Study of a passive enhancement architecture for FRET-enabled molecular communication.*

Nanomachine technology has advanced by improving complexity and function yet, their future value relies upon superior control and communication; this requires reliable and highly efficient networks. Data transfer techniques of global networks are not scalable for nanomachines, and thus a different approach is needed. Non-radiative energy transfer offers high efficiency, localized, and rapid signal transfer: Förster Resonant Energy Transfer is one of such promising paradigms. Application of light-induced FRET, by combining donor/acceptor pairs with a nanostructure architecture, creates nanosecond signaling data transfer to highly specified locations. Developed through novel, arene-based, donor/acceptor moieties - integrated into a thin-film device designed for signal enhancement - a theoretical and experimental approach has been developed and implemented for tuning scattered excitation energy for increased absorption by the donor for higher energy transfer to the acceptor. This architecture results in increased energy transfer and overall higher output of acceptor emission passively increasing the signaling performance and feasibility of application to molecular communication.