JP6440884B1 - Sputtering cathode and sputtering apparatus - Google Patents

Abstract

Sputtering of dust such as dust generated during film formation can be performed on a variety of film formation objects including a flat film formation object at a sufficiently high film formation speed and low impact. Provided is a sputtering cathode capable of stably performing sputtering by suppressing deposition on a target. A sputtering cathode has a sputtering target 10 having a tubular or annular shape having a pair of long side portions 18a and 18b whose cross-sectional shapes face each other, and an erosion surface facing inward. A magnetic circuit is provided along the target. A curved surface in which at least one of the two portions other than the pair of long sides of the sputtering target is twisted on the erosion surface from one long side of the pair of long sides with respect to a plane or curved surface including the pair of long sides. And has a shape extending to the other long side of the pair of long sides. [Selection] Figure 22

Description

  The present invention relates to a sputtering cathode, a sputtering cathode assembly, and a sputtering apparatus, and is suitable for application to various devices for forming a thin film by a sputtering method.

  Conventionally, in the process of forming electrodes in various devices such as semiconductor devices, solar cells, liquid crystal displays, and organic EL displays, a vacuum deposition apparatus is often used for film formation of electrode materials. However, since the vacuum deposition method has difficulty in controlling the film thickness distribution both spatially and temporally, it is required to form an electrode material by sputtering.

  Conventionally, as a sputtering apparatus, a parallel plate magnetron sputtering apparatus, an RF sputtering apparatus, an opposed target sputtering apparatus, and the like are known. Among these, in the opposed target type sputtering apparatus, two circular or square or rectangular same-sized targets made of the same material are opposed in parallel to each other, and a sputtering gas is introduced into the space between them to cause discharge. Thus, film formation is performed by sputtering the target (see, for example, Non-Patent Documents 1 to 3). This counter target type sputtering apparatus generates a sputtering phenomenon by constraining plasma in a space sandwiched between two targets, that is, a space surrounded by the two targets and magnetic lines formed on the outer periphery. The sputtering cathode of this system has an advantage that a neutral reflection process gas impact on the surface of the deposition substrate can be prevented because the target is arranged perpendicular to the substrate.

  However, the above-described facing target sputtering apparatus has a disadvantage that the plasma density between the two facing targets is low, and a sufficiently high film forming speed cannot be obtained.

  In order to solve these problems, the present inventors have provided a sputtering cathode having a sputtering target having a tubular shape having a pair of long sides whose cross-sectional shapes face each other and whose erosion surface faces inward. It has been proposed (see Patent Document 1). According to this sputtering cathode, it is possible to perform film formation on a flat plate-shaped film formation body at a sufficiently high film formation speed and low impact.

Patent No. 6151401

J. Vac. Soc. Jpn. Vol.44, No.9, 2001, pp.808-814 Bulletin of Faculty of Engineering, Tokyo Polytechnic University Vol.30 No.1 (2007) pp.51-58 ULVAC TECHNICAL JOURNAL No.64 2006, pp.18-22

  However, the sputtering cathode according to Patent Document 2 is not necessarily sufficient in terms of the use efficiency of the sputtering target, and there is room for improvement. On the other hand, the sputtering apparatus according to Patent Document 2 cannot always be said to be easily applicable when, for example, a thin film is formed on a substrate with a large area substrate stationary.

  Therefore, the problem to be solved by the present invention is that a film can be formed at a sufficiently high film forming speed and with a low impact on various film forming objects including a flat film forming object. A sputtering cathode having high use efficiency and a sputtering apparatus using the sputtering cathode are provided.

  Another problem to be solved by the present invention is that a film can be formed at a sufficiently high film forming speed and with a low impact on various film forming objects including a flat film forming object. It is possible to provide a sputtering cathode capable of stably performing sputtering by suppressing the deposition of dust or the like generated on the sputtering target, and a sputtering apparatus using the sputtering cathode.

  Yet another problem to be solved by the present invention is to form a film-forming body without moving the film-forming body during film formation even when film-forming is performed on a large-area film-forming body. A sputtering cathode assembly capable of forming a film and a sputtering apparatus using the sputtering cathode assembly are provided.

  Still another problem to be solved by the present invention is a sputtering cathode assembly capable of forming a film with a sufficiently high film forming speed and low impact on various film forming objects including a flat film forming object. And a sputtering apparatus using the sputtering cathode assembly.

  The above and other problems will become apparent from the description of this specification with reference to the accompanying drawings.

In order to solve the above problems, the present invention provides:
Sputtering cathode having a tubular shape having a pair of long sides facing each other in cross section, an erosion surface facing inward, and a magnetic circuit provided along the sputtering target In
Each of the pair of long sides is constituted by a rotary target.

  Here, the rotary target has a cylindrical shape and is provided so as to be rotatable around its central axis by a predetermined rotation mechanism. Typically, the rotary target is provided with a magnetic circuit therein and is configured to allow cooling water to flow. The magnetic circuit is typically provided in parallel with the central axis of the rotary target, and has a rectangular cross-sectional shape having a long side perpendicular to the radial direction of the rotary target. In this case, the magnetic circuit provided inside one rotary target and the magnetic circuit provided inside the other rotary target are the same with respect to the plane including the central axis of one rotary target and the central axis of the other rotary target. The angle of inclination of the short side of the rectangular cross-sectional shape is 0 degree or more and less than 360 degree, and by setting the inclination angle to an arbitrary angle within the range, the film forming speed is improved and the low damage property is balanced. Can be realized.

  In the present invention, typically, the distance between the rotary targets constituting a pair of opposed long sides of the sputtering target is such that when the sputtering cathode is attached to a sputtering apparatus and used, From the viewpoint of ensuring a sufficient number of sputtered particles toward the space and preventing the neutral reflection process gas from colliding with the film formation body and giving an impact, it is preferably 50 mm or more and 150 mm or less, and more Preferably, it is 60 mm or more and 100 mm or less, and most preferably 70 mm or more and 90 mm or less. The ratio of the length of the long side portion to the distance between the rotary targets constituting the pair of long side portions of the sputtering target is typically 2 or more, preferably 5 or more. Although there is no particular upper limit for this ratio, it is generally 40 or less.

