Local Control of Materials Synthesis (LoCo)

The goal of the Local Control of Materials Synthesis (LoCo) program is to develop a low-temperature process for the deposition of thin films whose current minimum processing temperature exceeds the maximum temperature substrates of interest to the Department of Defense (DoD) can withstand (e.g., chemical vapor deposited diamond on polymers). To achieve this goal, DARPA is soliciting innovative research proposals that independently develop novel chemical and physical processes to meet the energetic/chemical requirements of thin film deposition (e.g., reactant flux, surface mobility, reaction energy, etc.), without reliance on broadband temperature input used in state-of-the-art chemical vapor deposition. Complementary, successful methods will then be integrated by DARPA to deposit a DoD-relevant thin film (e.g., optically clear diamond) on a DoD substrate of interest (e.g., zinc sulfide). Non-traditional performers outside of the materials research/thin film deposition communities in areas such as surface acoustic wave spectroscopy, plasma physics, photochemistry, etc. are highly encouraged to submit proposals to the LoCo program. To facilitate technology transfer, DARPA is also seeking input on DoD systems and parts that could benefit from success in the LoCo program.