A magnetron assembly and magnetron sputtering apparatus

By using separate fastening components and screw connections, the problems of difficult installation and complex replacement of magnetron assemblies are solved, enabling simple installation and low-cost replacement, and improving the installation efficiency and stability of magnetron assemblies.

CN224337693UActive Publication Date: 2026-06-09ADVANCED MICRO FAB EQUIP INC CHINA

Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Utility models(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
ADVANCED MICRO FAB EQUIP INC CHINA
Filing Date
2025-04-17
Publication Date
2026-06-09

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing magnetron assemblies are difficult to install, and the magnets tend to attract or repel each other, making installation complicated. Replacement also requires complete disassembly, increasing costs.

Method used

The second magnetic post is secured using separate fastening components, including inner and outer ring fasteners, and is connected by screws, simplifying the installation and replacement process.

Benefits of technology

This enables easy installation and convenient replacement of magnetron assemblies, reducing manufacturing and replacement costs and improving installation efficiency and structural stability.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

This utility model discloses a magnetron assembly and a magnetron sputtering device. The magnetron assembly includes: a back plate; a first magnetic post disposed on the back plate; a plurality of second magnetic posts disposed on the back plate and surrounding the outer periphery of the first magnetic post; and a fixing assembly located at the top of the second magnetic posts to fix them. The fixing assembly includes: a plurality of fastening components arranged in a ring around the second magnetic post; each fastening component includes an inner ring fastener and an outer ring fastener; the top of the second magnetic post is located between the inner ring fastener and the outer ring fastener and is clamped and fixed by them; the inner ring fastener and the outer ring fastener are fixedly connected to the back plate to clamp and fix the second magnetic post axially. This utility model can achieve simple installation / removal of the magnetron and reduce costs.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of semiconductor equipment technology, and in particular to a magnetron assembly and a magnetron sputtering device. Background Technology

[0002] Magnetron sputtering equipment is a device that uses the collision of particles in plasma with a target to deposit the sputtered material onto the workpiece to form a thin film. In practical applications, to improve sputtering efficiency and target utilization, a magnetron assembly is installed on the back of the target. The magnetic field generated by the magnetron in the magnetron assembly extends the trajectory of electrons, increasing the probability of electrons colliding with process gases (such as argon), thereby increasing the plasma density and thus improving sputtering efficiency and target utilization.

[0003] Existing magnetron installation methods primarily involve using two back plates, one above the other, to clamp the magnetron in the middle. The magnetron can be either discrete small magnetic pillars or a single, ring-shaped magnet. While this method can achieve a certain degree of fixation and positioning of the magnetron, it has several drawbacks. Due to the strong magnetism of the small magnetic pillars, adjacent pillars easily attract or repel each other during installation, leading to installation difficulties. Furthermore, if a continuous, ring-shaped magnet is used, if any part is damaged or needs to be replaced with a different type of magnet, the entire magnet must be disassembled and replaced, which not only increases the operational difficulty but also results in unnecessary cost waste. Utility Model Content

[0004] The purpose of this invention is to provide a magnetron assembly and a magnetron sputtering device that can simplify the installation or replacement of the magnetron and reduce costs.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model is implemented through the following technical solution:

[0006] A magnetron assembly includes: a back plate; a first magnetic post disposed on the back plate; a plurality of second magnetic posts disposed on the back plate and surrounding the outer periphery of the first magnetic post; and a fixing assembly located at the top of the second magnetic posts to fix the second magnetic posts; the fixing assembly includes: a plurality of fastening components arranged in a ring; each fastening component includes an inner ring fastener and an outer ring fastener; the top of the second magnetic post is located between the inner ring fastener and the outer ring fastener and is clamped and fixed by both; the inner ring fastener and the outer ring fastener are fixedly connected to the back plate to clamp and fix the second magnetic post in the axial direction.

[0007] Optionally, the inner ring fastener and the outer ring fastener are provided with a plurality of partial holes on their opposite sides. When the inner ring fastener and the outer ring fastener are arranged radially opposite to each other, a plurality of complete magnetic post fixing holes are formed. The top end of the second magnetic post matches the magnetic post fixing hole and is clamped in the magnetic post fixing hole.

