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Development of HTS Buffer Layers Using the ECONO Process

Award Information

Agency:
Department of Defense 		Branch:
Air Force 		Award ID:
62701 		Program Year/Program:
2003 / SBIR
Agency Tracking Number:
B2-0261 		Solicitation Year:
N/A 		Solicitation Topic Code:
N/A 		Solicitation Number:
N/A
Small Business Information
APPLIED THIN FILMS, INC.
1801 Maple Ave. Suite 5316 Evanston, IL 60201 3135
View profile »
Woman-Owned: No
Minority-Owned: Yes
HUBZone-Owned: No
 
Phase 2
Fiscal Year: 2003
Title: Development of HTS Buffer Layers Using the ECONO Process
Agency / Branch: DOD / USAF
Contract: F33615-02-C-2302
Award Amount: $750,000.00
 

Abstract:

Under Phase I effort, Applied Thin Films, Inc. (ATFI) discovered a new process to deposit oxide buffer layers for HTS coated conductors that is economical, scalable, and has demonstrated excellent performance with YBCO films (current densities of 1MA/cm2). The process is called ECONO (Epitaxial Conversion to Oxide via Nitride Oxidation) which is now being considered as the primary contender for the production of buffer layers suitable for the next generation HTS wires. A leading manufacturer ofHTS products has obtained a non-exclusive license on the ECONO process from ATFI and will work closely in the proposed Phase II effort. The process involves depositing a high quality yttrium zirconium nitride film which is subsequently converted to yttriastabilized zirconia (YSZ) via a simple oxidation step yielding a high quality epitaxial film. The main benefit is that it eliminates the need for a seed layer which is difficult and expensive to implement. In Phase II, ATFI will further develop the ECONOprocess and demonstrate production of YSZ buffer layers in long lengths through continuous processing on non-magnetic textured substrate tapes. The technical effort will include optimization of chemistry and the conversion process, increasing depositionrate, improving microstructural and epitaxial quality.

Principal Investigator:

Sankar Sambasivan
President & CEO
8474675282
sankar@atfinet.com

Business Contact:

John Rechner
Business Manager
8474675234
jrechner@atfinet.com
Small Business Information at Submission:

APPLIED THIN FILMS, INC.
1801 Maple Avenue, Suite 5316 Evanston, IL 60201

EIN/Tax ID: 364202347
DUNS: N/A
Number of Employees:
Woman-Owned: No
Minority-Owned: No
HUBZone-Owned: No