The fields of telecommunications and optoelectronics are under constant pressure to shrink devices and reduce power consumption. Micro-scale photonic and plasmonic structures can trap light and enhance the brightness of active emitters; thus, these types of structures are promising avenues to accomplishing the goals of miniaturization and efficiency. A deeper understanding of specific structures is important in order to gauge their suitability for specific applications. In this dissertation, two types of microstructures are explored: one-dimensional silicon photonic crystals and self-assembled indium islands. This dissertation will provide novel characterization of these structures and a description of how to utilize or compensate for the observed features.
A photonic crystal can act as a tiny resonator for certain wavelengths, making it a promising structure for applications that require extremely small lasers. However, because of silicon’s indirect bandgap, a silicon photonic crystal cavity would require the addition of an active emitter to function as a light source. Attempts to incorporate erbium into these cavities, and the observation of an unusual coupling phenomenon, will be discussed.
Self-assembled indium islands are plasmonic structures that can be grown via molecular beam epitaxy. In theory, these islands should be pure indium nanoantennas on top of a smooth gallium arsenide substrate. In practice, the component materials are less segregated than predicted, giving rise to unexpected hollow dome shapes and a sub-surface indium layer. Although these features were not an intended result of indium island growth, they provide information regarding the island formation process and potentially contribute additional applications.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:arizona.edu/oai:arizona.openrepository.com:10150/625672 |
| Date | January 2017 |
| Creators | Sears, Jasmine Soria, Sears, Jasmine Soria |
| Contributors | McLeod, Euan, McLeod, Euan, Kolesik, Miroslav, Norwood, Robert |
| Publisher | The University of Arizona. |
| Source Sets | University of Arizona |
| Language | en_US |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | text, Electronic Dissertation |
| Rights | Copyright © is held by the author. Digital access to this material is made possible by the University Libraries, University of Arizona. Further transmission, reproduction or presentation (such as public display or performance) of protected items is prohibited except with permission of the author. |
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