A Brief Explanation of Thin Film Coating Through the Means of Thermal Evaporation

Thermal evaporation has become one of the most commonly used ways to coat a substrate.

EXILIS_MDOne of the most common methods of thin film deposition is through the process of thermal evaporation, which incorporates the use of vacuum technology to apply coats of pure materials that stick to the surface of various objects. The benefits that a thermal evaporation system provides to the user range from efficient coatings to wide surface area reach. In most cases, the use of thermal evaporation is preferred due to its ease of use and efficiency.

The Process of Coating

The coatings that are created through the vacuum are called films. These films range in thickness and can be a single material or multiple materials in a layered type of structure.

The materials that are used can be pure atomic elements that include both nonmetals and metals like oxides and nitrides. The object that is coated is known as the substrate and can be anything from a semiconductor wafer to medical device coatings. The possibilities are endless as technological advancement has led to a wide array of uses.

Thermal evaporation begins by heating a solid material inside a vacuum chamber, which forces it to reach a temperature that releases vapor pressure. This evaporated material will then traverse the chamber and hit the substrate at a designated speed, which forms the coating, or film.

The material is often heated to its melting point and turns into liquid, which is located at the bottom of the chamber in a crucible setup. The vapor will then rise from the bottom of the chamber and inverted in appropriated fixtures – which will then proceed to coat the substrate.


Denton Vacuum, LLC is a reputable supplier of thin film coating systems. For processes, such as UHV sputter deposition, contact Denton Vacuum, LLC for their expertise advice. For more information visit them online today.

Creating Diamond-like Carbon Coatings

Written by: Denton Vacuum, LLC

Diamond-like carbon coatings can be created in a laboratory.

Diamond like carbon coatings can be deposited in a variety of ways using different methods. Some of these methods include: ion beam, electron beam, lasers, and sputter coating.

The Coating Process

The entire coating process takes place in a specially designed vacuum chamber that varies by system. Some of the more optimal systems utilize a fixated carousel that the vacuum lies on. The source material is then preheated to a specific temperature, typically less than 150 degrees Celsius. During the preheating process, the substrate that is going to be coated is rid of all of the moisture produced by the material utilizing the vacuum attached to the sputter coater. The adhered moisture can affect the product’s properties as well as the final result.

The next phase requires there to be a scrubbing of the surface with ions to enhance the overall adhesion and scatter. Once the cleaning process has completed, an optional gas is added into the chamber which then transitions into the coating step. Finally, the electrical charge created by the carousel then draws the hydrogen and carbon ions to the surface therefore creating the thin film layer. The carousel can also rotate to improve the uniformity and prevent any thin film evaporation from occurring on the final product.

The Final Product

Diamond like carbon coatings are high quality films that surpass the conventional plating methods used regularly. By redefining the film’s properties like hardness and structure, one can expect a uniform film that is optimal for various applications.

Building MEMS with E-Beam Evaporation

MEMS are an exciting new development in the world of microscopic machines.

MEMS stands for microelectronic machine systems, and they are tiny machines with a ton of purpose. MEMS are created from materials that measure between 1 and 100 microns in size, and generally get as large as about 20 micrometers. Thanks to techniques like e-beam evaporation, MEMS can be “grown” and manufactured fairly quickly.

Materials Used

The materials used to create MEMS are not unlike the same materials used to make semiconductors. Essentially, layers of copper or nickel are laid onto a silicon circuit board. Ceramic is also used sometimes, because of its high resistance against biocorrosion. Polymers also come into play when the device is intended for use in biomedical applications.

Physical Deposition

During the process of physical deposition, materials are removed from one substance and placed onto another. A thermal evaporation system is often used to evaporate one material, and layer it onto another. Extreme precision is required during this process, lest the heat damage one or both materials. Vacuum chambers are designed with this in mind, and use the enclosed space allows materials to deposit onto the substrate at the optimal temperature.

Final Thoughts

MEMS are a long way from becoming the futuristic nanomachines that sci-fi hints at, but they are seeing wider use in the medical world today. MEMS are already in use in disposable blood pressure sensors and other biosensors. This technology will soon monitor our bodies, and hopefully make repairs, all at a microscopic level.

Related Story: Medical Device Coatings Explained

Related Story: What is MEMS Technology?

