Patent ID: 6702930
Filing Date: 2004-03-09
Classification: C23C,G11B,H01J

Abstract:
A method of sputtering a target, comprising steps of:(a) providing a magnetically enhanced sputtering apparatus comprising a sputtering target having a first, sputtering surface and a second, opposing surface facing and in electrical contact with a cathode of said sputtering apparatus; (b) sputtering said first surface of said target to form a first erosion track therein; (c) removing said target from said sputtering apparatus when said first erosion track reaches a predetermined depth below said first surface; (d) reinstalling said sputtering target in said sputtering apparatus such that said second surface is the sputtering surface and said first surface is the opposing surface and faces and is in electrical contact with said cathode via an intervening backing plate, said backing plate being comprised of at least one material selected for causing a second erosion track to be formed in said second surface of said target during sputtering therefrom which is laterally displaced from said first erosion track; and (e) sputtering said second surface of said target to form said laterally displaced second erosion track therein to a predetermined depth below said second surface, thereby increasing the utilization of said sputtering target.