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When comparing the four main types of physical vapor deposition (PVD) for thin films, it is important to know the benefits and drawbacks of each before you decide which method will best suit your application. PVD can occur through sputtering (magnetron or ion beam), which utilizes energetic ions colliding with a target to eject (or… Read More
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As demand for popular consumer electronics and next-generation technologies has risen over the years, the opto-electronics market has grown with it. Despite global trade tension and tariffs creating challenges in this space, companies are still expecting to generate revenue growth in 2019. Cree, Inc., cited these challenges as “headwinds” in their first-quarter 2019 earnings report,… Read More
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This November, many companies will take advantage of surplus capital before their budget is set for the upcoming year. In a recent survey of nearly 150 compound semiconductor manufacturers on their capital expense budgets, around 42% of companies predict their capex budget will increase in 2019, while 31% predict a decrease. In an ever-changing business… Read More
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If you’re looking to improve productivity in your sputtering process, there are several front-end options available to use. When paired with a compatible standard sputter chamber, these front-end options can be used to increase throughput and production efficiency while providing consistent, repeatable results. Front-end Options Single Chamber, Single Wafer Loadport: This type of front-end option… Read More
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In indium bump deposition, there is a tradeoff between closure rate and closure uniformity. A slower closure rate and high closure uniformity is ideal, but often, the closer you get to your desired specs in one area, the more you sacrifice with the other. Closure Rate vs. Closure Uniformity Closure rate: This refers to the… Read More
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In augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR), the technology is, in many ways, still in its infancy, with new approaches and designs being developed to deliver the most authentic experience possible. Taking advantage of thin film deposition solutions is one way that AR/VR equipment manufacturers can produce higher quality designs and more competitive products…. Read More
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Thin film coating is an important part of the sample preparation process for microscopy. Samples typically undergo a different preparation process depending on the type of microscope being used for observation, but there are two important factors to consider when coating samples for either type. Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) Sample Prep Biological materials, which include… Read More
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Thin film coatings serve a number of purposes for different applications, including across the opto-electronics, display, semiconductor and medical fields. Here is a quick rundown of a number of common coatings that are available, their properties, and the applications they’re optimized for in order to help you figure out the best coating for your performance… Read More
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By the end of 2018, the semiconductor industry is expected to grow to $451 billion, an increase of 7.5% from 2017. With more innovative technology and electronic devices expected to reach the market within the next five to 10 years, semiconductor manufacturers should prepare for growth and examine production solutions for future applications, including thin… Read More
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Grain size refers to the size of the individual crystallites or particles that compose a solid metal. Grain size, as well as the boundaries between the grains, are important factors for determining physical properties of the entire metal. In thin film deposition, if the particles are deposited with high energy, and there is a high… Read More