Rare-earth element doping of dielectric thin films using ion implantation

The requirement for online communication continues to grow exponentially, primarily a result of the increased demand for information sharing bandwidth. This demand is driven by video-over-internet applications used for both entertainment, and conferencing (felt most recently in the need for remote working during the COVID-19 pandemic).
Integrated optical components fabricated in silicon are receiving particular attention as a means to provide this bandwidth in a cost-effective way. In this proposal we address the specific need for optical amplification (signal boosting) which benefits from the properties of rare-earth elements in contrast to the limitations of semiconductor optical amplifiers. These optical amplifiers will contribute to allow the stringent link budgets of communications systems to be met.
The industrial partner, Kinectrics, has a significant interest in the development of high current, ion implantation for exploitation is a number of areas such as optical amplification, modification of thin films and isotope separation for medical applications. This proposal will advance their development program.
The intern will spend up to 50% of the grant period on-site at Kinectrics, There, they will use the results from experimental work at McMaster to guide the design of a high current ion implanter for use by Kinectrics at their site.

Faculty Supervisor:

Andrew Knights

Student:

Ross Anthony

Partner:

Kinectrics Inc

Discipline:

Engineering

Sector:

University:

McMaster University

Program: