Cathode assembly for indirectly heated cathode ion source

Abstract

A cathode in an indirectly heated cathode ion source is supported by at least one rod or pin. The cathode is preferably in the form of a disk, and the support rod is smaller in diameter than the disk to limit thermal conduction and radiation. In one embodiment, the cathode is supported by a single rod at or near its center. The support rod may be held by a spring-action clamp for simple and reliable clamping and unclamping. The disk shaped cathode and the support rod may be fabricated as a single piece. A filament that emits electrons thermionically may be disposed around the rod in close proximity to the cathode.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] This invention is related to ion sources that are suitable for use in ion implanters and, more particularly, to ion sources having indirectly heated cathodes.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] An ion source is a critical component of an ion implanter. The ion source generates an ion beam which passes through the beamline of the ion implanter and is delivered to a semiconductor wafer. The ion source is required to generate a stable, well-defined beam for a variety of different ion species and extraction voltages. In a semiconductor production facility, the ion implanter, including the ion source, is required to operate for extended periods without the need for maintenance or repair.

[0004] Ion implanters have conventionally used ion sources with directly heated cathodes, wherein a filament for emitting electrons is mounted in the arc chamber of the ion source and is exposed to the highly corrosive plasma in the arc chamber. Such directly heated cathodes typically constitute a relatively small diameter wire filament and therefore degrade or fail in the corrosive environment of the arc chamber in a relatively short time. As a result, the lifetime of the directly heated cathode ion source is limited.

[0005] Indirectly heated cathode ion sources have been developed in order to improve ion source lifetimes in ion implanters. An indirectly heated cathode includes a relatively massive cathode which is heated by electron bombardment from a filament and emits electrons thermionically. The filament is isolated from the plasma in the arc chamber and thus has a long lifetime. Although the cathode is exposed to the corrosive environment of the arc chamber, its relatively massive structure ensures operation over an extended period.

[0006] The cathode in the indirectly heated cathode ion source must be electrically isolated from its surroundings, electrically connected to a power supply and thermally isolated from its surroundings to inhibit cooling which would cause it to stop emitting electrons. Known prior art indirectly heated cathode designs utilize a cathode in the form of a disk supported at its outer periphery by a thin wall tube of approximately the same diameter as the disk. The tube has a thin wall in order to reduce its cross sectional area and thereby reduce the conduction of heat away from the hot cathode. The thin tube typically has cutouts along its length to act as insulating breaks and to reduce the conduction of heat away from the cathode.

[0007] The tube used to support the cathode does not emit electrons, but has a large surface area, much of it at high temperature. This area loses heat by radiation, which is the primary way that the cathode loses heat. The large diameter of the tube increases the size and complexity of the structure used to clamp and connect to the cathode. One known cathode support includes three parts and requires threads to assemble.

[0008] The indirectly heated cathode ion source typically includes a filament power supply, a bias power supply and an arc power supply and requires a control system for regulating these power supplies. Prior art control systems for indirectly heated cathode ion sources regulate the supplies to achieve constant arc current. A difficulty in using a constant arc current system is that, if the beamline is tuned, beam current measured at the downstream end of the beamline can increase either due to the tuning, which increases the percent of current transmitted through the beamline, or due to an increase in the amount of current extracted from the source. Since beam current and transmission are influenced by the same plurality of variables, it difficult to tune for maximum beam current transmission.

[0009] A prior art approach that has been utilized in ion sources with directly heated cathodes is to control the source for constant extraction current rather than constant arc current. In all cases where the source is controlled for constant extraction current, the control system drives a Bernas type ion source where the cathode is a directly heated filament.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] According to an aspect of the invention, a cathode assembly for use in an indirectly heated cathode ion source includes a cathode sub-assembly, including a cathode and a support rod fixedly mounted thereto; a filament for emitting electrons, that is positioned outside the arc chamber in close proximity to the support rod of the cathode sub-assembly; and a cathode insulator for electrically and thermally isolating the cathode from an arc chamber housing, that is disposed around the cathode of the cathode sub-assembly.

