Simulation Solution for Magnetron Sputter Coaters

Cobham Technical Services has launched a comprehensive simulation solution for designing magnetron sputter coaters. The new software tool provides precision simulation of the complete sputtering process, offering a means of improving sputter target utilization, plasma formation and thin film deposition. Cobham believes the new software (part of its Opera finite element analysis multi-physics suite for electromagnetic design) can save significant costs in the industry because of the costs of the high purity materials required in surface coating applications.

The new Magnetron Sputter version of Opera provides a complete suite of three-dimensional (3D) tools for the finite element modeling, simulation, analysis and optimization of magnetron sputtering equipment. The new software has been validated prior to release in cooperation with two commercial sputter coating companies: Teer Coatings (Miba Coating Group) and Colorado Concept Coatings, and by thin film experts from Thin Film Consulting, and predicts sputter target utilization to within 2% of actual measured results.

For more information, visit Cobham Technical Services.

Sources: Press materials received from the company and additional information gleaned from the company's website.