Physical deposition is a manufacturing process that uses physical methods, such as mechanical, electromechanical, or thermodynamic means, to produce a thin film of solid material. It does not involve chemical reactions or the production of new substances. Examples of physical deposition include the formation of frost and physical vapor deposition (PVD).
On the other hand, chemical deposition involves chemical reactions and the consumption of old materials, resulting in the production of new substances. Chemical vapor deposition (CVD) is a specific type of chemical deposition process where the source material gas is mixed with a precursor substance to adhere to the substrate.
One key difference between physical and chemical deposition is the environment in which they are carried out. Physical deposition is typically performed in a high vacuum or ultra-high vacuum (UHV) to avoid contamination from the ambient atmosphere. In contrast, chemical deposition often utilizes an inert carrier gas and can be carried out at atmospheric pressure.
Another difference is the level of pollution associated with each method. Physical vapor deposition has almost no pollution and is favored in environmentally friendly applications. Chemical vapor deposition, on the other hand, involves chemical reactions and the consumption of materials, which can result in pollution.
When choosing between physical and chemical deposition, factors such as cost, film thickness, source material availability, and compositional control are considered. Both methods can be successful for various applications, and an experienced engineer can recommend the most suitable method based on these factors.
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