NSF - Novel Strain Control in Thick Epitaxial Nanocomposite Films
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Cambridge
Department Name: Materials Science & Metallurgy
Abstract
This Materials World Network Proposal: Novel Strain Control in Thick Epitaxial Nancomposite Films explores the growth, structure and physical properties of vertically strain-controlled nano-composite (VSCN) systems in epitaxial films. The proposed research is based on a recent discovery by the two investigators (Driscoll, UCAM and Wang, TAMU) and by Dr. Jia from LANL. The discovery opens the door to a brand-new avenue for lattice strain control in two-phase nanocomposites: By growing epitaxial nanocolumns in a two-phase mixture, it is possible to control the strain vertically in the system, independent of the interface. The elimination of interface control in the VSCN systems allows much thicker strained films (>300 nm) to be grown compared to lateral heteroepitaxial systems and thus allows a whole range of novel functional device possibilities.
Organisations
People |
ORCID iD |
| Judith Driscoll (Principal Investigator) |
Publications
Choi E
(2011)
Strong room temperature magnetism in highly resistive strained thin films of BiFe0.5Mn0.5O3
in Applied Physics Letters
Dunlop L
(2010)
Highly Conducting, Transparent Rhombic/Cubic Indium Tin Oxide Nanocomposite Thin Films
in Crystal Growth & Design
MacManus-Driscoll J
(2008)
Strain control and spontaneous phase ordering in vertical nanocomposite heteroepitaxial thin films
in Nature Materials
MacManus-Driscoll J
(2010)
Self-Assembled Heteroepitaxial Oxide Nanocomposite Thin Film Structures: Designing Interface-Induced Functionality in Electronic Materials
in Advanced Functional Materials
Weal E
(2010)
Coexistence of strong ferromagnetism and polar switching at room temperature in Fe3O4-BiFeO3 nanocomposite thin films
in Applied Physics Letters
| Description | This is an amazing new field where we make nanocomposite thin films for functional (electronic and magnetic applications). We showed how to increase the operation temperature of BaTiO3 by 700C. We showed how you can understand the tune structures. We showed how you can copy structures in nature. This is an entirely new field which is just emerging and which we have pioneered. It is very exciting indeed. |
| Exploitation Route | We make nice art images for science shows and for conference competitions. We have one global patent (done at Los alamos as Cambridge want licensers within one year of filing and this is unrealistic!). |
| Sectors | Electronics,Energy,Environment,Healthcare |
| Description | EPSRC |
| Amount | £369,660 (GBP) |
| Funding ID | RG 58504 |
| Organisation | Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) |
| Sector | Public |
| Country | United Kingdom |
| Start | |