Ytterbium Sputtering Target

Ytterbium (Yb) Sputtering Targets for Thin Film Deposition

AEM REE provides high-purity ytterbium sputtering targets for advanced thin film coating applications. Ytterbium's unique properties—low vapor pressure and high chemical purity—make it an excellent material for producing stable, uniform coatings in vacuum deposition systems.

These sputtering targets are used in a wide range of industries, including optics, electronics, glass coating, and functional ceramics. Common applications include optical layers, semiconductor components, decorative coatings, and protective films, where precise control over film thickness and quality is essential.

As a company focused exclusively on rare earth materials, AEM REE offers custom-sized ytterbium targets engineered to meet the needs of research institutions, coating facilities, and high-tech manufacturers. We support both small-scale R&D and larger production volumes, delivering consistent quality and responsive technical support for your coating projects.

Ytterbium Sputtering Target Specifications:

Purity: Yb/TREM≥99.99%, TREM≥99.9%
Average Grain Size: <200μm
Suface Roughness: <2μm
Shapes Available: Planar targets (circular or rectangular)
Typical Dimensions: Diameter ≤ 14 inch / Length ≤ 32 inch, Thickness ≥ 1 mm

Our Ytterbium Targets Advantages

  • Up to 99.99% Pure Ytterbium for High-quality Thin Film Coatings
  • Tight Dimensional Tolerances, Excellent Thickness Control
  • Uniform Microstructure – Fine grain size for consistent sputtering performance
  • With Custom Shapes, Sizes, and Bonding Options
  • Reliable Quality Control
  • Value-Driven Pricing — High-purity Ytterbium targets at competitive prices
  • Global Delivery & Support — Fast worldwide shipping with full technical support
Get a Quote for High-Purity Ytterbium Metal
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Unique Properties of Ytterbium Sputtering Target

 

1. Low Vapor Pressure

Ytterbium has a naturally low vapor pressure, which means it does not evaporate easily during sputtering. This helps ensure a stable coating process and allows for smooth, uniform film formation without unwanted material loss.

2. Smooth Film Growth

Thanks to its moderate atomic mass, ytterbium enables steady energy transfer during sputtering. This helps produce dense and even thin films, which is especially important for optical and electronic applications.

3. Strong Oxygen Affinity

Ytterbium easily reacts with oxygen to form a stable compound called ytterbium oxide (Yb₂O₃). This oxide is known for its good insulating and thermal properties, making it useful in coatings that require durability, transparency, or electrical resistance.

4. Non-Magnetic

Unlike many other rare earth elements, ytterbium is not strongly magnetic under normal conditions. This makes it easier to use in magnetron sputtering systems, as it won’t interfere with magnetic fields during the coating process.

5. Unique Electron Structure

Ytterbium has a nearly full 4f electron shell, which gives it distinctive optical and electronic behaviors. Thin films made with ytterbium can show useful properties for photonics, light-emitting materials, and specialized electronic devices.

 

Manufacturing Process of Ytterbium Sputtering Target

The process begins with high-purity ytterbium metal, usually 99.9% or above. It is melted using vacuum methods like VIM or EBM to remove impurities and create a uniform, clean material. Each batch is tested to confirm its purity before moving forward.

The refined metal is cast into solid blocks or rods and then cut into shapes that match the general size of the final target. This ensures accurate weight and makes the next steps more efficient.

These pre-shaped pieces are hot-forged or hot-rolled to increase their density and improve the internal grain structure. This step helps make the target more stable and ensures even wear during sputtering.

After hot working, the material is machined into its final shape using CNC equipment. This includes adjusting the thickness, diameter, and flatness to meet the required specifications.

The surface of the target is polished and cleaned to remove oxidation and reduce roughness. A clean, smooth surface is important for stable film growth during coating.

When needed, the ytterbium target is bonded to a compatible backing plate, typically made of copper or molybdenum. Bonding is performed using methods like indium soldering or diffusion bonding to enhance thermal conductivity and mechanical strength during high-power sputtering.

Before shipping, each target is carefully inspected for quality, surface finish, and accuracy. Approved targets are vacuum-sealed or packed with argon gas and desiccants to protect them from oxidation. A full Certificate of Analysis is included with each order.

Mixing Machine

Sintering Furnace

Die Forging

Annealing Furnace

Cold Rolling Mill

Straightening Machine

CNC Deep Hole Drilling Machine

Grinding Machine

Wire Drawing Equipment

Wire Cutting Machine

Handheld XRF Analyzer

Scanning Electron Microscope

Ytterbium Sputtering Target Applications

Optical Coatings

Ytterbium is commonly used to produce thin films for infrared and laser optics. When deposited as ytterbium oxide (Yb₂O₃), it forms a stable, transparent layer with high reflectivity in the near-infrared range. These coatings are ideal for thermal control filters, laser windows, and optical mirrors.

 

 

Semiconductor and Dielectric Films

In microelectronics, ytterbium thin films are applied as insulating or buffer layers in multilayer structures. Its oxide offers high dielectric strength and thermal stability, making it suitable for experimental transistors, sensors, and integrated circuits under high-frequency or high-temperature conditions.

 

 

 

Glass Coating Applications

Ytterbium-based coatings are used in architectural and automotive glass to reduce infrared transmission, improve solar control, and enhance visual comfort. These films help improve energy efficiency while maintaining transparency and durability.

 

 

Functional Ceramics and Barrier Layers

Due to its chemical stability and reactivity with oxygen, ytterbium is used in forming ceramic thin films with resistance to corrosion, heat, and wear. These coatings are applied to tools, components, and substrates that operate in demanding environments.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our Satisfied Customers

We serve clients across wide range of Industries like Educational Institutes and Universities, Research Laboratories, and many Industrial Manufacturers. With our commitment to delivering premium ytterbium metal, our clients are always happy with our products and services, making their experience a great one every time.

 

Contact us Today

Solution about Ytterbium Metal? Our experts are here to help. Contact us for advice on choosing and using Ytterbium. Get a quote now or let us know what you're looking for, and we will get back to you soon!

Room 1725-1729, Building C3, Forte Binjiang Financial Center, No. 751 Xiaoxiang North Road, Yuelu District, Changsha, Hunan 410023, China.

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