The document summarizes the research conducted at the PMR-LARN department of physics at the University of Namur. The department conducts applied research in medical physics, materials science, life science, and astrophysics using tools such as particle accelerators, ion implanters, and particle detectors. It provides ion beam analysis techniques and plasma deposition services to industry, hospitals, universities, and research centers. Some of its areas of expertise include ion beam modification of materials, development of high efficiency third generation solar cells, and depth profiling of light elements at interfaces for applications such as solar cells and coatings.

1. PMR-LARN – Department of Physics
University of Namur
Watching the Lab’s video
Prof. Guy Terwagne
Director
Lab’Insight « event » Brussels, 21st November 2013
Brussels – 21st November 2013
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2. Applied research projects
Research
axis
Research
domains
Medical Physics
Material
sciences
Ion/Matter
interactions
Life
Science
Surface and
interface
Nuclear
Spectroscopy
Astrophysics
Tools
Clients
Plasma Assisted
deposition
(RF,AC, DC)
Industry
Particles
accelerator (2 MV)
Ion Implantor
(150 kV)
Particles detectors
-rays or X-rays
detectors
Simulations
Brussels – 21st November 2013
Hospital
University
Research
center
Students
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3. Fields of expertise and industrial
targets
Ion Beam analysis techniques
• Quantitative analysis of elements in nano-materials
• Nuclear techniques (NRA, PIGE, PIXE, RBS, ERDA,…)
• non-destructive
• sensitivity (ppm)
• Depth profiling of elements (RNRA)
• surface and interface
Ion Implantation
• Modification of materials properties (IBMM)
• All species from Mendeleiev periodic table
• Implantation energies between 10keV6 MeV
Plasma assisted deposition techniques
• DC, RF,…
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4. Fields of expertise and industrial
targets
Development of 3rd generation of solar cells
• synthetized by ion implantation (Si and Ge) and annealing
• nc-Si and nc-Ge
• High efficiency (>30 %)
• based on Multiple Exiton Generation (MEG)
• Thin solar cells (30 µm)
• Flexible
DLC coatings for automotive industry
• Plasma reactive coatings
• Hard coatings
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5. ALATAÏS
Ion Beam analysis facility for research, teaching an industry
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6. Tools available at LARN
Tandetron accelerator (2 MV) equipped
• Duoplasmotron source (1H, 2D, 3He, 4He)
• SNICs source (all negative ions)
• acceleration of near all species from Mendeleev periodic Table
5 equipped beam lines
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All purpose (RBS, ERDA, NRA, PIXE/PIGE,…)
Cells irradiation
Ion Implantation
UHV and low background detection system
Particles detection chamber
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7. Tools available at LARN
Ion Implanter
• Low energy: 5-35keV
• Ion implanter SAMES: 20-150 kV
Detectors
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•
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High efficiency (132%) HPGe detector
PIPS particles detectors
High resolution LEGe detector
Plastic scintillators
Deposition chambers and characterization
• Plasma deposition chambers
• Dektak and Pin on disc system
• Oven up to 1700°C for 3" wafers
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8. Services provided to companies
Depth profiling of ligth elements at interface
→ Na profiling at the interface (RNRA, RBS,…)
→ SnO2(F)/Glass
→ RNRA : Na depth profiling
→ RBS : localize the interface
RBS
Ep = 1.0 MeV
RNRA
23Na(p,a)20Ne
ER = 1010.5 keV
E = 1634 keV
G.Terwagne & G.Deconninck, NIM B64(1992)153-155
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9. Services provided to companies
3G Photovoltaic cells: Si/Ge quantum dots
→ Si or Ge nanocrystals embedded in a silicon-based matrix (SiO2,
Si3N4…) : “Quantum dots” (QD)
→ Multiple Exciton Generation (MEG) produced by one incident photon
→ Theoretical efficiency up to 60 %
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Silicon-based cells : abundant, non toxic, stable
Thin films as active layer to reduce Si consumption
High deposition rates
Low-cost substrate (glass, metal, polymer,…)
G.Terwagne & G.Deconninck, NIM B64(1992)153-155
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10. CONTACTS LABO
University of Namur/Physics Department
Laboratoire d'Analyses par Réactions Nucléaires
www.unamur.be
Prof. Guy Terwagne
Director
guy.terwagne@unamur.be
Address :
PMR-LARN
rue de Bruxelles, 61
5000 Namur
Phone :
+32 (0)81 725478
Fax :
+32 (0)81 725474
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