Advantages of Using Spherical Nickel Powder in Additive Manufacturing

Additive manufacturing, commonly known as 3D printing, has ushered in a new era of manufacturing possibilities. Among the various materials used in this innovative technology, spherical nickel powder stands out for its remarkable properties and advantages. In this article, we delve into the world of additive manufacturing and explore the reasons why spherical nickel powder is becoming a game-changer in this field.

The Unique Attributes of Spherical Nickel Powder

Spherical nickel powder possesses a distinct advantage over traditional nickel powder due to its shape and size uniformity. The spherical shape of the particles ensures consistent flowability and improved packing density during the printing process. This leads to enhanced layer-to-layer adhesion and reduced porosity in the printed objects, resulting in parts with higher mechanical strength and improved structural integrity.

Tailoring Material Properties

Additive manufacturing allows engineers and designers to create intricate and complex geometries that were once thought impossible. Spherical nickel powder contributes to this capability by enabling the production of fine, intricate structures with high surface quality. Its uniform particle size distribution ensures an even deposition of layers, leading to smooth surfaces and accurate dimensional accuracy. Moreover, the material’s excellent thermal and electrical conductivity make it ideal for applications requiring heat dissipation and electrical connectivity.

Advancements in Functional Parts

The aerospace and automotive industries are leveraging spherical nickel powder’s unique properties to produce functional parts with exceptional performance characteristics. In aerospace, components like engine turbines and fuel nozzles benefit from the material’s ability to withstand high temperatures and corrosive environments. Similarly, in the automotive sector, the use of spherical nickel powder is contributing to the development of lightweight, high-strength parts that enhance fuel efficiency and overall vehicle performance.

The Path to Sustainability

As industries increasingly focus on sustainability, the role of materials like spherical nickel powder becomes crucial. Its efficient use in additive manufacturing results in minimal material wastage, making it an environmentally friendly choice. Additionally, the potential for recycling and reusing powder not used during printing further reduces material consumption and waste generation.

Challenges and Future Directions

While spherical nickel powder holds immense promise, challenges such as powder handling and production costs remain. Researchers and manufacturers are actively working to overcome these hurdles, paving the way for broader adoption of this advanced material. As additive manufacturing continues to evolve, the synergy between technology and material innovation will likely lead to breakthroughs in both performance and affordability.

In conclusion, spherical nickel powder is transforming the additive manufacturing landscape by offering unparalleled advantages in terms of material properties, design flexibility, and sustainability. Its role in producing functional parts for industries ranging from aerospace to automotive underscores its importance in shaping the future of manufacturing.

For more information about spherical nickel powder or spherical powder for 3d printing, please visit https://www.sputtertargets.net/.

Zinc Oxide Thin Films in Nanotechnology: Synthesis and Applications

Introduction

Zinc oxide (ZnO) is a wide-bandgap semiconductor with diverse properties that have garnered significant attention in nanotechnology research. The synthesis of zinc oxide thin films using sputtering targets has opened up new possibilities for various nanoscale applications. This article explores the synthesis process of ZnO thin films through sputtering and delves into their emerging applications in the field of nanotechnology.

Synthesis of Zinc Oxide Thin Films using Sputtering Targets

Sputtering is a popular thin film deposition technique that involves bombarding a target material with high-energy ions to release atoms or molecules, which then condense on a substrate to form a thin film. The sputtering process for zinc oxide thin films is typically carried out in a vacuum chamber, where an argon plasma is used to dislodge zinc oxide atoms from a sputtering target. The sputtered atoms travel through the vacuum and deposit onto a substrate, forming a thin film.

One of the main advantages of sputtering is the ability to precisely control the thickness and composition of the thin film. This level of control allows researchers to tailor the properties of zinc oxide thin films for specific nanotechnology applications.

Properties of Zinc Oxide Thin Films

Zinc oxide thin films possess several unique properties that make them highly attractive for nanoscale applications. Firstly, ZnO is a wide-bandgap semiconductor, making it suitable for optoelectronic devices such as light-emitting diodes (LEDs) and photodetectors. The wide bandgap allows ZnO thin films to emit and detect light in the ultraviolet region, which is essential for various optical and sensing applications.

