Research Interests: Our currents research efforts are largely devoted to the study of advanced electronic, photonic, and composite materials processing issues. Of particular interest is understanding of the fundamentals of chemical vapor deposition of thin films. We are using gas phase Raman spectroscopy and mass spectrometry, coupled with reactor modelling, to understand homogeneous thermal decomposition mechanisms of organometallic precursors. The group also has an interest in the growth of wide bandgap semiconductors (ZnCdSSe, AlGaN, AlGaInP). Novel prebonded dopant precursors as well as alternative growth schemes (laser assisted, flow modulation) are being investigated as methods to increase the free carrier concentrations. Modulation-doped structures for improved thin film electroluminescent displays are being modelled, fabricated, and tested in collaboration with an industry group. Another area of research interest is deposition of advanced materials for coatings and high temperature ceramic composite applications. The mechanical and chemical properties of superlattice structures in carbides, borides and oxides also are being examined. Another program involves the deposition of thin films of high-transition-temperature superconductors by excimer laser ablation. The solution to many of the problems in the processing of advanced materials is aided by knowledge of the phase diagram and thermochemistry of these materials. Our group routinely measures component activities in liquid and solid solutions with a solid state galvanic cell. This data along with other available data is then critically assessed and solution model parameters estimated to predict multicomponent phase diagrams and compute complex reaction equilibria. |
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