[0008] Optionally, each of the fastening components further includes a plurality of posts, which are spaced circumferentially on the back plate; the inner ring fastener is fixed to the top of the post by a first connector; the outer ring fastener is fixed to the back plate by a second connector; and the second magnetic post is located between two adjacent posts.

[0009] Optionally, the first connector includes a first screw hole on the inner ring fastener and a first threaded hole on the top of the column; a first screw that passes through the first screw hole and stops in the first threaded hole; the second connector includes a second screw hole on the outer ring fastener and a second threaded hole on the back plate; a second screw that passes through the second screw hole and stops in the second threaded hole.

[0010] Optionally, each of the second magnetic pillars has a first protrusion structure and a second protrusion structure extending outward along its axial direction at its top and bottom ends, respectively; the first protrusion structure matches the magnetic pillar fixing hole and is clamped in the magnetic pillar fixing hole; the second protrusion structure is disposed on the back plate.

[0011] Optionally, the second protrusion structure is inserted into the back plate.

[0012] Optionally, the second protrusion structure is threadedly connected to the back plate.

[0013] Optionally, the backplate and the fixing assembly are made of magnetically conductive materials.

[0014] Optionally, the backplate and the fixing assembly are made of non-magnetic materials.

[0015] Optionally, the back plate is provided with a mounting groove that matches the bottom end of the first magnetic post, and the first magnetic post is adsorbed in the mounting groove.

[0016] Optionally, the diameter of the first magnetic post is larger than the diameter of the second magnetic post.

[0017] On the other hand, this utility model also provides a magnetron sputtering device, including: a target material; a magnetron assembly as described above; the magnetron assembly is disposed on the back of the target material to scan the back surface of the target material.

[0018] This utility model has at least one of the following technical effects:

[0019] The present invention provides a magnetron assembly in which several second magnetic posts are fixedly connected to a back plate by multiple fastening components arranged in a ring. Since the second magnetic posts are fixed by multiple fastening components, the second magnetic posts of the outer ring can be installed or removed in groups, thereby simplifying the installation method and solving the problem that it is not easy to fix due to the magnetic attraction between the second magnetic posts.

[0020] The fastening assembly includes an inner ring fastener and an outer ring fastener. When it is necessary to replace one or more second magnetic posts, only the corresponding outer ring fastener needs to be removed to remove the second magnetic post to be replaced, thereby reducing replacement costs and improving the convenience of replacement.

[0021] The inner and outer ring fasteners are used in conjunction with the first and second screws to fix the second magnetic column. Thus, the fixing component and the entire magnetron assembly have a simple structure, which saves processing time and reduces manufacturing and time costs. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the magnetron assembly without the second magnet column provided in one embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a magnetron assembly with a second magnetic column installed, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 3 A cross-sectional structural schematic diagram of a magnetron assembly provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0025] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a magnetron sputtering device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0026] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0027] 100-First magnetic post; 101-Second magnetic post; 200-Fastening assembly; 201-Inner ring fastener; 202-Outer ring fastener; 2011-Partial hole; 203-Magnetic post fixing hole; 204-First screw hole; 205-Second screw hole; 206-Post; 207-First screw; 208-Second screw; 300-Back plate; 301-Groove; 302-Third screw hole; 102-First protrusion structure; 103-Second protrusion structure; 11-Magnetron assembly; 12-Target material; 10-Reaction chamber; 13-Bearing device; W-Substrate. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The following detailed description, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments, provides a further detailed explanation of a magnetron assembly and magnetron sputtering device proposed in this utility model. The advantages and features of this utility model will become clearer from the following description. It should be noted that the drawings are in a very simplified form and use non-precise proportions, intended only to facilitate and clearly illustrate the embodiments of this utility model. Please refer to the drawings to make the objectives, features, and advantages of this utility model more apparent and understandable. It should be understood that the structures, proportions, sizes, etc., depicted in the accompanying drawings are only for illustrative purposes to aid those skilled in the art and are not intended to limit the implementation conditions of this utility model. Therefore, they have no substantial technical significance. Any modifications to the structure, changes in proportions, or adjustments to the size, without affecting the effects and objectives achieved by this utility model, should still fall within the scope of the technical content disclosed in this utility model.

