Brown University

United States Surgical Corporation

Michael P Lauro

Ross R Muth

Richard N Granger

George R Proto

Joseph J Loferski

Christopher Case

Roland Beaulieu

Jacob Avissar

Everett E Crissman

A sputtering apparatus is constructed in modular form to facilitate changes in sputtering processes and target materials. At least two sputtering modules and a pumping stack module are arranged in series and in any desired order between a load module and an exit module. Each module is attached to another module by sealingly abutting flanges which are connected by externally accessible bolts. The use of gate valves between the modules is avoided by the provision of connecting sleeves which are each at least as long as the mean free path of the sputtered target atoms.

Modular sputtering apparatus

Growing community of inventors

Lincoln, RI, United States of America

Michael P Lauro