Symposium Chairs

Ulf Helmersson, Linkoeping University, Sweden, ulfhe@ifm.liu.se
Sanjay V. Khare, University of Toledo, USA, khare@physics.utoledo.edu
Jeff Zabinski, Air Force Research Laboratory, USA, jeffrey.zabinski@wpafb.af.mil 

This symposium will provide a forum for presenting and discussing the latest advances in emerging non-conventional thin film technologies with an emphasis on new types of materials, processes, and applications that cut across topics of other symposia in the conference. Contributions are sought in the general areas listed below.

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F1.  Nanomaterials, Nanofabrication, and Diagnostics 

Session Chairs

Yolanda Aranda Gonzalvo, Hiden Analytical, UK gonzalvo@hiden.co.uk
Suneel Kodambaka, UCLA, USA, kodambaka@ucla.edu 

This session should cover work that focuses on harnessing nano-scale phenomena and inventive deposition strategies for new types of nanostructures and nano-material coatings with enhanced properties and/or multiple functionalities. Advances in graphene, nanotube, and nanowire growth and applications will be addressed, in addition to the uses and development of novel in-situ diagnostics to understand and control their growth process. Devising strategies that integrate nanostructures (e.g. graphenes, nanoparticles, nanotubes and nanowires) and their assemblies, using both traditional and newly evolving variants of vapor-phase, liquid-state and solid-phase deposition techniques, is a major challenge. Similarly, producing coatings of composite materials may require the use of a combination of deposition techniques either in series or in parallel. Diagnostics based in plasma composition and in surface Characterization are essential to understand the physical proprieties of the coatings and mechanisms of the plasma processes and plasma-surface interaction. Parameters obtained from the plasma Characterization and plasma-surface interaction are used to discuss and analyse plasma processes for nanomaterials deposition. This session will be a forum for addressing such topics in the context of producing novel and advanced nano-structured materials, applying them towards new-generation nano-devices, and developing innovative manufacturing processes.

Topics of interest include but are not limited to:

• Nanotube and/or nanowire coatings for optical and electrical applications
• Growth and deposition techniques for making graphene and other nanostructured layers
• Nanostructure synthesis and incorporation into coatings as fillers by in-situ and ex-situ processing
• Newly emerging direct-write, cluster-beam, and bio-inspired deposition methods
• Processing-structure-stability-property relationships
• Novel application concepts or prototypes using nano-engineered structures
• Plasma fundamentals and diagnostics

Invited Speakers

Yukiko Yamada-Takamura, JAIST Ishikawa, JP, “Epitaxial Silicene on Single-Crystalline Diboride Thin Films”

Arutiun P. Ehiasarian, Sheffield Hallam University, UK, “Diagnostics in Low Pressure Plasmas and Characterisations on Films Properties in HIPIMS Technology”

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F2.  High Power Impulse Magnetron Sputtering

Session Chairs

Ralf Bandorf, Fraunhofer IST, Germany, ralf.bandorf@ist.fraunhofer.de
Daniel Lundin, Linkoeping University, Sweden, daniel.lundin@liu.se
Jolanta Sapieha, Ecole Polytechnique de Montreal, Canada,
jolanta-ewa.sapieha@polymtl.ca 

High power impulse magnetron sputtering (HIPIMS) opens up new possibilities as a highly ionized PVD technology that is actually establishing itself in many industrial applications, new approaches for tailored film properties. The major benefit of the HIPIMS technology is the compatibility with existing PVD machines offering superior coatings. The published results range from hard coatings, to optical coatings, and recently also photovoltaics. In general different approaches for the creation of highly ionised plasmas are used in HIPIMS. A proposed classification is by the pulse length ranging from short pulse of 1 to 20 µs over the most studied regime of 50 to 200 µs to large and extra large pulses from 500 µs and more. Understanding of the relationship between the different pulses and pulse sequences and process, microstructure, and resulting film properties is gaining depth and diversifying the application of the new technology. The availability of new and improved electronic hardware also boosts the possibility for the efficient generation of highly ionised plasmas. Also better fundamental understanding and first approaches for theoretical models build a basis for the effective and successful improvement and industrialisation of HIPIMS.

The session solicits presentations from academia and industry that cover both the basic understanding as well as new applications. We seek to provide a forum to discuss all aspects of HIPIMS technology from the plasma generation to the final application. In particular we encourage potential authors to submit papers dealing with the plasma generation, plasma and discharge physics, simulation and modelling, reactive processes and process control, substrate pre-treatment and adhesion improvement, mechanisms of film growth, industrial applications, production, up scaling and equipment.

