Synthesis and Application of Germanium nanocrystal in silicon oxide matrix

Prof.Wee Kiong Choi

Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering

National University of Singapore

Abstract

The talk will be divided into two parts:

(1) Synthesis of Germanium nanocrystals in a silicon oxide matrix and

(2) Germanium nanocrystal charge storage devices

In part (1), we will discuss results for Ge diffusion and nanocrystal formation in thick co-sputtered Ge plus silicon oxide films and the growth and evolution of Ge nanocrystals in thin co-sputtered Ge plus silicon oxide films. Through this, the basic mechanism of Ge nanocrystal formation is identified to be due to the reduction of Ge suboxides by Si atoms diffused from the Si substrate. The growth mechanism for the nanocrystals was found to agree with that predicted by the theory of diffusive decomposition of super saturated solid solution.

In part (2), we present results for memory devices fabricated using Ge nanocrystals embedded in the silicon oxide matrix. The optimization of device structure for memory performance will be discussed.

SMA Talk

 Opportunities in the Program for Advanced Materials for Micro- and Nano-Systems of the Singapore-MIT Alliance

Wee-Kiong Choi (Co-Chair, National University of Singapore) and

Carl V. Thompson (Co-Chair, Massachusetts In statute of Technology)

       New materials are being inserted into integrated circuit technology at an unprecedented rate, as a materials substitution paradigm emerges to compliment the scaling paradigm that has so far driven the evolution of micro-systems.  Also, at the nano-scale, fundamentally new materials with remarkable properties have been discovered, as well as fundamentally new assembly methods for fabrication of nano-systems for electronic, electromechanical, chemical, magnetic, photonic and biomedical applications.  These developments provide exciting career opportunities for students with the appropriate education and experiences, that cut across traditional disciplinary boundaries.

       The program for Advanced Materials for Micro- and Nano-Systems in the Singapore-MIT Alliance was developed to provide the education and experiences that prepare students for these new career opportunities, which range from academic to entrepreneurial. Full scholarships are provided for all aspects of the program, including travel and extended stays at MIT (for at least 1, and up to 3 semesters).  Dual masters degrees from the National University of Singapore (NUS) and MIT are offered, focusing on science, technology, and technology assessment and including industrial attachments that provide real world experience and placement opportunities. PhDs are offered based on collaborations between MIT, NUS and the Nanyang Technological University (NTU), as well as research institutes focused on materials, microelectronics, and data storage research.

       Please come meet us to hear more about this program, and to learn about admissions processes and considerations.