MIDWESTTUNGSTENSERVICE.pdfVIP

MIDWEST Tips TUNGSTEN SERVICE ELECTRON BEAM EVAPORATION Published, now and again by MIDWEST TUNGSTEN SERVICE This TIPs is an explanation of the electron beam evaporation process. Should you require more detailed information on electron beam evaporation, please contact us directly. To those people who are currently doing electron beam evaporation, you may already be familiar with this material. The electron beam method of evaporation is of interest to both decorative and functional metallizers. A wide variety of materials including refractory metals (such as tungsten), low vapor pressure metals (such as platinum), and alloys can be evaporated. Since the electron beam method concentrates large amounts of heat on a very small area, high rates of deposition are possible, a factor which is of interest to any production-oriented shop. 1 Filament is heated until it emits electrons. 2. Electrons leave the gun. 3. The beam is focused and bent by the magnet. 4. The beam plays upon the surface of the evaporant causing heat and vaporization. 5. The vapor condenses on the substrate surface. -5 The process begins under a vacuum of 10 torr or less. A tungsten fi lament inside the electron beam gun is heated. The gun assembly is loacated outside the evaporation zone to avoid becoming contaminated by evaporant. When the fi lament becomes hot enough, it begins to emit electrons. These electrons form a beam which is defl ected and accelerated toward and focused on the material to be evaporated by means of a magnetic or electric fi elds. When the electron beam strikes the target surface, the kinetic energy of motion is transformed by the impact into thermal energy (heat). It is important to