Specified Target Particulars Patents (Class 204/298.12)
  • Patent number: 8715471
    Abstract: To be able to realize a relatively wide magnetron sputter cathode, it is proposed that on the vacuum side of a carrier (2) is disposed the sputter target (4) with a backing plate (3), which maintains a gap (14) from the carrier (2). The backing plate (3) is developed as a cooling plate. In it are located cooling means channels (15), which, via an inlet (16) through the carrier (2), are supplied with cooling fluid, which can flow out again via an outlet (17) through the carrier (2). On the atmospheric side is located a magnet configuration (5).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Applied Materials GmbH & Co KG
    Inventors: Jörg Krempel-Hesse, Andreas Jischke, Uwe Schüssler, Hans Wolf
  • Publication number: 20140110249
    Abstract: The purpose of the present invention is to provide a sputtering target with which a film having excellent characteristics can be obtained. A sputtering target (100) is constituted of a plurality of target members (10), a backing plate (20), a bonding agent (30), and protective members (50). The plurality of target members (10) and the backing plate (20) are bonded to each other with the bonding agent (30) therebetween. On a backing plate (20) surface that corresponds in position to gaps (15) between adjacent target members (10), grooves (40) are formed. Each of the grooves (40) is provided with the protective members (50), which are composed of the same material as that of the target members (10). The width (W2) of the protective members (50) is greater than the width (W1) of the gaps (15), and is less than the width (W3) of the grooves (40). The thickness (T4) of the protective members (50) is larger than the depth (D1) of the grooves (40).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2012
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventors: Yohsuke Kanzaki, Takatsugu Kusumi, Naohiro Tamari, Masao Moriguchi
  • Publication number: 20140110254
    Abstract: A backing plate for a sputter target includes a target receiving part for receiving a target to be sputtered, and a structure for exposing the target receiving part through the backing plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 19, 2012
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: INFINEON TECHNOLOGIES AG
    Inventors: Markus Fischer, Wolfram Karcher, Barbara Jeansannetas
  • Publication number: 20140110245
    Abstract: Cylindrical sputtering targets, along with methods of their manufacture and use, are provided. The cylindrical sputtering target includes a tubular member having a length in a longitudinal direction and defining a tube surface, and a source material positioned about the tube surface of the tubular member and forming a sputtering surface about the tubular member. The source material generally defines an inner surface opposite of the sputtering surface and non-bonded to the tube surface of the tubular member. The inner surface of the source material is mechanically engaged to the tube surface of the tubular member, and/or the source material can include a first cylindrical ring directly stacked onto a second cylindrical ring with the first cylindrical ring being mechanically engaged to the second cylindrical ring.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2012
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: PrimeStar Solar, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Dwayne Gossman, Scott Daniel Feldman-Peabody, Russell Weldon Black
  • Publication number: 20140110255
    Abstract: Cylindrical sputtering targets are provided. The cylindrical sputtering target can include a tubular member having a length in a longitudinal direction and defining a tube surface. A source material is positioned about the tube surface of the tubular member and forms a sputtering surface about the tubular member. The source material generally includes a plurality of first areas and a plurality of second areas, each first area comprising a first compound and each second area comprising a second compound that is different than the first compound.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 18, 2012
    Publication date: April 24, 2014
    Applicant: PRIMESTAR SOLAR, INC.
    Inventors: Scott Daniel Feldman-Peabody, Robert Dwayne Gossman, Mark Jeffrey Pavol
  • Patent number: 8702920
    Abstract: A repeller structure is provided in a plasma generating chamber of an ion source facing a cathode that emits electrons for ionizing a source gas in the plasma generating chamber to generate a plasma. The repeller structure reflects the ions toward the cathode. The repeller structure includes a sputtering target that is sputtered by the plasma to emit predetermined ions, the sputtering target including a through hole that connects a sputtering surface and a back surface of the sputtering target; and an electrode body that is inserted in the through hole, the electrode body including a repeller surface that is exposed to the sputtering surface side through the through hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Nissin Ion Equipment Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tadashi Ikejiri, Tetsuya Igo, Takatoshi Yamashita
  • Patent number: 8702919
    Abstract: Sputtering targets are described that comprise: a) a target surface component comprising a target material; b) a core backing component having a coupling surface, a back surface and at least one open area, wherein the coupling surface is coupled to at least part of the target surface component; and wherein at least part of the target surface component fits into at least one open area of the core backing component. In some embodiments, the target surface component, the core backing component or a combination thereof have at least one surface area feature coupled to or located in the back surface of the core backing component, the target surface component or a combination thereof, wherein the surface area feature increases the cooling effectiveness of the target surface component.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2014
    Assignee: Honeywell International Inc.
