Thin Film Technology Research Articles

Development and characterization of AgHNTs@SPU film loaded with letrozole as drug delivery system and its anticancer activity

Polyurethane is an excellent implant biomaterial due to its elasticity, flexibility, resistance to abrasions and chemicals, and highly hydrophobic nature. The risk of hydrophobic nature is a significant drawback for an ideal drug delivery system. To enhance the hydrophilicity and compatibility of polyurethane via surface modification, such as (1) Introducing salicylic acid into the polymer backbone can create voids for the release of drugs from the matrix. (2) Doping silver onto HNTs by a simple one-pot precipitation method can enable silver to rupture the nucleus of cancer cells and induce ROS formation. The polyurethane and its mixed matrix were cast into the film to improve the initial effect of the drug, duration, and dosing than other conventional methods. The benefits of surface modification and thin film technology resulted in degradability, cytocompatibility, and excellent anticancer activity. The in vitro release studies depict that the letrozole-loaded film has a sustained release effect for a longer period based on the swelling ratio. The MTT assay showed that the [email protected] film could cause THP-1 cell death due to silver, polyols of PU, and HNTs. Salicylic acid played a vital role in increasing the antibacterial activity of the film. Furthermore, the increased oxidative stress was seen in [email protected]/Let film due to the biomaterial's active presence. Thus, [email protected]/Let a film is a potential approach for producing an implantable anticancer drug delivery system for the future with higher tumor cell death and prolonged drug release.

EMI Shielding and Conductive Textiles Functionalized with (Ti,Cu) Nanomaterials for Biomedical Applications.

This study explores the potential of integrating thin-film technology in the design of new and effective electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding and conductive materials for textiles and wearables. This application is of particular interest to the textile industry as it can bring new functionalities to wearables and protect humans from prolonged exposure to EM radiation. Three different thin films of pure Ti, pure Cu, and Ti-doped with Cu prepared by magnetron sputtering were used to functionalize textile knits based on cotton (code 39F) and lyocell fibers (62I). The films displayed different crystalline structures, morphologies, and topographies, which depended on their chemical compositions. The shielding effectiveness (SE) of the functionalized knits against EMI was evaluated in the frequency range of 2-8 GHz. Also, the electrical response under stress was assessed since the electrical conductivity is closely related to the EMI shielding effectiveness. The results demonstrate the feasibility of using a thin conductive layer based on Cu or Ti-Cu to improve the shield textiles with great adhesion and low thickness, providing an interesting path to improve shielding efficiency for EMI without modifying the flexibility of the textiles.

Thermoacoustic phased-array radiators – Theory, characteristics, and applications

Standard non-invasive acoustic non-destructive testing (NDT) methods like testing in contact or using immersion tank arrangements are limited since the probes need to be in direct contact with the test piece or using a fluid as coupling media. Air-coupled ultrasonic testing avoids these limitations and enables new testing methods. Two up-and-coming transducer technologies are recognized as promising: transducers using ferroelectrets and transmitters based on the thermoacoustic principle. Thermoacoustic radiators based on thin-film technology offer a resonant-free generation of ultrasound. The resonance-free operation enables the wideband generation of acoustics waves and promises advantages for existing NDT methods. Using specially shaped substrates and electrodes enables the fabrication of planar and focused thermoacoustic radiators. This contribution presents the latest results of our ongoing research regarding thermoacoustic radiators, which is the thermoacoustic phased-array. Phased-array transducers offer the on-the-fly change of the steering angle and the position of the focal point without moving or modifying the transducer itself. Combining both technologies, thermoacoustic emitter and the phasedarray principle broaden the spectrum of classical NDT applications and modern approaches like the excitation of guided waves or structural health monitoring. In detail, we modelled the sound field of a self-fabricated thermoacoustic phased-array radiator, characterised the emitter elementwise and tested several application scenarios (e.g., transmission, beam steering, focusing and the excitation of guided waves).

Rapid and Highly Sensitive Detection of Leishmania by Combining Recombinase Polymerase Amplification and Solution-Processed Oxide Thin-Film Transistor Technology.

