Development of flexible stress-free thin films using KJL magnetron plasma sputtering

The research investigates how to fabricate stress-free multifunctional nano-thin films on flexible substrates. Thin films are the building block of all high-tech applications including integrated circuits, digital displays, data storage, sensors, photo-voltaic cells, etc. The introduction of flexible technologies such as flexible electronics, flexible photovoltaic solar cells and flexible digital displays is only possible if the fabrication of flexible nano-thin films is perfected. The work will be principally experimental, involving operation of LabLine KJL plasma sputtering machine, materials testing and microscopy. The structure / physical property relationships of the flexible nano-thin films will be identified, leading to improved and novel materials.