    Inventors: Stephane Ferrasse, Werner H. Hort, Jaeyeon Kim, Frank C. Alford
  • Publication number: 20140102890
    Abstract: A sputtering apparatus includes a substrate, a sputtering target disposed to face the substrate and formed of a sputtering material to be deposited on the substrate, wherein the sputtering target collides with an ionized gas particle and the sputtering material is separated from the sputtering target by the collision of the ionized gas particle with the sputtering target is deposited on the substrate, a supporter that supports a lower surface and a side surface of the sputtering target, and an insulating cover that covers an upper surface of the supporter supporting the side surface of the sputtering target. The insulating cover includes a plurality of recesses recessed downwardly from an upper surface of the insulating cover and a plurality of protrusions protruding upwardly between the recesses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2013
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Inventors: YoungJae JUNG, Hun Jung YI, Eun-Ju SONG
  • Publication number: 20140102879
    Abstract: [Object] To provide a method and an apparatus for manufacturing a variable resistance element by which a metal oxide layer having a desired resistivity can be precisely formed. [Solving Means] The method of manufacturing the variable resistance element according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a step of forming a first metal oxide having a first resistivity and a step of forming a second metal oxide having a second resistivity different from the first resistivity. The first metal oxide is formed on a substrate by sputtering, while sputtering a first target made of an oxide of metal, a second target made of the metal with a first power. The second metal oxide layer is formed on the first metal oxide layer by sputtering the second target with a second power different from the first power while sputtering the first target.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2012
    Publication date: April 17, 2014
    Applicant: ULVAC, INC.
    Inventors: Yutaka Nishioka, Kazumasa Horita, Natsuki Fukuda, Shin Kikuchi, Youhei Ogawa, Koukou Suu
  • Patent number: 8696879
    Abstract: The invention provides methods and equipment for depositing a low-maintenance coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Cardinal CG Company
    Inventors: Kari B. Myli, Annette J. Krisko, John R. German, Klaus Hartig
  • Publication number: 20140076716
    Abstract: A vacuum coating and plasma treatment system includes a magnetron cathode with a long edge and a short edge. The magnetic pole of the magnetron results in an electromagnetic barrier. At least one remote arc discharge is generated separate from the magnetron cathode and in close proximity to the cathode so that it is confined within a volume adjacent to the magnetron target. The remote arc discharge extends parallel to the long edge of the magnetron target and is defined by the surface of the target on one side and the electromagnetic barrier on all other sides. There is a remote arc discharge cathode hood and anode hood extending over the arc discharge and across the short edge of the magnetron cathode. Outside of the plasma assembly is a magnetic system creating magnetic field lines which extend into and confine the plasma in front of the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 28, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: Vapor Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Vladimir GOROKHOVSKY, William GRANT, Edward TAYLOR, David HUMENIK
  • Patent number: 8673122
    Abstract: A system and method for sputtering a coating onto a glass substrate in a vacuum deposition chamber includes providing a backing plate with a separating element disposed at the backing plate. At least one target element or tile is disposed on a surface of the separating element, wherein an expansion gap is provided to allow for expansion of the target relative to the separating element during the sputtering process. The method includes sputtering material from the target and heating the target to a substantially elevated temperature during the sputtering process. The separating element may be a sheet having a low-coefficient of friction surface, and the target may be disposed on the low-coefficient of friction surface of the separating element. The separating element may thermally insulate the target from the backing plate, whereby the target may be heated to a substantially greater temperature than the backing plate during the sputtering process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Magna Mirrors of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Ian A. McCabe, Jeffrey D. Harlow
  • Publication number: 20140061041
    Abstract: Target assemblies for use in a substrate processing system are provided herein. In some embodiments, a target assembly for use in a substrate processing system may include a source material, a backing plate configured to support the source material on a front side of the backing plate, and a central support member to support the target assembly within the substrate processing system, wherein the central support member is coupled to a center portion of the backing plate and extends perpendicularly away from the backside of the backing plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2013
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.