Nucleic acid detection is widely used to identify infectious diseases and ensure food safety. However, conventional PCR-based techniques are time consuming. Thus, this study aims to combine recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA), which enables the rapid amplification of even trace amounts of nucleic acid fragments within 10-40 min at 37-42 °C, and solution-processed oxide thin-film transistor (TFT) technology, which exhibits high detection sensitivity, to detect Leishmania. A single-stranded anti-probe was incorporated into the RPA primer to facilitate effective hybridization between the RPA product and the immobilized probe on the solution-processed oxide TFT. The RPA-amplified product carrying an anti-probe enabled specific binding to the chip surface. Changes in current were monitored before and after sample incubation to identify the target nucleic acids in the samples accurately. The proposed method achieved a remarkable limit of detection of 101 copies/μL of the Leishmania HSP70 fragment within 30 min. The design of the probes on the solution-processed oxide TFT surface and the anti-probe simplified the detection of other target nucleic acids, eliminating the need to denature DNA double-strands for specific binding during nucleic acid detection. Thus, the novel method offers the advantage of requiring minimal reagent resources and eliminates the need for complex procedures.

Effect of annealing treatment in the mechanical proprty of chromium carbides films

Applications of thin film technology have grown quickly, including thermal insulation, cuttingtools, solar cells, protection against oxidation and corrosion, and microelectronics. The use ofthermoelectric thin films, which have several advantages over bulky sensors (such as sensors of: heat flow,radiation, pressure, electric power, and thermocouples), is widespread. Chromium carbides are widelyattracted for industrial applications by their good hardness, high chemical stability, and toughness. Thepresence of carbon in the composition of chromium metal improves the hardness and the wear resistanceby lubricating effect. In this work, the chromium carbides films deposited from pure Cr target by the PVDmethod on steel substrates are developed and characterized. In this study, the samples are annealed undervacuum in a temperature range between 800 and 1000 °C. The improvement of the mechanical property ofthin Cr films is due in particular to the fact that the hardness and wear obtained in this temperature rangeare very important. The increase in hardness is attributed to the formation of hard binary Chromiumcarbides. However, its decrease was related with the diffusion of iron and the transformation of binarychromium carbides to ternary carbides at higher annealing temperatures.

Growth Process, Structure and Electronic Properties of Cr2GeC and Cr2-xMnxGeC Thin Films Prepared by Magnetron Sputtering

The growth and phase formation features, along with the influence of structure and morphology on the electronic, optical, and transport properties of Cr2GeC and Cr2-xMnxGeC MAX phase thin films synthesized by magnetron sputtering technique, were studied. It was found that the Cr:Ge:C atomic ratios most likely play the main role in the formation of a thin film of the MAX phase. A slight excess of carbon and manganese doping significantly improved the phase composition of the films. Cr2GeC films with a thicknesses exceeding 40 nm consisted of crystallites with well-developed facets, exhibiting metallic optical and transport properties. The hopping conduction observed in the Cr2-xMnxGeC film could be attributed to the columnar form of crystallites. Calculations based on a two-band model indicated high carrier concentrations N, P and mobility μ in the best-synthesized Cr2GeC film, suggesting transport properties close to single crystal material. The findings of this study can be utilized to enhance the growth technology of MAX phase thin films.

Application of high-resolution techniques in the assessment of the mobility of Cr, Mo, and W at the sediment-water interface of Nansi Lake, China.

There are few studies on the simultaneous behavior of chromium (Cr), molybdenum (Mo), and tungsten (W) belonging to group VIB of the periodic table. Herein, based on high-resolution dialysis (HR-Peeper) and diffusive gradients in thin films (DGT) technology, the vertical distribution characteristics of DGT-labile and soluble Cr, Mo, and W in two lakes of Nansi Lake (Weishan Lake and Dushan Lake) were analyzed. In addition, the net diffusion fluxes and R-value (CDGT/Csol) were used to evaluate the mobility and release risk of metals at the sediment-water interface. The results showed that the DGT-labile concentrations of the three metal elements (Cr, Mo, and W) in Weishan Lake were higher than those in Dushan Lake, both in overlying water and sediment. This is mainly due to the dredging of the Dushan Lake area, which can permanently remove the polluted sediment in the lake. Meanwhile, the exogenous input is relatively high near the tourist area of Weishan Island. The net diffusion fluxes indicate that the W has a potential release risk of diffusion to the overlying water in Dushan Lake. The release of Cr, Mo, and W is thought to be related to the reductive dissolution of Fe/Mn (hydr)oxides based on Pearson correlation coefficients. The R-values of Cr and W indicate that Cr and W belong to the partial continuity case. The R-value of Mo was lower than the minimum value, meaning that Mo belongs to the single diffusion type and it is difficult for Mo sediments to supply pore water.

