Project Details
Description
w:\awards\awards96\num.doc 9705367 Gustafsson This experimental research project is in the area of surface analysis based on the use of ion beam scattering. A first project centers on study of the unexpectedly large spacing observed between the two outermost layers on surfaces of Ag and Cu, at elevated temperatures in ultra high vacuum. Study of this expansion effect will be extended to binary systems, and will be compared with recently generated theoretical predictions. The second major project is a study of initial stages of oxidation, the first 1 - 10nm of oxide growth, making use of great advances in surface analysis techniques that have been made since classic oxidation studies. Emphasis is on the mechanism of growth and the microstructure of the resulting oxide. A wide range of systems, including Si, Ni, Al, Cu, Ge and SiC will be studied. A variety of additional tools, including STM, AFM and photoelectron spectroscopy will be employed in the project. The primary experimental tool is high-resolution medium energy ion scattering, which can provide information on surface structure, growth mechanisms, and kinetics. %%%% This experimental research uses advance surface science instrumentation to study at the atomic level the process of oxide film growth on metals and semiconductors. Oxide growth is of immense importance in wide areas of technology, for example in the silicon technology where gate oxides are central, to passivation layers on metals such as aluminum. Previous studies have been limited in the availability of experimental techniques and equipment, leaving many questions on how oxidation occurs, especially during the first few atomic layers. This experimental study will depend primarily upon medium energy ion scattering, supplemented by other techniques including scanning tunneling microscopy and atomic fo rce microscopy. Materials of interest in this project are Si, Ni, Al, Cu, Ge and SiC. Results from this research may include unusual new effects which may find application in technology. This research project is interdisciplinary in nature and involves graduate and postgraduate students who will be excellently trained to enter positions in industry, government or education. ***
Status | Finished |
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Effective start/end date | 8/1/97 → 6/30/02 |
Funding
- National Science Foundation: $337,000.00