Nano Science and Technology Program
Taiwan International Graduate Program

Synthesis of nanostructures such as quantum dots, nanotubes and nanowires, quantum wells, porous materials, nanocomposites, magnetic materials, surface nanostructures, and conducting molecules lays the foundation of nanotechnology. Rational designs of these materials by means of chemical synthesis and fabrication technique such as physical vapor deposition, chemical vapor deposition, molecular beam epitaxy, pyrolysis method, anodic oxidation, solvothermal method, sol-gel method, and self-assembly method are employed to produce nanomaterials of specific composition, size, structure, shape, and functionality.

Studies of thermal, optical, electronic, magnetic properties and surface structure of the synthesized nanostructures give a feedback to the synthesis process. Major characterization techniques include scanning probe microscopy, electron microscopy, calorimetry, linear and non-linear optics, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, Auger electron spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, photo- and cathode-luminescence, etc. In addition, electrical transport measurement, spin-dependent transport under high-field and low-temperature, as well as field emission from tips made of various materials are carried out.

Theoretical studies of electrical and thermal conduction properties and non-linear optical properties provide our fundamental understanding about the synthesized nanostructures and may sever as a guide for the future directions. Chemical properties such as catalytical activities, formation mechanism, chemical reactions and other rate processes are also investigated. The theoretical methods employed include ab initio and molecular dynamics calculations, path-integral method, and density functional theories.

Fabrication and characterization of a variety of nanodevices and electric components associated with photonics, optoelectronics, molecular electronics, spintronics, superconducting devices, micro- and nano-mechanics, biochips pave the way for future applications. Various techniques for monolithic and hybrid integrations of the components into device modules and subsystems are explored.

Advanced bioimaging techniques using nanobeam X-rays, phase-contrast transmission electron microscopy, super-high resolution fluorescence and non-fluorescence based optical imaging scanning probe microscopy are employed to study behaviors of cells and biomolecule. We also explore potential applications of colloidal, fluidic, plasmonic, and polymeric nanostructures for biosensing.