Confocal magnetron sputtering

Confocal magnetron sputtering is now routinely employed for the production of excellent uniformity, multi-layer films by magnetron sputtering. This application note describes the technology, and explains the principles behind it.
Confocal magnetron sputtering

Multi-layer films by confocal magnetron sputtering

Confocal magnetron sputtering
Figure 1: Alternative geometries used for magnetron sputtering: (a) with magnetron and substrate axes aligned; (b) with magnetron positioned confocal to the substrate.

Figure 1 (a) is a schematic of confocal magnetron sputtering equipment in which the magnetron’s central axis is aligned exactly with that of the substrate. Because a magnetron presents a cosine deposition profile to a substrate, for this setup the deposition rate is always higher in the centre of the substrate than at the edge — as shown in Figure 2 (a).

Due to radial symmetry, this effect is not diminished with substrate rotation (though planetary stages may help). Instead, it is necessary to increase the size of the target with respect to the size of the substrate in order to ‘flatten’ the deposition rate curve as seen by the substrate. This increases the cost of both the deposition equipment, and the consumable targets (a key consideration when using expensive materials such as precious metals).

An alternative solution is to move the target far from the substrate, which again effectively flattens the deposition rate profile across the substrate. Unfortunately, this leads to reduced deposition rates for the same applied power, and is also associated with significant levels of target wastage (i.e., coating of chamber interior walls).

The confocal solution

The use of confocal magnetron sputtering in combination with substrate rotation is a solution to these problems. Figure 1 (b) shows the typical geometry associated with this approach. As shown, the central axis of the magnetron is not aligned with that of the substrate. Instead, the magnetron is offset laterally and inclined such that its axis intersects with a point between the substrate centre and the outer edge. As a result, the deposition rate profile seen across the substrate surface is flatter (for the same ratio of substrate to target sizes), assuming the substrate is being rotated.

Deposition rate profiles
Figure 2: Deposition rate profiles as seen by substrates during magnetron sputtering. (a) With magnetron and substrate axes aligned; (b) with magnetron positioned confocal to the substrate. Red and black lines are for smaller and larger magnetron-substrate distances, respectively.

The clear benefit is the possibility to use smaller targets for coating the same size substrate. This reduces equipment and consumable costs. Critical here are the angle between the magnetron central axis and normal to the substrate plane (θ) and the point on the substrate radius where the magnetron central axis intersects (r). Optimum results are typically seen with θ = 30°, and r = substrate diameter/4.

Benefits

A further benefit of confocal magnetron sputtering is that it allows for the positioning of multiple magnetrons for deposition onto a single substrate. This enables coating of substrates with multiple films of high uniformity. This is achieved by positioning magnetrons on the same radius with respect to the substrate centre, but at different points around the circle associated with this radius (Figure 3). Moorfield FlexiHead magnetrons are ideally suited for this requirement, allowing for adjustment of vertical position and head angle through the ranges required.

Moorfield MAGNETRON sputtering source, with FlexiHead configuration.
Model of Moorfield MAGNETRON sputtering source, with FlexiHead configuration.
Sputtering sources
Figure 3: Magnetron sputtering sources in confocal arrangements for high-uniformity, multi-layer wafer coating. Left: 3” magnetrons in a Moorfield MiniLab 060 system, for coating 6” wafers. Right: Model of baseplate of Moorfield nanoPVD-S10A system, with 2” magnetrons for coating 4” diameter substrates.

However

Despite these benefits, confocal magnetron sputtering is not appropriate in every situation. In some cases, very small ‘chip’ substrates are to be used, and fabrication of multi-layer coatings without breaking vacuum is required, e.g., for basic R&D purposes. In these instances, the confocal approach does not offer benefits in terms of uniformity or reductions in equipment cost (i.e., due to minimum magnetron sizes). However, it should be considered in any situation where coating of substrates with diameters >2” is expected.

Moorfield systems for magnetron sputtering

MiniLab systems

Flexible, modular PVD systems for high- quality R&D and pilot-scale production.
View systems

nanoPVD-S10A systems

A benchtop, RF and DC magnetron sputtering system for metals and insulating materials.
View system

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