Patent ID: 9748082
Date: 2017-08-29
CPC Classifications: C23C,H01J

Claim:
1. A cathode target assembly for use in sputtering target material onto a substrate comprising: a generally cylindrical target extending about a longitudinal axis, the target configured to rotate about the axis; and a magnetic array, the array carried within and extending along the longitudinal axis of the target and maintained in a substantially static state with rotation of the target, the array forming a racetrack configuration comprising inner and outer magnetic poles, the racetrack configuration having a straight portion and opposing end portions thereof, the inner and outer magnetic poles extending parallel to each other in a first direction along the straight portion, the inner and outer magnetic poles fanning outward from the first direction in forming the end portions; and wherein the straight portion comprises one inner magnetic pole flanked by two outer magnetic poles, wherein the one inner magnetic pole splits into two inner magnetic pole portions which fan outward and then connect at each of the end portions, wherein spacing between the two outer magnetic poles and the two inner magnetic pole portions is substantially similar along each of the end portions, the inner and outer magnetic poles collectively adjustable in multiple dimensions relative to the cylindrical target, the dimensions comprising adjustments of the inner and outer magnetic poles in both spacing and symmetry relative to the cylindrical target, the adjustments to the inner and outer magnetic poles are provided via shim stacks each having planar and non-planar shims and spaced along a corresponding length of the magnetic array and each centrally situated between the magnetic array and a support rod extending along the longitudinal axis, the shim stacks extending from the support rod wherein the non-planar shims angle crosswise relative to the longitudinal axis of the support rod, the adjustments providing uniform magnetic effect on the cylindrical target over the corresponding length of the magnetic array.