4 Advice to Choose a titanium sputtering targets

Author: Jessica

Aug. 11, 2025

Hardware

How to Choose Titanium-Silicon Sputtering Targets

Titanium-Silicon (Ti-Si) sputtering targets play a vital role in the production of high-performance thin films for various industries, including electronics, optics, and decorative coatings. For procurement professionals, selecting the right sputtering target supplier is critical to ensuring consistent quality, efficient production, and cost-effectiveness. This article explores ten key factors that buyers should consider, with insights into how Advanced Targets Materials Co., Ltd excels in meeting these demands.

With competitive price and timely delivery, Advanced Targets sincerely hope to be your supplier and partner.

1. Purity and Material Quality

High-purity materials are essential for sputtering targets to produce defect-free thin films. Impurities can compromise film performance and reliability, particularly in applications such as semiconductors and optical coatings. Advanced Targets ensures consistent high purity in their Ti-Si sputtering targets, with purity levels exceeding 99.5%, meeting the most stringent industry requirements.

2. Titanium-Silicon Ratio

The Ti-Si ratio is critical to determining the properties of the thin film, such as hardness, conductivity, and corrosion resistance. Common ratios like Ti:Si = 90:10 or 80:20 are tailored to specific applications. Advanced Targets offers customizable alloy compositions, enabling clients to select ratios that align perfectly with their needs.

3. Size and Shape Customization

Procurement professionals must ensure that sputtering targets are compatible with their equipment. Advanced Targets specializes in manufacturing sputtering targets in various shapes and sizes, from circular to rectangular, with precise tolerances. This ensures a perfect fit for different sputtering systems, enhancing production efficiency.

4. Uniformity and Density

Uniform composition and high density are crucial for producing consistent thin films. Advanced Targets employs cutting-edge powder metallurgy processes to achieve exceptional uniformity and density in their Ti-Si sputtering targets, minimizing defects and ensuring high-quality coatings.

5. Compatibility and Adaptability

Advanced Targets’ Ti-Si sputtering targets are engineered for compatibility with a wide range of physical vapor deposition (PVD) systems. This adaptability allows buyers to integrate their products seamlessly into existing production lines without additional modifications.

6. Thin Film Performance

Thin film properties such as hardness, wear resistance, and electrical conductivity are directly influenced by the quality of sputtering targets. Advanced Targets leverages advanced R&D collaborations with institutions like the Institute of Process Engineering at the Chinese Academy of Sciences to continuously improve their products. Their Ti-Si targets deliver superior thin film performance, particularly in high-demand applications.

7. Production Capacity and Lead Times

For high-volume production, timely delivery is critical. Advanced Targets boasts extensive production capabilities and advanced manufacturing equipment, enabling them to meet large orders while maintaining short lead times. Their commitment to rapid response ensures that procurement schedules remain on track.

8. Cost and Value Efficiency

Balancing cost and quality is a key consideration for buyers. Advanced Targets offers competitive pricing without compromising on quality, thanks to their efficient production processes and expertise in material science. Their products provide excellent value, helping clients control costs while achieving optimal performance.

9. Quality Control and Certification

Reliable suppliers adhere to strict quality standards. Advanced Targets’ production processes are ISO-certified, ensuring that every Ti-Si sputtering target undergoes rigorous testing for composition, density, and surface quality. Their products meet global industry standards, providing peace of mind for buyers.

10. Technical Support and After-Sales Service

Comprehensive technical support and responsive after-sales service are critical for ensuring smooth operations. Advanced Targets offers expert guidance on installation, troubleshooting, and optimizing thin film deposition processes. Their customer-centric approach ensures long-term partnerships built on trust and reliability.

The Advanced Targets Advantage

Advanced Targets Materials Co., Ltd is a global leader in the manufacturing of sputtering targets, arcing cathodes, and evaporation materials. Here’s why they stand out in the industry:

  1. Innovation-Driven R&D: Collaborations with leading institutions drive continuous improvement and innovation in sputtering target technology.

  2. State-of-the-Art Manufacturing: Advanced equipment and powder metallurgy techniques ensure superior product quality and consistency.

  3. Broad Product Range: In addition to Ti-Si targets, Advanced Targets offers binary and multi-component alloys such as Cr, TiAl, CrAl, and TiAlSi, catering to diverse applications.

  4. Global Reputation: Trusted by leading PVD service providers worldwide, Advanced Targets is synonymous with quality and reliability.

Market Trends in Titanium-Silicon Sputtering Targets

The global sputtering target market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.2% from to , driven by increasing demand in electronics, renewable energy, and advanced coatings. Titanium-Silicon targets, known for their exceptional performance in wear-resistant and optical applications, are gaining significant traction. Manufacturers like Advanced Targets are at the forefront of this growth, delivering innovative solutions to meet evolving industry needs.