[0029] As described in the background section, existing magnetron assemblies suffer from installation difficulties and costly replacements. Existing magnetron assemblies also include the following installation method: a first backplate serves as the substrate, with multiple closely spaced holes. Small magnets are fixed to each other or directly embedded in the holes of the substrate, and then a second backplate is placed on top. While this installation method avoids the difficulty of installing small magnets to some extent, the overall structure is too large and complex, increasing manufacturing costs. Furthermore, the overall installation of the magnetron assembly is not convenient, causing considerable inconvenience for subsequent maintenance and replacement. In summary, existing magnetron installation methods suffer from difficulties in magnet installation, high costs, and a large overall structure.

[0030] In view of this, the present invention provides a magnetron assembly that enables the grouping and installation of small magnetic pillars through separate fastening components, thereby solving the problems of difficult magnetic pillar installation, high cost, and large overall structure of the aforementioned magnetron assemblies.

[0031] Specifically, such as Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, this embodiment provides a magnetron assembly, including: a backplate (refer to...). Figure 3 As shown in reference numeral 300, a first magnetic post 100 is disposed on the back plate; a plurality of second magnetic posts 101 are disposed on the back plate and are arranged around the outer periphery of the first magnetic post 100; a fixing assembly is located at the top of the second magnetic posts 101 to fix the second magnetic posts 101.

[0032] The fixing components include multiple fastening components 200 arranged in a circular ring. That is, the multiple fastening components 200 are independent of each other, and the multiple fastening components 200 can be spliced ​​end to end in the circumferential direction to form a roughly circular shape.

[0033] Please continue to refer to this. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, each fastening assembly 200 includes an inner ring fastener 201 and an outer ring fastener 202; the top end of the second magnetic post 101 is located between the inner ring fastener 201 and the outer ring fastener 202, and is clamped and fixed by both; the inner ring fastener 201 and the outer ring fastener 202 are fixedly connected to the back plate to clamp and fix the second magnetic post 101 in the axial direction.

[0034] In this embodiment, a plurality of second magnetic posts of a magnetron assembly are fixedly connected to a back plate by a plurality of fastening components arranged in a ring. Since the second magnetic posts are fixed by a plurality of fastening components, the second magnetic posts of the outer ring can be installed or removed in groups, thereby simplifying the installation method and solving the problem that it is not easy to fix due to the magnetic attraction between the second magnetic posts.

[0035] The fastening assembly provided in this embodiment includes an inner ring fastener and an outer ring fastener. When it is necessary to replace one or more second magnetic posts, only the corresponding outer ring fastener needs to be removed to remove the second magnetic post to be replaced, thereby reducing the replacement cost and improving the convenience of replacement.

[0036] Please continue to refer to this. Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, in this embodiment, the inner ring fastener 201 and the outer ring fastener 202 are respectively provided with a plurality of partial holes 2011 on their opposite sides. When the inner ring fastener 201 and the outer ring fastener 202 are arranged radially opposite to each other, a plurality of complete magnetic post fixing holes 203 are formed. The top end of the second magnetic post 101 matches the magnetic post fixing hole 203 and is clamped in the magnetic post fixing hole 203.

[0037] In one embodiment, please refer to... Figure 3 As shown, where, Figure 3 Figure (a) shows the route along Figure 2 Cross-sectional view along the AA direction. Figure 3 Figure (b) shows the route along Figure 2 Cross-sectional view along the BB direction.

[0038] like Figure 3 As shown in Figure (a), each fastening assembly 200 also includes a plurality of posts 206, which are spaced circumferentially on the back plate 300; the inner ring fastener 201 is connected to the first connector (see reference). Figure 1 and Figure 3 (As shown in reference numerals 207, 204, and 209) are fixed to the top of column 206; outer ring fasteners 202 are connected via a second connector (see reference 206). Figure 1 and Figure 3(As shown in reference numerals 208, 205 and 302) are fixed on the back plate 300; the second magnetic post 101 is located between two adjacent posts 206.