The rotary targets constituting the pair of long sides of the sputtering target are typically parallel to each other, but are not limited to this, and may be inclined with respect to each other. The cross-sectional shape of the sputtering target typically has a pair of long sides that are parallel to each other and a pair of short sides that are perpendicular to these long sides. In this case, the sputtering target has a rectangular tubular shape with a rectangular cross section. The cross-sectional shape of the sputtering target may be composed of, for example, a pair of curved parts (for example, semicircular parts) facing each other whose both ends in the direction parallel to the long side part are convex outward. A sputtering target having a rectangular tubular shape with a rectangular cross section typically includes a pair of rotary targets forming a pair of long sides and a pair of short sides perpendicular to the long sides. It consists of two flat plates. In this case, the sputtering target can be assembled by preparing these rotary targets and flat plates separately and arranging them in a square tube shape. The rotary target constituting the pair of long side portions is generally made of a material having the same composition as the material for film formation, but may be made of materials different from each other. For example, one rotary target is made of material A, the other rotary target is made of material B, and a sputtered particle bundle from one rotary target and a sputtered particle bundle from the other rotary target are formed on the film formation body. By making it incident, a thin film made of A and B can be formed. If necessary, a thin film made of a multi-component material can be formed by using two or more materials as materials A and B. Can do. More specifically, for example, by configuring _one rotary target with a metal M ₁ composed of a single element and configuring the other rotary target with a metal M ₂ composed of a single element, M ₁ and M ₂ It is possible to form a binary alloy thin film made of This means that a film formation method similar to the binary evaporation method in the vacuum evaporation method can be realized by the sputtering apparatus. Further, for example, by inserting a shield plate that can be taken in and out between the deposition target and the sputtering target, for example, while blocking the sputtered particle bundle from the other rotary target and moving the deposition target, First, a thin film made of A is formed on the film formation body by causing the sputtered particle bundle from the rotary target to enter the film formation body, and then the sputtered particle bundle from one rotary target is cut off. A thin film of B can be formed on the film formation body by causing the sputtered particle bundle from the other rotary target to enter the film formation body while moving the film formation body in the reverse direction. By doing so, a thin film having a two-layer structure of a thin film made of A and a thin film made of B formed thereon can be formed on the film formation target.

  In general, sputtered particle bundles from portions other than the pair of long sides of the sputtering target are not actively used for film formation, but in order to prevent unintentional mixing of elements, The portions other than the pair of long side portions are made of the same material as the long side portions. However, when the sputtered particle bundle from a portion other than the pair of long sides of the sputtering target is not used for film formation, the portion other than the rotary target that constitutes the pair of long sides of the sputtering target is a pair of long sides. It may be composed of a material different from that of the rotary target constituting the part.

  From the sputtering target, the sputtered particle bundle can be taken out not only above the space surrounded by the sputtering target but also below, so that if necessary, another target can be placed below the space surrounded by the sputtering target. The film forming body may be formed on the film forming region of the film forming body while moving the film forming body with respect to the sputtering target at a constant speed in a direction crossing the long side portion of the sputtering target.

The present invention also provides
Sputtering cathode having a tubular shape having a pair of long sides facing each other in cross section, an erosion surface facing inward, and a magnetic circuit provided along the sputtering target In
At least one of the two portions other than the pair of long side portions of the sputtering target is the erosion from one long side portion side of the pair of long side portions with respect to a plane or a curved surface including the pair of long side portions. The surface is curved while forming a twisted curved surface, and has a shape extending to the other long side portion of the pair of long side portions.

  In the present invention, at least one of the two portions other than the pair of long side portions in the sputtering target is eroded from one long side portion side of the pair of long side portions with respect to a plane or curved surface including the pair of long side portions. Since the surface is curved while forming a twisted curved surface and extends toward the other long side of the pair of long sides, it is directed in the vertical direction or in the front and back directions, so that dust generated during film formation is generated. It is possible to prevent deposition on the sputtering target. Each of the pair of long side portions may be formed of a flat plate, or may be formed of a rotary target. As for other matters, what has been described in relation to the above invention is valid as long as it is not contrary to the nature thereof.

The present invention also provides
Sputtering cathode having a tubular shape having a pair of long sides facing each other in cross section, an erosion surface facing inward, and a magnetic circuit provided along the sputtering target Is a sputtering cathode assembly characterized in that a plurality of are arranged in parallel.

  The plurality of sputtering cathodes may be arranged in parallel in a direction parallel to a plane including a pair of long sides (typically a horizontal direction) or perpendicular to a plane including a pair of long sides ( They are typically arranged in parallel in the vertical direction) and are selected as necessary.

Each sputtering cathode typically includes a first flat plate and a second flat plate forming a pair of long sides, and a third flat plate and a fourth flat plate forming a pair of short sides perpendicular to the long side. It consists of a flat plate. In this case, it is possible to assemble the sputtering target by separately preparing the first flat plate to the fourth flat plate and arranging them in a square tube shape. The first flat plate and the second flat plate constituting the pair of long sides are generally made of a material having the same composition as the material for film formation, but may be made of different materials. Good. For example, the first flat plate is made of the material A, the second flat plate is made of the material B, and the sputtered particle bundle from the first flat plate and the sputtered particle bundle from the second flat plate are incident on the film formation body. A thin film made of A and B can be formed, and a thin film made of a multi-component material can be formed by using two or more materials as materials A and B as required. More specifically, for example, the first flat plate is made of a metal M ₁ made of a single element, and the second flat plate is made of a metal M ₂ made of a single element, thereby forming M ₁ and M _2. It is possible to form a binary alloy thin film. Typically, the polarities of the magnetic circuits of a pair of adjacent sputtering cathodes are the same. That is, if one magnetic circuit of a pair of sputtering target surfaces adjacent to each other has an N pole, the corresponding portion of the other adjacent magnetic circuit also has an N pole.

  As needed, you may comprise a pair of long side part with a rotary target, respectively. Further, as necessary, each sputtering cathode has an auxiliary magnetic pole in the vicinity of the portion of the sputtering target facing the space where film formation is performed. As for other matters, what has been described in relation to the above-mentioned two inventions is valid as long as it is not contrary to the nature thereof.

In addition, this invention
The cross-sectional shape has a tubular shape having a pair of long sides facing each other, the erosion surface has a sputtering target facing inward, a magnetic circuit is provided along the sputtering target, and the pair of pairs A sputtering cathode whose long sides are each constituted by a cylindrical rotary target;
And an anode provided so that the erosion surface of the sputtering target is exposed.

In addition, this invention
A sputtering target having a tubular shape having a pair of long sides opposed to each other in cross-sectional shape and having an erosion surface facing inward; a magnetic circuit is provided along the sputtering target; and the sputtering target At least one of the two portions other than the pair of long side portions is twisted on the erosion surface from one long side portion side of the pair of long side portions with respect to a plane or curved surface including the pair of long side portions. A sputtering cathode having a shape that is curved while forming a curved surface and extends to the other long side of the pair of long sides,
And an anode provided so that the erosion surface of the sputtering target is exposed.

In addition, this invention
Sputtering cathode having a tubular shape having a pair of long sides facing each other in cross section, an erosion surface facing inward, and a magnetic circuit provided along the sputtering target A plurality of sputtering cathode assemblies arranged in parallel,
And an anode provided so that the erosion surface of each sputtering target is exposed.