Conclusion

Selecting the right Titanium-Silicon sputtering target supplier is a strategic decision that impacts product quality, production efficiency, and overall business success. By focusing on factors such as purity, customization, compatibility, and technical support, procurement professionals can make informed choices. Advanced Targets Materials Co., Ltd combines innovation, expertise, and customer-centric service to deliver high-quality Ti-Si sputtering targets that meet the diverse needs of the PVD thin film industry.

Partner with Advanced Targets to ensure your next project benefits from cutting-edge technology, consistent quality, and unparalleled reliability.

How to Choose the Right Sputtering Target for Semiconductor ...

1. Introduction

Sputtering is a cornerstone of physical vapor deposition (PVD), enabling the creation of thin films that define the performance of semiconductor devices, from logic chips to memory modules. The choice of sputtering target—whether copper, tantalum, or yttrium—directly impacts film quality, electrical properties, and production yield. For engineers, researchers, and procurement specialists, selecting the right sputtering target is critical to achieving high-performance semiconductors while balancing cost and efficiency. This article explores key criteria, material options, and process optimization strategies for choosing sputtering targets, with insights into advanced materials like yttrium for cutting-edge applications. By understanding these factors, professionals can optimize semiconductor manufacturing for reliability and innovation.

2. Understanding Sputtering Targets

Sputtering targets are solid materials bombarded by high-energy ions (typically argon) in a vacuum chamber to eject atoms, which deposit as thin films on a semiconductor substrate. This PVD process forms conductive, barrier, or dielectric layers essential for integrated circuits, memory devices, and optoelectronics. Targets vary by material: metals like copper and tungsten provide high conductivity, alloys like Ti-Al offer tailored properties, and ceramics like yttrium oxide (Y2O3) deliver insulating or optical coatings. Yttrium, a rare-earth metal, is increasingly used for yttria-stabilized zirconia (YSZ) films in advanced nodes and solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) integrated with semiconductors. Selecting the right target ensures film uniformity, adhesion, and performance, making it a pivotal decision in semiconductor fabrication.

3. Key Selection Criteria for Semiconductor Sputtering Targets

Choosing a sputtering target for semiconductors requires evaluating multiple technical and practical factors to ensure compatibility and performance.

  • Purity Levels: Ultra-high purity (5N or 99.999%) is essential to minimize defects like voids or inclusions that degrade carrier mobility and yield. For example, impurities in copper targets can increase resistivity by up to 10%, impacting interconnect performance.

  • Grain Structure and Density: Fine-grained, high-density targets (>98% theoretical density) ensure uniform sputtering and reduce arcing, which can contaminate films. Yttrium targets, with a density of 4.47 g/cm³, benefit from fine grains for consistent YSZ deposition.

  • Target Geometry: Planar targets suit small-scale R&D systems, while rotary targets maximize material use in high-throughput 300 mm wafer production. Target size must match chamber specifications (e.g., 200–450 mm diameters).

  • Thermal and Electrical Conductivity: High conductivity (e.g., Cu: 5.9 × 10⁷ S/m) boosts deposition rates, while yttrium’s moderate conductivity (1.4 × 10⁶ S/m) suits dielectric applications. Thermal conductivity affects heat dissipation, preventing target cracking.

  • Equipment Compatibility: Targets must align with system requirements, such as indium-bonded copper backing plates for tools like Applied Materials (AMAT) or Tokyo Electron () systems.

  • Cost Considerations: Copper ($10/kg in ) is cost-effective, while yttrium ($500/kg) is pricier but justified for specialized films. Balancing upfront costs with yield improvements optimizes ROI.

4. Material-Specific Considerations for Semiconductors

Different materials serve distinct roles in semiconductor sputtering, each with unique properties and challenges.

  • Copper (Cu): With a conductivity of 5.9 × 10⁷ S/m, copper is the standard for interconnects in advanced nodes (e.g., 5 nm). Its low resistivity enhances chip speed but requires barrier layers to prevent diffusion into silicon.

  • Tantalum (Ta): A high melting point (°C) and corrosion resistance make tantalum ideal for barrier layers in copper interconnects, preventing diffusion and ensuring reliability in high-density circuits.

  • Aluminum (Al): Used in legacy nodes (e.g., 65 nm) for cost-effective metallization, aluminum’s electromigration issues limit its use in sub-10 nm processes.

    Want more information on titanium sputtering targets? Feel free to contact us.

  • Titanium (Ti): Employed for adhesion layers and TiN barriers via reactive sputtering, titanium’s versatility supports multilayer stacks in logic and memory devices.

  • Tungsten (W): Its high melting point (°C) and stability suit contact layers in power semiconductors, resisting thermal stress in high-voltage applications.

  • Yttrium (Y): Yttrium forms YSZ dielectric films for gate stacks in advanced nodes and SOFCs, offering corrosion resistance but requiring careful handling due to brittleness (Mohs hardness: 3).

