What materials and devices require manufacturing in a vacuum environment?

[aquitaine]

I heard somewhere that some materials and devices need to be manufactured in a vacuum environment. I heard superconductors was one of them, but I'm wondering what else there is?

 

[Mapes]

Many integrated circuit (IC) and microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) manufacturing steps use a near-vacuum. It's convenient to have no air in the way if you want to transfer material from a source to the IC silicon wafer (e.g., sputtering, evaporation). A near-vacuum also makes it possible to strike an electrical plasma, which can drive certain desirable chemical reactions (e.g., plasma ashing, reactive ion etching).

 

[Astronuc]

Melting (for ingot production) of refractory alloys is done in a vacuum, as well as vacuum casting, and electron beam welding.

For refractory alloys like those of Zr, Ti, and others cannot be fabricated in air because they absorb oxygen and nitrogen, which can have a deleterious effect on corrosion and mechanical behavior. In addition, hydrogen cannot be present.

 

[aquitaine]

So it sounds like quite a few applications require it. Interesting.

 

[alphy]

There are various materials and devices that require manufacturing in a vacuum environment. Some examples include semiconductors, optical coatings, and thin film coatings. In addition, certain types of advanced electronics, such as microchips and sensors, also require a vacuum environment during manufacturing.

One of the main reasons for manufacturing materials and devices in a vacuum environment is to eliminate the presence of air and other contaminants. This is important because these contaminants can interfere with the desired properties and functions of the materials and devices being produced. In a vacuum environment, the materials and devices can be produced with a higher level of purity and consistency.

Superconductors, as you mentioned, are also commonly manufactured in a vacuum environment. This is because the process of creating superconducting materials involves cooling them to extremely low temperatures, which can be better achieved in a vacuum environment. Additionally, the lack of air and other particles can prevent any interference with the superconducting properties of the material.

Overall, the use of a vacuum environment in manufacturing is crucial for achieving high-quality and reliable materials and devices. It allows for precise control over the production process and ensures the desired properties are achieved.