(949) 407-8904 Mon - Fri 08:00 - 17:00 23661 Birtcher Dr., Lake Forest, California, USA
(949) 407-8904 Mon - Fri 08:00 - 17:00 23661 Birtcher Dr., Lake Forest, California, USA

ST6570 Beryllium Sputtering Target (Be)

Chemical Formula Be
Purity 99%, 99.9%
Shape Planar Disc



Description

Product Overview

Our Beryllium Sputtering Targets are crafted from high-purity beryllium (Be), available in 99% and 99.9% purity grades. These targets are designed as planar discs, optimized for precision thin film deposition across various industrial applications. Beryllium’s unique properties—such as its lightweight nature (density of 1.85 g/cm³), exceptional stiffness, outstanding thermal conductivity (~200 W/m·K), and low thermal expansion (~11.3 × 10⁻⁶/K)—make it an ideal material for demanding PVD processes. The targets undergo rigorous vacuum sealing to maintain their pristine condition and prevent any form of contamination or oxidation.


Specifications

Key Properties:

  • Melting Point: 1277 °C
  • Density: 1.848 g/cm³
  • Purity: Available in 99% and 99.9%
  • Form Factor: Planar Disc

Chemical Composition (%):

Element Percentage
Be Balance
F 0.001
Al 0.013
Si 0.021
Ti 0.023
Cr 0.029
Fe 0.15
C 0.05
O 0.65

Note: Specifications are theoretical. For precise requirements, please reach out to our support team.

Customization:
We offer tailored sizing solutions to meet your specific deposition system requirements.


Applications

Semiconductors & Microelectronics:
Ideal for depositing conductive, buffer, and interfacial layers in miniature devices that demand high thermal stability and lightweight properties.

Optoelectronics & Optical Components:
Used in the fabrication of high-reflectance coatings and IR/UV windows for lasers, sensors, and various optical instruments.

Aerospace:
Employed in creating lightweight, durable coatings for spacecraft and satellite components, enhancing thermal control and reducing overall structural weight.

Defense & Military:
Essential for producing thin-film elements in radar systems, infrared imaging devices, and precision guidance systems, leveraging beryllium’s thermal and mechanical robustness.

Nuclear Industry:
Functions as a neutron reflector and absorber in nuclear reactors, and is utilized in thin-film fabrication for experimental applications.


Packaging Solutions

Each Beryllium Sputtering Target is securely packaged to ensure safe delivery:

  • Small Targets: Packed in sturdy PP boxes.
  • Large Targets: Shipped in custom wooden crates.
  • Custom Packaging: Available upon request to meet specific transportation and handling requirements.

We prioritize the use of high-quality cushioning materials and tailored packaging configurations to safeguard your order during transit.

Packaging Options:
Carton, Wooden Box, Customized Packaging


Manufacturing & Quality Assurance

Production Workflow:
Our manufacturing process is streamlined to maintain the highest standards of quality and precision.

Quality Testing Includes:

  1. Chemical Composition Verification:
    Utilizing GDMS or XRF techniques to ensure purity and compliance with specified standards.

  2. Mechanical Property Assessment:
    Conducting tensile, yield strength, and elongation tests to validate material performance.

  3. Dimensional Accuracy:
    Precise measurements of thickness, width, and length to adhere to tight tolerances.

  4. Surface Integrity Evaluation:
    Inspecting for flaws such as scratches, cracks, and inclusions through visual and ultrasonic methods.

  5. Hardness Measurement:
    Ensuring uniform material hardness for consistent mechanical reliability.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What purity levels do your Beryllium targets offer?
A1: We provide Beryllium sputtering targets with purities of 99% and 99.9%. Higher purities are available upon request to meet specific application requirements.

Q2: Are custom shapes and sizes available for the targets?
A2: Absolutely. We offer full customization options, including variations in diameter, thickness, shape (circular, rectangular, ring), and backing plate integration to fit diverse deposition systems.

