NSF Award
0354463
This is a U.S.-Bulgarian cooperative research project that will investigate the possibilities of obtaining and modifying, in a controlled and reproducible way, thin dielectric films containing various metal nanoclusters with a homogeneous narrow cluster size distribution using magnetron co-sputtering. The principal investigators are Dr. Mariana Sendova from the New College of Florida and Dr. Marushka Sendova-Vassileva from the Central Laboratory for Solar Energy in Bulgaria. <br/><br/>The objective of this research is to grow metal nano-clusters in various dielectric matrices using existing sputtering and a pulsed laser. Such nanocomposites have interesting optical and electro-optical properties which will have potential in different types of optical devices. This research will contribute new experimental data to the rapidly developing area of nanomaterials and nanotechnology as it combines the advantages of magnetron co-sputtering together with those of laser-assisted modification of thin films. <br/><br/>This project in mathematics research fulfills the program objectives of bringing together leading experts in the U.S. and Central/Eastern Europe to combine complementary efforts and capabilities in areas of strong mutual interest and competence on the basis of equality, reciprocity, and mutuality of benefit.
