Functionalized thin layers and surfaces

The objective is, in a first part, to study the relationship between elaboration conditions of thin films, structure and associated micro/nanostructure, and the desired specific properties in various application fields: mechanics, optics, electronics, chemistry and biology. The search of new performances, the development of nanotechnologies and the need for innovation require a mutifunctional approach for the conception of the objects. On the surface, i.e. at the interface with the external medium, sollicitations, damages, or specific properties are occuring and must be optimized and/or considered to be different from the ones of the bulk material.

During this course, we will particularly study the mechanical properties (elasticity, plasticity, damage and adhesion of the films on the substrate), the electrical properties (influence of bidimensionality on the carriers, films of nanometric thickness taking into account the quantum nature of their electronic properties), the optical properties (application to integrated optics and obtention of specific functional properties) of thin films. The last part of the course will be dedicated to the study of self-assembled monolayers and their applications. A practical session will allow the students to take part to a molecular beam epitaxy experiment in the cleanroom.