Reactive sputtering of highly insulating layers with twin-cathode and mid-frequency power supply

Joachim Szczyrbowski; C. Braatz

doi:10.1117/12.130509

25 November 1992 Reactive sputtering of highly insulating layers with twin-cathode and mid-frequency power supply

Joachim Szczyrbowski, C. Braatz

Proceedings Volume 1727, Optical Materials Technology for Energy Efficiency and Solar Energy Conversion XI: Selective Materials, Concentrators and Reflectors, Transparent Insulation and Superwindows; (1992) https://doi.org/10.1117/12.130509
Event: Optical Materials Technology for Energy Efficiency and Solar Energy, 1992, Toulouse-Labege, France

Abstract

The arcing problem in reactive sputter processes for deposition of highly insulating materials and its possible sources are discussed. It is argued that most of the arcs are initiated by electrical breakdown processes of the insulating layer on the magnetron cathode. The methods to avoid arcs are considered. The theoretical studies lead to a new set up, using a mid- frequency ac power supply and a twin-cathode arrangement. With this set up the charging up of the insulating layer, which leads to the process instabilities, is reduced to an acceptable limit. Using this arrangement transparent layers of SiO₂ were produced without arcing over the entire lifetime of the target (more than one week). The deposition rate obtained for these films was 8 nm/sec which is nearly 10 times higher than for the conventional magnetron sputter arrangement. The refractive index of the transparent layers was controlled by oxygen amount in the sputter chamber. Values obtained for n range from 1.45 to 1.6. Results of chemical and mechanical durability tests have shown that the prepared layers are suitable for industrial application.

Citation Download Citation

Joachim Szczyrbowski and C. Braatz "Reactive sputtering of highly insulating layers with twin-cathode and mid-frequency power supply", Proc. SPIE 1727, Optical Materials Technology for Energy Efficiency and Solar Energy Conversion XI: Selective Materials, Concentrators and Reflectors, Transparent Insulation and Superwindows, (25 November 1992); https://doi.org/10.1117/12.130509

ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE

INSTITUTIONAL
Select your institution to access the SPIE Digital Library.

SELECT YOUR INSTITUTION

PERSONAL
Sign in with your SPIE account to access your personal subscriptions or to use specific features such as save to my library, sign up for alerts, save searches, etc.

PERSONAL SIGN IN

No SPIE Account? Create one

PURCHASE THIS CONTENT

SUBSCRIBE TO DIGITAL LIBRARY

50 downloads per 1-year subscription

Members: $195

Non-members: $335 ADD TO CART

25 downloads per 1 - year subscription

Members: $145

Non-members: $250 ADD TO CART

PURCHASE SINGLE ARTICLE

Includes PDF, HTML & Video, when available