Research Directions

 

The ReCAST activity is related to:

- thin film Physical Vapor Deposition (dc, rf, pulsed bipolar magnetron sputtering, cathodic vacuum arc, thermal evaporation) with associated physical characterization methods;
- plasma surface treatments;
- ultrahigh vacuum (UHV)  technologies, including leak detection by mass spectrometry;
-ion sources for ion assisted surface processing.

Thin film deposition research activities were developed in the last years especially due to potential applications in material coatings and surface engineering. Ion assisted magnetron sputtering and cathodic vacuum arc were applied and developed preferentially.

In the last years, the traditional research direction related to thin film deposition for hard, corrosion and wear resistant coatings were expanded to the development of biocompatible coatings (as to increase the life time of orthopedic prostheses). Specific cooperation connections were established with teams involved in research and technology development for joint and spine medical implants (biologists, medical researchers, surgeons). A number of papers were published, a PhD thesis was defended and two of the PhD students are currently involved in this direction.

The Mass spectrometry helium leak detection, vacuum brazing and UHV physics and related technology are also landmarks of ReCAST at national level.