Knowledge How thick is gold sputter coating? (5 Key Points Explained)
Author avatar

Tech Team · Kintek Solution

Updated 1 month ago

How thick is gold sputter coating? (5 Key Points Explained)

Gold sputter coating is a crucial process in scanning electron microscopy (SEM). It helps to prevent charging and improve the quality of images. The thickness of this coating typically ranges from 2 to 20 nanometers. This ultra-thin layer is applied to non-conducting or poorly conducting specimens. It enhances the signal-to-noise ratio by increasing the emission of secondary electrons.

5 Key Points Explained

How thick is gold sputter coating? (5 Key Points Explained)

1. Purpose and Application

Gold sputter coating is primarily used in SEM to coat non-conductive or poorly conductive samples. This coating is essential because it prevents the accumulation of static electric fields on the specimen. This could otherwise interfere with the imaging process. Additionally, the metallic coating increases the emission of secondary electrons from the specimen's surface. This improves the visibility and clarity of the images captured by the SEM.

2. Thickness Range

The typical thickness of sputtered gold films for SEM is between 2 and 20 nanometers. This range is chosen to ensure that the coating is thin enough not to obscure the fine details of the specimen. It is also thick enough to provide adequate electrical conductivity and secondary electron emission.

3. Specific Examples and Techniques

In one example, a 6" wafer was coated with 3 nanometers of gold/palladium (Au/Pd) using a SC7640 Sputter Coater. The settings used were 800V and 12mA with argon gas and a vacuum of 0.004 bar. This coating was found to be even across the entire wafer. Another example involves the deposition of a 2 nanometer platinum film on a carbon-coated Formvar film, also using the SC7640 Sputter Coater. The settings were 800V and 10mA with argon gas and a vacuum of 0.004 bar.

4. Technical Details and Formulas

The thickness of the Au/Pd coating can be calculated using the formula: [ Th = 7.5 I t ]. Here, ( Th ) is the thickness in angstroms, ( I ) is the current in mA, and ( t ) is the time in minutes. This formula is applicable when the voltage is 2.5KV and the target to specimen distance is 50mm.

5. Limitations and Suitability

Gold is not ideal for high-magnification imaging due to its high secondary electron yield. This leads to rapid sputtering and the formation of large islands or grains in the coating. These structures can be visible at high magnifications, potentially obscuring the details of the specimen's surface. Therefore, gold sputtering is better suited for imaging at lower magnifications, typically under 5000×.

Continue exploring, consult our experts

Discover the precision and excellence of KINTEK SOLUTION's gold sputter coating services for SEM applications. Our advanced technology ensures ultra-thin, 2 to 20 nm coatings that are tailored to enhance the quality of your imaging, prevent charging, and improve signal-to-noise ratios. Trust in our expertise to unlock the true potential of your SEM with exceptional precision and reliability. Contact KINTEK SOLUTION today and elevate your research to new heights!

Related Products

high purity gold (Au) sputtering target / powder / wire / block / granule

high purity gold (Au) sputtering target / powder / wire / block / granule

Looking for high-quality Gold (Au) materials for laboratory use? Look no further! We offer competitive pricing and specialize in manufacturing and customizing gold (AU) materials in various purities, shapes, and sizes to meet your specific needs.

High Purity Metal Sheets - Gold / Platinum / copper / iron etc...

High Purity Metal Sheets - Gold / Platinum / copper / iron etc...

Elevate your experiments with our high-purity sheet metal. Gold, platinum, copper, iron, and more. Perfect for electrochemistry and other fields.

Gold sheet electrode

Gold sheet electrode

Discover high-quality gold sheet electrodes for safe and durable electrochemical experiments. Choose from complete models or customize to meet your specific needs.

CVD Diamond coating

CVD Diamond coating

CVD Diamond Coating: Superior Thermal Conductivity, Crystal Quality, and Adhesion for Cutting Tools, Friction, and Acoustic Applications

High Purity Cobalt (Co) Sputtering Target / Powder / Wire / Block / Granule

High Purity Cobalt (Co) Sputtering Target / Powder / Wire / Block / Granule

Get affordable Cobalt (Co) materials for laboratory use, tailored to your unique needs. Our range includes sputtering targets, powders, foils, and more. Contact us today for customized solutions!

Cobalt Telluride (CoTe) Sputtering Target / Powder / Wire / Block / Granule

Cobalt Telluride (CoTe) Sputtering Target / Powder / Wire / Block / Granule

Get high-quality Cobalt Telluride materials for your laboratory needs at reasonable prices. We offer customized shapes, sizes, and purities, including sputtering targets, coatings, powders, and more.

Copper Zirconium Alloy (CuZr) Sputtering Target / Powder / Wire / Block / Granule

Copper Zirconium Alloy (CuZr) Sputtering Target / Powder / Wire / Block / Granule

Discover our range of Copper Zirconium Alloy materials at affordable prices, tailored to your unique requirements. Browse our selection of sputtering targets, coatings, powders, and more.

Electron Beam Evaporation Coating / Gold Plating / Tungsten Crucible / Molybdenum Crucible

Electron Beam Evaporation Coating / Gold Plating / Tungsten Crucible / Molybdenum Crucible

These crucibles act as containers for the gold material evaporated by the electron evaporation beam while precisely directing the electron beam for precise deposition.

High Purity Platinum (Pt) Sputtering Target / Powder / Wire / Block / Granule

High Purity Platinum (Pt) Sputtering Target / Powder / Wire / Block / Granule

High purity Platinum (Pt) sputtering targets, powders, wires, blocks, and granules at affordable prices. Tailored to your specific needs with diverse sizes and shapes available for various applications.

High Purity Silver (Ag) Sputtering Target / Powder / Wire / Block / Granule

High Purity Silver (Ag) Sputtering Target / Powder / Wire / Block / Granule

Looking for affordable Silver (Ag) materials for your laboratory needs? Our experts specialize in producing varying purities, shapes, and sizes to fit your unique requirements.

High Purity Aluminum (Al) Sputtering Target / Powder / Wire / Block / Granule

High Purity Aluminum (Al) Sputtering Target / Powder / Wire / Block / Granule

Get high-quality Aluminum (Al) materials for laboratory use at affordable prices. We offer customized solutions including sputtering targets, powders, foils, ingots & more to meet your unique needs. Order now!

High Purity Germanium (Ge) Sputtering Target / Powder / Wire / Block / Granule

High Purity Germanium (Ge) Sputtering Target / Powder / Wire / Block / Granule

Get high-quality gold materials for your laboratory needs at affordable prices. Our custom-made gold materials come in various shapes, sizes, and purities to fit your unique requirements. Explore our range of sputtering targets, coating materials, foils, powders, and more.

High Purity Zinc (Zn) Sputtering Target / Powder / Wire / Block / Granule

High Purity Zinc (Zn) Sputtering Target / Powder / Wire / Block / Granule

Find high-quality Zinc (Zn) materials for laboratory use at affordable prices. Our experts produce and customize materials of different purities, shapes, and sizes to suit your needs. Browse our range of sputtering targets, coating materials, and more.

Drawing die nano-diamond coating HFCVD Equipment

Drawing die nano-diamond coating HFCVD Equipment

The nano-diamond composite coating drawing die uses cemented carbide (WC-Co) as the substrate, and uses the chemical vapor phase method ( CVD method for short ) to coat the conventional diamond and nano-diamond composite coating on the surface of the inner hole of the mold.


Leave Your Message