Sputtering cathode adapter assembly and method
US6998033B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | May 14, 2003 |
| Grant date | Feb 14, 2006 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 9, 2023 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
- CPC primaryC23C14/3407
- WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
An adapter assembly is provided for supporting a sputtering cathode in a fixed opening in the chamber of a sputter coating machine. The assembly includes: one of several adapter bodies, each configured to support, in the fixed opening, a target of one of a plurality of sizes and types, and at one of several target-to-substrate spacings; one of several insulator rings, each for a target of a different size or type; one of several dark-space shields, each for a target of a different size, type, material, or processing pressure; and one of several adapter shields, each for a different adapter body and target material. Only the shields accumulate deposits and require cleaning or replacement. The dark-space shield is spaced from the target rim by a gap of at 0.045 to 0.067 inches to form a deep narrow space that prevents deposits onto the insulator ring while avoiding arcing and plasma formation in the gap. A method is provided for existing sputtering machines with the assembly, which accommodates different targets and processes.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.