As part of our GMR device development programme we are currently constructing a dedicated magnetic device materials deposition system. This machine is designed to coat moderately large areas with uniform thicknesses of magnetic multilayers suitable for GMR or spin-valve device fabrication and development. This system is currently taking shape, and its progress will be displayed here.
| Removing the previous occupant of the space for the new system |  |
| Basic chamber in position |  |
| The addition of the loadlock chamber |  |
| Connection of the gas reservior |  |
| Installation of the rotary pump (for backing the turbo pumps and rough pumping the load-lock) and associated tubing. |  |
| Blanking-off of the chamber ports for basic vacuum testing |  |
| All ports blanked and pumps wired up to electronics rack |  |
| System completed for vacuum testing |  |
| Pressure (mBar) one hour after switching turbo pumps on. |  |
| Copper cooling shield assembly |  |
| Copper cooling shield with first flange fitted |  |
| Final assembly completed and two magnetrons fitted. |  |
