Scion Plasma

Scion Plasma LLC is a technology company founded in 2018 as a spin-off from Michigan State University that specializes in advanced plasma solutions for industrial and academic applications. The company develops and manufactures a core portfolio of patented broad-beam ion sources, high-efficiency magnetron sputtering cathodes, and power supplies designed for seamless integration into vacuum systems. Complementing its hardware, Scion Plasma offers ASTRA, a cloud-based simulation software platform that utilizes particle-in-cell Monte Carlo collision (PIC-MCC) methods. By integrating innovative algorithms, this software overcomes traditional computational constraints, allowing researchers and engineers to rapidly simulate low-temperature plasma discharges at industrial scales.

These solutions are engineered to support thin-film deposition, surface engineering, and process optimization in sectors such as semiconductors, electronics, and solar energy. By providing precise control over ion energy and flux, Scion Plasma’s technologies enable benefits like improved film quality, enhanced optical transmittance, and the capability for room-temperature material growth. The company collaborates with researchers and manufacturers to deliver scalable, cost-effective technologies, often supported by government-funded research programs. Their tools help address common manufacturing challenges, such as process stability and material density, ultimately accelerating the development of advanced thin-film materials and plasma-based devices.