Focused Topics

• Biological, Organic, & Soft Materials
• Energy
• Nanomanufacturing
• Tribology

Because the thematic crossover, overlap and natural synergies between many fields of surface science and AVS Divisions is increasingly complex, the AVS Focus sessions allow new topics to be embraced and programmed with flexibility and inter-divisional input. These topics are being programmed by committees whose chairs were appointed by the Symposium Program chair and whose members are representatives from the interested Divisions and Technical Groups.

Biological, Organic, and Soft Materials Focus Topic (BO)

The Biological, Organic, and Soft Materials Focus topical sessions (BO) represent a new cross-divisional forum for presentations and discussions of surface-relevant analyses, modifications, micro- and nano-fabrication methods, depositions, fundamental phenomena, and biological interactions. The BO topics were selected for their common AVS thematic platforms, with importance central to organic, biological, and polymeric interfaces that differ fundamentally in many ways from metal, oxide, and semiconductor interfaces. Soft interfaces are of wide interest and, consistent with this appeal, all BO focus topic sessions are co-sponsored by multiple AVS divisions. The BO program includes sessions devoted to biological applications of plasma-deposited surfaces, advances in surface analysis methods, self-assembled organic monolayers and other organized organic interfaces, biosensors, and soft nanostructures. The Focus “biological applications of plasma-modified surfaces” session features invited talks by M. Alexander (The University of Nottingham), A. Fridman (Drexel University), and A. Wendt (University of Wisconsin). The “advances in surface analysis” session has talks by H. Nygren (University of Gothenburg) and others featuring advances in two and three-dimensional surface analysis by laser desorption and secondary ion mass spectrometry. X. Zhang (Tsinghua University) starts off the Focus session on “organized soft interfaces” by discussing assembly of inorganic/organic hybrid polyelectrolyte multilayers. J.P. Spatz (MPI for Metals Research) gives the invited talk in the “soft nanostructures” session on nanoscale presentation of peptides at biointerfaces. Finally, two FOCUS sessions emphasize biosensing and self-assembled soft interfaces, featuring nano- and semiconducting detection surfaces, and novel innovations in organic adlayer films, respectively. A poster session will be combined with other Divisional poster sessions in a lively, hosted scientific/ social exchange forum on the exhibitor floor. Overall, the FOCUS program proves to be an exciting unifying and cross-cutting venue for common AVS research themes.

Energy Focus Topic (EN)

Energy is a critical keystone of today’s society. Even to sustain present standards of living, our challenges include: (i) preserving the energy choices of future generations through the development of alternate source materials, (ii) developing new materials for functional energy systems, (iii) devising means to optimize efficient utilization of all resources, including manufacturing practices, and (iv) developing critical scientific leadership. The expertise needed for success crosses many fields and similarly engages nine of the divisions within the AVS: Advanced Surface Engineering (SE), Applied Surface Science (AS), Bio Interfaces (BI), Electronic Materials Processing (EM), Nanoscale Science and Technology (NS), Plasma Science and Technology (PS), Surface Science (SS), Thin Film (TF) and Vacuum Technology (VT). We have a very strong program addressing many of the challenges critical to meeting the world’s energy challenge. Our sessions run from Monday afternoon through Thursday morning. We start with a session on Hydrogen Storage. Talks in this session include fundamental work, such as the invited talk discussing atomistic mechanisms for reversible hydrogen storage, as well as applied work, such as the contributed talk by a industrial scientist discussing hydrogen storage for automotive vehicles. Our Catalysis for Energy Sustainability session on Tuesday includes three invited talks presenting work performed in the US, Japan, and Denmark. Photovoltaics is definitely an important area for energy challenges. Our PV session is on Tuesday afternoon and presents work from around the world. Invited talks will present work from The Netherlands and Luxembourg, while the contributed talks represent work from Korean, United States, and United Kingdom researchers. Wednesday morning’s Electrochemical Storage session includes talks in areas such as nanoparticles for lithium batteries, boron oxynitride for high temperature capacitors, and microstructure optimization for improve electrochemical efficiency. The last two sessions highlight Energy Tools and Approaches. Topics in these sessions include continuous processing of CdS/CdTe devices, the role of advanced electron microscopy in sustainable energy, and several aspects of the roles morphology and microstructure play in PV and other energy systems.

Nanomanufacturing Focus Topic (NM)

Manufacturing of quality nanoscale materials/devices is key to realizing the benefits of nano-enabled technologies. As such, nanomanufacturing is one of the identified investment areas for the National Nanotechnology Initiative. At the nanoscale the high surface to volume ratio for structures/devices makes manufacturing a challenge in surface engineering / processing. This Focus Topic offers a number of sessions that focus on: 1) the manufacturing of quality nanostructures (nanodots, wires, tubes, superlattices,…), 2) innovative approaches to plasma processing and quality control/metrology, 3) affordable approaches to nanoscale patterning/processing such as imprinting/embossing, and 4), the considerable challenges/opportunities associated with semiconductor manufacturing “Beyond CMOS.”

Tribology Focus Topic (TR)

Tribology and related interfacial processes encompass a range of interrelated scientific issues relevant to multiple divisions across the AVS. The focus topic in tribology allows interdivisional input for session organizing and programming with hosting divisions including Nanometer Science and Technology, Advanced Surface Engineering, and MEMS & NEMS. The 2008 AVS program includes theoretical and experimental contributions in the areas of nanotribology, nanomechanics, adhesion, MEMS/NEMS interfaces, tribochemistry, surface modification and nanocomposite materials and coatings. Tribology and nanomechanics related contributions are also reflected in the In situ Electron Microscopy and Dynamic Nanoscale Processes Symposium (IS+NS+ TR+NC). There are four invited speakers within the Tribology Focus sessions. In TR+MN+NC, Don Brenner (North Carolina State U.) will present molecular modeling and continuum analysis of dynamic processes occurring in RF and capacitive MEMS contacts. In TR+EM+NS+NC, Greg Haugstad (U. Minnesota) will be speaking on how novel nanotribological phenomena such as frictional anisotropy can be used to characterize organic thin film semiconductors. In TR+SE+TF, two invited speakers will discuss recent advances in lubrication by transition metal dichalcogenides. A. Cavaleiro (U. Coimbra, Portugal) will present developments in deposition and lubrication mechanisms of carbon-alloyed molybdenum and tungsten diselenide coatings. The presentation by Jeff Lince (The Aerospace Corporation, CA) will focus on effects of vacuum and other environments on spacecraft tribomaterials.

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