Graphene-Metal Nanostructure Hybrid Materials for Novel Terahertz Frequency Devices

With this proposal I aim to develop leading competence in the design, manufacturing, and characterization of graphene-metal nanostructure hybrid materials for novel terahertz (THz) frequency devices and sensors. I will accomplish this goal by establishing a new collaboration between world-leading experts in epitaxial graphene growth at the University of Linköping, Sweden and the Center of Nanohybrid Functional Materials at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Strong industrial support is provided by the J.A. Woollam Co. Inc. in Lincoln and Graphensic AB and Classic WBG Semiconductors AB in Linköping. Novel device and sensor designs which operate at THz frequencies are indispensible in order to address Sweden´s future needs for high-bandwidth communication, ultrafast data processing, as well as THz frequency sensing with ultralow detection limits. With this project I will bring key expertise to develop these future technologies to Sweden. Hybrid materials composed of graphene metamaterials and 3-dimensionally nanostructured metal thin films offer a new avenue for THz modulators and THz sensors for high-sensitivity detection of bio-molecules. My multi-scale approach to develop these metamaterials is comprised of i) a design phase which includes finite-element calculations to predict the materials´ THz response, ii) a manufacturing phase using world-leading graphene and nanostructure growth techniques and iii) a sensing phase using the world-unique THz ellipsometry instrumentation which I have pioneered. Synergistic combination of growth and structural characterization expertise of my Swedish partners with my own THz characterization and model development know-how will ensure the success of this proposal.