Pulsed Deposition Points a Different Path to DIY Semiconductors
1 min read
Summary
Although creating semiconductors at home is difficult, particularly due to the challenges of nanoscale photolithography, one alternative method being trialled by Sebastian Elgueta involves using a multi-material pulsed laser deposition chamber.
This method works by ablating one of six materials onto a silicon substrate using an Nd:YAG laser, and adding layers of single or multiple materials using a rotating turret.
To create features a mask is used, formed by etching a pattern into a sheet of aluminium foil using a second laser and rolling a fresh section of the foil into position whenever a new mask is required.
Recent improvements to the setup include adding electronics inside the chamber, such as a resistive heater and a quartz crystal microbalance.
Another possible method for creating semiconductors at home involves the use of UV resin 3D printing, which can lay down 30 micron lines and could be a cheaper alternative to laser deposition.
