Atomic Layer Deposition question

In summary, The conversation discusses the effect of non-uniform substrate heating in the ALD (atomic layer deposition) process. It is mentioned that if the substrate and coating have different coefficients of thermal expansion, one will be under tension and the other under compression. The type of materials being used (metal-to-metal, ceramic-to-metal, etc.) and the diffusion of the deposition species into the substrate are also important factors to consider. Additionally, grain growth and temperature of the substrate can affect the overall outcome. However, if the deposition is in the nanometer range, some of these issues may not be of concern. Finally, it is clarified that the specific case being discussed is metal-to-ceramic with a nanometer thickness.
  • #1
harry_harrin
5
0
Hi all,

I'm looking at the ALD process for a uni project and could do with some clarification on a couple of points. Does anyone have any idea what the effect of non-uniform substrate heating would be? Would it harm the chemical bonding and cause ablation? I can't seem to find out from anywhere what an acceptable temp. variation would be. Very confused!
 
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  • #2
If the substrate and coating have very different coefficients of thermal expansion then one will be under tension and the other compression.

Is this metal-to-metal and are they similar crystal structure, or is this ceramic to metal, metal to ceramic, or ceramic to ceramic?

Also, one would have to look at the diffusion of the deposition species into the substrate, and whether that changes the microstructure at the interface.

There could also be grain growth issues if the temperature of the substrate gets sufficiently high.

However, if this is atomic layer - nanometers thick, some of these issues may not be of concern.
 
  • #3
The case I'm looking at is metal to ceramic and it is the nanometer range of thickness
 
  • #4
harry_harrin said:
The case I'm looking at is metal to ceramic and it is the nanometer range of thickness
Ceramic substrate with metal layer?

Look at the CTE's. As the metal cools and shrinks, I would expect it would be under tension and the ceramic under compression - assuming the CTE of metal > CTE of ceramic.
 

1. What is Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD)?

Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) is a thin film deposition technique used to create high-quality, uniform layers of material on a substrate. It involves a sequential, self-limiting chemical reaction process that allows for precise control of film thickness and composition at the atomic level.

2. How does ALD differ from other thin film deposition techniques?

Unlike other deposition techniques, ALD relies on a self-limiting reaction process. This means that each reactant is introduced separately and only reacts with a specific number of surface sites, ensuring a highly controlled and uniform film thickness. This allows for precise control of material properties and the creation of complex multilayer structures.

3. What are the applications of ALD?

ALD has a wide range of applications in various industries, including microelectronics, energy storage, catalysis, and biomedical devices. It is commonly used to deposit thin films of metals, oxides, and nitrides, and can also be used for surface modification and functionalization.

4. What are the advantages of using ALD?

ALD offers several advantages over other thin film deposition techniques, including excellent control of film thickness and composition, high uniformity and conformality, and the ability to deposit films on complex 3D structures. It is also a low-temperature process, making it suitable for depositing films on temperature-sensitive substrates.

5. What are the limitations of ALD?

One of the main limitations of ALD is its slow deposition rate, which can lead to longer processing times and higher costs. It also requires the use of specialized equipment and precursors, making it less accessible compared to other deposition techniques. Additionally, ALD is not suitable for depositing thick films due to its self-limiting nature.

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