The standard monitor blank crystal has the following specifications:
1) Single crystal alpha quartz, electronic grade 2) AT-cut (35°15' to 35°20', depending on manufacturer) 3) Surface finish: 7-10 micron, rms (depends on manufacturer) 4) Contour: plano-convex, full spherical contour, 2-3 diopter curvature
This hasn't changed since the 1960's! But companies will try to convince you that there is some magical property associated with theirs. The only noticeable feature is the cosmetic quality: how free the surface is from markings, scratches or "etch" lines. These have little to do with crystal performance, but the customer perceives this as a defect. So, all manufacturers spend all their time making cosmetically perfect crystals.
The coating on the crystal isn't particularly high tech either! We use gold with chromium (chromium is the adhesion layer) , silver with chromium, or aluminum. The coating is deposited by thermal evaporation, in a high vacuum (~1x 10e-5 torr or lower).
That's it folks. Aside from a thorough cleaning process, there isn't anything more to it. But if you want to pay more, and believe more, then be our guest.
(By the way, if you are a high volume user, give us a call and ask us how you can make your own crystals internally. We will create a turnkey crystal operation in your own facility, if that suits your needs.)
USA CRYSTAL is a division of Tangidyne Corp, founded by Scott Grimshaw, former Inficon™ crystal engineer, and founder of Cold Springs, R&D, Inc., the supplier of FilTech™ crystals. USA-Crystal concentrates on producing the world's best and most affordable 5 and 6 MHz quartz crystals for vacuum deposition film thickness monitors and controllers. We do nothing but make replacement quartz crystals, and we've gotten pretty good at it! Our president, Scott Grimshaw, has 5 patents on QCM technology, and more on the way.
Why take chances with lesser brands when you can get first class products from us at factory direct pricing?
We have over 20 years experience with all commercial monitors, including Inficon™, Sycon™, Sigma Instruments™, Sloan™, Ulvac™, and Maxtek™systems. We can solve your crystal problems! Our crystals are guaranteed to be exact replacements, or your money back. We also offer tremendous savings on volume purchase. Ask and find out!
Especially for the Chinese and Asian markets, we offer great prices and fast services. Why don't you try us today? You can contact us directly in the USA by email here, by telephone at 01-315-673-2024, or by going to one of our distributors worldwide!
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