Surfaces and Thin Films

In Surfaces and Thin Films we have different scientific background, but a common focus on surfaces, coatings and thin films. 

Surfaces are the only part of a material that can be seen and that are exposed to the surroundings. Thus, surfaces are of the outmost importance for the visual and functional properties of the material. Important surface related properties are corrosion and reflection of light. Surfaces and surface near layers have normally properties differing from bulk properties. This is caused by different chemical composition, different microstructure, different atomic organisation etc.

Thin films are crystalline or amorphous layers, typically 1 nm – 10 µm thick, deposited on a substrate. Many different techniques can be used for deposition, physical and chemical. Thin film properties can be tailor made for various applications within electronics, optics, hard coatings, etc. Thin film deposition can produce materials with properties not found in nature.

Advanced characterisation techniques enable investigation of surfaces, surface related phenomena and thin films.  In Surfaces and Thin Films we have contributed to the development of new experimental methods for such investigations. We have equipment and knowledge for deposition of thin films, modification and coating of surfaces in addition to a large variety of advanced characterisation techniques.

We are doing research on thin film sensors and components for electronics and optics, solar cells, thin and thick films and coatings, organic coatings, and corrosion protection. We possess knowledge and have experience on optical and electromagnetic properties, corrosion mechanisms, and adhesion and anticorrosive coatings.

We can help you with characterisation of surfaces and thin films, with modifying surfaces for obtaining specific properties, and with the design and production of coatings and thin films. 

We dive deep into the surfaces.

Research Manager: