Grant: Research Tools and Instruments - Category 1 (<$150,000)

This proposal is for a physical vapor deposition system to deposit metal electrical contacts to semiconductor materials and nanostructures we are synthesizing in our laboratories. Our research programs focus on the study of semiconductors, their synthesis, surface chemistry, electronic defects, and incorporation into electronic devices. This work requires forming electrical contacts to nanostructures, such as nanowires, and metal-molecule-semiconductor junctions. Another aspect of our research is characterizing electrical defects within our semiconductor materials and the incorporation of these materials into devices. Our work requires high quality electrical contacts, such as ohmic contacts and Schottky diodes. A physical vapor deposition system capable of depositing multilayers or alloys of high purity metals for electrical contacts onto substrates with optional temperature control is essential to all of these projects. Equipment currently available to us is incapable of fulfilling these requirements. The requested metal evaporation system will enable us to fabricate the electrical contacts we require at SFU and in a timely manner. This system will be unique to Western Canada. Access to this equipment will ensure a higher quality of training for our students with hands-on experience using state-of-the-art equipment, while also enabling them to compete at the forefront of their areas of research.