    Inventors: MARTIN LEE RIKER, KEITH A. MILLER, BALAMURUGAN RAMASAMY, KARTIK SHAH
  • Publication number: 20140061039
    Abstract: Target assemblies for use in a substrate processing system are provided herein. In some embodiments, a target assembly for use in a substrate processing system may include a source material to be deposited on a substrate, a first backing plate configured to support the source material on a front side of the first backing plate, such that a front surface of the source material opposes the substrate when present, a second backing plate coupled to a backside of the first backing plate, and a plurality of sets of channels disposed between the first and second back plates. These channels permit a coolant to be provided closer to the heat source (target face) thereby facilitating more efficient heat removal from the target. More efficient heat removal from the target results in a target with a lesser thermal gradient and therefore less mechanical bowing/deformation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 5, 2012
    Publication date: March 6, 2014
    Applicant: APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.
    Inventors: MARTIN LEE RIKER, KEITH A. MILLER
  • Patent number: 8663438
    Abstract: The invention relates to a target arrangement comprising a tubular-shaped carrier element and a hollow-cylindrical target having at least one target material, said target comprising at least one one-piece tube segment which at least partially surrounds the carrier element. Said carrier element and the tube segment are partially interconnected in a material fit by at least two plastically deformable compensating means. The invention also relates to a method for producing said type of target arrangement and a tubular segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: GFE Fremat GmbH
    Inventors: Grit Hüttl, Folke Steinert, Joachim Wagner
  • Patent number: 8663439
    Abstract: A sputtering target for producing a metallic glass membrane characterized in comprising a structure obtained by sintering atomized powder having a composition of a ternary compound system or greater with at least one or more metal elements selected from Pd, Zr, Fe, Co, Cu and Ni as its main component (component of greatest atomic %), and being an average grain size of 50 ?m or less. The prepared metallic glass membrane can be used as a substitute for conventional high-cost bulk metallic glass obtained by quenching of molten metal. This sputtering target for producing the metallic glass membrane is also free from problems such as defects in the metallic glass membrane and unevenness of composition, has a uniform structure, can be produced efficiently and at low cost, and does not generate many nodules or particles. Further provided is a method for manufacturing such a sputtering target for forming the metallic glass membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignees: JX Nippon Mining & Metals Corporation, Tohoku University
    Inventors: Atsushi Nakamura, Masataka Yahagi, Akihisa Inoue, Hisamichi Kimura, Shin-ichi Yamaura
  • Patent number: 8663440
    Abstract: The object of this invention is to provide a high quality titanium target for sputtering capable of reducing the impurities that cause generation of particles and abnormal discharge, which is free from fractures and cracks during high power sputtering (high rate sputtering), and capable of stabilizing the sputtering properties and effectively suppressing the generation of particles upon deposition. This invention is able to solve foregoing problems using a high purity titanium target for sputtering containing, as additive components, 3 to 10 mass ppm of S and 0.5 to 3 mass ppm of Si, and in which the purity of the target excluding additive components and gas components is 99.995 mass percent or higher.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: JX Nippon Mining & Metals Corporation
    Inventors: Shiro Tsukamoto, Tomio Otsuki
  • Patent number: 8658009
    Abstract: This Cu alloy sputtering target includes, in terms of atomic percent: Al: 1% to 10%; and Ca: 0.1% to 2%, with the balance being Cu and 1% or less of inevitable impurities. This thin film transistor includes: a gate electrode layer joined to the surface of a glass substrate through an adhesion layer; a gate insulating layer; a Si semiconductor layer; an n-type Si semiconductor layer; a barrier layer; a wire layer composed of a drain electrode layer and a source electrode layer, both of which are mutually divided; a passivation layer; and a transparent electrode layer, wherein the barrier layer is formed by sputtering under an oxidizing atmosphere using the Cu alloy sputtering target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignees: Mitsubishi Materials Corporation, Ulvac, Inc.
