Abstract: The present invention provides a method of reducing the overhead time associated with a high density ion metal plasma process. The method provides flowing a gas at a first flow rate and exhausting the chamber at a constant rate so that the rate at which gases are exhausted from the chamber at a steady state equals the flow rate of gases into the chamber. Another method provides flowing a gas at a first rate and then at a second flow rate which is about equal to the rate at which the gas is exhausted from the chamber at a steady state.

Abstract: An ion beam sputtering system having a chamber and a target, a substrate, and a movable flux regulator located between the target and the substrate in the chamber. The position of the movable flux regulator relative to the deposition substrate affects the thickness uniformity of thin films deposited on the substrate in the ion beam sputtering system.

Abstract: The specification discloses a power supply circuit which reduces oscillations generated upon ignition of a plasma within a processing chamber. A secondary power supply pre-ignites the plasma by driving the cathode to a process initiation voltage. Thereafter, a primary power supply electrically drives the cathode to generate plasma current and deposition on a wafer.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a thin film photovoltaic device comprising a transparent conductive film, a thin film photovoltaic unit, and a back transparent conductive film and a back metal electrode which are successively formed on a substrate, wherein the back transparent conductive film is formed by sputtering comprising steps of forming an initial back transparent conductive film under a pressure of 5×10−2 Torr or more for 1 to 30 seconds in the initial stage and forming a main back transparent conductive film having the remainder thickness under a pressure reduced to {fraction (1/10)} the initial pressure or less.

Abstract: In the monitoring of the consumption of a target of, for example, titanium for providing titanium and/or titanium nitride film, the process work in kilowatt-hours (Y1) is determined for complete consumption of the target when providing only titanium, and the process work in kilowatt-hours (Y2) is also determined for complete consumption of the target in providing only titanium nitride.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method of reducing particles within a deposition chamber without affecting bias voltage repeatability in subsequently processed wafers. Particularly, it has been discovered that within a high density plasma deposition chamber, the first wafer processed following deposition of a pasting layer may exhibit inconsistent quality as compared to subsequently processed wafers. It has further been discovered that such altered quality arises due to inconsistent bias voltage coupling between a wafer support and a wafer positioned thereon. To maintain consistent bias voltage coupling a transitional layer is deposited within the deposition chamber as part of the pasting process. It is believed the transitional layer affects the chamber's environment (chamber surfaces and atmosphere) which in turn affects bias voltage coupling between the wafer support and a wafer positioned thereon. Preferably the transitional layer is the same layer deposited on production wafers.

Abstract: A method of manufacturing an object in a vacuum treatment apparatus having a vacuum recipient for containing an atmosphere, includes the steps of supporting a substrate on a work piece carrier arrangement in the recipient and treating the substrate to manufacture the object in the vacuum recipient. The treating process includes generating electrical charge carriers in the atmosphere and in the recipient which are of the type that form electrically insulating material and providing at least two electroconductive surfaces in the recipient. Power, such as a DC signal, is supplied to at least one of the electroconductive surfaces so that at least one of the electroconductive surfaces receives the electrically insulating material for covering at least part of that electroconductive surface. This causes electrical isolation of that electroconductive surface which leads to arcing and damage to the object.

Abstract: A process for the vacuum treatment of workpieces, includes loading the workpieces into a treatment facility, surface treating the workpieces in at least one vacuum station of the facility grouped as a station batch and controlling at least the timing of the process by a freely programmable process controller unit. At least two stations operating each on workpiece batches can be grouped as respective station batches and be different with respect to number of workpieces. The workpieces can be transported to and from the grouped stations. An embodiment of vacuum treatment system for such a process includes at least one vacuum treatment station for workpieces grouped as a station batch. A transport system supplies the vacuum station with workpieces. A process controller unit has an output operationally connected to a drive arrangement for the transport system. The unit controls operating timing of the treatment system and is freely programmable.

Abstract: Improved targets for use in DC_magnetron sputtering of aluminum or like metals are disclosed for forming metallization films having low defect densities. Methods for manufacturing and using such targets are also disclosed. Conductivity anomalies such as those composed of metal oxide inclusions can induce arcing between the target surface and the plasma. The arcing can lead to production of excessive deposition material in the form of splats or blobs. Reducing the content of conductivity anomalies and strengthening the to-be-deposited material is seen to reduce production of such splats or blobs. Other splat limiting steps include smooth finishing of the target surface and low-stress ramp up of the plasma.

Abstract: A vacuum processing apparatus for performing various processes on a wafer in a vacuum chamber, and a film deposition method and a film deposition apparatus using this vacuum processing apparatus. The vacuum processing apparatus, the film deposition method and the film deposition apparatus using the vacuum processing apparatus according to this invention are characterized in that temperature control of the wafer is performed in a film deposition process, and particularly characterized in that after the emissivity calibration using a combination of a temperature calibration stage and a shutter is performed, the substrate is transferred to stages in a vacuum film deposition process chamber, and a film is deposited on the substrate by controlling the substrate temperature to a specified temperature.