What are Niobium (Nb) Sputtering Targets?

Niobium (Nb) Sputtering Targets are high-purity niobium materials used in thin-film deposition for various industries, including semiconductors, optics, superconductors, aerospace, and electronics. Known for their high corrosion resistance, excellent thermal stability, and superconducting properties, niobium sputtering targets are widely utilized in PVD (Physical Vapor Deposition) and CVD (Chemical Vapor Deposition) processes.

Chemical Properties and CAS Number

• Material: Niobium (Nb)
• CAS Number: 7440-03-1
• Molecular Weight: 92.91 g/mol
• Density: 8.57 g/cm³
• Melting Point: 2,477°C
• Boiling Point: 4,742°C
• Electrical Resistivity: 152 nΩ·m (at 20°C)
• Thermal Conductivity: 53.7 W/(m·K)
• Hardness: HV 100 – 150
• Purity Levels: ≥ 99.9% (Available in 99.99% ultra-high purity)
• Appearance: Silvery-gray metallic solid

Applications of Niobium (Nb) Sputtering Targets

1. Semiconductor & Electronics Industry

• Used in thin-film resistors, transistors, and superconducting electronics.
• Applied in capacitors, memory devices, and integrated circuits (ICs).
• Essential for semiconductor metallization and interconnect layers.

2. Superconducting Materials

• Niobium is widely used in superconducting coatings for MRI machines, particle accelerators, and quantum computing.
• Employed in niobium-based superconducting radio frequency (SRF) cavities for advanced physics research.

3. Optical Coatings & Thin Films

• Used in high-reflectivity optical coatings, anti-reflective coatings, and IR filters.
• Enhances durability and optical stability in lenses, mirrors, and specialized optics.

4. Aerospace & Defense Applications

• Applied in high-temperature coatings for aerospace and military components.
• Used in rocket nozzles, turbine blades, and space-grade coatings due to its heat resistance.

5. Wear-Resistant & Corrosion-Resistant Coatings

• Niobium thin films provide corrosion resistance in harsh environments.
• Used in biomedical implants, medical devices, and industrial tools.

Pricing of Niobium (Nb) Sputtering Targets

Pricing depends on purity, thickness, diameter, and order quantity:

• Small-Scale (Research Use): $500 – $2,500 per piece
• Industrial Orders: $3,000 – $10,000 per batch
• Custom Orders: Prices vary based on size, purity, and processing requirements

Factors Influencing Pricing

• Purity Level (99.9% vs. 99.99%)
• Target Size (Diameter & Thickness)
• Sputtering Target Shape (Disc, Rectangular, Custom Shapes)
• Bulk Order Discounts & Customization
• Processing & Shipping Costs

Conclusion

Niobium (Nb) Sputtering Targets are essential for semiconductors, superconductors, aerospace, and optical coatings. Their high thermal stability, corrosion resistance, and superconducting properties make them ideal for high-tech thin-film deposition applications.