Abstract: The invention relates to a method to manufacture an oxide sputter target. The method comprises the steps of providing a target holder; applying an outer layer of a sputterable material on the target holder by simultaneously spraying at least one oxide and at least one metal. The outer layer of sputterable material comprises a first phase and a second phase. The first phase comprises an oxide of at least a first metal and a second metal; the second phase comprises a metal in its metallic phase. The metal in its metallic phase forms discrete volumes arranged in or between the oxide of the first phase. The outer layer of sputterable material comprises between 0.1 and 20 wt % metal in its metallic phase. The invention further relates to an oxide sputter target.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for manufacturing a sputter target. The process comprises the steps of—providing a target holder (12); —applying an intermediate layer (14) on said target holder; —applying a top layer (16) on top of said intermediate layer; said top layer comprising a material having a melting point which is substantially higher than the melting point of said target material; —heating the target holder coated with said intermediate layer and said top layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method to deposit a coating on a substrate by sputtering using a sputter target comprising a doping element whereby the deposited coating is substantially free of the doping element. The invention further relates to a sputter target having as sputter material a non-conductive main component and a semiconductive or conductive doping element.

Abstract: The invention relates to a method to reduce thermal stresses in a sputter target during sputtering. The method provides the following steps providing a target holder, applying a target material comprising indium-tin-oxide on the target holder by spraying and introducing pores in the target material while applying the target material on the target holder. These pores leading to a porosity of at least 2% in the sprayed target material to reduce thermal stresses. The invention further relates to a sputter target having reduced thermal stresses and to a process for coating a substrate surface with indium-tin-oxide.

Abstract: The invention relates to a process for manufacturing a sputter target. The process comprises the steps of—providing a target holder (12);—applying an intermediate layer (14) on said target holder;—applying a top layer (16) on top of said intermediate layer; said top layer comprising a material having a melting point which is substantially higher than the melting point of said target material;—heating the target holder coated with said intermediate layer and said top layer.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sputter target and more particularly to a zinc sputter target. The target comprises a target holder having an outer surface and a target material formed on said outer surface. The target material has a relative density higher than 92% of the theoretical density of the metal or metal alloy. Furthermore the invention relates to a process for the manufacturing of a sputter target.