Additionally, zinc oxide exhibits excellent piezoelectric properties, meaning it can convert mechanical energy into electrical signals and vice versa. This property has opened up opportunities for ZnO thin films in nanoelectromechanical systems (NEMS) and sensors.

Applications of Zinc Oxide Thin Films in Nanotechnology:

  1. Nanosensors: Zinc oxide thin films are used as sensitive layers in gas sensors and biosensors due to their high surface area and excellent sensing properties. They have been employed in detecting gases such as ammonia, carbon monoxide, and hydrogen, making them valuable for environmental monitoring and medical diagnostics.
  2. Nanodevices: ZnO thin films find applications in the development of nanodevices like field-effect transistors (FETs) and nanogenerators. Their exceptional piezoelectric characteristics make them ideal for energy harvesting applications.
  3. Nanophotonics: Zinc oxide thin films are used in the fabrication of nanophotonic devices, including waveguides and microcavities. Their ability to emit and manipulate light at the nanoscale level makes them essential in advanced optical communication systems.
  4. Nanocoatings: ZnO thin films serve as protective nanocoatings for various surfaces, providing enhanced resistance to environmental factors like UV radiation and corrosion.

Conclusion

Zinc oxide thin films synthesized using ZnO sputtering targets have emerged as a key player in the field of nanotechnology. Their versatile properties and precise synthesis make them ideal for a wide range of nanoscale applications. As researchers continue to explore the unique properties of ZnO thin films, we can expect to see further advancements in nanotechnology, leading to innovative devices and technologies that address various global challenges.

For more information about ZnO sputtering target or other thin film coating materials, please visit https://www.sputtertargets.net/.

Molybdenum Targets in Semiconductor Manufacturing

Introduction

Semiconductor manufacturing is at the heart of modern technology, driving advancements in electronics, telecommunications, and computing. Key to this process is the use of specialized materials and techniques, with molybdenum targets playing a crucial role in thin film deposition. This article delves into the significance of molybdenum targets in semiconductor manufacturing, exploring their applications and advantages in enabling the creation of high-performance electronic devices.

Molybdenum Targets and Thin Film Deposition

Thin film deposition is a fundamental process in semiconductor manufacturing, where thin layers of material are precisely deposited onto a substrate to form integrated circuits and other electronic components. Molybdenum targets, typically in the form of sputtering targets, are vital to this process due to their exceptional material properties. Molybdenum is a refractory metal, offering high melting points and excellent thermal stability, making it suitable for use in demanding high-temperature environments during thin film deposition.

Sputtering is the primary technique employed for depositing thin films using molybdenum targets. In this process, molybdenum atoms are sputtered from the target’s surface through ion bombardment and subsequently deposited onto the substrate. The precise control of this deposition allows for the creation of uniform and well-adhered thin films with precise thicknesses, critical for the functionality of semiconductor devices.

Applications in Semiconductor Devices

Molybdenum targets find widespread use in semiconductor manufacturing for various applications. One of the primary applications is in the creation of gate electrodes in metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistors (MOSFETs). MOSFETs are essential components of integrated circuits, controlling the flow of electrical current and enabling the amplification of signals in electronic devices. The high thermal and electrical conductivity of molybdenum makes it an ideal choice for gate electrodes, ensuring efficient device performance.

Additionally, molybdenum targets are used in the fabrication of interconnects, which serve as conductive pathways between different components on the semiconductor device. The high purity and uniformity of molybdenum thin films are critical for achieving low electrical resistance in interconnects, minimizing power losses and improving the overall efficiency of electronic devices.

Advantages of Molybdenum Targets

Several key advantages make molybdenum targets stand out in semiconductor manufacturing:

  1. Thermal Stability: Molybdenum targets can withstand high temperatures, ensuring stability during the deposition process. This is particularly important for high-temperature processing steps in semiconductor manufacturing.
  2. High Purity: The exceptional purity levels of molybdenum targets enable the deposition of clean and contamination-free thin films, resulting in reliable semiconductor devices with consistent performance.
  3. Uniformity: Molybdenum targets facilitate the creation of uniform thin films, ensuring consistent device characteristics across a wafer and improving the overall yield of the manufacturing process.
  4. Compatibility: Molybdenum targets are compatible with various deposition techniques, offering flexibility in thin film deposition processes for different semiconductor applications.

