One of the most scarce and costly materials used in science and engineering, diamond is one of the most widely researched and utilized materials in the deposition of thin films. The high thermal conductivity and electrical resistivity, low coefficient of friction, and strength of diamond gives it great importance in thin film depositions which in turn allows for the use of diamonds in electronics. Chemical Vapor Deposition and Physical Vapor Deposition are used in the production of thin diamond films. Blue Wave Semiconductors specializes in the research of diamond coatings, diamond-like carbon, and other applications of the material with Chemical Vapor Deposition. Due to the rarity of diamond, graphite is converted into diamond using high pressure and high temperatures in order to build a stable carbon allotype.
Hot Filament Chemical Vapor Deposition (HFCVD) is one of Blue Wave’s main focuses. HFCVD is the earliest and most popular method for diamond coatings in low pressure. In HFCVD, the substrate is placed in a chamber with carbon containing gases of high volatility – Hydrogen, Methane, and Argon gas. The gas mixture passes through thin wires usually heated up to 2400⁰C.
Blue Wave introduced an innovative development tool for CVD diamond coatings. With Hot Filament Chemical Vapor Deposition, CVD diamond coatings can be deposited on 2 – 12 in. wafers. The HFCVD technique is useful for synthetic diamond coatings, graphene, carbon nanotubes (CNTs), and related film synthesis including Silicon and Silicon Carbide (SiC). Blue Wave’s unique HFCVD tool allows for the wafer to be heated to a maximum of 900⁰C for CVD diamonds which is higher than other HFCVD techniques. The tool has the capability to alter diamonds based on the industrial use of the material. With this new HFCVD method, non-corrosive and wear resistant diamond-like carbon thin film coatings can be developed for glass, vehicles, and the semiconductors.
Blue Wave has been providing quality thin films and deposition systems to academic institutions, government organizations, private companies, and international companies and institutions. Research is our main aim, and we strive to promote that with our customers. We work with academic institutions to spur student research, and advancement of nanotechnology.