Sputtering Materials aims CIG planar targets at the mainstream

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Reddit
Email

Sputtering Materials has released new analytical results showing improvements in high density (99 %+) CIG planar targets for thin film solar manufacturers. In particular the results are aimed at improving the deposition of CIG based films and assisting companies into volume production. The company said that it has spent over three years developing a process for casting CIG and CIG doped targets for research and production, SMI is also working on similarly difficult alloys to cast.

“The experience we have gained developing CIG PVD targets over the past 3 and a half years has given us valuable experience that helped refine our planar targets into the industry leading quality material that thin film CIGS manufacturers can depend on,” said Greg Howard, Vice President of Sputtering Materials, Inc. Planar target sizes range from 2″ dia to 6″ dia and up to 6″ x 6″ tile casting for multi-tile CIG target assemblies. SMI can also provide larger custom sizes on a development basis.

This article requires Premium SubscriptionBasic (FREE) Subscription

Try Premium for just $1

  • Full premium access for the first month at only $1
  • Converts to an annual rate after 30 days unless cancelled
  • Cancel anytime during the trial period

Premium Benefits

  • Expert industry analysis and interviews
  • Digital access to PV Tech Power journal
  • Exclusive event discounts

Or get the full Premium subscription right away

Or continue reading this article for free

Sputtering Materials believes that casted targets offer a greater deposited material density enabling greater control and better material utilization.

Image 1: SEM/EDS (Area) Image of Casted CIG Planar Target with 500 micron scale.Note: the black specks in the image are Silicon media used in sample preparation.

Image 2:  Summary results

  Element                                            Weight %
  Silicon                                                2.8
  Copper                                             39.7
  Gallium                                            10.5
  Indium                                            47.0

Read Next

September 16, 2025
Sunotec has launched Sunotec Nordic to spearhead solar and hybrid renewable project development across the Nordic region.
September 16, 2025
The SPPC has launched a request for qualifications for 5.3GW of new renewable power capacity, of which solar will account for 3.1GW.
September 16, 2025
Chinese polysilicon producer GCL-Tech has entered into a strategic financing agreement with Infini Capital, a globally renowned investment institution backed by a Middle Eastern sovereign wealth fund.
Premium
September 16, 2025
At RE+, industry leaders pointed to the resilience of the US solar sector, despite challenges brought by the 'One Big, Beautiful Bill' Act.
September 16, 2025
IB Solar is investing INR30 billion (US$340 million) in a 4GW TOPCon solar cell and module manufacturing plant in Jewar, Uttar Pradesh.
September 16, 2025
Two of the major European solar trade associations, the European Solar Manufacturing Council (ESMC) and SolarPower Europe (SPE), have called for EU policymakers to take measures supporting European solar manufacturing.

Subscribe to Newsletter

Upcoming Events

Solar Media Events
September 16, 2025
Athens, Greece
Solar Media Events
September 30, 2025
Seattle, USA
Solar Media Events
October 1, 2025
London, UK
Solar Media Events
October 2, 2025
London,UK
Solar Media Events
October 7, 2025
Manila, Philippines