• Proceedings of the Korean Vacuum Society Conference
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• 2016.02a
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• pp.297.2-297.2
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• 2016

Photoacoustic generation of ultrasound is an effective approach for development of high-frequency and high-amplitude ultrasound transmitters. This requires an efficient energy converter from optical input to acoustic output. For such photoacoustic conversion, various light-absorbing materials have been used such as metallic coating, dye-doped polymer composite, and nanostructure composite. These transmitters absorb laser pulses with 5-10 ns widths for generation of tens-of-MHz frequency ultrasound. The short optical pulse leads to rapid heating of the irradiated region and therefore fast thermal expansion before significant heat diffusion occurs to the surrounding. In this purpose, nanocomposite thin films containing gold nanoparticles, carbon nanotubes (CNTs), or carbon nanofibers have been recently proposed for high optical absorption, efficient thermoacosutic transfer, and mechanical robustness. These properties are necessary to produce a high-amplitude ultrasonic output under a low-energy optical input. Here, we investigate carbon nanotube (CNT)-polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) composite transmitters and their nanostructure-originated characteristics enabling extraordinary energy conversion. We explain a thermoelastic energy conversion mechanism within the nanocomposite and examine nanostructures by using a scanning electron microscopy. Then, we measure laser-induced damage threshold of the transmitters against pulsed laser ablation. Particularly, laser-induced damage threshold has been largely overlooked so far in the development of photoacoustic transmitters. Higher damage threshold means that transmitters can withstand optical irradiation with higher laser energy and produce higher pressure output proportional to such optical input. We discuss an optimal design of CNT-PDMS composite transmitter for high-amplitude pressure generation (e.g. focused ultrasound transmitter) useful for therapeutic applications. It is fabricated using a focal structure (spherically concave substrate) that is coated with a CNT-PDMS composite layer. We also introduce some application examples of the high-amplitude focused transmitter based on the CNT-PDMS composite film.

• ETRI Journal
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• v.37 no.6
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• pp.1135-1142
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• 2015

Multilayered ZnO-$SnO_2$ heterostructure thin films consisting of ZnO and $SnO_2$ layers are produced by alternating the pulsed laser ablation of ZnO and $SnO_2$ targets, and their structural and field-effect electronic transport properties are investigated as a function of the thickness of the ZnO and $SnO_2$ layers. The performance parameters of amorphous multilayered ZnO-$SnO_2$ heterostructure thin-film transistors (TFTs) are highly dependent on the thickness of the ZnO and $SnO_2$ layers. A highest electron mobility of $43cm^2/V{\cdot}s$, a low subthreshold swing of a 0.22 V/dec, a threshold voltage of 1 V, and a high drain current on-to-off ratio of $10^{10}$ are obtained for the amorphous multilayered ZnO(1.5nm)-$SnO_2$(1.5 nm) heterostructure TFTs, which is adequate for the operation of next-generation microelectronic devices. These results are presumed to be due to the unique electronic structure of amorphous multilayered ZnO-$SnO_2$ heterostructure film consisting of ZnO, $SnO_2$, and ZnO-$SnO_2$ interface layers.

• Journal of the Korean Vacuum Society
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• v.6 no.2
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• pp.114-121
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• 1997

The transparent conductiong thin films of tin oxides were prepared on pyrex glass substrates by the pulse laser deposition. In the atmospheres of vacuum, O2, and $Sn(CH_3)_4$ a polycrystalline $SnO_2$ target was ablated by Nd-YAG laser beam to deposit thin films on the substrates at room temperature, and as-deposited films were subsequently heat-treated in the air for 2 h at 230, 420 and $610^{\circ}C$, respectively. The characteristics of the thin films were examined by UV-VIS-NIR spectrometry and X-ray diffractometry, and the electrical properties were measured by four-point probe method along with film thickness monitored by the stylus method. It was observed that in the presence of $Sn(CH_3)_4$, $SnO_2$ phases were grown even at room temperature. This suggests that the microplasma producted during the laser ablation plays an important role in the dissociaation of precursor molecules.

