JP2017515000A - Shielding device for rotating cathode assembly and method for shielding dark part in deposition equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

According to the present disclosure, a shield device (20) for a rotating cathode having a rotating target (10) for sputtering material onto a substrate and a method for shielding dark areas in a deposition apparatus are provided. The shield device (20) includes a shield (21) configured to cover a part of the rotating target (10), and a fixture (80) for connecting the shield (21) to the rotating target (10). Including. The fixture (80) is configured to engage the shield such that the shield (21) can expand in the axial direction of the rotary target, essentially away from the center of the rotary target (10). The [Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present disclosure relates to an apparatus for shielding a rotating cathode, and in particular, to a shielding apparatus having a shield and a fixture for connecting the shield to the rotating cathode, and a method for shielding a dark area in a deposition apparatus.

  In many applications, it is desirable to deposit a thin layer on a substrate. Known techniques for depositing thin layers include evaporation, chemical vapor deposition, and sputtering deposition in particular. For example, sputtering can be used to deposit a thin layer, such as a thin layer of a metal, such as aluminum, or ceramic. During the sputtering process, the coating material is moved from the sputtering target of the material to be coated, typically by impinging ions of an inert process gas against the surface of the target at a low pressure. Ions are generated by electron impact ionization of the process gas and are accelerated by the voltage difference between the target that functions as the sputtering cathode and the anode. The impact on the target results in the ejection of atoms or molecules of the coating material, and the ejected atoms or molecules accumulate as a deposited film on the arrayed substrate opposite the sputtering cathode, for example, below the sputtering cathode. Is done.

  Usually, the rotating cathode is supported by the cathode drive unit of the sputtering facility. Depending on the geometry and design of the cathode, the rotating target is usually more utilized and has a longer operating time than the planar target. Thus, the use of a rotating target typically extends the useful life and reduces costs. During sputtering, the cathode drive unit transmits movement to the rotating cathode in a rotatable manner. For example, considering the lengthwise extension of a rotating cathode of up to about 4 m and the normal continuous operating time of a sputtering equipment of several days, the bearing of the cathode drive unit usually ensures a large mechanical load over a long period of time. It is desirable to support.

  To protect the cathode body from gas discharge and the resulting ion bombardment, darkroom shields may be provided at both the drive and free ends of the cathode. The shield around the drive end of the cathode body should prevent the process gas discharge from coming into contact with the drive end. The darkroom shield may be attached to the chamber wall or drive unit and may be electrically isolated from the attachment surface.

  The material sputtered from the end face of the target can contribute to non-uniform deposition. It is often preferred to place the dark shield (s) near the end face of the target to promote uniform deposition. The dark part shield reduces sputtering of the target end face by shielding the target end face from the plasma.

  During sputtering, a film of deposited material grows on the surface of the darkroom shield in the area facing the substrate on the surface of the darkroom shield. Eventually, the formed film typically begins to break into pieces or pieces in areas where the film is thicker. If the resulting piece of material falls on the substrate, the piece interferes with deposition in the area where the piece fell on the substrate, resulting in a defective product. Therefore, these darkroom shields must be replaced frequently, thereby increasing the maintenance cost of the sputtering unit.

  Furthermore, during repeated thermal cycles, the darkroom or darkroom shield (s) often undergo thermal expansion. Thus, the darkroom or darkroom shield (s) often allows for longitudinal and lateral thermal expansion by providing a gap or space between the darkroom shield and other features of the deposition equipment. It is arranged.

  Changes in the size of the dark space shield during thermal expansion can create gaps or spaces at undesired locations, such as, for example, the space available on the target for sputtering material from the target onto the substrate. May decrease.

  Accordingly, there continues to be a need for improved apparatus and methods for shielding dark areas of deposition equipment.

  In view of the above, according to one aspect, a shielding device for a rotating cathode is provided having a rotating target for sputtering material onto a substrate. The apparatus includes a shield configured to cover a portion of the rotating target and a fixture for connecting the shield to the rotating target. The fixture is configured to engage the shield such that the shield can expand in the axial direction of the rotating target, essentially away from the center of the rotating target.

  In addition, according to another aspect, a shielding device for a rotating cathode is provided having a rotating target for sputtering material onto a substrate. The apparatus includes a shield configured to cover a portion of the rotating target and a fixture for connecting the shield to the rotating target. The fixture is configured to suspend the shield such that the shield is essentially away from the center of the rotating target and can expand in the axial direction of the rotating target.

  In addition, a method is provided for shielding dark areas in the deposition apparatus during operation of the deposition apparatus. The method provides a fixture for assembling multiple parts to connect the shield to the rotating target of the deposition equipment, forming a shield that covers a portion of the rotating target to shield the dark area of the deposition equipment. To do. The shield is assembled so that during operation of the deposition equipment, the shield engages the rotating target such that it expands in the axial direction of the rotating target, essentially away from the center of the rotating target.

