Plasma Deposition: Magnetron Sputtering
Analytical systems for plasma deposition
Hiden Analytical plasma analysis systems give unparalleled insight into magnetron sputtering and other plasma deposition processes.
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The term ‘plasma deposition’ encompasses various vapor deposition techniques that make use of plasma to deposit a ‘source’ material onto a substrate. Such techniques are commonly used to enhance surface properties such as hardness, chemical resistance, and adhesion; or to impart specific optical or electronic properties.
Magnetron Sputtering
Magnetron sputtering is a deposition technique in which a plasma (typically an inert gas such as argon) is magnetically confined around a ‘target’ of source material deposited onto a substrate. High energy ions in the plasma erode the target, liberating atoms from its surface. Liberated atoms, which are electrically neutral and able to escape the magnetic field, are then deposited onto the substrate, forming a thin film.
Typical magnetron sputtering processes are performed in a high vacuum environment to minimize contaminants’ presence. Confining the plasma around the target using strong magnetic fields enables more ionizing collisions between plasma electrons and gaseous neutrals near the target’s surface, increasing plasma density and producing a higher deposition rate. Also, the confinement of electrons in the plasma prevents damage caused by these electrons’ direct impact with the substrate or growing film.
Wear-resistant coatings, corrosion-resistant films, dry film lubricants, and optical and decorative films are among the typical DC magnetron sputtering applications.
Analytical Tools for Magnetron Sputtering Applications
The development of effective magnetron sputtering processes relies on accurately measuring plasma parameters like composition, density and ion energy. The Hiden EQP mass spectrometer is optimized for plasma analysis, making it the ideal tool for correlating plasma conditions in magnetron deposition processes with the properties of the resultant films achieved.
Hiden Analytical produces a range of specialized tools for plasma characterization. To find out more information about our industry-leading products, get in touch with Hiden Analytical today.
Atmospheric Plasma Analysis by Molecular Beam MS – GEC 2004 (1.38 MB)
Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Analysis by Modulated Molecular Beam MS – ICPIG 2005 (256 KB)
Ion Energy Distributions for a DC Plasma – GEC 2003 (250 KB)
Mass Analysis of CF3I Decomposition in a Surface Barrier Discharge – GEC 2011 (2.8 MB)
Mass Spectroscopy of Metastable Species during Plasma Processing – GEC 2011 (2.1 MB)
Time Resolved Ionisation Studies of HIPIMS – PSE 2006 (848 KB)
Description of HiPIMS plasma regimes in terms of composition, spoke formation and deposition rate
The behaviour of Cu and Cr HiPIMS (high power impulse magnetron sputtering) discharges was investigated by a combination of optical emission spectroscopy, energy-resolved mass spectrometry and optical imaging, for the complete current–voltage characteristic range achievable within our experimental conditions. Inflection points typical of HiPIMS current–voltage characteristics separate plasma regimes perfectly differentiated in terms of flux composition of species towards the substrate, deposition rate, and the nature of plasma self-organization. The reorganization of the HiPIMS plasma into spokes (areas of high ionization over the target) is associated to one regime of high plasma conductivity, where also deposition rate is limited. This spoke-dominated regime can be substituted by a homogeneous regime at higher powers, where there is an increase of deposition rate, which is driven mostly by an increase in the flux of metal neutrals and metal double-charged ions. The relevance of secondary electron emission mechanisms for the support of the spoke-dominated regime in reactive and non-reactive sputtering conditions is discussed.
Teresa de los Arcos, Raphael Schroder, Yolanda Aranda Gonzalvo, Volker Schulz-von der Gathen and Jorg Winter (Published 25 September 2014)
Online at: http://stacks.iop.org/0963-0252/23/054008
- Vlček, J. et al. Magnetron sputtered Si–B–C–N films with high oxidation resistance and thermal stability in air at temperatures above 1500 °C. Journal of Vacuum Science & Technology A: Vacuum, Surfaces, and Films 26, 1101–1108 (2008).
- Vlček, J. et al. Reactive magnetron sputtering of hard Si–B–C–N films with a high-temperature oxidation resistance. Journal of Vacuum Science & Technology A: Vacuum, Surfaces, and Films 23, 1513–1522 (2005).
- Ehiasarian, A. P. et al. Influence of high power impulse magnetron sputtering plasma ionization on the microstructure of TiN thin films. Journal of Applied Physics 109, 104314 (2011).
