Dear Researchers,
I typically apply a gold deposition of 5-10 nm thickness on samples for SEM analysis using a sputtering technique. This process involves the use of 20-30 mA of current and operates at a pressure of 0.08 mbar with argon gas.
The coater I use for this purpose is a Cressington coater 108auto.
Occasionally, I encounter an issue where the coating appears dark and iridescent on both the samples and certain steel components within the chamber, as illustrated in the attached picture. Furthermore, this coating is not easily removed from the steel parts.
I am seeking your insights or suggestions regarding the potential causes of this issue. Your expertise in this matter would be greatly appreciated.
It is due to the interference of light waves reflected from multiple coating layers, which then induces iridescent colors.
As sir rightly said, colour is due to interference of light reflected from different films or thickness films....for improvement of the process, the chamber can be flush multiple time so that availability of moisture any ware can be avoided, go for higher initial vacuum, clean the gold target through presputtering for certain time ...good luck
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