Target Preparation Research Articles

Grain refinement for indium zinc oxide ceramic targets by praseodymium doped induced blocked boundary migration

How to refine the grain has been a difficult problem in the preparation of high-performance ceramic targets. In this work, the doping-induced grain refinement strategy was proposed, indium zinc oxide doped with different concentrations of Pr (Pr-doped IZO, PrIZO) targets were obtained by optimizing the sintering time and holding temperature. Effects of Pr doping content on the density, phase microevolution, grain size and resistivity during the densification process as well as the kinetics of the grain growth and the mechanism of grain refinement of PrIZO targets were investigated in detail. The results demonstrated that PrIZO targets with the atomic ratios of Pr:In:Zn=0.01-0.03:1:1 all exhibited the excellent performance with high densification (>99.10%) and mere average grain size (<3.0 μm) at low sintering temperature of 1350 °C. Additionally, XRD and EDS analysis indicated that PrIZO targets were composed of In2O3 and Zn3In2O6 with slight PrInO3, which formed by the limited solid solubility of Pr element. Combined with theoretical calculations, it inferred that the mechanism of grain refinement was attributed to the solute transformation and fine PrInO3 distributed at the grain boundaries of In2O3 phases, which produced the drag effect of grain boundary migration, then hindering the further growth of grains.

A Versatile 100 Hz Laser System with Few-Cycle and TeraWatt Pulses for Applications

We developed a versatile 100 Hz laser system based on negatively and positively chirped pulse amplification. The few-cycle output provides pulses with 7.1 fs and 0.25 mJ, while the power output supports 26 fs pulses with 50 mJ. The energy as well as the pulse duration stability of the system are below 1%, while the pointing stability is within 25% of the diffraction-limited spot size. We also show applications in high repetition rate target development and preparation for a laser-generated X-ray source for industrial CT imaging.

Rhythm-based Temporal Expectations: Unique Contributions of Predictability and Periodicity.

Anticipating events and focusing attention accordingly are crucial for navigating our dynamic environment. Rhythmic patterns of sensory input offer valuable cues for temporal expectations and facilitate perceptual processing. Rhythm-based temporal expectations may rely on oscillatory entrainment, where neural activity and perceptual sensitivity synchronize with periodic stimuli. However, whether entrainment models can account for aperiodic predictable rhythms remains unclear. Our study aimed to delineate the distinct roles of predictability and periodicity in rhythm-based expectations. Participants performed a pitch-identification task preceded by periodic predictable, aperiodic predictable, or aperiodic unpredictable temporal sequences. By manipulating the temporal position of the target sound, we observed how auditory perceptual performance was modulated by the target position's relative phase relationship to the preceding sequences. Results revealed a significant performance advantage for predictable sequences, both periodic and aperiodic, compared with unpredictable ones. However, only the periodic sequence induced an entrained modulation pattern, with performance peaking in synchrony with the inherent sequence continuation. Event-related brain potentials corroborated these findings. The target-evoked P3b, possibly a neural marker of attention allocation, mirrored the behavioral performance patterns. This supports our hypothesis that temporal attention guided by rhythm-based expectations modulates perceptual performance. Furthermore, the predictive sequences were associated with enhanced target-preceding negativity (akin to the contingent negative variation), indicating enhanced target preparation. The periodic-specific modulation likely reflects more precise temporal expectations, potentially involving neural entrainment and/or more focused attention. Our findings suggest that predictability and periodicity influence perception through distinct mechanisms.

A-245 Evaluation of an Automated MALDI-TOF Target and Antimicrobial Susceptibility Suspension Preparation Instrument

