The Structure And Properties Of Diamond Like Amorphous Carbon Thin Films

World experts in amorphous carbon have been drawn together to produce this comprehensive commentary on the current state and future prospects of amorphous carbon, a highly functional material. Amorphous carbon has a wide range of properties that are primarily controlled by the different bond hybridisations possible in such materials. This allows for the growth of an extensive range of thin films that can be tailored for specific applications. Films can range from those with high transparency and which are hard and diamond-like, through to those which are opaque, soft and graphitic-like. Application areas including field emission cathodes, MEMs, electronic devices, medical and optical coatings are now close to market.

Amorphous, hydrogenated carbon (AHC) films can be deposited on various substrates using several techniques, e.g. plasma deposition and ion beam deposition. The resulting films can be hard, wear resistant and transparent.

This work, written by leading international authorities, deals with nucleation growth and processing, characterization and electrical, thermal, optical and mechanical properties of thin film diamond. The final chapters are devoted to the broad range of applications of this material.

This book presents current research from across the globe in the study of diamond-like carbon films. Topics discussed include the peculiarities of ion-beam synthesis of carbon-based phases; electron field emission properties of non-metal and metal doped diamond like carbon; internal stress and its reduction of hydrogenated diamond-like carbon thin films deposited by plasma CVD methods; incorporating crystalline diamond particles in diamond-like carbon films to improve their properties and diamond-like carbon films applied as an alignment layer for LCDs.

This book highlights some of the most important structural, chemical, mechanical and tribological characteristics of DLC films. It is particularly dedicated to the fundamental tribological issues that impact the performance and durability of these coatings. The book provides reliable and up-to-date information on available industrial DLC coatings and includes clear definitions and descriptions of various DLC films and their properties.

Diamond films grown by activated chemical vapor deposition have superlative thermal, mechanical, optical, and electronic properties combined with a very high degree of chemical inertness to most environments. These properties, together with the ability to fabricate films and shapes of considerable size, promise an exciting new material with many applications. Some applications are on the verge of commercialization but many await a few more technological developments. Diamond-like films are already employed in both commercial and military applications. The popular press, as well as the scientific and technological and industrial communities, are increasingly interested in the potential for future development of these materials. Although there are many technical papers and review articles published, there is no Single comprehensive introduction to these technologies. The Scientific Affairs Division of NATO recognized the need and the future importance of these technologies and authorized an Advanced Study Institute on diamond and diamond-like films. NATO Advanced Study Institutes are high level teaching activities at which a carefully defined subject is presented in a systematic and coherently structured program. The subject is treated in considerable depth by lecturers eminent in their fields and of international standing. The presentations are made to students who are scientists in the field or who possess an advanced general scientific background.

This book presents the status quo of the structure, preparation, properties and applications of tetrahedrally bonded amorphous carbon (ta-C) films and compares them with related film systems. Tetrahedrally bonded amorphous carbon films (ta-C) combine some of the outstanding properties of diamond with the versatility of amorphous materials. The book compares experimental results with the predictions of theoretical analyses, condensing them to practicable rules. It is strictly application oriented, emphasizing the exceptional potential of ta-C for tribological coatings of tools and components.

Diamond-like carbons (DLCs) display a number of attractive properties that make them versatile coating materials for a variety of applications, including extremely high hardness values, very low friction properties, very low gas permeability, good biocompatibility, and very high electrical resistivity, among others. Further research into this material is required to produce hydrogen-free DLC films and to synthesize it together with other materials, thereby obtaining better film properties. Diamond-Like Carbon Coatings: Technologies and Applications examines emerging manufacturing technologies for DLCs with the aim of improving their properties for use in practical applications. Discusses DLC coatings used in mechanical, manufacturing, and medical applications Details recent developments in the novel synthesis of DLC films Covers advances in understanding of chemical, structural, physical, mechanical, and tribological properties for modern material processing Highlights methods to yield longer service life Considers prospects for future applications of emerging DLC technologies This work is aimed at materials science and engineering researchers, advanced students, and industry professionals.