The Q150V Plus is optimised for high-vacuum
applications, with an ultimate vacuum of 1×10-6mbar.
Together with the use of a wide-range Penning/Pirani
gauge, this enables the sputtering of oxidising metals
with ultra-fine grain sizes, which are suitable for high
resolution imaging. The lower background pressure
removes oxygen nitrogen and water vapour from
the chamber, avoiding chemical reactions during
the sputter process, which could otherwise lead to
impurities or defects in the coatings. Similarly, lower
scattering allows for high purity, amorphous carbon
films of high density.