In this present scenario, the thin film circuit boards have evolved as one of the most important aspects of human life. Almost every field comes with the involvement of thin films in it; it is a solid fact that can’t be denied under any given situation. In the year 1912, the first use of thin films was witnessed.
Thin-film technology uses microsystem technology processes and semiconductors in order to pave the way for circuit boards on organic or ceramic materials. The metal disposition method of this particular technology, followed by its top-notch flexibility, sets it apart from printed circuit board technology.
The substrates or interconnection carriers in thin-film technology allow connection densities, high-precision geometrics of insulators and conductors material, and excellent thermal conductivity. As a result, these excellent technologies bless individuals with maximum reliability in no time.
Since the substrates in thin film technology are potent enough to deliver appropriate technical solutions, they generally entail higher costs when compared to thick-film substrates and printed circuit boards.
Keep reading this article to grab valuable insights about its wide range of applications, types, and uses. Stay tuned till the very end.
What Is the Morphology and Structure of Thin Films?
Thin film properties and microstructures solely depend on deposition parameters, growth mechanisms, and various techniques that are employed during the manufacturing procedure. Check out the three types of microstructures stated below in this article:
- Polycrystalline: It forms micro or nano crystallites that come in varying sizes
- Amorphous: It forms crystalline lattice in a perfect manner
- Epitaxial thin films: It tends to form a solid crystalline film that, too, with latticework
The thin-film applications solely rely on the thin-film morphology, which in turn, depends on a broad range of factors. Some of them include the following:
- Atom absorption
- Deposition parameters
- A flux of vapor and atoms
- Type of material
- Film thickness
- Growth structure
What Are Some of the Benefits of Thin Film Technology?
Go through the unparalleled benefits of thin film technology mentioned below in this write-up:
● It Comes with a Low Cost
When compared to the thick film circuit, these thin film circuits come with lower costs. According to research, it is quite evident that the overall cost of thin film circuits is as less as 10% to 20% than thick ones.
● It Comes with Low Power Consumption
It is one of the major reasons why these thin films are preferred over thick film technologies.
What Are the Different Types of Thin Films?
Given below are some of the types of thin films; check out all of them at a quick glance right away:
Optical Thin Films
Optical thin films are used for creating:
- Anti-reflective or reflective coatings
- Displays
- Solar cells
- Photodetector arrays
- Waveguides
- Memory discs
Electronic or Electrical Thin Films
These are used to manufacture the following:
- Conductors
- Insulators
- Integrated circuits
- Semiconductor devices
- Piezoelectric drives
- Photodetector arrays
- Solar cells
Magnetic Thin Films
The magnetic thin films are used in memory discs.
Thermal Thin Films
Thermal thin films are used to create heat sinks and barrier layers.
Mechanical Thin Films
- The mechanical thin films are nothing but a tribological coating that is used to prevent wear and tear.
- It imparts micro-adhesion and hardness.
- It takes pure advantage of micromechanical properties
What Are Some of the Thin Film Circuits?
Take a look at the types stated below:
- Amplifier
- Semiconductor
- Transistor
- Resistor
- Oscillators
- Impedance
- Magnetic fields
- Transducers
What Are the Different Uses of Thin Films in Everyday Life?
Let’s dig deeper to uncover some of the common uses of thin films in your everyday life. Take a quick look at the pointers mentioned below:
● Use of Thin Film in a Semiconductor
The discrete semiconductor devices, along with integrated circuits, are manufactured from a bunch of thin films of semiconductor, conductive and insulating materials. This exclusive technology has boosted the possibility of miniaturization of a plethora of semiconductor devices such as diodes, BJTs, MOSFETs, and FETs.
● Use of Thin Film in Optoelectronics
Optoelectronics is yet another crucial field where thin film technology has paved its way in the best possible manner. Several individuals have used this thin film technology with an approach to produce batteries that are inserted into the chips.
● Use of Zinc Oxide-Based Thin-Film Applications
ZnO or zinc oxide thin film applications are used in various industries such as optical, thermal, electrical, and magnetic. But, semiconductor coating and devices involve the major use of ZnO thin films. Some of the other applications include:
- LED
- OLED
- Displays
- Gas sensors
- Solar cells
- Photodetectors
- Biosensors
- Lasers
ZnO is a popular option since it is readily available, chemically and physically stable, comes with incredible conductivity, and is inexpensive in nature.
● Uses of Thin Film in Combating Wearing and Corrosion
Thin films tend to contribute a lot in protecting the metallic parts, thus combating their corrosion in the best possible manner. Several possessions such as wrist watches, jewelry, and knives are safeguarded with proper coating in order to deal with corrosion.
What Are Some of the Best Thin Film Coatings?
Check out the different kinds of thin film coatings stated below in this article:
TCO Coatings
TCO, or Transparent Conductive Oxide, is a type of thin film that is used in the field of electronics. You can mainly find them in display space and optoelectronics. Check out some of the common applications of TCO coatings:
- Plasma screens
- LCDs or Liquid crystal displays
- Organic LEDs
- LEDs
- Photovoltaics or Solar Cells
- Touch Screens
- Strain gauges
- Mirrors and heated windscreens
- Sensor coatings
Biocompatible Hard Coatings
Biocompatible hard coatings are typically used in the medical field. Their core aim is to boost health outcomes and safeguard implanted devices in this highly sensitive market. Some of the examples of biocompatible coatings are:
- Titanium aluminum nitride
- Titanium nitride
- Titanium carbo-nitride
- Chrome nitride
DLC Coatings
Diamond-like carbon coatings or DLC are popular for their top-notch properties. Its lubricity, hardness, and scratch and chemical resistance properties are beyond remarkable. Some of the common uses of DLC coatings are:
- Medical devices
- Microelectronics
- Sensors
- Displays
- Flexible semiconductors
- Automotive components
The Bottom Line
These thin film circuit boards can be fitted easily in various areas. Both the fields of industrial applications and consumer electronics enjoy great benefits while using these thin-film technologies.
