Functional Thin Films and Sputtering Target Materials

Sputtering targets provide thin-film materials deposited by the sputtering method. Kobelco Research Institute, Inc. started the target material business in 1993 and its competitive strength exists in the approach of originally developing high- performance film-materials before providing the target-materials required to make the films. The research and development group of Kobe Steel is responsible for the development of original thin- films and has contributed to the steady growth of the business in cooperation with the Kobelco Research Institute, Inc. This article summarizes the developments, current statuses and futures of Al- Nd and Ag-Nd-Cu alloys, which have found lucrative applications in LCD panels and optical storage media respectively. Also described is the spray-forming process used in the production of Al-Nd alloy targets. Read More