• Proceedings of the Korean Institute of Surface Engineering Conference
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• 2011.05a
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• pp.142-142
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• 2011

Epitaxial $CuCrO_2$ thin films have been grown on single crystal substrate of c-plane $Al_2O_3$, $SrTiO_3$, YSZ and Quarts by laser ablation of a $CuCrO_2$ target using 266nm radiation from a Nd:YAG laser. X-ray measurements indicate that the $CuCrO_2$ grows epitaxially on all substrate, with its orientation dependent on the kinds of substrates. Most of the layer were polycrystalline with (001), (015) and random as the dominant surface orientation on c-plane YSZ, $SrTiO_3$ and quarts substrate, respectively. (001) orientated $CuCrO_2$ grows on C-plane $Al_2O_3$ and YSZ substrate, (015) orientated $CuCrO_2$ films are found on c-plane $SrTiO_3$ substrate and random orientated $CuCrO_2$ films grows on quarts substrate. These data are compared with the in-plane orientation and the mismatch of the $CuCrO_2$ and each substrate lattices in an attempt to relate the preferred orientation to the plane of the sapphire on which it is grown. Further characterization show that the grain size of the films increases for a substrate temperature increase, whereas the electrical properties of $CuCrO_2$ thin films depend upon their crystalline orientation.

• Transactions on Electrical and Electronic Materials
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• v.4 no.6
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• pp.13-16
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• 2003

Mn-doped $ZnGa_{2}O_{4}$:$Mn^{2+}$ (M=S, Se) thin film phosphors have been grown using a pulsed laser deposition technique under various growth conditions. The structural characterization carr~ed out on a series of $ZnGa_{2}O_{4}$:$Mn^{2+}$ (M=S, Se) films grown on MgO(l00) substrates usmg Zn-rich ceramic targets. Oxygen pressure was varied from 50 to 200 mTorr and Zn/Ga ratio was the function of oxygen pressure. XRD patterns showed that the lattice constants of the $ZnGa_{2}O_{4}$:$Mn^{2+}$ (M=S, Se) thin film decrease with the substitution of sulfur and selenium for the oxygen in the $ZnGa_2O_4$. Measurements of photoluminescence (PL) properties of $ZnGa_{2}O_{4}$:$Mn^{2+}$ (M=S, Se) thin films have indicated that MgO(100) is one of the most promised substrates for the growth of high quality $ZnGa_2O_{4-x}M_{x}$:$Mn^{2+}$ (M=S, Se) thin films. In particular, the incorporation of Sulfur or Selenium into $ZnGa_2O_4$ lattice could induce a remarkable increase in the intensity of PL. The increasing of green emission intensity was observed with $ZnGa_2O_{3.925}Se_{0.075}:$Mn^{2+}$ and $ZnGa_2O_{3.925}S_{0.05}$:$Mn^{2+}$ films, whose brightness was increased by a factor of 3.1 and 1.4 in comparison with that of $ZnGa_{2}O_{4}$:$Mn^{2+}$ films, respectively. These phosphors may promise for application to the flat panel displays.

• Journal of Korean Neurosurgical Society
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• v.62 no.6
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• pp.712-722
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• 2019

Objective : Although magnetic resonance guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) has been used as minimally invasive and effective neurosurgical treatment, it exhibits some limitations, mainly related to acoustic properties of the skull barrier. This study was undertaken to identify skull characteristics that contribute to optimal ultrasonic energy transmission for MRgFUS procedures. Methods : For ex vivo skull experiments, various acoustic fields were measured under different conditions, using five non-embalmed cadaver skulls. For clinical skull analyses, brain computed tomography data of 46 patients who underwent MRgFUS ablations (18 unilateral thalamotomy, nine unilateral pallidotomy, and 19 bilateral capsulotomy) were retrospectively reviewed. Patients' skull factors and sonication parameters were comparatively analyzed with respect to the cadaveric skulls. Results : Skull experiments identified three important factors related skull penetration of ultrasound, including skull density ratio (SDR), skull volume, and incidence angle of the acoustic rays against the skull surface. In clinical results, SDR and skull volume correlated with maximal temperature (Tmax) and energy requirement to achieve Tmax (p<0.05). In addition, considering the incidence angle determined by brain target location, less energy was required to reach Tmax in the central, rather than lateral targets particularly when compared between thalamotomy and capsulotomy (p<0.05). Conclusion : This study reconfirmed previously identified skull factors, including SDR and skull volume, for successful MRgFUS; it identified an additional factor, incidence angle of acoustic rays against the skull surface. To guarantee successful transcranial MRgFUS treatment without suffering these various skull issues, further technical improvements are required.

