Thin film materials is a term that describes the various coatings to provide protection and other qualities to a substrate material. The coatings may include such films as those consisting of:
- Aluminum
- Cadmium
- Copper
- Gold
- Indium
- Iron
- Nickel
- Silver
- Tellurium
Thin film deposition uses a variety of coatings that embrace metal alloys, precious, high purity and rare earth metals. The cost of these various materials varies according to not only the type of material employed, but also the size and specific applications. Downtime may also differ for each process and material. Yet, the flexibility of this approach or technique is increasingly attractive to many manufacturing concerns. As a precise means of providing specific items for the electronic and optical industries, thin film deposition requires an understanding of the various techniques involved.
Techniques of Thin Film Deposition
Applying thin film coatings to a substrate metal involves one of two major classifications of deposition. These are chemical deposition and physical deposition. Only upon considering the following characteristics will a fabricator proceed to adopt one of the several methods of deposition.
- Qualities of the substrate
- Intended use of the component
- Environment intended for the finished component
- Desired qualities for the component
- Existing qualities of the thin film materials
As a result, the fabricator or technician may opt for the use of sputtering, precursor gases or evaporation to achieve the intended and desired goal of the client.
Main Steps for Thin-Film Deposition
Yet, while the deposition techniques differ, they do have much in common. They all follow a three-step program when applying the thin film material to the substrate. This is true whether the technique deposits several thin layers or a single nano or atomic layer of material on the base layer. The three main steps the techniques usually adhere to are:
- Production of the applicable atomic, molecular, or ionic class
- Transport of this material to the substrate layer using a specific medium
- Through chemical or electrochemical reactions or even directly the condensation of the material on the substrate
All forms of deposition conform to these main steps.
Thin Film Materials
The thin film material market is projected to grow over the next few years. Although the Europe continues to be dominant in the marketplace, North America and Asia are not far behind. As demand continues to increase, the industry will continue to evolve improving technology as the marketplace continues to find uses for thin film materials.