Selective Infrared Absorbing Nanostructures

Infrared detection is valuable across a diverse range of fields. Military applications have long been the focus of development of infrared detection technology, but as accessibility to infrared detectors grows, industries ranging from waste management to medicine have shown broad uses for the technology. Imaging of biological samples is particularly well suited for near and mid infrared imaging as opaque superficial layers often inhibit the use of visible light to detect underlying structures which may hold diagnostic value. Infrared detecting devices are typically underutilized in a biomedical setting despite there being many potential applications. 

The primary objective of this research was to provide a proof of concept for a novel transmission filters system in the near and mid infrared range using vertically oriented indium antimonide (InSb) nanostructures. This was achieved by conducting optical simulations of InSb nanowires, developing an ICP-RIE etching process suitable for InSb, and, lastly, by measuring specular reflectance of the InSb nanostructure arrays using FT-IR microscopy. This work served as a building block to investigate novel IR image sensors.

This work was part of my Masters in Bioengineering and Nanotechnology Thesis which was awarded the Dean’s Prize for Outstanding ALM Thesis at Harvard University Extension School.

*Please note that this work is not reported in full to respect potentially sensitive IP.