Patent ID: 11220738

Abstract:
A method for fabricating a bi-layer thin film is provided. A first alloy is deposited onto a substrate using a first alloy target to form a first layer of the bi-layer thin film. The first layer may comprise greater than 50 atomic % titanium (Ti) and/or less than 50 atomic % nickel (Ni). The first alloy may be deposited onto the substrate at a first temperature (e.g., room temperature). The substrate may be made of a polymer material, such as poly (4,4′-oxydiphenylene-pyromellitimide) (e.g., Kapton™). A second alloy is deposited onto the first layer using a second alloy target to form a second layer of the bi-layer thin film. The second layer may comprise greater 50 atomic % nickel and/or less than 50 atomic % titanium. The second alloy may be deposited onto the first layer at a second temperature (e.g., room temperature). The bi-layer thin film may exhibit pseudo elasticity and shape memory effect (SME).