Metal and alloy electrodeposition for nanotechnology and materials science applications

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Future advances in technology will depend on the reliability and further miniaturization of electronic and communication devices down to nanoscale size and on the development of new materials for applications in nanotechnology, medical sciences, sensors, etc. The proposed research is aimed at these broad needs, but focuses on two projects, in particular: i) improvements to the operation and understanding of the Damascene process used to fabricate copper-based microelectronic devices in the semiconductor industry and ii) development of new processes to produce shape memory alloys for use in a wide variety of applications such as actuators, switches, thermostats and medical devices including stents, vena-cava filters, orthodontal braces and eyeglass frames. The common approach in both projects is the use of electrodeposition of metal and alloy coatings. Electrodeposition is an attractive alternative to more established techniques such as chemical vapour deposition, melting and casting since it is generally cheaper and more flexible, can operate under milder conditions, provides more precise control over part shape and more efficient use of metal being deposited.