Semiconductor materials are inarguably some of the most important materials that enhance our quality of life. Characterization of the physical and chemical properties of these materials is necessary to continue the march towards better technologies.
We are investigating a variety of problems on semiconductor systems including developing methods to understand surface vibrations, functionalization of semiconductor surfaces and investigating the role of compound semiconductors.
Surface Vibrations
Surface infrared vibrational spectroscopy is one of the most powerful techniques for determining surface structure. When combined with quantum chemical calculations it is possible to make definitive assignments to many systems. We have developed a technique which combines fully periodic and cluster model calculations to give a simple, robust and inexpensive way to calculate surface vibrations.
Surface Reactivity
One promising route to novel devices is organic functionalization of semiconductor surfaces. It was discovered that molecules such as styrene grow along dimer rows on the Si(100)-2x1 surface via radical chain reaction. Thus far only the allyic mercaptan molecule has been found to grow across dimer rows. We are developing a mechanistic understanding of such growth reactions to propose new molecules that can be used to control such growth reactions and lead to nanopatterns on silicon surfaces.