Certain materials and devices, including superconductors, require manufacturing in a vacuum environment to prevent contamination and ensure quality. Integrated circuits (ICs) and microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) often utilize near-vacuum conditions for processes like sputtering and evaporation, which facilitate material transfer to silicon wafers. The absence of air allows for the creation of electrical plasma, essential for chemical reactions such as plasma ashing and reactive ion etching. Refractory alloys, including zirconium and titanium, must also be processed in a vacuum to avoid the absorption of harmful gases that can compromise their properties. Overall, vacuum environments are critical for various manufacturing processes to maintain material integrity and performance.
