TFCalc/Reoptimize
Real-Time Optimization for Better Coatings
- Reoptimize a coating during manufacture
- TFCalc/Reoptimize is a DDE server application that communicates
with other software
- As each layer is completed and its thickness measured, one or more of the remaining
layers are optimized by the DDE server application; the server
sends the new thickness of the next layer to the process controller
software.
- This technique will work only if the coating chamber has equipment for
accurately measuring the thickness of a layer after it has been deposited.
- When not used as a DDE server, TFCalc/Reoptimize can be used as a
normal copy of the TFCalc thin film design software.
Requires Windows 95 / 98 / NT / 2000 / XP / Vista
FAQ
- How can this work? Won't errors in the final layer cause problems? It works because, for
many designs, the final layer is fairly insensitive to thickness errors. TFCalc's
layer sensitivity analysis can be used to determine whether
reoptimization will work.
- What kind of equipment does TFCalc/Reoptimize require? This software will work with all
types of equipment. It requires only that the thickness of the deposited layers be measured
accurately and communicated to the TFCalc/Reoptimize software.
- What about the index of the layer? If you can measure both thickness and index, that is
best. TFCalc/Reoptimize can use the index information in its calculations.
- What is DDE? DDE -- Dynamic Data Exchange -- is a standard way for two Windows programs
to communicate with each other.
- Do I need to write the DDE client software? The TFCalc/Reoptimize package includes a
simple DDE client. There are also instructions on how to make your own DDE client software.
Software such as LabView make it fairly easy to construct DDE clients.
- How many layers are reoptimized? The user can control this number during the process; it can be anything from zero to all of the remaining layers.