[0039] Please continue to refer to this. Figure 3 As shown in Figure (a), the first connector includes a first screw hole 204 on the inner ring fastener 201 and a first threaded hole 209 on the top of the column 206; a first screw 207, which passes through the first screw hole 204 and stops in the first threaded hole 209; the second connector includes a second screw hole 205 on the outer ring fastener 202 and a second threaded hole 302 on the back plate 300; a second screw 208, which passes through the second screw hole 205 and stops in the second threaded hole 302.

[0040] Please continue to refer to this. Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, the inner ring fastener 201 and the outer ring fastener 202 are only flat plate structures with arc-shaped segments, and the second magnetic column 101 is fixedly connected by the first screw 207 and the second screw 208. It can be seen that the fixing component and the entire magnetron assembly have a simple structure, which saves processing time and reduces manufacturing cost and time cost.

[0041] like Figure 3 As shown in Figure (b), each second magnetic post 101 has an outwardly extending first protrusion structure 102 and a second protrusion structure 103 at its top and bottom ends along its axial direction, respectively.

[0042] The first protrusion structure 102 matches the magnetic post fixing hole 203 and is clamped inside the magnetic post fixing hole 203; the second protrusion structure 103 is disposed on the back plate 300.

[0043] In one embodiment, the second protrusion structure 103 is inserted into the back plate 300.

[0044] For example, please continue to refer to Figure 3 As shown in Figure (b), the back plate 300 is provided with grooves 301 that are spaced apart along the circumference and match the second protrusion structure 103. The second protrusion structure 103 is inserted into the groove 301 and can be magnetically fixed in the groove 301.

[0045] In some embodiments, the second protrusion structure 103 is threadedly connected to the back plate 300.

[0046] For example, please continue to refer to Figure 3 As shown in Figure (b), the second protrusion 103 is provided with a thread, and the groove 301 is provided with a thread structure that mates with the second protrusion 103, thereby achieving a threaded connection between the two.

[0047] Please continue to refer to this. Figure 3As shown in Figure (b), the second magnetic post 101 can be a cylindrical structure. After the inner ring fastener 201 and the outer ring fastener 202 are fixed to the back plate 300, their total radial width is the same as the radial width of the second magnetic post 101, which can better distribute the force and improve the stability and reliability of the structure.

[0048] In one embodiment, the back plate 300 and the fixing assembly are made of magnetic material. That is, all the fastening components included in the fixing assembly, including the outer ring fastener 202 and the inner ring fastener 201, the first screw 207, the second screw 208 and the post 206, are made of magnetic material. The magnetic material can make the magnetic lines of force evenly distributed on the entire outer ring fastener 202.

[0049] In one embodiment, the backplate 300 and the fixing assembly are made of non-magnetic material, which can avoid affecting the magnetic field line distribution of the magnetic column.

[0050] In one embodiment, the back plate 300 is provided with a mounting groove that matches the bottom end of the first magnetic post 100, and the first magnetic post 100 is attracted into the mounting groove. The first magnetic post 100 is cylindrical in shape, and its diameter is larger than that of the second magnetic post 101.

[0051] Before installing the second magnetic post 101, as follows Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the inner ring fastener 201 is first installed on the column 206 of the back plate 300 by the first screw 207. Then, the lower end (second protrusion structure 103) of the second magnetic column 101 is inserted into the back plate 300, and the upper end (first protrusion structure 102) is pressed against the part of the hole 2011 of the inner ring fastener 201. Then, the outer ring fastener 202 is used to clamp it. Then, the outer ring fastener 202 is fixed to the back plate 300 by the second screw 208. The entire magnetron assembly structure can be assembled and fixed as a unit of fastening component 200 first, and then the remaining fastening components 200 are installed. The first magnetic column 100 in the center can be attracted to the central groove (i.e., the mounting groove) of the back plate 300 by strong magnetism. The second magnetic post 101 can be held circumferentially by the inner ring fastener 201 and the outer ring fastener 202, and axially by the inner ring fastener 201, the outer ring fastener 202, and the back plate 300, ensuring structural stability. If one or more second magnetic posts need to be replaced during use, only the corresponding outer ring fastener 202 needs to be replaced, thereby improving the convenience of replacement.

