Welcome to the Thin Films Materials and the Design of Experiments course. This entirely new course is team taught by Matt Neal and Jon Stolk. Much of your learning in this course will center on a self-directed project in thin films deposition that is guided by formal experimental design and analysis processes. To supplement the project, you will develop your knowledge and understanding of a broad range of thin films-related topics through readings, facilitated classroom discussions, homwork problems, and brief instructor lectures. If you have any questions, concerns, or feedback at any time throughout the semester about anything, please let us know.

Course description. This course introduces students thin film materials, thin film deposition and characterization processes, vacuum technology, and a systematic approach to the design of experiments within the context of thin film process engineering. Topics will include mechanical, electrical, magnetic, and optical properties of thin films, surface properties of thin films, physical and chemical deposition processes, and the design, implementation and statistical analysis of experiments. The course includes a semester long project in three phases in which student teams will develop a thin film process and optimize film properties using design and analysis software.

Lab/Office hours. Please feel free to request meeting time or assisted lab sessions with either Matt or Jon. We will make ourselves as available as possible throughout the semester, but please remember that we have other courses and responsibilities at Olin, so we won't be completely free all the time. But alas, we will work with you or your team to find mutually agreeable meeting times.