OES control of a low-pressure DC arc at TiN layer deposition

Results are presented of a low-pressure DC arc study as applied for a deposition of TiN wear-resistant coatings in a commercial plant. Plasma parameters of the arc have been measured by optical emission spectroscopy. The plasma emission spectra have been recorded using a grating spectrometer equipped with an on line computer. Changes in the resulting layers due to a difference in working conditions have been determined by metallography and X-ray analysis giving composition, microstructure and thickness of the resulting layers. Using the data, a correlation between emission spectra of the arc and the TiN layer characteristics has been found. The results allow monitoring parameters of the deposition process to obtain necessary quality of the layer and to increase the process efficiency.