Challenge

One of the most complex technical challenges for clean room manufacturing is Airborne Molecular Contamination (AMC). When this occurs, it can be detrimental to the entire manufacturing processes.
Excelitas, the technology leader in delivering photonic innovations, is reliant on dedicated cleanrooms to meet the needs of its global customers. The company recognised a need to start monitoring its cleanroom for AMC and specifically the ability to characterise the levels of ambient acids and amines. Finding reliable data quickly in very specific locations is of paramount importance.

Benefit to customer

Particle Measuring Systems’ AirSentry II AMC Monitoring family of ion mobility spectrometers, detect small concentrations or changes in airborne levels of chlorides, acids, amines and ammonia-containing species. These point-of-use sensors provide fast response, increased detection and repeatable performance. In addition, the AirSentry units can be fitted to mobile carts to enable customers to map different levels of contamination around their cleanrooms. Through the use of the AirSentry II, Excelitas was able to establish significant levels of process control by installing permanent point of use analysers to measure total amines and total concentrations on a 24x7 basis.

Customers are at the heart of PMS’ business. Its dedicated team of application engineers also assisted Excelitas with on-site startup and calibration. With PMS’ expertise, Excelitas added new filtration and specialty equipment, to enable defect-free manufacturing.

"We are pleased that our production employees can now be confident that AMCs will not cause hidden defects in our optical components. Crucially, our customers know that if AMC levels ever drift out of control, we can make data driven decisions in real-time.” Deb Casher Cleaning Process Engineer, Excelitas