Abstract: An in-line film deposition system is adapted so that film deposition processing on a substrate is completed through a number of film deposition processes, while the length of the system is not excessive. A carrier 3 which holds two substrates 1, with their planar surfaces set parallel to a transfer direction, is sequentially transferred through a plurality of vacuum chambers 2 arranged along a polygonally-shaped transfer path 30. Film deposition processing is continuously carried out on the substrate 1 by processing means 4 that are arranged in the vacuum chambers 2 which form film deposition process chambers. A rotation mechanism for rotating the carrier 3 through a specified angle so as to direct the carrier 3 in a subsequent transferring direction is provided in those vacuum chambers which are located at turning points along the polygonal transfer path 30.

Abstract: An in-line film deposition system is adapted so that film deposition processing on a substrate is completed through a number of film deposition processes, while the length of the system is not excessive. A carrier 3 which holds two substrates 1, with their planar surfaces set parallel to a transfer direction, is sequentially transferred through a plurality of vacuum chambers 2 arranged along a polygonally-shaped transfer path 30. Film deposition processing is continuously carried out on the substrate 1 by processing means 4 that are arranged in the vacuum chambers 2 which form film deposition process chambers. A rotation mechanism for rotating the carrier 3 through a specified angle so as to direct the carrier 3 in a subsequent transferring direction is provided in those vacuum chambers which are located at turning points along the polygonal transfer path 30.