Abstract Background Several studies have shown that the implementation of automation in microbiology laboratories may allow for increased volume growth without the need for additional staffing. One of the more recently available pieces of microbiology automation, the COPAN Colibri, automates the manual steps of colony spotting and preparation of targets for use on MALDI-TOF instruments for bacterial identification. This same instrument can also prepare a diluted bacterial inoculum for immediate use on automated susceptibility testing platforms. We wanted to evaluate the performance of both of these functions in real-time with clinical cultures, to determine if implementation would be beneficial over current workflows. Methods The COPAN Colibri was operated following the manufacturer’s recommendations with the exception of the identification of gram-positive organisms. The Colibri is FDA cleared for MALDI-TOF target spotting, however not with the use of formic acid, nor is it FDA cleared for susceptibility suspension preparation. Preliminary data suggested that addition of formic acid was necessary for accurate identification. A subset of cultures were digitally read in real-time as part of clinical workflows, selected for Colibri MALDI-TOF target spotting and Vitek2 suspension preparation using the COPAN WebApp software. Targets were run on the MALDI Bioptyper Sirius (Bruker) and suspensions were run on Vitek2 (BioMerieux) using the pre-dilution mode using GN-99 and GN-801 cards for appropriate organisms. All results were compared to standard manual workflows. Results A total of 145 gram-negative and 60 gram-positive organisms were picked for MALDI-target spotting on Colibri. Compared to standard testing, 144 (99%) gram-negative and 57 (95%) gram-positive Colibri spotted isolates matched expected species-level identifications. 97 Gram negative bacilli were run on Vitek 2 generating 95.52% categorical agreement across all drugs but with 13 major errors (MEs) and 2 very major errors (VMEs), which exceeded the acceptable percentage for certain drugs. The total number of failed runs was 13 (13.34% of total GNB isolates run), and all required complete resetting of MALDI-spotting and suspension preparation. Conclusions The Colibri performed well for MALDI-TOF target spotting with the addition of formic acid for gram-positive organisms. It did not perform within the acceptable range for susceptibility suspension preparation as it exceeded the recommended cutoffs for MEs and VMEs for certain drugs. The proportion of failed runs due to instrument errors may offset any advantages in labor savings due to the need for repeat set up.

Ultrasonic-assisted electrochemical strategy for ITO scraps recovery through anodic dissolution

The conversion of ITO scraps into oxide powders that can be employed to prepare targets is integral to the closed-loop utilization of scare metal indium. Herein, we present a novel route for electrochemical coupled ultrasonic recovery of ITO scraps, which averts the consumption of strong acids, alkalis and carbon containing reducing agents in traditional hydrometallurgical or pyrometallurgical recovery processes. In an ammonium salt solution, the ITO anode dissolves under the action of electrons: oxygen ions are oxidized, while metal ions are leached out, and then combines with hydroxide ions in the solution to form flocculent precipitates, which is attributed to the extremely low solubility product of indium hydroxide and tin hydroxide. The ultrasonic field can promote the mass transfer between the electrode and electrolyte interface, thereby accelerating the reaction process regulating the morphology and size of the product. After calcination, the precipitates become uniformly mixed nano-scale oxide powders with dimensions that meet the requirements for target preparation. The recycling strategy, with its green, straightforward operation, and feasible for scale-up, suggests potential industrial uses for recovering ITO scraps.

3D printed teeth with adhesive bridge preparation guide

In this study a 3D printed tooth with adhesive bridge preparation guide was designed and tested for feasibility and evaluated by students. The tooth, printed by a stereolithographic printer, consisted of two differently colored layers with an integrated adhesive bridge preparation. This showed the extent and thickness of the preparation. 42 dental students in the fourth year of their studies were trained in a voluntary course. The printed teeth were evaluated with a questionnaire using German school grades from 1 (best) to 6 (worst). The production of the printed teeth for the adhesive bridge preparation was feasible and inexpensive. Overall, the students rated the teeth as good (Ø1.9 ± 0.2) in the questionnaire and evaluated the teaching method positively in the free text questions. This method supported the students to visualize the target preparation and develop a self-assessment through the ability to control their work directly on their own. The feasibility of this teaching concept was confirmed. It is suitable for teaching of new preparations forms such as adhesive bridges. The color-coded integrated preparation in the printed teeth and the printed tooth model enabled the students to learn the preparation of an adhesive bridge independently.

Diagnostic performance of an automated robot for MALDI target preparation in microbial identification.

The MBT Pathfinder is an automated colony-picking robot designed for efficient sample preparation in matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight (MALDI-TOF) mass spectrometry. This article presents results from three key experiments evaluating the instrument's performance in conjunction with MALDI Biotyper instrument. The method comparison experiment assessed its clinical performance, demonstrating comparable results with gram-positive, gram-negative, and anaerobic bacteria (scores larger than 2.00) and superior performance over simple direct yeast transfer (score: 1.80) when compared to samples prepared manually. The repeatability experiment confirmed consistent performance over multiple days and labs (average log score: 2.12, std. deviation: 0.59). The challenge panel experiment showcased its consistent and accurate performance across various samples and settings, yielding average scores between 1.76 and 2.19. These findings underline the MBT Pathfinder as a reliable and efficient tool for MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry sample preparation in clinical and research applications.

