Research on Polycrystalline Films for Micro- and Nano-Systems
Author(s)
Thompson, Carl V.
DownloadAMMNS027.pdf (308.1Kb)
Metadata
Show full item recordAbstract
Polycrystalline films are used in a wide array of micro- and nano-scale devices, for electronic, mechanical, magnetic, photonic and chemical functions. Increasingly, the properties, performance, and reliability of films in these systems depend on nano-scale structure. In collaborative research with a number of SMA Fellows, Associates, and students, our group is carrying out research focused on probing, modeling and controlling nano-scale structural evolution during both vapor-phase and solid-phase polycrystalline film formation. In particular, high-sensitivity in-situ and real-time stress measurements are being used to study atomic scale forces and to characterize structure formation and evolution at the nano-scale. In other collaborative research, the affects of controlled structure and multi-film architectures on properties, such as piezoelectric characteristics and electromigration-limited reliability, are being explored. Through these interrelated activities, basic principles of the science and engineering of nano-scale materials are emerging.
Date issued
2003-01Series/Report no.
Advanced Materials for Micro- and Nano-Systems (AMMNS);
Keywords
interconnects, MEMS, stress, thin films