Grain size and film thickness effect on the thermal expansion coefficient of FCC metallic thin films.

Thin films are used in wide range of applications in industry, such as solar cells and LEDs. When thin films are deposited on substrates, various stresses are generated due to the mechanical difference between the film and substrate. These stresses can cause defects, such as cracking and buckling. Therefore, knowledge of the mechanical properties is important for improving their reliability and stability. In this study, the thermal expansion coefficient of FCC metallic thin films, such as Ag and Cu, which have different grain sizes and thicknesses, were calculated using the thermal cycling method. As a result, thermal expansion coefficient increased with increasing grain size. However, the film thickness had no remarkable effect.