[0011] The cathode sub-assembly may include an indirectly heated cathode and a support rod fixedly attached to the indirectly heated cathode for supporting the cathode within an arc chamber of the ion source. In one embodiment, the support rod is attached to a surface of the cathode facing away from the arc chamber. The support rod may mechanically support the cathode and conduct electrical energy thereto. The cathode may be in the shape of a disk, and the support rod may be attached at or near the center of the cathode, along its axis. The support rod may be in the shape of a cylinder, and the diameter of the cathode may be larger than the diameter of the cylindrical support rod. In one example, the diameter of the cathode is at least four times larger than the diameter of the support rod. The cathode sub-assembly may further include a spring loaded clamp for holding the support rod.

[0012] A filament may be disposed around the support rod, in close proximity to the cathode, and isolated from a plasma in the arc chamber. The filament may be fabricated of an electrically conductive material and include an arc-shaped turn having an inside diameter greater than or equal to the diameter of the support rod. A cross-sectional area of the filament may vary along the length of the filament, being smallest along the arc-shaped turn.

[0013] A cathode insulator may be provided to electrically and thermally isolate the cathode from a housing of the arc chamber. In one embodiment, the cathode insulator includes an opening having a diameter that is larger than or equal to the diameter of the cathode. A vacuum gap may be provided between the cathode insulator and the cathode to limit thermal conduction. The cathode insulator may have a generally tubular shape with a sidewall and include a flange for shielding the sidewall of the cathode insulator from plasma in the arc chamber. This flange may be provided with a groove, on a side of the flange facing away from the plasma, for increasing the path length between the cathode and the arc chamber housing.

[0014] According to another aspect of the invention, a method for supporting and heating a cathode of an ion source includes supporting the cathode by a rod fixedly attached to the cathode, and bombarding the cathode with electrons. According to a further aspect of the invention, a cathode assembly for an ion source includes a cathode, a support rod fixedly attached to the cathode, a cathode insulator for electrically and thermally isolating the cathode from an arc chamber housing, and an indirect heating means for indirectly heating the cathode.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] For a better understanding of the present invention, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein by reference and in which:

[0016] FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of an indirectly heated cathode ion source in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

[0017] FIGS. 2A and 2B are front and perspective views, respectively, of an embodiment of the cathode in the ion source of FIG. 1;

[0018] FIGS. 3A-3D are perspective, front, top and side views, respectively, of an embodiment of the filament in the ion source of FIG. 1;

[0019] FIGS. 4A-4C are perspective, cross-sectional and partial cross-sectional views, respectively, of an embodiment of the cathode insulator in the ion source of FIG. 1;

[0020] FIG. 5 schematically illustrates a feedback loop used to control extraction current for the ion source controller;

[0021] FIG. 6 schematically illustrates the operation of the ion source controller of FIG. 1 according to a first control algorithm; and

[0022] FIG. 7 schematically illustrates the operation of the ion source controller of FIG. 1 according to a second control algorithm.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0023] An indirectly heated cathode ion source in accordance with an embodiment of the invention is shown in FIG. 1. An arc chamber housing 10 having an extraction aperture 12 defines an arc chamber 14. A cathode 20 and a repeller electrode 22 are positioned within the arc chamber 14. The repeller electrode 22 is electrically isolated. A cathode insulator 24 electrically and thermally insulates cathode 20 from arc chamber housing 10. The cathode 20 optionally may be separated from insulator 24 by a vacuum gap to prevent thermal conduction. A filament 30 positioned outside arc chamber 14 in close proximity to cathode 20 produces heating of cathode 20.

[0024] A gas to be ionized is provided from a gas source 32 to arc chamber 14 through a gas inlet 34. In another configuration, not shown, arc chamber 14 may be coupled to a vaporizer which vaporizes a material to be ionized in arc chamber 14.