Denton Vacuum, LLC sells optical coating systems for use in precision optics and laser coating. Shop for advanced manufacturing devices online at Denton Vacuum, LLC.

Steps to reduce or turn off Hardware Acceleration

There are several reasons why your system can run slowly and one of them is because you have software that requires a lot in terms of system resources as well as graphics.

If upgrading your computer is not an option, then there’s another way by which you can improve the speed of your computer, and this requires one to either reduce or turn off hardware acceleration.

So, here are the steps to reduce or turn off Hardware Acceleration, according to each ‘operating system’:

#1: Windows 7

Open the start menu. Select Control Panel, Personalization, Display Settings, Advanced Settings and Troubleshooting. Select the option ‘Change Settings’ and make the desired the changes as required. Hit ‘Apply’ and ‘OK’ to set the changes made and to exit the dialog box. Restart your computer.

#2: Windows Vista

Click on the options in this sequence: Start, Control Panel, Appearance and Personalization. Select Adjust Screen Resolution and then Advanced Settings within the Display Settings Window. After this, select the Troubleshooting option from the monitor properties window and then the Change settings as well as Continue within the security window. Now, adjust the hardware acceleration settings as you wish then hit OK. Don’t forget to restart your computer again.

#3: Windows XP & 2000

Right click on desktop and select the Settings tab, the Advanced button and then, the Troubleshooting tab as well. Now adjust the Hardware Acceleration settings by moving it to the left as far as desired. Select OK, and restart your computer in order to save your settings and activate changes.

 

About: Hidden Cameras

Spy cameras, at one point, played a huge part in history. They traditionally refer to the original cameras used for espionage during the height of the Cold War. Nowadays though, spy cameras can mean anything from hidden cameras for security purposes, to nanny cams, to toy cameras made for the little kiddies.  If you want to live your private inspector fantasies and decide to buy a spy camera, then be sure to get one that is suited for the purpose for which you will use it.

Remember that the smaller cameras generally have worse image quality than the bigger ones, so if you want a camera that you can conceal on your pockets or your lapel then it might not be able to deliver high definition images. Most spy cameras have no zoom options or rotating options available. They usually are very straightforward, capable only of straight on shots. Also, you should consider the time when you’ll be using the camera. If you’ll be shooting images or videos during the night or in places that are dark, you might want to consider getting a camera with night-vision.

A lot of manufacturers carry different types of spy cameras to suit your needs. For example, there are those who make spy cameras for home use and there are those who have a hidden cameras wireless version in their product line. There are also some cameras that have remote access capabilities—this means you can access the feed in real time even if you’re not holding the camera. This is mostly a feature offered for cameras used for security purposes

What Can Hidden Cameras Do You For?

When it comes to buying spy cameras for home and offices there are more benefits than you may have ever thought possible. First of all it allows you to monitor any area of your home and office which will allow you to keep your family and business safe even when you aren’t there. It will allow you to keep a watchful eye on new babysitters or pet sitters or monitor what your employees do while you are away.

By choosing to use hidden cameras wireless you will have the ability to place cameras in any are of your home or office. There is nothing more valuable than the safety of your family, pets and personal property so why not take the step needed to ensure that they have the best safety possible. You will be able to see how well your children are treated during your meetings away from home or see how customers are treated by current employees. Any time that you notice things don’t seem right at home or maybe items seem to be disappearing it may be time to find out who is behind the unwanted theft.

Hidden cameras are much more affordable than a high tech security system but give the same protection at a fraction of the cost. Since you can purchase cameras that appear to be everyday items such as clothing, ashtrays, books, watches and more it’s very simple to install then without anyone ever suspecting they are being monitored.

What’s New in the Wireless N Standard?

Over the years, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers has improved the IEEE 802.11 wireless networking standard. And you’re probably wondering “What’s New in the Wireless N Standard?” Basically, it’s faster, more reliable, has a longer range and its performance is better than earlier 802.11g, 802.11b and 802.11a standard versions.

The 802.11n is capable of transferring approximately 31 megabytes per second, and uses the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz frequencies. The new feature MIMO ( multi-in/multi-out) has multiple antennas, which allows it to send and receive more data. The improved MIMO antennas are able to recognize Multipath signals that were at one-time hard for wireless routers to understand. Multipath signals were recognized as interference by 802.11g and 802.11a routers, because they bounced around walls before reaching them.

The MIMO’s antennas along with SDM (Spatial Division Multiplexing) technology enables 802.11n to send and receive data faster over a single frequency. The 802.11n can operate over a 5 GHz frequency at it optimal speed or in a mixed mode on a 2.4 frequency on systems that uses the 802.11b or 802.11g wireless networking standard.

Here’s a breakdown that you can use to compare the difference between the following 802.11 standards. It has a shortest range signal, which easily obstructed.

802.11b standard – Uses the 2.4 GHz frequency band and is capable of transferring 1.375 megabytes per second, which equals to 1 megabits per second. Some small home appliances may interfere with the frequency band.

802.11g standard – Uses the 2.4 GHz frequency band, but only transfers 6.75 megabytes per second, which equals 54 megabits per second. Some small home appliances may interfere with the signal frequency.

802.11n standard – Uses the 2.4 GHz or 5 GHz frequencies and is capable of transferring 31 megabytes per second, which equals 248 megabits per second. Uses multiple signals that may interfere with 802.11b and g based networks nearby.

If you’re searching for a wireless 802.11n broadband router, expect to pay about $70.00 for a popular brand name model. You can find all types of models on sale and a little cheaper on websites such as Amazon.com and eBay.com.

Why Purchase Hidden Cameras?

If you are the type of parent that is never able to sit still, and constantly needs to be doing something at all times, then it might be a real nail bitter for you to be inside your house doing something, like making dinner, while your children are playing outside.  Hidden cameras wireless may seem like something that is a bit over the top, but if you want to make sure that your kids are protected, then you may be willing to do literally whatever it takes, including having a spy camera, or multiple cameras installed so that you can watch them from the comfort of your house, even as you are partaking in a host of other activities.

Even in suburbia, accidents can happen, and what do you do if you aren’t there in time to save the day, because you didn’t know that something was happening – it’s impossible to hear if you are far away, or if you are cooking or doing something else that is very loud.

Doesn’t seem like there is a simple solution, but don’t worry, we actually have something that will make you the happiest mom on the planet – hidden cameras!  So don’t be one of those moms that comes running out of the house even five minutes to check on your kids – you can do it all, and not have to worry about burning the food that you are cooking, or anything else of the sort, just install a spy camera and take a deep breath!

Tips on Placing a Spy Camera

A spy camera is sometimes all you need to confirm your fears that there things happening that you probably will not approve. For example the nanny beating the hell out of the kid or the wife sneaking in the gardener for a frolicking on the couch. A spy camera is very useful in gathering evidence be it at the workplace or at home. This evidence can then be admissible in court or any other arbitration. Placing the camera for a perfect view is probably a tricky affair as one has to experiment with a few spots before getting the perfect shot.

Hidden cameras should be placed to have the minimal chances of detection. The best way of doing this is by concealing the camera in a gadget or household appliance. Some of the more popular gadgets for concealing a camera are wall clocks, HiFis, TVs, flower pots, air purifiers, table lamps, picture frames etc. only your imagination can limit you to the places around the home in which you an hide the camera. The trickiest aspect is in getting the distance and angle right. While the clock fro example, may have a view of the whole table room, it might be at a very high angle.

With hidden cameras wireless storage, one can get more options in the places to hide a spy camera. The fact that there are no alarming wires trailing around also makes the camera difficult to detect. This kind of hidden camera is probably the best.

Finding the Right Circuit Breakers

Finding out you bought the wrong kind of circuit breakers as back-up when you have a power outage is no fun. Whether you just bought a house or had one built, you need to find out which kind you have and if that is the only kind that will work. If you are buying an older house, you may find out the type is obsolete or very hard to find. You should buy a complete set if you can find them. If not, you may want to think about having them changed by an electrician.

One of the more popular brands are Cutler Hammer circuit breakers.  You may need to find a refurbished set if your model is older and no longer being manufactured. They should not be too hard to find at an electrical supply outlet. They may even be able to refurbish yours if they do not have the right model in inventory.  You may also be able to find pre-owned ones from a contractor that has been in business for a while. Many contractor companies will keep things like that is stock for future jobs.

Some of the other more common brands include Federal Pacific, American, Westinghouse, and FPE breakers. You should not have trouble finding replacements for these brands, even if they are older models.  They were so widely used, someone will still have them around.  I still suggest buying more than you need for the future though, just in case. You would not want to have to have major electric work done if you are not planning on it.