Patent ID: 9376747
Filing Date: 2016-06-28
CPC Classification: C23C,H01J

Claim Text:
1. A method for manufacturing a treated surface comprising providing a processing space within a vacuum recipient, therein an anode with a metal anode surface having an extended surface with at least one cavity which cavity is open to said processing space, and wherein the smallest cross sectional width W of said cavity is between 3 mm and 100 mm and the depth T of said cavity is at least half the width W, and a cathode, said metal anode surface establishing a first specific DC impedance; establishing in said processing space an atmosphere of a gas or of a gas mixture at a desired pressure or at desired partial pressures; generating a plasma discharge in said processing space by applying between said anode and said cathode an electric supply signal comprising a DC component; treating a surface with the help of said plasma discharge, thereby generating in said processing space a solid having a second specific electric DC impedance which is higher than said first specific DC impedance; establishing at least one area of said anode surface shielded from said solid by generating a distinct shielding plasma on said at least one area, the extent of which being substantially limited to said at least one area, by generating in said cavity a variably controllable magnetic field controlled by an electromagnetic arrangement, and ensuring automatic ignition of the distinct shielding plasma in a prevailing set of process parameters in the processing space by adapting the magnetic field, wherein the prevailing set of process parameters comprises: