Nanostructures multilayer MgO/ZnO thin film thermal interface material for LED applications: Thermal, optical, and surface temperature performance

• Published in: Journal of materials science. Materials in electronics 2021-06, Vol.32 (12), p.16008-16023
• Main Authors: Idris, Muhammad Sani, Subramani, Shanmugan
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Boundary conditions; Characterization and Evaluation of Materials; Chemistry and Materials Science; Electronic packaging; Heat; Heat distribution; Image analysis; Magnesium oxide; Materials Science; Multilayers; Optical and Electronic Materials; Photovoltaic cells; Substrates; Surface roughness; Surface temperature; Thermal resistance; Thin films; Zinc oxide
• ISSN: 0957-4522; 1573-482X
• DOI: 10.1007/s10854-021-06151-7

Monolithic MgO and multilayer MgO/ZnO thin film was spin coated on Cu substrates. XRD analysis was used to study the structural properties of the coated films. AFM and FESEM tilt image analysis was used to explore the importance of low surface roughness in heat dissipation. Results from the analysis showed low surface roughness (2.6 nm) and least peak–valley distance (1.2 nm) were recorded for 6:4 L/MgO/ZnO sample. Similarly, a significance high thermal resistance difference ( Δ R th-tot  = 3.18 K/W) at 700 mA was also recorded with 6:4 L/MgO/ZnO boundary condition. Further improved heat distribution, optimal optical performance, and lowest LED surface temperature during operation were noticed for the LED mounted on 6:4 L/MgO/ZnO solid thin film TIM cum heat spreader, and this happened to be good compared to those recorded for bare Cu substrate boundary (air interface). Overall, the performance of the MgO/ZnO solid thin film proves it suitability as an alternative interface material in electronic and lighting packaging applications.