ANR Smart materials based on vanadium oxide thin films

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Greater exploitation of space has fostered research towards the production of highly-performing cheaper satellites of small size and small weight ranging from micro- (10-100 kg) to picosatellites (less than 1 kg). This reduction requires the development of novel smart radiator devices (SRDs) to overcome the present limitations of thermal control systems in terms of mass, surface area and power budget. SRDs based on the thermochromic approach incorporate films of which the thermal emittance passively switches from a high value at high temperature to a low value at low temperature. One of the most promising smart materials for such applications is vanadium oxide (VO2). In this context, we propose an ambitious research project to tackle the challenges associated with the synthesis of smart polycrystalline VO2 thin films on space-compatible substrates using advanced plasma-based processes. This project will cover several aspects spanning from the understanding of the role of dopants on the metal-to-insulator transition temperature and on the emittance of the VO2 films to the fabrication of SRDs prototypes and their performance evaluation in space environment. Because of the wide range of knowledge required to address all the scientific and technological challenges associated to the development of VO2-based SRDs, we have formed a team with Canadian and French researchers that have complementary expertise. The possibility offered by the joint NSERC/ANR program represents a unique opportunity for our team not only to significantly contribute to a domain of strategic interest for both Canada and France, but also to integrate our research in a strategy aiming at sharing knowledge, infrastructure, and responsibilities of HQP training. To ensure a remarkable benefit of this research to Canada and France, our team can rely on the support of a major industrial partner (MPBC). This project will help MPBC to position as one of the future world leaders in the manufacturing of the next generation of SRDs. Moreover, our proposal is supported by 3 end users, namely Magellan Aerospace in Canada, and Thales Alenia Space and Airbus Defence & Space in France, who will be able to integrate these VO2-based SRDs in their future products.