Patent ID: 7223322
Filing Date: 2007-05-29
Classification: H01J

Abstract:
1. A magnetron sputtering electrode for use with a magnetron sputtering device, the magnetron sputtering electrode comprising: a cathode body; a rotary drive unit coupled to the cathode body; a target having an outer edge received by the cathode body; a closed magnet arrangement received within a magnet receiving chamber and coupled to the drive unit, the closed loop magnet arrangement comprised of a plurality of magnets adapted for motion relative to the target by the drive unit, wherein at least one of the plurality of magnets is a profiled magnet, the profiled magnet having a contoured top portion and defining an apex is positioned adjacent to the outer edge of the target; and a support plate coupled to the rotary drive unit, wherein the support plate includes one or more spacer blocks situated on the support plate, wherein the spacer blocks are constructed of non-magnetic material, and wherein the plurality of magnets are arranged on the support plate such that a portion of the contoured top portion of each of the plurality of magnets is positioned beneath an upper surface of the spacer blocks, and wherein the rotary drive unit rotates the magnet arrangement whereby the motion further comprises two or more rotational degrees of freedom of movement about an axis.