Advanced Materials

GA has a 12-inch-wide R&D vacuum web coater that is used for development of new materials and processes. This machine can utilize up to 8 sputtering cathodes in-line to deposit a variety of different materials. This machine also is capable of depositing metal oxide films for optical applications by reactive sputtering. The web drive has large dynamic range speed control for deposition of materials with a wide range of sputtering rates. In-situ optical monitors are available for measurement of film transmission and reflectance properties.

GA is using a unique multi-process, 36-inch-wide vacuum web coater to develop and produce a variety of specialty coated films, including multi-layer optical films for display and advertising applications, decorative pigments, and specialized thin film materials for defense applications.

GA is establishing a 24,000 square foot dedicated production facility, which will incorporate a 2.2-meter-wide multi-process production vacuum web coater. This new coater will have substantially greater throughput than our 36-inch web coater due to the wider web, greatly increased scale of the deposition equipment, and much higher web speeds (up to 1,800 feet per minute). Initial operation of the facility is scheduled for late 2001.

GA is developing smart microsensor arrays for a variety of commercial and military applications. The arrays combine durable and economical CERMET sensors with silicon-on insulator (SOI) electronics, resulting in smart sensors. When combined with neural algorithms, the smart sensor arrays are capable of analyzing complex gas mixtures in harsh environments up to 300°C. The sensors can be coupled with standard silicon electronics for applications where operation at high temperature is not necessary. The open architecture of the electronic readouts will make it possible to incorporate a variety of sensors in future arrays.

For information contact:
Ronald Hubbard
General Atomics • P.O. Box 85608 • San Diego CA 92186-5608
Phone: 858-455-2966 • Fax: 858-455-4268
Email: ronald.hubbard@gat.com