  In addition, a method is provided for shielding dark areas in the deposition apparatus during operation of the deposition apparatus. The method provides a fixture for assembling multiple parts to connect the shield to the rotating target of the deposition equipment, forming a shield that covers a portion of the rotating target to shield the dark area of the deposition equipment. To do. The shield is assembled such that during operation of the deposition equipment, the shield is suspended from the rotating target in such a way that it expands in the axial direction of the rotating target, essentially away from the center of the rotating target.

  Further aspects, advantages and features of the disclosure will be apparent from the dependent claims, the specification and the attached drawings.

  Some of the above embodiments will be described in more detail in the following description of exemplary embodiments with reference to the following drawings.

2 is a schematic side view of a shield device, a rotating target, and a cathode drive of a deposition apparatus that sputters material onto a substrate, according to an embodiment. FIG. FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of portion A of FIG. 1 according to an embodiment. It is a schematic exploded view of the shield of the shield apparatus according to the embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic view of a portion of a shield device for connecting a dark space shield to a rotating target, according to an embodiment. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a further portion of a shield device for connecting a dark space shield to a rotating target, according to an embodiment. FIG. 6 is a schematic top view of a darkroom shield according to an embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic three-dimensional view of a part of a shield, according to an embodiment. It is a schematic sectional drawing of the sputtering equipment by embodiment. It is a schematic sectional drawing of the sputtering equipment by embodiment.

  Reference will now be made in detail to various embodiments, one or more examples of which are illustrated in each figure. Each example is presented as an illustration and is not meant to be limiting. For example, further embodiments may be obtained using features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment, or in combination with other embodiments. The present disclosure is intended to include such modifications or variations.

  Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to nano-manufacturing technology solutions with equipment, processes, and materials used in thin film and coating deposition. Representative examples include, but are not limited to, semiconductor and dielectric materials and devices, silicon-based wafers, flat panel displays (such as TFTs), masks and filters, energy conversion and storage (solar cells, fuel cells, and batteries). Solid state lighting (such as LEDs), magnetic and optical storage devices, microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) and nanoelectromechanical systems (NEMS), microoptical and optoelectronic devices, architectural and automotive glass, metal foils and polymers Applications involving foils and metallization systems for packaging, as well as micro and nano moldings are included.

  Sputtering is a process in which atoms are ejected from a solid target material because the target is impacted by energetic particles. During scraping, the process of coating a substrate with a material usually refers to applying a thin film. The terms “coating” and “deposition” are used interchangeably herein. The terms “sputtering equipment” and “deposition equipment” are used interchangeably herein and refer to equipment that uses sputtering to deposit a target material, usually deposition of a thin film on a substrate.

Typical target materials include, but are not limited to, aluminum (Al), copper (Cu), pure metals such as silver (Ag) and gold (Au), aluminum-niobium (Al-Nb) alloys, and aluminum-nickel (Al--). Ni) alloys, semiconductor materials such as silicon (Si), and nitrides, carbides, titanates, silicates, aluminates, and impurity doped zinc oxides such as ZnO: Al, ZnO, AlZnO, In ₂ O ₃ , SnO ₂ , CdO, and dielectric materials such as oxides such as transparent conductive oxide (TCO), such as tin-doped indium oxide In ₂ O ₃ (ITO) and fluorine-doped silicon dioxide SnO ₂ . Oxides, nitrides, oxynitrides, and the like can also be deposited by reactive sputtering, where the target material reacts with a reactive gas in the process gas.

  As used herein, the term “substrate” is intended to refer to both non-flexible substrates such as, for example, wafers or glass plates, and flexible substrates such as webs and foils.

  The term “dark shield” is used herein to refer to a shield that generally prevents sputtering to unwanted portions of the cathode. The terms “dark part shield” and “dark room shield” are used interchangeably herein.

  FIG. 1 illustrates a portion 100 of a deposition apparatus that sputters material onto a substrate in a typical cross section along a direction parallel to a rotation axis 50 defined by a rotating target 10. The portion 100 includes a drive unit 30 that rotates the rotary target 10 and a shield device 20 connected to the rotary target 10 to cover at least a portion of the rotary target 10. During operation of the deposition equipment, the rotating target can rotate about the axis of rotation 50.

  According to the embodiments described herein, the shield 21 of the shield device 20 may cover a portion of the rotating target 10, such as the bottom end 15 of the rotating target 10. The bottom end 15 of the rotary target 10 can be defined as the end of the rotary target 10 connected to the drive unit 30. The intermediate portion 16 of the rotating target 10 can be used to deposit material on the substrate during operation of the sputtering equipment. The terms “intermediate part” and “non-cover part” are used interchangeably herein. The top end 17 of the rotating target 10 may be covered by a shield device (not shown) in order to prevent gas discharge caused by electric field accumulation, for example.

  In this regard, terms indicating directions such as “top”, “bottom”, “upper”, “down”, “upward”, “downward”, “upward”, etc. are used with respect to the direction of the rotation axis 50. The term “axial direction”, as used herein, is intended to indicate a direction parallel to the axis of rotation 50. Similarly, the term “radial direction” as used herein is intended to indicate a direction perpendicular to and away from the rotational axis 50. Similarly, the term “axial distance”, as used herein, is intended to indicate a distance in the direction of the axis of rotation 50. The term “axial stretching”, as used herein, is intended to indicate stretching in the direction of the axis of rotation 50.

