Lab 18-2

< Sputter deposition

Lab 18-2
Equipment Details
Technology	PVD
Materials Restriction	Metals
Material Processed	Al, Cr, Au, Ir, Ni, Pt, Ag, Ti, W, W-Ti
Sample Size	150mm x 4mm and smaller samples
Gases Used	Ar, N2, O2
Equipment Manual
Supported Processes	Supported Processes
User Processes	User Processes

Lab 18-2 is a magnetron sputter deposition tool for depositing common and precious metals. Sputter deposition is achieved by bombarding a source material with energetic ions, typically Ar+. Atoms at the surface of the target are knocked loose, and transported to the surface of the substrate, where deposition occurs. Electrically conductive material such as Al, W, and Ti can use a dc power source, in which the target acts as the cathode in a diode system. Sputtering of dielectrics such as silicon dioxide, or aluminum oxide requires an Rf power source to supply energy to the argon atoms. Sputter films are ideal for sidewall coverage in low thermal budget cases for contact and insulating layers over features.

Announcements

• The target configuration has been moved to the Supported Process section below. Follow the link to Lab 18-2/Processes. On that page under the Target Calendar header is the link to the calendar.

18-2 Target Change Calendar

Capabilities

• Computer controlled recipes
• Load lock supported processing
• limited film stress versatility with in film development.
• Reactive Film capabilities (Ar, O₂, and N₂)

Supported Processes

• Lab 18-2/Processes

Basic "User" access with the Lab 18's provide researchers with the ability to load, transfer samples, and deposit standard characterized materials. For more details such as standard recipe parameters and sidewall coverage (limited data), see Lab 18-2/Processes.

In addition to these, this tool has a number of user-supported recipes for depositing a wide variety of materials. Some of these recipes are documented on User Processes.

If you have a material deposition need that is not listed, check to see if this material is deposited on on another PVD tool on the LNF PVD Films page, or see more options for running your own private material on the Target configuration section of the Lab 18-2/Processes page. The PVD 75 Proline is the preferred sputtering tool for non-standard materials. See how to Request New PVD Films here. See more on how to request new sputter sources specifically on the LNF Sputter Adding New Films page.

Process Name

Multiple staff characterized films are available. If two thicknesses are listed the first is for per run and the second thickness is for total material used per reservation.

Material	Max thickness (Run/Reservation)
Aluminum (Al)	5000Å / 1 µm
Chromium (Cr)	2000Å / NA
Gold (Au)	3000Å / 5000Å
Nickel (Ni)	2000 Å / 5000Å
Platinum (Pt)	1000 Å / 5000Å
Titanium (Ti)	3000 Å / 5000 Å
Tungsten (W)	3000 Å / 9000 Å
Tungsten/Titanium (W-Ti)	3000 Å / 9000 Å

System Overview

The Lab 18-2 has a 18" D-shaped chamber with a load lock chamber to quickly load and unload samples without breaking high vacuum in the process chamber. The tools five magnetron sputtering sources are set up to allow for RF, DC, and DC co-sputtering. There is an additional Rf power supply on the substrate platen to allow for in situ sample cleans, and bias voltage to manipulate the film characteristics. Sample heating up to 500C is achieved by using the tools quartz heater lamps.

Hardware Details

• Cryo pumped chamber – upper 10^-7 Torr base pressure
• Chamber capacity: single wafer
• Configured with a load lock
• Sample heating – up to 500°C
• Power specs
  • Five 3” Sputtering Guns
  • 2 DC and 2 RF power supply (one for sample bias)

Substrate Requirements

• Sample sizes: pieces, up to 6” wafers.
• Wafer holders available for 2", 3", 4", 6"; as well as clip fixtures for smaller pieces
  • Diameter 150 mm maximum
  • Substrates up to 4 mm Thick. With special fixture up to 8 mm.
  • Sample Mounting

Material Restrictions

The Lab 18-2 is the sole sputtering tool for precious metal materials. The Lab 18-2 is designated as a Metals class tool. Below is a list of approved materials for the tool. Approved means the material is allowed in the tool under normal circumstances. If a material is not listed, please create a helpdesk ticket or email info@lnf.umich.edu for any material requests or questions.

Approved materials

Detailed Operating Procedure

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Tool Manual

Includes an introduction to the tool and reservation information.
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Checkout Procedure

The Lab 18-2 is on the LNF Scheduler. LNF constituents may reserve time on the tool, and even request staff support for process development. For more details, see KJLC Sputter Tool Access and Training.

1. Read through the Standard Operating Procedure above.
2. Create a helpdesk ticket requesting training.
3. A tool engineer will schedule a time for initial training.
4. Practice with your mentor or another authorized user until you are comfortable with tool operation.
5. Schedule a checkout session with a tool engineer via the helpdesk ticket system. If this checkout is successful, the engineer will authorize you on the tool.

Maintenance

The sputter shield cleaning procedure is provided below. The source shields are stored on the rack between the Lab 18s when they are not installed. Some films that build up on the shield risk flaking off and shorting out plasma (W-Ti and ITO are the most frequent offenders). This procedure mitigates that, so it is posted here to empower users.

Lab 18 Shield Cleaning Procedure

For more details, see Lab 18-2/Maintenance and qualification.