With over 30 years of experience in the thin film deposition and subcontract coating markets, Polyteknik has been involved in several Big Science Projects globally; from tube coatings of beam-line kicker chambers for particle accelerators at CERN and several other science facilities, coating of VHF antenna for Gomspace satellite, to developing in-situ mirror cleaning for the ITER fusion reactor.
With an experienced team of physicists, engineers and technicians, and a particular focus on quality, reliability and exceptional customer service, Polyteknik is the ideal partner in the field of Big Science.
Image credit: Gomspace
Rhodium-coated mirrors for fusion diagnostics
In collaboration with Fusion for Energy (F4E) and ITER, Polyteknik has developed advanced rhodium coatings for plasma-facing “first mirrors” used in ITER’s optical diagnostic systems. These mirrors sit at the edge of the tokamak plasma and must maintain high reflectivity under some of the most extreme conditions imaginable — intense radiation, particle bombardment, deposition, and corrosion — all while remaining largely inaccessible for maintenance.
Using magnetron sputtering technology, Polyteknik applies rhodium coatings that combine precise thickness control, excellent uniformity across flat and curved surfaces, low surface roughness, and high crystallinity.
Beyond fusion, this capability is relevant wherever high-reflectivity mirror coatings must endure harsh or high-vacuum environments — including other big science facilities, advanced diagnostic systems, and demanding scientific instrumentation.
Kicker chambers
With a highly experienced and reliable team, Polyteknik AS provides a highly dedicated deposition system that offers high-quality and uniformed coatings for accelerator applications, including:
- Internal deposition
- Bespoken thin film solutions
- High-uniformity, non-magnetic coatings
- Guaranteed surface resistivity
- Negation of charged internal surfaces and profiles
- Elimination of irregular beam oscillations
- Custom coatings on request
- Full material characterization
One apparent area of interest is the coating of ceramic chambers and stainless-steel tubes used globally throughout Synchrotron & Linear Accelerators. Encompassed by major electro-magnets, the kicker chambers become charged during operation processes, resulting in a difference in surface resistivity which may cause irregular oscillations of the beam.