  FIG. 2 schematically illustrates an excerpt 60 of the portion 100 of the deposition apparatus shown in FIG. 1 that sputters material onto the substrate. Specifically, the shield device 20 according to the embodiment of the present specification is shown assembled around the driving end of the rotary target 10.

  The shield 21 of the shield device 20 includes a first portion 26 and a second portion 27. The first part can be shown as the part of the shield that covers a part of the rotating target in the axial direction of the rotating target above the attachment point of the rotating target to the drive. The second part may be shown as the part of the shield that covers a part of the rotating target in the axial direction of the target at the attachment point to the drive of the rotating target, optionally the second part is the rotating target It can extend in the axial direction below the attachment point to the drive unit.

  According to the embodiment shown herein, the diameter of the first portion 26 of the shield 21 may be smaller than the diameter of the second portion 27 of the shield 21. The diameter of the first portion 26 of the shield 21 may be basically the same as the diameter of the rotating target 10. According to the embodiments shown herein, the diameter of the target 10 can be defined as the diameter of the portion of the rotating target 10 directly above the shield 21 of the shield device 20. An axial portion of the rotating target 10 parallel to the rotation axis 50 just above the shield 21 can be used to deposit material on the substrate during operation of the deposition equipment.

  As shown in FIG. 2, in the embodiment shown in the present specification, the fixture 80 that connects the shield 21 to the rotary target 10 may be connected to the shield 21 at the first portion 26 of the shield 21. Specifically, the fixture 80 engaged with the shield 21 may be connected to the shield 21 on the inner periphery of the shield 21. According to certain embodiments, which can be combined with other embodiments described herein, the fastener can engage the shield with a securing element such as one or more screws, and / or The fixture can be configured to suspend the shield at the location of the fixture, as described herein.

  In the embodiments shown herein, a guide device 90 for stabilizing and / or guiding the shield may be attached to the drive of the deposition equipment. The guide device 90 may be covered with the second portion 27 of the shield 21. The guide device may be in the radial center direction of the shield.

  FIG. 3 schematically shows an exploded view of an excerpt 60 of the portion 100 of the deposition apparatus that sputters material onto the substrate shown in FIG. According to certain embodiments that may be combined with other embodiments described herein, the shield includes one or more notches, trenches, channels, or depressions formed along the radially inner periphery of the darkroom shield 21. obtain. The notch 22 may be disposed at an axial position within 50%, specifically within 20% from the upper end of the shield 21. According to the embodiments shown herein, the notch 22 can include an overhang or protrusion 23 to securely connect the fixture 80 and the shield 21 to each other.

  According to the embodiments shown herein, the notch 22 may be sized to receive at least a portion of the fixture 80. Thereby, the shield 21 can be connected to the rotating target 10 via the fixture 80. In the embodiment shown herein, a fixture 80 such as a PEEK ring may be clamped to the rotating target 10.

  According to embodiments shown herein, the rotating target 10 is formed along the outer periphery of the rotating target 10 and is adapted to receive a fixture 80, one or more notches, trenches, channels, or depressions. Can be included. Notch 11 may hereinafter be referred to as the first notch. The first notch 11 can be arranged at the drive end of the rotary target 10 so that it is covered by the shield 21 of the shield device 20 during operation of the deposition apparatus.

  According to embodiments herein, the rotating target 10 may include a recess or notch 12. The recess or notch 12, also referred to as a second notch hereinafter, is such that when the shield device 20 is attached to the rotary target 10, the outer surface of the rotary target 10 involved in the deposition process and the outer surface of the upper end of the shield 21 are on the same plane. (See plane 70 in FIG. 2) and may be adapted to receive shield device 20 in this manner.

  According to embodiments shown herein, a first notch 11 adapted to receive a fixture for connecting a shield to a rotating target may be disposed within the second notch 12. During operation of the deposition equipment, the fixture itself is covered by a shield.

  According to embodiments described herein, a shield apparatus is provided that can cover a portion of a target, such as a portion of a rotating target. The shield device may include a shield and a fixture that connects the shield to the target. The fixture may be configured to allow the shield to expand in the axial direction of the target (see arrow 25 in FIG. 2), essentially away from the center of the target. The term “essentially” used to indicate the axial expansion of the shield is used herein to refer to the majority of the shield in the axial direction of the target and away from the center of the target (reference number in FIG. 1). 13) to be understood as meaning that it can expand. For example, 50% or more of the shield, specifically 70% or more, can expand away from the center of the target in the axial direction of the target.

  The shield may be connectable to the fixture at an axial position within 50%, specifically within 20% of the top of the shield. The upper end of the shield may be defined as the end of the shield closest to the center of the rotating target. In the alternative, the upper end of the shield may be defined as the end of the shield that is axially opposite the end of the shield facing the drive unit. According to the embodiments shown herein, the center of gravity of the shield may be below the attachment point of the shield to the rotating target. For example, the center of gravity of the shield when the shield is disposed around a portion of the target may be below the fixture that connects the shield to the target.

