Research is essential to increase our understanding of various phenomena, to improve the performance of materials in the context of various applications and to innovate by developing new fabrication processes, materials and devices. This section lists the various lines of research explored in recent years. Please select from one of the following categories:
This page contains the research activities in optical coatings at the FCSEL as well as some more in depth information on particular applications for which we have developed a special interest (see bottom figure).
The field of optical coatings is vast and scientists and engineers are constantly adding new and innovative implementations of these films to an already impressive array of applications. Research on optical coatings at the FCSEL has also evolved over time going from mainly optical coatings for telecommunications in the pre-2001 period, to coatings for anticounterfeiting, sensors and astronomy post-2001. Since 2012, with the addition of the MIC-CSE Chair, our attention has also been oriented towards antireflective coatings for ophthalmics and low-e coatings for energy control. While from a material point of view much emphasis has been focused on passive materials, more recently, in an effort to bring a higher degree of control to various applications, we have also been dynamically exploring active materials which show a change in their optical properties under the application of an external source of energy.
All of these activities are driven by core competencies which are at the basis of the FCSEL’s generic research program (see mission):
- Develop new fabrication techniques and new materials for thin film systems and coatings.
- Tailor the optical, optoelectronical, micro- and nano-mechanical, tribological, protective properties and other desirable characteristics.
- Understand and control thin film growth.
- Surface and interface engineering.
- Metrology of coating properties for their application in different areas.
Consequently, the research workflow at the FCSEL is based on the following approach:
Through this approach, we have, over the years, developed an expertise as well as an arsenal of tools allowing us to not only fabricate specific application-oriented coatings but also characterize their optical/mechanical properties as well as optimize their performance all under one roof. This has made the FCSEL a “one stop shop” for many companies and institutions.
In the following dynamic diagram, you will find a comprehensive list of activities which have taken place at the FCSEL as well as in some cases, additional information on particular points of interest or links to complementary material.
OPTICAL RESEARCH DIAGRAM
- Decorative coatings - control of color
- Energy control - architectural glazings
- Filters for astronomy
- Ophtalmic lenses
- Security devices
- Sensors
- Variable emissivity coatings for microsatellites
- Etc.
- Graded index systems (e.g. rugate filters, quintic layers)
- Multilayers
- Waveguides
- Commercial and home made design packages
- Inorganic materials, amorphous and polycrystalline (TiO2, Ta2O5, Nb2O5, Si3N4, SiO2 )
- Organic and hybrid materials (plasma polymers, fluorocarbons, amorphous carbon, organosilcons)
- Mixed materials - compositional control, compositional gradients (TiO2/SiO2, SiOxNy, etc.)
- Nano-composite structures (metal/dielectric, nanoclusters ...)
- Active electrochromic and thermochromic materials
- Hybrid materials
- Magnetron sputtering (DC, pulsed-DC, RF, HiPIMS)
- PECVD (RF, microwave)
- ALD
- Electron beam evaporation
- Cathodic arc
- DIBS
- Surface cleaning and pre-treatment for adhesion enhancement.
- Real time control of microstructure (in situ spectroscopic ellipsometry, reflectometry)
- Quarterwave monitoring
- Refractive index, extinction coefficient – dispersion curves
- Transmission and reflection spectra (angular)
- Diffused light
- Color
- Birefringence
- Light propagation modes, optical losses
- Electro-optic effect
- Reverse engineering
- Environmental stability
- Tribtik
- Nanoindentation
- On various substrates (glass, polymer, etc.)
Design and Fabrication
- Single-layer, multilayer and graded systems
- Nanocomposites
- Surface engineering – compatibility and adhesion
- In situ real time monitoring
Metrology Tribo-mechanical Properties
- Elasto-plastic properties: hardness, Young’s modulus and toughness
- Tribological properties: wear-, scratch-, abrasion- and erosion resistance, friction coefficient
- Adhesion
New Hard and Superhard Coatings
- Simple layers (examples: TiN, TiC, TaC, Si3N4, TiCN, diamond like carbon (a-C:H, DLC), polycrystalline diamond)
- Nanocomposites (examples: TiN/Si3N4, TiCxNy/SiCxNy systems)
- Graded layers, multilayers
- Surface hardening (surface nitriding and carburizing)
Multilayer Systems with a Specific Function of a each Layer
- Anticorrosive layers
- Hydrophobic / hydrophilic layers
- Adhesive layers
- Diffusion barriers
- Low friction layers
- Thin film electrets
- Controlled electrical conductivity
Multifunctional Single Layers
- Conductive transparent films
- Protective antireflection films
- Decorative anticorrosive coatings
Active Layers
- Electrochromic coatings (video)
- Thermochromic coatings
- Photocatalytic coatings
Surface Treatment for the Control of Adhesion
Polymers, metals, and ceramics – control of chemical functionality,
surface morphology, surface chemistry and surface charge
Chemical Surface Fonctionalization
Introduction of hydroxylic, amine, amide, carbonyl groups (grafting)
Surface Energy Control
Hydrophobic and hydrophilic treatments