This FWP focuses on developing fundamental bioinspired approaches for creating self-assembled mesoscale two- and three-dimensional (2D and 3D) assemblies of meta-atoms that can serve as functional optical metamaterials. We are developing bioinspired, bottom-up synthesis approaches using metallized DNA origami templates to create functionalized meta-atoms/nanoresonators and assembling them into 2D and 3D multiscale organized structures. The three main specific goals (SG) of the FWP in the upcoming cycle are to:
- (SG1) Develop the underlying science to control the assembly and alignment of individual meta-atoms/nanoresonators at surfaces to create 2D mesoscale meta-surfaces.
- (SG2) Develop bioinspired approaches for 3D assembly of mesoscale superstructures of meta-atoms in bulk solutions.
- (SG3) Characterize the functional responses of the individual meta-atoms and their 2D and 3D assemblies.
Our goals are being achieved through an interdisciplinary collaborative and integrated approach combining experiment (synthesis and morphological and functional characterization) and predictive theory (meta-atom design, function and assembly). This endeavor aligns with the DOE’s Biomolecular Materials program mission to create “resilient materials and multiscale systems that exhibit well-coordinated functionality…and to understand and control assembly mechanisms to seamlessly integrate capabilities developed for one length scale across multiple length scales.” A thorough understanding of the complex interplay involving different interactions represents a fundamental advance towards our ability to form robust and highly stable 2D and 3D superstructures of these meta-atoms to create functional metamaterials, but also has far-reaching implications beyond the realm of metamaterials.
Project Members:
Principal Investigator: Surya Mallapragada
Co-PIs: Andrew Hillier, Marit Nilsen-Hamilton, Alex Travesset, David Vaknin, Wenjie Wang, Tanya Prozorov
Scientific Support Staff: Pierre Palo, Lei Zhang
Technician: Lee Bendickson