Patent ID: 6183605
Filing Date: 2001-02-06
Classification: H01J

Abstract:
A system for sputter deposition of a cathode material to form a material upon a substrate in a continuous operating mode, said system comprising:(a) a coating chamber in which a plasma is created comprising ions and electrons;(b) at least two anodes disposed in said chamber;(c) a cathode disposed in said chamber adjacent to said plasma, said cathode containing atoms that can be sputtered therefrom in response to bombardment by said ions from said plasma to deposit a film on a surface of said substrate; and(d) an ac supply of power at a frequency such that said cathode assumes a self bias potential which is negative relative to the plasma wherein said ac supply of power is connected to said anodes and said cathode so as to drive said anodes alternately to an ion-collecting state wherein said anodes attract said ions when maintained at a negative potential relative to said plasma, and an electron-collecting state wherein said anodes attract said electrons when maintained at a positive potential relative to said plasma, said ion-collecting state and said electron-collecting state occurring while said cathode is maintained at a negative potential relative to said plasma by said supply of power.