Electromigration technique for tailoring microstructural and electrical properties in metallic materials

• Grant number: 24/05377-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• Start date: August 01, 2024
• End date: July 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Physics - Condensed Matter Physics
• Principal Investigator: Maycon Motta
• Grantee: Elijah Anertey Abbey
• Host Institution: Centro de Ciências Exatas e de Tecnologia (CCET). Universidade Federal de São Carlos (UFSCAR). São Carlos , SP, Brazil

Abstract

This project proposes an innovative approach to fine-tuning the microstructural and electronic attributes of nanoscale materials. Drawing from the experience gained during the Ph.D., this project aims to explore electromigration technique for nanoscale engineering of metallic materials. The materials to be studied in this project will include thin metallic films of Al, Bi, Ni, Pb and Sn. Notably, Pb and Sn are recognized as superconductors under specific conditions. In this context, the project's objective is the practical application and refinement of the electromigration technique, granting meticulous control over atomic migration within these materials, particularly in the presence of substantial electron drag forces. By adopting this strategy, the aim is to systematically monitor and regulate the properties of these materials, with a specific focus on their crystalline phase as well as their local geometry during the electromigration process. To this end, a range of characterization methods will be employed, including scanning electron microscopy, magnetic force microscopy, and atomic force microscopy. Furthermore, the investigation will leverage finite element modeling to gain deeper insights into the underlying physics governing the observed property modifications. In tandem with the proposed study, it is noteworthy that I am involved in implementing the instrumentation system and establishing the measurement protocol, which involves the characterization of the materials, including microscopy measurements conducted both before and after electromigration processes. The implementation is underway within our research group, leveraging resources secured through an initial Project (Process: 2022/03124-1) linked to this proposal. Importantly, the electromigration technique stands as unprecedented in Brazil, and, to the best of our knowledge, the ongoing implementation positions me as the driving force behind the only existing system of its kind in the country.