Source Management

Electron beam sources are available in a variety of configurations, but the flexibility provided by a multi-pocket source makes it the most common choice for research and development. Ensuring that each of the materials in the source are deposited properly requires careful management of the pocket carousel.

Different materials require different electron beam distributions to ensure a successful deposition.

For Materials That Melt

Like many metals, a concentrated beam spot will provide a tightly defined evaporation point.

For Materials That Sublimate

Like many ceramics, a concentrated beam spot would result in uneven and uncontrolled evaporation. A solution to this problem is to rapidly sweep the beam in a pattern which covers all surfaces of the material to evenly distribute the heat and provide a uniform deposition flux. Beam sweep controllers are standard on all multi-pocket electron beam sources.

Integrating multiple pockets to a single source requires motorized pocket indexing to change materials. During pocket indexing, it is possible for material which has accumulated on the source to break away and cause a pocket jam. If left undetected, a pocket jam can lead to material contamination and permanent damage to the deposition source.

Angstrom Engineering’s® solution to this problem involves using a pocket indexer with torque sensing pocket jam detection; should a pocket jam occur, the motor will disengage and operator will be notified to clear the jam prior to carrying out further processes.

Dr. Ina Martin
Case Western Reserve University

The EvoVac design is terrific and the glovebox port is easy to work with.  Last year, it was used 2269 hours, averaging over 6 hours a day every day of the year.  It is the single most used piece of equipment at our facility, and essential to numerous research projects.  As such, it is critical that downtime is minimized.  The support Angstrom Engineering® provides for service issues is exceptional, and unparalleled.  My job would be significantly easier if I received the customer support Angstrom offers for the other instruments in our facility.