[0052] On the other hand, such as Figure 4As shown, this utility model also provides a magnetron sputtering device, including: a carrier device 13, a target material 12, and the aforementioned magnetron assembly 11. The carrier device 13 is disposed at the bottom of the reaction chamber 10 to support the substrate W. The target material 12 is disposed at the top of the reaction chamber 10, and the magnetron assembly 11 is disposed at the back of the target material 12 to scan the back surface of the target material 12. Positive ions in the plasma within the reaction chamber 10 bombard the lower surface of the target material 12, causing target particles to escape from the lower surface of the target material 12. These target particles are deposited on the surface of the substrate W to form a thin film.

[0053] Although the present invention has been described in detail through the above preferred embodiments, it should be understood that the above description should not be considered as a limitation of the present invention. Various modifications and substitutions to the present invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art after reading the above content. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should be defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A magnetron assembly, characterized in that, include: Back panel, The first magnetic post is disposed on the back plate; Several second magnetic pillars are disposed on the back plate and are arranged around the outer periphery of the first magnetic pillar; A fixing component is located at the top of the second magnetic post to fix the second magnetic post; The fixing assembly includes: a plurality of fastening components arranged in a circular ring; Each of the fastening components includes an inner ring fastener and an outer ring fastener; The top of the second magnetic post is located between the inner ring fastener and the outer ring fastener, and is clamped and fixed by both. The inner and outer ring fasteners are fixedly connected to the back plate to clamp and fix the second magnetic post in the axial direction.

2. The magnetron assembly as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The inner ring fastener and the outer ring fastener are provided with several partial holes on their opposite sides. When the inner ring fastener and the outer ring fastener are arranged radially opposite to each other, they form several complete magnetic post fixing holes. The top end of the second magnetic post matches the magnetic post fixing hole and is clamped inside the magnetic post fixing hole.

3. The magnetron assembly as described in claim 2, characterized in that, Each of the fastening components further includes a plurality of posts, which are spaced circumferentially on the back plate; The inner ring fastener is fixed to the top of the column by the first connector; The outer ring fastener is fixed to the back plate by the second connector; The second magnetic column is located between two adjacent columns.

4. The magnetron assembly as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The first connector includes a first screw hole on the inner ring fastener and a first threaded hole on the top of the column; The first screw passes through the first screw hole and stops inside the first threaded hole; The second connector includes: a second screw hole provided on the outer ring fastener, and a second threaded hole provided on the back plate; The second screw passes through the second screw hole and stops inside the second threaded hole.

5. The magnetron assembly as described in any one of claims 2 to 4, characterized in that, Each of the second magnetic pillars has an outwardly extending first protrusion structure and a second protrusion structure at its top and bottom ends along its axial direction, respectively. The first protrusion structure matches the magnetic post fixing hole and is clamped in the magnetic post fixing hole; the second protrusion structure is disposed on the back plate.

6. The magnetron assembly as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The second protruding structure is inserted into the back plate.

7. The magnetron assembly as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The second protrusion structure is threadedly connected to the back plate.

8. The magnetron assembly as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The back plate and the fixing assembly are made of magnetically conductive materials.

9. The magnetron assembly as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The back plate and the fixing assembly are made of non-magnetic materials.

10. The magnetron assembly as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The back plate is provided with a mounting groove that matches the bottom end of the first magnetic post, and the first magnetic post is adsorbed into the mounting groove.

11. The magnetron assembly as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that, The diameter of the first magnetic post is larger than the diameter of the second magnetic post.

12. A magnetron sputtering apparatus, characterized in that, include: The target material; the magnetron assembly as described in any one of claims 1 to 11; the magnetron assembly is disposed on the back side of the target material to scan the back surface of the target material.