The Institute of Thin Films, Sensors & Imaging (ITFSI) is a research institute at the University of the West of Scotland. Founded by Professor Des Gibson September 2014 from an amalgamation of two previous research groups in thin films and microscale sensors, ITFSI is a centre of excellence and key laboratory in the UK for the development of thin film technology and dissemination of information on the applications of thin films.
ITFSI specialises in thin films for various applications including medical devices, sensors, engineering, optics, electronic devices, ultrasonics and photonics. ITFSI research has lead to patented products include miniaturised spectrometers for gas sensing, ultrasonic transducers, hyper-spectral imaging for agritech and durable infra-red optical coatings for use in autonomous vehicle imaging optics. More information on ITFSI can be found here.
The institute has received extensive funding support from amongst others EPSRC, InnovatteUK, Censis Innovation Centre, Scottish Funding Council, Royal Society, Horizon 2020 and STFC.
Institute researchers have strong expertise in thin film deposition and characterisation, micro/nanoscale film/structure design, micro-mechanics and nanotechnology. Institute facilities are unique within the academic community, providing necessary vacuum deposition capability to support institute specific and collaborative research.
Director:
Professor Des Gibson
University of the West of Scotland
Paisley PA1 2BE
United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0)141 848 3610
Email: des.gibson@uws.ac.uk
Business Development Manager:
Lorraine Dymond
University of the West of Scotland
Paisley PA1 2BE
United Kingdom
Tel: +44 (0)141 848 3918
Email: lorraine.dymond@uws.ac.uk
Institute staff also deliver the University's MSc Advanced Thin Film Technologies.
The advanced Masters programme provides up-to-date coverage of evolving thin film technologies and latest developments in the field. It develops the multi-disciplinary skills needed for professional development within this rapidly expanding field and forms the basis for future professional Chartered Engineer and/or Chartered Physicist status.
The MSc is ideal for engineering or science graduates planning a career in research, development, production and/or business involving thin film technologies.
The Institute of Thin Films, Sensors and Imaging provides a unique service for industry and academia in the research and development of thin film properties and applications.
The Institute is also interested in prototyping and smaller-scale production runs of existing and new thin film designs.
Processes can be developed and transferred to production deposition chambers.
FACILITIES & CAPABILITIES BRochure
The Institute of Thin Films, Sensors and Imaging staff members are actively involved in the 'peer review' and publication of a number of journals and conference papers.
Our research portal contains more information on the research outputs of this research group including articles, abstracts, posters, etc.
View research outputs
Our research portal contains more information on the complete range of activities including participation in conferences, seminars, etc.
View all activities
To discover more about press and media coverage of this research group, visit our research portal by clicking the link below.
View all press & mediaThe Institute of Thin Films, Sensors and Imaging provides a unique service for industry in the research and development of deposition processes for thin films, design and fabrication of thin film products, characterisation of thin films and the dissemination of information about the applications of thin films.
The Institute collaborates with a wide range of industries and applications including ophthalmics, optics, telecoms, flexible displays, bio engineering, energy generation, decorative and barrier coatings for pharmaceutical and food products.
ITFSI have sgnificant experience in working with Small to Medium sized Enterprises (SMEs) as well as large scale companies.
Scottish Universities Physics Alliance | https://www.supa.ac.uk/
Technology Scotland | https://www.technologyscotland.scot/
Institute of Physics | www.iop.org
Scottish Enterprise | www.scottish-enterprise.com
LIGO Scientific Collaboration | https://www.ligo.org/
SPIE | www.spie.org
Infrared Multilayer Laboratory (University of Reading) | www.reading.ac.uk/cybernetics
MacLeod | www.thinkfilmcenter.com
TFC Calc | www.spectra.com
FilmStar | www.ftgsoftware.com
Optilayer | www.optilayer.com
For a list of up to date staff click here.
Qaisar Abbas, PhD Student
Email: qaisar.abbas@uws.ac.uk
More about Qaisar Abbas
Yahya Alajlani, PhD Student
Tel: +44 (0)141 848 4238
Email: yahya.alajlani@uws.ac.uk
Christina Boyle, PhD Student (funded by STFC Futures)
Email: christina.boyle@uws.ac.uk
Stuart Caffrey, PhD Student
Email: stuart.caffrey@uws.ac.uk
More about Stuart Caffrey
David Child, PhD Student
Email: david.child@uws.ac.uk
Hin On (Martin) Chu, PhD Student
Email: Hinon.Chu@uws.ac.uk
More about Hin On Chu
Lewis Fleming, PhD Student
Email: lewis.fleming@uws.ac.uk
More about Lewis Fleming
Mr Steffen Lapp, Postdoctoral Research Assistant
Tel: +44 (0)141 848 3530, Email: steffen.lapp@uws.ac.uk
Cheng Li, PhD Student
Tel: +44 (0)141 849 4032, Email: cheng.li@uws.ac.uk
More about Cheng Li
Ahmed Samir Mohamed Elhady, PhD Student
Email: Ahmed.elhady@uws.ac.uk