Material Conductivity (S/m) Melting Point (°C) Cost (, ~$/kg) Key Application Copper 5.9 × 10⁷ 10 Interconnects Tantalum 7.6 × 10⁶ 300 Barrier layers Aluminum 3.8 × 10⁷ 660 5 Legacy nodes Titanium 2.4 × 10⁶ 30 Adhesion layers Tungsten 1.8 × 10⁷ 50 Contacts Yttrium 1.4 × 10⁶ 500 Dielectrics

5. Application-Specific Target Selection

Semiconductor applications demand tailored sputtering targets to meet performance requirements.

  • Logic Devices: High-speed chips (e.g., CPUs, GPUs) rely on copper for low-resistivity interconnects and tantalum for robust barriers, optimizing power efficiency in 3 nm nodes.

  • Memory Devices: DRAM and NAND flash use tantalum and tungsten for uniform barrier and contact layers, ensuring high-density storage and data retention.

  • Power Semiconductors: Tungsten and tantalum withstand high voltages and temperatures in IGBTs and MOSFETs, supporting automotive and industrial applications.

  • Optoelectronic Devices: Transparent conductive oxides like indium tin oxide (ITO) and Y2O3 coat displays and photonic circuits, providing optical clarity and conductivity.

  • Yttrium Applications: YSZ films enhance gate dielectrics in advanced transistors, while yttrium barium cuprate (YBCO) supports superconducting interconnects for quantum computing, leveraging yttrium’s thermal stability.

6. Sputtering Process Optimization

Optimizing the sputtering process ensures high-quality films and efficient production.

  • Target-Substrate Distance: A distance of 50–150 mm balances deposition rate and uniformity. For yttrium, 80–100 mm is optimal for YSZ films, ensuring even thickness across 300 mm wafers. Shorter distances boost rates but risk non-uniformity, while longer distances enhance uniformity at the cost of speed.

  • Sputtering Techniques: DC sputtering suits conductive targets like copper and yttrium, offering cost-effective deposition. RF sputtering is used for insulating Y2O3 targets, while reactive sputtering with oxygen forms Y2O3 or TiN films. Magnetron sputtering enhances rates for high-throughput systems.

  • Process Parameters: Sputtering pressure (0.5–10 mTorr), power (500– W), and argon flow (20–50 sccm) must be calibrated to minimize defects. For yttrium, low pressure (1–3 mTorr) reduces gas scattering for denser films.

  • Troubleshooting: Arcing, caused by low-purity targets, introduces defects; using 5N targets mitigates this. Non-uniformity from improper distance or substrate tilt can be addressed with rotation or multi-target arrays.

7. Advancements in Sputtering Target Technology

Recent innovations enhance sputtering target performance and sustainability.

  • High-Purity Manufacturing: Vacuum arc remelting and zone refining achieve 6N purity, reducing defects in sub-5 nm nodes. For yttrium, distilled targets (99.99%) ensure clean YSZ films.

  • Nanostructured Targets: Fine-grained targets (<10 μm) improve film smoothness, critical for 3 nm node gate stacks.

  • Sustainability Initiatives: Recycling recovers 95% of copper and yttrium from spent targets, reducing mining demand. Non-toxic bonding materials, like elastomers, replace indium for eco-friendly production.

  • Custom Alloys: Zr/Y alloys enhance dielectric properties for SOFCs, while Ti-Al targets improve adhesion in advanced nodes.

  • AI and Automation: AI optimizes power and pressure settings for uniform deposition, while machine vision detects surface defects, boosting yield.

8. Practical Tips for Choosing a Sputtering Target

Selecting the right sputtering target involves strategic decision-making.

  • Supplier Evaluation: Choose ISO-certified suppliers like Xinkang Materials, known for consistent purity and customization. Verify certifications and customer reviews for reliability.

  • Specification Checklist: Ensure purity (≥5N), dimensions (e.g., 300 mm diameter), bonding type (indium or elastomer), and compatibility with systems like AMAT Endura.

  • Cost vs. Performance: High-purity targets (e.g., 6N Cu) cost more but improve yield, offsetting expenses. Yttrium’s higher cost is justified for specialized dielectric films.

FAQs

1. How does target purity affect semiconductor yield?

Impurities increase resistivity and defects, reducing yield by up to 15% in advanced nodes.

2. What is the best target for 5 nm nodes?

Copper for interconnects, tantalum for barriers, and yttrium for dielectric layers are optimal.

9. Conclusion

Selecting the right sputtering target is pivotal for semiconductor performance, influencing film quality, device reliability, and manufacturing efficiency. By evaluating purity, geometry, material properties, and process parameters, professionals can optimize outcomes for logic, memory, power, and optoelectronic devices. Yttrium targets, with their role in YSZ and YBCO films, are increasingly vital for advanced nodes and quantum applications. As sustainability and nanotechnology drive innovation, choosing high-quality targets from trusted suppliers ensures competitive advantages in semiconductor fabrication.

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