Cambridge NanoTech and Simon Fraser University (SFU)’s 4D LABS have entered into a strategic collaboration to develop novel thin film processes and technologies.
With Cambridge NanoTech's Fiji plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition (ALD) system that can perform both plasma and thermal processing and with financial backing from SFU, BCKDF, CFI and NSERC, 4D LABS’ Nanofabrication Facility, a Class 100/ISO 5 clean room, enhances its capabilities.
The partnership will develop advanced materials by producing novel chemical precursor and methods for ALD to be co-designed by 4D LABS, SFU's Department of Chemistry and Cambridge NanoTech. Cambridge NanoTech’s Senior Research Scientist, Eric Deguns stated that the company has already started planning for its first films development project. The development project will focus on clean energy and electronics applications and films that can be customized to fulfill particular requirements of devices, he said. By developing the company’s precursor applications, it can provide novel materials that can be deposited via ALD onto day-to-day products, he added.
The novel materials’ unique non-linear, piezoelectric, photo-elastic and electro-optical properties cause them to be in high demand. Byron Gates, who serves as Director at 4D LABS’ Nanofabrication Facility, stated that the facility will assist both industrial and academic users in 4D LABS for their materials research and development requirements from a new component or material to a final system or device. The inclusion of Cambridge NanoTech's Fiji further strengthens the facility’s knowledge in materials science and engineering to produce designer materials, he added. It also allows the facility’s clients to carry on their creation, demonstration and supply of novel technologies and materials to meet emerging demands that are both commercially and academically significant, he added.