Stanford Materials Corporation (SMC) provides high-purity Samarium (Sm) Planar Sputtering Targets, known for their excellent magnetic properties, thermal stability, and resistance to oxidation.
Stanford Materials Corporation (SMC) specializes in producing high-quality Samarium (Sm) Planar Sputtering Targets, engineered to take advantage of the element’s outstanding magnetic properties, thermal stability, and resistance to oxidation. As a rare-earth metal with a melting point of 1,072°C, samarium naturally forms a protective oxide layer, ensuring long-term operational reliability during thin-film deposition processes. The targets are crafted with a fine-grained microstructure, ensuring consistent sputtering performance, and allowing for highly controlled, repeatable film formation.
Manufactured under strict quality control protocols, SMC’s samarium targets can be tailored in purity grades (99.9%-99.99%) and dimensions to meet specialized coating specifications. The inherent material advantages, including strong interfacial adhesion and corrosion resistance, make these targets ideal for advanced applications requiring wear-resistant or magneto-optical coatings. With decades of experience in rare-earth metallurgy, SMC optimizes these targets for precision, ensuring industry-leading deposition uniformity and high process yield for research, semiconductor, and industrial coating systems. Technical support and customized configurations are available to address complex thin-film engineering needs.
Properties
The above product information is based on theoretical data. For specific requirements and detailed inquiries, please contact us.
Magnetic Thin Films & Magneto-Optical Storage
Used in magneto-optical disks (MO disks) for high-density data storage and optical isolators, exploiting Samarium’s strong magneto-optical effects (e.g., Faraday rotation).
Applied in spintronic devices like magnetic tunnel junctions (MTJs) and magnetoresistive RAM (MRAM) for high-performance computing and low-power memory.
Semiconductors & Microelectronics
Deposited as Sm-based thin films in Hall sensors and magnetoresistive devices to improve magnetic field sensitivity.
Functions as diffusion barrier layers or protective coatings in integrated circuits, enhancing high-temperature stability and oxidation resistance.
Optical Coatings
Utilized in infrared (IR) optical components (e.g., laser mirrors, IR windows) due to Sm’s low absorption in IR wavelengths.
Used to create anti-reflective multilayer coatings for optimized light transmission and durability in precision optics.
Wear-Resistant & Protective Coatings
Applied on aerospace components (e.g., turbine blades) and industrial tools to increase corrosion resistance, oxidation resistance at high temperatures, and hardness.
Research & Emerging Technologies
Enables the fabrication of samarium compounds (e.g., SmFeAsO) for studies related to high-temperature superconductivity.
Used in neutron-absorbing coatings or surface modifications for nuclear reactor materials.
Our products are packaged in custom cartons of varying sizes, based on the dimensions of the material. Smaller items are securely packed in PP boxes, while larger ones are placed in custom wooden crates. We ensure the packaging meets customization requirements and uses appropriate cushioning materials to provide optimal protection during shipping.
Packaging: Carton, Wooden Box, or Customized.
Brief Manufacturing Process Flow
Testing Method (1) Chemical Composition Analysis – Verified through techniques like GDMS or XRF to ensure purity compliance.
(2) Mechanical Properties Testing – Includes tensile strength, yield strength, and elongation tests to assess material performance.
(3) Dimensional Inspection – Measures thickness, width, and length to ensure specified tolerances are met.
(4) Surface Quality Inspection – Checks for defects such as scratches, cracks, or inclusions through visual and ultrasonic methods.
(5) Hardness Testing – Measures material hardness to confirm uniformity and mechanical reliability.
Q1: Can custom dimensions or shapes be ordered?
A1: Yes. We offer customization of diameter (50-200 mm), thickness (3-10 mm), and bonding configurations (e.g., Cu/Ag backing plates). Submit your specifications for rapid prototyping.
Q2: What is the typical service life of a samarium target?
A2: The lifespan depends on sputtering parameters (power, gas pressure), but our fine-grained microstructure (<50 μm grain size) ensures a material utilization rate of >85% under standard DC/RF sputtering conditions.
Q3: How should samarium targets be stored and handled?
A3: Store in a dry inert gas (Ar/N₂) environment to prevent surface oxidation. Handle with gloves to avoid contamination, and follow pre-sputtering cleaning protocols.
| Feature | Samarium Rotary Target | Samarium Planar Target |
|---|---|---|
| Material Utilization | Up to 80-90% | Around 30-40% |
| Service Life | Longer, reducing replacement frequency | Shorter, requiring more frequent replacement |
| Coating Uniformity | More uniform, ideal for large-area coatings | May have thickness variations |
| Production Cost | Higher initial cost but more economical long term | Lower initial cost but requires more frequent changes |
| Applications | Large-area coatings (TFT-LCD, solar cells, optical coatings) | Small-area coatings (semiconductors, precision electronics) |
| Sputtering Stability | More stable, reducing material loss | Potentially less stable due to uneven erosion |
| Compatible Equipment | Requires rotary sputtering systems | Compatible with traditional planar sputtering systems |
1. Raw Materials – Samarium
Samarium (Sm) is a rare-earth metal with atomic number 62 and atomic weight 150.36. It is a silvery-white metal, moderately hard and brittle, with a melting point of 1,072°C (1,962°F). Samarium reacts with oxygen, forming an oxide layer that protects it from further corrosion. Although classified as a rare-earth element, samarium is relatively abundant, primarily extracted from minerals such as monazite and bastnäsite.
Samarium is widely known for its strong magnetic properties, making it crucial in high-performance magnets, especially samarium-cobalt (SmCo) permanent magnets, which are prized for their high thermal stability and resistance to demagnetization. It also plays a key role in optical and electronic applications due to its ability to absorb infrared radiation and improve material properties. Additionally, samarium compounds are used in specialized ceramics, glass manufacturing, and nuclear applications because of their neutron absorption capabilities. With a unique combination of magnetic strength, thermal stability, and chemical resistance, samarium is an essential element in advanced technology and material science.
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