Internship

S. Plourde

The static nature imposed by the use of permanent magnets in a magnetron sputtering process can be a significant drawback. In this regard, the implementation of electromagnets offers a promising solution, enabling straightforward modulation of the magnetic configuration. The main objective of this work is to develop a three-dimensional magnetic field acquisition software using the THM1176 3-axis Hall magnetometer. This software will allow precise measurements of the magnetic field configuration under varying coil currents. Following this, the project involves the mechanical design and partial fabrication of the sputtering magnetron system, preparing it for later assembly and characterization. Finally, the software is tested on a simplified setup consisting of a water-cooled copper pipe, with coil currents ranging from 0 to 200 A.

Internship

A. Wyns

Dielectric barrier discharges (DBDs) generate a plasma at near-atmospheric pressure, one of whose applications is surface treatment. Currently, DBD reactors are generally powered by alternating voltage sources with variable amplitude and frequency. The plasma is often filamentary (which is detrimental to surface treatment quality), especially when high power transfer is required. While quasi-sinusoidal alternating currents are commonly used in this type of discharge [2], the present work aims to design a low-voltage power module (+/– 75 V) capable of generating triangular waveforms through the series connection of two Flyback converters. Starting from a DC input voltage, the Flyback converter generates a higher DC output voltage while providing galvanic isolation. This new module will eventually incorporate a larger set of converters, enabling the generation of arbitrary waveforms up to typically +/– 5 kV.

Project OptiDBD

Dielectric barrier discharges (DBDs) make it possible to generate atmospheric-pressure plasma, one of whose applications is surface treatment. Currently, DBD reactors are generally powered by sinusoidal alternating voltage sources with variable amplitude and frequency. The plasma is often filamentary (which is detrimental to the quality of surface treatment), particularly when high power transfer is required. Recent studies have highlighted the interest of replacing the voltage source with a current source, offering greater freedom in controlling the power delivered.
Within this framework, the OptiDBD project aims to design an innovative power supply capable of generating a DBD-type plasma. While quasi-sinusoidal alternating currents are commonly used in this type of discharge, we are developing a current source expected to increase the power delivered to the plasma. This new approach eliminates the need for a voltage transformer whose secondary (high-voltage) side is connected to the DBD reactor, thereby expanding the experimental window. Moreover, this novel electrode polarization method could improve discharge efficiency by around 20 to 30%.

Internship

Y. Vandamme

Technologies capable of harvesting energy from the surrounding environment are emerging areas of research. Recently, triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) have become a promising technology for mechanical energy harvesting, offering numerous advantages such as high output power, high efficiency, low weight, cost-effective materials, and simple fabrication [1].

This project combines the development of a sophisticated experimental device with an intuitive software interface to explore and characterize the properties of triboelectric nanogenerators, with the aim of promoting their use in various energy applications.

Internship 

M. Boucher

The popularity of thin film deposition in manufactured products is experiencing rapid growth while plasma-based techniques are used to create innovative products in different field of area: glass, plastic or steel industries, etc. In the framework of the Plasmagen project (2021-2023), we have performed an in-depth plasma emission spectroscopic analysis using different techniques such as DC magnetron sputtering (DCMS) or High-Power Impulse Magnetron Sputtering (HiPIMS). The HiPIMS plasma source developed during the Plasmagen project was used. As a result, we have successfully identified optimized electrical parameters for increasing the ionization degree of the plasma during the synthesis of Ti and TiO2 thin films. This study relied solely on the plasma emission spectrum and the information provided by the power supply unit.

Project Plasmagen

Although thin films have now become ubiquitous in our daily lives, their presence often goes unnoticed: telecommunication devices (mobile phones), lighting (such as OLEDs), and touch screens are just a few examples. These thin films, with thicknesses ranging from a few atomic layers to 1 micrometer (about one hundredth the thickness of a human hair), can be synthesized using several common methods. Among them, plasma technology—used in the framework of this project—remains one of the most environmentally friendly approaches.

In this context, the PLASMAGEN project aims to study and develop a prototype plasma power generator integrating an innovative arc management system designed to improve the quality of thin films that can be deposited on a wide variety of substrates. Such coatings can, for instance, be used to produce low-emissivity glazing, contributing to improved energy performance in buildings.