Conclusion

In conclusion, molybdenum targets play a critical role in semiconductor manufacturing by enabling precise thin film deposition. Their exceptional thermal stability, high purity, and uniformity make them indispensable for the creation of high-performance semiconductor devices. From MOSFET gate electrodes to interconnects, molybdenum targets contribute to the advancement of modern technology, ensuring reliable and efficient electronic devices that power our digital world. As semiconductor technology continues to evolve, molybdenum targets will remain at the forefront, driving innovation and shaping the future of electronics.

For more information about molybdnem sputtering target or other target materials, please visit https://www.sputtertargets.net/.

Enhancing PV Device Efficiency with Indium Sputtering Targets

Introduction

Indium sputtering targets play a crucial role in the fabrication of photovoltaic (PV) devices, enhancing solar energy conversion efficiency. In this article, we discuss the advantages and applications of indium sputtering targets in improving the performance of PV devices.

Transparent Conductive Oxide (TCO) Layers

Indium sputtering targets are used to deposit high-quality indium tin oxide (ITO) films onto solar cells. These transparent conductive oxide layers offer excellent electrical conductivity and allow for light transmission, enhancing solar energy conversion efficiency.

Anti-Reflective Coatings

Indium sputtering targets enable the deposition of indium oxide or indium-tin-oxide thin films as anti-reflective coatings. These coatings minimize reflection losses, optimizing light absorption in PV devices and increasing overall energy conversion efficiency.

Back Contact Layers

Indium sputtering targets are utilized in depositing back contact layers in PV devices. These layers, made of indium or indium-containing compounds, improve charge collection and extraction, leading to enhanced power output and device performance.

Doping Layers

With indium sputtering targets, indium-containing films can be deposited as doping layers in PV devices. Doping with indium allows for better control of carrier concentration, facilitating efficient charge separation and collection, and improving solar energy conversion efficiency.

Conclusion

The use of indium sputtering targets in PV device fabrication enhances solar energy conversion efficiency. By enabling the deposition of transparent conductive oxide layers, anti-reflective coatings, back contact layers, and doping layers, indium sputtering targets optimize various aspects of PV device performance. As solar energy gains prominence as a clean and renewable energy source, the demand for indium sputtering targets in PV applications will continue to grow, driving further advancements in solar energy conversion technology.

For more information about indium sputter targets or other types of sputtering materials, please visit https://www.sputtertargets.net/.

Properties, Fabrication, and Applications of Indium Sputtering Targets in Thin Film Deposition

Introduction

Indium is a soft silvery-white metal that possesses unique properties, making it a valuable material in various fields of science and industry. One of the primary applications of indium is in thin film deposition. In this article, we will explore the properties of indium sputtering targets, their fabrication methods, and their wide-ranging applications in thin film deposition processes.

Properties of Indium Sputtering Targets

Indium sputtering targets exhibit several key properties that make them suitable for thin film deposition:

  1. Purity: High-purity indium sputtering targets are essential to ensure the quality and reliability of the deposited films. Typically, indium targets with purity levels greater than 99.99% are used to minimize impurities and enhance film performance.
  2. Density and Homogeneity: The density and homogeneity of the sputtering target play a vital role in achieving uniform film deposition. Indium targets with high density and excellent homogeneity ensure consistent film thickness and composition across the substrate.
  3. Grain Structure: The grain structure of indium sputtering targets affects their thermal and electrical conductivity. Fine-grained indium targets promote better electrical contact and heat transfer during the sputtering process, leading to improved film properties.

