Evaporation vs. Sputtering — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 15, 2024
Evaporation involves the transformation of a substance from liquid to gas, whereas sputtering involves ejecting atoms from a solid target due to ion bombardment.
Difference Between Evaporation and Sputtering
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Evaporation is a process where a liquid turns into a gas. This occurs when molecules at the surface gain enough energy to overcome intermolecular forces and escape into the vapor phase. Sputtering, on the other hand, is a physical vapor deposition (PVD) technique used in thin-film production. It involves bombarding a solid target with high-energy ions, causing atoms to be ejected and deposited onto a substrate.
While evaporation is a naturally occurring process, sputtering is a controlled industrial technique. Sputtering requires a vacuum environment and a source of ions, typically generated by a plasma, to strike the target material. The precision of sputtering allows for the deposition of very thin and uniform films.
Comparison Chart
Nature
Phase transition from liquid to gas
Ejection of atoms from a solid due to ion bombardment
Energy Source
Thermal energy
Ion energy
Environment
Occurs in open air, influenced by temperature and pressure
Requires vacuum and plasma environment
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Applications
Natural water cycle, drying processes
Thin-film deposition, semiconductor manufacturing
Rate of Process
Relatively slow
Can be rapid
Compare with Definitions
Evaporation
The process of turning from liquid into vapor.
The sun causes the evaporation of water from lakes.
Sputtering
The process of ejecting atoms from a solid target by ion bombardment.
Sputtering is used to coat surfaces with thin metal films.
Evaporation
The gradual disappearance of moisture.
Evaporation reduced the water level in the pond.
Sputtering
Physical vapor deposition method involving ionized gas.
Sputtering involves a vacuum chamber and plasma.
Evaporation
Loss of liquid through vaporization.
The puddle shrunk due to evaporation.
Sputtering
Technique for depositing atoms onto a substrate.
Sputtering allows precise control over film thickness.
Evaporation
Transition of a substance from the liquid phase to the gas phase.
Evaporation of sweat helps cool the body.
Sputtering
Ejecting particles from a material due to high-energy collisions.
Sputtering helps in producing mirrors and optical coatings.
Evaporation
Evaporation is a type of vaporization that occurs on the surface of a liquid as it changes into the gas phase. The surrounding gas must not be saturated with the evaporating substance.
Sputtering
In physics, sputtering is a phenomenon in which microscopic particles of a solid material are ejected from its surface, after the material is itself bombarded by energetic particles of a plasma or gas. It occurs naturally in outer space, and can be an unwelcome source of wear in precision components.
Evaporation
The process of turning from liquid into vapour
Snow cover prevents evaporation of water from the soil
Sputtering
To spit out or spray particles of saliva or food from the mouth in noisy bursts.
Evaporation
To convert or change into a vapor.
Sputtering
To spit out words or sounds in an excited or confused manner.
Evaporation
To draw off in the form of vapor.
Sputtering
To make sporadic spitting or popping sounds
The fire sputtered and died.
Evaporation
To draw moisture from, as by heating, leaving only the dry solid portion.
Sputtering
(Physics) To cause the atoms of a solid to be removed from the surface by bombardment with atoms in a discharge tube.
Evaporation
To deposit (a metal) on a substrate by vacuum sublimation.
Sputtering
To eject in short bursts with spitting or popping sounds.
Evaporation
To change into vapor.
Sputtering
To utter in an excited or confused manner.
Evaporation
To pass off in or as vapor.
Sputtering
(Physics) To coat (a solid surface) with metal atoms by sputtering.
Evaporation
To produce vapor.
Sputtering
The act or sound of sputtering.
Evaporation
To disappear; vanish
Our fears at last evaporated.
Sputtering
Matter emitted in sputtering.
Evaporation
The process of a liquid converting to the gaseous state.
Sputtering
Excited or confused utterance.
Evaporation
The process in which all or a portion of liquid (in a container) is turned into vapour, in order to increase the concentration of solid matter in the mixture.
Sputtering
Present participle of sputter
Evaporation
(archaic) That which is evaporated; vapor.
Sputtering
A noise that sputters.
Evaporation
The process by which any substance is converted from a liquid state into, and carried off in, vapor; as, the evaporation of water, of ether, of camphor.
Sputtering
The ejection of atoms from the surface of a solid or liquid following bombardment with ions, atoms or molecules; used to prepare a thin layer of material on an object.
Evaporation
The transformation of a portion of a fluid into vapor, in order to obtain the fixed matter contained in it in a state of greater consistence.
Sputtering
The noise of something spattering or sputtering explosively;
He heard a spatter of gunfire
Evaporation
That which is evaporated; vapor.
Sputtering
Emitting or making sporadic spitting or popping sounds;
The sputtering engine
Spluttering electric arcs
Evaporation
See Vaporization.
Sputtering
Deposition technique in thin-film production.
The sputtering process creates uniform coatings on semiconductors.
Evaporation
The process of becoming a vapor
Evaporation
The process of extracting moisture
Evaporation
The act of vaporizing a liquid.
Heat speeds up the evaporation of alcohol.
Common Curiosities
How does sputtering work?
Sputtering works by bombarding a solid target with high-energy ions, causing atoms to be ejected and deposited onto a substrate.
Is sputtering used in electronics manufacturing?
Yes, sputtering is widely used in the manufacturing of semiconductors and other electronic components.
Where does evaporation occur naturally?
Evaporation naturally occurs in bodies of water like lakes, rivers, and oceans.
What is evaporation?
Evaporation is the process where a liquid turns into a gas at temperatures below its boiling point.
What energy source drives evaporation?
Evaporation is driven by thermal energy.
Can evaporation be used for purification?
Yes, evaporation is used in distillation processes to purify liquids.
Does evaporation affect the weather?
Yes, evaporation is a key component in the water cycle, influencing weather patterns.
Does evaporation require high temperatures?
No, evaporation can occur at temperatures below the boiling point of a liquid, as long as the surface molecules have enough energy to escape.
What environments are necessary for sputtering?
Sputtering requires a vacuum environment and an ion source, typically created by a plasma.
What materials can be sputtered?
Various materials, including metals, alloys, and compounds, can be sputtered for thin-film deposition.
Can evaporation be influenced by humidity?
Yes, lower humidity levels increase the rate of evaporation.
Is sputtering a fast process?
Sputtering can be a rapid process due to the high-energy ion impacts.
Does evaporation leave residue?
Evaporation leaves behind any dissolved solids, as the liquid turns to vapor.
Is sputtering limited to specific industries?
Sputtering is primarily used in electronics, optics, and materials science industries.
Is sputtering a natural process?
No, sputtering is a controlled industrial process used in material science and manufacturing.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
