A novel method combining elemental sulfur and selenium was developed, yielding crystalline sulfur-selenium compounds. The compounds were melted, and an organic comonomer added. Once the organic comonomer was consumed, the viscous compound was vitrified and allowed to cool yielding organic-inorganic hybrid polymers that are termed Organically Modified Chalcogenide (ORMOCHALC) polymers.

Anisotropic heterostructures of colloidal nanocrystals embed size-, shape-, and composition-dependent electronic structure within variable three-dimensional morphology, enabling intricate design of solution-processable materials with high performance and programmable functionality. The key to designing and synthesizing such complex materials lies in understanding the fundamental thermodynamic and kinetic factors that govern nanocrystal growth. In this review, nanorod heterostructures, the simplest of anisotropic nanocrystal heterostructures, are discussed with respect to their growth mechanisms. The effects of crystal structure, surface faceting/energies, lattice strain, ligand sterics, precursor reactivity, and reaction temperature on the growth of nanorod heterostructures through heteroepitaxy and cation exchange reactions are explored with currently known examples. Understanding the role of various thermodynamic and kinetic parameters enables the controlled synthesis of complex nanorod heterostructures that can exhibit unique tailored properties. Selected application prospects arising from such capabilities are then discussed.

Graded index (GRIN) optics offer potential for both weight savings and increased performance but have so far been limited to visible and NIR bands (wavelengths shorter than about 0.9 µm). NRL is developing a capability to extend GRIN optics to longer wavelengths in the infrared by exploiting diffused IR transmitting chalcogenide glasses. These IR-GRIN lenses are compatible with all IR wavebands (SWIR, MWIR and LWIR) and can be used alongside conventional wideband materials. Traditional multiband IR imagers require many elements for correction of chromatic aberrations, making them large and heavy and not well-suited for weight sensitive platforms. IR-GRIN optical elements designed with simultaneous optical power and chromatic correction can reduce the number of elements in wideband systems, making multi-band IR imaging practical for platforms including small UAVs and soldier handheld, helmet or weapon mounted cameras. The IR-GRIN lens technology, design space and anti-reflection considerations are presented in this paper.

Colloidal nanorod heterostructures of I–III–VI2 semiconductors have been synthesized in a solution starting from wurtzite-like CuGaS2 nanorods. Growth of CuInS2 or CuInSe2 on CuGaS2 nanorods results in interesting sawtooth structures with larger lattice strain leading to sharper, more pronounced teeth. A final inorganic shell of ZnSe or ZnS grown on the CuGaS2/CuInSe2 nanorod heterostructures enhances photoluminescence. Unusual brush-like structures arise with prolonged ZnSe growth. Time-resolved photoluminescence measurements on CuGaS2/CuInSe2/ZnS nanorod heterostructures reveal a lifetime approaching one microsecond, suggesting charge separation within the nanorods. The results shown here provide previously unknown nanorod heterostructures exhibiting interesting and potentially useful optical properties along with insights into heterostructure formation in colloidal I–III–VI2 nanorods.