Patent ID: 9139908
Filing Date: 2015-09-22
Classification: C23C

Abstract:
1. A method for making multi-layer gradient composition thin films, the method comprising: introducing at least one chemical precursor into a plasma wherein the introducing comprises a first chemical precursor and at least one other chemical precursor different from the first chemical precursor; depositing a thickness of a first film to a surface of a substrate, the first film having a chemical composition derived from the at least one chemical precursor; modifying at least one plasma-related process parameter related to the deposition of the at least one chemical precursor during the depositing of a thickness of a first film; varying the chemical composition of at least a portion of the thickness of the first film, independently or in combination, in a vertical direction or in a vertical and horizontal direction relative to the substrate depositing, within the first film, a thickness of a second film derived at least in part from a second chemical precursor, the second film of a chemical composition different from the first film, at least a portion of the second film being spatially separated from the first film in a horizontal, a vertical, or a horizontal and vertical direction relative to the article surface; and providing an interface between the first film and the second film, the interface comprising a change in elemental composition of the first film relative to that of the second film, wherein the interface is between a vertical section of the first film and a vertical section the second film, relative to the article surface.