QCM - Quartz Crystal Microbalance for PVD Thickness Monitoring

May 1, 2025 · 1 min read
projects
May 2025 • Stuttgart

Project Conception & Goal

Initiated the QCM project in Stuttgart with the core objective of building a precise quartz crystal microbalance device capable of measuring the thickness of metal layers deposited via PVD technology.

June - July 2025 • Validation

Oscilloscope Testing & Circuit Design

Conducted initial oscillator circuit tests using an oscilloscope without an MCU. Designed the oscillator schematic using the SN74LVC1G04DCKR driver for accurate frequency measurement.

First Prototype Testing Setup Oscilloscope Signal Testing
August 2025 • Hardware Realization

PCB Ordering & ESP32-S3 Integration

Selected the ESP32-S3 microcontroller to handle data processing and integrated the SN74LVC1G04 driver. Ordered the custom PCB from JLCPCB and verified mechanical dimensions and 3D models.

Schematic Oscillating Circuit PCB QCM Layout 3D Model Viewer of QCM PCB
September 2025 • Software & Ecosystem

Desktop Application & Bootcamp

Developed the desktop application interface (by Andrei Copaceanu) to visualize frequency shifts and layer thickness. Participated in the 1health Biotech Bootcamp to showcase technical implementations.

Desktop Application Interface 1health Biotech Bootcamp Diploma
Testing & Results

Prototype Assembly & Final Testing

Assembled the physical prototype, tested crystal oscillation performance with the custom hardware board, and validated overall system integration.

Final Device Prototype Testing
Embedded Systems ESP32-S3 PCB Design QCM PVD Deposition Hardware Development Desktop App
Cătălin Creciunel
Authors
Cătălin Creciunel (he/him)
Research Scientist & Embedded Systems Engineer
Cătălin Creciunel is a graduate of the Technical University of Moldova, specializing in microelectronics and nanotechnology. With over 5 years of experience as a Research Scientist, he has developed innovative solutions for semiconductor materials including ZnO, GaP, and InP through thermal treatment and anodization techniques. His expertise spans embedded software development in Python and C/C++, hardware design using CAD tools, and nanotechnology research including semiconductor and composite nanofiber production. Cătălin is dedicated to advancing technology through continuous learning and innovative contributions to microelectronics and embedded systems.