The University of Washington-led Center for Integration of Modern Optoelectronic Materials on Demand is expected to receive $22 million from the U.S. National Science Foundation over the next five years to continue research involving advanced optoelectronics and semiconductor materials.
Known as NSF IMOD, the center brings together researchers from 14 universities across the U.S.
It was originally established in 2021 as an NSF Science and Technology Center.
The new funding represents a second five-year period of support for the center.
NSF IMOD combines research across chemistry, physics, engineering, and materials science to develop materials capable of integrating light and electronics.
Potential applications include photorealistic virtual reality displays, quantum communications, semiconductor technology, and future photonic computing systems.
One major research focus involves quantum dots.
The center’s researchers have developed techniques for printing quantum dots and positioning them within specific cavities that could eventually be used in quantum communications and quantum computing systems.
The team intends to further develop the quantum dots and supporting structures during the next five years.
NSF IMOD also runs extensive education and workforce development programs.
Graduate students participate in interdisciplinary training spanning chemical synthesis, quantum mechanics, materials science, and advanced semiconductor technologies.
Students also gain industry experience through internships with companies and national laboratories.
Partners include UbiQD, Nanopattern Technologies, FOM Technologies, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Tandem PV, and Nanosys-Shoei Chemical.
During its first five years, NSF IMOD researchers published 140 papers, hosted 36 undergraduate students through its Research Experience for Undergraduates program, and conducted more than 85 outreach events.
The 14 participating institutions include the University of Washington, UC Berkeley, Columbia University, University of Chicago, Northwestern University, University of Pennsylvania, University of Maryland, Georgia Tech, University of Colorado Boulder, Arizona State University, Rice University, Lehigh University, City College of New York, and University of Maryland, Baltimore County.
KEY QUOTES:
“The point of this center is to tackle problems that are too big for one scientist or even two or three to tackle by themselves.”
David Ginger, Director of NSF IMOD and Professor of Chemistry at the University of Washington
“We’re really excited to see our students start taking important roles, and then eventually we hope they move into leadership roles in this space of commercializing new semiconductor materials.”
David Ginger, Director of NSF IMOD and Professor of Chemistry at the University of Washington
“Just as the atomic structure of a quantum dot produces unique and exciting properties, the exceptionally interdisciplinary structure of NSF IMOD is enabling foundational science and technological innovations that would not otherwise be possible.”
Birgit Schwenzer, Program Director in the NSF Directorate for Mathematical and Physical Sciences
