KSEF RDE: Nano-Electromechanical Interaction in NanoSemiconducting Structures

Nano-semiconducting structures, such as nanowires, nanobelts and nanoparticles have been gradually used in nanoelectronics and nanoelectromechanical systems. They represent a new paradigm that could have profound impact in biomedical, optoelectronic and military applications; and they provide fresh opportunities for the development of innovative smartnanodevices and nanostructures in such areas as materials and manufacturing, electronics, medicine and healthcare. Understanding electromechanical interaction in nano-semiconducting structures on the micro/nano scale is critical for successfully manufacturing innovative nanodevices which function reliably and for continuous growth of optoelectronics and biomedical industries. To date, very little is understood about physical properties of nano-semiconducting structures at the nanoscale. This makes it difficult to optimize structural design and to improve the performance and reliability of nanodevices and nanosystems. This project focuses on the characterization and modeling of the electromechanical interaction on the nanoscale in nano-semiconducting structures. The principal objectives are: 1) to characterize the size-dependence of the electromechanical interaction in ZnO and ZnS nanofilms and nanobelts, 2) to determine the characteristic thickness yielding electromechanical coupling in ZnO and ZnS nanofilms and nanobelts, 3) to model and quantify the electromechanical behavior of ZnO and ZnS nanofilms and nanobelts on the micro/nano scale, and 4) to build future workforce vital to Kentucky nanotechnology industry by training graduate students with both experimental and numerical simulation skills essential in the characterization and design of nanomaterials. This study ventures into an emerging research, which can produce the breakthroughs needed for the applications of nanoscale smart structures in biomedical engineering, optoelectronics and military. The research results will help the researchers at the University of Kentucky seek federal funding to establish a strong research program in the electromechanical characterization of lowdimensional semiconducting materials. Keywords: nanobelt, electromechanical coupling, piezoelectricity, atomic force microscopy, nanoindentation. 5