Nikalyte Deposition Systems and Components
PVD
Components
Nanoparticle
source
NL UHV
The NL UHV sources for nanoparticle deposition of single materials (NL-D1, NL-D2) or alloys (NL-D3) are suitable for nanoparticles in the 1-20 nm range – maximising the particles’ surface area to bulk ratio, ideal for instance for catalysis. The sources include a magnetron, aggregation zone with differential pumping port (pump optional), and an expansion zone. A dedicated quadrupole mass spectrometer is optionally available for mass selection.
Mini ebeam evaporator
EVAP 4
The EVAP-4 mini ebeam evaporator can co-evaporate up to four materials from one source (DN40CF or DN63CF mount) using a single power supply. It’s ideal for upgrading MBE or deposition systems, adding flexibility for depositing metals from Al to Zr, including high-melting-point materials like Nb. The compact design features a cooled pocket enclosure with low heat load, enabling single-phase controlled co-evaporation. Ideal for depositing lithography contacts.
UHV
Magnetrons
Stellar
The Stellar range of UHV magnetrons are fully bakeable (including the magnet) and are available on DN63CF or DN100CF flanges. The Tri-Stellar is a unique compact 3-target source, flange-mounted on a DN100CF, featuring three 1-inch targets with independent control. The system is compatible with DC, RF, Pulsed DC, and HiPIMS power supplies, providing exceptional flexibility for multi-material deposition in ultra-high vacuum environments.
Systems
Compact
PVD
NL Cube
The NL-CUBE is a compact, versatile PVD system that combines nanoparticle generation and thin-film deposition in one cost-effective unit. Available in two versions the NL-CUBE 375 (five sources, 4-inch substrates) and NL-CUBE 300 (four sources, 2-inch substrates). It supports magnetron sputtering, mini e-beam evaporation, and nanoparticle deposition. Achieving vacuum levels down to 5×10⁻⁷ torr with 45-minute turnaround times, the system offers automated control, recipe programming, and datalogging. Ideal for labs needing advanced deposition capabilities within limited space and budget.
UHV
PVD
NEXUS
The NEXUS is a versatile UHV deposition system integrating multiple coating techniques for advanced materials research. It features a 3-headed nanoparticle source with QMS mass filtering, mini e-beam evaporator, magnetron sputtering, and thermal evaporation for precise multi-layer deposition. Substrate heating, rotation, and biasing options combine with automated, recipe-driven software for reproducible results. Compatible with third-party sources and load-lock integration, NEXUS provides hydrocarbon-free nanoparticles and excellent process control for catalysis, energy storage, photonics, and advanced materials applications.
Benchtop
Nanoparticle
NL 50
The NL50 is a compact benchtop vacuum system producing ultra-pure, non-agglomerated nanoparticles using the Terminated Gas Condensation Technique. It deposits metals such as Ag, Au, Cu, Pt, and Ni onto substrates up to 50 mm, offering precise size and composition control with real-time QCM monitoring. Features include plasma cleaning, room-temperature deposition for delicate substrates like graphene, and 30-minute cycles for rapid turnaround. Ideal for shared or teaching labs, the NL50 enables hydrocarbon-free nanoparticle deposition for catalysis, energy storage, photonics, and materials science without cross-contamination.
Accessories
Gold SERS
Substrates
Nikalyte’s Gold SERS substrates deliver ppm to ppb detection sensitivity for molecular analysis in laboratory and field applications. Manufactured using vacuum-based gas aggregation technology, these substrates feature ultra-pure, hydrocarbon-free gold nanoparticles on flexible quartz fibre paper substrates with a 6mm × 6mm active area. Compatible with 785nm and 830nm laser wavelengths at up to 20W/cm². They require no drying, simply apply the analyte and measure immediately. With signal enhancement up to 1000x, they enable accurate trace detection in healthcare, pharmaceuticals, forensics, and environmental monitoring. Available unmounted or on glass slides (5 substrates per pack , 3-month lifetime). Trusted globally by researchers, industrial labs, and first responders.
Silver SERS
Substrates
Nikalyte’s Silver SERS substrates provide ppm-level molecular detection sensitivity for research and field use. Fabricated through vacuum-based gas aggregation, these substrates feature pure, hydrocarbon-free silver nanoparticles on easy-to-handle paper substrates with an 8mm × 8mm active area. Compatible with 532nm and 785nm laser wavelengths at up to 20W/cm², they require no drying for immediate analysis. Offering signal enhancement factors up to 1000x and high specificity, they ensure accurate identification of trace analytes in pharmaceutical development, healthcare diagnostics, forensic analysis, and food safety applications. Available unmounted (5 substrates per pack, 6-month lifetime). Used worldwide by academic institutions, industrial laboratories, and forensic teams requiring fast, dependable results.