Grant: Research Tools and Instruments

Whether it is Biology or Physics or Engineering, the importance of spectroscopy for academic research is well-known. It has been widely used for probing the interaction of reacting molecules and solid surfaces, the subtle energy bands/levels in quantum semiconductor structures, the optical properties of novel materials(emission, absorption, transmission and reflection) and the characteristics of photonic and optoelectronic devices. This award provides support for the acquisition of a flexible, multiple spectral range, time-domain,high-resolution Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR) for research and education in material and quantum device characterization. The FTIR system covers a wide spectral range from visible light to far-infrared (THz frequencyregion). It has high performance for all wavelength range and provides rapid scan (important for probing kinetic processes) and step scan (for time-resolved experiments) options. The proposed system is an indispensable tool for the applicants' ongoingresearch projects on terahertz quantum cascade lasers, mid-infrared (MIR)quantum cascade lasers,semiconductor polariton laser, micrometer sized light emitting diodes (LEDs), self-powered strain sensors, to name just a few. It will provide essential capabilities to our research on: 1) development and characterization ofTHz/MIR quantum cascade lasers; 2) investigation of internal dynamic processes of quantum semiconductorheterostructures; 3) exploration and characterization of novel materials and nanoelectronic devices. The system will significantly leverage our research efforts in developing high-performance semiconductor photonic/nanoelectronic materials and devicecomponents forimaging, communication, sensing, energy harvesting and spectroscopicapplications. In addition, the proposed system will help extend our research into new areas such as nanotechnology and biophotonics. Not only does the proposed FTIR system fit well to the most demanding research applications in ourphotonic/material research program, it is a great teaching tool for our graduate students and other HQP. The availability of this FTIR system will enrich the research and education opportunities, particularly in middle infrared, far-infrared/THz photonics, to our undergraduate and graduate students from the electrical engineering, computer engineering, and material science and engineering programs. This will, in due course, benefit the economy and welfare of Canada.