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Tin Thulium Sputtering Target

Tin Thulium Sputtering Target

Introduction

The Tin Thulium Sputtering Target (Sn-Tm) is a specialized alloy material designed for use in advanced thin-film deposition processes such as magnetron sputtering and physical vapor deposition (PVD). Combining the ductility and conductivity of tin with the unique magnetic and optical properties of thulium, this target is ideal for producing functional films in electronics, optics, and sensor technologies.

Detailed Description

The Tin Thulium Sputtering Target is typically composed of 96.5 at% Sn and 3.5 at% Tm, though compositions can be customized to meet specific application requirements. The target exhibits high chemical uniformity, excellent adhesion, and low gas content, ensuring stable sputtering performance.
Thulium’s inclusion enhances the target’s film properties, offering improved magnetic responsiveness, infrared absorption, and electrical characteristics. These films are widely used in multilayer coatings where precise control over conductivity and magneto-optical behavior is essential.

Each target is fabricated using high-purity raw materials (up to 99.99%) through vacuum melting and hot pressing or cold isostatic pressing (CIP) followed by sintering. The result is a dense, fine-grained structure with exceptional mechanical stability and consistent erosion during deposition.

Applications

  • Semiconductor fabrication: thin films for microelectronic devices and interconnect layers

  • Optoelectronic components: coatings for photonic sensors and laser mirrors

  • Magneto-optical films: data storage and optical isolators

  • Protective coatings: wear-resistant and corrosion-resistant surface layers

  • Research & development: novel alloy film synthesis and material property studies

Technical Parameters

ParameterTypical Value / RangeImportance
Purity99.9% – 99.99%Ensures consistent sputtering and film quality
CompositionSn 96.5% / Tm 3.5% (at%)Balanced alloy for conductivity and magneto-optical response
Density~7.3 g/cm³Indicates compact microstructure
Diameter25 – 150 mm (custom)Compatible with different sputtering systems
Thickness3 – 6 mmAffects sputtering rate and target life
BondingIndium / Elastomer / Copper backingImproves thermal management and target stability

Comparison with Related Materials

MaterialKey AdvantageTypical Application
Tin Thulium (Sn-Tm)Enhanced magnetic & optical controlAdvanced sensors, optical coatings
Tin (Sn)Excellent conductivitySemiconductor solder films
Tin Indium (Sn-In)Transparent and conductive filmsITO alternative coatings

FAQ

QuestionAnswer
Can the Sn-Tm target be customized?Yes, composition, size, and bonding type can be adjusted based on customer requirements.
What is the standard purity level?Typically 99.9% or higher, depending on application needs.
Is bonding required?Bonding with indium or copper is recommended for large-diameter targets to improve heat transfer.
How are the targets packaged?Vacuum-sealed with anti-static and moisture-proof materials, shipped in wooden crates.
Which deposition methods is it compatible with?Suitable for DC/RF magnetron sputtering and PVD systems.

Packaging

All Tin Thulium Sputtering Targets are meticulously vacuum-sealed, labeled, and cushioned in foam-lined, export-grade cartons or wooden boxes. Each target is handled under controlled conditions to prevent oxidation or contamination during storage and transport.

Conclusion

The Tin Thulium Sputtering Target offers a unique combination of electrical, optical, and magnetic characteristics, making it ideal for high-performance thin-film research and industrial applications. Its customizable composition and reliable sputtering behavior ensure compatibility with modern coating systems.

For detailed specifications and a quotation, please contact us at sales@thinfilmmaterials.com.

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FAQ

It’s the source material (in solid form) used in sputter deposition to eject atoms or molecules that then form a thin film on a substrate.

Targets can be pure metals (e.g., gold, copper, aluminum), ceramics (e.g., Al₂O₃, SiO₂, TiO₂), alloys, or composites—chosen based on the film’s desired properties.

 

They are produced by processes such as melting/casting for metals or sintering (often with hot isostatic pressing) for ceramics and composite targets to ensure high density and purity.

 

In a vacuum chamber, a plasma (typically argon) bombards the target, ejecting atoms that travel and condense on a substrate, forming a thin film.

 

Key factors include the target’s purity, density, grain structure, and the sputtering yield (i.e. how many atoms are ejected per incident ion), as well as operating conditions like power density and gas pressure.

 

Operators monitor target erosion (often by measuring the depth of the eroded “race track”) or track total energy delivered (kilowatt-hours) until it reaches a threshold that can compromise film quality.

 

Fragile materials (such as many ceramics or certain oxides) and precious metals often require a backing plate to improve cooling, mechanical stability, and to allow thinner targets that reduce material costs.

 

DC sputtering is used for conductive targets, while RF sputtering is necessary for insulating targets (like many oxides) because it prevents charge buildup on the target’s surface.

 

In reactive sputtering, a reactive gas (e.g., oxygen or nitrogen) is introduced to form compound films on the substrate, but it may also “poison” the target surface if not carefully controlled.

 

Many manufacturers prefer to control raw material quality by sourcing their own powders; using external powders can risk impurities and inconsistent target properties.

 

Targets should be stored in clean, dry conditions (often in original packaging or re-wrapped in protective materials) and handled with gloves to avoid contamination, ensuring optimal performance during deposition.

Deposition rate depends on factors such as target material and composition, power density, working gas pressure, substrate distance, and the configuration of the sputtering system (e.g., magnetron design).

 
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