Our standard Sputtering Targets for thin film are available monoblock or bonded with dimensions and configurations up to 820 mm with hole drill locations and threading, beveling, grooves and backing designed to work with both older sputtering devises as well as the latest process equipment, such as large area coating for solar energy or fuel cells and flip-chip applications. Research sized targets are also produced as well as custom sizes and alloys. All targets are analyzed using best demonstrated techniques including X-Ray Fluorescence (XRF), Glow Discharge Mass Spectrometry (GDMS), and Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP). "Sputtering" allows for thin film deposition of an ultra high purity sputtering metallic or oxide material onto another solid substrate by the controlled removal and conversion of the target material into a directed gaseous/plasma phase through ionic bombardment. We can also provide targets outside this range in addition to just about any size rectangular, annular, or oval target. Materials are produced using crystallization, solid state and other ultra high purification processes such as sublimation. American Elements specializes in producing custom compositions for commercial and research applications and for new proprietary technologies. American Elements also casts any of the rare earth metals and most other advanced materials into rod, bar or plate form, as well as other machined shapes and through other processes nanoparticles.

Lanthanum is a Block F, Group 3, Period 6 element. The number of electrons in each of Lanthanum's shells is 2, 8, 18, 18, 9, 2 and its electronic configuration is [Xe] 5d¹ 6s². In its elemental form lanthanum 's CAS number is 7439-91-0. The lanthanum atom has a radius of 187.pm and it's Van der Waals radius is 200.pm. Lanthanum and compounds of Lanthanum are somewhat toxic. Lanthanum is one of the products manufactured and distributed under the tradename AE Rare Earths. Lanthanum is the first element in the rare earth or lanthanide series. It is the model for all the other trivalent rare earths. After cerium, it is the second most abundant of the rare earths. Lanthanum is available as metal and compounds with purities from 99% to 99.999% (ACS grade to ultra high purity); metals in the form of foil, sputtering target, and rod, and compounds as submicron and nanopowder.Lanthanum-rich lanthanide compositions have been used extensively for cracking reactions in FCC catalysts, especially to manufacture low-octane fuel for heavy crude oil. The name Lanthanum originates from the Greek word Lanthaneia which means 'To lie hidden'. See Lanthanum research below.

Strontium is a Block S, Group 2, Period 5 element. The number of electrons in each of Strontium's shells is 2, 8, 18, 8, 2 and its electronic configuration is [Kr] 5s². In its elemental form strontium's CAS number is 7440-24-6. The strontium atom has a radius of 215.1.pm and it's Van der Waals radius is 200.pm. The non-radioactive isotopes of Strontium are not toxic. Strontium has low tech applications as an additive to flares and pyrotechnics because of the bright crimson flame produced by its salts. Strontium is available as metal and compounds with purities from 99% to 99.999% (ACS grade to ultra-high purity); metals in the form of foil, sputtering target, and rod, and compounds as submicron and nanopowder. It also has many high technology applications because of its high refractive index as a titanate in glass, as a "getter" in electron tubes and as a dopant for numerous perovskite formulations to produce cathodes for oxygen generation or solid oxide fuel cells. Historically the primary use of strontium was to produce CRT glass for color television and computer tubes. Strontium was first discovered by A. Crawford in 1790. Strontium was named after the Scottish town it was discovered in, Strontian. See Strontium research below.

Iron is a Block D, Group 8, Period 4 element. The number of electrons in each of Iron's shells is 2, 8, 14, 2 and its electronic configuration is [Ar] 3d⁶ 4s². In its elemental form iron's CAS number is 7439-89-6. The iron atom has a radius of 124.1.pm and it's Van der Waals radius is 200.pm. Iron is not toxic. Iron is the most commonly used metal for commercial applications due to its hardness, historical availability and low cost. Once used on its own, it is now alloyed with nickel and other elements to produce steel and other high strength, non-corrosive structural metals. Iron as a metal and as its many compounds has numerous uses. It is a primary colorant in glass and ceramics. It is a catalyst. It is the basis for low grade magnets and because of its magnetic properties is used extensively in memory tape. Recent applications for Iron nanoparticles include in water treatment of carbon tetrachloride in contaminated groundwater, magnetic data storage and resonance imaging (MRI) and in certain alloy and catalyst applications. Iron can also be introduced into processes using iron foil, pellets, rod and wire by thin film Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) and Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) processes including Thermal and Electron Beam (E-Beam) Evaporation, Low Temperature Organic Evaporation, Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD), Organometallic and Chemical Vapor Deposition (MOCVD) for specific applications such as fuel cells and solar energy. Iron is available as metal and compounds with purities from 99% to 99.999% (ACS grade to ultra-high purity); metals in the form of foil, sputtering target, and rod, and compounds as submicron and nanopowder. Iron was first discovered by Early Man.See Iron research below.