  In order to connect the fixture and shield together, the shield may include a dedicated attachment site that is located within 50%, specifically within 20% of the top of the shield. For example, the shield may include a notch. The notch may be disposed on the inner periphery of the shield such that the notch faces the target when the shield is placed around the target. According to the embodiments shown herein, the notches can extend partially or fully along the inner circumference of the shield.

  The terms “notch” and “channel” are used interchangeably herein. The notch of the shield, or at least a portion of the notch, can include a bottom region surrounded by sidewalls on both sides. In the embodiments shown herein, at least one of the side walls may include an overhang structure or protrusion that extends along at least a portion of the side wall to hold the fixture in place.

  In the embodiments shown herein, the shield fixture may be adapted to suspend or suspend the shield from a target, such as a rotating target. The terms “hang” and “hang” are used interchangeably herein. Hanging or suspending the shield as described herein generally means that the shield is essentially a fixture when the shield is connected to the rotating target to cover a portion of the rotating target. Below it means not supported. During thermal cycling, this allows the shield to expand downward from the attachment point with the fixture (see, eg, FIG. 2). The shield can expand away from the center of the target in the axial direction of the rotating target and towards the drive end of the target. The expansion of the shield can thus be controlled and guided in a predetermined direction. In the embodiment shown here, due to the influence of gravity, the shield can basically expand in a single direction towards the ground surface. According to some embodiments, which may be combined with other embodiments described herein, the fixture and / or guide device may include an insulating material. Optionally, the insulator may include a heat resistant plastic. Refractory plastics can improve use in sputter deposition chambers.

  The shield device according to the embodiment may further include a guide device for guiding and stabilizing the shield in a vertical direction or a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the shield. The guide device can stabilize the shield against movement in a direction away from the rotation axis of the shield. According to embodiments shown herein, the guide device can be adapted to be connected to a drive of the deposition equipment.

  The guide device may have one or more friction reduction parts at the point of contact with the shield. The one or more friction reduction portions may move with the shield. According to the embodiment shown here, the friction reduction part is movable independently of the other parts of the guide device. For example, the friction reduction portion can be one or more rollers. As an alternative or additional method, according to embodiments shown herein, the shield may include a friction reduction portion at the point of contact with the guide device.

  Usually, the shield is electrically isolated from the rotating target. For example, at least the contact surface of the fixture and the guide device with the shield may be made of an insulating material. The insulating material may be a heat resistant plastic such as polyetheretherketone (PEEK).

  According to the embodiments shown herein, the rotary target may include a dedicated attachment site for connecting the shield to the rotary target via a fixture. For example, the attachment site may be a first notch that extends along the outer periphery of the target. The first notch may extend partially or entirely along the outer periphery of the target. For example, the fixture may be attached to a rotating target having a positioning function and a lock function (restraint function) by a form fit or a snap fit.

  The rotating target may include a recess or a second notch. The recess or second notch of the rotating target can be adapted to provide a space or gap for accommodating the shield device. This space or gap is adapted so that the shield and the surface of the rotating target used to deposit material on the substrate are essentially on a common surface.

  According to the embodiments shown herein, the shield-rotary target joint may form a basically flat or coplanar transition region. The portion of the rotating target immediately above the upper end of the shield of the shield device and the shield and the upper end of the shield device may be on the same plane. This ensures uniform deposition of material on the substrate during operation of the deposition equipment.

  According to embodiments shown herein, the first notch of the rotating target for connecting the fixture of the shield device may be arranged in the second notch or in the recess of the rotating target.

  The shield apparatus 20 shown in the drawings may include a segmented dark space shield 21 adapted to rotate with the rotating target 10. For example, the segmented dark space shield may be divided into two segments (also referred to herein as “parts”). The term “segmented” is intended herein to denote a dark shield consisting of multiple parts combined. The terms “segmented”, “multipart” and “several parts” are used simultaneously herein. Usually, the shield has a non-uniform surface with a typical roughness between RZ25 and RZ70.

  The dark space shield can be segmented into multiple segments, and the multiple segments can be combined. When the shield is attached to the target, the at least two parts can be secured together by using a fastening device such as a fastener. The segment (s) may be separate pieces or, alternatively, may be joined together by, for example, hinges or joints. Specifically, the hinge or joint may be disposed inside the segment with respect to the radial direction.

  Given the fact that the dark space shield includes several parts, the dark space shield can be easily placed over and attached to at least a portion of the rotating target. An integral shield would have to be placed over the target, even to place it over at least a portion of the target. Because the target has a considerable length that spans several meters, and because the target material is easily susceptible to contact with the shield, the use of the multi-part shield described herein allows maintenance. Can essentially reduce labor. According to embodiments, the shield or at least a part of the shield may be assembled concentrically to the rotating target.

  The term “rotary target” is used herein to refer to any cathode assembly that is adapted to be rotatably attached to a sputtering facility. Typically, the rotating target includes a target structure that is adapted to be sputtered. The term “rotating target” is used herein to refer to a magnetically enhanced cathode assembly, specifically, the assembly is enhanced by adding an internal magnetic unit, such as a permanent magnet, for improved sputtering.

