes of quantum semiconductor heterostructures; 3) exploration and characterization of nano-materials and optoelectronic devices. It will significantly leverage our research efforts in developing high-performance semiconductor components for infrared and THz imaging, bio- and environmental sensing application. In addition, it will help extend our research into new areas such as nanotechnology and nanoelectronic devices. Not only does the proposed system fit the most demanding research application, it is a great teaching tool for our graduate students and other HQP. The availability of this SPM system will enrich the research and education opportunities to our undergraduate and graduate students from the engineering programs. This will, in due course, benefit the economy and welfare of Canada.