Patent ID: 6849299

Claim:
A method of vapor-depositing a coating on a base material ( 50 ), said coating comprising at least two metallic elements and a refractory element, wherein said refractory element comprises greater than 0.05 atomic percent of said vapor-deposited coating, the method comprising the steps of: a) providing a source material, said source material comprising a first material ( 20 ), said first material comprising said at least two metallic elements, said refractory element being alloyed therewith, and a second material, said second material ( 30 ) comprising said at least two metallic elements; b) placing said source material in a crucible ( 45 ) such that said first material is positioned over said second material and at least partially covers said second material; c) providing a base ( 50 ) upon which said vapor-deposited coating is to be deposited; d) positioning said base vertically above an opening in the crucible ( 45 ); and e) heating said first material ( 20 ), thereby creating a molten zone ( 55 ) in said first material ( 20 ), wherein said molten zone contacts said second material ( 30 ), thereby creating a second molten zone ( 56 ) within said second material ( 30 ), wherein said metallic two elements in said second material ( 30 ) are transported through said molten zone ( 55 ), wherein said refractory element and said two metallic elements in said second material ( 30 ) are evaporated from said source material and are condensed upon said base material ( 50 ), thereby forming said vapor-deposited coating ( 71 ).