  Here, typically, an AC power supply is connected between two adjacent sputtering cathodes among a plurality of sputtering cathodes arranged in parallel, and an AC voltage is applied. By doing so, two sputtering cathodes adjacent to each other can alternately repeat a negative electrode and a positive electrode, thereby making it possible to perform sputtering alternately, and an anode generated by depositing an insulating film on the anode. Disappearance phenomenon can be avoided and reactive sputtering film formation stable for a long time can be realized with low damage.

  In each of the above sputtering apparatuses, the deposition target having a deposition region narrower than the long side portion of the sputtering target above the space surrounded by the sputtering target is formed on the long side portion of the sputtering target. Sputtering is performed while discharging at a constant speed in the direction crossing the electrode or in a state where it is stationary above the space surrounded by the sputtering target so as to generate plasma that circulates along the inner surface of the sputtering target. The inner surface of the long side portion of the sputtering target is sputtered by ions in the plasma generated by the gas to form a film on the film formation region of the film formation target. In the invention of each sputtering apparatus described above, what has been described in relation to the invention of the sputtering cathode is valid as long as it is not contrary to its properties.

In each of the above-described sputtering cathode, sputtering cathode assembly, and sputtering apparatus, positive ions generated by the sputtering gas bombard the deposition target during deposition, and the deposition target and deposition target. In order to prevent damage to the thin film formed on the body, the voltage applied between the sputtering cathode and the anode is preferably a pulse waveform, and the high level of the voltage pulse at the sputtering cathode is reduced. By setting the negative voltage V ₀ − with ₀ V or an absolute value of approximately 50 V or less and the negative voltage V _L − with an absolute value of approximately 100 V or more as a low level, a positive voltage is not applied.

  According to this invention, the sputtering target of the sputtering cathode has a tubular shape having a pair of long sides whose cross-sectional shapes face each other, that is, a shape surrounded by four sides, and the erosion surface faces inward. Thus, when this sputtering cathode is attached to the sputtering apparatus and discharge is performed, plasma that circulates around the inner surface of the sputtering target can be generated on the erosion surface side of the sputtering target. For this reason, since the plasma density can be increased, the deposition rate can be sufficiently increased. Further, since a place where a large amount of plasma is generated is limited to the vicinity of the surface of the sputtering target, it is possible to minimize the possibility of damage caused by irradiating the deposition target with light emitted from the plasma. In particular, when each of the pair of long sides is constituted by a rotary target, sputtering can be performed while rotating the rotary target, so that the use efficiency of the sputtering target is high. In particular, at least one of the two portions other than the pair of long sides of the sputtering target is an erosion surface from one long side of the pair of long sides with respect to a plane or curved surface including the pair of long sides. Is formed while forming a twisted curved surface and has a shape extending to the other long side of the pair of long sides, so that dust generated during film deposition is deposited on that part of the sputtering target. Therefore, sputtering can be performed stably. In particular, in the case of a sputtering cathode assembly in which a plurality of sputtering cathodes are arranged in parallel, when these are arranged in parallel in a direction parallel to a plane including a pair of long sides, typically in a horizontal direction, these sputtering cathodes are used. Even a large-area deposition target covering the cathode assembly can be formed, and is arranged in parallel in a vertical direction, typically in a vertical direction, with respect to a plane including a pair of long sides. In the case of film formation, film formation can be performed by simultaneously using sputtered particles from a plurality of sputtering targets, so that the film formation rate can be greatly increased.

1 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a sputtering apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present invention. It is a top view which shows the sputtering cathode aggregate | assembly of the sputtering device by 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the state which the plasma generate | occur | produced in the surface vicinity of each sputtering target in the sputtering device by 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a top view which shows the state which the plasma generate | occur | produced in the surface vicinity of each sputtering target in the sputtering device by 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the method of forming a thin film on a board | substrate with the sputtering device by 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the method of forming a thin film on a board | substrate with the sputtering device by 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the method of forming a thin film on a board | substrate with the sputtering device by 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the method of forming a thin film on a board | substrate with the sputtering device by 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the method of forming a thin film on a board | substrate with the sputtering device by 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a top view which shows the structure of the sputtering cathode and anode as an Example of the sputtering device by 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a top view which shows the sputtering cathode which comprises the sputtering cathode assembly of the sputtering device by the 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the sputtering device by the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a top view which shows the sputtering cathode aggregate | assembly of the sputtering device by the 3rd Embodiment of this invention. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the sputtering device by 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a top view which shows the sputtering cathode of the sputtering device by 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is sectional drawing along the WW line of FIG. It is a cross-sectional view for demonstrating the inclination-angle of the permanent magnet provided in the inside of the rotary target of the sputtering cathode of the sputtering device by 4th Embodiment of this invention. It is a top view which shows the sputtering cathode of the sputtering device by 5th Embodiment of this invention. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the sputtering device by 6th Embodiment of this invention. It is a top view which shows the sputtering cathode of the sputtering device by 6th Embodiment of this invention. It is a longitudinal cross-sectional view which shows the sputtering device by 7th Embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the sputtering target of the sputtering cathode of the sputtering device by 7th Embodiment of this invention. It is a basic diagram which shows the voltage pulse waveform of the pulse power supply of the sputtering device by 8th Embodiment of this invention.

  Hereinafter, modes for carrying out the invention (hereinafter referred to as “embodiments”) will be described with reference to the drawings.

<First Embodiment>
[Sputtering equipment]
FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 are a longitudinal sectional view and a plan view showing the sputtering apparatus according to the first embodiment, and show the configuration in the vicinity of the sputtering cathode assembly provided inside the vacuum vessel of the sputtering apparatus. . 1 is a cross-sectional view taken along line XX in FIG.

  As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, in this sputtering apparatus, a plurality of sputtering cathodes are arranged in parallel on a horizontal plane, and a sputtering cathode assembly is formed by these sputtering cathodes. The number of sputtering cathodes constituting the sputtering cathode assembly is appropriately selected according to the size of the substrate on which the film is formed, the method of film formation, and the like. In FIGS. 1 and 2, as an example, only a pair of sputtering cathodes 1 and 2 adjacent to each other is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this. The interval between the sputtering cathodes 1 and 2 is appropriately selected according to the size of the substrate on which the film is formed, the method of film formation, and the like. When the number of sputtering cathodes constituting the sputtering cathode assembly is 3 or more, the spacing between the sputtering cathodes is generally equal, but it is not always necessary. Chosen.