    Inventors: Kazunari Maki, Kenichi Yaguchi, Yosuke Nakasato, Satoru Mori
  • Patent number: 8652306
    Abstract: To provide a method for manufacturing a mask blank capable of manufacturing a high quality mask blank that suppresses generation of defects in a thin film for forming a mask pattern with high yields, a method for manufacturing a transfer mask that manufactures the thin film of the mask blank by patterning, and a sputtering target used for manufacturing the mask blank. By using the sputtering target containing silicon and having a hardness of 900 HV or more in Vickers' hardness, the thin film for forming the mask pattern on a substrate is formed by sputtering, and the high quality mask blank that suppresses generating of defects is manufactured, and further the transfer mask is manufactured by patterning the thin film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Hoya Corporation
    Inventor: Masaru Mitsui
  • Patent number: 8652305
    Abstract: The invention relates to a cathodic sputtering target composition comprising at least a solid lithium-based electrolyte and an inorganic carbon free polymer, and to a method for the manufacturing of cathodic solid sputtering targets using such a composition. The invention also relates to solid sputtering targets obtained by such a method and to their use for the preparation of solid thin films by a sputtering physical vapor deposition process, in particular for the preparation of solid electrolyte thin films inside thin film batteries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique
    Inventors: Alain Levasseur, Brigitte Pecquenard
  • Patent number: 8647484
    Abstract: A sputtering chamber has a sputtering target comprising a backing plate and a sputtering plate. The backing plate has a groove. The sputtering plate comprises a cylindrical mesa having a plane, and an annular inclined rim surrounding the cylindrical mesa. In one version, the backing plate comprises a material having a high thermal conductivity and a low electrical resistivity. In another version, the backing plate comprises a backside surface with a single groove or a plurality of grooves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan Alexander Ritchie, Donny Young, Ilyoung (Richard) Hong, Kathleen A. Scheible, Umesh Kelkar
  • Patent number: 8647486
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for controlling local deposition rate in a physical vapor deposition process is provided. A magnet bar assembly is disposed inside a sputtering target. The magnet bar assembly comprises a magnet bar, a support member aligned with the magnet bar, and one or more sliding brackets that couple the support member to the magnet bar. Each sliding bracket compresses the magnet bar to the support member, allowing the use of spacers between the support member and the magnet bar to adjust local proximity of the magnet bar to the plasma bombarding the target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2014
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Leszek Malaszewski, James G. Rietzel
  • Patent number: 8641930
    Abstract: A sputtering target including oxide A shown below and indium oxide (In2O3) having a bixbyite crystal structure: Oxide A: an oxide which includes an indium element (In), a gallium element (Ga) and a zinc element (Zn) in which diffraction peaks are observed at positions corresponding to incident angles (2?) of 7.0° to 8.4°, 30.6° to 32.0°, 33.8° to 35.8°, 53.5° to 56.5° and 56.5° to 59.5° in an X-ray diffraction measurement (CuK? rays).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Assignee: Idemitsu Kosan Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Koki Yano, Masayuki Itose, Mami Nishimura
  • Publication number: 20140021044
    Abstract: A sputtering target assembly and a method for manufacturing are disclosed. The sputtering target assembly comprises a cylindrical sputtering target section having a length greater than approximately thirty-six inches and being comprised of one or more cylindrical ring targets; a cylindrical backing tube positioned inside of the cylindrical sputtering target; at least one electrically conductive shim that makes an electrical connection between the cylindrical sputtering target and the cylindrical backing tube; and an attachment layer comprised of an elastomer positioned between the cylindrical sputtering target and the cylindrical backing tube for attaching the cylindrical sputtering target to the cylindrical backing tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2013
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Inventors: Wayne R. Simpson, Jaime Francisco Guerrero
  • Publication number: 20140021038
    Abstract: An object is to provide a sputtering target capable of obtaining a film having favorable characteristics. A sputtering target (100) is configured of a plurality of target materials (10) made of IGZO, a backing plate (20) made of Cu or the like, and a bonding material (30) made of In or the like. The plurality of target materials (10) are bonded with the backing plate (20) via the bonding material 30. A groove (40) having a length (L2), a width (W3) and a depth (D1) is provided on the surface of each target material (10). This groove (40) is provided parallel to a joint (15) of the mutually adjacent target materials (10) in the vicinity of the joint (15) (position with a distance (W2) from the joint (15)). The width (W3) of the groove (40) and the distance (W2) between the joint (15) and the groove (40) are sufficiently smaller than the length (L1) of each of upper and lower sides of the target material (10).
