Ion Milling

Ion milling is a precise technique used to remove material from a surface by bombarding it with a focused beam of high-energy ions, typically argon ions. This process etches away unwanted layers at a microscopic level, often for preparing samples in electronics or materials research. The ions physically sputter atoms from the surface, allowing detailed cleaning, smoothing, or shaping without applying heat. Because it provides fine control over material removal, ion milling is valuable for exposing internal structures or creating very smooth surfaces in scientific and industrial applications.