WO1998003988A2 - Cathode arc source and graphite target - Google Patents
Cathode arc source and graphite target Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO1998003988A2 WO1998003988A2 PCT/GB1997/001992 GB9701992W WO9803988A2 WO 1998003988 A2 WO1998003988 A2 WO 1998003988A2 GB 9701992 W GB9701992 W GB 9701992W WO 9803988 A2 WO9803988 A2 WO 9803988A2
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- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- target
- field
- magnetic field
- arc
- graphite
- Prior art date
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Classifications
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01J—ELECTRIC DISCHARGE TUBES OR DISCHARGE LAMPS
- H01J37/00—Discharge tubes with provision for introducing objects or material to be exposed to the discharge, e.g. for the purpose of examination or processing thereof
- H01J37/32—Gas-filled discharge tubes
- H01J37/32009—Arrangements for generation of plasma specially adapted for examination or treatment of objects, e.g. plasma sources
- H01J37/32055—Arc discharge
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- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C23—COATING METALLIC MATERIAL; COATING MATERIAL WITH METALLIC MATERIAL; CHEMICAL SURFACE TREATMENT; DIFFUSION TREATMENT OF METALLIC MATERIAL; COATING BY VACUUM EVAPORATION, BY SPUTTERING, BY ION IMPLANTATION OR BY CHEMICAL VAPOUR DEPOSITION, IN GENERAL; INHIBITING CORROSION OF METALLIC MATERIAL OR INCRUSTATION IN GENERAL
- C23C—COATING METALLIC MATERIAL; COATING MATERIAL WITH METALLIC MATERIAL; SURFACE TREATMENT OF METALLIC MATERIAL BY DIFFUSION INTO THE SURFACE, BY CHEMICAL CONVERSION OR SUBSTITUTION; COATING BY VACUUM EVAPORATION, BY SPUTTERING, BY ION IMPLANTATION OR BY CHEMICAL VAPOUR DEPOSITION, IN GENERAL
- C23C14/00—Coating by vacuum evaporation, by sputtering or by ion implantation of the coating forming material
- C23C14/06—Coating by vacuum evaporation, by sputtering or by ion implantation of the coating forming material characterised by the coating material
- C23C14/0605—Carbon
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- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C23—COATING METALLIC MATERIAL; COATING MATERIAL WITH METALLIC MATERIAL; CHEMICAL SURFACE TREATMENT; DIFFUSION TREATMENT OF METALLIC MATERIAL; COATING BY VACUUM EVAPORATION, BY SPUTTERING, BY ION IMPLANTATION OR BY CHEMICAL VAPOUR DEPOSITION, IN GENERAL; INHIBITING CORROSION OF METALLIC MATERIAL OR INCRUSTATION IN GENERAL
- C23C—COATING METALLIC MATERIAL; COATING MATERIAL WITH METALLIC MATERIAL; SURFACE TREATMENT OF METALLIC MATERIAL BY DIFFUSION INTO THE SURFACE, BY CHEMICAL CONVERSION OR SUBSTITUTION; COATING BY VACUUM EVAPORATION, BY SPUTTERING, BY ION IMPLANTATION OR BY CHEMICAL VAPOUR DEPOSITION, IN GENERAL
- C23C14/00—Coating by vacuum evaporation, by sputtering or by ion implantation of the coating forming material
- C23C14/22—Coating by vacuum evaporation, by sputtering or by ion implantation of the coating forming material characterised by the process of coating
- C23C14/24—Vacuum evaporation
- C23C14/32—Vacuum evaporation by explosion; by evaporation and subsequent ionisation of the vapours, e.g. ion-plating
- C23C14/325—Electric arc evaporation
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- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C23—COATING METALLIC MATERIAL; COATING MATERIAL WITH METALLIC MATERIAL; CHEMICAL SURFACE TREATMENT; DIFFUSION TREATMENT OF METALLIC MATERIAL; COATING BY VACUUM EVAPORATION, BY SPUTTERING, BY ION IMPLANTATION OR BY CHEMICAL VAPOUR DEPOSITION, IN GENERAL; INHIBITING CORROSION OF METALLIC MATERIAL OR INCRUSTATION IN GENERAL
- C23C—COATING METALLIC MATERIAL; COATING MATERIAL WITH METALLIC MATERIAL; SURFACE TREATMENT OF METALLIC MATERIAL BY DIFFUSION INTO THE SURFACE, BY CHEMICAL CONVERSION OR SUBSTITUTION; COATING BY VACUUM EVAPORATION, BY SPUTTERING, BY ION IMPLANTATION OR BY CHEMICAL VAPOUR DEPOSITION, IN GENERAL
- C23C14/00—Coating by vacuum evaporation, by sputtering or by ion implantation of the coating forming material
- C23C14/22—Coating by vacuum evaporation, by sputtering or by ion implantation of the coating forming material characterised by the process of coating
- C23C14/34—Sputtering
- C23C14/3407—Cathode assembly for sputtering apparatus, e.g. Target
