Unique technology for cutting-edge research

The research groups of Prof. Dr. Benjamin Butz and Prof. Dr. Haring Bolívar are pleased with the state-of-the-art coating systems.

A nationwide unique coating center has now been commissioned at the University of Siegen. Three state-of-the-art systems enable the development and research of materials and coatings of the highest quality – this is only possible at a few locations in this form.

At the University of Siegen, scientists have now commissioned three state-of-the-art coating systems that are unmatched nationwide. The systems enable the so-called physical vapor deposition – a process used to coat surfaces with very thin layers of different materials through a physical process. This allows surfaces to be endowed with special electrical, mechanical, chemical, or optical properties. This technology is used in a variety of fields: including the development of novel sensors, in battery technology, or in medical technology, for example in medical implants.

The coating systems were initially set up and put into operation in the existing cleanroom of the university on the Hölderlin Campus. After the completion of the new INCYTE research center on the Adolf Reichwein Campus, they will be relocated to the ISO-4 cleanroom there. The highly modern equipment is available to all employees and students of engineering, natural, and life sciences, as well as external cooperation partners of the university. A specialized lock and transfer system, which connects the three systems, is unique nationwide. This allows highly sensitive samples to be moved back and forth between the systems under high vacuum and cooled to -196 degrees Celsius.

“The fact that samples can be transferred between the systems for analysis purposes opens up completely new possibilities – including in battery, semiconductor, and sensor research,” explains Prof. Dr. Benjamin Butz, who works with his research group on metallic Li-electrodes for high-performance batteries. “The systems are not isolated devices but part of a coordinated equipment strategy that will secure the scientific competitiveness of our location in the long term,” says Prof. Dr. Haring Bolívar, who is responsible for the university’s central cleanroom.

The three coating systems were specifically designed for the University of Siegen by the manufacturer. They are compatible with the comprehensive cooling and vacuum transfer system in the new INCYTE research center building, thus creating the conditions for research that is only possible at a few locations worldwide. “We are very pleased to be able to use these systems for our cutting-edge research. The intuitive operation and flexible use also enable us to provide technological training for students and young researchers,” says Dr.-Ing. Andreas Bablich, who is among the main users and operators of the systems at the University of Siegen.

Contact:

Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Benjamin Butz (Chair of Micro- and Nanoanalytics)
Email: benjamin.butz@uni-siegen.de
Phone: 0271 740 3175

Prof. Dr.-Ing. Peter Haring Bolívar (Chair of High-Frequency Technology and Quantum Electronics)
Email: peter.haring@uni-siegen.de
Phone: 0271 740 2157

Dr.-Ing. AR Andreas Bablich (Chair of Graphene-Based Nanotechnology)
Email: andreas.bablich@uni-siegen.de
Phone: 0271 740 4748