The goal of this Phase I SBIR is to develop film processing technology to demonstrate the macroscopic properties of bacteriorhodopsin (bR) and photosynthetic reaction centers (RC's) for optical information processing. Although the true advantage of optoelectronic biomaterials is the sensor level processing capability inherent within individual molecules, it is necessary to first develop film processing techniques to realize the full potential of the biomaterials. During the six month period that is the subject of this proposal, we plan to develop high quality RC's and bR films. Films containing combinations of these molecules also will be constructed. Optical and electro-optical properties of the films developed will be characterized. Potential applications of these biomaterials as molecular electronic devices will be identified and designed. Additional applications include molecular wires & switches, biosensors, artificial retinas, automatic target recognition subsystems and robotic vision systems. During Phase II, we plan to implement designs developed in Phase I for exploiting the sensor level processing capability of these molecules.
