This short course intended as a guide for the researcher or production specialist that has a requirement for a vacuum/thin film deposition system. It will cover topics including: turning an idea for a system into a pertinent RFQ; major price points of a system; how to get more system for less; and how to get effective support and training. Upon completion of the course, participants should know how to specify a system to cover the intended purpose(s), understand common options in terms of process requirements, price control strategies, how to set acceptance criteria to cover the purpose and still stay within budget, and how to make sure the vendor stays interested in keeping the system healthy.

Attendees in this tutorial receive course notes.