I-Corps: Translation Potential of Self-Assembled Polaritonic Interaction Layers for Integrated Quantum Photonics

This I-Corps project is based on the development of a platform for growing silver nanocrystals with precisely controlled size and structure. Silver nanocrystals can serve as building blocks for conductive components, thermal-management materials, functional optical films, and add-on layers for photonic integrated circuits. However, current nanomaterial processes are often costly and difficult to control. This technology enables lower-cost, larger-scale production and systematic control of material behavior through particle size and assembly structure. Their ordered superlattices can also exhibit engineered polaritonic responses. This technology may result in reduced manufacturing costs, faster product development, and broader access to advanced electronic, photonic, and quantum technologies. This I-Corps project utilizes experiential learning coupled with first-hand investigation of the industry ecosystem to assess the translation potential of a scalable silver nanocrystal platform and functional materials derived from it. This technology produces silver nanocrystals approximately 4–12 nanometers in diameter with narrow size distributions and tunable physical and plasmonic properties. The key features are scalable size control combined with programmable assembly into ordered superlattice films that generate collective optical responses, including engineered light–matter interactions and polaritonic band structures. Previous research demonstrated reproducible synthesis and showed that nanocrystal size and three-dimensional organization alter material behavior. Users may gain access to customizable, high-quality nanocrystals and functional materials at a lower cost without redesigning a device platform. This award reflects NSF's statutory mission and has been deemed worthy of support through evaluation using the Foundation's intellectual merit and broader impacts review criteria.