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2012
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: SHARP KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Takatsugu Kusumi, Yohsuke Kanzaki
  • Patent number: 8628645
    Abstract: A thin film battery manufacturing method is provided for deposition of lithium metal oxide films onto a battery substrate. The films are deposited in a sputtering chamber having a plurality of sputtering targets and magnetrons. The sputtering gas is energized by applying a voltage bias between a pair of the sputtering targets at a frequency of between about 10 and about 100 kHz. The method can provide a deposition rate of lithium cobalt oxide of between about 0.2 and about 4 microns/hr with improved film quality.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Assignee: Front Edge Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Weng-Chung Wang, Kai-Wei Nieh
  • Publication number: 20130337602
    Abstract: A sputtering target has a cylindrical backing tube having two edges and a sidewall comprising a middle portion located between two end portions. The sputtering material is on the backing tube. The sputtering material does not cover at least one end portion of the backing tube. The sputtering target also has a feature which prevents or reduces at least one of chalcogen buildup and arcing at the at least one end portion of the backing tube not covered by the sputtering material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2012
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: MiaSole
    Inventors: Robert Martinson, Heinrich Von Bunau, Mark Campello, Ron Rulkens, Tom Heckel, Johannes Vlcek
  • Patent number: 8608918
    Abstract: A magnet structure and the like are provided, which can reduce the labor required to make a magnet design for producing a tunnel-shaped leakage magnetic field for plasma confinement in a well-balanced manner over an obverse surface of a target, based on a quadridirectional magnetic field produced by magnetic interaction between plural magnets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Shinmaywa Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Takanobu Hori, Yasukuni Iwasaki, Nobuo Yoneyama, Keisuke Kondo
  • Publication number: 20130327634
    Abstract: Thin film sputtering apparatus and methods for depositing thin films using the apparatus are provided. The sputtering apparatus comprise a sputtering chamber that houses a deposition substrate and a sputtering source configured to deposit a thin film of material onto the deposition substrate. The deposition substrate has a deposition surface with a central axis running parallel with the deposition surface normal. The magnetron sputtering source comprises two or more sputtering targets, each sputtering target having a sputtering surface with a central axis running parallel with the sputtering surface normal. The sputtering surfaces are disposed opposite the deposition surface, such that the sputtering surfaces face the deposition surface in a parallel or substantially parallel arrangement, and the central axes of the sputtering surfaces run parallel with, but are transversely offset with respect to, the central axis of the deposition surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2012
    Publication date: December 12, 2013
    Inventor: Chang-Beom Eom
  • Patent number: 8597478
    Abstract: To provide a sputtering target structure which has good machinability and thermal conductivity and has good wettability with soldering materials, which is inexpensive and can be used repeatedly for a long period of time, and which is free from problems of cracking and peeling of the sputtering target therein, a sputtering target structure is formed by bonding a sputtering target and a backing plate. The backing plate is formed of a material that has the difference in the linear expansion coefficient between it and the sputtering target material of at most 2×10?6/K, and a copper plate having a thickness of from 0.3 to 1.5 mm is disposed on at lest one face of the backing plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 3, 2013
    Assignee: Plansee SE
    Inventors: Tsutomu Kuniya, Nobuyuki Suzuki, Akira Terashi
  • Patent number: 8591706
    Abstract: A sputtering system for depositing a thin film on the surface of a disc substrate in which high precision positioning of an inner mask and an outer mask is facilitated. The sputtering system has a mask member placed on the surface of the substrate mounted on a substrate holder to cover a partial region on the surface of the substrate. A thin film is deposited by sputtering in a region on the surface of the substrate not covered by the mask member. A section for carrying in and carrying out the substrate has mechanically holds and releases the substrate holder mounting the substrate, and mechanically holds and releases the mask member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Tohoku Seiki Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masayoshi Yokoo, Isao Tanikawa, Norikazu Kainuma, Yoshinobu Takano
  • Publication number: 20130306466
    Abstract: A sputtering target includes a plurality of targets and edges of the targets overlap each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicant: SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hong Long NING, Byeong-Beom KIM, Joon Yong PARK, Chang Oh JEONG, Sang Won SHIN, Dong Min LEE, Xun Zhu
  • Publication number: 20130306464
