| EPSRC Reference: |
GR/R39085/01 |
| Title: |
Theoretical and Experimental Investigation of the Dead-Layer Effect in Ferroelectric Thin Film Capacitators |
| Principal Investigator: |
Finnis, Professor MW |
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| Department: |
Sch of Mathematics and Physics |
| Organisation: |
Queen's University of Belfast |
| Scheme: |
Standard Research (Pre-FEC) |
| Starts: |
01 April 2002 |
Ends: |
30 September 2005 |
Value (£): |
144,632
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| EPSRC Research Topic Classifications: |
| Materials Characterisation |
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Summary on Grant Application Form |
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This is a parallel experimental and theoretical study of thin films of the barium strontium titanate family, designed to understand the critical role of the interface between dielectric and electrode on the functional behaviour of the film. The theoretical work builds upon our recent semi-empirical electronic theory of oxides (self-consistent tight binding, SCTB) which contains the essential physics of dielectric susceptibility. We shall parameterise and apply the model to calculate the structure and properties of thin films of STO and BTO, with particular attention to the effect of boundary conditions at their interfaces with vacuum or with an electrode. The experimental programme works with films prepared by pulsed laser deposition, using high resolution transmission electron microscopy for direct characterisation, and making capacitance and loss measurements as a function of film thickness and frequency for indirect characterisation. The combination of theory and experiment should elucidate the physical mechanism responsible for the apparent dead layer at the electrode-dielectric interface, and contribute the knowledge necessary for limiting the dead-layer effect.
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Key Findings |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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Potential use in non-academic contexts |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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Impacts |
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| Description |
This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk |
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| Date Materialised |
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Sectors submitted by the Researcher |
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This information can now be found on Gateway to Research (GtR) http://gtr.rcuk.ac.uk
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| Project URL: |
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| Further Information: |
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| Organisation Website: |
http://www.qub.ac.uk |