Prof Colligon's research career has seen him closely involved in the development and application of surface coatings, an area of study that has led to huge increases in the performance and effectiveness of products that range from machine tools and electronic components to aero engines and replacement hip joints. One key aspect of his work – the use of vacuum to deposit coatings cleanly and effectively – has earned him the awards.
Professor Colligon has witnessed and contributed to the rise in importance of vacuum deposition of novel coatings and the use of ion bombardment, which is used in many industrial areas, since the early 1960s, when he completed a PhD that revolved around ion bombardment. In 1968, he was co-author of the first major text on ion-surface interactions. Today, the technique known as ion implantation is vital in the production of electronic devices.
At the start of his career, Professor Colligon worked in the Royal Aircraft Establishment at Farnborough, researching the damage caused to the surfaces of satellites by collision with gases in the near-earth rarefied atmosphere. Then he entered the university sector and has since carried out extensive research in surface coatings, materials characterisation and ion-surface interactions.
His previous awards have included a Royal Society Industrial Fellowship. He was also made a Fellow of the American Vacuum Society in 1998 in recognition for his work in thin film deposition.