    Abstract: A rotary cylindrical sputtering target includes a plurality of target pieces bonded to the periphery of a backing tube, wherein the target pieces are arranged in the axis direction of the tube so that a gap is formed between the adjacent target pieces, wherein the gap has a straight section which extends from the outer periphery of the target pieces toward the axis of the backing tube, and a tapered section which is positioned between the straight section and the backing tube, and which slopes in the longitudinal direction of the straight section.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2013
    Publication date: November 21, 2013
    Applicant: Panasonic Corporation
    Inventor: HIROSHI HAYATA
  • Publication number: 20130299346
    Abstract: A sputtering device with a tubular target, includes a holding device with a supporting shaft having a shaft flange connected to the target tube detachably and in a water-tight manner by a clamping device. The end of the target tube facing the shaft flange of the supporting shaft is flangeless and a spacer ring is arranged detachably on the outer side of the tube in a predetermined position. The spacer ring is held by a form-fitting connection at a minimum distance from the end of the target tube. The clamping device includes the shaft flange of the supporting shaft, the spacer ring and a clamping ring which engages over the shaft flange and the spacer ring and comprises at least two pieces. At least one sealing element is arranged between the outer side and/or the end side of the target tube, and an opposite sealing face of the shaft flange.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2011
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Applicant: VON ARDENNE ANLAGENTECHNIK GMBH
    Inventors: Armin Huebner, Hans-Juergen Heinrich
  • Patent number: 8580093
    Abstract: The present invention provides a technique capable of decreasing a generation of splashing upon depositing by using an Al—Ni—La—Cu alloy sputtering target comprising Ni, La, and Cu. The invention relates to an Al—Ni—La—Cu alloy sputtering target comprising Ni, La and Cu, in which (1) a total area of an Al—Ni intermetallic compound mainly comprising Al and Ni and having an average grain size of 0.3 ?m or more and 3 ?m or less is 70% or more by area ratio based on an entire area of the Al—Ni intermetallic compound, and (2) a total area of an Al—La—Cu intermetallic compound mainly comprising Al, La and Cu and having an average grain size of 0.2 ?m or more and 2 ?m or less is 70% or more by area ratio based on an entire area of the Al—La—Cu intermetallic compound, in a case where a portion of the sputtering target is observed within a range of from ¼t (t: thickness) to ¾t along a cross section vertical to a plane of the sputtering target by using a scanning electron microscope at a magnification of 2000.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignees: Kobelco Research Institute Inc., Kobe Steel, Ltd.
    Inventors: Katsutoshi Takagi, Masaya Ehira, Yuki Iwasaki, Hiroshi Goto
  • Patent number: 8568576
    Abstract: Provided is a sputtering target of nonmagnetic-particle-dispersed ferromagnetic material comprising a phase (A) such that nonmagnetic particles are dispersed in a ferromagnetic material formed from a Co—Cr alloy containing 5 at % or more and 20 at % or less of Cr and Co as the remainder thereof, and schistose textures (B) with a short side of 30 to 100 ?m and a long side of 50 to 300 ?m formed from a Co—Cr alloy phase in the phase (A); wherein each of the foregoing nonmagnetic particles has such a shape and size that the particle is smaller than all hypothetical circles with a radius of 1 ?m around an arbitrary point within the nonmagnetic particle, or a shape and size with at least two contact points or intersection points between the respective hypothetical circles and the interface of the ferromagnetic material and the nonmagnetic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: JX Nippon Mining & Metals Corporation
    Inventor: Atsushi Sato
  • Patent number: 8562799
    Abstract: An end-block for use in a tubular magnetron sputtering apparatus is disclosed. Such an end-block rotatably transfers movement, coolant 5 and electrical current to the target while maintaining vacuum integrity and a closed coolant circuit. It hence comprises a drive means, a rotary electrical contact means, a bearing means, a number of rotary coolant seal means and a number of vacuum seal means. The inventive end-block occupies a minimal axial length along the target thus allowing 10 space savings in existing equipment such as e.g. display coaters. The axial length is reduced by mounting at least two of the means radial to one another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Soleras Advanced Coatings BVBA
    Inventors: Krist Dellaert, Wilmert De Bosscher, Joannes De Boever, Gregory Lapeire
  • Publication number: 20130270104
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention provide methods and apparatuses using sputtering from a mosaic sputtering target for depositing layers onto a substrate, and provide the capability of depositing layers onto site isolated regions of the substrate in a combinatorial manner. A sputtering source is provided including a sputtering target comprising a first region having a first composition, and a second region having a second composition. A selection mechanism is capable of selecting a composition of emitted material from the sputtering source that can range from 0% to 100% of the first composition and from 0% to 100% of the second composition. The selection mechanism can comprise a movable magnetron or a moveable aperture.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2012
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Applicant: Intermolecular, Inc.
