Project aims to increase use of atomic layer deposition

Funding from the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) will enable the researchers to develop new methods for atomic layer deposition – a technique used in the manufacture of computer chips, flat panel displays and other electronic devices – using light rather than heat to create the layers.

Currently, chemicals are placed on a flat surface and heated from below. As they react, the chemicals produce layers which are one nanometre per cycle thick and highly uniform.

The Liverpool project will replace the use of heat from below with light from above in order to create the reaction. According to the university, this is more energy efficient and will allow industry to use atomic layer deposition in many more applications that require larger surfaces to be covered.

One possible application for the new method is the creation of specialised packaging which can be used to keep medical equipment or food sterile. It will also be possible to cover large areas, such as coating solar power arrays with higher performing materials without increasing costs.