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sputtering

sputtering

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What is sputtering?

Sputtering is a physical vapor deposition (PVD) technique used to deposit thin films onto a substrate. It involves bombarding a target material (the source) with energetic ions, typically noble gas ions like argon. The impact of these ions causes atoms or molecules from the target to be ejected (sputtered) and subsequently deposited onto the substrate, forming a thin film. Sputtering is widely used in various applications, including microelectronics (e.g., integrated circuit fabrication, hard drive coatings), optical coatings (e.g., anti-reflective coatings), and decorative coatings.

What other technologies are related to sputtering?

sputtering Competitor Technologies

Evaporation is another physical vapor deposition (PVD) technique used to deposit thin films, making it a direct competitor to sputtering.
mentioned alongside sputtering in 32% (136) of relevant job posts
CVD is an alternative method for depositing thin films, where precursors react chemically to form a thin film on a substrate.
mentioned alongside sputtering in 10% (52) of relevant job posts
PECVD is a type of CVD that uses plasma to enhance the chemical reactions for thin film deposition. It is a direct competitor.
mentioned alongside sputtering in 5% (98) of relevant job posts
PVD is a broad category that includes sputtering, but also evaporation, so it's a competing, more general technique.
mentioned alongside sputtering in 3% (78) of relevant job posts
CVD is a broad category that includes PECVD, but uses chemical reactions for thin film deposition.
mentioned alongside sputtering in 2% (61) of relevant job posts

sputtering Complementary Technologies

Photolithography is used to pattern the thin films deposited by sputtering, making it a complementary technology.
mentioned alongside sputtering in 6% (128) of relevant job posts
Atomic Layer Deposition is another thin film deposition technique, often used to deposit layers before or after sputtering, especially where conformal coating is needed.
mentioned alongside sputtering in 5% (121) of relevant job posts
Ellipsometry is a technique used to characterize the thickness and optical properties of thin films deposited by sputtering.
mentioned alongside sputtering in 5% (54) of relevant job posts

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