Patent ID: 6391164
Filing Date: 2002-05-21
Classification: C23C,H01J

Abstract:
A method of depositing thin films and coatings, comprising:providing a deposition chamber equipped with a cooled arc cathode having a first material and a defined active surface, and a refractory thermally isolated non-consumable anode having a second material, wherein said anode is positioned to intercept a portion of said first material emitted by said cathode, and wherein said second material has a higher melting temperature than said first material, and wherein said second material has a lower equilibrium vapor pressure than said first material at every temperature in a range above the melting temperature of said first material and below the melting temperature of said second material, mounting at least one substrate in said chamber, establishing a pre-determined atmosphere within said chamber, establishing an arc discharge between said cathode and said anode such that said discharge produces vapor consisting of vaporized cathode material, heating said anode to a working temperature sufficient to remove at least some of said portion of said first material intercepted by said anode, exposing said substrate to vaporized cathode material produced by the arc.