KDF Laser Diodes, Photonics and Quantum Technology
ABOUT
Laser diodes, photonics, and quantum technology represent pivotal elements in modern technological advancements, influencing a wide array of applications from telecommunications and material processing to medical applications.
At their core, laser diodes operate as semiconductor devices that generate coherent light through lasing conditions at the diode's junction. Structurally akin to PiN diodes, they predominantly utilize direct bandgap III-V materials, such as Gallium Arsenide (GaAs) and Indium Phosphide (InP), known for their efficient light-emitting properties.
The fabrication of these sophisticated devices includes critical steps like the deposition of thin films. Materials such as germanium (Ge), palladium (Pd), titanium (Ti), gold (Au), and platinum (Pt) are essential for the construction and functionality of laser diodes. KDF Technologies plays a significant role in this process with its sputter tools, which are instrumental in depositing these thin films. The precision and versatility of KDF's sputtering systems allow for the fine-tuning of the laser diodes' optical and electrical properties, ensuring optimal performance across their various applications.
This collaboration of KDF Technologies with the fields of laser diodes, photonics, and quantum technology underscores the importance of advanced manufacturing techniques in the development of devices that are integral to numerous aspects of daily life and the forefront of technological innovation.
Devices that embody the integration of laser diodes, photonics, and quantum technology, particularly those benefiting from the advanced fabrication processes like thin film deposition, include:
Optical Fiber Communication Systems:
Laser diodes serve as light sources for transmitting data over optical fibers, enabling high-speed internet and telecommunications.
Medical Imaging Equipment:
Laser diodes are used in various imaging techniques, including optical coherence tomography (OCT), providing detailed images of tissues for diagnostic purposes.
Surgical Lasers:
These devices use laser diodes for precise cutting and cauterization in minimally invasive surgeries, enhancing patient recovery times and reducing risks.
LIDAR Systems (Light Detection and Ranging):
Employing laser diodes to measure distances, speeds, or chemical compositions, crucial for autonomous vehicles, atmospheric research, and geology.
Optical Storage Devices:
In technologies like CDs, DVDs, and Blu-ray discs, laser diodes read and write data, allowing for the storage and retrieval of large amounts of information.
Quantum Computing Components:
Laser diodes play a role in manipulating quantum bits (qubits) and facilitating quantum communication, at the cutting edge of computing technology.
Additional Related Tools - Kurt J. Lesker Company
KDF Magnetron Sputtering
KDF Technologies specializes in magnetron sputtering, a process highly effective for depositing thin films required by the latest technologies. Utilizing KDF's advanced sputtering systems, top device manufacturers can apply a variety of films, including gold (Au), titanium tungsten (TiW), iridium (Ir), silver (Ag), zirconium (Zr), tantalum (Ta), tantalum nitride (TaN), titanium (Ti), and titanium nitride (TiN). Leveraging cutting-edge techniques such as High Power Impulse Magnetron Sputtering (HIPIMS) and Pulsed DC reactive sputtering, KDF is perfectly equipped to customize solutions for any application. This customization is supported by a dedicated team of experts in applications, design, and vacuum technology, ensuring that each medical device benefits from the most advanced and suitable thin film deposition process.
Key Capabilities
Pallet Stacker (900 series only):
Increases the load lock cassette capacity to 5 pallets. This allows a longer run time between load and un-load cycles, ideal for un-supervised operation.
Note each pallet can run the same deposition recipe or its own unique deposition recipe.
Precious Metal Sputtering with Upsilon Inset™ Cathode:
Specifically designed for high thermal conductivity, high value materials such as Gold (Au), Platinum (Pt), Palladium (Pd), Silver (Ag)
Utilizes novel ‘Upsilon’ shape targets that enables up to 60% target utilization
Ellipsometer or Optical Measurement Integration
Integration of insitu optical monitoring equipment for checking film thickness, n, and k values.
Water Pump:
Water pumps are high-performance pumps used in conjunction with the high vacuum pump (turbo or cryo) that increase water vapor pumping speeds to substantially improve system throughput and process stability.
Enhanced Rotating Planetary Pallet (ERPP) (900 series only):
The planetary rotating pallet ERPP™ (enhanced rotating planetary pallet) is a KDF design to achieve exceptionally high uniformity in the sub 1%, as well as tight repeatability.
(Ref: Vacuum Technology and Coating, December 2002).
HIPIMS:
HIPIMS (High Power Impulse Magnetron Sputtering) is a sputtering power supply and technique that can produce highly dense, smooth, and hard films with enhanced conformality or step-coverage for high aspect ratio applications.
Auto Rate Adjust (ARA):
Auto-rate-adjust will automatically adjust the scan speed or deposition power to account for a decrease in deposition rate from target wear, thereby maintaining a stable process thru the life of the target.
Scan Velocity Control:
Allows the operator to create velocity profiles for the pallet as it passes through the deposition zone, enhancing film uniformities and rates.
IR Pallet Temperature Measurement:
Integrated pyrometer pallet/part temperature measurement. Instant feedback on temperature of your pallet and/or parts. Temperature readings can be integrated into recipes allowing for continued cooling, or heating, before proceeding with further recipe steps.
Have questions? Contact KDF about our in line sputtering tools
In line with your process
The most reliable in-line sputtering tools in the industry are developed and manufactured by KDF. All of KDF’s systems are engineered to meet versatility and high throughput demands across a number of markets at the industry’s lowest cost of ownership.
- Mainstream silicon
- Emerging materials
- Flat panel displays
- Optical communications
- Medical devices
Across all platforms, KDF’s in-line batch sputtering systems are easier to use and maintain than cluster tools. KDF’s solutions provide users with increased:
- Film uniformity
- Throughput run to run
- Process stability
- ROI
- Automation
- Tool uptime
- Reliability
- Environmental health and safety benefits
KDF meets the needs of its customers by quickly developing tailored solutions and building on its core competencies. KDF can specifically engineerits tools for increased throughput, ROI or time to market. All existing KDF equipment is supported with upgrades and retrofits. In addition, as theOEM for MRC batch systems, KDF sustains all MRC batch products offering complete parts and service support on a world wide basis.
943ix and 954ix
The 943ix and 954ix are two of KDF’s x Series™ products. They feature the latest KDF cathode designs, which have been lengthened to 17 inches, offering improved uniformity over the entire pallet. x Series™ cathodes are available in both Planar™, Inset™ and RF/DC LMM™ cathode form.