Nanoscale integration has the potential to revolutionize the way we live, in the same way that the development of the semiconductor-based integrated circuit (or computer “chip”) did. The development of the chip required the capability to integrate a large number of resistors, capacitors, diodes, and transistors on a single platform. Once developed, the chip enabled countless innovations. CINT envisions similarly transformational technologies will ultimately emerge from nanomaterials integration.
While nanoscale materials exhibit extraordinary physical, chemical, and/or biological properties, isolated or individual nanoscale materials are scientifically interesting, they rarely make a significant technological impact. Building blocks comprised of individual nanoscale materials are commonly integrated with other materials into architectures that amplify their properties (up-scaling) or lead to new ensemble behaviors (emergent phenomena). By surveying the integrated environments of greatest potential impact, and by developing our fundamental understanding of the principles that govern these integrated properties and behaviors, we can capitalize on the greatest potential for nanomaterials to have an enduring impact on scientific and technological innovations.
Understanding and controlling quantum effects of nanoscale materials and their integration into systems spanning multiple length scales.
Key integration science challenges include:
Developing and implementing world-leading capabilities to study the dynamic response of materials and nanosystems to mechanical, electrical, or other stimuli.
Key integration science challenges include:
Discovery, synthesis, and integration of optical nanomaterials; exploitation and characterization of emergent or collective electromagnetic and quantum optical phenomena, from nanophotonics and metamaterials to quantum coherence.
Key integration science challenges include:
Synthesis, assembly, and characterization of soft, biomolecular, and composite nanomaterials that display emergent functionality.
Key integration science challenges include:
Quantum materials possess tremendous potential to revolutionize many technologies that could impact our daily life. A few representative examples include: novel sensing platforms capable of detecting very small changes in magnetic fields with resolution beyond the classical limit; quantum photonic integrated circuits enabling eavesdrop-proof communication; ultrafast, energy-efficient magnetoelectric sensors; and, ultimately, a neuromorphic quantum computer capable of mimicking the human brain. CINT has been at the forefront of synthesis, fabrication, and integration of quantum materials as well as in probing and controlling their emergent phenomena for nearly a decade. In the coming years CINT will expand our research efforts into the following areas:
Structured hybrid materials can be engineered to have novel photonic properties that emerge only as a result of multi-material interactions and can also include pre-designed properties for novel photon generation and manipulation. CINT is advancing the understanding and application of these revolutionary hybrid systems by addressing the most significant open questions surrounding the control, integration, and enhancement of the photonic response of two classes of materials and their associated assemblies:
Soft and hybrid nanomaterials have had revolutionary impacts in fields ranging from energy storage and conversion to biomedicine. A few specific examples include: magnetic nanoparticles capable of detecting and treating cancer, functionalized, plasmonic nanoparticles for detection of Bacillus anthracis, and printable flexible electronics used in solar cells, organic LEDs, and health monitoring devices. CINT has been at the forefront of synthesis, assembly, characterization, and theory of soft nanomaterials and their integration into functional assemblies with desired emergent properties. In the coming years, CINT will expand these efforts with an emphasis on: