Grant: Research Tools and Instruments

Physical vapor deposition (PVD) is a crucial and essential method used in materials science and engineering to deposit thin films of materials for both fundamental and applied research. The ability to deposit high-quality films of metals, dielectrics, and organic materials is central to research in organic electronics, as well as wearable and stretchable electronics. Without this capability, the development of new materials and devices for emerging applications in these fields is almost impossible. This application requests support for an urgently needed PVD system to replace our current non-functional and obsolete e-beam evaporation system. This instrument will expand the range of materials we can deposit to include organic materials, which will support and advance our research programs in organic electronics. The instrument will also advance our cutting-edge research in wearable electronics, conjugated polymers, sensors, printed electronics, and more. This critical piece of equipment will be used by a multidisciplinary team of researchers from 12 research groups with expertise spanning materials chemistry, materials and mechanical engineering, experimental biochemistry, and electrical engineering. The new PVD system will be housed in the University of Windsor's Essex Centre of Research (CORe), a collaborative shared research space, allowing for HQP to receive a hands-on experience on this advanced tool. The requested instrument will further support current and future industrial collaboration funded projects by the applicants and frequent users, who all have a recognized track record of excellence in their respective fields. This new state-of-the-art instrument will provide for new interdisciplinary collaborations and expansion of the team's research programs, ultimately resulting in the training of the next generation of Canadian materials scientists and engineers.