Carbon Material Growth, Characterization, and Device Fabrication

One of the carbon allotropes of interest is graphene because of its unique optical and electronic properties. Bilayer graphene unlike monolayer graphene has the potential to have the bandgap modified. To date the largest bandgap opening for bilayer graphene is 250meV, but was done locally (∼10um) with very large bias voltages. This work will present the use of straining films to apply wafer scale stress to sheets of bilayer graphene to modify the electrical properties of bilayer graphene. Using FTIR and raman spectroscopy a bandgap of ∼40meV was observed in large areas (∼100umx100um).;The use of transparent neural electrode arrays with ultra-flexibility and biocompatibility would provide an optimal platform for various applications, including optogenetics and neural imaging. The transparent electrodes allow for simultaneous observation of tissue response during optical or electrical stimulation. Graphene has transparency from UV to IR of over 90 % and is also biocompatible. Here we present a protocol for the fabrication of the transparent graphene neural electrode array and its operation for electrophysiology, fluorescent microscopy, optical coherence tomography (OCT), and optogenetics Next generation nuclear reactors will have temperature ramps and power densities that will exceed the capabilities of current thermocouples. Propose using single crystal boron doped diamond diode as a replacement for next generation reactor temperature sensing. Due to its large bangap the sensitivity of the device can be as high as mV/C allowing for detailed recording of quick temperature changes. In addition to the high sensitivity carbon and boron are two materials that are highly radiation resistant allowing reliable operation over large fluxes and durations. I will show the current progress on this project and the future plans for in-pile testing.;Replicating the human eye using conventional semiconductor materials and devices has been a goal of photodetector arrays for many years. Artificial eyes using silicon nanomembranes on flexible polyimide substrates have been demonstrated. The device in conjuncture with the collection setup and software allow for many of the unique capabilities of the human eye to be realized in a process that is compatible with current semiconductor tools and methods.