    Inventors: Hong Sheng Yang, Chi-l Lang, Yun Wang
  • Publication number: 20130264199
    Abstract: A cylindrical magnetron sputtering target assembly includes a head and a main body connecting to the head. The main body includes a target, a protecting element located partially around the target, and an insulating assembly. The insulating assembly includes at least one insulating element. The insulating element is fastened to the inner sidewall of the inner plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2012
    Publication date: October 10, 2013
    Applicants: HON HAI PRECISION INDUSTRY CO., LTD., HONG FU JIN PRECISION INDUSTRY (ShenZhen) CO., LTD.
    Inventors: TENG-TSUNG HUANG, HUA-YONG XU, ZHEN-ZHANG LIU
  • Patent number: 8551307
    Abstract: A sputtering target apparatus is provided. The sputtering target apparatus includes a first target assembly including a first target array having a first target, a second target disposed adjacent to the first target, and a first target dividing region disposed between the first and second targets, the first target assembly extending along a first direction, wherein the first target dividing region has a longitudinal cross-section that is oblique with respect to the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Do-Hyun Kim, Dong-Hoon Lee, Chang-Oh Jeong
  • Patent number: 8551267
    Abstract: Aluminum or aluminum alloy sputter targets and methods of making same are provided. The pure aluminum or aluminum alloy is mechanically worked to produce a circular blank, and then the blank is given a recrystallization anneal to achieve desirable grain size and crystallographic texture. A 10-50% additional strain is provided to the blank step after the annealing to increase the mechanical strength. Further, in a flange area of the target, the strain is greater than in the other target areas with the strain in the flange area being imparted at a rate of about 20-60% strain. The blank is then finished to form a sputtering target with desirable crystallographic texture and adequate mechanical strength.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Assignee: Tosoh SMD, Inc.
    Inventors: Weifang Miao, David B. Smathers, Robert S. Bailey
  • Patent number: 8540850
    Abstract: So as to provide a target arrangement with improved mounting and dismounting ability, the target arrangement comprises a plate along a plane (E) which has a border (7) defined by a first wedge surface (5u) angled to the addressed general plane (E) and a second wedge surface (5l) which is substantially planar as well and angled with respect to the generic plane (E). The two wedge surfaces mutually convert in a direction along the addressed plane (E) and from a more central area of the plate outwardly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: OC Oerlikon Balzers AG
    Inventors: Marcel Neusch, Peter Schlegel, Hartmut Rohrmann, Oliver Rattunde
  • Publication number: 20130233701
    Abstract: A plasma source includes a hexagonal hollow cathode, the cathode including six targets and six magnets to generate and maintain a high density plasma; and an anode located beneath the cathode. A second hexagonal hollow cathode can be positioned concentric to the hexagonal hollow cahode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2013
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicant: 4D-S, LTD
    Inventor: Makoto Nagashima
  • Publication number: 20130234093
    Abstract: A layer of phase change material with silicon or another semiconductor, or a silicon-based or other semiconductor-based additive, is formed using a composite sputter target including the silicon or other semiconductor, and the phase change material. The concentration of silicon or other semiconductor is more than five times greater than the specified concentration of silicon or other semiconductor in the layer being formed. For silicon-based additive in GST-type phase change materials, sputter target may comprise more than 40 at % silicon. Silicon-based or other semiconductor-based additives can be formed using the composite sputter target with a flow of reactive gases, such as oxygen or nitrogen, in the sputter chamber during the deposition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2013
    Publication date: September 12, 2013
    Applicants: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION, MACRONIX INTERNATIONAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: HUAI-YU CHENG, CHIEH-FANG CHEN, HSIANG-LAN LUNG, YEN-HAO SHIH, SIMONE RAOUX, MATTHEW J. BREITWISCH
  • Patent number: 8529739
    Abstract: A transparent conductive film for constructing a transparent electrode that is free from the generation of residue, etc. by etching with a weak acid (for example, organic acid). Further, there is provided a sputtering target for producing the transparent conductive film. In particular, there is provided a sputtering target composed of indium oxide and cerium oxide, characterized in that in the observation of crystal peaks by X-ray diffractometry, the presence of peaks ascribed to indium oxide and cerium oxide is observed, and that in the EPMA measurement, the diameter of cerium oxide particles dispersed in indium oxide is measured as being ?5 ?m. A transparent conductive film is formed by a sputtering technique with the use of this sputtering target. This transparent conductive film is substantially free from the generation of residue, etc. by etching with a weak acid (for example, organic acid).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 10, 2013