  The sputtering cathode 1 has a rectangular tubular shape with a rectangular cross section, and has a sputtering target 10 whose erosion surface faces inward, a permanent magnet 20 provided outside the sputtering target 10, and the permanent magnet. 20 and a yoke 30 provided on the outside. The sputtering cathode 1 is formed by the sputtering target 10, the permanent magnet 20 and the yoke 30. This sputtering cathode 1 is generally fixed to a vacuum vessel in an electrically insulated state. A magnetic circuit is formed by the permanent magnet 20 and the yoke 30. The polarities of the permanent magnets 20 are as shown in FIG. 1, but there is no problem even if the polarities are completely opposite. A cooling backing plate is preferably provided between the sputtering target 10 and the permanent magnet 20, and cooling water, for example, is caused to flow through a flow path provided inside the backing plate. An anode 40 having an L-shaped cross section is provided in the vicinity of the lower end of a rectangular parallelepiped space surrounded by the sputtering target 10 so that the erosion surface of the sputtering target 10 is exposed. The anode 40 is generally connected to a grounded vacuum vessel. In addition, a light shielding shield 50 having an L-shaped cross-sectional shape is provided in the vicinity of the upper end of a rectangular parallelepiped space surrounded by the sputtering target 10 so that the erosion surface of the sputtering target 10 is exposed. The light shielding shield 50 is formed of a conductor, typically a metal. The light shielding shield 50 also serves as an anode, and is generally connected to a grounded vacuum vessel in the same manner as the anode 40. An auxiliary magnetic pole 55 having an L-shaped cross section is provided between the light shielding shield 50 and the sputtering target 10 so that the erosion surface of the sputtering target 10 is exposed. The auxiliary magnetic pole 55 is for preventing the lines of magnetic force formed by the magnetic circuit formed by the permanent magnet 20 and the yoke 30 from leaking into the space above the sputtering cathode 1 where film formation is performed, The arrangement of the magnetic poles is selected so as to cancel out the lines of magnetic force leaking above the sputtering cathode 1.

  The sputtering cathode 2 is the same as the sputtering cathode 1 except that the polarity of the permanent magnet 20 is opposite to the polarity of the permanent magnet 20 of the sputtering cathode 1 as shown in FIG. The same applies to the case where there are other sputtering cathodes, and a pair of sputtering cathodes adjacent to each other are the same and have the same direction except that the polarities of the permanent magnets 20 are opposite to each other. Thus, since the polarities of the permanent magnets 20 of the pair of sputtering cathodes adjacent to each other are opposite to each other, a pair of magnetic fields formed by the magnetic circuit formed by the permanent magnet 20 and the yoke 30 cause a pair of sputtering cathodes When AC sputtering power is applied, as shown in FIG. 1, the plasma moving to the adjacent pole is confined in the space below the sputtering cathode assembly, and the film is formed above the sputtering cathode assembly. Plasma leakage can be effectively prevented. Furthermore, a separate auxiliary magnetic pole may be used in the lower space to make the plasma transfer to the adjacent sputtering cathode more effective.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the distance between a pair of opposing long sides of the sputtering target 10 of each sputtering cathode constituting the sputtering cathode assembly is a, and the distance between a pair of opposing short sides of the sputtering target 10 is set. If the distance between them is b, b / a is selected to be 2 or more, and generally 40 or less, but is not limited thereto. a is generally selected from 50 mm to 150 mm, but is not limited thereto.

  As shown in FIG. 1, in this sputtering apparatus, film formation is performed on a substrate S (film formation target) held by a predetermined transport mechanism (not shown) in a space above the sputtering cathode assembly. It has become. In the film formation, the substrate S with respect to the sputtering target 10 of each sputtering cathode is transverse to the long side of the sputtering target 10, typically parallel to the upper end surface of the sputtering target 10 and the long side of the sputtering target 10. There are a case where the substrate S is moved while being moved at a constant speed in a direction perpendicular to the substrate, and a case where the substrate S is stationary above the sputtering cathode assembly and is performed in the stationary state. The width of the film formation region of the substrate S in the direction parallel to the long side portion of the sputtering target 10 is selected to be smaller than b, so that it falls within a pair of short side portions facing each other inside the sputtering target 10 during film formation. It has become. The width of the film formation region of the substrate S coincides with the width of the substrate S when film formation is performed on the entire surface of the substrate S. The substrate S may basically be anything and is not particularly limited. The substrate S may be in the form of a long film wound on a roll used in a so-called roll-to-roll process.

[Film Forming Method Using Sputtering Apparatus]
The substrate S is at a position sufficiently away from above the space surrounded by the sputtering target 10 before film formation.

  After evacuating the vacuum vessel to a high vacuum with a vacuum pump, Ar gas is introduced as a sputtering gas into the space surrounded by the sputtering target 10, and plasma is supplied between the anode 40 and the sputtering cathodes 1 and 2 by a predetermined power source. Apply the AC voltage required for generation. Typically, the anode 40 is grounded, and a high-voltage AC voltage (for example, −400 V) is applied between the sputtering cathode 1 and the sputtering cathode 2. By doing so, while a negative high voltage is applied to the sputtering cathode 1, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the plasma 60 circulates along the inner surface of the sputtering target 10 near the surface of the sputtering target 10. Will occur. The plasma 60 is not generated while a negative high voltage is not applied to the sputtering cathode 1. Further, while a negative high voltage is applied to the sputtering cathode 2, plasma 60 that circulates along the inner surface of the sputtering target 10 is generated near the surface of the sputtering target 10 of the sputtering cathode 2. Plasma 60 is not generated while a negative high voltage is not applied to the sputtering cathode 2. As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the sputtering target 10 is sputtered by Ar ions in the plasma 60 that circulates along the inner surface of the sputtering target 10. As a result, atoms constituting the sputtering target 10 are surrounded by the sputtering target 10. Jump out of space. At this time, atoms jump out of the erosion surface of the sputtering target 10 in the vicinity of the plasma 60, but the atoms jumping out from the erosion surface on the short side inside the sputtering target 10 are basically used for film formation. do not use. For this purpose, by providing a horizontal shielding plate above the sputtering target 10 so as to shield both ends of the long side direction of the sputtering target 10, atoms that jump out from the erosion surface of the short side of the sputtering target 10 are formed. Sometimes it is sufficient not to reach the substrate S. Alternatively, by making the width b in the longitudinal direction of the sputtering target 10 sufficiently larger than the width of the substrate S, atoms that protrude from the erosion surface of the short side portion of the sputtering target 10 do not reach the substrate S during film formation. Good. As a result of part of the atoms popping out from the sputtering target 10 being blocked by the light shielding shield 50, sputtered particle bundles 70 and 80 as shown in FIG. 5 are obtained from the erosion surface of the long side of the sputtering target 10. The sputtered particle bundles 70 and 80 have a substantially uniform intensity distribution in the longitudinal direction of the sputtering target 10. On the other hand, while a negative high voltage is applied to the sputtering cathode 2, plasma 60 that circulates along the inner surface of the sputtering target 10 is generated near the surface of the sputtering target 10 as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. As a result, sputtering by the sputtered particle bundles 70 and 80 is performed. While no negative high voltage is applied to the sputtering cathode 1, the plasma 60 is not generated and sputtering does not occur. That is, as can be seen from the above description, the sputtering cathode 1 and the sputtering cathode 2 are used alternately.

