BMDO/02-214B Organic Thin Films for Multilayer Capcitors

"In this Small Business Technology Transfer Phase I project we will employ a new method applicable to the fabrication of polymer thin film multilayer capacitors. This method is based on the ionically self-assembled monolayer (ISAM) methods of creatingmultifunctional thin-films monolayer by monolayer. These methods have been proven to yield self-assembled, electronically and photonically-active polymeric thin films. Luna Innovations and its university collaborators have already demonstrated that theISAM technique could be used to fabricate polymer light emitting diodes, photovoltaic devices and electrochromic films. The ISAM fabrication method allows for incorporation of a variety of functional materials, including nanoparticles, fullerenenes andcarbon nanotubes. We propose to evaluate the enhancement of the dielectric function of thin film capacitors through incorporation of specific polymers that create noncentrosymmetric thin films. The films can be conformally fabricated over large areas onflexible substrates and they are made using aqueous chemistry at room temperature and atmosphere without the need for vacuum deposition equipment. This makes the proposed technique a cleaner, low-cost alternative for volume manufacturing processesnecessary for consumer products and related markets. The program builds on extensive demonstrated product commercialization and growth by Luna Innovations in cooperation with major industrial partners and numerous customers. Multilayer capacitors haveexcellent thermal and mechanical properties, making them appropriate for harsh environments. This new technology would be used in a variety of missile and defense-related applications, in military and commercial satellites, and in consumer products likelaptop computers and cellular phones. Other potential applications include electric and hybrid vehicles, solar-powered equipment, and power electronics."