RESEARCH PROPOSAL

Kenny Wang
Intern/Mentor GT
Mount Hebron High School
2016-2017
A Big World of Small Layers:
An Inquiry into the Implications of Thin Film Research and Development

Introduction and Overview of Research

This is a proposal of a research project concerning the practicality and implementation of
a wide variety of different thin films in various roles in technology and machinery industries.
Thin films take on a variety of forms in daily life, and the intent of this study is to break down
the modern role of thin films into different kinds of applications as well as fundamentally
different types of films. In addition, this project is meant to provide insight on how said
applications affect the dynamics of technology industries, including nanotechnology,
manufacturing, instrumentation, and energy industries. Lastly, this research will include some
investigation on current barriers in technology industries, and how research and development in
thin films could help circumvent said obstacles.

Background and Rationale

Modern machinery and technology has seen unparalleled growth in the past few decades,
and much of it can be attributed to the ease at which energy can be harnessed and consumed with
newer technology. As a result, processes such as CVD are possible due to the capability to
produce temperatures of thousands degrees Celsius. However, as the usage of power begins to
become limited by the accessibility of materials that can withstand great power and energy,
cheap, durable materials and substances grow more and more in demand. One potential answer
to this is the implementation of thin film coatings. Thin films are already used frequently in
modern everyday consumer products, but often go unnoticed, being implemented in eyeglasses,
electronics, tools, and composite materials (Chemical vapour deposition, 2002). Implementing
these coatings on greater scales and larger devices could lead to breakthroughs in technology.
The technology industry has seen a recent surge in demand for thin film technology,
which is applicable in electronic devices, coatings, displays, sensors, optical equipment, and
numerous other technologies that are augmented with the deposition of thin films (McIntyre,
2014). Newer methods are still being researched for progress in thin film production, with the
goal of developing cheaper, more reliable, or unique films. Pulsed laser deposition is a great
example of a rapidly developing method of deposition, and is applicable in many of the new
demands involving thin films (Brauman & Szuromi, 1996). However, they come with the
drawback of the possibility of the depositions being nonuniform. In general, the development of
thin film research entails both research in basic scientific studies, as well as looking into the
practical applications of newly discovered technology. New discoveries are driven by newly
developed methods, which also opens up new applications and opportunities for implementation
in other devices.
The reasoning for this studys focus on thin films is to highlight their impact on modern
innovations in technology. This research project is meant to facilitate a refined study of the
practicality of a specific thin film type or application. As stated above, the applications and
variety of thin film types has broadened vastly recently, and conducting this study using
resources provided by a CVD company will hopefully provide insight on how thin film
applications affect the daily life of an average consumer.

Research Methodology
Research Question
*How does the implementation of specialized material coatings and depositions affect the
machinery, instrumentation, and technology industries? (Currently in process of narrowing down
this questionwill consult mentor about focusing on a specific type or function of thin films)

Research Hypothesis
Although many special steps must be taken to produce them, thin film depositions and coatings
on conventional materials through use of chemical vapor deposition can increase the durability
and cost-efficiency of parts, allowing materials to take on unique and complex properties for
advances in engineering. In particular, diamond thin films seem to be especially potent, allowing
to give materials a distinguished level of versatility and strength.

Research Design Model

This research project will most likely take on an evaluative research approach, using means of
both quantitative and qualitative research. This model best suits this project because it concerns
the comparison between multiple different roles and types of thin films that are already being
widely used in technology-based industries. This model will be used to evaluate quantitative
values such as measured physical, optical, electrical, or chemical properties of different films, as
well as qualitative evaluations, such as analyzing how certain products are integrated into the
industry and adapted by manufacturers.

Data Collection
One potential method of data collection would be collecting different types of thin film samples
from Blue Wave and subjecting each of them to different tests evaluating various properties such
as hardness or thermal conductivity. Equipment used to test these properties would also be used
at Blue Wave. For example, raman spectroscopy machines are used frequently at the facility, and
would be very accessible.
Another method of data collection could be a more statistical and broad approach if the resources
for a pure quantitative test are not available in the future. For example, if necessary, the research
could resort to solely reading documents and narrowing in on the practicality of different kinds
of thin films purely according to how frequently they are adapted by different producers. This
would be a continuation of the reading reports literary reviews.

