Nanomaterials for Infrared Silicon Photonics

Introduction

Printed opto-electronics based on solution-processable colloidal semiconductor quantum dots (QDs) can make available a much-needed small footprint, low cost, and flexible platform for optical sensing, imaging, and spectroscopy in the technologically relevant short and mid-wave infrared (IR) spectrum (1.5 µm - 5 µm).

Current Challenges

However, while this revolution took place in the visible spectrum, and is happening at the side of detection for IR light, QD IR light source technology is currently:

1. Expensive
2. Lacking performance
3. Based on restricted chemical elements

Moreover, final device assemblies have large footprints, limiting their functionality in consumer devices requiring large-scale deployment.

Project Goals

In NOMISS, I will therefore explore a route towards printable IR opto-electronics by developing a new class of solution-processable QDs based on non-restricted elements with efficient IR emission.

Research Focus

I will study both their fundamental IR light-matter interactions, aimed at increasing light emission efficiency, and the possibility to incorporate them with small-footprint photonic integrated circuits (PICs).

Methodology

To this end, I will:

1. Extend the bottom-up chemical synthesis of tunable III-V In(As,Sb,P) QDs.
2. Study their (non-)linear optical properties using a novel ultrafast and broadband IR optical spectroscopy methodology, focusing on:
   • Fundamental questions related to the QDs organic/inorganic interface
   • Optimization of spontaneous and stimulated IR emission

Integration with PICs

Finally, I will develop a framework to combine these materials with silicon-based PICs to realize cheap and small-footprint IR light sources, particularly optically pumped lasers.

Future Impact

After NOMISS, the new cross-disciplinary and high-impact field of 'printable IR opto-electronics' will be available.

Team Leadership

To meet these high-risk challenges, I will lead a multi-disciplinary team with experts in nanochemistry, nanophysics, and nanophotonics engineering.