Novel Interface and Strain Control in Epitaxial Nanocomposite Films

该提案涉及研究垂直结构的纳米复合材料(VSCN)薄膜，与单层或多层薄膜相比，VSCN薄膜可以提供更好的物理性能。根据目前共同资助的一项提案，我们已经展示了几个显著的功能增强以及有趣的自发有序结构(纳米棋盘)和厚膜中前所未有的应变水平。特别是，我们已经证明，一种重要的铁电材料可以在高于其正常工作温度数百度的情况下很好地工作。我们相信这是该领域道路的开始，还有许多新的东西有待探索和发现。我们的目标是继续共同进行这一探索。将进行基础科学，以了解应变水平的限制、界面兼容性和横向排序。将发展和探索新的系统，以展示VSCN方法的力量，最后将演示强大增强的BaTiO_3系统的功能适用性。

The proposal is concerned with studying vertically structured nanocomposite (VSCN) films which can give better physical properties compared to single layer or multilayer films. Under a currently funded proposal together, we have demonstrated several remarkable functional enhancements as well as interesting spontaneously ordered structures (nanocheckerboards) and unprecendented levels of strain in thick film. In particular, we have shown that an important ferroelectric material can be made to work well at several hundred degrees above its normal operation temperature. We believe this is the beginning of the road for the field and there are many new things still to be explored and discovered. We aim to continue with this exploration together. Basic science will be undertaken to understanding of the limitations to the level of strain, the interface compatibilities, and the lateral ordering. New systems will grown and explored to demonstrate the power of the VSCN method, and finally demonstrations of the functional applicability of the strongly enhanced BaTiO3 system will be carried out.