Product Objectives
The intended product for the study would be some sort of conclusive report on an
application of thin films in consumer technologies. The final product would include concepts and
ideas regarding how chemical vapor deposition and thin films could be applied to a device or
product (with which it is not currently used conventionally) to augment its uses.
The project and product would be targeted especially towards technology researchers or
device manufacturers. This is to encourage the usage and implementation of thin film technology
into their materials, especially if this is not something that they were not actively considering
already. The outcomes of this research project could easily be presented to an audience via
PowerPoint, supplemented with an abstract from the research paper and data from the tests
conducted throughout the study.
Another possible audience would be some sort of source for research grants, with the
intent of spreading awareness of the field to encourage its research and development and try to
obtain research money for Blue Wave Semiconductors. However, this is a much less likely future
audience, and remains only tentative for the time being.

Logistical Considerations
The feasibility of this project relies on the accessibility of resources of Blue Wave
Semiconductors. Blue Wave possesses many means of producing thin films and analyzing them,
but it is currently uncertain whether or not it will be reasonable or possible to ask for access to
expensive machines, materials, and complex equipment. Special permissions will surely be
required to carry out certain parts of this project; the current outline of this research cannot be
completely set in stone yet.
In third quarter, a timeline will be added that outlines the data collection, product
development, and audience distribution.

References
Brauman, J. I., & Szuromi, P. (1996). Thin films. Science, 273(5277), 855. Retrieved

from

http://ic.galegroup.com/ic/scic/AcademicJournalsDetailsPage/AcademicJournalsDetails

Window?disableHighlighting=false&displayGroupName=Journals&currPage=&scanId=

&query=&prodId=SCIC&search_within_results=&p=SCIC&mode=view&catId=&limite

r=&display-
query=&displayGroups=&contentModules=&action=e&sortBy=&documentId=GALE%

7CA18636856&windowstate=normal&activityType=&failOverType=&commentary=&s

ource=Bookmark&u=hcpub_hebron&jsid=c94b5b903811073effd072fa3caf7b4b

Chemical vapour deposition (CVD) - an introduction. (2002). AZo Materials.

Retrieved from http://www.azom.com/article.aspx?ArticleID=1552

McIntyre, I. A. (2014). Nanotechnology. In K. L. Lerner & B. W. Lerner (Eds.), The

Gale Encyclopedia of Science (5th ed.). Farmington Hills, MI: Gale. Retrieved from

http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/CV2644031511/SCIC?u=hcpub_hebron&xid=91d91e

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 Kenny Wang Intern/Mentor Timeline

Deadline Item to be Completed Further Elaboration Completed?

3/10 Submit timeline I must submit a hard copy of my timeline to Dr. Kiehl
for approval before giving it to my mentor.

3/19 Have all data collection I intend to have found all of the sources to be used for
sources selected, have two of my data collection, with two of them being analyzed
them analyzed and ready to submit, by this date.

3/23 Revise marketing In order to prepare for the oral presentation in April, I
presentation for oral intend to get started on updating the powerpoint ahead
presentation of time.

3/24 Revise Weebly site My Weebly site is very outdated; I need to catch up on
updating it before the hard deadline on April 6.

3/27 Bring synthesis paper to I need to bring my paper to my mentor for his counsel,
mentor or to get his signature to let Dr. Kiehl whether or not
he was able to revise it.

3/27-4/6 Give oral presentation I need to rehearse my presentation with my IM/IR

class and speak in front of another class.

4/2-4/6 Finalize data collection Leading up to the hard deadline, I must make final
revisions to my data collection notes and information
before submission.

4/3 Get mentor I must get these forms signed and returned to school
evaluation/internship hours before April 6.
signed

Spring Break Create an outline for display I intend to start doing some earlier consideration into
board the information that I will put on my display board and
how I will lay it out.

Spring Break Consult Dr. Kiehl and/or I have some ideas for a final product, but they still
Mentor about final product need some fleshing out. By spring break and with
ideas some advice, I should be more prepared.

TBD Revise and submit final I will add the information and data from my data
paper with data collection collection and analysis to my final paper, making other
revisions where necessary

TBD Finalize display board I must finish making my display board in conjunction
construction with my final product