Sputtering apparatus for forming a metal film using a magnetic field

Abstract

A sputtering apparatus includes a sputtering chamber, a target disposed in the sputtering chamber, and a magnetic field generator for generating a rotating magnetic field at the front of the target. The magnetic field generator includes a main magnetic field-generating part that faces the back of the target and is horizontally (laterally) offset from a vertical line passing through the center of the target. A magnetic annulus of the main magnetic field-generating part forms a magnetic enclosure having openings therethrough at locations faced in the directions of the central and peripheral portions of the target. The magnetic field-generating part thus produces a magnetic field having a non-uniform distribution at the front of the target. A substrate is positioned within the sputtering chamber facing the front of the target. A metal layer is formed by sputtering atoms from the front of the target onto the substrate. The behavior of the sputtered atoms can be effectively controlled by the magnetic field.