The Leading PVD systems and instruments supplier for thin-films and nanoparticles
Customizable, High-Performance Solutions for Advanced Thin-Film and Nanoparticle Deposition
Who are we?
Nikalyte Ltd is a leading global supplier of advanced PVD systems and instruments for thin film and nanoparticle deposition, catering to both R&D and commercial sectors. Our customizable solutions are engineered to support groundbreaking research in areas like quantum materials, metamaterials, nanophotonics, cell binding, cell separation, drug delivery, catalysis, electrochemistry, and battery technology.
With expertise in nanoparticle and thin film coatings, our experienced technical team also provides consultancy services to optimize and upgrade ultra-high vacuum (UHV) systems. Nikalyte’s high-performance deposition tools are trusted by universities, research institutes, and industrial innovators worldwide.
Our Expertise
Expert System Design Capability
Experts in nanoparticle production in vacuum
PVD System Refurbishment, Upgrades, and servicing
Techniques: magnetron sputtering, e-beam / thermal evaporation, plasma treatment
Hydrocarbon-free, non-Agglomerated nanoparticle coatings
Consultancy Services for Nanoparticle and Thin Film Coatings
Our Founders
Alistair Kean
Alistair has a background in physics with a Ph.D. from the University of St. Andrews. He spent several years in academia before moving into industry and working in the area of semiconductors and optoelectronics. For the past fifteen years his main area of focus has been the formation and application of Nanosurfaces and nanoparticles. Alistair is a consultant to several companies. In May 2019 he became Professor of Medical Nanotechnology at the University of the Highlands and Islands in Inverness where he hopes to expand public awareness of the application of nanoscience to life sciences and healthcare
Dave Mason
As a mechanical engineer, Dave has worked in the vacuum industry for over 30 years. He is experienced in specification, design, test, installation, service & support. Vacuum deposition equipment is his speciality. Designing and putting into production the NL50 integrated nanoparticle deposition system and to make it simple, rugged and reliable is just the kind of challenge he relishes. He looks forward to the opportunity to design, build and put into production more new ground-breaking vacuum deposition equipment which will introduce nanoparticle technology to new and existing markets.
Srinivasa Rao Saranu
Saranu (Rao) is a research and data scientist with an analytical mind and passion for all things AI, nanotechnology & data analytics. He specializes in product development, data analytics, design, and modelling and has extensive experience with advanced mathematics, statistics, and applied machine learning techniques. Rao has worked in the nanoparticle deposition industry for over 20 years and has collaborated with researchers from around the world to develop novel nanoparticle coatings and applications.
Mark Vaughan
Mark has over thirty years’ of experience in the PVD sector, spanning both research and manufacturing environments across government and private industry. He has a proven track record in advanced R&D, having been involved in cutting-edge research projects with CSIRO Australia before moving into technical leadership roles in the UK. He was CTO of Mantis Deposition Ltd and continues to apply deep expertise in vacuum technologies and associated manufacturing techniques on a consulting basis through his company – Alvet Vacuum Coatings Ltd. Mark’s work with Nikalyte has been to lead the optimisation and product development of silver and gold SERS substrates, overseeing lifecycle testing and production scale-up. He has also applied his extensive vacuum engineering background to advance Nikalyte’s vacuum systems and deposition source product lines. Mark holds an Applied Physics degree from Central Queensland University