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Device for generating a plasma by means of cathode sputtering and microwave-irradiation

Assignee: Balzers und Leybold Deutschland Holding AG
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Filing: 1993-08-17
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Granted: 1995-03-14
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Expires: 2013-08-17
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Abstract

Abstract The invention relates to a device for generating a plasma by means of cathode sputtering and microwave irradiation. This device comprises a magnetron cathode over which is placed a microwave cavity resonator at the atmosphere side. At the vacuum side the device comprises laterally delimiting shielding sheets which on their inside are provided with a magnet which generates a magnetic field perpendicular to the surface of the target of the magnetron cathode.

Inventors

  • 👤 Roland Gesche
  • 👤 Rudolf Latz

Bibliographic Details

Application Number —
Jurisdiction US
Data Source google_patents
Last Synchronized 2026-11-07 19:48
CPC Classifications
H; H01; H01J; H01J37/00; H01J37/32; H01J37/32431; H01J37/3266; H01J37/32669; H01J37/32009; H01J37/32192; H01J37/32211; H01J37/32229; H01J37/32623; H01J37/32651; H01J37/34; H01J37/3402; H01J37/3405; H01J37/3411; H01J37/345; H01J37/3452; H01J37/3461

Claims Analysis

Total Claims: 10
Claim 1
Independent Claim 104 words
A device for generating a plasma by means of cathode sputtering and microwave irradiation, comprising a) a plasma chamber; b) a sputtering target in the plasma chamber connected via an electrode to a power supply; c) a magnetron magnet structure positioned behind the sputtering target whose magnetic field exits from the target and again enters it; d) a microwave transmitter which transmits microwaves via a waveguide into the region in front of the target, whereat parallel shielding sheets are provided opposite the target surface; and e) a magnet provided on the shielding sheets for generating a field which extends essentially perpendicular to the target.
Claim 2
Independent Claim 104 words
A device for generating a plasma by means of cathode sputtering and microwave irradiation, comprising a) a plasma chamber; b) a sputtering target in the plasma chamber connected via an electrode to a power supply; c) a magnetron magnet structure positioned behind the sputtering target whose magnetic field exits from the target and again enters it; d) a microwave transmitter which transmits microwaves via a waveguide into the region in front of the target, whereat parallel shielding sheets are provided opposite the target surface; and e) a magnet provided on the shielding sheets for generating a field which extends essentially perpendicular to the target.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim 25 words
A device as in claim 1, wherein the magnet is an electromagnet comprising a coil wound around the inner space defined by said shielding sheets.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim 13 words
A device as in claim 1, wherein the magnet is a dc magnet.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim 13 words
A device as in claim 1, wherein the magnet is an ac magnet.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim 35 words
A device as in claim 1, wherein the plasma chamber is disposed in a housing on whose outside is disposed the waveguide connected with the plasma volume via microwave-permeable seals and at least one gap.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim 17 words
A device as in claim 5, wherein the seals comprise Teflon elements each with a sealing ring.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim 15 words
A device as in claim 6, wherein the Teflon elements function as a lower resonator.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim 26 words
A device as in claim 1, wherein the shielding sheets comprise integrated gas feed lines which comprise a plurality of holes directed into the plasma volume.
Claim 10
Dependent Claim 18 words
A device as in claim 1, wherein the shielding sheets comprise gas feed lines surrounded by shield angles.

References Cited (Backward Citations)

US4610770A Cited
US4721553A Cited
DE3500328A1 Cited
DE3920834A1 Cited
JPH03253561A Cited
US5230784A Cited

USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows

Annuity Stage Window Opens Payment Deadline Surcharge Period Until Estimated Fee Status
3.5 Years (Year 4) 1998-03-13 1998-09-12 1999-03-14 $2000.00 Window Closed / Lapsed
7.5 Years (Year 8) 2002-03-13 2002-09-12 2003-03-14 $3760.00 Window Closed / Lapsed
11.5 Years (Year 12) 2006-03-13 2006-09-12 2007-03-14 $7700.00 Window Closed / Lapsed

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