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Research Briefings 1986 (1986) / Chapter Skim
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Report of the Research Briefing Panel on Science of Interfaces and Thin Films
Pages 1-16

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From page 1...
... Report of the Research Briefing Panel on Science of Interfaces and Thin Films
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From page 2...
... Mark Wrighton, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Mass. Staff William Spindel, Project Director, Commission on Physical Sciences, Mathematics, and Resources Robert M
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From page 3...
... Thin films (for example, the- iridescent film that forms when oil floats on water) are familiar.
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From page 4...
... Technologically important physical properties-strength, corrosion resistance, biocompatibility- are often determined by the characteristics of thin films and interfaces. An interface can be the exposed atoms on the exterior of a metal single crystal in vacuum, the junction between a silicon substrate and a silicon dioxide overIayer, the boundary between phase-separated block copolymers, the junction between a fiber and polymer matrix in a composite aircraft part, or the region of contact between blood and an implanted prosthesis.
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From page 5...
... In the highertemperature solid phase, the krypton atoms position themselves in a low-density crystal in register with the underlying graphite lattice. This structure is dominated by krypton-carbon interactions; and in it, the krypton atoms are spaced slightly beyond hard-sphere contact.
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From page 6...
... Many of the important physical properties of cell membranes, such as two-dimensional diffusion and differentiation between the "inside" and "outside" of biological entities shaped like a tube or sphere, can be studied using these spontaneously formed structures. · The characteristic chemical reactivities of metal atoms at the exposed interface of bulk metal and of small metal clusters provide the basis for heterogeneous catalysis.
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From page 7...
... This remarkable device makes it possible to observe individual atoms on irregular interfaces. STM is being used to study interfaces in contact with insulating liquids; it is applicable to noncrystalline solids; and it can be used to examine dynamic processes occurring at interfaces.
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From page 8...
... ; films with extraordi narily high electron and hole mobilities; and transistors, lasers, and magnetic materials that are capable of record-setting perfor mances. The most interesting strategies for prep aration of thin films of organic constituents PREPARATIVE TECHNIQUES One objective of current research is the development of techniques for producing highly perfect, smooth, single-crystal films.
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From page 9...
... Electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy (EPR) 9 Application Individual atomic positions on surfaces Structures of crystalline surfaces; surface morphology Vibrational spectroscopy of adsorbates on small metal particles Electronic structure of atoms in the top 10 angstroms of an interface A wide variety of information concerning structure, composition, and morphology; single atom .
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From page 10...
... BIOCOMPATIBEE SURFACES AND INTERFACES A biomaterial is any substance or device whose function depends on contact with a biological medium. Thin films and interfaces play an essential role in the design and function of the numerous implants and devices that are now being used clinically.
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From page 11...
... We must learn how these interactions are affected by surface morphology or by specific chemical groups on the surface, and what influence is exerted by the mechanical properties of the interface. APPLICATIONS MICROELECTRONICS IN COMMUNICATIONS AND COMPUTERS Microelectronic technologies are founded largely on structures composed of thin films and interfaces.
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From page 12...
... The large area of interface connecting fiber and matrix makes a critical con tribution to the mechanical properties of the material. Failure often involves these interfaces (Figure 5)
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From page 13...
... recovery remains unclear for most oil fields; it has proved difficult to find detergent mixtures that are inexpensive, effective, and stable in the res
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From page 14...
... 3. An effective strategy should provide selected groups and/or institutions with a sufficiently complete subset of the sophisticated analytical and preparative tools required to conduct effective research in thin films and interface science.
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From page 15...
... Too few trained students are being produced in some important areas of interface research. For 15 example, although there are many welltrained students in compound semiconductor interface science, there are comparatively few in such areas as polymer-metal, polymer-carbon, and polymer-ceramic interfaces; silicon epitaxial growth; colloid science; and biocompatible surfaces.
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Key Terms

  • interface science
  • thin film
  • krypton atoms
  • mechanical properties
  • platinum atoms

  • tunneling microscopy
  • asperity contact
  • cross section
  • incompletely understood
  • gold atoms

  • scanning tunneling
  • phase behavior
  • silicon dioxide
  • heterogeneous catalysis
  • nonlinear optical

  • surface morphology
  • atomic positions
  • electronic structure
  • depend strongly
  • graphite lattice

  • organic substance
  • underlying graphite
  • epitaxial growth
  • crystalline phase
  • solid phase

  • ohmic contact
  • unique properties
  • power consumption
  • interfaces play
  • interface research


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