Investigation of spitting effect in the boron target preparation using vapour deposition technique

Self-supported and carbon/aluminum-backed isotopically enriched thin boron targets were prepared by the vapour deposition technique using electron beam. To mitigate spitting effects observed during this process, boron powder was evaporated in both paste and pellet forms. Effective reduction of spitting was achieved by initially heating boron at low currents followed by its step-wise increase. Analysis of boron samples at various stages of evaporation was done by X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and Fourier-transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Direct exposure to high-energy electron beams contributed to a decrease in boron oxide and hydride compounds, thereby aiding in minimizing spitting. However, upon exposure to air, the evaporated film underwent surface oxidation, confirmed by Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM), Energy Dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) measurements. Further investigations into the longevity of the film (target) were conducted using optical microscopy and FTIR spectroscopy. These analyses revealed hydrogenation and oxidation of the film upon exposure to atmosphere, resulting in increased fragility and noticeable colour changes over time.

Docking and Structural Modification of Flavonoid Derivative Compounds as Cycloxygenas-2 Enzyme Inhibitors

Seven flavonoid compounds have the activity of inhibiting the cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzyme, thus providing an anti-inflammatory effect. Molecular docking analysis is needed to determine the binding interaction between flavonoid compounds and the cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzyme. Objective: This study aims to determine the interaction of flavonoid compounds with the cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzyme along with the modification of the flavonoid compound structure to increase the binding energy to the cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzyme. Method: Flavonoid derivative compounds were geometry optimized using VegaZZ software, then target preparation, ligand preparation, docking method validation, and docking analysis were carried out to obtain the interaction between flavonoid compounds and the cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) enzyme which is expressed as ∆G and interaction patterns, which include hydrogen bonds, amino acids and functional groups involved, using the program using PyRx-Python 0.8 - AutoDock Vina. Results: The interaction pattern of seven flavonoid derivative compounds with COX-2 enzyme showed hydrogen bonds with amino acids ARG 121, ILE 113, LEU 93, VAL 117. The interaction is similar to the interaction of protoporphrin ix containing co which is the original ligand of the target protein. There is no relationship between the inhibitory activity of flavonoid derivatives and the free energy value of binding (∆G). Modification of the new compound luteolin 7 glucosidase has a better amino acid interaction pattern, namely PRO 155, 154, ARG 44, TYR 131, LEU 153. Conclusions: The binding profile of flavonoid derivatives has the potential to be a candidate for oral cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) inhibitor compounds as an anti-inflammatory.

Optimisation of pulsed laser deposited Ba1-xKxBiO3 thin films with tunable superconducting properties by control of K doping level, x

The mid-TC superconductor Ba1-XKXBiO3 (BKBO) exhibits different superconducting mechanisms depending on x, in the range ∼ 0.35–0.65. The optimal doping for the highest TC is reported to be around x = 0.4. To understand more about the dependence of the superconducting mechanism on x, high quality and reproducible epitaxial films with controlled x are needed. This has been challenging owing to the volatility of K and (to a lesser extent) Bi. In this work, we use pulsed laser deposition (PLD) with several novel process steps to achieve high-quality films in a reproducible way. These include a modified method for target preparation, a low NO2 growth pressure, and precise positioning of substrates in the PLD plume. Optimum TC films (32 K onset) were grown from an x = 0.4 target, i.e. with no excess K, as is normally used. Stable, higher K content films (made from an x = 0.45 target), were also grown. These x = 0.45 films had a lower TC (22.5 K onset), as expected for (K) overdoped films, with very high upper critical field, HC2 (0 K), and irreversibility field, Hirr (0 K), values, from linear extrapolation, of ∼ 31.7 T and ∼ 28.8 T, respectively. The growth methodology demonstrated in this work is highly beneficial for fundamental mechanistic studies of this complex superconductor on which there is renewed interest, and where controlled compositions and crystalline quality are currently limited.