  The rotating target, also referred to as rotating sputtering cathode or rotating cathode in the following, may be made from a hollow cylindrical object of target material. These rotating targets are also referred to as monolithic targets and can be manufactured by casting or sintering these targets from a target material.

  Non-integral rotating targets typically include a cylindrical rotating tube, such as a backing tube, having a layer of target material applied to its outer surface. In the manufacture of such rotating sputtering cathodes, the target material can be applied onto the outer surface of the backing tube, for example, by spraying, powder casting or isotropic pressing. In an alternative method, a hollow cylinder-shaped target material, which may also be referred to as a target tube, may be disposed on the backing tube and joined to the backing tube, for example with indium, to form a rotating cathode. According to a further alternative, an unjoined target cylinder can be provided radially outward from the backing tube.

  In order to increase the deposition rate, it has been proposed to use a magnetically enhanced cathode. This can also be referred to as magnetron sputtering. A magnetic unit that can include an array of magnets can be disposed inside the sputtering cathode, eg, inside the backing tube or inside the monolithic target, and can provide a magnetic field for magnetic enhanced sputtering. The cathode is usually rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the cathode so that it can pivot relative to the magnetic unit. The term “end” or “end” is intended to refer to the axial end or end of the cathode or target in the context of the rotating target or cathode herein. Typically, the outer cross-section of the target or cathode is circular with a diameter that is, for example, between 8 cm and 30 cm, while the length of the target or cathode is, for example, up to 0.3 m, or even up to 4 m It can be.

  In operation, an unshielded cathode can undergo gas discharge (arcing) at the cathode end due to electric field accumulation. This discharge is undesirable. The gas discharge area adjacent to the cathode end is called the “dark room”. According to embodiments shown herein, the darkroom shield can be arranged to cover one or both ends of the cathode.

  According to the embodiments shown herein, a shield is provided to shield the dark room region of the target to avoid gas discharge at the cathode drive end. Usually the shield is made of an insulator. A target that is shielded by a non-rotating shield can deposit material on only one side of the darkroom shield during the sputtering process. The resulting film formed on the surface of the darkroom shield can be fragmented after several deposition cycles, and small pieces of material can be released and deposited on the substrate surface. This masks the deposition of the sputtered material on the substrate and causes defects in the product. Small pieces of the material can generally accumulate and can contaminate the deposition equipment.

  With the darkroom shield rotating with the target as shown herein, the surface of the darkroom shield is exposed to material deposition. A layer of material is deposited in a uniform manner, forming a film over the entire surface of the darkroom shield. This means that the film can be deposited longer until it is fragmented, thereby reducing the possibility of film fragments falling onto the substrate. Compared to handling a non-rotating darkroom shield, the risk of contamination of the substrate and deposition equipment, as well as maintenance time and costs, can thus be reduced.

  According to embodiments, the plurality of segments can be segments of a cylinder that when assembled and together form a cylindrical shaped shield. Usually, two segments are provided, each covering 180 ° of the outer circumference of the cylinder. For example, according to a further embodiment shown in FIG. 6, the shield 21 can be assembled from three segments 24, each segment covering 120 ° of the cylinder.

  The shield may be rotationally symmetric for each piece. At least two of the shield parts are part of the cylinder and cover, for example, 180 ° or 120 ° of the outer periphery. When the parts are assembled and put together, they form a cylinder that can be rotationally symmetric except for the junction between the parts. According to the present disclosure, when a part is said to be “rotationally symmetric”, the surface is the same after rotation. The rotation is performed with respect to the rotation center that is the center of the cylinder in the case of a plurality of pieces of the cylinder. Cylinder segments covering 360 ° / n (eg n = 2 or n = 3) can thus be rotated any degree up to 360 ° / n, so that the surface is the same is there. The term surface specifically includes surfaces on the radial outer periphery. Without being limited to any specific embodiment herein, the shield together covers 360 ° of the cylinder, and more than three parts, for example four, six, or more May include parts.

  A cross-sectional view of a section of a rotationally symmetric cylinder is shown in FIG. The shield part or segment 24 that covers 180 ° of the cylinder has a center 26. The arrow 25 shown as an example indicates that the part can be rotated 180 °, so that the surface, in particular the surface on the radial outer circumference, is identical.

  Specifically, according to the embodiments shown herein, the shield segments should not have holes for receiving screws or pins, for example. If there is a hole, the shield part will be non-rotationally symmetric. In known shields, holes were provided to assemble the shield to other elements. However, any non-rotationally symmetric shape of the shield leads to an electric field failure during sputtering. This in turn results in reduced layer uniformity on the substrate being coated.

  Furthermore, the hole was provided in order to enable insertion of a screw or the like. Therefore, for example, in order to disassemble or remove the shield for maintenance, it is necessary to remove the screw. This takes time. This is because the screw head is coated during sputtering and in order to disassemble or remove the shield, the coating must first be removed from the screw head and then unscrewed.

  Thus, providing a rotationally symmetric shield that does not have any non-rotary symmetric elements, such as holes, not only improves the quality of the coating, but also reduces maintenance effort and costs.