[0025] An arc power supply 50 has a positive terminal connected to arc chamber housing 10 and a negative terminal connected to cathode 20. Arc power supply 50 may have a rating of 100 volts at 10 amperes and may operate at about 50 volts. The arc power supply 50 accelerates electrons emitted by cathode 20 into the plasma in arc chamber 14. A bias power supply 52 has a positive terminal connected to cathode 20 and a negative terminal connected to filament 30. The bias power supply 52 may have a rating of 600 volts at 4 amperes and may operate at a current of about 2 amperes and a voltage of about 400 volts. The bias power supply 52 accelerates electrons emitted by filament 30 to cathode 20 to produce heating of cathode 20. A filament power supply 54 has output terminals connected to filament 30. Filament power supply 54 may have a rating of 5 volts at 200 amperes and may operate at a filament current of about 150 to 160 amperes. The filament power supply 54 produces heating of filament 30, which in turn generates electrons that are accelerated toward cathode 20 for heating of cathode 20. A source magnet 60 produces a magnetic field B within arc chamber 14 in a direction indicated by arrow 62. The direction of the magnetic field B may be reversed without affecting the operation of the ion source.

[0026] An extraction electrode, in this case a ground electrode 70, and a suppression electrode 72 are positioned in front of the extraction aperture 12. Each of ground electrode 70 and suppression electrode 72 have an aperture aligned with extraction aperture 12 for extraction of a well-defined ion beam 74.

[0027] An extraction power supply 80 has a positive terminal connected through a current sense resistor 110 to arc chamber housing 10 and a negative terminal connected to ground and to ground electrode 70. Extraction power supply 80 may have a rating of 70 kilovolts (kV) at 25 milliamps to 200 milliamps. Extraction supply 80 provides the voltage for extraction of ion beam 74 from arc chamber 14. The extraction voltage is adjustable depending on the desired energy of ions in ion beam 74.

[0028] A suppression power supply 82 has a negative terminal connected to suppression electrode 72 and a positive terminal connected to ground. Suppression power supply 82 may have an output in a range of −2 kV to −30 kV. The negatively biased suppression electrode 72 inhibits movement of electrons within ion beam 74. It will be understood that the voltage and current ratings and the operating voltages and currents of power supplies 50, 52, 54, 80 and 82 are given by way of example only and are not limiting as to the scope of the invention.

[0029] An ion source controller 100 provides control of the ion source. The ion source controller 100 may be a programmed controller or a dedicated special purpose controller. In a preferred embodiment, the ion source controller 100 is incorporated into the main control computer of the ion implanter.

[0030] The ion source controller 100 controls arc power supply 50, bias power supply 52 and filament power supply 54 to produce a desired level of extraction ion current from the ion source. By fixing the current extracted from the ion source, the ion beam is tuned for best transmission, which is beneficial for ion source life and defect reduction, because of fewer beam generated particles, less contamination and improved maintenance due to reduced wear from beam incidence. An additional benefit is faster beam tuning.

[0031] The ion source controller 100 may receive on lines 102 and 104 a current sense signal which is representative of extraction current IE supplied by extraction power supply 80. Current sense resistor 110 may be connected in series with one of the supply leads from extraction power supply 80 to sense extraction current IE. In another arrangement, extraction power supply 80 may be configured for providing on a line 112 a current sense signal which is representative of extraction current IE. The electrical extraction current IE supplied by extraction power supply 80 corresponds to the beam current in ion beam 74. The ion source controller 100 also receives a reference signal IEREF which represents a desired or reference extraction current. The ion source controller 100 compares the sensed extraction current IE with the reference extraction current IEREF and determines an error value, which may be positive, negative or zero.

