9753096 PI : Broadbridge Institution : Trinity College Microstructural, Optical and Electrical Properties of Thin Film Silica Aerogels as a Function of Processing Method Silica aerogels, prepared by sol-gel processing, are highly porous (typically > 75%) materials with unique morphology, resulting in exceptional thermal, acoustic, mechanical and electrical properties. While bulk aerogels have been studied extensively, thin film aerogels have not been studied to any significant extent, and promise significant impact in a number of electrical and thermal applications. In this study, Prof. Broadbridge will focus on the application of thin-film silica aerogels as low-k interlayer dielectrics with potential utilisation in intergrated circuit technology. The PI will engage in a collaborative research endeavor at Trinity College and Brown University. Funding provided will impact students at Trinity College, exposing undergraduates to the challenges of state-of-the-art engineering research endeavors. This funding is also expected to provide Dr. Broadbridge with opportunity to forge a long-lasting research relationship with Brown University, thereby allowing her to establish a significant integrated research and education program. This project is being funded through the Learning and Intelligent Systems (LIS) Initiative, with funds partially provided by the MPS/OMA office.
