Development of Atomically Precise Nanoscale Graphitic Devices

Title: Development of Atomically Precise Nanoscale Graphitic DevicesObjective:The overarching goal of this project is the development of a bottom-up synthetic approach for creating integrated 2D devices with rationally designed electrical transport properties.Approach:This is a collaborative project between the PI (theory) Prof. An-Ping Li of UTK/ORNL (experiment). The proposed goal will be addressed through establishing one-to-one correspondence betweenthe experimental and theoretical efforts by directly fabricating a variety of graphene nanoribbons(GNRs) and GNR-based heterostructures, characterizing and calculating their multitude ofproperties, and testing of prototypical device architectures. SOW:Specific research tasks are as follows:1. Understand and control the electronic, magnetic, and transport properties of GNRs by exploring the effects of edge-states and structure, heteroatom substitutions, system width and length (~1nm~10~m scales), and functional groups on the electronic functionalitiesof precisely-synthesized, extended heterocyclic carbon structures;2. Integrate the optimally defined GNR devices into hybrid electronic circuits using a combination of bottom-up, top-down, directed and self-assembly techniques to understand the evolution of electronic properties as device size and complexity scales;3. Develop theoretical approaches to model and design the atomic, electronic, magnetic, and transport properties of GNRs, and hybrid compounds, including bandgap, interface transmission, transconductance, and transition frequency, compare the results of experiments and feed back design changes into the synthesis stage.Merit and Relevance:The success of this work will support a wide range of DoD applications by building a foundational understanding of graphitic devices, identifying the mechanisms for precision control of nanoscaleelectronic properties, and enabling the development of the next generation electronic, communications, and sensing devices, thus ensuring Information Technology Dominance of tomorrow~s armed forces.