Patent · US Active

Sputtering apparatus including cathode with rotatable targets, and related methods

US10586689B2 · kind B2 · utility

1Cited by
48References
8Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJul 31, 2009
Grant dateMar 10, 2020
Priority date
Expiry dateJan 24, 2030

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
  • CPC primaryH01J37/3435
  • WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
  • WIPO sectorElectrical engineering

Abstract

Certain example embodiments relate to sputtering apparatuses that include a plurality of targets such that a first one or ones of target(s) may be used for sputtering in a first mode, while a second one or ones of target(s) may be used for sputtering in a second mode. Modes may be switched in certain example embodiments by rotating the position of the targets, e.g., such that one or more target(s) to be used protrude into the main chamber of the apparatus, while one or more target(s) to be unused are recessed into a body portion of a cathode of (e.g., integrally formed with) the sputtering apparatus. The targets may be cylindrical magnetic targets or planar targets. At least one target location also may be made to accommodate an ion beam source.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.