    Assignee: Idemitsu Kosan Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Kazuyoshi Inoue, Masato Matsubara, Shigekazu Tomai
  • Publication number: 20130228452
    Abstract: A sputtering method and apparatus having at least one set of dual rotatable cylindrical sputtering targets mounted in a vacuum chamber. Magnet assemblies in hollow target cylinders provide erosion zones running long the parallel sides of a racetrack that act as target flux sources towards a substrate. These parallel erosion zones have a highly concentrated plasma density for rapid sputtering of the target and any reactive material. Features include the angular distance between normals to adjacent parallel erosion zones, the angle greater than 45° subtended at the center of the cylindrical target, placement of the substrate with respect to the targets, and pointing angles (orientation or tilt) of the racetracks toward the substrate and/or each other. These parameters form a relatively wide and efficient constant flux deposition region at the substrate, and allows for high deposition rates at constant reactive gas partial pressures with substantially uniform film stoichiometry and thickness.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2011
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Applicant: Soleras Advanced Coatings bvba
    Inventor: Wilmert De Bosscher
  • Publication number: 20130228451
    Abstract: The invention relates to a target for coating a substrate with an alloy by means of cathode sputtering, said alloy having at least one first material and one second material as alloy components. The surface of the target has at least one first section made of the first material and one second section made of the second material. The two sections adjoin each other and form a common boundary line. The invention further relates to a device and a method for coating a substrate with an alloy by means of cathode sputtering using the target according to the invention.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2011
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Inventors: Wolfram Maass, Berthold Ocker, Jûrgen Langer
  • Publication number: 20130228453
    Abstract: A dielectric film forming apparatus and a method for forming a dielectric film so as to form a dielectric film with a (100)/(001) orientation. A dielectric film forming apparatus includes a deposition preventive plate heating portion that heats a deposition preventive plate disposed in a position where particles discharged from a target adhere. Sputtering gas is introduced from a sputtering gas introduction unit into a vacuum chamber. The deposition preventive plate is heated to a temperature higher than a film forming temperature so as to emit vapor from a thin film adhered to the deposition preventive plate. After a seed layer is formed on a substrate, the substrate is heated to the film forming temperature, and AC voltage is applied to the target from a power supply and then, the target is sputtered so as to form a dielectric film on the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2013
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Applicant: ULVAC, Inc.
    Inventors: Isao KIMURA, Takehito JINBO, Hiroki KOBAYASHI, Youhei ENDOU, Youhei OONISHI
  • Publication number: 20130220795
    Abstract: A sputtering chamber includes at least two sputtering targets, one of the at least two targets disposed on a first side a substrate conveyor extending within the chamber, and another of the at least two targets disposed on a second side of the conveyor. The at least two targets may be independently operable, and at least one of the targets, if inactivated, may be protected by a shielding apparatus. Both of the at least two targets may be mounted to a first wall of a plurality of walls enclosing the sputtering chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2012
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: CARDINAL CG COMPANY
    Inventor: Cardinal CG Company
  • Publication number: 20130220797
    Abstract: A method for operating a moving magnet magnetron is provided enhanced target utilization. A magnet pack is moved in a first 2-D motion profile with a variable velocity. The magnet pack is then translated in a second 2-D motion profile that varies relative to the first profile. This process moving and translating is repeated to provide enhanced target utilization. These varied movement and translation profiles preclude the formation of a diamond-shaped erosion area common to the prior art. Representative to such profiles are intersecting sigmoidal curves. The resultant target is characterized by a metal from that has better target utilization as the wear pattern precludes the diamond shaped erosion area common to the prior art and instead has a multiple erosion peaks.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2011
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: GENERAL PLASMA, INC.
    Inventor: Phong Ngo