Modeling reactive magnetron sputtering: Opportunities and challenges

The complexity of the reactive magnetron sputtering process is demonstrated by four simulation examples. The examples, commonly encountered during the application of this process for thin film deposition, are described by a numerical model for reactive sputter deposition. A short description of the current model precedes these case studies. In the first example, redeposition of sputtered atoms on the target is studied by its effect on the hysteresis behavior often observed during reactive sputtering. Secondly, the complexity of current-voltage characteristics during reactive magnetron sputtering is treated. The influence of substrate rotation and the pulsing of the discharge current illustrate the time dependence of the reactive sputtering process. As a conclusion, the two main challenges for a further improvement of the model are discussed.