- C23C14/3414—Metallurgical or chemical aspects of target preparation, e.g. casting, powder metallurgy
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01J—ELECTRIC DISCHARGE TUBES OR DISCHARGE LAMPS
- H01J27/00—Ion beam tubes
- H01J27/02—Ion sources; Ion guns
- H01J27/08—Ion sources; Ion guns using arc discharge
- H01J27/14—Other arc discharge ion sources using an applied magnetic field
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01J—ELECTRIC DISCHARGE TUBES OR DISCHARGE LAMPS
- H01J37/00—Discharge tubes with provision for introducing objects or material to be exposed to the discharge, e.g. for the purpose of examination or processing thereof
- H01J37/32—Gas-filled discharge tubes
- H01J37/32431—Constructional details of the reactor
- H01J37/32532—Electrodes
- H01J37/32614—Consumable cathodes for arc discharge
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01J—ELECTRIC DISCHARGE TUBES OR DISCHARGE LAMPS
- H01J37/00—Discharge tubes with provision for introducing objects or material to be exposed to the discharge, e.g. for the purpose of examination or processing thereof
- H01J37/32—Gas-filled discharge tubes
- H01J37/32431—Constructional details of the reactor
- H01J37/3266—Magnetic control means
Definitions
- the invention relates to a cathode arc source, in particular a filtered cathode arc source.
- This invention also relates to a graphite target and to a method of making a graphite target, in particular, a graphite target for use in a filtered cathode arc source.
- the source of the invention is suitable for use with or without filtering apparatus, in particular a double bend filter duct as previously developed and described in International patent application no. PCT/GB96/00389, published as WO-A-96/26531 by the same inventors.
- Filtered cathode arc sources are used, inter alia, to produce thin diamond-like films on substrates, the diamond originating from a graphite target.
- a known graphite target is from PURE TECH INC., which has a density of about 1.8 g/cm 3 .
- the use of this known graphite target produces a cathodic arc which is typically spot-like and uses a high current density.
- a cathode arc spot usually has a diameter of about 1-1 O ⁇ m. This type of arc spot produces a large amount of macroparticles which contaminate tetrahedrai amorphous carbon (ta-C) films produced using known filtered cathode arc sources.
- Another graphite target is made by Cambridge University and has a density of about 1.6 g/cm 3 , pressed at about 200-250 MPa, at room temperature, using graphite having a particle size of about 1 micron (10 "6 m). In use, this target produces very little plasma and, consequently, a very low or zero rate of deposition after the filter section.
- the present invention seeks to provide a new design of cathode and anode and a new cathode target that, separately or in combination, eliminate or at least ameliorate some of the problems identified in the prior art. It is therefore an object of the invention to provide method and apparatus to generate an arc from a cathode target which in use emits fewer macroparticles compared to the prior art.
- a cathode arc source comprising a graphite cathode target and means for generating a magnetic field substantially normal to the target which has a point of zero field strength above the target surface.
- a cathode arc source for generating positive carbon ions from a cathode target, said ions being emitted in a direction substantially normal to a front surface of the cathode target, comprises a vacuum chamber and means for generating a magnetic field in the vacuum chamber, wherein the magnetic field has direction substantially normal to the front surface of the target and zero field strength at a position above the target and inside the vacuum chamber.
- the cathode arc source preferably comprises means for generating a first magnetic field proximal to the target and having a first field direction and means for generating a second magnetic field distal to the target and having a field direction opposite to that of the first magnetic field.
- the resultant magnetic field inside tne vacuum chamber includes a point at which the field strength is zero in a direction substantially normal to the front surface of the cathode target.
