Figure 1. GVD process diagram

GVD's precision surfaces are created through the manipulation of molecules under an unprecedented degree of control. As illustrated in Figure 1, a mixture of gases is introduced into a reactor chamber under a mild vacuum and heated locally in the confines of an array of filament wires that are raised to high temperature. The gas decomposes into reactive species—radicals—that serve as monomer units. These units then migrate to a cooled surface, where they grow into a polymer film.

This process enables great ease and flexibility in customizing the polymer structure, by selecting appropriate chemistries that yield radicals for polymerization on a surface that ultimately gives the desired functionality. Additionally, since the polymerization occurs on a cooled substrate, films can be applied to virtually any structure or device, which is especially advantageous where substrates are temperature-sensitive such as with plastics or organic materials. There is precise film thickness control, with thicknesses ranging from angstroms to microns, an efficient deposition rate, cleanliness, compatibility, and integrability with vacuum processing equipment.