Licensable Technologies : Materials : Composites

Lattice Engineering of IBAD Textured Templates

Abstract
The invention enables one to create tunable-lattice-parameter biaxially textured templates. In the past one has used MgO as the main material for IBAD fabricated templates. By creating a solid-solution of various rocksalt materials one can adjust the lattice parameter of the template for the needs of the desired overlayers.

Application(s)
IBAD textured templates are currently used for superconducing coated conductors, also known as 2nd generation high-temperature superconducting wire. Additional commercial uses could be in IBAD templates for semiconductors, such as Si, III-V compounds and other materials. Semiconductors on IBAD textured flexible templates could be used for fabrication of solar cells, flat panel displays and other devices.

Advantages
By using a variety of rocksalt stuctures and their solid solutions epitaxy of certain layers can be achieved where it was not possible to do so directly on the MgO lattice. Furthermore, strain in the overlayers or IBAD layers can be adjusted by varying the lattice parameter. Strain in crystals is usually relieved by dislocations. Such dislocations are usually undesirable in semiconductors where dislocation-free materials are beneficial. Superconductors can often benefit from dislocations as they can cause pinning of vortices which is beneficial to increasing their critical current density.

IP Status: Available both Exclusively and Non Exclusively

Commercialization Strategy: Available for exclusive or nonexclusive licensing.

Reference Number: 734

S Number: DOE reference no.(s): 109,058

Patents & Applications:
Application(s) Pending

Posted: 06-02-2006

Contact
John Russell
Technology Transfer Division
Los Alamos National Laboratory
P.O. Box 1663, MailStop C334
(505) 665-3941
jrussell@lanl.gov