The Center will create an integrated program of research and education through the vehicle of a unique microlayering and nanolayering process technology at Case Western Reserve University.  The enabling technology will be a platform for advancing the nation’s science and technology agenda through development of new materials and materials systems, and for educating a diverse American workforce through interdisciplinary education programs.


PLATFORM  3 STRATEGY:

The novel optical properties associated with one-dimensional photonic bandgap structures will be exploited and combined with other property enhancement strategies such as synthesis of highly nonlinear optical responsive chromophores and inclusion of metallic and semiconducting nanoparticles and nanorods and carbon nanotubes to impart superior optical responses for a new generation of photonic devices.  The enhancement of exciton production, annihilation and carrier transport in nanolayered polymer structures will be investigated with the aim of enhancing the efficiency of optoelectronic devices.  The favorable optical transparency of polymers and multilayers at terahertz frequencies will be exploited for the design of various terahertz photonic components.  Synthesis of new materials will be aimed at enhanced optical and electronic properties and will be combined in new ways with nanostructures to produce new approaches and enhanced properties.  Multilayer fabrication techniques involving multilayer extrusion and spin casting will be developed and optimized for the high level of performance required of photonic and optoelectronic devices.