AFOSR, 110 Duncan Avenue, Room B115, Bolling AFB DC 20332-8080

A -- AFOSR SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT (BAA 96-2) FOR RADIATION PHYSICS AND RELIABILITY IN NANOSCALE ELECTRONICS DUE 120895 POC Contact. Major Prairie, AFOSR/NE, (202) 767-4931 Proposals are sought from universities for an Air Force Office of Scientific Research (AFOSR) program in Radiation Physics and Reliability in Nanoscale Electronics. The Air Force has an important mission in space involving communication, navigation and sensing, often relying on the most advanced electronic technology available. Future systems will rely on electron devices, circuits or sensors which are based on structures exhibiting quantum size effects. In contrast to micron- or sub-micron-scale silicon electronics, little reliable knowledge is available on fundamental processes that determine device reliability and the physics of radiation effects and associated damage mechanisms in nanoscale electron devices, either silicon or compound-semiconductor. The objective of this program is to study and understand long-term reliability issues associated with radiation effects in nanoscale electronics which exhibit quantum size effects. Specifically, we are interested in devices with quantum wells, wells exhibiting 2 DEG, thin-base-layer HBTs, or ultrathin insulator or oxide layers in MOSFETs and equivalent devices. To provide recommendations for desired performance ranges or guidelines for needed improvements in device lay-out and processing, we must understand the stability of interfaces and vias, and to quantify the sensitivity of nanoscale device structures to radiation. Both space radiation, including cosmic rays, and nuclear radiation should be considered. As an example, devices subject to ionizing radiation may operate at elevated temperatures and current densities, driving elemental and defect diffusion in the device's active region. The resulting effects on carrier transport, scattering and trapping could then be studied with the goal of recommending improvements in fundamental device designs. Proposals are invited which address radiation and reliability physics in nanoscale electron devices; this is in contrast to radiation hardening and reliability engineering. Preference will be given to studies on compound semiconductor nanostructures. Proposals are invited only from universities. Funds will be awarded through AFOSR. We anticipate this program will cover a period of three (3) years beginning in FY 96. The funding amount anticipated for FY 96 is approximately $400,000. The technical point of contact is Major Michael W. Prairie, AFOSR/NE, (202)767-4931, mike.prairie@afosr.af.mil. Proposal evaluation and selection criteria will be: a) The scientific and technical merit of the proposed research; b) The potential contributions of the proposed research to the mission of the Air Force; c) The qualification, capabilities, experience and past research accomplishments of the proposed principal investigator, team leader and key personnel who are critical to achieving the objectives of the proposal; d) Realism and reasonableness of cost. Proposals must be received by AFOSR no later than 3:00 PM EST on 8 December 1995. Proposals received at AFOSR after this time and date will be late and will not be considered. Award recipients will be notified on or before 15 January 1996. Proposals are sought for research efforts in the range of $100,000 to $150,000 per year with the potential for three year funding. Out-year funding will be subject to availability of appropriations. No further support should be expected. Copies of BAA AFOSR 96-2 can be obtained from AFOSR/XPT, 110 Duncan Avenue, Room B115, Bolling AFB, DC 20332-8080, phone (202) 767-4910. This announcement and other AFOSR publications may be downloaded from the Federal Information Exchange (FEDIX), an on-line information system accessible via computer and modem. Call the FEDIX computer at 1-800- 783-3349 (eight data bits, one stop bit, no parity) or telnet fedix.fie.com (at ''login'' prompt, type fedix). The FEDIX HELPLINE is available at 301-975-0103 from 8:30 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. EDT. (0292)

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