  According to a specific embodiment that can be combined with other embodiments shown herein, the rotating target can include a top shield. The top shield is disposed at the top end of the rotating target. The term “top end” is understood to be the end of the target that is opposite the axial direction of the target from the end connected to the drive (referred to herein as the “drive end” of the rotating target). Should. The top shield is adapted to rotate with the rotating target. Similar to the drive end shield, the top shield or at least a portion of the top shield may be assembled concentrically to the rotating target.

  During repeated deposition chamber thermal cycles, the darkroom or darkroom shield (s) often undergo thermal expansion. Thus, the element connecting the fixture or shield to the rotating target can be adapted to promote such repetitive thermal expansion without damaging the rotating target.

  In the art, the shield may be attached to the cathode drive to cover the drive end of the rotating target. The drive unit supports the shield and the rotating target. In such a case, the shield expands away from the supporting drive in the axial direction of the target and towards the center of the rotating target. Therefore, a large space or gap may be provided between the drive end of the shield and the rotating target in order to allow thermal expansion of the shield. These spaces can reduce the surface area of the target that is used to deposit material on the substrate.

  FIG. 4 schematically illustrates a portion of a shield device for connecting a dark space shield to a rotating target, according to an embodiment. Specifically, FIG. 4 is an enlarged view of the excerpt 61 of the embodiment shown in FIG. The fixture 80 may be connected to the first notch 11 of the rotary target 10. According to embodiments shown herein, the notch 11 may be carved, for example, inside a rotating target.

  According to the embodiments shown herein, the fixture 80 may include a hook shape embedded within the notch 22 of the shield 21. The shield 21 may be suspended or suspended from the hook-shaped part.

  In the embodiments shown herein, the overhang structure or protrusion 23 may hold the fixture 80 positioned within the notch 22. For example, the overhang structure or protrusion 23 may extend in the axial direction of the shield 21 toward the bottom end of the shield 21. According to the embodiments shown herein, the overhang structure or protrusion 23 may be disposed at the end of the notch 22, specifically the end of the notch 22 closest to the upper end of the shield 21.

  According to the embodiments shown herein, the fixture 80 may be configured such that the shield is separated from the rotating target by a distance of 1.5 mm to 4.5 mm, for example about 3 mm ± 0.5 mm. Since the shield 21 may be suspended or suspended from the fixture 80, the air gap or distance 40, 41 between the shield and the rotating target is essentially constant during the thermal cycling process. May be kept. Specifically, the axial gap or distance 40 between the upper end of the shield 21 and the rotating target 10 is fundamental during a thermal cycle by a dedicated fixture 80 adapted to suspend the shield 21. May be kept constant. This allows the shield 21 to expand downwardly away from the center of the rotating target during the thermal cycle. Beneficially, the surface range of the rotating target used during the operation of the deposition equipment for the deposition of material on the substrate is kept essentially constant, so that the layer of material deposited on the substrate Can be ensured.

  FIG. 5 schematically illustrates a further part of a shield device for connecting a dark space shield to a rotating target, according to an embodiment. FIG. 5 is an enlarged view of the excerpt 62 of the embodiment shown in FIG. Specifically, FIG. 5 shows the bottom of the shield device 20. According to the embodiments shown herein, the bottom of the shield 21 of the shield device 20 can be adapted to cover the bottom of the rotating target 10 during operation of the deposition equipment. The bottom end of the rotating target 10 may include the portion of the rotating target that is connected to the drive of the deposition equipment.

  According to the embodiment shown in the present specification, the shield 21 of the shield device 20 may leave a space 41 from the rotating target in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the rotating target. This space 41 may be kept constant during the thermal cycling process of the deposition equipment. According to embodiments, the distance or gap 41 between the rotating target and the shield 21 may be from 1.5 mm to 4.5 mm, for example about 3 mm ± 0.5 mm.

  According to the embodiments shown herein, the shield device 20 may include a guide device 90 for stabilizing the bottom end of the shield 21 of the shield device 20. The guide device may stabilize the shield 21 in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the shield or in a direction perpendicular to the rotating target.

  The guide device may be adapted to be connected to the drive of the deposition equipment. In the embodiments described herein, the guide device may include a friction reduction portion at the contact point of the shield device 20 with the shield 21. For example, the friction reducing part can be a movable part. The movable part of the friction reduction part can be adapted to be movable with the shield 21 during operation of the deposition equipment.

  The guide device 90 and the shield 21 of the shield device 20 may be configured such that a gap or space 42 is formed in the axial direction between the guide device 90 and the shield 21 of the shield device 20. The gap 42 may be adapted to allow the shield 21 to freely expand downward from the center of the rotating target during the thermal cycle process of the deposition equipment. According to the embodiments shown herein, the gap 42 may be smaller in size when the shield is in an expanded state, as opposed to when the shield 21 is in an unexpanded state.

  FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view along the rotation axis 50 of the sputtering equipment 200 according to the embodiment. Sputtering equipment 200 typically includes a processing chamber 220 formed by walls 231 and 232. According to an exemplary embodiment, the cathode, target, or backing tube axis 50 is essentially parallel to the wall 231, in which case a cathode plug-in configuration is realized.