Q3: What safety precautions are necessary when handling Beryllium?
A3: Beryllium is highly toxic if inhaled as dust or fumes. It is crucial to handle it following strict safety protocols, preferably in well-ventilated areas or under fume hoods. Our products are delivered in solid form and vacuum-sealed to minimize exposure risks.


Comparative Performance Analysis

Parameter Beryllium (Be) Aluminum (Al) Copper (Cu) Titanium (Ti)
Density (g/cm³) 1.85 2.70 8.96 4.51
Thermal Conductivity (W/m·K) 200 237 401 21.9
Melting Point (°C) 1287 660 1085 1668
Sputtering Rate Moderate (requires optimized conditions) High (efficient with Argon gas) Very High (excellent yield) Low (needs higher power input)
Film Characteristics High hardness, low stress, superior thermal stability Low resistivity, highly ductile Excellent conductivity, ductile High corrosion resistance, biocompatible
Grain Size Control Requires nanoscale precision Easily controlled (micrometer) Easily controlled (micrometer) Demands high-energy sputtering
Safety/Toxicity Highly toxic (strict handling) Low toxicity Low toxicity Low toxicity
Cost Efficiency Very high (rare and complex material) Cost-effective Moderately priced Moderately priced
Primary Uses Nuclear systems, X-ray windows, aerospace coatings Semiconductor interconnects, mirrors Integrated circuits, conductive layers Biomedical coatings, corrosion-resistant applications

In-Depth: The Science of Beryllium

Elemental Insight:
Beryllium (Be), atomic number 4, is a lightweight metal discovered in 1798 by French chemist Vauclain from the mineral beryl. It stands out as the second lightest metal on the periodic table, boasting a remarkable modulus of elasticity at 287 GPa—making it six times tougher than steel. Its thermal conductivity ranks impressively at 200 W/m·K, surpassed only by silver, copper, and gold.

Unique Physical Properties:

  • Low Atomic Number Benefits:
    Beryllium’s minimal absorption of X-rays and neutrons makes it indispensable for applications requiring high penetration capabilities, such as synchrotron radiation devices and neutron reflectors in nuclear reactors. For example, in medical CT scanners, beryllium windows enable superior image resolution by allowing near-lossless X-ray transmission with thicknesses below 1 mm.

  • Extreme Environmental Stability:
    With a melting point of 1,287°C, beryllium forms a stable layer of beryllium oxide (BeO) when exposed to high temperatures, offering exceptional corrosion resistance compared to metals like aluminum and magnesium. This property is critical for high-temperature applications, including rocket nozzle coatings and nuclear fuel rod casings. Notably, NASA’s Mars rover Curiosity utilizes beryllium alloys in its Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generators (RTGs) to withstand harsh Martian conditions.

  • Aerospace Excellence:
    Beryllium’s high specific stiffness (ratio of stiffness to density) makes it ideal for aerospace engineering, where lightweight and structural integrity are paramount. The James Webb Space Telescope employs beryllium for its primary mirrors, ensuring minimal deformation in the extreme cold of space. Similarly, inertial navigation systems in missiles depend on beryllium components for maintaining dimensional stability at high speeds.

Industrial Applications and Challenges:
Beryllium’s exceptional properties confine its use to high-end, critical applications:

  • Nuclear and Defense: Utilized as neutron reflectors and initiators in nuclear devices, leveraging its photo-neutronic reactions.
  • Precision Optics: Employed in high-energy laser mirrors and infrared thermal imaging systems.
  • Specialty Alloys: Beryllium-copper alloys (containing around 2% Be) offer a blend of high strength and non-sparking characteristics, making them suitable for oil and gas drilling tools and explosion-proof equipment.

Challenges:
Despite its superior properties, the widespread application of beryllium is restricted by its toxicity, high material cost, and the complexity involved in its processing. Strict safety measures are essential during handling and machining to prevent health hazards associated with beryllium exposure.