IRGs

The theme of IRG5 is to create and investigate the properties of new multiferroics, whose very existence (as multiferroics) is made possible by strain. Traditionally the search for new multiferroics involves identifying unstrained phases that exist within composition space. Adding strain vastly increases the dimensional space available to adjust the properties of multiferroics.

In IRG 4, Electromagnetic Nanostructures, we combine techniques for making composite materials with periodicity on the order of the wavelength of light with computational modeling tools to explore new physics and new applications. Highlights of this work include planar left-handed optical materials, holey fiber optical waveguides, inverse opal solar cells, field switchable optical fibers, and […]

The research themes of IRG3 focus on the electronic properties of confined systems. Ongoing projects include the study of superconducting and semiconducting nanowires, ferroelectric thin films and a new effort on graphene sheets. These activities are complemented by a synthetic effort in low dimensional nanostructures. This has been a productive year for this IRG with […]

The theme of this IRG is to understand and control of micro- and nanoscale movement. By investigating three classes of motors - catalytic, biological and synthetic - we are endeavoring to bring the study of dynamic nanoscale processes into the realm of engineering science and physics.

In IRG1, Chemically Advanced Nanolithography, we exploit self- and directed assembly and selective chemistry in combination with conventional and other nanolithography tools to push forward fabrication techniques of devices with dimensions on the order and larger than 10 nm. The two inter-related research themes of this IRG are molecular rulers and chemical patterning. The emphasis […]