[nanoPost] Thin film materials

University UK

Its purpose built facilities house some of the most sophisticated nano fabrication, manipulation and characterisation equipment in the world. It is also staffed by an internationally recognised team of researchers and academics. The new institute represents a consolidation of five advanced functional materials research groups (28 full time academics), dealing with thin film material types used in electronic, photonic, nanotechnology, sensor, MEMS, optical, environmental, magnetic and bio-materials devices and tissue engineering.

1- Diamond-like carbon and nanotube group:

Ultra–thin DLC coatings can contribute to improve wear resistance, decrease stiction, lower the friction coefficient and improve corrosion protection for numerous applications. Much emphasis is currently placed on the attainment of low stress ultra-thin films exhibiting good adhesion to device-based substrates without lowering the wear resistance and corrosion resistance of such films.

Approaches such as deposition of DLC films on silicon pre-coated substrates, doping the DLC with different elements, development of PECVD and FCVA DLC deposition are all been investigated for medical, data storage, MEMS, electrical and packaging applications.