- the first and second magnetic fields are so positioned with respect to the target that the lateral field is enhanced in a region between the target and the substrate; the null point is preferably but not necessarily between the target and the substrate.
- the cathode arc source of the invention produces a beam of positive carbon ions having reduced numbers of macroparticles.
- the invention thus addresses the problem of how to remove macroparticles from a plasma of positive ions by control of a magnetic field, or a magnetic field resultant from two or more magnetic fields, within the vacuum chamber of the source so that fewer macroparticles are generated ab initio. Filtering of the plasma beam further to reduce macroparticles is an option and is a feature of preferred embodiments of the invention.
- the invention thus addresses how to reduce macroparticle count at the point of macroparticle formation, rather than by removing them once formed.
- a cathode arc source for generating positive ions from a graphite cathode target comprises means for generating a magnetic field wherein:
- positive ions emitted from a front surface of the target pass first through a magnetic field whose direction is substantially opposite to the direction of the positive ions, secondly through a point or region in which the magnetic field strength in that direction is zero and thirdly through a magnetic field whose direction is substantially the same as that of the positive ions.
- the latter field conveniently can be used to steer the positive ions, through filtering apparatus for example, towards a substrate.
- the field at the front surface of the target is away from the target towards the substrate, then there is a point or region of zero normal field and distally from the front surface the field direction is then reversed, i.e. towards the target.
- a point or region of zero field strength in a direction substantially normal to the front surface of the target is also referred to as a null point.
- a cathode arc source comprising a cooled graphite cathode target, a cooled anode, an arc power supply, a substrate, means for generating positive ions in an arc between the cathode and the anode and means for generating a magnetic field in a direction substantially normal to the cathode target which field has zero field strength at a position proximal to the target and located between the cathode target and the substrate.
- the field direction is towards the substrate and between the position of zero field strength and the target the field direction is towards the target.
- the desired magnetic field is conveniently resultant from two separate magnetic fields, one generated at or near the target and another at or near a position between the target and the substrate. Overlap of the two fields produces a null point through which positive ions pass en route to the substrate.
- an arc is struck at a graphite target while both first and second magnetic fields generating means are in operation.
- the arc in the resultant magnetic field is not as intense as in prior art sources but is instead diffuse, producing few if any of the so-called "red flies" that are characteristic of known cathode arc sources.
- the cathode arc source of a preferred embodiment comprises two magnetic field generating coils.
- the first coil is located above the target, and in use is between the target and the substrate.
- Such a magnetic field coil is conventionally found in filtered cathode arc sources as it provides a magnetic field to steer plasma produced from the target through filtering apparatus, that may for example comprise a single or a double bend and other filtering structures such as baffles, and towards the substrate.
- the field generated by the coil, substantially normal to the cathode target has its direction away from the target and towards the substrate.
- This cathode arc source also comprises a second magnetic field coil located below the target, that is to say the other side of the target from the substrate.
- This second coil generates a magnetic field substantially co-axial with but in a direction opposite from that generated by the first coil.
- the effect is that the field produced by the second coil partially counterbalances the field produced by the first coil such that, by adjustment of the relative field strengths, at a point above the target the normal field has a null point.
- the null point that is to say the point of zero field in a direction substantially normal to the front surface of the target, moves further away from or further towards the surface of the target.
- the first coil generates a magnetic field of a steady strength of around 50mT.
- the strength of the resultant field is measured in a lateral direction, and found to be between about 15mT and 35mT.
- the invention is for use with conventional arc power supplies and is not limited to particular field strengths but applies generally to cathode arc sources having crossed or reversed fields or otherwise providing a magnetic field with a null point between target and substrate.
- the strength of the resultant magnetic field affects both arc behaviour and deposition rate.
- the arc becomes more intense and is located closer to the target, a strong blue plasma is seen and there is a decrease in the deposition rate.
- the strength of the magnetic field at the target surface increases and sustaining the arc and striking the arc become problematic.
- ta-C film is deposited onto the target and onto the wall of the vacuum chamber. Once this occurs, re-striking of the target is virtually impossible as it is covered with ta-C film, insulating the target from the arc current.
- the null point is therefore chosen so as to be at an intermediate position, producing an arc having a diffuse arc flame and reduced arc spot intensity.