  According to an embodiment, at least one end block 101, which may include a drive that rotates a rotating target, is attached to the processing chamber 220. The substrate 110 is typically secured to a flap or door 230 of the processing chamber 220 via an insulating plate 116. During sputtering, the flap or door 230 is closed. Accordingly, the substrate 110 is normally stationary or at least non-rotatable during sputtering. In the alternative, the outer housing 125 may be secured directly to the wall 231 of the processing chamber 220.

  According to the embodiment, the rotation driving unit 150 that is typically an electric driving unit is disposed outside the processing chamber 220 via the mounting support 152. However, the rotation driving unit 150 may also be installed inside the outer housing 125. Typically, during the sputtering, the rotation drive unit 150 includes a motor shaft 154 of the rotation drive unit, a pinion 153 connected to the motor shaft, and a pinion 153 and a large gear attached to the bearing housing 123 of the rotor 122. The rotary target 10 is driven via a chain or a toothed belt (not shown) that forms a loop around 151.

  Typically, the coolant support tube 134 and / or the electrical support line is supplied from the coolant supply / discharge unit 130 and / or the electrical support unit through the outer housing 125 to the outside of the processing chamber 220. Yes.

  The rotary target 10 is typically supported by an end block 101. In addition, the rotary target 10 can be further supported at the upper end. According to the embodiments shown herein, the shield device 20 described in more detail with reference to the above figures may cover at least a portion of the target 10. The shield device can extend in the axial direction of the rotation shaft 50 of the target 10 and can cover at least a part of the joint point between the rotation target 10 and the end block 101.

  According to the embodiments shown herein, the rotary target 10 may be attached to the end block target flange 121 along the axis of rotation 50. According to the embodiment, the target flange 121 and the rotary target 10 are coaxial with each other. Since the shield device 20 covers at least a part of the target flange 121, the shield device 20 can extend in the axial direction of the target rotation shaft 50.

  The rotating target 10 can be fitted on top of the target flange 121 using an annular clamp that presses the rotating target 10 against the target flange 121. An O-ring seal may be disposed between the target flange 121 and each adjacent portion of the adjacent backing tube and rotating target 10. Therefore, the rotary target 10 can be attached to the target flange 121 in a vacuum-tight manner.

  According to embodiments, the rotating target 10 may be vacuum-tightly attached to the top of the target flange 121, for example, to prevent fluid leakage into the low pressure processing chamber. This is typically accomplished by an annular seal (not shown).

  At least one electrical supply (not shown) for the rotating target 10 may also be provided through the target flange 121 to cause the rotating target 10 to act as a cathode during sputtering.

  According to embodiments that may be combined with other embodiments of the present disclosure, both the target flange and the bearing housing may be made of a conductive material, such as steel. In these embodiments, current can flow from the current collector plate, through the bearing housing and the target flange to the rotating target.

  According to embodiments that may be combined with other embodiments of the present disclosure, the target flange may be adapted to mechanically support the rotating target. In addition, a coolant and electricity supply for the target tube can be provided through the target flange.

  FIG. 9 shows the sputtering equipment 200 shown in FIG. 9 is a direction orthogonal to the cross section of FIG. According to an embodiment, the sputtering facility 200 includes a vacuum chamber 220 that includes a gas inlet 201 for supplying a processing gas, such as argon, to the vacuum chamber 220. The vacuum chamber 220 further includes a substrate support 202 and a substrate 203 disposed on the substrate support 202. Further, the vacuum chamber 220 includes the rotating target 10.

  A high voltage difference can be applied between the rotating target 10 acting as the cathode and the substrate support 202 acting as the anode. The plasma is typically generated by bombarded ionization of accelerated electrons, such as argon atoms. The generated argon ions are accelerated in the direction of the rotating target 10 such that particles of the rotating target 10, typically atoms, are sputtered and subsequently deposited on the substrate 203.

In embodiments, other inert gases such as krypton, or other suitable gases such as reactive gases such as oxygen or nitrogen may be used to create the plasma. According to an exemplary embodiment that may be combined with other embodiments of the present disclosure, the pressure in the plasma area may be about 10 ⁻⁴ mbar to about 10 ⁻² mbar, typically about 10 ⁻³ mbar. it can. In further embodiments, the vacuum chamber 220 may include one or more openings and / or valves for taking the substrate 203 into or withdrawing the substrate 203 out of the vacuum chamber 220.

  Magnetron sputtering is particularly advantageous in that the deposition rate is slightly faster. By placing one or more magnets 14 inside the rotating target 10, free electrons in the generated magnetic field directly under the target surface can be captured. This usually increases the probability of ionizing gas molecules by several orders of magnitude. The deposition rate can then increase significantly. Depending on the application and the material being sputtered, a static or time-varying magnetic field can be used. Further, cooling fluid may be circulated within the rotating target 10 to cool the magnet 224 and / or the target 10.

  The rotating target 10 can be supported by an end block 101, which is invisible in the cross-sectional view shown, and is therefore indicated by a dashed circle. The end block 101 may be non-rotatably attached to the wall 231 or door 230 or flap of the processing chamber 220, which is invisible in the cross-sectional view shown, and thus shown as a dashed rectangle.

