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DURINT Project:
R. M. Feenstra, Principal Investigator
The project consists for four work units:
GaN Epitaxy:
H. Morkoc, Senior Investigator
- grow epitaxial films of GaN on ps-SiC and ps-GaN using MBE (VCU)
and MOVPE (VCU, NRL). Vary growth temperature and deposition
parameters to achieve selective growth conditions (e.g. deposition on
GaN or AlN but not on SiC). Study the initial stages of growth to
evaluate the occurrence of nano-LEO processes in which the GaN
nucleates as 3-dimensional facetted islands and then grows laterally
resulting in a reduction of dislocation density in the material (CMU).
- deposit layers of GaN on nanoporous engineered GaN/AlN/SiC
substrates in such a way so as to form small GaN clusters. Co-deposit
Mn or some other magnetic ion, and perform analysis to determine the
concentration and electrical activity of the Mn in the GaN (VCU).
- perform theoretical computations of the magnetic coupling between
Mn atoms in a GaN host matrix. Evaluate the possibilities for
ferromagnetic, antiferromagnetic, or ferrimagnetic behavior of the
material (VCU).
SiC epitaxy:
S. Saddow, Senior Investigator
- grow epitaxial films of SiC on ps-SiC by CVD, investigating a
variety of growth conditions to optimize material quality (MSU).
- perform extensive characterization of the GaN and SiC films by XRD
(VCU, NRL, CMU) and TEM (SUNY-Albany); by low-temperature PL,
time-resolved PL, and FTIR (UPitt, WSU); Hall Effect, DLTS,
photoconductivity and thermally stimulated capacitance measurements
(AFRL, WSU, VCU).
Catalysis:
J. Wolan, Senior Investigator
- study the catalytic activity of nanoporous SiC/GaN-based systems by
depositing transition metals/metal oxides or metallic sulfides onto
the porous layers and performing FTIR spectroscopy in an
electrochemical cell, followed by surface analysis (USF).
- perform theoretical computations of the reaction of the reagent
molecules such as methane, methanol, and toluene with metal clusters
in order to determine geometry of the clusters before and after the
reaction, the reaction pathways, and the nature of chemisorption
(VCU).
Biotechnology and Fabrication:
W. J. Choyke, Senior Investigator
- fabricate porous SiC (ps-SiC) and (ps-GaN) layers, using a custom
designed photoelectrochemical etching apparatus which will also allow
patterning of the porous material (TDI, UPitt). Layers will be
supplied to other members of the research team for their applications.
- deposit hydroxyapatite (HA) and as tricalcium phosphate (TCP)
layers on ps-SiC using a sol-gel process, and evaluate the composition
and bonding strength of those layers (CMU).
- conduct tests of the growth of osteoblastic cells on HA-coated ps-SiC and other control substrates (CMU).
- evaluate the suitability of ps-SiC as semi-porous membranes to be
used in microdialysis. Membranes will be separated from the SiC
substrates, and bonded to Si MEMS test devices, using the Smart-Cut
process. Tests will be made of the permeability of the membranes and
the effect of varying the pore size. Results will be compared with
standard polymer membranes, particularly with regard to long term
fouling of the pores (CMU).
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