- finding suitable operating parameters may take some trial and error or calibration.
- a graphite target of 60mm diameter and a toroidal duct of 12cm (6 inches) diameter a magnetic field of about 50mT above the target and about 60mT in the reverse direction below the target, the null point is about 5cm above the front surface of the target, and blue plasma giving a useful deposition rate is obtained. Few "red flies" are observed in this arc, and the target is eroded evenly.
- the plasma beam produced by this cathode arc source can subsequently be filtered using conventional single or double bend ducts.
- Magnetic steering of the plasma beam is achieved because the plasma beam follows the field lines of the magnetic field as is well known in the art.
- the field strength substantially normal to the target is zero and there is a strong lateral field.
- the normal field strength is measured in the centre of the plasma beam.
- the lateral field strength is measured along the cylindrical wall of the anode.
- the walls of the chamber in which the cathode arc source is located are typically coated with carbon flakes, which glow at the point associated with a strong lateral field, so visual observation of the position of the zero normal field, i.e. the null point, can readily be made through a view-port.
- an arc source comprises a cathode located substantially centrally with a vacuum chamber.
- An inner surface of the chamber is grounded as an anode which thus surrounds the cathode and extends away from the cathode along the inner wall of the chamber.
- a graphite target is in electrical contact with the cathode and, to prevent arcing between the cathode (rather than the target) and anode, an electrically insulating shroud surrounds the cathode. It is preferred that distances from the outer edges of the target to the anode are substantially the same all the way round the target - for example, this is achieved by provision of a substantially circular target, centrally positioned within a cylindrical anode. In addition, the edge or edges of the target are optionally shrouded so that an arc is formed only between the anode and a front surface of the target.
- cooling is typically provided by a water cooled jacket around the anode and in which inlet of cold water occurs adjacent to the null point so as to provide maximum cooling where the anode is most heated.
- Water cooled anodes are known in the art, though these anodes typically have diameters similar to the target diameter. Current in magnet field coils above and below the target are adjusted so that both the null point and also the water inlet are approximately the same distance above the target surface.
- Existing filtered cathode arc sources may be modified according to the invention by addition of a second magnetic field coil at or below the target and having a reverse direction to that of the steering magnetic field coil already present.
- the target need be located at a significant distance from the coils of the magnetic steering field in order for arc striking and maintenance to be achieved.
- the invention using a reversing field around the target, decouples arc generation from plasma steering.
- the target can be closer to the magnetic steering field coil and strong steering fields can be used without affecting arc generation.
- the first aspect of the invention also provides a method of striking an arc at a graphite cathode target comprising:-
- the first and second magnetic fields can be generated from coils located, respectively, above and below the target, and the first coil optionally forms part of means for filtering macroparticles from plasma produced by the arc by steering the plasma through a single or double bend duct.
- the resultant field includes a null point above the target at which point field strength normal to the target is zero, and variation in the coil currents varies the distance of the null point from the target.
- a second aspect of the invention suitable for use separately or in combination with the arc source of the first aspect of the invention relates to a graphite target.
- a second aspect of the present invention provides a target comprising graphite powder of average size greater than 2 microns pressed under elevated temperature and pressure. Its typical density is in the range 1.7-2.0 g/cm 3 ; this target is for use in a cathode arc source.
- the density of the target is in the range 1.8-1.95 g/cm 3 .
- the graphite target of the invention is typically made using graphite having average particle size of about 5-20 microns, by pressing the graphite powder at 400-620 MPa at least 150°C, preferably at 230°C +/- 30°C.
- the target is pressed at 450-600 MPa, most preferably at 500-600 MPa.
- the graphite powder is pressed in the substantial absence of binding material so that the resultant target has a porous structure that traps gas within its pores or cells.
- a plasma beam of positive ions is obtainable with reduced emission of contaminating macroparticles. This property is believed to be due to release of small amounts of gas from within the pores of the target into the arc, which gas aids ionisation in the arc spot.
- the inventors do not, however, wish to be bound by this theory.
- the target is thus of advantage as it reduces macroparticles in the film.
- the target is pressed at about 550 MPa, giving a target density of around 1.9 g/cm 3 .
- This target is pressed in air at about 230°C.
- a target pressed using similar size graphite particles and at the same pressure but at room temperature generates a softer target which in use produces a plasma beam having increased macroparticles.