  First, a case where film formation is performed while the substrate S is moved will be described.

  When stable sputtered particle bundles 70 and 80 are obtained by the sputtering target 10 of the sputtering cathodes 1 and 2, the long side portion of the sputtering target 10 is placed on the substrate S with respect to the sputtering target 10 of the sputtering cathode 1. The film is formed by the sputtered particle bundles 70 and 80 while moving at a constant speed in the transverse direction. When the substrate S moves upward in the space surrounded by the sputtering target 10, first, the sputtered particle bundle 70 enters the substrate S and film formation starts. FIG. 6 shows a state at the time when the tip of the substrate S approaches the vicinity of the center of the space surrounded by the sputtering target 10. At this time, the sputtered particle bundle 80 does not contribute to film formation. When the substrate S further moves and the sputtered particle bundle 80 enters, the sputtered particle bundle 80 in addition to the sputtered particle bundle 70 also contributes to the film formation. When the substrate S further moves and reaches the sputtering cathode 2, film formation is similarly performed by the sputtered particle bundles 70 and 80 obtained by the sputtering target 10 of the sputtering cathode 2. FIG. 7 shows a state where the substrate S further moves and moves right above the sputtering cathode assembly. As shown in FIG. 7, the sputtered particle bundles 70 and 80 obtained by the sputtering target 10 of the sputtering cathodes 1 and 2 are incident on the substrate S to form a film. Thus, the substrate S is moved while film formation is performed. Then, as shown in FIG. 8, the substrate S is moved away from the upper part of the sputtering cathode assembly to a position where the sputtered particle bundles 70 and 80 do not enter the substrate S. Thus, the thin film F is formed on the substrate S.

  Next, a case where film formation is performed without moving the substrate S, that is, a case where static film formation is performed will be described.

  In this case, as shown in FIG. 9, it is assumed that the substrate S has a size over a plurality of sputtering cathodes. In the space between the substrate S and each sputtering cathode, a shutter (not shown) for preventing the sputtered particle bundles 70 and 80 from entering the substrate S can be inserted. Then, when a stable sputtered particle bundle 70, 80 can be obtained by each sputtering cathode with the shutter inserted in the space between the substrate S and each sputtering cathode, the shutter is moved to the substrate S and each sputtering cathode. Move outside the space between. At this time, the sputtered particle bundles 70 and 80 are incident on the substrate S, and film formation is started. Thus, the thin film F is formed on the substrate S by stationary film formation by performing sputtering for a necessary time. However, the distance between the target surfaces facing each other, the distance between the target end and the substrate, and the distance between adjacent cathodes are set to optimum values.

[Examples of sputtering cathode and anode of sputtering apparatus]
As shown in FIG. 10, the sputtering target 10 is formed by four plate-like sputtering targets 10a, 10b, 10c, and 10d, and the permanent magnet 20 is formed by four plate-like or rod-like permanent magnets 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d. The yoke 30 is formed by four plate-shaped yokes 30a, 30b, 30c, and 30d. Further, backing plates 90a, 90b, 90c, and 90d are inserted between the sputtering targets 10a, 10b, 10c, and 10d and the permanent magnets 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d, respectively. The distance between the sputtering target 10a and the sputtering target 10c is 80 mm, the distance between the sputtering target 10b and the sputtering target 10d is 200 mm, and the height of the sputtering targets 10a, 10b, 10c, and 10d is 80 mm.

  Four plate-like anodes 100a, 100b, 100c, and 100d are provided outside the yokes 30a, 30b, 30c, and 30d. These anodes 100a, 100b, 100c, and 100d are connected together with the anode 40 to a grounded vacuum vessel.

  As described above, according to the first embodiment, a plurality of sputtering cathodes having a sputtering target 10 having a rectangular tubular shape in cross section and an erosion surface facing inward are provided on a horizontal plane. Since the polarities of the permanent magnets 20 of the two sputtering cathodes arranged in parallel and adjacent to each other are opposite to each other, the following various advantages can be obtained. That is, since sputtering can be performed using a plurality of sputtering cathodes 1 arranged in parallel, the thin film F can be formed on the large-area substrate S at high speed. Moreover, the plasma 60 which goes around the inner surface of the sputtering target 10 can be generated on the erosion surface side of the sputtering target 10. For this reason, since the density of the plasma 60 can be increased, the deposition rate can be sufficiently increased. In addition, since the place where the plasma 60 is largely generated is limited to the vicinity of the surface of the sputtering target 10, the light emitted from the plasma 60 is irradiated onto the substrate S coupled with the provision of the light shielding shield 50. Can minimize the risk of damage. The lines of magnetic force generated by the magnetic circuit formed by the permanent magnet 20 and the yoke 30 are basically constrained by the sputtering cathode, and the polarities of the permanent magnets 20 of the two sputtering cathodes adjacent to each other are opposite to each other. Since the auxiliary magnetic pole 55 is provided, the magnetic field lines directed downward among the magnetic field lines generated by the magnetic circuit are confined in the space below the sputtering cathode assembly as shown in FIG. There is no possibility that the substrate S is damaged by 60 or the electron beam. In addition, since the film formation is performed using the sputtered particle bundles 70 and 80 obtained from the pair of long sides facing each other of the sputtering target 10, the substrate S is impacted and damaged by the high energy particles of the reflective sputtering neutral gas. Can be minimized. Further, since the sputtered particle bundles 70 and 80 obtained from a pair of long side portions facing each other of the sputtering target 10 have a uniform intensity distribution in a direction parallel to the long side portions, the substrate S crosses the long side portions. The film thickness variation of the thin film F formed on the substrate S can be reduced in combination with the film forming while moving at a constant speed in the direction to be moved, for example, the direction perpendicular to the long side portion, for example, The film thickness distribution can be ± 5% or less. This sputtering apparatus is suitable for application to film formation of electrode materials and the like in the manufacture of various devices such as semiconductor devices, organic solar cells, inorganic solar cells, liquid crystal displays, organic EL displays, and films.

<Second Embodiment>
[Sputtering equipment]
The sputtering apparatus according to the second embodiment is different from the sputtering apparatus according to the first embodiment in that a sputtering target 10 as shown in FIG. 11 is used. That is, as shown in FIG. 11, the sputtering target 10 includes a pair of long side portions opposed in parallel to each other and semicircular portions connected to these long side portions. The permanent magnet 20 provided outside the sputtering target 10 and the yoke 30 provided outside the permanent magnet 20 have the same shape as the sputtering target 10. Other configurations of the sputtering apparatus are the same as those of the sputtering apparatus according to the first embodiment.