• Journal of Powder Materials
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• v.28 no.5
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• pp.396-402
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• 2021

Stainless steel, a type of steel used for high-temperature parts, may cause damage when exposed to high temperatures, requiring additional coatings. In particular, the Cr₂O₃ product layer is unstable at 1000℃ and higher temperatures; therefore, it is necessary to improve the oxidation resistance. In this study, an aluminide (Fe₂Al₅ and FeAl₃) coating layer was formed on the surface of STS 630 specimens through Al diffusion coatings from 500℃ to 700℃ for up to 25 h. Because the coating layers of Fe₂Al₅ and FeAl₃ could not withstand temperatures above 1200℃, an Al₂O₃ coating layer is deposited on the surface through static oxidation treatment at 500℃ for 10 h. To confirm the ablation resistance of the resulting coating layer, dynamic flame exposure tests were conducted at 1350℃ for 5-15 min. Excellent oxidation resistance is observed in the coated base material beneath the aluminide layer. The conditions of the flame tests and coating are discussed in terms of microstructural variations.

• Journal of the Korean Magnetics Society
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• v.16 no.2
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• pp.140-143
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• 2006

Single crystalline $CoFe_2O_4$ thin films on (100) MgO substrates were fabricated using a rf magnetron sputtering method. The deposited films were investigated for their crystallization by X-ray diffraction, Rutherford back-scattering spectroscopy and field emission scanning electron microscopy. When a cobalt ferrite film was deposited at the substrate temperature of $600^{\circ}C$, squared grains of about 200 nm were uniformly distributed in the film. However, the grains became irregular and their sizes also varied from 30 to 150 nm when the substrate temperature was $700^{\circ}C$. Hysteresis loops of a film deposited at $600^{\circ}C$ showed that the magnetically easy axis of the film was perpendicular to the substrate surface. Except for the squareness ratio, magnetic properties of the cobalt ferrite films grown by the present rf sputtering method were as good as those of the films prepared by a laser ablation method: The in-plane and perpendicular coercivities were 283 and 6800 Oe, respectively. As the thickness of the deposited film increased twice, the saturation magnetization became double but the coercivity remained unchanged. However, deposition of the Co ferrite films with a higher rf powder decreased the squareness ratio and the perpendicular coercivity of the films.

• Advances in nano research
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• v.13 no.6
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• pp.575-585
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• 2022

Due to its biofilm formation and colonization of the osteocyte-lacuno canalicular network (OLCN), Staphylococcus aureus (S.aureus) implant-associated bone infection (SIABI) is difficult to cure thoroughly, and may occur recurrently subsequently after a long period dormant. It is essential to explore an alternative therapeutic strategy that can eradicate the pathogens in the infected foci. To address this, the polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) bone cement and Fe3O4 nanoparticles compound cylinder were developed as implants based on their size and mechanical properties for the alternative magnetic field (AMF) induced thermal ablation, The PMMA mixed with optimized 2% Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles showed an excellent antibacterial efficacy in vitro. It was evaluated by the CFU, CT scan and histopathological staining on a rabbit 1-stage transtibial screw model. The results showed that on week 7, the CFU of infected soft tissue and implants, and the white blood cells (WBCs) of the PMMA+2% Fe₃O₄+AMF group decreased significantly from their controls (p<0.05). PMMA+2% Fe₃O₄+AMF group did not observe bone resorption, periosteal reaction, and infectious reactive bone formation by CT images. Further histopathological H&E and Gram Staining confirmed there was no obvious inflammatory cell infiltration, neither pathogens residue nor noticeably burn damage around the infected screw channel in the PMMA+2% Fe₃O₄+AMF group. Further investigation of nanoparticle distributions in bone marrow medullary and vital organs of heart, liver, spleen, lung, and kidney. There were no significantly extra Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles were observed in the medullary cavity and all vital organs either. In the current study, PMMA+2% Fe₃O₄+AMF shows promising therapeutic potential for SIABI by providing excellent mechanical support, and promising efficacy of eradicating the residual pathogenic bacteria in bone infected lesions.