- the invention thus relates also to a graphite target produced by the method of the invention.
- the size and shape of the target can be adjusted according to fit into any filtered cathode arc source, though a typically sized target is circular in cross section having a diameter of 20mm - 100mm, preferably 40mm - 80mm.
- the cathode target is prepared from graphite powder having average particle size of about 10 microns (325 mesh), and has a density of 1.8-1.9 g/cm 3 .
- the cathode spot produced on the surface of the target is more diffuse than when using prior art targets. It is also observed that the cathode spot on the graphite target of the invention has a larger size than when using prior art targets, and is typically around 1 - 5mm in diameter, more specifically around 3mm in diameter. It is an advantage of the invention that using the graphite target produces a cathode spot that emits fewer macroparticles which would contaminate the film deposited using the filtered cathodic arc source. Use of the graphite target thus results in cleaner films.
- a filtered cathodic arc source can be operated using a lower current density, and, further, that deposition of diamond-like fiims from the graphite target can be obtained efficiently at a high vacuum pressure in the filtered cathode arc chamber. It has further also been observed that the cathode target of the invention is consumed uniformly.
- the invention also provides a method of making a graphite target for use in a cathode arc source, the method comprising pressing graphite powder, in the absence of binding material, at a pressure of 400-620 MPa and a temperature of 130 - 330°C to form a solid target.
- the graphite powder is pressed at a pressure of 450-620 MPa, more preferably 520-600 MPa. It is further preferred that the pressing temperature is 180 - 280°C, more preferably 200 - 260°C.
- a typical mould is one that produces a cylindrical shaped target, typically having a diameter in the range of 40-100mm, though other target shapes such as square, triangular are appropriate according to their proposed use.
- a method of making a graphite target further comprising pre-heating the graphite powder in an oven at a temperature of 100-400°C.
- the period of heating is optionally between V ⁇ and 10 hours and in a specific embodiment of the invention described below, the graphite powder is pre-heated for about 6 hours in an oven at about 300°C.
- the arc spot drills a hole through the target surface; the hole typically being about 1 mm in diameter and leading to target cracking after 1 or 2 uses.
- the arc forms a tiny arc spot on the surface of the target, which moves quickly about the surface giving uneven wear.
- the arc spot is observed to move more slowly around the surface of the target, not to generate a hole in the target surface, but instead to wear the surface of the target in a more even fashion.
- the cathode arc source produces a plasma beam having significantly reduced levels of macroparticles. It is further an advantage of the invention that the target itself when used in combination with the cathode arc source of the invention further reduces the number of macroparticles in the emitted plasma.
- Fig.s 1 and 2 show, respectively, front and side cut-away views of a cathode arc source of the invention
- Fig. 3 shows a side view of a cathode arc source of the invention as part of deposition apparatus and connected to a deposition chamber;
- Fig. 4 is a graph of magnetic field strength in a direction substantially normal to the target in a cathode arc source of Fig. 1 , the field strength measured at the centre of the beam of ions emitted from the target;
- Fig. 5 is a graph of magnetic field strength in a direction substantially lateral to the target in a cathode arc source of Fig. 1 , the field strength measured at the cylindrical walls of the anode;
- Fig. 6 is a graph showing rate of deposition of ta-C film against pressure of pressing graphite powder into a target
- Fig.7 is a graph showing target density against pressure of pressing graphite powder into a target
- Fig. 8 is a photograph of an arc generated using a commercially available graphite target
- Fig. 9 is a photograph of an arc generated using a graphite target according to the invention.
- Fig. 10 is a photograph of a ta-C film deposited using a commercially available graphite target (magnification x 500).
- Fig. 11 is a photograph of a ta-C film deposited using a graphite target of the invention (magnification x 500).
- a cathode arc source (10) is shown generally in figs 1 and 2 and connected to a deposition chamber (36) in fig 3.
- the source (10) comprises a cathode (12) shrouded by a non-insulating shroud (13) and an anode (14) that is formed by the inside wall of the vacuum chamber (11).
- a target (16) is in electrical contact with the cathode (12).
- An insulating shroud (17) surrounds the target to prevent arcing between sides of the target (16) and the anode (14).
