Physics of Arcing, and Implications to Sputter Deposition

Date Published
07/2004
Publication Type
Conference Paper
Author
LBL Report Number
LBNL-54220
Abstract

Arc and glow discharges are defined based on their cathode processes. Arcs are characterized by collective electron emission, which can be stationary with hot cathodes (thermionic arcs), or nonstationary with cold cathodes (cathodic arcs). A brief review on cathodic arc properties serves as the starting point to better understand arcing phenomena in sputtering. Although arcing occurs in both metal and reactive sputtering, it is more of an issue in the reactive case. Arcing occurs if sufficiently high field strength leads to thermal runaway of an electron emission site. The role of insulating layers and surface potential adjustment through current leakage is highlighted. In the situation of magnetron sputtering with racetrack, the need for a model with two spatial dimensions is shown. In many cases, arcing is initiated by breakdown of dielectric layers and inclusions. It is most efficiently prevented if formation and excessive charge-up of dielectric layers and inclusions can be avoided.

(Note: PDF contains both LBNL-54220 & LBNL-54220 Journal.)

Conference Name
International Conference on Coatings on Glass
Year of Publication
2003
Conference Location
Saarbrucken, Germany
Call Number
LBNL-54220
Custom 1
<p>Windows and Daylighting Group</p>
Organizations
Research Areas
File(s)
Download citation