Patent ID: 6681716
Filing Date: 2004-01-27
Classification: C23C,Y10T

Abstract:
An apparatus for depositing a uniform, coating on a surface of a non-planar substrate, said apparatus comprising:a) at least one array of a plurality of plasma sources for generating a plurality of plasmas, wherein each of said plurality of plasma sources includes a cathode, an anode, and an inlet for a non-reactive plasma source gas disposed in a plasma chamber which is maintained at a first predetermined pressure; b) a deposition chamber for containing said non-planar substrate, wherein said deposition chamber is in fluid communication with said plasma chamber, and wherein said deposition chamber is maintained at a second predetermined pressure, said second predetermined pressure being less than said first predetermined pressure; c) at least one reactant gas injector disposed in said deposition chamber between said at least one array and said non-planar substrate for providing a differential flow rate of at least one reactant gas into each of said plurality of plasmas, such that said plurality of plasmas impinges upon a first region of said surface of said non-planar substrate and a second region of said surface of said non-planar substrate to form a coating of substantially uniform thickness, wherein said first region is located at a first working distance from said plurality of plasma sources and said second region is located at a second working distance from said plurality of plasma sources, said first working distance being greater than said second working distance.