Consulting Services

Specialties

Our consultants specialize in vacuum deposition and thin films. We offer consulting on a variety of topics including Atomic Layer Deposition and Deposition System Design. We have worked on projects from semiconductor devices to biosensors to optical coatings.

Thin films

Thin films are more common than most people realize. From the barrier and decorative coatings on potato chip bags to the latest semiconductor, thin films are everywhere. If you’re looking for the next advance for your product perhaps thin films are the answer. Do you need better adhesion performance between dissimilar materials? Perhaps you need your fluid to wet more uniformly over a complex surface geometry. Or do you need a pinhole free dielectric that is 100 angstroms thick? Thin films provide a way to modify surface properties and performance without requiring a change to the bulk material.

Atomic Layer Deposition

Atomic layer deposition (ALD) is a vacuum deposition method that uses sequential, self-limiting, surface reactions. It offers unparalleled film uniformity, density, and batch to batch consistency.

Why ALD?

ALD provides digital control over film thickness onto very high aspect ratios, as high as 4000:1 have been reported in peer-reviewed literature. ALD relies on true chemical reactions for the deposition to proceed, not just the cracking of reactants. The temperature window for each chemistry varies but some films can be deposited as low as room temperature. Nearly any substrate is suitable for ALD. There are hundreds of materials and chemistries available with more being discovered every day. Let us use our experts in ALD to evaluate if it is right for your project.

Surface Chemistry

When working with multi-material devices and projects interfaces are often a point of failure and require special attention. But does this special attention extend down to the molecular level? For us it does. We know that to ensure consistent performance in some devices the molecular interactions at the surface must be understood. That’s where we come in. We have years of experience in examining how surface chemistry interactions with a multitude of environments. Whether is it anti-corrosion barriers or complex bio-fluid interactions, we can help.

Deposition Systems

In addition to understanding thin film processes we understand the equipment that is needed to deposit them. There are many great deposition tools on the market today. But there are designed to try to meet everyone’s needs. Do they meet yours? Do you need help selecting one?

If you’re looking for something special or unique we can help. Perhaps you just need a new fixture of component. Our team has decades of combined expertise in using vacuum deposition systems and the specialized components for them.

Purchasing assistance

If you are looking for a commercial system to fill your deposition needs let us be your in-house expert. We can act as your advocate. We speak the same language as the vendors and can make sure you get what you need without spending too much. Let us use our extensive network of equipment manufacturers to narrow the search and streamline the process.

Custom components

When you already own a system but need new fixtures where do you turn? What happens when the manufacturer can’t help. Does your research require an exotic material? We have experience with exotic materials and exotic components. Send us your sketch or picture of a whiteboard, we’ll walk you through the process from there!