SPIN ELECTRONICS, MOLECULAR ELECTRONICS, AND ORGANIC ELECTRONICS
2003 SBIR/STTR TOPIC M
NATIONAL SCIENCE FOUNDATION (NSF),  ELECTRONICS (EL)

M. Spin Electronics, Molecular Electronics, and Organic Electronics

Proposals are solicited in spin electronics, molecular electronics and organic electronics.

In spin electronics areas of interest include theoretical and experimental engineering aspects of spin dynamics and transport including polarization, coupling, relaxation, injection, coherence, propagation, accumulation, dimensionality, manipulation, scattering and tunneling.  Fundamental relationships among electronic, magnetic, optical and structural properties in ferromagnetic and diluted magnetic semiconductors, metallic multi-layers and hybrid structures are invited.  This includes growth and processing of novel structures to extend the range of material choices for device designers, including processing and up-scaling synthesis techniques for materials and structures, and spin polarization approaching 100% at room temperature.

Novel devices and systems concepts include simulation and architectures in spin transport devices, spin quantum and coherent devices, GMR sensors and detectors, magneto-acoustic and magneto-strictive devices, MRAM, highly polarized spin sources and detectors, and integration of large scale functional devices and systems are highly encouraged. Futuristic applications include spin phenomena encompassing multi-state and re-configurable logic, and integration of spin electronics with photonics and quantum computing.

Proposals in molecular electronics that seek to use individual molecules to perform functions in electronic circuitry are of interest.  Applications include gene-manipulated molecules for information processing, holographic techniques to create three-dimensional data storage and semiconductor switches to perform computational functions. Research on properties of molecular electronic devices, single molecular devices using light fields, and single-electron devices is solicited. 

Proposals in "organic electronics" to improve the semiconducting, conducting, and light-emitting properties of organics (polymers, oligomers) and hybrids (organic–inorganic composites) through novel synthesis and self-assembly techniques are of interest. Performance improvements, coupled with the ability to fabricate "active" materials over large areas at low temperatures is encouraged

Although much of the pioneering force in microelectronics manufacturing derives from the U.S. industry, trends appear strongly entrenched for offshore movement of production operations to sites of abundant, low-wage labor.  The following topics focus on new fabrication and assembly technologies to buttress U.S. competitiveness in domestic microelectronics production.

These technologies are sought in three research subtopics, which cluster in related manufacturing operations. 

Please direct all inquiries to:

Dr. T. James Rudd