- the cathode (12) and the anode (14) are connected to an arc power supply (not shown). Cooling of the cathode is achieved via supply of cooling water via water inlet (20) and water outlet (22). Cooling of the anode is likewise achieved by supply of cooling water via water inlet (24) and water outlet (26). Water that cools the anode passes through a 3-layered cooling jacket (27) with flow of cooling water in the direction indicated by arrows on fig 2.
- a rotatable striker (28) is mounted on the wall of the vacuum chamber and is adapted to rotate towards and contact the target (16) to achieve ignition of the cathode arc.
- a view port (30) including a swagelock fitting for gas input (31) is mounted on the side of the source for visible inspection of the arc during operation.
- first magnetic coil 32, shown in fig 1 and not shown in fig 2
- second magnetic coil 34, shown in fig 1 and not shown in fig 2
- a resultant magnetic field is produced within the vacuum chamber (11) such that, about 2-4cm above the target, in which there is a point of zero field strength in a direction substantially normal to the target (16).
- the point of zero field strength, or "null point” is within the vacuum chamber (11) and a short distance above the target (16).
- Variation of the currents in the respective coils (32, 34) will vary the distance between the surface of the target (16) and the null point.
- the windings of the second coil (34) extend to the walls (40) of a toroidal duct (42) leading to deposition chamber (36) which is mounted on support structure (38). If increased steering field is needed then field coils (34) can be supplemented by permanent magnets on the outside of the bend (not shown).
- the currents in the respective first and second coils (32, 34) are varied such that the null point, i.e. the point at which the magnetic field in a direction substantially normal to the target has zero strength, is between 0.5cm and about 6cm away from the target (16).
- the magnetic field generated by the coil located above the target (34) was kept constant and providing a magnetic field with strength about 50mT and the current in the coil located below the target (32) was varied between 5A and 20A and the resultant fields in the normal and the lateral directions were measured. The results are shown on figs 4 and 5.
- fig 4 shows the results of measuring the strength of the field in a direction lateral to the target and measured at the anode wall (14) of the source.
- the results in fig 5 show that the strength of the lateral field varies between about 15mT, when the current in the coil below the target is 5A and the null point is about 0.5cm above the target surface, and about 25mT when the current in the coil below the target is 20A and the null point is about 6cm above the target surface.
- Graphite powder suitable for preparing a graphite target was placed in an oven and heated at 250 degrees C for about 5 hours. The powder was removed from the oven and pressed, free of binders such as bitumen or tar, into a mould at a temperature of about 230°C and pressure of about 550 MPa, this pressure being maintained for a period of about 30 minutes.
- the resultant graphite target had a density of about 1.9 g/cm 3 and was cylindrical, having a diameter of 60mm.
- Graphite powder having a particle size of about 10 microns diameter was pressed, again free of binder material, into graphite targets at a temperature of about 230°C and a compress pressure of about 80, 120, 250, 310, 420 and 520 MPa.
- the deposition rate was tested in a filtered cathode arc source having a double bend filter duct and substantially as described in PCT/GB96/00389. The results are shown in fig 6.
- Fig 6 illustrates that targets obtained using a compress pressure of about 250 MPa or above produced the highest deposition rates.
- the density of graphite targets produced in this pressure range, as shown in fig 7, is around 1.7-1.9 g/cm 3 .
- a graphite target made according to the invention produces advantageous results in terms of lower macroparticle count while not sacrificing deposition rate.
- Fig 8 is the arc produced from a commercial graphite target. Numerous red flies are visible as bright streaks in the photograph. These red flies are indicative of macroparticles formed in the arc.
- Fig 10 shows a photograph magnified 500 times of the film produced using the commercially available target. A number of blemishes are visible, indicating macroparticles in the film. The number of macroparticles seen is significantly less than when a ta-C film is produced using a commercially available target and in a commercially available cathode arc source.
- Fig 11 shows a photograph magnified 500 times of a ta-C film produced using a target according to the present invention in a cathode arc source according to the present invention. The film is free of macroparticles.
- the invention enables production of thin films, such as diamond-like films, containing fewer macroparticles, and has wide industrial application, for example hard disc drive and semiconductor manufacture and in coating optical elements.
