is the cofounder and current owner of Plasma Process Group, an ion beam systems, sources, and components company in Windsor Colorado, Brett Buchholtz is an industry recognized leader in ion beam technology. Brett completed his master’s degree at Colorado State University where he studied under Dr. Paul Wilbers, focusing on Electron Propulsion Systems (ion engines for space propulsion, cool stuff). Brett went on to work at Ion Tech, a Fort Collins, Colorado company that was an early leader in ion beam technology. Following the acquisition of Ion Tech by Veeco Instruments in 1999, Brett moved on and founded Plasma Process Group.

“It’s a small group and we all have to be experts in ion beam systems, sources, and their associated processes. I enjoy the challenges and being on the front line of the most advanced thin film technology in the world,” commented Brett when asked about his motivation and passion for ion beam technology.

His background includes an extensive knowledge of ion beam systems, associated hardware (substrate handling, target assemblies, ion optics/grids, etc.), as well as a limitless amount of process and applications knowledge.