Earlier Work on Laser Diagnostics, Laser Processing, and Optical Properties
Current research in the Herman group is directed to the assembly of nanostructured materials, and the optical and mechanical properties of nanocrystals and nanomaterials.
This effort focuses on the properties of nanocrystals and how they and
other nano-based structures can be used to form complex films other assemblies. The
emphasis of this work is on (1)
directed and self assembly of patterned and unpatterned films of
nanocrystals by using electrophoretic deposition and of carbon nanotubes and of nanowires by dielectrophoretic deposition and (2) optical spectroscopy of these
nanocrystals and films composed of them, for example using Raman
scattering to examine mechanical properties, phase transitions and the effects of phonon
confinement, and infrared spectroscopy to probe surface ligands. Much of this recent work is done with the NSF Materials Research
Science and Engineering Center (MRSEC) at Columbia under Award Number
DMR-0213574. Some of the work is also funded by the NSF Nanocenter (NSEC) and by DOE.
Earlier work focused on:
Optical diagnostic probes of film processing, including during plasma chemical processing and laser processing (other than nano-related). See publications, including #32-34, 37, 43, 47, 50, 53, 55, 58, 59, 67-69, 71, 73, 78, 80, 81, 86, 89, 90, 94, 97, 105, 107, 111, 112, and 115.
Using hydrostatic pressure, as applied in diamond anvil cells, to learn
about the optical physics of semiconductors and semiconductor heterostructures at elevated pressure, and other studies of the effects of strain. See publications, including #49, 52, 57, 61-63, 65, 70, 72, 74, 76, 77, 83, and 101.
The optical physics of semiconductors and semiconductor heterostructures at elevated temperature. See publications, including #50, 55, and 64.
Direct laser writing and other types of laser processing. See publications, including #20, 23, 26, 28, 30, 32-35, 38, 39, 43-48, 50, 53, 55, and 58.
Laser isotope separation of deuterium and tritium. See publications, including #9, 10, 13, 14, 16-19, 22, 24, 25, 27, 29, 31, 36, and 42.