Course Description
Objective: This course will introduce students to thin film science along with the various thin film deposition techniques. The students will learn the thermodynamics of thin film deposition and the critical parameters required for the epitaxial thin film design. Additionally, the course will also cover the various techniques that rely on the use of electrons, photons and sharp tips to learn about different aspects about surfaces, including the structural, optical, and surface techniques used to characterize the thin films. Finally, self-assembled nanocomposite thin film growth will be discussed and its various applications with their microstructure-property correlation will be covered.
Course Content
Course Audience
The course is designed for advanced UG and PG students interested in functional materials science.
Outcomes of this Course
The course begins with reviewing the basic concepts of crystal structures, defects and interfaces relevant to thin films. The course offers an introduction to the epitaxial thin film growth, characterization techniques and self-assembled nanocomposite thin film growth along with their applications.
References:
- Materials Science of Thin Films: Deposition and Structure, by M. Ohring, 2002.
- Electronic Thin Film Science for Electrical Engineers and Materials Scientists, by K-N Tu, J.W. Mayer and L.C. Feldman, 1992.
- Elements of X-ray Diffraction, 2nd Edition, by B.D. Cullity, 1978
- Selected research papers