Abstract
Description
Claims
Priority Applications (5)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP97932940A EP0914670B1 (en) | 1996-07-24 | 1997-07-24 | Cathode arc source |
DE69718794T DE69718794D1 (en) | 1996-07-24 | 1997-07-24 | CATHODE ARC SOURCE |
AT97932940T ATE232013T1 (en) | 1996-07-24 | 1997-07-24 | CATHODE ARC SOURCE |
JP10506712A JP2000514950A (en) | 1996-07-24 | 1997-07-24 | Cathode arc source and graphite target |
AU36303/97A AU3630397A (en) | 1996-07-24 | 1997-07-24 | Cathode arc source and graphite target |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
GBGB9615548.6A GB9615548D0 (en) | 1996-07-24 | 1996-07-24 | Cathode arc source and graphite target |
GB9615548.6 | 1996-07-24 |
Related Child Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US09/236,113 Continuation-In-Part US6761805B1 (en) | 1996-07-24 | 1999-01-25 | Cathode arc source with magnetic field generating means positioned above and below the cathode |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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WO1998003988A2 true WO1998003988A2 (en) | 1998-01-29 |
WO1998003988A3 WO1998003988A3 (en) | 1998-03-26 |
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Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
PCT/GB1997/001992 WO1998003988A2 (en) | 1996-07-24 | 1997-07-24 | Cathode arc source and graphite target |
Country Status (9)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US6761805B1 (en) |
EP (2) | EP0914670B1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP2000514950A (en) |
CN (1) | CN1132219C (en) |
AT (1) | ATE232013T1 (en) |
AU (1) | AU3630397A (en) |
DE (1) | DE69718794D1 (en) |
GB (1) | GB9615548D0 (en) |
WO (1) | WO1998003988A2 (en) |
Cited By (4)
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WO1999022398A2 (en) * | 1997-10-24 | 1999-05-06 | Filplas Vacuum Technology Pte Ltd. | Cathode arc source with target feeding apparatus |
EP1727406A1 (en) * | 2004-03-16 | 2006-11-29 | Ferrotec Corporation | Plasma generator |
CN101346030B (en) * | 2008-08-25 | 2011-09-14 | 哈尔滨工业大学 | Controllable multi-component cathode arc plasma forming apparatus and method |
WO2020187743A1 (en) | 2019-03-15 | 2020-09-24 | Nanofilm Technologies International Pte Ltd | Improved cathode arc source |
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US6903511B2 (en) * | 2003-05-06 | 2005-06-07 | Zond, Inc. | Generation of uniformly-distributed plasma |
US20060177610A1 (en) * | 2005-02-09 | 2006-08-10 | Arrow International Limited | Sealing of Plastic Containers |
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WO1999022398A2 (en) * | 1997-10-24 | 1999-05-06 | Filplas Vacuum Technology Pte Ltd. | Cathode arc source with target feeding apparatus |
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US6262539B1 (en) | 1997-10-24 | 2001-07-17 | Filplas Vacuum Technology Pte Ltd | Cathode arc source with target feeding apparatus |
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EP1727406A1 (en) * | 2004-03-16 | 2006-11-29 | Ferrotec Corporation | Plasma generator |
EP1727406A4 (en) * | 2004-03-16 | 2007-04-18 | Ferrotec Corp | Plasma generator |
CN101346030B (en) * | 2008-08-25 | 2011-09-14 | 哈尔滨工业大学 | Controllable multi-component cathode arc plasma forming apparatus and method |
WO2020187743A1 (en) | 2019-03-15 | 2020-09-24 | Nanofilm Technologies International Pte Ltd | Improved cathode arc source |
US11926890B2 (en) | 2019-03-15 | 2024-03-12 | Nanofilm Technologies International Limited | Cathode arc source |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP0914670B1 (en) | 2003-01-29 |
GB9615548D0 (en) | 1996-09-04 |
WO1998003988A3 (en) | 1998-03-26 |
EP0914670A2 (en) | 1999-05-12 |
AU3630397A (en) | 1998-02-10 |
ATE232013T1 (en) | 2003-02-15 |
CN1235695A (en) | 1999-11-17 |
EP1267384A2 (en) | 2002-12-18 |
US6761805B1 (en) | 2004-07-13 |
JP2000514950A (en) | 2000-11-07 |
DE69718794D1 (en) | 2003-03-06 |
CN1132219C (en) | 2003-12-24 |
EP1267384A3 (en) | 2006-07-19 |
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