?? Evolution of Vacuum Coating ??

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To give you a glimpse of the ?? rich content and ?? innovative discussions that await, we’d like to summarize an insightful ?? article from the 47th TechCon in Dallas by Don Mattox. Don Mattox's work has left a lasting impact on the field of vacuum coating technology. For those who have met him, his engaging personality is unforgettable. For the younger generation, we are proud to highlight his contributions, which you can explore further on the SVC website.

??? Early developments of vacuum coatings

Vacuum coating, a process involving the deposition of thin films under sub-atmospheric pressure, has a rich history that dates back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The technology first saw industrial-scale use with ?? Thomas Edison's sputter deposition for his "Gold Moulded" cylinder records. However, this wasn't an enabling technology, as similar results could be achieved with carbon powder.

A more significant early use was by Robert Bosch in 1935, who applied zinc coatings to paper for capacitors. This reduced the size of capacitors by 50%! In 1940, Whiley in England patented aluminum for web coating, revolutionizing flexible packaging. Early packaging used tin foil, which was eventually replaced by aluminum foil post-1910 for its cost-effectiveness and ability to preserve freshness. It was ultimately superseded by metalized polymer films prepared by vacuum coating after WWII.

?? Technological advances

Several key advancements have marked the evolution of vacuum coating, let's list a few:

• Sputter deposition on flexible webs was pioneered in the 1970s. This technique allowed for the deposition of compounds and multilayers on polymer substrates, leading to innovations such as ??"see-through" freshness packaging.
• Antireflection (AR) coatings were discovered by A. Smakula (Zeiss) in 1935 and later developed by John Strong, AR coatings significantly improved the optical properties of lenses and ?? mirrors. Monarch Cutler at MIT made crucial calculations on the effects of multilayer AR coatings, with Richard Feynman assisting in deriving key equations.
• Aluminum reflecting coatings were published first by John Strong in 1936. His work on aluminizing large telescope mirrors was a breakthrough for astronomy, allowing ?? telescopes like the Hooker to achieve unprecedented resolution.

?Modern applications and impact

Today, vacuum coating is indispensable across various industries, including electronics, optics, packaging, aerospace and defense. In electronics, it is crucial for manufacturing integrated circuits (ICs) and producing thin-film resistors, capacitors, and other essential components. In optics, vacuum coating is used to create anti-reflective coatings on lenses and mirrors, which are vital for cameras, eyeglasses, and telescopes. In packaging, vacuum coatings enhance the barrier properties of flexible materials, extending the shelf life of food products. In aerospace and defense, vacuum coatings provide corrosion protection through processes like "Ivadizing," which involves aluminum coatings on steel and titanium fasteners to prevent galvanic corrosion in aircraft.

?? Importance of Vacuum Coating Today

Vacuum coating remains a cornerstone technology due to its ability to produce high-quality, functional coatings that are otherwise difficult or impossible to achieve. The reproducibility and precision of vacuum coating processes make them ideal for advanced applications in electronics, optics, aerospace, and more.

As an enabling technology, vacuum coating has driven innovations, created new markets, and continues to be pivotal in the development of cutting-edge products and solutions.

These themes and many more will be explored in-depth at the Fourteenth International Conference on Fundamentals and Industrial Applications of HIPIMS 2024 (HIPIMS 2024) in Sheffield, UK, from 24-27 June.

The conference will feature a panel discussion titled "Quo Vadis Surface Engineering?" focusing on "Surface Engineering in the Digital Age: Transformative Opportunities." Additionally, there will be a memorial event for Professor Papken Eh. Hovsepian. The event will be held at Cutlers' Hall, with short tutorial courses on 24 and 25 June and the technical program on 26 and 27 June.

This conference provides a valuable platform to discuss the latest advancements and applications in vacuum coating and surface engineering.

HIPIMS (High Power Impulse Magnetron Sputtering) is an advanced physical vapor deposition (PVD) technique used to deposit thin films and coatings. It is distinguished by its use of extremely high power pulses applied to a magnetron target, which results in a high degree of ionization of the sputtered material. This high ionization allows for better control over the film properties, such as density, adhesion, and uniformity, making HIPIMS particularly suitable for applications requiring high-quality, high-performance coatings.

Key features and benefits of HIPIMS include:

High Ionization

The intense power pulses produce a plasma with a high fraction of ionized material, leading to improved film density and adhesion.

Improved Film Quality

HIPIMS can produce smoother and more uniform coatings compared to conventional sputtering techniques.

Versatility

It can be used to deposit a wide range of materials, including metals, alloys, and compounds.

Enhanced Adhesion

The increased ion bombardment during deposition helps to enhance the adhesion of the coating to the substrate.

Reduced Defects

HIPIMS can minimize defects such as pinholes and voids in the coating, which are common in other deposition methods.

Understanding where we need to go is crucial for effective planning because it provides a clear direction and sets specific goals.

This clarity helps in allocating resources efficiently, setting priorities, and making informed decisions. Additionally, knowing our destination allows us to anticipate potential challenges, measure progress, and stay focused on our objectives, ultimately leading to successful outcomes.

"Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

We look forward to seeing you at the 2025 TechCon in Nashville in exactly 333 days! ??

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