Invited Speakers

Ludvik Martinu, Ecole Polytechnique, Montreal, CA, “Surface Interactions in the Growth of Coatings: How Much does HiPIMS Differ from other Approaches?”

Vitezslav Stranak, University of South Bohemia, CZ, “Time-Resolved Diagnostic of Advanced HiPIMS Discharges”

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F3. New Boron, Boride and Boron Nitride Based Coatings 

Session Chairs

Hans Hoegberg, Linkoeping University, Sweden, hanho@ifm.liu.se
Aharon Inspektor, Kennametal Inc., USA, Aharon.Inspektor@kennametal.com 

Boron nitride and other boron containing thin film materials such as the borides have attracted considerable attention over the last decade, especially because of their remarkable physical, chemical, biological and tribological properties. This session will focus on the relationship between deposition conditions, microstructure, chemistry and properties and behavior of this class of materials. Contributions that give new insight into the growth kinetics, structure control, nanostructures fabrication, and new and innovative methods of characterization, as well as papers dealing with the applications of these materials, are encouraged.

Invited Speaker

Jens Emmerlich, RWTH Aachen, DE, “Quantum-Mechanically Guided Materials Design of Boron-Based Hard Coatings”

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C2/F4 Thin Films for Photovoltaics and Active Devices: Synthesis and Characterization

Session Chairs

Tomoaki Terasako, Ehime University, Japan, terasako.tomoaki.mz@ehime-u.ac.jp
Richard van de Sanden, Technische Universiteit Eindhoven, Netherlands, m.c.m.v.d.sanden@tue.nl 

This session will address the optical, mechanical and electrical properties of thin film materials, coating methods, post deposition processing, and property-composition relationships for photo- and electrochromic coatings, multilayer electro-optic coatings, photo- and electro-luminescent inorganic and organic materials. Contributions demonstrating the application of these materials in emerging technologies that include micro-optical, thin-film transistors (TFTs), display and photovoltaic devices, and systems with enhanced performance at long wavelengths are of key interest. The session also will include contributions to fabrications, conduction-type (n- and p-types) controls and applications of semiconducting and Transparent Conducting Oxides (TCO) films. Coatings for flexible and transparent devices, such as transparent electrode for E-paper/flexible displays, and blocking electromagnetic interference for Information & Telecommunications are also welcome topics.

Invited Speakers

Shigeru Niki, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science & Technology (AIST), JP, “High-Efficiency Cigs Solar Cells and Submodules by Multi-Stage Evaporation”

Mariadriana Creatore, Eindhoven University of Technology, NL, “Natively Textured ZnO for CIGS Solar Cells”

Andy P. Monkman, Durham University, UK, “Organic Thin Films Spectroscopy”

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F5. New Oxynitride Coatings 

Session Chairs

Wolfgang Kalss, Oerlikon Balzers, Liechtenstein, wolfgang.kalss@oerlikon.com
Sven Ulrich, Karlsruhe Institute Technology, Germany, Sven.Ulrich@imf.fzk.de 

Both nitride and oxide based hard coatings were in the focus of intense research for the last several decades. Multifunctional stable and metastable oxynitride coatings are expected to be an excellent bridge between both materials groups, and therefore are of extraordinarily large interest in science, in research and development as well as for industrial applications, especially cutting, due to their outstanding properties like high oxidation resistance, excellent chemical inertness, very good mechanical properties at elevated temperatures and particularly high temperature low friction behaviors. This session is focused on the development and understanding of the material itself and therefore on relationships and knowledge-based correlations between process parameters, micro structures and properties as well as on modeling. Applications of this new class of coatings are also considered.

Invited Speaker

Jochen Schneider, RWTH Aachen, DE, “Phase Stability of Transition Metal Aluminum Oxynitrides”

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F6. Coatings for Compliant Substrates  

Session Chairs

Ben Beake, Micromaterials Co., UK, ben@micromaterials.co.uk

Roberto M. Souza, Polytechnic School of the University of Sao Paulo, Brazil, roberto.souza@poli.usp.br 

In modern components and active devices there is an increasing need to deposit metal and ceramic coatings onto more compliant substrates such as polymers or light metals for reasons of design flexibility or weight reduction. In such cases the properties of the coating/substrate system and the mechanisms of failure can be considerably different for similar coatings on harder, stiffer substrates. This session solicits papers on low temperature coating processes for compliant substrates such as atomic layer deposition, microstructures and properties of coatings on polymers, aluminum, magnesium, and lithium alloys, mechanical analysis and design rules and the assessment of failure mechanisms for coatings on compliant substrates. Applications papers are particularly welcome in the areas of organic electronics, packaging and weight reduction in transportation.