Fabrication of Indium Sputtering Targets

The fabrication process of indium sputtering targets involves the following steps:

  1. Melting and Casting: High-purity indium is melted in a controlled environment to remove any impurities. The molten metal is then cast into solid ingots or other desired shapes, such as discs or rectangles, depending on the specific requirements of the thin film deposition system.
  2. Hot/Cold Rolling: The cast indium ingots undergo hot or cold rolling processes to achieve the desired thickness and dimensions for sputtering target manufacturing. This step helps in improving the density and homogeneity of the indium targets.
  3. Annealing: Annealing is performed to relieve any residual stress and enhance the mechanical properties and grain structure of the indium sputtering targets. Controlled heating and cooling processes are employed to ensure optimal annealing conditions.
  4. Machining: The rolled and annealed indium sheets are machined to obtain the final shape and size of the sputtering target. Precision machining techniques such as cutting, grinding, and polishing are employed to achieve the required surface finish and dimensional accuracy.

Applications of Indium Sputtering Targets in Thin Film Deposition

Indium sputtering targets find wide-ranging applications in various thin film deposition techniques, including:

  1. Optoelectronic Devices: Indium tin oxide (ITO) films deposited using indium sputtering targets are extensively used in touchscreens, flat panel displays, and solar cells due to their excellent electrical conductivity and optical transparency.
  2. Semiconductor Industry: Indium sputtering targets are employed in the deposition of indium-based compounds, such as indium gallium arsenide (InGaAs), indium phosphide (InP), and indium antimonide (InSb), which are crucial for advanced semiconductor devices like high-speed transistors and infrared detectors.
  3. Superconducting Films: Indium sputtering targets are utilized in the deposition of superconducting films, specifically indium-based superconductors, which exhibit zero electrical resistance at low temperatures. Such films are significant in the development of high-performance electronic devices and quantum computing applications.
  4. Transparent Conductive Films: Indium sputtering targets are also employed to deposit transparent conductive films on glass or plastic substrates. These films find applications in organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), smart windows, and electromagnetic shielding films.

Conclusion

Indium sputtering targets offer valuable properties for thin film deposition, including high purity, density, homogeneity, and fine grain structure. The fabrication process ensures the production of high-quality targets suitable for diverse applications in optoelectronics, semiconductors, superconductors, and transparent conductive films. As technology advances, the demand for indium sputtering targets is likely to grow, contributing to further innovations in thin film deposition and related industries.

For more information about indium sputter targets or other types of sputtering materials, please visit https://www.sputtertargets.net/.

Exploring the Specific Uses of Zirconium Targets and Thin Films in Different Industries

Zirconium targets and thin films are versatile materials that find a wide range of applications in different industries. With their high melting point, good thermal conductivity, and resistance to corrosion and wear, zirconium-based coatings offer unique properties that make them ideal for use in many different applications.

Semiconductor Industry

Zirconium targets find extensive use in the semiconductor industry for creating thin films with excellent uniformity and purity. In semiconductor manufacturing, zirconium-based coatings are used as diffusion barriers in copper interconnects and as adhesion layers between metal contacts and dielectric layers. These coatings help to enhance the performance, reliability, and durability of semiconductor devices by preventing unwanted chemical reactions, improving electrical conductivity, and enabling precise control of the thickness and composition of each layer.

Energy Industry

Zirconium targets and thin films find significant applications in the energy industry, particularly in solar panel manufacturing. Zirconium-based coatings are applied to solar panels to improve their efficiency by reducing the reflection of sunlight and enhancing light absorption. Zirconium-based coatings also provide corrosion resistance, enabling the solar panels to withstand harsh environments and extend their lifespan. In nuclear power plants, zirconium alloys are used as fuel cladding in the core of reactors due to their excellent corrosion resistance and mechanical strength.

Automotive Industry

Zirconium targets and thin films are used in the automotive industry for coating engine components to improve their wear resistance, hardness, and corrosion protection. Zirconium-based coatings can be applied to automotive parts such as valves, pistons, and bearings to reduce friction and wear, leading to improved fuel efficiency and reduced emissions. Zirconium-based coatings can also provide excellent corrosion protection, enabling automotive parts to withstand harsh environments and extend their service life.