MEMBANGUN KESADARAN REMAJA : MENGATASI PERNIKAHAN DINI MELALUI PENDIDIKAN

Early marriage is a marriage under the age of the target preparation has not been said to be maximized in terms of physical preparation, mental preparation as well as material preparation. The Law of the Republic of Indonesia No.1 of 1974 regulates that marriage is only permitted if the man has reached the age of 19 years and the woman has reached the age of 16 years. Meanwhile, if based on health science, the ideal age that is biologically and psychologically mature is 20 to 25 years for women, then 25-30 years for men. The purpose of this research is to build adolescents' awareness that to overcome early marriage, it can be through education and also the role of parents is very important in the process of growing children to have a good mindset with education.The method used in this research is a qualitative method with data collection techniques using literature studies.The results showed that adolescents really need education in overcoming early marriage and the role of parents who must facilitate their children's education process so that a child can think critically before acting.

The Preparation of Thin Conductive Polyimide Foils for Nuclear Targets.

Thin and conductive plastic foils are of great interest to the target preparation and nuclear physics communities as a backing support for neutron-induced reaction measurements. This paper describes the preparation and characterization of thin, freestanding conductive polyimide films with an areal density suitable for target preparation in nuclear chemistry applications. The films were fabricated by blending a variety of graphene-based nanoparticles, a custom-made graphene suspension, and carbon nanotubes within a polymer matrix. The fabrication of freestanding polyimide films with an areal density of 30 μg/cm2 (∼210 nm) was both time-consuming and difficult. Here, a novel approach is described that employs a sacrificial layer and graphene material to make thin (pure and conductive) polyimide foils readily available within 24 h.

PENGARUH SISTEM PENGENDALIAN INTERNAL DAN KEJELASAN SASARAN ANGGARAN TERHADAP KINERJA MANAJERIAL DI PERUMDA TIRTA HIDAYAH KOTA BENGKULU

Manager participation in budget preparation and clarity of budget targets can influence performance with an effective internal control system. Research objectives (1) to determine the effect of the internal control system on managerial performance (2) to determine the effect of clarity of budget targets on managerial performance, (3) to determine the effect of the internal control system and clarity of budget targets on managerial performance. The research was carried out at Perumda Tirta Hidayah, Bengkulu City. Respondents were all 47 managerial people. Data collection used a Google Form questionnaire, shared online via WhatsApp messages. Data analysis uses multiple linear regression models and is processed with SPSS software. The results of the research that has been carried out show that partially the internal control system variables have a positive effect on the managerial performance of Perumda Tirta Hidayah, Bengkulu City. Partially, clarity of budget targets has a positive effect on the managerial performance of Perumda Tirta Hidayah, Bengkulu City. Simultaneously, the variables of the internal control system and clarity of budget targets have a positive effect on the managerial performance of Perumda Tirta Hidayah, Bengkulu City Keywords: Internal Control System, Clarity of Budget Targets, Managerial Performance

Pressed Solid Target Production of 89Zr and its Application for Antibody Labelling.

Zirconium-89 ( 89Zr, t1/2=3.27d) is an important + emitting radionuclide used in Positron Emission Tomography (PET) immuno studies due to its unique characteristics and increased demand due to simple and cost-effective production capacity. Production of 89Zr is achieved primarily through solid natural yttrium targets via different target preparation methodologies, such as electrodeposition, pressed foils, and spark plasma sintering. In this study, we have investigated the pressed solid target methodology. The Yttrium Oxide (Y2O3) powder was pressed to pellet form and stacked over a different back support plate, such as platinum (Pt), niobium (Nb), and tantalum (Ta). The target was irradiated with approximately 12 MeV proton beam for 10-60 minutes at 20µA current. The irradiated target was purified through a solid phase extraction method via hydroxamate-based resin by manual or automatic approach. The purified 89Zr was analyzed using gamma scintigraphy, and specific activity was calculated through Deferoxamine (DFO) chelation. 89Zr radionuclide via pressed target was effectively produced with a production yield of 20-30 MBq/µA.h, and the purification was achieved in 35 minutes with (87.46)% average recovery and >98% purity while using automated purification, but manual purification took 2 hours with (91 ± 2)% recovery and >98% purity. The production yield was comparable to the reported pressed target approach. Deferoxamine (DFO) chelation with 89Zr-oxalate was performed with purity >98% and specific activity of 25-30 µCi/mmol. In this study, we explored the production of 89Zr by pressed targets and purification via manual or automated methods with good radionuclide purity. The chelation with DFO or its analog was performed with good labeling efficiency and stability</p>.

