[Under construction]2015 AFOSR MURIFoldable and Adaptive Two-Dimensional ElectronicsPO: Dr. Harold Weinstock, Quantum Electronic SolidsPI: Dr. Tomas PalaciosWebsite: TBD
Research Problem: The majority of electronic systems to date are based on planar fabrication technology. Further scaling of this technology is limited by lithography, interconnections and expensive 3D packaging. In the “Foldable and Adaptive Two-dimensional Electronics” (FATE) MURI, we propose a new integrated approach to electronic systems based on the controllable and scalable folding of smart membranes formed of two-dimensional (2D) materials and circuits. These collections of foldable, modular components will possess unprecedented performance density, adaptability and a transformative impact for many DoD applications.
Technical Approaches: The FATE MURI combines a team of world leading experts on nanomaterial origami and kirigami, the basic physics, growth, chemistry and nanotechnology of 2D materials, as well as on the design, fabrication and modeling of state-of-the-art electronic devices, circuits and systems. Our approach to demonstrate the potential of foldable 2D electronics to contribute to the DoD mission is based on four parallel and highly complementary thrusts: 1. Synthesis of 2D Materials; 2. Folding of 2D Materials; 3. Electronic Devices, Circuits and Systems; and 4. Molecular and Mechanical Modeling. To develop the proposed vision, the FATE MURI will drive the science and technology of 2D membranes systems, where we will leverage our world-class nanofabrication facilities and unique technical capabilities: i) chemical growth of high-quality large-area 2D materials; ii) state-of-the-art graphene and MoS2 CMOS technology; iii) DNA-assisted lithography and fabrication; iv) advanced surface functionalization of 2D materials; v) multi-scale simulation and modeling of electronic and mechanical properties; and vi) unsurpassed expertise in the system-level application of 2D materials to electronics and optoelectronic problems.
Anticipated Outcomes: Our efforts will allow a major advancement in the science and engineering of membrane electronics, including growth and characterization, development of scalable and controllable folding (and unfolding) membrane technologies, several system-level prototypes, and the computer aided design (CAD) tools needed to design, simulate and model these new systems. In addition, the funding will result in 12 PhD students with excellent multidisciplinary training in materials science and nanoelectronics. The frequent interaction with partner universities, industry and DoD labs, as well as with DoD contractors will produce well rounded students ready to assume leadership positions in academia, industry, and DoD.
Impact on DoD Capabilities: This project will establish a critical knowledge for the next generation of micro and nano systems. The technical impact of the program at the system level includes, among many others, flexible membrane circuits to increase the system reliability under operation in high-acceleration/vibration environments, reconfigurable antennas that can change their geometry to provide optimum impedance matching and beam forming capability, distributed chemical sensors, and ultra-scaled microsystems and artificial synthetic cells that can provide revolutionary capabilities in novel 3D circuit architectures. This project will be developed in close collaboration with key DoD contractors and the Army Research Laboratory to ensure an efficient technology transfer to DoD systems.