Medical Industry

Zirconium targets and thin films find extensive applications in the medical industry due to their biocompatibility, durability, and corrosion resistance. Zirconium-based coatings are used in orthopedic and dental implants to enhance implant stability, reduce wear and inflammation, and promote bone integration. Zirconium-based coatings can also be applied to medical devices such as surgical instruments and pacemakers to improve their wear resistance and corrosion protection, leading to extended service life and improved patient outcomes.

Aerospace Industry

Zirconium targets and thin films are used in the aerospace industry for coating various components to improve durability and corrosion protection. Zirconium-based coatings are applied to turbine blades, engine parts, and airframe structures to reduce wear, improve fatigue resistance, and enhance corrosion protection. Zirconium-based coatings can also be used as a thermal barrier for components exposed to high temperatures, improving their performance and extending their lifespan.

Conclusion

In summary, zirconium targets and thin films find diverse applications in different industries due to their unique properties and versatility. From semiconductor manufacturing to aerospace engineering, zirconium-based coatings offer numerous benefits such as improved uniformity, purity, durability, wear resistance, and corrosion protection. As research and development continue to advance, zirconium targets and thin films are likely to become an even more important material in many industries.

Read more at sputtertargets.net.

The Benefits of Using Chromium Pellets for Thermal Evaporation in Manufacturing

Manufacturing processes have always been evolving, and with the advancements in technology, companies are constantly looking for ways to improve efficiency and reduce costs. One such method that has gained popularity in recent years is the use of chromium pellets for thermal evaporation. These pellets, made of high-purity chromium metal, are used in vacuum deposition processes to create thin films on various substrates. The benefits of using chromium pellets for thermal evaporation are numerous, including improved film quality, reduced manufacturing costs, and increased production rates.

In this article, we will explore the advantages of using chromium pellets in manufacturing and why it has become the preferred method for many industries. So, let’s dive in and discover the world of thermal evaporation and the benefits of using chromium pellets.

What are Chromium Pellets for Thermal Evaporation?

Chromium pellets are small, cylindrical-shaped pieces of high-purity chromium metal that are used in thermal evaporation. Thermal evaporation is a vacuum deposition process, where a material is heated to its evaporation point, and the vaporized material is condensed onto a substrate to form a thin film. Chromium pellets are one of the most popular evaporation materials used in the manufacturing industry, as they offer several advantages over other materials commonly used for thermal evaporation.

Advantages of Using Chromium Pellets

There are several advantages of using chromium pellets for thermal evaporation. The first advantage is improved film quality. Chromium pellets produce high-quality films with excellent adhesion, uniformity, and smoothness. The films produced using chromium pellets are also very stable and have good chemical and mechanical properties, making them ideal for a wide range of applications.

The second advantage of using chromium pellets is reduced manufacturing costs. Chromium pellets have a high evaporation rate, which means that less material is needed to produce the same amount of film. This results in reduced material costs, as well as reduced energy costs, as less energy is required to evaporate the material.

The third advantage is increased production rates. Due to its high evaporation rate, more chromium pellets can be evaporated in a shorter amount of time. This results in increased production rates, which can help companies meet their manufacturing goals faster and more efficiently.

Properties of Chromium Pellets

Chromium pellets are made of high-purity chromium metal, which means that they have excellent physical and chemical properties. Chromium is a hard, lustrous metal that has a high melting point and is resistant to corrosion. Chromium pellets are also very stable and have good mechanical and chemical properties, making them ideal for a wide range of applications.

Comparison of Chromium Pellets with Other Evaporation Materials

Chromium pellets are one of the most popular evaporation materials used in the manufacturing industry, but there are several other materials that are also commonly used. These include aluminum, gold, silver, and copper, among others. While each of these materials has its own advantages and disadvantages, chromium pellets are often preferred due to their excellent film quality, reduced manufacturing costs, and increased production rates.

Applications of Chromium Pellets in Manufacturing

Chromium pellets are used in a wide range of manufacturing applications. Some of the most common applications include the production of thin films for electronics, optics, and solar cells. Chromium pellets are also used in the production of decorative coatings, as well as in the production of hard coatings for cutting tools, molds, and dies.