[0032] A control algorithm is used to adjust the outputs of the power supplies in response to the error value. One embodiment of the control algorithm utilizes a Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID) loop, illustrated in FIG. 5. The goal of the PID loop is to maintain the extraction current IE, used for generating the ion beam, at the reference extraction current IEREF. The PID loop achieves this result by continually adjusting the output of a PID calculation 224 as required to adjust the sensed extraction current IE toward the reference extraction current IEREF. The PID calculation 224 receives feedback from the ion generator assembly 230 (FIG. 1) in the form of an error signal IEERROR, generated by subtracting the sensed extraction current IE and reference extraction current IEREF. The output of the PID loop may be fed from the ion source controller 100 to arc power supply 50, bias power supply 52 and filament power supply 54 to maintain the extraction current IE at or near the reference extraction current IEREF.

[0033] According to a first control algorithm, the bias current IB supplied by bias power supply 52 (FIG. 1) is varied in response to the extraction current error value IEERROR so as to control the extraction current IE at or near the reference extraction current IE REF. The bias current IB represents the electron current between filament 30 and cathode 20. In particular, the bias current IB is increased in order to increase the extraction current IE, and the bias current IB is decreased in order to decrease the extraction current IE. The bias voltage VB is unregulated and varies to supply the desired bias current IB. Further, according to the first control algorithm, the filament current IF supplied by filament power supply 54 is maintained at a constant value, with the filament voltage VF being unregulated, and the arc voltage VA supplied by arc power supply 50 is maintained at a constant value, with the arc current IA being unregulated. The first control algorithm has the benefits of good performance, simplicity and low cost.

[0034] An example of the operation of the ion source controller 100 according to the first control algorithm is schematically illustrated in FIG. 6. Inputs V1, V2, and R, designated in FIG. 1, are used to perform an extraction current calculation 220. Input voltages V1 and V2 are measured values, while input resistance R is based on the value of the resistor 110 (FIG. 1). The sensed extraction current IE is calculated as follows:

I E =(V1−V2)/R

[0035] The above calculation may be omitted if the extraction power supply 80 is configured to provide a current sense signal, representative of extraction current IE, to the ion source controller 100. The sensed extraction current IE and reference extraction current IEREF are inputs to an error calculation 222. The reference extraction current IEREF is a set value based on a desired extraction current. The extraction current error value IEERROR is calculated by subtracting the reference extraction current IEREF from the sensed extraction current IE, as follows:

I E ERROR=IE−IEREF

[0036] The extraction current error value IEERROR and three control coefficients (KPB, KIB, and KDB) are inputs for the PID calculation 224a. The three control coefficients are optimized to obtain the best control effect. In particular, KPB, KIB, and KDB are chosen to produce a control system having a transient response with acceptable rise time, overshoot, and steady-state error. The output signal of the PID calculation is determined as follows:

O b (t)=KPBe(t)+KIB∫e(t)dt+KDBde(t)/dt

[0037] where e(t) is the instantaneous extraction current error value and Ob(t) is the instantaneous output control signal. The instantaneous output signal Ob(t) is provided to the bias power supply 52, and provides information on how the bias current IB should be adjusted to minimize the extraction current error value. The magnitude and polarity of the output control signal Ob(t) depends on the control requirements of bias power supply 52. In general, however, the output control signal Ob(t) causes the bias current IB to increase when the sensed extraction current IE is less than the reference extraction current IEREF and causes the bias current IB to decrease when the sensed extraction current IE is greater than the reference extraction current IEREF.

[0038] The filament current IF and the arc voltage VA are maintained constant by a filament and arc power supply controller 225, shown in FIG. 6. Control parameters, chosen according to desired source operating conditions, are input to the filament and arc power supply controller 225. Control signals Of(t) and Oa(t) are output by the controller 225 and are provided to the filament power supply 54 and the arc power supply 50, respectively.

