% TODO: Broad general sweeping statements about thin films
+Motivation:
+\begin{itemize}
+ \item The properties of solids can be understood in terms of an infinite periodic lattice
+ \item In reality, every solid must have a finite spatial extent. The surface is extremely important because it is the interface for all physical/chemical interactions with the solid and its environment.
+ \item Thin films can have extremely complicated and interesting properties.
+ \item The characterisation of thin films is important research in electronics as the surface to volume ratio increases.
+ \item Most recent research has been into constructing ``meta-materials'' which can be exploited for nanoscale applications. Eg: plasmonic based circuitry.
+ \item Somehow link to metallic-black films (?)
+\end{itemize}
+\emph{More about metallic-black films}
+
So called metallic-black films are the result of deposition of metal elements at a relatively high pressure (of the order of $10^{-2}$ mbar). The films are named due to their high absorbance at visible wavelengths; they appear black to the naked eye. There is a remarkable contrast between such films and films deposited under low pressure (less than $10^{-6}$mbar), which are typically highly reflective and brightly coloured.
% First mentions and early research; Pfund
% What I will be doing with metallic-black films
This project will employ several techniques, including:Total Current Specroscopy; Ellipsometry and Optical Spectroscopy to investigate the difference between metallic films deposited at low pressure, and high pressure (metallic-blacks).
+This report will be organised as follows...
+You just read the introduction, which comes first. After that we talk about theory and then experimental stuff.
+
git.ucc.asn.au / matches / honours.git / blobdiff
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