Patent ID: 6359388
Filing Date: 2002-03-19
Classification: C23C,H01J

Abstract:
An ion beam source with a closed loop ion emitting slit capable of emitting an ion beam toward a substrate, the ion beam source comprising:a hollow cathode; an anode located at least partially in a portion of said hollow cathode and spaced from said cathode in a manner so as to form an electrical gap between said anode and said cathode through which electrons flow, said anode including an inner periphery and an outer periphery; at least one magnet for generating a magnetic field proximate a closed loop slit formed in said cathode, wherein an ion beam is emitted toward a substrate from an area in or proximate said slit; a first gas flow aperture or channel located adjacent a periphery of said anode for enabling a first gas to flow around the periphery of the anode and through said electrical gap toward said slit; and at least one second gas flow channel or aperture located within a body of said anode between said inner and outer peripheries of said anode, said at least one second gas flow channel or aperture for enabling a second gas to flow through said second gas flow channel or aperture toward said slit such that at least a portion of the second gas flowing through said second gas flow channel or aperture reaches said closed loop slit without having to pass through said electrical gap between said anode and said cathode.