Influence of the HiPIMS voltage on the time resolved platinum ions energy distributions

International audienceHigh Power Impulse magnetron sputtering (HiPIMS) is a common way to create a high and dense ionized metallic vapor without the use of an alternative ionizing device, like radio frequency loops. HiPIMS has been used to perform the deposition of platinum thin films in order to control their morphology. This feature known to depend on the energy of the Pt species incoming onto the substrate during the deposition has to be carefully studied. Therefore, it's necessary to study the ions energy distribution during the sputtering pulse and to follow its evolution with the HiPIMS regime. Pictures of this evolution are presented

Tropical field stations yield high conservation return on investment

Conservation funding is currently limited; cost-effective conservation solutions are essential. We suggest that the thousands of field stations worldwide can play key roles at the frontline of biodiversity conservation and have high intrinsic value. We assessed field stations’ conservation return on investment and explored the impact of COVID-19. We surveyed leaders of field stations across tropical regions that host primate research; 157 field stations in 56 countries responded. Respondents reported improved habitat quality and reduced hunting rates at over 80% of field stations and lower operational costs per km2 than protected areas, yet half of those surveyed have less funding now than in 2019. Spatial analyses support field station presence as reducing deforestation. These ‘earth observatories’ provide a high return on investment; we advocate for increased support of field station programs and for governments to support their vital conservation efforts by investing accordingly