Chromium/Vanadiam Sublimation or Melting

[citw]

I have a pretty stupid question that I hope someone can answer. I'm trying to deposit chromium and vanadium in UHV, and I need to determine whether each of the materials will "melt" or "sublimate" so that I know the volume to fill my crucible. My impression is that these materials will generally not sublimate, but change from solid to liquid to vapor. Is this correct? If I'm not providing enough information please let me know.

 

[gadong]

Yes, the metals will melt before boiling. You may see sublimation (e.g. metal multilayer formation on your target) before you reach the melting point, because the vapour pressure will rise dramatically as the mp is approached.