Patent ID: 7879209

Claim:
A magnetron sputtering apparatus including: a magnetron cathode having first and second end surfaces and one or more side surfaces, the magnetron cathode having disposed therein a plurality of magnets adjacent to one another, at least one magnet having N-S poles facing first and second end surfaces respectively and at least one magnet having S-N poles facing the first and second end surfaces of the magnetron cathode respectively such that magnetic field lines extend from the N pole of one magnet to the S pole of the other magnet extending through the first end surface of the magnetron cathode, wherein the one or more side surfaces are at least partially covered with an electrically insulating material forming an insulated magnetron cathode to prevent arcing, wherein the first end surface of the insulated magnetron cathode supports a material to be sputtered; and, an anode defining a vessel having an opening to an electrically conductive inner body and having an outer body, wherein the inner body includes a side wall forming an enclosed, walled portion and also includes an open end and an end wall portion spaced from said open end, the electrically conductive inner body being coupled to a voltage source for providing a voltage difference between the insulated magnetron cathode and the conductive inner body, wherein the anode is physically separated in space from the insulated magnetron cathode and not contacting the insulated magnetron cathode or any parts thereof, wherein the inner body of the anode is positively biased and is connected to a positive side of the voltage source and wherein the cathode is negatively biased and is connected to a negative side of the voltage source, and wherein the anode and cathode form a part of a same electrical circuit.