Preparation of high-density and excellent bending strength pure tungsten target by hot oscillatory pressing sintering and its magnetron sputtering coating

The high-strength, high-density pure tungsten (W) targets were fabricated using hot oscillatory pressing (HOP) sintering. This study examined the influence of sintering temperature, oscillation frequency, amplitude, and median pressure on the relative density, grain size, and bending strength of the tungsten targets. A tungsten target exhibiting a relative density of 99.51%, a grain size of 2.95 μm, a bending strength of 1200.1 MPa, and a purity of 99.95% was synthesized at a sintering temperature of 1600 °C, an oscillation pressure of 60 ± 15 MPa, and a frequency of 1 Hz. Grain rearrangement and plastic deformation (dislocation movement and grain boundary slip) were identified as the primary mechanisms for grain refinement and densification, respectively. The key strengthening mechanism was sub-grain boundary strengthening. The optimal tungsten target was utilized for magnetron sputtering on a reduced activation ferritic/martensitic (RAFM) steel substrate. The effects of sputtering time, power, deposition pressure, and substrate temperature on the crystallinity, roughness, thickness, and bonding force of the tungsten films were investigated. The optimal magnetron sputtering process was achieved by sputtering for 45 min at a power of 60 W, a deposition pressure of 15 Pa, and a substrate temperature of 100 °C. This resulted in dense W films with excellent comprehensive properties, including a roughness of Ra = 8.73 nm, Rq = 3.34 nm, a thickness of 999.05 nm, and a bonding force of 2.57 N.

SwissDock 2024: major enhancements for small-molecule docking with Attracting Cavities and AutoDock Vina.

Drug discovery aims to identify potential therapeutic compounds capable of modulating the activity of specific biological targets. Molecular docking can efficiently support this process by predicting binding interactions between small molecules and macromolecular targets and potentially accelerating screening campaigns. SwissDock is a computational tool released in 2011 as part of the SwissDrugDesign project, providing a free web-based service for small-molecule docking after automatized preparation of ligands and targets. Here, we present the latest version of SwissDock, in which EADock DSS has been replaced by two state-of-the-art docking programs, i.e. Attracting Cavities and AutoDock Vina. AutoDock Vina provides faster docking predictions, while Attracting Cavities offers more accurate results. Ligands can be imported in various ways, including as files, SMILES notationor molecular sketches. Targets can be imported as PDB files or identified by their PDB ID. In addition, advanced search options are available both for ligands and targets, giving users automatized access to widely-used databases. The web interface has been completely redesigned for interactive submission and analysis of docking results. Moreover, we developed a user-friendly command-line access which, in addition to all options of the web site, also enables covalent ligand docking with Attracting Cavities. The new version of SwissDock is freely available at https://www.swissdock.ch/.

Sintering densification behavior of nano-ITO powder with high oxygen vacancy induced via plasma stimulation

With the growing electronics display industry, indium tin oxide (ITO) powder plays a crucial role in target preparation. To enhance the sintering performance of ITO powder, a high-activity nano ITO powder was prepared using plasma spraying, and compared to a commercial powder. This study aimed to investigate the effects of different preparation methods on powder morphology, dispersibility, oxygen vacancy concentration, and the physical properties of powders on target density, surface morphology, grain size, element distribution, and solid solubility. The results indicate that the plasma spraying high-activity nano ITO powder exhibits better dispersibility, higher oxygen vacancy concentration, and a specific surface area of up to 88.39 m2/g compared to the commercial powder. Under normal pressure sintering conditions, plasma spraying nanoscale ITO powder exhibits higher sintering activity, leading to easier densification of ceramic targets with reduced porosity, more uniform surface grains, and significant stepped growth between surface grains. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) analysis suggests that targets prepared with high-activity powder have greater tin solubility in indium oxide compared to traditional commercial ceramic targets. This article further explores the relationship between powder specific surface area, oxygen vacancy, and sintering activity, along with the formation mechanism of high oxygen vacancy.

