Helps researchers to have a better understanding of what is happening early on during a reaction.
Reflection high-energy electron diffraction or RHEED is a technique used to characterise the surface of crystalline materials. RHEED systems gather information only from the surface layer of the sample, which distinguishes RHEED from other material characterisation methods that also rely on the diffraction of high-energy electrons. Assisting with research and experimentation, thin-films of material such as metal or organic compound are grown and are the building blocks of all high-tech applications including integrated circuits, digital displays, data storage, sensors and photo-voltaic cells.
Dr Jay Chan, Materials Scientist at Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington has developed software that can simulate RHEED patterns. Simulated RHEED patterns produced using the software allows researchers to quickly identify the given materials in a structure and assist monitoring in-situ film growth which is used routinely in research and industrial settings.
Recognising early on that the commercial distributor would be academics, Jay connected with Wellington UniVentures to help license the technology as a plug-in to existing software to assist with this type of experimentation.
Features and benefits
Better capabilities during early research
An educational tool
Beyond simple and immediate use is the education of the software – application with academics will allow researchers and students to quickly understand the materials they are working with.
Next steps
The RHEED Simulation software has been developed and targeting its deployment for 2022 with industry partners.
