A Low-Cost and Scalable Dielectric Films

Compact, high-energy-density capacitors will be the key enabling technology for future pulse-power weapon systems that are being pursued by the DoD. These capacitors convert steady electrical energy into short pulses that are needed to energize loads (required for directed energy weapons). There have been recent advances in chemical double layer capacitors, leading to major advances in energy storage capacity, however, there still exists major technical challenges to achieve the required power and energy density, while keeping devices small enough for practical use and lightweight requirements. In order to enable the miniaturization of these capacitors, high energy density dielectric films are needed. To address the specific need for flexible dielectric films, Applied Thin Films, Inc (ATFI) proposes a high throughput, thermally-stable, low cost, solution-based thin film with suitable dielectric properties and flexibility for use in capacitors. In Phase I, dielectric films of various configurations will be deposited on metallic substrates and subsequently tested for dielectric, thermal, and mechanical properties. Microstructural characterization will also be performed to confirm pin-hole free nature of the films. Although preliminary efforts will be employed to determine large area uniformity, scale-up to continuous lengths at relatively high speeds will be pursued in Phase II.