Seed Research

Seed #1

Normal and superfluid atoms in optical lattices

John Ketterson, physics and astronomy
Brian Odom, physics and astronomy
Selim Shahriar, electical engineering and computer science

The research goal of this seed project is to explore the fundamental science and possible device applications of cold atoms and ions, which are "floating" on (i.e. assembled within or trapped on) a two-dimensional periodic blue-shifted "optical sea." Such systems can be viewed as an exciting new class of condensed matter systems. The lattices themselves will be generated by counter-propagating, and hence standing, evanescent plasmon-polariton waves at the free surface of a silver film. This film is deposited at the base of a pyramidal prism that is, in turn, excited by pairs of laser beams lying in orthogonal planes in the so-called Kretcshmann geometry. This work builds on experience gained through earlier participation in plasmonics-based efforts within NU-MRSEC.

Project Highlight:
Toward Nanoscale Quantum Simulators

Seed #2

"Nanoionic" crystals: rationalizing electrostatic self-assembly at the nanoscale

Bartosz Grzybowski, chemical and biological engineering
Monica Olvera de la Cruz, materials science and engineering

Materials composed of metal nanoparticles (NPs) functionalized/stabilized with self-assembled monolayers (SAMs) of charged ligands combine the electronic conductivity and optical addressability of the NP metal cores with ionic effects in and around the coating SAMs. This combination underlies such fascinating phenomena as photocurrent modulation and inverse photoconductance as well as a range of optical effects with uses in sensing and amplified detection. One of the most exciting avenues of research in this area is the self-assembly of charged NPs into ion-like superstructures. Interestingly, these "nanoionic" particles behave in ways very distinct from molecular ions. Understanding these "nanoionic" effects in quantitative details is the key objective of this Seed project. This collaboration offers a compelling synergy between experiment and theory and will ultimately lead to the development of algorithms and experimental protocols for the rational self-assembly of charged nanobuilding blocks into desired structures.

Project Highlight:
Attractive Interactions between Two Equally Charged Nanoparticles in Monovalent Salts wtih Different Ionic Size

Seed #3

Atomic-scale Imaging of Orgnanic/Inorganic Heterostructures: from Single Molecules to Devices

Derk Joester, materials science and engineering

Controlling nano-scale organic-inorganic interfaces is integral to properties and performance from biomaterials to emerging organic electronics. Quantitative imaging at atomic length scales is, however, highly challenging on account of the chemical complexity and hybrid nature of such interfaces. We have pioneered atom probe tomography (APT) for the imaging of biomineral nano-composites.1 Herein, we propose to leverage our experience in sample preparation, APT operation, and spectral interpretation to establish the scope of APT for the characterization of interfaces in emergent organic/inorganic hybrid materials from single nanoparticles to devices.