  According to embodiments shown herein, a method is provided for shielding dark areas in a deposition apparatus during operation of the deposition apparatus. The method includes providing a fixture that connects the shield to a rotating target of the deposition apparatus, and providing the fixture can include connecting the fixture to the rotating target. The method may further include assembling the plurality of parts to form a shield that covers a portion of the rotating target to shield dark areas in the deposition equipment. The shield is suspended from the rotating target so that the shield can expand in the axial direction of the rotating target, essentially away from the center of the rotating target, during operation of the deposition equipment, and / or Assembled to engage a rotating target. Assembling a plurality of parts may include, for example, assembling two or more shielding parts to form a shield.

  According to embodiments shown herein, a method for shielding a dark area in a deposition apparatus during operation of the deposition apparatus is such that the shield is suspended from a rotating target at the attachment point and the center of gravity of the shield is at the attachment point. May further comprise assembling the shield to be below. The method may also include stabilizing the shield in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the shield.

  Although specific features of various embodiments of the disclosure may be shown in some drawings and not in others, this is for convenience only. Any feature of a drawing may be referenced and / or claimed in combination with any feature of any other drawing.

  This specification uses examples to disclose the present disclosure, including the best mode, and to make and use any device or system, and to incorporate those skilled in the art to implement the subject matter of the present disclosure. Including the implementation of any method. While various specific embodiments have been disclosed above, those skilled in the art will recognize that equally effective modifications are possible within the spirit and scope of the claims. In particular, mutually non-exclusive features of the embodiments described above can be combined with each other. The patentable scope is defined by the claims, and may include such modifications and other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples have equivalent structural elements that have structural elements that do not differ from the literal words in the claims or that do not differ substantially from the literal words in the claims. In that case, it is within the scope of the claims.

Claims (15)

A shield device (20) for a rotating cathode having a rotating target (10) for sputtering material onto a substrate,
A shield (21) configured to cover a portion of the rotating target (10), and a fixture (80) for connecting the shield (21) to the rotating target (10),
The fixture (80)
The shield (21) engages with the shield (21) so that it can expand in the axial direction of the rotary target, essentially away from the center (13) of the rotary target (10). Configured device (20).   The shield (21) is connectable to the fixture (80) at an axial position of the shield (21) within 50%, specifically within 20% of the upper end of the shield. (20).   3. The fixture (80) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the fixture (80) is configured to hold the shield (21) at a constant distance from the rotary target (10) in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the rotary target. The device (20) described.   The fixture (80) is arranged at a constant distance (41) between 1.5 mm and 4.5 mm from the rotating target (10) in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the rotating target. The device (20) of claim 3, wherein the device (20) is configured to hold 21).   The apparatus (20) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the center of gravity of the shield (21) is below the fixture (80) connecting the shield to a rotating target.   The device (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a guide device (90) for stabilizing the shield (21) in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the shield.   The device (20) according to claim 6, wherein the guide device (90) comprises a friction reduction part at the point of contact with the shield (21).   The device (20) according to claim 7, wherein the friction reduction part is movable together with the shield (21).   The device (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fixture (80) and / or the guide device (90) comprises an insulating material, the insulating material optionally comprising a heat-resistant plastic.   The device (20) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fixture (80) comprises a PEEK ring for suspending the shield (21).   11. A rotary target (10) having a material to be sputtered onto a substrate in a deposition apparatus, the rotary target being connected to a shield device according to any one of claims 1 to 10, A rotating target (10) comprising a first notch (11) along the axis.   The rotating target (10) receives at least a portion of the shield (21) so that the shield and the rotating target are basically flush with each other, so that a second notch ( 12. A rotating target (10) according to claim 11, comprising 12).   The rotating target (10) according to claim 12, wherein a first notch (11) is arranged in the second notch (12). A method of shielding a dark area in a deposition device during operation of the deposition device, comprising:
Providing a fixture (80) for connecting a shield (21) to a rotating target (10) of the deposition apparatus;
Assembling a plurality of parts to form the shield (21) covering a portion of the rotating target (10) to shield the dark area in the deposition apparatus;
The shield (21) is engaged with the rotary target so that the shield expands in the axial direction of the rotary target, basically away from the center of the rotary target (10) during operation of the rotary device. A method that is assembled to fit. A rotating cathode shielding device (20) having a rotating target (10) for sputtering material on a substrate, the device comprising:
A shield (21) configured to cover a portion of the rotating target (10), and a fixture (80) for connecting the shield (21) to the rotating target (10),
The fixture (80) engages the shield such that the shield (21) expands in the axial direction of the rotary target, essentially away from the center (13) of the rotary target (10). The fixture (80) is configured to hold the shield (21) at a certain distance from the rotary target (10) in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the rotary target, And the shield device is
-A guide device (90) for stabilizing the shield in a direction perpendicular to the axial direction of the shield; and- a rotating target (10) comprising a material sputtered onto a substrate in a deposition apparatus;
The rotary target (10) comprises a first notch (11) along the outer periphery for connecting the shield device (20).

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