See how Denton Vacuum has pioneered thin film for 6 decades.

5 Key Considerations for Pre-Cleaning

A close up of lasers working on a chip

Posted on

In order to achieve the desired properties and meet performance requirements, substrates may need to be pre-cleaned prior to deposition. While there are several methods that can be used to carry out this process, each has its own benefits depending on your pre-cleaning goal and deposition process. For example, RF glow plates use lower energy… Read More

The Customer Application Development Center at Denton Vacuum

Posted on

Welcome to the Denton Vacuum Applications Laboratory Denton Vacuum has hit a milestone with the Customer Application Development Center, the Apps Lab, as we pass the 10-year mark. The CADC empowers innovation by producing state-of-the-art sputtered, etch, and evaporated thin films and evaluating machine performances with our cutting-edge tools. In the CADC, Denton has three… Read More

Denton Vacuum Infinity FA Tool

Posted on

Enable uniform removal of the entire layer regardless of chemical composition The Infinity FA from Denton Vacuum is optimized for delayering applications. The Infinity FA can utilize multiple etch technologies for uniform removal of layers. This high-performance etch tool is designed for delayering finished or in-process integrated circuits for failure analysis or reverse engineering. Learn… Read More

Reducing Resistivity and Stress in Tungsten Coatings

Graph showing the average resistivity of two layer W films at the given substrate temperature.

Posted on

Tungsten coatings are commonly used in semiconductor applications and have the potential to be used in emerging solar energy applications. These thin films are commonly subject to high stress and low adhesion, but when manufacturers try and compensate for stress, it leads to increased resistivity. In order to achieve the best performance and repeatability for… Read More

Benefits of an Inverted Cylindrical Cathode Configuration

Diagram showing a cylindrical cathode configuration with the substrate inside the cathode, sputtering inward.

Posted on

An inverted cylindrical cathode configuration, compared to a planar or confocal configuration, has a few notable benefits because of its highly unique design. Unlike most cathode arrangements, where the cathodes sputter down, up or across the chamber, an inverted cylindrical cathode sputters inward toward the center of the cylinder. This offers several advantages for precision… Read More

Why You Need to Focus on Continuous Improvement for Your Thin Film System

Hand Drawing Gears on a Chalkboard

Posted on

When investing in thin film deposition equipment, you need to think beyond the short-term results you want to achieve and focus on long-term goals and improvements. Your vendor should have the same focus, as well as the engineering capability to deliver continuous improvement, so you gain reliability, functionality and added value in your system over… Read More

Thin Film Requirements for EUV Systems

CO2 Laser and Multilayer Coated Reflectors

Posted on

Extreme ultraviolet (EUV) light requires a very complex process to produce, but this technology has major implications for lithography and nano-machining in semiconductor manufacturing. To ensure performance and precision during manufacturing, components of EUV systems must be produced with high-precision optics and coatings. What is Extreme Ultraviolet Light? Extreme UV light has wavelengths anywhere between… Read More

Minimizing Cost for Thickness Uniformity

laser mirrors line

Posted on

Thin film thickness uniformity is one of the main components of yield. Parts coated with a film that is outside the limits will need to be either reworked or scrapped. However, it is important not to over-specify the uniformity. If your design demands +/-5% uniformity and you specify +/-2% because it is “better”, you will… Read More

Selecting the Right Front-end Option

Two employees in hazmat suits in a high-tech manufacturing environment

Posted on

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

Addressing AR/VR Design Challenges with Thin Film

Engineer wearing a virtual reality headset designing a turbine with a holographic projection.

Posted on

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