Abstract: A quick attachment system for cathodes is described. One embodiment of the system comprises a laterally movable support shaft; a flange connected to the support shaft, the flange including a cavity locking element and a shoulder locking element; a bordering separator connectable to a target pipe, the bordering separator comprising ring extensions for engaging the cavity locking element of flange; and a straining ring configured to engage the bordering separator and the shoulder locking element of the flange to thereby secure the laterally movable shaft to the target pipe.

Abstract: A sputtering electrode is switched between two power values at a constant reactive gas flow rate which is selected so that the target of the sputtering electrode is in the metallic mode at the first power value while in the oxide mode at a second power value.

Abstract: A dual magnetron cathode assembly includes a pair of elongate, parallel targets in coplanar relationship fixed to respective magnetic yokes with associated rows of permanent magnets for producing a magnetic field over the targets. A common back plate is provided for both cathodes, a center shield plate extending from the back plate to between the targets, side shield plates and end shield plates likewise extending from the back plate to form side-by-side rectangular shielding enclosures which expose only the sputtering surface of the targets. The yokes are fixed with respect to the vacuum chamber by insulative holders which extend through openings in the back plate.

Abstract: A magnetic yoke (22,23) carrying rows of permanent magnets (33,34) and a target (49,50) is connected to a top plate (41,42) by spring bolts (67) which urge the yoke toward the top plate. Rotatable cams (43,44) between the top plate and the yoke are used to adjust the distance between the top plate and the yoke. Clamping bars (37,38) having a claw-like edge parts (59-66) limit the maximum distance and, in a preferred embodiment, hold the target against the yoke.

Abstract: Hollow members having conduits for process gas and coolant are mounted in parallel on sidewall of a vacuum chamber with a sputtering cathode therebetween. Anode members having an L-shaped cross section are mounted over the hollow members and held in place by thumb screws in threaded bores of strips fixed to the chamber walls above the hollow members. Mask members having a Z-shaped cross section are mounted over the anodes and are also held in place by the thumb screws.

Abstract: A pair of parallel elongate targets are fixed with respect to respective plates mounted in a vacuum chamber by means of clamps arranged along the longitudinal sides of each target, and an expandable wedge system between the rear plate and magnetic yokes on the backs of the targets. The wedge system for each target includes a wedge block having ramped surfaces which face outward, a pair of wedge jaws having ramped surfaces which slide against the ramped surfaces of the block, and a screw which draws the jaws together against the ramped surfaces of the block to expand the system and force the plate away from the yoke and fix the entire assembly in the clamps.