AccuStrata - Enter The Nano World

Process Optimization Services

Our on-site process optimization services include:

Providing material characterization.
Creating development plans to optimize thin film performance for chosen parameters.
Identifying causes for non-uniformity and improving the parameter uniformity over the entire substrate area.
Developing improved manufacturing procedures and work instructions.
Optimizing manufacturing processes by analyzing materials, process parameters and property cross-sections to improve quality, uniformity and manufacturing consistency. Material and film properties may include:
- Material absorption
- Film scattering
- Optical constants (n&k)
- Thin Film Thickness
- Surface roughness
- Interface formation
- Thin Film Mechanical Stress
- Grain Boundary Size and Formation
- Inter-diffusion phenomena
- Film Packing Density and Porosity
- Material bandgap
- Optical loss mechanisms
- Ageing mechanisms
Analyzing the interface and inter-diffusion phenomena in layered structures.
Improving process parameters to achieve better optical and electrical film properties of buffer layers including optimization of its band-gap, carrier concentration and mobility.
Improving in-line process control procedures and providing guidance to achieve better conversion efficiency.
Improving the optical properties of a TCO layer while preserving or improving the electro-conductivity of the films.
Providing optimized design and process parameters for manufacturing of tandem and multi-junction solar cells using customer specific technology.
Providing process guidance to optimize the properties of the absorber layer for solar cells including optimizing the following parameters:
- Film thickness
- Optical absorption and scattering
- Bandgap energy
- Carrier lifetime and diffusion length
- Grain size and grain boundary effects
- Trap concentration and energy levels

AccuStrata has extensive hands-on skills in using and troubleshooting a large variety of vacuum thin film deposition equipment. Following an on-site consulting engagement, we can provide follow-up, on-demand, phone troubleshooting and service visits to your facilities when problems arise. We have very special skills in installation, troubleshooting and optimization of your in-line metrology equipment in order to maximize its potential and achieve quality improvement.

For years, we have been able to optimize thin film manufacturing processes not only from an equipment perspective but also from an organizational prospective. We can help train your personnel in basic vacuum process troubleshooting and scheduled equipment maintenance and help develop best practices and maintenance procedures.

Our Services