• Proceedings of the Korean Institute of Surface Engineering Conference
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• 2009.05a
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• pp.111-112
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• 2009

Diamond-like carbon (DLC) is a convenient term to indicate the compositions of the various forms of amorphous carbon (a-C), tetrahedral amorphous carbon (ta-C), hydrogenated amorphous carbon and tetrahedral amorphous carbon (a-C:H and ta-C:H). The a-C film with disordered graphitic ordering, such as soot, chars, glassy carbon, and evaporated a-C, is shown in the lower left hand corner. If the fraction of sp3 bonding reaches a high degree, such an a-C is denoted as tetrahedral amorphous carbon (ta-C), in order to distinguish it from sp2 a-C [2]. Two hydrocarbon polymers, that is, polyethylene (CH2)n and polyacetylene (CH)n, define the limits of the triangle in the right hand corner beyond which interconnecting C-C networks do not form, and only strait-chain molecules are formed. The DLC films, i.e. a-C, ta-C, a-C:H and ta-C:H, have some extreme properties similar to diamond, such as hardness, elastic modulus and chemical inertness. These films are great advantages for many applications. One of the most important applications of the carbon-based films is the coating for magnetic hard disk recording. The second successful application is wear protective and antireflective films for IR windows. The third application is wear protection of bearings and sliding friction parts. The fourth is precision gages for the automotive industry. Recently, exciting ongoing study [1] tries to deposit a carbon-based protective film on engine parts (e.g. engine cylinders and pistons) taking into account not only low friction and wear, but also self lubricating properties. Reduction of the oil consumption is expected. Currently, for an additional application field, the carbon-based films are extensively studied as excellent candidates for biocompatible films on biomedical implants. The carbon-based films consist of carbon, hydrogen and nitrogen, which are biologically harmless as well as the main elements of human body. Some in vitro and limited in vivo studies on the biological effects of carbon-based films have been studied [$2{\sim}5$].The carbon-based films have great potentials in many fields. However, a few technological issues for carbon-based film are still needed to be studied to improve the applicability. Aisenberg and Chabot [3] firstly prepared an amorphous carbon film on substrates remained at room temperature using a beam of carbon ions produced using argon plasma. Spencer et al. [4] had subsequently developed this field. Many deposition techniques for DLC films have been developed to increase the fraction of sp3 bonding in the films. The a-C films have been prepared by a variety of deposition methods such as ion plating, DC or RF sputtering, RF or DC plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD), electron cyclotron resonance chemical vapor deposition (ECR-CVD), ion implantation, ablation, pulsed laser deposition and cathodic arc deposition, from a variety of carbon target or gaseous sources materials [5]. Sputtering is the most common deposition method for a-C film. Deposited films by these plasma methods, such as plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) [6], are ranged into the interior of the triangle. Application fields of DLC films investigated from papers. Many papers purposed to apply for tribology due to the carbon-based films of low friction and wear resistance. Figure 1 shows the percentage of DLC research interest for application field. The biggest portion is tribology field. It is occupied 57%. Second, biomedical field hold 14%. Nowadays, biomedical field is took notice in many countries and significantly increased the research papers. DLC films actually applied to many industries in 2005 as shown figure 2. The most applied fields are mold and machinery industries. It took over 50%. The automobile industry is more and more increase application parts. In the near future, automobile industry is expected a big market for DLC coating. Figure 1 Research interests of carbon-based filmsFigure 2 Demand ratio of DLC coating for industry in 2005. In this presentation, I will introduce a trend of carbon-based coating research and applications.