How to Use Chromium Pellets for Thermal Evaporation

Using chromium pellets for thermal evaporation is a relatively simple process. The first step is to load the pellets into a crucible, which is then placed into the evaporation system. The system is then evacuated to a high vacuum, and the pellets are heated to their evaporation point using an electron beam or resistive heating. The vaporized material is then condensed onto a substrate to form a thin film.

Maintenance and Storage of Chromium Pellets

To ensure the longevity and optimal performance of chromium pellets, proper maintenance, and storage are essential. Chromium pellets should be stored in a dry, cool place, away from moisture and other contaminants. When not in use, the pellets should be stored in an airtight container to prevent oxidation. Before use, the pellets should be cleaned using a mild solvent to remove any surface contaminants.

Where to Buy Chromium Pellets for Thermal Evaporation

Chromium pellets for thermal evaporation can be purchased from a wide range of suppliers. It is important to choose a reputable supplier that offers high-purity chromium pellets that are free from contaminants. One of the most popular suppliers of chromium pellets is Stanford Advanced Material (SAM).

Conclusion

In conclusion, using chromium pellets for thermal evaporation is a highly effective method for producing high-quality films in a wide range of manufacturing applications. The benefits of using chromium pellets include improved film quality, reduced manufacturing costs, and increased production rates. With proper maintenance and storage, chromium pellets can provide optimal performance and longevity, making them an excellent investment for any manufacturing company.

ITO Glass – Thinner Is Better?

In recent years, the requirements for processing technology in various industries have been continuously improved. ITO (indium tin oxide) materials, for instance, have stricter criteria for line width and processing interval for ITO conductive patterns. The subject of whether the ITO laser etching machine can produce lines smaller than 20 microns comes up frequently. Is a 20-micron processing interval possible? The answer is yes. So what is the smallest line width of the ITO laser etching machine? Let SAM Sputter Target answer it for you.

What Determines the Line Width?

The laser and the optics define the thickness of the ITO line width, which is related to the size of the focus spot and the thermal impact of the source on the material. A line with a thinner width might be produced by a shorter wavelength because it has lower energy, a narrower pulse width, a higher beam expander magnification, a smaller field lens negative, and a smaller spot size. Several of the aforementioned parameters, of course, have a relative limit value. For instance, if the beam expander’s magnification is too great, the energy density will be inadequate and unsuitable for processing. As a result, we must choose a variety of values and apply them to the processing requirements.

In addition, even with the same laser etch machine, the line widths made by different materials are different. For example, the etch line width of a nickel alloy material is thicker than that of an ITO material, depending on the absorption of the laser wavelength by the material itself. This article analyzes based on ITO conductive glass.

ITO glass

Thickness Requirements of Different Industries

The general requirement for ITO glass in the touch screen industry is less than 20 microns, which uses a narrow pulse-width infrared nanosecond laser. Different industries have different requirements for ITO line width. In some industries, the resistance of ITO line width has relatively high requirements, while in some industries, it is required to ensure that it is cut and insulated. In the current laser market, the minimum line width of ITO conductive glass is 5 micrometers, and different line widths can be selectively selected according to different light sources. For example, the minimum line width of an ultraviolet nanosecond laser can be 15 micrometers. Of course, there are also EUV lithography machines that can achieve nanometer levels by means of extreme ultraviolet lasers. The requirements for line width are mainly determined by different product requirements.

Thinner is Better?

From the above, you can see that different industries have different thickness requirements for ITO glass. What is certain is that the thinner is not always the better. It still needs to be designed and manufactured according to the specific application.

Impact of Thin Film Technology on The Crystalline Silicon Industry

Judging from the current development of photovoltaic technology, thin films, especially CIGS thin films, will gradually become the mainstream of solar power generation.

Thin-Film Solar Cell

Thin-film photovoltaic cells, also known as solar cells, are devices that use the photovoltaic effect to convert light energy into electrical energy. They are considered novel photovoltaic devices that can alleviate the energy crisis.

Thin-film solar cells can be fabricated on substrates using materials such as ceramics, graphite, and metal sheets. These raw materials, while relatively cheap, work very well. They can make thin films with a thickness of only a few micrometers, and the current conversion efficiency can reach 13%.

