Smart nanostructured optical coatings prepared by pulsed plasma techniques

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In response to the scientific and technological challenges in the area of optical coatings, the applicant proposes to perform cutting-edge research on the thin film growth at low temperatures using low pressure, pulse-managed plasma processes (PMPP) to fabricate structurally-controlled smart (active) optical coatings (SOCs) with tailored electrochromic, thermochromic, plasmonic and other properties suitable for their implementation in smart hybrid optical filters (SHOF). It aims at advancing knowledge and training HQP while focusing on the following: a) Using the PMPP hybrid approach, we plan to explore pulsed magnetron sputtering from a hollow cathode simultaneously combined with plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition. Main interest will be devoted to the new possibilities offered by controlled pulse modulation of the discharge parameters as well as of the gas dynamics to synthesize active materials in the form of homogeneous films with controlled density, nanostructure and porosity, and nanocomposites containing well-defined active nanoparticles and/or nanopores. b) Integration of the nanostructured smart optical coatings within complete multilayer SHOFs will be performed with the aim to demonstrate device functions suitable for applications in the areas of security (anti-counterfeiting), gas and vapor sensors, smart windows for energy control and saving, and others. The program covers all steps leading from material and optical coating design to process development, as well as device fabrication and testing for advanced applications; as such, it represents a very attractive balance between fundamental and applied research, with a strong potential for technological impact.