For people outside certain industries, the term thin film can be a little bit too foreign and unfamiliar. Nevertheless, thin film materials are very popular in their own right. They are a common component for a run of the mill household products like mirrors and drills.
What is Thin Film?
Thin film is defined as a layer of any material, anywhere from a nanometer to a few micrometers thick, laid on top of another surface in the process of deposition. Thin films are present in a lot of everyday materials like mirrors, batteries, solar cells, and LEDs.
What is Deposition?
Deposition or thin-film deposition is a technique in which a nanometer worth of material is deposited on a substrate. A substrate is any object that has a layer of coating regardless of thickness. There are few different types of thin film deposition.
- Chemical Deposition
This type of deposition occurs when thin film material undergoes a chemical change on top of a substrate. - Physical Deposition
This type of deposition, on the other hand, utilizes mechanical means in order to produce a thin film material. A common example of physical deposition is the development of frost on top of a surface.
What are the Uses of Thin Film?
This product is very instrumental in a lot of industries. Thin film materials are used in producing filters, mirrors, CDs, and DVDs. It is also used as protection for corrosive substances and is applied to tools that need ample protection. Moreover, thin films reduce friction and given the right deposition treatment, it is a great material for adhesion.
At present, this material is used in order to harness solar power. Because of its relatively cheaper production cost, it is possible that thin film would be instrumental in deviating from traditional energy sources like coal and oil.
Why are Thin Films Important?
Thin film technology is used in a wide array of industries. From optics to electronics, this product has a place and use. As such, thin film materials can aid in the development of new and exciting advancements in science and technology.