9531743 Bonnell This research project seeks to understand the effects of local variations in chemically graded Cr-oxycarbonitride films on film properties. This grant, which is supported under the GOALI initiative, is a collaborative effort between researchers at the University of Pennsylvania and DuPont. It is planned to use precise and well characterized variations in sample composition to correlate electronic structure, charge density, dielectric properties, and optical properties. The principal experimental research tools proposed are scanning tunneling and optical spectroscopies along with more standard characterization methods (SIMS, RBS, EDS, etc.). A major goal of the project is to achieve sufficient fundamental knowledge to develop a model relating local bonding to properties in multicomponent systems. %%% An important feature of the program is the integration of research and education by provision of an invaluable opportunity for students to conduct fundamental materials science research in both University and Industrial research environments. The students will receive joint mentoring by Prof.Bonnell/University of Pennsylvania, and Dr. French/DuPont. A computer network connection will be established to allow experimental data and modeling at either location to be accessed at the other; the network will also include a bulletin board for information exchange. The project represents a strong research alliance between academia and industry, and at the same time provides an attractive arrangement for integration of education and research through the training of students in a fundamentally and technologically significant area. ***