[Film Forming Method Using Sputtering Apparatus]
The film forming method using this sputtering apparatus is the same as in the first embodiment.

  According to the second embodiment, advantages similar to those of the first embodiment can be obtained.

<Third Embodiment>
[Sputtering equipment]
FIGS. 12 and 13 are a longitudinal sectional view and a plan view showing a sputtering apparatus according to the third embodiment, and show the configuration in the vicinity of the sputtering cathode assembly provided in the vacuum vessel of the sputtering apparatus. . 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along line YY of FIG.

  As shown in FIGS. 12 and 13, in this sputtering apparatus, a plurality of sputtering cathodes are arranged in parallel on a vertical surface, and a sputtering cathode assembly is formed by these sputtering cathodes. The number of sputtering cathodes constituting the sputtering cathode assembly is appropriately selected according to the required film formation rate. In FIG. 12 and FIG. 13, as an example, only a pair of sputtering cathodes 1 and 2 adjacent to each other is shown, but the present invention is not limited to this. The spacing between the sputtering cathodes 1 and 2 is appropriately selected so that the film can be formed by sputtering not only with the sputtering cathode 1 but also with the sputtering cathode 2 in the space above the sputtering cathode assembly. When the number of sputtering cathodes constituting the sputtering cathode assembly is 3 or more, the spacing between the sputtering cathodes is generally equal, but it is not always necessary. Chosen. Other aspects of this sputtering apparatus are the same as those of the first embodiment.

[Film Forming Method Using Sputtering Apparatus]
After the vacuum vessel is evacuated to a high vacuum by a vacuum pump, Ar gas is introduced as a sputtering gas into the space surrounded by the sputtering target 10 and is necessary for generating plasma by a predetermined power source between the anode 40 and the sputtering cathode. In general, a high DC voltage is applied. In general, the anode 40 is grounded, and a negative high voltage (for example, −400 V) is applied to the sputtering cathode. As a result, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, plasma 60 that circulates along the inner surface of the sputtering target 10 is generated near the surface of the sputtering target 10.

  The substrate S is at a position sufficiently away from above the space surrounded by the sputtering target 10 before film formation.

  As a result of the sputtering target 10 being sputtered by Ar ions in the plasma 60 that circulate along the inner surface of the sputtering target 10 of each sputtering cathode, the atoms constituting the sputtering target 10 jump upward from the space surrounded by the sputtering target 10. . At this time, atoms jump out of the erosion surface of the sputtering target 10 in the vicinity of the plasma 60, but the atoms jumping out from the erosion surface on the short side inside the sputtering target 10 are basically used for film formation. do not use. For this purpose, by providing a horizontal shielding plate above the sputtering target 10 so as to shield both ends of the long side direction of the sputtering target 10, atoms that jump out from the erosion surface of the short side of the sputtering target 10 are formed. Sometimes it is sufficient not to reach the substrate S. Alternatively, by making the width b in the longitudinal direction of the sputtering target 10 sufficiently larger than the width of the substrate S, atoms that protrude from the erosion surface of the short side portion of the sputtering target 10 do not reach the substrate S during film formation. Good. As a result of part of the atoms jumping out of the sputtering target 10 being blocked by the light shielding shield 50, sputtered particle bundles 70 and 80 similar to those shown in FIG. 5 are obtained from the erosion surface of the long side portion of the sputtering target 10. The sputtered particle bundles 70 and 80 have a substantially uniform intensity distribution in the longitudinal direction of the sputtering target 10.

  When stable sputtered particle bundles 70 and 80 are obtained from each sputtering cathode, the substrate S is moved at a constant speed in a direction crossing the long side of the sputtering target 10 with respect to the sputtering target 10. Then, film formation is performed by the sputtered particle bundles 70 and 80. When the substrate S moves upward in the space surrounded by the sputtering target 10, first, the sputtered particle bundle 70 enters the substrate S and film formation starts. The sputtered particle bundle 80 does not contribute to the film formation when the tip of the substrate S approaches the vicinity of the center of the space surrounded by the sputtering target 10. When the substrate S further moves and the sputtered particle bundle 80 enters, the sputtered particle bundle 80 in addition to the sputtered particle bundle 70 also contributes to the film formation. When the substrate S moves right above the space surrounded by the sputtering target 10, the sputtered particle bundles 70 and 80 are incident on the substrate S to form a film. In this way, the substrate S is further moved while forming a film. Then, the substrate S is moved sufficiently far from above the space surrounded by the sputtering target 10 and moved to a position where the sputtered particle bundles 70 and 80 do not enter the substrate S. Thus, the thin film F is formed on the substrate S.

  According to the third embodiment, a plurality of sputtering cathodes having a sputtering target 10 having a rectangular tube-shaped cross section and an erosion surface facing inward are arranged in parallel on the vertical surface. In addition, since the polarities of the permanent magnets 20 of the two sputtering cathodes adjacent to each other are opposite to each other, the following various advantages can be obtained. That is, since sputtering can be performed using a plurality of sputtering cathodes arranged in parallel on the vertical plane, the thin film F can be formed on the substrate S at a high speed. Moreover, the plasma 60 which goes around the inner surface of the sputtering target 10 can be generated on the erosion surface side of the sputtering target 10. For this reason, since the density of the plasma 60 can be increased, the deposition rate can be sufficiently increased. In addition, since the place where the plasma 60 is largely generated is limited to the vicinity of the surface of the sputtering target 10, the light emitted from the plasma 60 is irradiated onto the substrate S coupled with the provision of the light shielding shield 50. Can minimize the risk of damage. The lines of magnetic force generated by the magnetic circuit formed by the permanent magnet 20 and the yoke 30 are basically constrained by the sputtering cathode, and the polarities of the permanent magnets 20 of the two sputtering cathodes adjacent to each other are opposite to each other. Since the auxiliary magnetic pole 55 is provided, the downward magnetic field lines among the magnetic field lines generated by the magnetic circuit are confined in the space in the vicinity of the sputtering cathode assembly as shown in FIG. There is no possibility that the substrate S is damaged by 60 or the electron beam. In addition, since the film formation is performed using the sputtered particle bundles 70 and 80 obtained from the pair of long sides facing each other of the sputtering target 10, the substrate S is impacted and damaged by the high energy particles of the reflective sputtering neutral gas. Can be minimized. Further, since the sputtered particle bundles 70 and 80 obtained from a pair of long side portions facing each other of the sputtering target 10 have a uniform intensity distribution in a direction parallel to the long side portions, the substrate S crosses the long side portions. The film thickness variation of the thin film F formed on the substrate S can be reduced in combination with the film forming while moving at a constant speed in the direction to be moved, for example, the direction perpendicular to the long side portion, for example, The film thickness distribution can be ± 5% or less. This sputtering apparatus is suitable for application to film formation of electrode materials and the like in the manufacture of various devices such as semiconductor devices, organic solar cells, inorganic solar cells, liquid crystal displays, organic EL displays, and films.

