Low Cost, Tailored Polymer-Metal Nanocomposites for Advanced Electronic Applications

The primary purpose of this paper is to introduce a nanomaterials fabrication facility that has recently been set up at the University of Alaska Fairbanks´ Office of Electronic Miniaturization (OEM). The secondary purpose is to outline our research programs on nanoengineered materials for advanced electronic applications. We present a versatile, simple, and single-step high-vacuum e-beam codeposition technique for the controlled fabrication of nanostructured materials. The method allows evaporation of up to four different polymers, metals, semiconductors, insulators, and ceramics simultaneously or sequentially. Film properties can be controlled by controlling a number of deposition conditions. The system can be switched over rapidly to use a different set of materials. The process has a great potential to produce materials for many different practical applications for both R&D and scaled-up pilot production. This is the first nanomaterial fabrication facility of its kind in the State of Alaska and provides exciting opportunities for university-government- industry-collaboration that will be highlighted.