A Review of Optical Fiber Sensing Technology Based on Thin Film and Fabry–Perot Cavity

Fiber sensors possess characteristics such as compact structure, simplicity, electromagnetic interference resistance, and reusability, making them widely applicable in various practical engineering applications. Traditional fiber sensors based on different microstructures solely rely on the thermal expansion effect of silica material itself, limiting their usage primarily to temperature or pressure sensing. By employing thin film technology to form Fabry–Perot (FP) cavities on the end-face or inside the fiber, sensitivity to different physical quantities can be achieved using different materials, and this greatly expands the application range of fiber sensing. This paper provides a systematic introduction to the principle of FP cavity fiber optic sensors based on thin film technology and reviews the applications and development trends of this sensor in various measurement fields. Currently, there is a growing need for precise measurements in both scientific research and industrial production. This has led to an increase in the variety of structures and sensing materials used in fiber sensors. The thin film discussed in this paper, suitable for various types of sensing, not only applies to fiber optic FP cavity sensors but also contributes to the research and advancement of other types of fiber sensors.

Magnetostrictive Fiber Sensors as Total Field Magnetometers

A novel magnetostrictive thin film fiber sensor is presented which can be utilized in an interferometric architecture. The magnetostrictive fiber sensor utilizes novel fiber and thin film technology to achieve high sensitivity in the sub-nanotesla regime. The base sensor architecture utilizes optical fiber wound in a novel low stress flat coil resembling a record, coated with a thin magnetostrictive film. Two prototype variants were fabricated, incorporating FeCo sputtered films of different thicknesses on 4 μm polyimide jacket single mode fiber. The sensors were incorporated into a fiber optic interferometric measurement apparatus to characterize time-varying magnetic field sensitivity. Device results are presented which demonstrate sensitivity is a function of film thickness. The experimental data exhibited a two-order magnitude sensitivity improvement as the thin film thickness was doubled. Sensitivity projections are made based on film thickness.

Elimination of the fundamental mode hybridization on an x-cut lithium-niobate-on-insulator by using a densely packed bent waveguide array.

Lithium niobate (L i N b O 3, LN) is a promising material for integrated photonics due to its natural advantages. The commercialization of thin-film LN technology has revitalized this platform, enabling low-loss waveguides, micro-rings, and compact electro-optical modulators. However, the anisotropic birefringent nature of X-cut LN leads to mode hybridization of TE and TM modes, which is detrimental to most polarization-sensitive integrated optical waveguide devices. A novel structure, to the best of our knowldege, utilizing a densely packed bent waveguide array is presented in this paper to eliminate mode hybridization. The refractive index is modulated in a manner that eliminates the avoided crossing of the refractive index curves of the TE and TM fundamental modes; thus, mode hybridization is prevented. The structures are readily accessible in the full range of commercially available LN film thicknesses from 400 to 720nm and in any etching depth. The proposed structures give a polarization extinction ratio of -30d B across all bend radii, while simultaneously maintaining low excess loss of less than -1d B after reaching a 100µm bend radius.

Experimental and computational studies of CCTS material: Novel design of solar cell for high efficiency

This paper focuses on the performance of Cu2CoSnS4 (CCTS)-based solar cell in the context of thin film technology, which has received less attention compared to its CZTS-based counterpart. The research work aims to bridge this knowledge gap by examining the efficiency of CCTS-based cell in an eco-friendly frame. Indeed, it reports on the thermal evaporation of CCTS thin film on glass substrate and numerical simulation of a CCTS-based solar cell using SCAPS 1D software. The basic characteristics of CCTS film are studied by UV–VIS and PL techniques revealing high absorption coefficient of 104 and bandgap energy of 1.4 eV which allow it to absorb a significant portion of the solar spectrum leading to an enhanced photon-to-electricity conversion. The next step suggests the modelling of new photovoltaic structure including such material as absorber: Ag/ZnO/In2S3/CCTS/Pt. The CCTS cell shows a promising conversion efficiency of 14.76% after an overall optimization of buffer and absorber layers. The upgraded efficiency is related to the improvement of short current density to 28.824 mA/cm2 and FF to 63.6% while open-circuit voltage remains unchanged. This positive impact is originated from the reduction of barrier at buffer/absorber interface with the increasing of absorber layer affinity resulting in the fall of cliff-like conduction band offset CBO, accordingly electrons can easily reach the front contact. The obtained values are compared withhigh-efficient solar cells which will motivate the manufacture of a similar device.

Improved sustainability of solar panels by improving stability of amorphous silicon solar cells

As the world grapples with global warming, it becomes imperative to carefully examine the sustainable energy technology choices. Solar is the fastest growing clean energy source but today it contributes little to the electricity generated, so future installations will dwarf the existing installed base. There is a factor of 2–4 decrease in the energy payback time from the dominant crystalline silicon technology to thin film technologies. Essential criteria like use of abundant materials and simple but mature production technology point to amorphous silicon (a-Si) technology. Here we delve into the primary issue impeding adoption of a-Si technology—the Staebler Wronski Effect (SWE), that generates metastable, light induced defects which reduce the performance of a-Si based solar cells. We demonstrate that a simple change leads to a significant reduction in SWE power loss and define a clear path to elimination of SWE, allowing the technology to be widely adopted.

New Approach for Photovoltaic Parameters Extraction for Low-Cost Electronic Devices

This work proposes a new five-parameter model equation for PV devices, which operates as a function of the main representative parameters of PV devices. It is specifically developed for implementation in embedded systems. The methodology presented in this work is notable due to the fact that three of the five parameters can be directly extracted from the experimental current–voltage (I–V) curve, simplifying the iterative process until a pre-set small difference in the determination of the maximum power is achieved. The iterative methodology for extracting the remaining parameters is also described. The proposed methodology is verified by applying it to seven different PV technologies, including crystalline and thin-film technologies. Its parameters are compared with those obtained using the highly precise trust region iterative method. The resulting parameters and the error in the adjustment along the I–V curve are discussed. This methodology demonstrates the capability to accurately adjust the model along the entire I–V curve, determine the maximum power, and is not dependent on highly variable parameters.

Inventions, innovations, and new technologies: Flexible and lightweight thin-film solar PV based on CIGS, CdTe, and a-Si:H

This survey examines new and emerging applications and technology advancements that hold potential for effective use and market expansion of thin-film solar photovoltaics (PV). We review recent inventions and innovations to enhance the distinctive properties and functionalities of thin-film devices for successfully adapting in the emerging applications. Also, we present a brief review of the evolution and status of the three current major thin-film technologies, highlighting some strengths and concerns. Selected notable patents are listed at the end. The objective is to draw attention to the inventions, innovations, and new technologies that thin-film PV could impact, leading to a net-zero carbon future.

Copper Nitride: A Versatile Semiconductor with Great Potential for Next-Generation Photovoltaics

Copper nitride (Cu3N) has gained significant attention recently due to its potential in several scientific and technological applications. This study focuses on using Cu3N as a solar absorber in photovoltaic technology. Cu3N thin films were deposited on glass substrates and silicon wafers via radio-frequency magnetron sputtering at different nitrogen flow ratios with total pressures ranging from 1.0 to 5.0 Pa. The thin films’ structural, morphology, and chemical properties were determined using XRD, Raman, AFM, and SEM/EDS techniques. The results revealed that the Cu3N films exhibited a polycrystalline structure, with the preferred orientation varying from 100 to 111 depending on the working pressure employed. Raman spectroscopy confirmed the presence of Cu-N bonds in characteristic peaks observed in the 618–627 cm−1 range, while SEM and AFM images confirmed the presence of uniform and smooth surface morphologies. The optical properties of the films were investigated using UV-VIS-NIR spectroscopy and photothermal deflection spectroscopy (PDS). The obtained band gap, refractive index, and Urbach energy values demonstrated promising optical properties for Cu3N films, indicating their potential as solar absorbers in photovoltaic technology. This study highlights the favourable properties of Cu3N films deposited using the RF sputtering method, paving the way for their implementation in thin-film photovoltaic technologies. These findings contribute to the progress and optimisation of Cu3N-based materials for efficient solar energy conversion.

Flexible Solar Cells For Electric Vehicles

Flexible solar cells have emerged as a promising technology for integrating renewable energy generation into electric vehicles (EVs), enabling improved energy efficiency and extended driving range. This review paper provides a comprehensive analysis of flexible solar cells for electric vehicles, focusing on their current status, challenges, and future prospects. The review covers various types of flexible solar cell technologies, including organic, dye-sensitized, perovskite, and thin-film technologies, and explores their advantages and limitations. Integration methods, efficiency improvements, and durability considerations for flexible solar cells in EV applications are discussed. The paper identifies key research directions and technological advancements required for the widespread adoption of flexible solar cells in the electric vehicle industry.

A Review on Solar Photovoltaic Technology and Its Future Trends

A source of radiant energy is the Sun. Only a small part of the energy we receive from the Sun is actually used by us. Sunshine that reaches the surface of the Earth has the capacity to meet all of our rising energy needs. The process of converting incident sunlight energy into electrical energy is known as solar photovoltaic technology. The original generation of solar cells were made of silicon. Further advancements are required, according to research, for solar cells to operate more efficiently and to absorb large amounts of incident sunlight. To achieve these requirements, amorphous Silicon sola r cells and thin film technology were further developed. From first-generation solar cells to dye-sensitized solar cells, quantum dot solar cells, and some more current technologies, we have examined a gradual progression in solar cell technology in this review. The potential for these many generations of solar cell technologies to establish themselves is also discussed in this article. Keywords: Solar Photovoltaic, Dye sensitized solar cells, Quantum dot solar cells, Tandem solar cells, Hybrid Perovskite solar cell.

