Thin-film technology is an integral part of our lives today and in the future.
Here are some examples of what thin films are actually applied to.
Thin films are being used to a great extent in research that will be realized in the near future and that will save our lives, as well as in the ever-advancing digital world.
If you are still unsure about thin films, please refer to this article.
Contents
Thin films in biocomputing technology.
Science and technology have now made possible artificial intelligence, an advanced system that is close to the human brain.
Silicon semiconductors and other memories have already achieved their function as storage.
However, systems with even creative capacities have not yet been realized, and research into them is underway.
As part of the research, thin-film technology is being used to culture neural circuits, such as the cerebellum of mice and rabbits, to create neural circuit functions.
A study was conducted in which 150 micrometer square recesses and 10 micrometer grooves connecting them were made on a quartz plate using thin-film deposition technology, and hippocampal neurons from the rat brain were cultured in the recesses for seven days.
In a different line of research, biocomputer research at Stanford University has generated biotransistors with DNA, and is on the verge of realizing a biocomputer that can run inside cells.
Reference website：GOZMODO
If this research can lead to ultra-compact and ultra-fast devices that can be implanted in living organisms,
- Intelligent micro-machines that carry medicines inside the body to the affected area.
- Biological monitors that track the number of cell divisions in the human body and can be destroyed if cancer occurs.
may become possible.
It is likely that this kind of biocomputing research will make possible things that will benefit our health in the future.
Electronics and thin films
The 21st century is the era of flat panel displays (FPDs) using liquid crystal screens, plasma displays, LEDs and organic ELs.
Concert venues, screens and Aurora Vision are meter-sized devices, only a few centimeters thick, that offer a realistic visual experience.
These make maximum use of the absolute advantage of the thinness of the thin film for display.
Compared to integrated circuits, the processing dimensions are considerably larger, so it is not easy for thin-film technology.
Even one faulty element in a single display element covering an area of several meters can cause the entire element to be faulty.
Thin-film technology requires perfection.
It is a giant world made of micro-worlds.
Telecommunications networks and thin films
Today, information can be easily collected via television, radio, mobile phones and the internet.
This is possible because of the well-developed communications network of cameras, microphones, storage devices, microwaves and cables for distribution.
These communication networks use a vast array of components, devices, and integrated circuits made primarily with thin-film technology.
It is no exaggeration to say that thin-film technology supports the world’s information.
Remote controls used for electrical appliances such as TVs and air conditioners have also progressed to the point where they can be operated from outside the home or workplace using a PC or mobile phone.
In the near future, robots may even be able to replace humans in the home to do household chores.
Thin films will still play a significant role in the future.
Introduction of equipment for forming thin films.
Thin-film technology underpins research and current life.
An essential part of thin film formation is the ‘equipment’.
We, SUGA, manufactures equipment for forming thin films.
Here are some of our related products.
Sputtering Equipment
SSP1000
Entry-level model for table-top RF sputtering Even after delivery, the deposition direction can be arranged.
ALD Equipment
SAL1000B
ALD table-top R&D deposition system for all-round deposition on powders.
Annealer
SAN1000
Pressure can be controlled during high-temperature heat treatment (annealing) of substrates and during heat treatment by introducing inert gas.
There are other products in addition to those introduced for sputtering and ALD equipment.
We also handle evaporation equipment, see our product list for details.
Summary
This article introduced how thin films are used in research and in everyday life.
Thin-film technology is indispensable today and in the future.
This deposition technology has been deeply involved in our lives without us even realizing it.
