Thin Film Physics (TUNNF)

Our research concerns design of new multifunctional materials for hard and wear-resistant coatings, energy materials, magnetic materials, electronics, neutron-converting materials for the ESS, wide-bandgap semiconductors, and more.

Deposition of aluminum nitride by magnetron sputtering Photo credit Samiran Bairagi

Brief overview

The Thin Film Physics Division conducts application-inspired basic research on thin films to fundamentally understand the atomistic nature of materials properties and behavior and learn how to make materials perform better through new methods of synthesis and processing. Our research concerns design of new multifunctional materials for hard and wear-resistant coatings, energy materials, magnetic materials, electronics, neutron-converting materials for the ESS, wide-bandgap semiconductors, and more. Results are explored in collaboration with industry and the properties of structures unique to thin films form the basis for new and improved materials and processes in applications.

Infrastructure

We work in an excellent infrastructure with access to all of the following instruments and more:

Deposition systems

Adam
Bifrost
Jessie
Laura
Ragnarök
Samson
Nidhögg
Zeb
Sprak
Medusa
Hydra

Analytical instruments

TEM, FEI Titan Cube
TEM, FEI Tecnai G2
Fib, Zeiss 1540EsB
SEM, LEO 1550 Gemini
Hysitron Triboindenter TI950
Nanoindenter, Umis
Auger
Ellipsometry lab
Metalmicroscope
XRD Asterix
XRD Idefix
XRD Majestix
XRD Empyrean
XRD X'pert PRO
XPS Phortos
ToF-Sims
Sample preparation microscopy

To instrument booking.

Research at Thin film physics division

Fundamental Science of Thin Films unit

We aim at increasing the atomistic understanding of vapor phase deposition, ion-surface interactions, and phase transitions in advanced materials.

Nano-materials Science unit

Conducting focused research aimed at understanding and controlling atomistic processes during synthesis of nanostructures and thin films.

Materials Optics unit

We combine material optics and development of ellipsometric methodology to analyse optical properties and nanostructures of bulk materials, thin films and their interfaces.

The image shows graphene-metal interfaces

Functional Materials unit

We investigate the properties of thin films synthesized using various Vapor Deposition and Sputtering techniques.

Mirror-reflected Valence Electron Energy Loss Spectrum line scan obtained across an AlInN multilayer grown on sapphire

Electron Microscopy of Materials unit

Our research focuses on the application and development of advanced electron microscopy techniques to study the structure and chemistry of materials at the highest attainable spatial resolution.

Materials Design

How far can we push the design and tailoring of materials properties for known and future applications? This ultimately depends on the control of the atomic constituents while composing and structuring a material.

Energy Materials unit

We conduct fundamental and application-inspired studies in the general area of thin-film materials for energy applications. Among others, we investigate thermoelectrics, ionic conductors for fuel-cell applications, MAX phases and hard coatings.

Doctoral education

Fysikhuset, Campus Valla, Linköping University.

Doctoral studies in Materials Science

Doctoral studies in Materials Science, with a particular link to condensed matter physics and nanotechnology, are focused on experimental activities on materials, including computations and modelling of these materials.

More about our research

A single atom layer of gold – LiU researchers create goldene

For the first time, scientists have managed to create sheets of gold only a single atom layer thick. According to the researchers from LiU this has given the gold new properties that can make it suitable for use in various applications.

Better neutron mirrors can reveal the inner secrets of matter

An improved neutron mirror has been developed by researchers at LiU by coating a silicon plate with extremely thin layers of iron and silicon mixed with boron carbide. It paves the way for better studies of materials.

A smiling man in a blue jacket and a lightblue shirt

Innovative semiconductor research from LiU to Silicon Valley

LiU alumnus and doctoral student Ivan Martinovic swapped Swedish winter for a warmer climate and headed for Silicon Valley. He represents the LEAD company Polar Light Technologies in Berkeley SkyDeck’s sought-after accelerator programme.