Long-term outdoor performance of grid-connected photovoltaic power plant in a desert climate

In this paper, a 2.25 kWp grid integrated with the tied solar park has been implanted in the Renewable Energy Applied Research Unit (URAER) in a dry and harsh desert region. The PV plant uses micromorph thin-film solar modules (a-Si/μc-Si) technology. The photovoltaic module systems (PVS) were evaluated from May 2015 to December 2020 (around five and a half years of operation), and the electricity was injected into the internal network of the low-voltage power supply. Performance evolution has been conducted in this work as stated by the IEC61724 guideline. The monthly and annual performance indicators analyzed and assessed consist of reference yield, array yield, final yield, system losses, capture losses, PV module efficiency, system efficiency, inverter efficiency, capacity factor, and performance ratio. The annual electricity production is 3688.28 kWh, 3188.25 kWh, 3306.28 kWh, 3136.05 kWh, and 2952.81 kWh for 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, and 2020 operating periods, respectively. The solar park's total produced energy yield over the monitored period and the quantity of CO2 emissions avoided are 16,271.67 kWh and 14.17 tons, respectively, which can significantly contribute to and help in purifying the environment from pollution. In addition, the energy results produced by the PVS were compared to those found by the four widely used PV simulation tools (PVsys, PVGIS, NREL's PVWatts® Calculator and Solar Med-Atlas). Furthermore, this work investigates and quantifies the degradation phenomenon of solar PVS power output after five years and a half years of outdoor exposure. There is around 0.22 % degradation per year. When this rate was compared to other studies conducted worldwide, it was shown to be highly appropriate. Technical-economic research was also conducted, revealing that the system's PVS period, which establishes its sustainability, is between 9 and 12 years. The results demonstrate that micromorph thin-film modules perform better and are more efficient under harsh real-world outdoor environmental conditions. Inventux modules preserve most of their better performance even with increasing module temperature. This kind of PV module technology is low-insensitive to the highest PV module temperature. Compared to the literature, micromorph thin-film technologies are better and preferable than crystalline modules under desert environmental conditions. The results also indicate that grid-connected solar park plants using this kind of technology are feasible in the hot arid climate to produce electricity and may participate in future energy projects in the country.

How positioning of a hard ceramic TiB2 layer in Al/CuO multilayers can regulate the overall energy release behavior

This study reports on a new ternary thermite comprising of Al-TiB2/CuO multilayers, designed to take the advantage of high ignitability of titanium (Ti), high volumetric density of boron (B), and low melting point of aluminum (Al). Results demonstrate synergetic effects leading to an energetic layer outperforming its single fuel counterparts, Al/CuO or TiB2/CuO, while being safe to handle. The additive TiB2 not only lowers the ignition energy by 100%, but also enhances the burn rate by more than a factor of two compared to the single fuel samples (Al/CuO and TiB2/CuO). The thermite reaction sequences and synergy of Ti, B and Al oxidation, examined by thermo-analytical analyses coupled with X-ray spectroscopy and high-resolution electron energy loss spectroscopy, demonstrate the strong affinity of TiB2 to oxygen that catalyzes CuO decomposition at temperatures as low as 380 °C; followed by a dual-step TiB2 oxidation: first to TiO, and then to TiO2 led by a reaction limiting step of oxidizer availability. Finally, Al undergoes oxidation via liquid boron oxide as well as gaseous oxygen. This study also underlines the crucial effect of the nanolayer morphology in the thin-film technology: when Al is sputter-deposited onto the TiB2 layer, Al ions penetrate into the grain boundaries penalizing TiB2 reactivity. The results demonstrate the advantages of using TiB2 fuel to improve the ignitability and the combustion performance of Al based thermite and offer some means to finely tune the energetic properties.

Glass Substrate for Co-Packaged Optics

Co-packaged optics leads to significant power reduction by placing the electronic and photonic chiplets in a single package. An integrated electro-optical substrate made of glass with optical waveguides, through vias and electrical redistribution layers inside a single-sided cavity enables fine-line electrical routing and low-cost assembly. Existing glass and thin film technologies were evaluated and combined into a single process stream including photonic assembly. Photonic chips with silicon nitride waveguides were optically coupled to integrated low-loss (<0.1 dB/cm) glass waveguides with minimum loss of 0.65 dB achieved by fiducial alignment and pick-and-place assembly.