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Yong Xu
Virginia Tech Photo |
In the field of nanotechnology, researchers
are discovering ways to arrange atoms into unique structures on the
molecular scale. Xu is attempting to produce an optical microscope
that can observe nanostructures at a resolution of one nanometer —
which is equal in size to approximately one-billionth of a meter, or
the diameter of four atoms.
In addition to achieving a breakthrough in
arranging nanostructures, Xu hopes that his research will lead to
observation of the "vacuum field" at a resolution of one nanometer.
"Vacuum field refers to the tiny amount of electric
field fluctuations that can exist in the absence of any sources such
as electrons or atoms," Xu explained. "Even though vacuum field cannot
be directly measured, without it no light source can emit light.
Observing the vacuum field at one nanometer resolution would help
scientists solve one of the few remaining mysteries of quantum
electrodynamics."
All of this, Xu believes, can ultimately lead to
chip-scale quantum information processing and can help boost the pace
of discovery in nanophotonics research and engineering.
Every CAREER project includes an educational
component, and Xu will help develop a nanophotonics education program
at Virginia Tech. He also plans to mentor female and African American
students at the university and in local high schools, with the aim of
encouraging their participation in nanophotonics research and
engineering.
Xu, who is affiliated with Virginia Tech’s Center
for Photonics Technology, is investigating a number of related areas,
including the development of nanoscale optical sensors for chemical
and biological applications. He holds a patent on semiconductor
surface lenses and shaped structures and has a patent pending in the
area of efficient electro-optical modulation. |
