Abstract: Methods and systems for growing thin films via molecular-beam epitaxy (MBE) on substrates are provided. The methods and systems utilize a thermally conductive backing plate including an infrared-absorbing coating (IAC) formed, for example, on one side of the thermally conductive backing plate to provide an asymmetric emissivity that absorbs infrared radiation (IR) on the side having the IRC and does not on the non-coated side of the thermally conductive backing plate (e.g., refractive metal or alloy). The asymmetric emissivity shields the thin film being deposited on a substrate from the IR during formation.

Abstract: A composite precursor powder, including one or more metals or metalloids, and one or more oxides, wherein a molar ratio of the one or more metals or metalloids to the one or more oxides is from about 1:0.01 to about 1:4, and wherein the molar ratio of the one or more metals or metalloids to the one or more oxides is configured according to a desired volumetric change of the composite precursor powder when converted to a non-oxide ceramic.

Abstract: Methods and systems for growing thin films via molecular-beam epitaxy (MBE) on substrates are provided. The methods and systems utilize a thermally conductive backing plate including an infrared-absorbing coating (IAC) formed, for example, on one side of the thermally conductive backing plate to provide an asymmetric emissivity that absorbs infrared radiation (IR) on the side having the IRC and does not on the non-coated side of the thermally conductive backing plate (e.g., refractive metal or alloy). The asymmetric emissivity shields the thin film being deposited on a substrate from the IR during formation.

Abstract: Metal ceramic composites, or metallic matrix composites (MMCs), may be formed by additive manufacturing (AM) processing of powder beds including a plurality of metallic particles of one or more metals and a plurality of ceramic particles of one or more ceramic materials. The presence of the ceramic particles during the AM process changes the optical properties and/or thermal conductivity of the powder bed since the ceramic particles have markedly different optical properties and/or thermal conductivity relative to metal particles. These optical properties and/or thermal conductivities of the ceramic particles can be tailored in different areas within a given layer of the powder bed to change energy absorption of an energy beam in the different areas. The resulting MMCs exhibit significantly improved performance characteristics, including increases in strength properties, while maintaining ductility and improvement of resistance to pitting and crevice corrosion, among others characteristics.