[0039] In accordance with a second control algorithm, the filament current IF supplied by filament power supply 54 (FIG. 1) is varied in response to the extraction current error value IEERROR so as to control the extraction current IE at or near the reference extraction current IEREF. In particular, the filament current IF is decreased in order to increase the extraction current IE, and the filament current IF is increased in order to decrease the extraction current IE. The filament voltage VF is unregulated. Further, according to the second control algorithm, the bias current IB supplied by bias power supply 52 is maintained constant, with bias voltage VB being unregulated, and arc voltage VA supplied by arc power supply 50 is maintained constant, with arc current IA being unregulated.

[0040] The operation of the ion source controller 100 according to the second control algorithm is schematically illustrated in FIG. 7. The extraction current calculation 220 is performed as in the first control algorithm, based on inputs V1, V2, and R, to determine the sensed extraction current IE. The sensed extraction current IE and reference extraction current IEREF are inputs to an error calculation 226. The extraction current error value IEERROR is calculated by subtracting the sensed extraction current IE from the reference extraction current IEREF, as follows:

I E ERROR=IEREF−IE

[0041] This calculation differs from the error calculation of the first algorithm, in that the order of the operands is reversed. The operands are reversed so that the control loop creates an inverse relationship between the extraction current IE and the controlled variable (in this case, IF), rather than a direct relationship, as in the first algorithm. The extraction current error value IEERROR and three control coefficients are inputs to a PID calculation 224b. The coefficients KPF, KIF, and KDF do not necessarily have the same values as the control coefficients of the first algorithm, as they are chosen to optimize the performance of the ion source according to the second control algorithm. However, the PID calculation 224b may be the same, as follows:

O F (t)−KPFe(t)+KIF∫e(t)dt+KDFde(t)/dt

[0042] An instantaneous output control signal OF(t) is provided to the filament power supply, and provides information on how the filament current IF should be adjusted to minimize the extraction current error value. The magnitude and polarity of the output control signal OF(t) depends on the control requirements of filament power supply 54. In general, however, the output control signal OF(t) causes the filament current IF to decrease when the sensed extraction current IE is less than the reference extraction current IEREF and causes the filament current IF to increase when the sensed extraction current IE is greater than the reference extraction current IEREF.

[0043] The bias current IB and the arc voltage VA are maintained constant by a bias and arc power supply controller 229, shown in FIG. 7. Control parameters, chosen according to desired source operating conditions, are input to the bias and arc power supply controller 229. Control signals OB(t) and OA(t) are output by the controller 229 and are provided to the bias power supply 52 and the arc power supply 50, respectively.

[0044] It should be appreciated that while the first control algorithm and second control algorithm are schematically represented separately, the ion source controller 100 may be configured to perform either or both algorithms. In the case where the ion source controller 100 is capable of performing both, a mechanism can be provided for selecting a particular algorithm to be implemented by the controller 100. It will be understood that different control algorithms may be utilized to control the extraction current of an indirectly heated cathode ion source. In a preferred embodiment, the control algorithm is implemented in software in controller 100. However, a hard-wired or microprogrammed controller may be utilized.

[0045] When the ion source is in operation, the filament 30 is heated resistively by filament current IF to thermionic emission temperatures, which may be on the order of 2200° C. Electrons emitted by filament 30 are accelerated by the bias voltage VB between filament 30 and cathode 20 and bombard and heat cathode 20. The cathode 20 is heated by electron bombardment to thermionic emission temperatures. Electrons emitted by cathode 20 are accelerated by arc voltage VA and ionize gas molecules from gas source 32 within arc chamber 14 to produce a plasma discharge. The electrons within arc chamber 14 are caused to follow spiral trajectories by magnetic field B. Repeller electrode 22 builds up a negative charge as a result of incident electrons and eventually has a sufficient negative charge to repel electrons back through arc chamber 14, producing additional ionizing collisions. The ion source of FIG. 1 exhibits improved source life in comparison with directly heated cathode ion sources, because the filament 30 is not exposed to the plasma in arc chamber 14 and cathode 20 is more massive than conventional directly heated cathodes.

