So, the groovy 60s era switches and dials finally got the best of me, and I ended up grabbing a Varian thin-film rate monitor & e-beam deposition controller from eBay. Specifically
- Varian 988-0900 Film Thickness Monitor
- Varian 988-0901 Rate Monitor
- Varian 988-0902 Deposition Controller
(Pix to follow whenever I get around to it)
Based on my research, it appears that evaporative deposition is the standard technique for (decorative) aluminization. And my knowledge of e-beam guns is pretty close to non-existent. But I couldn't pass it up. Even if I just use it for parts, I still call it a good deal.
But I'm trying to figure out if I actually
could reasonably use this thing (presuming it functions) for my needs. Could I potentially build or scrounge an electron beam gun that would be compatible with this random controller, and would it be strong enough to vaporize a sufficient quantity of aluminum to achieve a lovely decorative coating? Anything to point me in the right direction would help.
Also, I don't believe I presently have the slightest need to measure/control my deposition rate, but it sounds interesting anyhow. So I guess I have the same questions for rigging up a crystal. I don't have a shred of documentation, and the unit looks to be circa 1960-1975 so I can't imagine contacting Varian would help. Does the same crystal work for everything? If not, is there any way I could figure out just what I'd need to use?
