Module for coating both sides of a substrate in a single pass

• US 8,092,657 B2
• Filed: 06/14/2006
• Issued: 01/10/2012
• Est. Priority Date: 06/30/2005
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: Soleras Advanced Coatings BVBA
• Original Assignee: Bekaert Advanced Coatings
• Inventors: De Bosscher, Wilmert, Van De Putte, Ivan, Staelens, Koen
• Primary Examiner(s): MCDONALD, RODNEY GLENN
• Application Number:
  US11/994,076
• Publication Number:
  US 20080264785A1
• Time in Patent Office: 2,036 Days
• Field of Search: 204/298.12, 204/298.18, 204/298.21, 204/298.22, 204/298.26
• US Class Current: 204/192.1
• CPC Class Codes: H01J 37/3405 Magnetron sputtering
• CPC Class Codes: H01J 37/3435 Target holders (includes backing plates and endblocks)

Abstract

A module to carry targets in a sputter deposition installation for coating two-sided substrates is described. The module is mountable to the installation through an interface flange that carries at least two targets with their associated magnet systems. When the module is mounted, the targets take positions at opposite sides of the two-sided substrate, while the magnet systems orient the sputter deposition towards the substrate. The module enables coating of both sides of the substrate in one single pass. Different configurations are described with gas distribution systems and additional substrate supports. An enclosure with adjustable blinds in order to reduce gas spreading is also included.

Claims

1. A module for carrying sputtering targets, said module comprising:

an interface flange vacuum-tight mountable on a sputter deposition installation,

wherein said installation is configured to coat a substrate having two sides, said interface flange including at least two elongated rotatable targets, with said rotatable targets being mountable to said interface flange,

wherein each one of said rotatable targets comprises a magnet system configured to direct sputter deposition,

wherein, when said module is mounted with said interface flange to said installation, said targets take positions at opposite sides of said two-sided substrate with each one of said magnet systems oriented towards said substrate, and

wherein said module further includes at least one substrate support for supporting said substrate during coating so as to enable coating of both sides of said substrate in one operation.

2. The module according to claim 1, wherein axes of said targets are substantially perpendicular to said interface flange.

3. The module according to claim 2, wherein said module further comprises at least one connector block mounted to said flange for carrying said targets at one end.

4. The module according to claim 1, wherein axes of said targets are substantially parallel to said interface flange.

5. The module according to claim 4, wherein said module further comprises at least two connector blocks mounted to said flange for carrying said targets at both ends.

6. The module according to claim 5, wherein said module further comprises at least four connector blocks mounted to said flange for carrying said targets at both ends.

7. The module according to claim 1, that further comprises at least one gas distribution system that is mounted to said interface flange.

8. The module according to claim 1, wherein said module further carries an enclosure with an entrance and exit slit to let the substrate pass through, said slit having adjustable side blinds to isolate said targets from one another.

9. The module according to claim 8, wherein said side blinds are adjusted by a substrate width detector.

10. The module according to claim 8, wherein said side blinds are configured to substantially prevent gas on one side of the substrate mixing with gas on the opposite side of the substrate.

11. A method to upgrade a large area coater, comprising the steps of:

removing drop-in modules for single side sputtering; and

inserting the module according to claim 1.

12. A method for operating a large area coater including the module of claim 7, comprising the steps of:

stacking two substrates having two sides on top of each other,

coating outer sides of said stacked substrates in said large area coater including the module of claim 7, and

separating said two substrates.