Nikolaus Dietz , Department of Physics & Astronomy @ GSU

Solid-State Molecular Sensor (SSMS) Development



The objective in this project is the design, material and device development of a new and unique integrated Solid-State Molecular Sensor (SSMS) system. SSMS systems are based on confined, birefringent, heterostructure technology. SSMS systems identify target CB molecules in real-time under ambient conditions. SSMS structures have the ability to detect and discriminate between numerous and varied molecular species. It does so by employing resonant phase- and/or amplitude sensitive detection over a large, tunable spectral range. The SSMS can be made sensitive to one specific group of molecules by setting up appropriated phase matching conditions. The SSMS response is unlike that of a linear waveguide sensor in two primary areas: change of frequency output, and intensity of the output light generated. Both signals are generated in a nonlinear second harmonic generation (SHG) process. This process is very sensitive to small changes in the phase matching conditions. The SSMS is a miniaturized technology. It is easily interfaced with existing Si and III-V compound electronic components. Applications include: quick and remote screening of air pollutants; recognition of CB hazards in the environment, monitoring of surface corrosion/etching processes; as well as bio-medical testing.
The unique physical principle of a SSMS device has been summarized in a recent SPIE newsroom article entitled

Solid state molecular sensor for detection of chemical and biological agents




The materials development is directed towards the growth and optimization of nearly lattice-matched II-IV-V2 chalcopyrite (CP) compound semiconductors on IV, III-V and II-VI substrates, with focus on the materials systems:
  1.         Zn(Ge1-xSix)P2,
  2.         Zn(Ge1-xSix)N2,   and
  3.         Zn(Ge1-xSix)As2,
      all of them highly suited for the SSMS system.

    Research Tasks: 


Review article
 

Chemical and biological sensors based on optically confined birefringent chalcopyrite heterostructures (PDF file: 900 KB)

Patents
 
"Chalcopyrite based nonlinear waveguided heterostructure devices and fabrication and operating methods", N. Dietz and K.J. Bachmann, filed Feb. 9, 1999, issued Aug. 27, 2002, US Patent Number 6,442,319.
[ PDF file (2.2 MB)].

"Optical confined birefringent Chalcopyrite heterostructure devices and operating methods", N. Dietz, F. L. Madarasz, and D. P. Krivoshik; filed Dec. 10, 2001 , issued Dec. 21, 2004, .US Patent Number 6,834,149.
[ PDF file (1.4 MB)].


    Industrial Interaction

    Collaborators (Theory):

    Collaborators (Experiment):






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Last update: Nov. 2006