Thin Films, Sensors & Imaging
Below are highlights of the Thin Films, Sensors & Imaging research institute. For in depth information including full academic profiles, publications and activities, visit our research portal.
Go to our research portalInstitute of Thin Films, Sensors and Imaging
The Institute of Thin Films, Sensors and 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.
Four Primary Research Themes
Thin film deposition processes
- Plasma assisted electron beam deposition
- Microwave plasma assisted sputtering
- RF and hollow cathode plasma assisted chemical vapour deposition
Sensors
- Miniaturised infrared spectrometry
- Non-dispersive infrared and photoacoustic
- Ultralow power consumption non-dispersive infrared gas sensors
Imaging
- Ultrasonics based on high efficiency piezoelectric thin films. Applications include imaging (medical & dental) and non-destructive testing
- Multispectral/ hyperspectral imaging based on linear variable optical filters
Gravitational Wave (GW) Detection
- Deposition of ultralow loss optical thin films for use in GW laser interferometric detection
- Mechanical loss metrology
Contact us
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
Thin Films, Sensors and Imaging
Thin Films, Sensors and Imaging
Thin Films, Sensors and Imaging
MSc Advanced Thin Film Technologies
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.
FACILITIES & CAPABILITIES
Providing solutions
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
X-ray Diffraction
Raman Spectroscopy
Scanning Electron Microscope
Clean Room
ITFSI Expertise:
ITFSI Expertise
- Laser and x-ray mirrors
- DWDM filters
- Anisotropic films
- Magnetic films
- Piezoelectric films
- Active and passive thin film devices
- Erosion and Corrosion Protective Coatings
- Software design and programming
Thin Film Deposition techniques available include:
- RF and DC magnetron sputtering
- Reactive sputtering of oxides and nitrides
- Electron-beam deposition
- Microwave-assisted and sputtering
- Molecular beam epitaxy
- Plasma enhanced chemical vapour deposition
Characterisation techniques available include:
- Scanning electron microscopy
- Atomic force microscopy
- Nomarski optical microscopy
- Raman microscopy
- Energy-dispersive x-ray analysis
- Auger spectroscopy
- UV-Vis-IR spectrophotometers
- Spectroscopic ellipsometry
- Nano-indenter hardness tester and scratch tester
Publications and Activities
Activities
Our research portal contains more information on the complete range of activities including participation in conferences, seminars, etc.
View all activities
Press & Media
To discover more about press and media coverage of this research group, visit our research portal by clicking the link below.
View all press & mediaPartners
The 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.
Collaboration
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.
Experience
ITFSI have sgnificant experience in working with Small to Medium sized Enterprises (SMEs) as well as large scale companies.
Links to Partner Sites
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
Thin Film Software Links
MacLeod | www.thinkfilmcenter.com
TFC Calc | www.spectra.com
FilmStar | www.ftgsoftware.com
Optilayer | www.optilayer.com
Staff
For a list of up to date staff click here.
Dr Ross Birney
Senior Research Fellow, Institute of Thin Films, Sensors & Imaging (gravitational waves theme)
Tel: +44 (0)141 849 4031, Email: Ross.Birney@uws.ac.uk
Prof. Desmond Gibson, Director, Institute of Thin Films, Sensors and Imaging
Tel: +44 (0)141 848 3610. Email: Des.Gibson@uws.ac.uk
More about Des Gibson
Dr Dave Hughes, Research Fellow
Tel: 0141 848 3327
Dr David Hutson, Lecturer
Tel: +44 (0)141 848 3428, Email: David.Hutson@uws.ac.uk
More about David Hutson
Dr Callum McHugh, Senior Lecturer
Tel: +44 (0)141 848 3210' Email: Callum.McHugh@uws.ac.uk
More about Callum McHugh
Dr Gregory Morozov, Reader, Physics Programme Leader
Tel: +44 (0)141 848 3676, Email: Gregory.Morozov@uws.ac.uk
More about Gregory Morozov
Gerry O'Hare, Technician
Tel: +44 (0)141 849 4209, Email: Gerry.O'Hare@uws.ac.uk
Jim Orr, Technician
Tel: +44 (0)141 848 3614, Email: Jim.Orr@uws.ac.uk
PhD students
Qaisar Abbas, PhD Student
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
David Child, PhD Student
Email: david.child@uws.ac.uk
Hin On (Martin) Chu, PhD Student
Email: Hinon.Chu@uws.ac.uk
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
Ahmed Samir Mohamed Elhady, PhD Student
Email: Ahmed.elhady@uws.ac.uk
Let others know
Last updated: 24/04/2018
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Congratulations to Professor Des Gibson from @ITFSI_UWS on being elected Fellow of @OtpicalSociety 👏… https://t.co/feIUzwnwa8