JY-S100 Desktop Magnetron Sputter Coater by Guangzhou Jingying
| Brand | Guangzhou Jingying |
|---|---|
| Origin | Guangdong, China |
| Manufacturer | Yes |
| Country of Origin | China |
| Model | JY-S100 |
| Vacuum Range | Atmosphere to 1×10⁻³ mbar |
| Ultimate Vacuum | ≤1×10⁻⁴ mbar |
| Sputtering Current | 5–30 mA (digital microprocessor-controlled) |
| Target Diameter | 57 mm × 0.1 mm thickness |
| Standard Sample Stage | 12-position SEM stub holder, height-adjustable (60 mm range) |
| Optional Rotating/Tilting Stage | 0–60 rpm, tilt angle −90° to +90° |
| Chamber | Stainless steel, Ø120 mm × H75 mm |
| Viewport | Ø120 mm × H45 mm |
| Base Rotation Stage | Ø40 mm (holds 4 standard stubs) |
| Vacuum Pump Speed | 133 L/min |
| Operating Noise Level | 56 dB(A) |
| Target Materials | Au (standard), optional Pt, Au/Pd, Pt/Pd |
Overview
The JY-S100 Desktop Magnetron Sputter Coater is a compact, benchtop-scale physical vapor deposition (PVD) system engineered for high-precision conductive coating of non-conductive specimens prior to scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis. It employs direct-current (DC) magnetron sputtering—a low-energy, cold-process thin-film deposition technique—where argon ions bombard a metallic target (e.g., Au or Pt) under controlled vacuum conditions, ejecting atoms that condense uniformly onto the sample surface. Unlike thermal evaporation, magnetron sputtering minimizes specimen heating and beam-induced damage, making it especially suitable for delicate biological tissues, polymers, ceramics, and insulating composites. The system operates within a stainless-steel vacuum chamber rated to ultimate pressures of ≤1×10⁻⁴ mbar, ensuring stable plasma generation and reproducible film nucleation. Its integrated microprocessor controller manages sequential vacuum pumping, gas purging (Ar), sputtering duration (1–999 s), current regulation, and automatic venting—enabling fully repeatable, operator-independent coating protocols aligned with GLP-compliant laboratory workflows.
Key Features
- DC magnetron sputtering source with digitally regulated current (5–30 mA), decoupled from chamber pressure fluctuations for consistent deposition rate and film thickness control.
- Compact stainless-steel chamber (Ø120 mm × H75 mm) with large-diameter viewport (Ø120 mm) for real-time process monitoring and alignment verification.
- Standard 12-position adjustable-height sample stage accommodating standard SEM stubs; optional motorized rotating/tilting stage (−90° to +90° tilt, 0–60 rpm) enables uniform coating on irregular or topographically complex specimens.
- Quick-change target mount compatible with 57 mm diameter targets: Au (standard), Pt, Au/Pd, and Pt/Pd—each with certified purity ≥99.99% and verified thickness uniformity.
- Integrated safety interlocks, dual mechanical locking mechanism for rotating stage, and fail-safe automatic venting post-cycle to prevent accidental exposure during maintenance.
- Low-noise operation (≤56 dB[A]) and energy-efficient design suitable for shared core facilities and teaching laboratories without dedicated HVAC support.
Sample Compatibility & Compliance
The JY-S100 supports a broad spectrum of non-conductive and beam-sensitive samples including cryo-fixed biological sections, plant epidermis, bacterial biofilms, polymer membranes, oxide ceramics, glass fibers, and carbon-based composites. Its low-energy sputtering process preserves ultrastructural integrity—critical for correlative light-electron microscopy (CLEM) and serial block-face SEM (SBF-SEM) workflows. The system meets fundamental requirements for ISO/IEC 17025-accredited testing laboratories in terms of procedural traceability and parameter logging. While not certified to FDA 21 CFR Part 11 out-of-the-box, its digital controller retains timestamped run logs (duration, current, pressure), supporting audit-ready documentation when integrated into validated SOPs. All materials in contact with vacuum—including chamber gaskets and target shields—comply with USP Class VI biocompatibility standards where applicable.
Software & Data Management
The JY-S100 utilizes an embedded microprocessor-based controller with push-button interface (Start/Pause), eliminating dependency on external PCs or proprietary software. All operational parameters—including sputtering time, current setpoint, and vacuum status—are displayed on a backlit LCD screen and retained in non-volatile memory for up to 100 recent runs. Export functionality is not included; however, users may manually record session data into ELN platforms (e.g., LabArchives, Benchling) or LIMS systems via standardized templates. For labs requiring electronic records compliance, integration with third-party programmable logic controllers (PLCs) or RS-232-enabled data loggers is feasible through open communication protocols documented in the technical manual.
Applications
- Preparation of biological specimens for high-resolution SEM imaging—reducing charging artifacts while maintaining sub-10 nm edge fidelity in collagen fibrils, neuronal dendrites, and pollen exine layers.
- Routine metallization of insulating geological samples (e.g., clays, zeolites) to enable accurate EDS elemental mapping without spectral drift or peak suppression.
- Thin-film reference coating for charge compensation in low-kV SEM (<5 kV) and environmental SEM (ESEM) modalities.
- Prototyping conductive layers for microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) failure analysis and cross-sectional FIB-SEM site preparation.
- Teaching laboratory use: Demonstrating vacuum science fundamentals, plasma physics principles, and thin-film growth kinetics in materials science and nanotechnology curricula.
FAQ
What target materials are supported, and how often must they be replaced?
The JY-S100 accepts 57 mm diameter targets including Au (standard), Pt, Au/Pd (60:40), and Pt/Pd (80:20). Target lifetime depends on sputtering frequency and current settings; under typical academic usage (≤5 runs/day at 20 mA), Au targets last ~6–12 months before requiring replacement due to erosion depth exceeding 0.05 mm.
Is the system compatible with residual gas analyzers (RGAs) or mass spectrometry feedthroughs?
No RGA port is built-in, but a 2.75″ CF flange is available as a factory option for integration with quadrupole residual gas analyzers or leak detection systems.
Can the JY-S100 achieve sub-nanometer thickness control?
While the system delivers excellent run-to-run repeatability (±3% thickness variation under identical conditions), absolute thickness calibration requires in situ quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) monitoring—an optional add-on not included in the base configuration.
Does the vacuum pump require oil changes or special maintenance?
The included rotary vane pump uses ISO VG 100 mineral oil; recommended oil change interval is every 500 operating hours or annually, whichever occurs first. A dry scroll pump upgrade is available upon request.
What safety certifications does the instrument carry?
The JY-S100 complies with IEC 61010-1:2010 for electrical safety and EN 61326-1:2013 for electromagnetic compatibility (EMC). CE marking is applied per EU Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC.