In addition to planar, thin-film solar cells can also be made into non-planar structures because of their flexibility. Therefore, they have a wide range of applications and can be combined with or become part of buildings.

CIGS Film

The aforementioned CIGS is mainly composed of Cu (copper), In (indium), Ga (gallium), and Se (selenium), and the complete chemical formula is CuInxGa(1-x)Se2. This material has many advantages, including strong light absorption ability, good power generation stability, high conversion rate, long daytime power generation time, low production cost, short energy recovery cycle, etc.

Polycrystalline Silicon Solar Cells
Ogunshile, Emmanuel. (2017). An Investigation into the Use of Hybrid Solar Power and Cloud Service Solutions for 24/7 Computing. 743-754. 10.5220/0006380007430754.

CIGS VS. Silicon

Why thin film technology will beat traditional crystalline silicon products? Comparing the two, you will find the following results.

  • The absolute power generation of the thin film is higher, and the average power generation is about 8-10% higher than that of crystalline silicon (depending on the location and climate of the power station).
  • The decay rate of CIGS thin film power generation is controllable, which means that the occurrence of power generation decay can be controlled by adopting effective technical means. The practice has proved that during the operation of the CIGS thin-film station, the power generation does not decrease, but increases slightly.

For the comparison between CIGS thin film and Silicon materials, you can refer to this article Silicon Thin-Film VS. CIGS Thin-Film for Solar Panels.

Conclusion

Although the crystalline silicon industry has matured and the conversion efficiency of monocrystalline silicon has also been improved, technical shortcomings restrict the sustainable development of the crystalline silicon industry. What’s worse is that its industrial chain is long, the cost is difficult to control, and crystalline silicon products are not competitive. From this point of view, the development of thin film technology, especially CIGS thin film, will get better and better.

Stanford Advanced Materials (SAM) is a global sputtering target manufacturer which supplies high-quality and consistent products to meet our customers’ R&D and production needs. We provide high-purity CIGS materials and we insure you will be satisfied with our products. Please visit our website https://www.sputtertargets.net/ for more information.

 

Application of Molybdenum Target in Mobile Phone LCD Screen

Nowadays, society is full of phubbers, and mobile phones have become the most indispensable thing for the masses. Mobile phone displays are also becoming more and more high-end, such as full-screen design, small bang design, and so on.

Do you know what the important step is in making a mobile phone LCD screen? — Coating, using magnetron sputtering to sputter metal molybdenum from the molybdenum target onto the liquid crystal glass.

As an advanced film material preparation technology, sputtering has two characteristics of “high speed” and “low temperature”. It concentrates ions into a high-speed ion stream in a vacuum to bombard a solid surface. The kinetic energy exchange between the ions and the atoms on the solid surface causes the atoms on the solid surface to leave the target and deposit on the surface of the substrate to form a nano (or micro) film. The bombarded solid is a material for depositing a thin film by sputtering, which is called a sputtering target.

In the electronics industry, molybdenum sputtering targets are mainly used for flat panel displays, electrodes and wiring materials for thin film solar cells, and barrier materials for semiconductors. These are based on its high melting point, high electrical conductivity, low specific impedance, good corrosion resistance, and good environmental performance.

Molybdenum used in components of LCDs can greatly improve the brightness, contrast, color, and life of the LCD. One of the major applications for molybdenum sputtering targets in the flat panel display industry is in the TFT-LCD field.

molybdenum target

In addition to the flat panel display industry, with the development of the new energy industry, the application of molybdenum sputtering targets on thin film solar photovoltaic cells is also increasing. The molybdenum sputtering target mainly forms a CIGS (Copper Indium Gallium Selenide) thin-film battery electrode layer by sputtering. Among them, molybdenum is at the bottom of the solar cell, and is a back contact of the solar cell. It plays an important role in the nucleation, growth, and morphology of the CIGS thin film crystal.

Stanford Advanced Materials(SAM) is a global sputtering targets manufacturer which supplies high-quality and consistent products to meet our customers’ R&D and production needs. Please visit https://www.sputtertargets.net/ for more information.