Upgrade of the research areas and experimental facilities of the 'Lab de Filmes Finos'

Abstract

This project wants to renew the research topics of the Laboratório de Filmes Finos (IFSC-USP) through the improvement of its experimental facilities. Within the topics under consideration one should mention: (a) the systematic investigation of thin films containing rare-earth or transition-metal species - aiming at the development of novel luminescent materials, broad-band light sources, energy converters for silicon-based solar cells; (b) the study of wide bandgap materials (such as oxides, nitrides and oxi-nitrides, for example); (c) the development of optical micro-cavities based on films containing rare-earth elements; (d) to explore the crystallization phenomena of amorphous films as induced by temperature, mechanical stress, metallic species, and electric fields; and (e) the investigation of the structural-magnetic properties of films and/or micro- or nano-systems based on the combination of transition metals with Si or Ge. The requested financial support will guarantee the continuation-advancement of the topics just mentioned as well as will provide adequate resources for the training of students in areas of great technological interest. (AU)