Novel Interface and Strain Control in Epitaxial Nanocomposite Films

The proposal is concerned with studying vertically structured nanocomposite (VSCN) films which can give better physical properties compared to single layer or multilayer films. Under a currently funded proposal together, we have demonstrated several remarkable functional enhancements as well as interesting spontaneously ordered structures (nanocheckerboards) and unprecendented levels of strain in thick film. In particular, we have shown that an important ferroelectric material can be made to work well at several hundred degrees above its normal operation temperature. We believe this is the beginning of the road for the field and there are many new things still to be explored and discovered. We aim to continue with this exploration together. Basic science will be undertaken to understanding of the limitations to the level of strain, the interface compatibilities, and the lateral ordering. New systems will grown and explored to demonstrate the power of the VSCN method, and finally demonstrations of the functional applicability of the strongly enhanced BaTiO3 system will be carried out.

Communications and engagement Communication and engagement are core parts of the proposed work. Based on existing contacts in both the UK and the US, as well as recruiting new participants the communications package will be delivered through a wide range of activities. During the project regular updates will be sent to the community (via direct contact, publications, online blogs, etc) to keep them informed, encourage fresh input, develop new ideas and establish an ongoing dialogue. We anticipate several invited talks at top international meetings. Collaboration Prof. Driscoll will manage the delivery of the UK part of the project as its societal, ethical and economic aspects. Supporting this, the delivery of the communications activities through the project will be supported by Prof. Wang in Texas and our broad based of collaborators, including those in Cambridge and in Los Alamos. Profs. Driscoll and Wang have worked together extensively on a variety of topics ranging from collaborative projects to the management and organisation of large national and international conferences. Exploitation and application The potential impact of outputs will be identified at biannual meetings of the PIs. Exploitable outputs will be handled by the individual partners, depending on the nature of the output. Where pertinent, outputs will be protected by IP protection managed under the respective institutional policies. We envisage that much of the output will be exploited via IP. Our patent on significantly enhancing the ferroelectric properties of BaTiO3 and on nanocomposites in general is already being managed by the research tech transfer and IP offices across the Atlantic in order to seek licencees. However, any industrial partner engagement is simply enabling for this project and not a core element since this is primarily a basic science project. Capability Engagement with targeted user groups and non-experts will be undertaken by the PIs in the UK and the US. We have an impressive track record in this area going back several years. The peer reviewed publication count for the two investigators exceeds 400 and covers the full breadth of the activities of the proposal. The project represents an exciting opportunity to create functional device films using a revolutionary new technology which we have been instrumental in developing. Our joint track record of over 10 patents in the last 4 years, demonstrates our capability to deliver on such an ambitious project. Economic Impact Highly trained researchers will be one main outcome of the work. These researchers will have an international perspective to their work. The potential of the enhanced functionality has wide economic impact for the electronics sector.