The Al Balushi Research Group focuses on electronic materials synthesis of thin films (compound semiconductors heterostructures, quantum materials, etc.) and nanostructures (2D materials, nanowires, quantum dots, etc.) using a variety of chemical vapor deposition (CVD) techniques. We are interested in creating novel scalable crystal growth, processing and integration schemes of emerging materials for microelectronics and photonic devices as well as emerging quantum technologies. In addition, our group focuses on developing novel in situ growth platforms as well as advancing the capabilities of in situ optical probes that will ultimately aid in the discovery of new materials and investigate their structures and properties for future device applications.
Crystal Growth and Epitaxy of Thin Films and Nanostructures
Epitaxial Wafer Scale Growth of 2D and Layered Materials and Heterostructures
We are interested in developing wafer-scale materials synthesis, doping and integration approaches for 2D and layered materials using scalable growth techniques, specifically chemical vapor deposition for emerging devices in microelectronics and quantum technologies. We are interested in semiconducting, magnetic, ferroelectric materials and 2D materials with non-trivial topology and their heterostructures. In addition, we are interested in developing low temperature synthesis approaches for unconventional surfaces and substrates using plasma enhanced processes as well as synthesizing and studying metastable 2D materials.
III-Vs: Thin Film Integration & New 2D Stabilized Ultrathin Structures
From quantum dots to thin films, group-III nitrides (AlN, GaN, and InN) are considered one of the most technologically important classes of materials since the discovery of silicon. They were key to the realization of efficient light emitters (visible and UV), robust high frequency power electronics and other disruptive technologies that now have become truly ubiquitous. In order to shape next generation technologies, innovative research must be undertaken to extend the properties of such materials beyond what is currently possible. This “extension” may be realized through integration with other materials and the development of extreme 2D forms of these materials, leading to massive changes in electronic bandstructure with as-yet unpredicted properties.
Development of In situ Platforms and Optical Probes
In situ metrology provides unprecedented access to the surface, interface and growth dynamics (nucleation, ripening events and etc.) and a detail portrait of the sample properties throughout the growth evolution without the need to interrupt the growth process for ex situ characterization. CVD growth chambers are harsh environments as a large volume of reducing gases are present at elevated temperatures. We use light not only to stimulate the growth process, but also to monitor and correlate synthesis processes in real time to elucidate the details of the mechanisms of growth, key reaction pathways and their limitations.
Light Stimulation During Chemical Synthesis
We have been developing finite element models to control the trajectory of soluble elements in viscus fluids to provide a novel and simple method for manipulation of supersaturated solutions used in chemical synthesis, with applications in 3D printing and nanomanufacturing. To direct these elements for confinement to heterointerfaces, we spatially control the thermo-capillary convective flow patterns with light via stokes drag forces arising from the Gibbs-Marangoni effect. To experimentally spatially control the convective flow patterns in liquids, we engineer surface tension gradients using heat transfer from tightly focused laser beams.