Invited Speaker

Neville Moody, Sandia National Laboratories, USA, “Deformation and Delamination in Polymer Metal Thin Film Structures”

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C5/F7. Polarisation Phenomena in Thin Films and Devices 

Symposiums Chairs

David Holec, Montanuniversitaet Leoben, Austria, david.holec@unileoben.ac.at
Shelly Moram, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom, mam65@cam.ac.uk 

In this session we aim to bring together thin film researchers working with materials showing polarisation phenomena (e.g. the piezoelectric effect) with the device design and fabrication community. We hope to bridge the gap between the field of thin film coatings and the fields of RF, optoelectronic and MEMS devices, which may be linked through the use of materials with multiple applications across more than one of these fields.

For thin film researchers, we invite contributions on the topics including, but not limited to, the measurement and prediction of basic material properties, thin film synthesis and characterisation, all with respect to polarisation phenomena.

For device researchers, we especially invite papers on the design and fabrication of piezoelectric, photonic and optoelectronic devices created using materials displaying polarisation phenomena.

For all contributors, contributions on topics that highlight the multifunctional properties of material systems, including polarisation phenomena, or that illustrate the links between different fields, are strongly encouraged for submission to this session.

Invited Speakers

Eoin O'Reilly, Tyndall National Institute, IE, “Control and Engineering of Spontaneous and Piezoelectric Polarisation in Nitride-based Nanostructures”

Ilia Katardjiev, Uppsala University, SE, “Recent Developments in the Thin Film Electro-Acoustic Technology”

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A3/F8. Coatings for Fuel Cells & Batteries 

Session Chairs

Gayatri Dadheech, General Motors, USA, gayatri.dadheech@gm.com
Eileen Yu, Newcastle University, UK, eileen.yu@ncl.ac.uk 

Interest in fuel cells has grown at a rapid pace, owing to the promise of low environmental emissions and high energy conversion efficiencies. Despite considerable technical progress, significant challenges remain to be overcome to fully commercialize fuel cell based power systems. Advances in coatings and coating processes play a major role in overcoming some of the key materials-related challenges. For solid oxide fuel cell (SOFC), these include: reducing the oxidation kinetics and improving the electrical performance of interconnects; improving the strength and chemical stability of seal-interconnect and seal-electrolyte interfaces; and fabrication of cell components. For PEM fuel cell stacks, coatings may improve steel interconnects by improving corrosion resistance and stabilizing electrical conductivity. The rapid development of biological fuel cells using microorganisms and enzymes as biocatalysts provides new approaches for generating electricity from waste, biomass and even human body fluids, for applications from wastewater treatment to health care devices. Coatings in biological fuel cells may immobilize and improve the stability and activity of biocatalysts, as well as improve the biocompatibility of electrode substrates.

High-performance rechargeable batteries have attracted recent attention with the emergence of new markets in high performance electric storage systems, including electric grid stabilization, back-up power and the hybridization of drive trains. Considerable challenges remain to develop batteries with an optimal balance of high energy density, low self-discharge, safety, reliability, lifetime, and cost. Novel battery coatings and processes include graphene, new inorganic or polymer electrolytes, and corrosion-resistant materials.

Invited Speakers

Toshio Maruyama, Tokyo Institute of Technology, JP, “Oxidation of SOFC Interconnects”

Mark Verbrugge, General Motors R&D, USA, "Materials Developments for Vehicle Electrification"

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Technical Symposia:

A. Coatings for Use at High Temperature

B. Hard Coatings and Vapor Deposition Technology

C.Fundamentals and Technology of Multifunctional Thin Films

D. Coatings for Biomedical and Healthcare Applications

E. Tribology & Mechanical Behavior of Coatings and Engineered Surfaces

F. New Horizons in Coatings and Thin Films

G. Applications, Manufacturing, and Equipment

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Tutorial Sessions:

TS1. Surface Engineering for Thermal Transport, Storage and Harvesting

TS2. Advanced Characterization of Coatings and Thin Films

TS3. Energetic Materials and Micro-Structures for Nanomanufacturing

TS4. Graphene and 2D Nanostructres