Patent ID: 7399385
Filing Date: 2008-07-15
Classification: H01J

Abstract:
1. A method of sputtering with a rotary cathode assembly comprising: providing a rotary cathode having a cathode target and a rotatable drive shaft connectable to a drive mechanism, said rotary cathode positioned within a cathode chamber defined in part by a chamber housing having first and second ends; providing a non-rotatable drive shaft housing connected in sealed relationship to said chamber housing and surrounding at least a portion of said rotatable drive shaft; providing a vacuum seal surrounding said drive shaft and positioned between said rotatable drive shaft and said non-rotatable drive shaft housing; providing a fluctuating current power to said cathode at a connection point outside of the chamber housing and electrically engaging a portion of said cathode between said first and second ends of said chamber housing by a non-rotatable, electrically conductive member extending from a power supply located outside said vacuum chamber and past said vacuum seal to said connection point, wherein said non-rotatable, electrically conductive member comprises a portion of said drive shaft housing.