Synthesis of High Entropy Alloy Nanoparticles by Pulsed Laser Ablation in Liquids: Influence of Target Preparation on Stoichiometry and Productivity

AbstractHigh entropy alloys (HEAs) have a wide range of applications across various fields, including structural engineering, biomedical science, catalysis, magnetism, and nuclear technology. Nanoscale HEA particles show promising catalytic properties. Nevertheless, attaining versatile composition control in nanoparticles poses a persistent challenge. This study proposes the use of pulsed laser ablation in liquids (PLAL) for synthesizing nanoparticles using equiatomic CoCrFeMnNi targets with varied preparation methods. We evaluate the impact of target preparation method on nanoparticle yield and composition as well as the magnetic properties of the nanoparticles. The elemental powder‐pressed heat‐treated target (HEA‐PP), identified as the most time‐efficient and cost‐effective, exhibits noticeable segregation and non‐uniform elemental distribution compared to ball milled hot‐pressed powder (HEA‐BP) and face‐centered cubic (FCC) single crystal (HEA‐SX) alloy targets. From all targets, nanoparticles (sizes from 2 to 120 nm) can be produced in ethanol with a nearly equiatomic CoCrFeMnNi composition and a FCC structure, showing oxidation of up to 20 at.%. Nanoparticles from HEA‐PP exist in a solid solution state, while those from HEA‐BP and HEA‐SX form core‐shell structures with a Mn shell due to inhomogeneous material expulsion, confirmed by mass spectrometry. HEA‐PP PLAL synthesis demonstrates 6.8 % and 15.1 % higher productivity compared to HEA‐BP and HEA‐SX, establishing PLAL of elemental powder‐pressed targets as a reliable, time‐efficient, and cost‐effective method for generating solid solution HEA nanoparticles.

Temporal pre-pulse shaping in dual pulse laser produced plasma for the optimization of the EUV source in tin microdroplet system

Dual-laser beams interacting with small droplets of liquid tin are currently the most efficient systems for producing the 13.5 nm EUV photon radiation source required for the next generation microchips. Usually, EUV light is produced during the second main-pulse stage, while the pre-pulse (PP) is used for target preparation, i.e., droplet preheating, vaporization, and target deformation. However, the PP laser energy can be utilized more efficiently if the EUV producing plasma is being developed during the PP stage as well. In this work, we study the ways of optimization of the PP laser temporal shape to achieve conditions for maximum EUV output during the pre-pulse. The size of the deformed droplet is kept optimized for the following main laser pulse. Our simulations showed a significant increase in the EUV output at the pre-pulse stage when a ramping profile is used for the laser temporal shape. Using the ramped square pre-pulse produces 24% gain in the EUV output in comparison with the standard Gaussian temporal profile (i.e., regular Nd:YAG shape) for the same energy of the laser pulse.

Deposition of Sn-Zr-Se precursor by thermal evaporation and PLD for the synthesis of SnZrSe3 thin films

Background ABX3 (X=Se, S) chalcogenides are an emerging class of materials for sustainable photovoltaics. Among ABX3 materials, BaZrS3 has gained the highest community interest. BaZrS3 is the wide bandgap absorber (&gt; 1.7 eV) and therefore is intended for application as a top sub-cell in multijunction devices. However, narrow band gap ABX3 compounds have drawn little attention although this could potentially open the path for fabrication of multijunction solar cells based entirely on ABX3 materials. SnZrSe3 is a narrow bandgap semiconductor with an absorption edge located at around 1.0 eV, but there are no reports on the formation of SnZrSe3 thin films thus far. In this work, therefore, we aim to obtain SnZrSe3 thin films by sublimation methods. Methods Thermal evaporation and pulsed laser deposition (PLD) techniques were used to deposit Sn-Zr-Se precursor films. SnZrSe3 powder was synthesized and used as a source material for evaporation and PLD target preparation. Precursor films were deposited by PLD from single-phase and binary selenide targets. Results We found that using SnZrSe3 powder, only SnSe films were deposited under various conditions by thermal evaporation. Precursor films obtained by PLD from single-phase targets were amorphous and comprised SnSe2 and a-Se phases whereas using binary targets crystalline SnSe and a-Se were detected. Thermogravimetric analysis revealed that SnZrSe3 was thermally stable up to 450 °C and afterwards decomposed into SnSe, Se and ZrSe2-x. Conclusions Using methods described in this work, we were not able to achieve congruent sublimation of SnZrSe3 because of the following reasons: (i) upon energetic excitation, SnZrSe3 decomposes into compounds with very different vapour pressure; (ii) inability to substitute O with Se due to very high chemical affinity of Zr and O. Direct sublimation methods are challenging for formation of SnZrSe3 thin films and other techniques, such as co-evaporation should be explored.