<Fourth embodiment>
[Sputtering equipment]
FIG. 14 and FIG. 15 are a longitudinal sectional view and a plan view showing a sputtering apparatus according to the fourth embodiment, and show the configuration in the vicinity of the sputtering cathode provided in the vacuum vessel of the sputtering apparatus. FIG. 14 is a sectional view taken along the line ZZ in FIG. FIG. 16 is a cross-sectional view taken along line WW in FIG.

  As shown in FIGS. 14, 15, and 16, this sputtering apparatus has a sputtering target 10 having a rectangular tubular shape (or a rectangular shape) having a rectangular cross section and an erosion surface facing inward. . A pair of opposed long sides of the sputtering target 10 is constituted by cylindrical rotary targets 11 and 12, respectively, and a pair of opposed short sides 13 and 14 of the sputtering target 10 each have a rectangular cross-sectional shape. . The rotary targets 11 and 12 are provided so as to be rotatable around the central axis by a rotation mechanism (not shown). Specifically, rotary shafts 11a and 12a are provided at both ends of the rotary targets 11 and 12, and the rotary targets 11 and 12 are rotated by rotating these rotary shafts 11a and 12a by a rotating mechanism. It has become. The rotation directions of the rotary targets 11 and 12 may be the same or opposite, and are selected as necessary. Cooling water can be allowed to flow inside the rotary cathodes 11 and 12, and the rotary cathodes 11 and 12 can be cooled during use. For example, the short sides 13 and 14 have a height similar to the diameter of the rotary targets 11 and 12. The short side portions 13 and 14 have both ends facing the rotary targets 11 and 12 being rounded and recessed corresponding to the cylindrical shape of the rotary targets 11 and 12, so that the rotation of the rotary targets 11 and 12 is not hindered. It is close. Inside the rotary targets 11 and 12, permanent magnets 111 and 112 are provided at positions that are parallel to the central axis and are radially offset from the central axis. The permanent magnets 111 and 112 have a rectangular cross-sectional shape, and their long sides are perpendicular to the radial direction of the rotary targets 11 and 12. As shown in FIG. 17, when the inclination angle of the short side of the cross-sectional shape of the permanent magnets 111 and 112 with respect to the plane including the central axis of the rotary targets 11 and 12 is θ, θ is 0 degree or more and less than 360 degrees, An arbitrary angle within the range can be set so that the improvement of the film forming speed and the low damage property can be realized with a good balance. FIG. 14 shows a case where θ = 0 degrees as an example. The permanent magnets 111 and 112 are fixed to members independent of the rotary targets 11 and 12 so that they do not rotate together even if the rotary targets 11 and 12 rotate. The polarities of the permanent magnets 111 and 112 are as shown in FIG. 14, but may be reversed. A permanent magnet 20 is provided outside the pair of short sides 13, 14 facing each other of the sputtering target 10, and a yoke 30 is provided outside the permanent magnet 20. Although the polarities of the permanent magnets 20 are as shown in FIG. 14, there is no problem even if the polarities are completely opposite. A sputtering cathode is formed by the sputtering target 10, the permanent magnets 20, 111, 112 and the yoke 30. This sputtering cathode is generally fixed to a vacuum vessel in an electrically insulated state. A magnetic circuit is formed by the permanent magnets 111 and 112, the permanent magnet 20 and the yoke 30 provided inside the rotary targets 11 and 12. A cooling backing plate is preferably provided between the short side portions 13 and 14 and the permanent magnet 20, and cooling water, for example, is caused to flow through a flow path provided in the backing plate. An anode 40 is provided in the vicinity of the lower end of the space surrounded by the sputtering target 10 so that the erosion surface of the sputtering target 10 is exposed. The anode 40 is generally connected to a grounded vacuum vessel. In addition, a light shielding shield 50 having an L-shaped cross section is provided in the vicinity of the upper end of the space surrounded by the sputtering target 10 so that the erosion surface of the sputtering target 10 is exposed. The light shielding shield 50 is formed of a conductor, typically a metal. The light shielding shield 50 also serves as an anode, and is generally connected to a grounded vacuum vessel in the same manner as the anode 40. Others are the same as in the first embodiment.

[Film Forming Method Using Sputtering Apparatus]
The film forming method using this sputtering apparatus is the same as that of the first embodiment except that sputtering is performed while rotating the rotary targets 11 and 12 constituting a pair of opposed long sides of the sputtering target 10. .

  According to the fourth embodiment, in addition to the same advantages as those of the first embodiment, the pair of long sides facing each other of the sputtering target 10 is constituted by the rotary targets 11 and 12, It is possible to obtain an advantage that the use efficiency of the sputtering target 10 is high, and as a result, the film formation cost can be reduced.

<Fifth embodiment>
[Sputtering equipment]
As shown in FIG. 18, in the sputtering apparatus according to the fifth embodiment, both ends of the rotary targets 11 and 12 are chamfered (the chamfer angle is 45 degrees with respect to the central axis of the rotary targets 11 and 12, for example). In correspondence with this, both ends of the short sides 13 and 14 are also chamfered at the same angle, which is different from the fourth embodiment. Others are the same as in the fourth embodiment.

[Film Forming Method Using Sputtering Apparatus]
The film forming method using this sputtering apparatus is the same as in the fourth embodiment.

  According to the fifth embodiment, the same advantages as in the fourth embodiment can be obtained.

<Sixth embodiment>
[Sputtering equipment]
19 and 20 are a longitudinal sectional view and a plan view showing the sputtering apparatus according to the sixth embodiment, and show the configuration in the vicinity of the sputtering cathode provided inside the vacuum vessel of the sputtering apparatus. 19 is a cross-sectional view taken along line VV in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 19 and FIG. 20, in this sputtering apparatus, two sputtering targets 10 of the sputtering apparatus according to the fourth embodiment are shared by one rotary target, and three rotary targets 15 are integrated. , 16 and 17 constitute a sputtering target. The rotation directions of these rotary targets 15, 16, and 17 may be the same or opposite, and are selected as necessary. Others are the same as in the fourth embodiment. Four rotary targets may be integrated, or five or more rotary targets may be integrated.

[Film Forming Method Using Sputtering Apparatus]
The film forming method using this sputtering apparatus is the same as in the fourth embodiment.

