Picosun
Oy, Finland-based global manufacturer of state-of-the-art Atomic Layer Deposition
(ALD) systems today introduced a novel sealed precursor cartridge which will
revolutionize precursor handling and lower the running costs of ALD systems
significantly.
The new sealed cartridge adds to the already incomparable qualities of Picosolid
Booster. It also yet again underlines how unique the modular end expandable
design of Picosun's SUNALE family of ALD systems is: This new feature
fits seamlessly into the structures of any and all existing SUNALE reactors
equipped with a Picosolid Booster.
"Our new sealed cartridge never needs to leave a glove box with its lid
open, nor does it need to be opened when removed from the ALD apparatus",
explains Juhana Kostamo, Managing Director of Picosun. "Exposure to oxygen
and/or moisture can and does corrupt precursors. Our new cartridge does not
only protect the precursor as such, but also ensures that the probability of
corrupting the results of long test series through unnecessary exposure of a
precursor chemical to the elements of air truly and finally becomes a thing
of the past."
It is a well known fact that exposure to air can turn a precursor useless by
changing its qualities so that it no longer vaporizes properly in the ALD process.
Especially many of the new metal-organic precursors are worth a lot of money
even in small quantities. Picosun's new sealed cartridge will guarantee
that valuable precursors are wasted no more due to unintentional mishaps in
cartridge handling.
Due to the novel cartridge and source construction precursors can be vaporized
at minimum source temperature, which clearly extends useful lifetime of thermally
sensitive chemicals.
Picosun has already before introduced the idea of small, easily changeable
cartridges. This concept has been welcomed by all tired of endlessly cleaning
precursor sources before changing chemicals from one to the other.
Picosun's
concept has also been a dream come true for scientists lining up to use their
slots of the ALD tool time.
Without any problems, Picosun's new sealed cartridges with various chemicals
can all be stored on a shelf in a glove box with no risk of contamination neither
to any of the chemicals nor to the glove box itself.
First Picosun customers have already received their sealed cartridges.
Picosun develops and manufactures Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) reactors for
micro- and nanotechnology applications. Picosun represents continuity to over
three decades of ALD reactor manufacturing in Finland. Picosun is based in Espoo,
Finland and has its US headquarters in Detroit, Michigan. SUNALE ALD
process tools are installed in various universities, research institutes and
companies across Europe, USA and Asia.
Dr Tuomo Suntola, inventor of ALD technology, is Member of the Board of Directors
of Picosun. World's most experienced ALD reactor designer Sven Lindfors
is Picosun´s Chief Technology Officer and founder of the company.
Picosun
Oy is a part of Stephen Industries.