  According to the sixth embodiment, in addition to the same advantages as those of the fourth embodiment, it is possible to efficiently form a film on a large-area substrate S and to easily perform a stationary film formation. The advantage that it can be obtained. This sixth embodiment is particularly suitable for use in the formation of an electrode film adjacent to a silicon power generation layer or an organic power generation layer, for example, in the manufacture of devices such as heterojunction silicon solar cells and organic EL displays. It is.

<Seventh embodiment>
[Sputtering equipment]
FIG. 21 is a longitudinal sectional view showing a sputtering apparatus according to the seventh embodiment, and shows a configuration in the vicinity of a sputtering cathode provided inside a vacuum vessel of the sputtering apparatus. FIG. 22 is a perspective view showing the sputtering target 10.

As shown in FIGS. 21 and 22, this sputtering apparatus has a sputtering target 10 having a rectangular tubular shape (or a rectangular shape) having a rectangular cross section and an erosion surface facing inward. Although illustration is omitted, a permanent magnet is provided outside the sputtering target 10, and a yoke is provided outside the permanent magnet. A sputtering cathode is formed by the sputtering target 10, the permanent magnet, and the yoke. A pair of long side portions 18a and 18b facing each other of the sputtering target 10 are formed in a flat plate shape parallel to each other. On the other hand, the erosion surface of the pair of short sides 18c and 18d facing each other of the sputtering target 10 is twisted from one side of the long sides 18a and 18b with respect to the plane or curved surface including the pair of long sides 18a and 18b. The curved surface is curved while forming a curved surface, and the central portions C ₁ and C _{2 of} the short side portions 18c and 18d are perpendicular to the long side portions 18a and 18b, in other words, are lying in a horizontal plane, and the erosion surface is twisted. The shape extends to the other side of the long side portions 18a and 18b. Others are the same as those of the sputtering cathode in the first embodiment.

[Film Forming Method Using Sputtering Apparatus]
The film forming method using this sputtering apparatus is the same as that in the first embodiment.

  According to the seventh embodiment, in addition to the same advantages as the first embodiment, the short side portions 18c and 18d are moved up and down by forming the sputtering target 10 in the shape as described above. When the films are arranged in the direction, it is possible to obtain an advantage that dust generated during the film formation can be prevented from being deposited on the short sides 18c and 18d.

<Eighth embodiment>
[Sputtering equipment]
In the eighth embodiment, a pulse power source is used as a power source for applying a voltage necessary for sputtering between the sputtering cathode and the anode in the sputtering apparatus according to the first to seventh embodiments. The voltage pulse waveform of this pulse power supply is shown in FIGS. As shown in FIGS. 23A and B, in this pulse power supply, the high level of the voltage pulse is 0 V or a negative voltage V ₀ − whose absolute value is approximately 50 V or less, and the low level is a negative voltage whose absolute value is approximately 100 V or more. V _L − is applied, and a positive voltage is not applied. In addition, it can suppress that a part or all of the glow discharge at the time of sputtering transfers to arc discharge by making the voltage applied to a sputtering cathode into a pulse waveform.

According to the eighth embodiment, the following advantages can be obtained by using the pulse power source that generates the voltage pulse having the waveform as described above. That is, according to the knowledge of the present inventor, when the high level of the voltage pulse is a positive voltage, Ar ⁺ generated by Ar gas used as the sputtering gas bombards the substrate S during film formation, thereby causing the substrate S and the thin film F formed on the substrate S are likely to be damaged, whereas the high level of the voltage pulse is 0V or a negative voltage V ₀ − whose absolute value is approximately 50V or less, and the low level has an absolute value. By preventing the positive voltage from being applied with a negative voltage V _L − of approximately 100 V or higher, such a problem can be solved, and a high-quality thin film F without damage can be formed. It becomes. The eighth embodiment is particularly suitable for use in forming an electrode film adjacent to an organic film in the manufacture of an organic device such as an organic solar battery or an organic EL display.

  Although the embodiments and examples of the present invention have been specifically described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments and examples, and various modifications based on the technical idea of the present invention can be made. Is possible.

  For example, the numerical values, materials, structures, shapes, and the like given in the above-described embodiments and examples are merely examples, and different numerical values, materials, structures, shapes, and the like may be used as necessary.

  10, 10a, 10b, 10c, 10d ... sputtering target, 11, 12, 15-17 ... rotary target, 20, 20a, 20b, 20c, 20d ... permanent magnet, 30, 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d ... yoke, 40 ... Anode, 50 ... Light shielding shield, 55 ... Auxiliary magnetic pole, 60 ... Plasma, 70, 80 ... Sputtered particle bundle, S ... Substrate

Claims (4)

A sputtering target having a tubular or annular shape having a pair of long sides facing each other and a pair of short sides facing each other, and having an erosion surface facing inward, In a sputtering cathode, along which a magnetic circuit is provided,
The pair of long side portions are formed in a flat plate shape parallel to each other,
The pair of short sides are formed in a plate shape continuous with the pair of long sides,
At least one short side portion of the pair of short side portions is curved while forming a curved surface in which the erosion surface is twisted from one long side portion side of the pair of long side portions, and The center portion has a shape perpendicular to the pair of long side portions, and further, the erosion surface is curved while forming a twisted curved surface and extends toward the other long side portion of the pair of long side portions. A sputtering cathode characterized by that. A sputtering target having a tubular or annular shape having a pair of long sides facing each other and a pair of short sides facing each other, and having an erosion surface facing inward, And the pair of long sides are formed in a flat plate shape parallel to each other, the pair of short sides are formed in a plate shape continuous with the pair of long sides, and the pair of short sides at least one of the short sides of the side portions, the pair of curved while forming a curved surface the erosion face is twisted from one long side portion side of the long side portion, wherein the central portion of the short side portion of the one become perpendicular shape to a pair of long sides, sputtering with a further said erosion face is curved while forming a curved surface twisted extending to the other long side portion side of the pair of long side portions shaped cathode And,
And an anode provided so that an erosion surface of the sputtering target is exposed. The voltage applied between the sputtering cathode and the anode has a pulse waveform, the high level of the voltage pulse at the sputtering cathode is 0V or a negative voltage V ₀ − whose absolute value is 50V or less, and the low level is 100V. The sputtering cathode according to claim 1, wherein a positive voltage is not applied by setting the negative voltage V _L − as described above. The voltage applied between the sputtering cathode and the anode is a pulse waveform, the high level of the voltage pulse at the sputtering cathode is 0 V or a negative voltage V ₀ − whose absolute value is 50 V or less, and the low level is an absolute value. The sputtering apparatus according to claim 2, wherein a positive voltage is not applied by setting the negative voltage V _L − to 100 V or more.

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