[0046] An embodiment of indirectly heated cathode 20 is shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B. FIG. 2A is a side view, and FIG. 2B is a perspective view of cathode 20. Cathode 20 may be disk shaped and is connected to a support rod 150. In one embodiment, the support rod 150 is attached to the center of disk shaped cathode 20 and has a substantially smaller diameter than cathode 20 in order to limit thermal conduction and radiation. In another embodiment, multiple support rods are attached to the cathode 20. For example, a second support rod, having a different size or shape than the first support rod, may be attached to the cathode 20 to inhibit incorrect installation of the cathode 20. A cathode sub-assembly including cathode 20 and support rod 150 may be supported within arc chamber 14 (FIG. 1) by a spring loaded clamp 152. The spring loaded clamp 152 holds in place the support rod 150, and is itself held in place by a supporting structure (not shown) for the arc chamber. Support rod 150 provides mechanical support for cathode 20 and provides an electrical connection to arc power supply 50 and bias power supply 52, as shown in FIG. 1. Because support rod 150 has a relatively small diameter, thermal conduction and radiation are limited.

[0047] In one example, cathode 20 and support rod 150 are fabricated of tungsten and are fabricated as a single piece. In this example, cathode 20 has a diameter of 0.75 inch and a thickness of 0.20 inch. In one embodiment, the support rod 150 has a length in a range of about 0.5 to 3 inches. For example, in a preferred embodiment, the support rod 150 has a length of approximately 1.75 inches and a diameter in a range of about 0.04 to 0.25 inch. In a preferred embodiment, the support rod 150 has a diameter of approximately 0.125 inch. In general, the support rod 150 has a diameter that is smaller than the diameter of the cathode 20. For example, the diameter of the cathode 20 may be at least four times larger than the diameter of the support rod 150. In a preferred embodiment, the diameter of the cathode 20 is approximately six times larger than the diameter of the support rod 150. It will be understood that these dimensions are given by way of example only and are not limiting as to the scope of the invention. In another example, cathode 20 and support rod 150 are fabricated as separate components and are attached together, such as by press fitting.

[0048] In general, the support rod 150 is a solid cylindrical structure and at least one support rod 150 is used to support cathode 20 and to conduct electrical energy to cathode 20. In one embodiment, the diameter of the cylindrical support rod 150 is constant along the length of the support rod 150. In another embodiment, the support rod 150 may be a solid cylindrical structure having a diameter that varies as a function of position along the length of the support rod 150. For example, the diameter of the support rod 150 may be smallest along the length of the support rod 150 at each end thereof, thereby promoting thermal isolation between the support rod 150 and the cathode 20. The support rod 150 is attached to the surface of cathode 20 which faces away from arc chamber 14. In a preferred embodiment, support rod 150 is attached to cathode 20 at or near the center of cathode 20.

[0049] An example of filament 30 is shown in FIGS. 3A-3D. In this example, filament is 30 is fabricated of conductive wire and includes a heating loop 170 and connecting leads 172 and 174. Connecting leads 172 and 174 are provided with appropriate bends for attachment of filament 30 to a power supply, shown as filament power supply 54 in FIG. 1. In the example of FIGS. 3A-3D, heating loop 170 is configured as a single arc-shaped turn having an inside diameter greater than or equal to the diameter of the support rod 150, so as to accommodate the support rod 150. In the example of FIGS. 3A-3D, heating loop 170 has an inside diameter of 0.36 inch and an outside diameter of 0.54 inch. Filament 30 may be fabricated of tungsten wire having a diameter of 0.090 inch. Preferably the wire along the length of the heating loop 170 is ground or otherwise reduced to a smaller cross-sectional area in a region adjacent to the cathode 20 (FIG. 1). For example, the diameter of the filament along the arc-shaped turn may be reduced to a smaller diameter, on the order of 0.075 inch, for increased resistance and increased heating in close proximity to cathode 20, and decreased heating of connecting leads 172 and 174. Preferably, heating loop 170 is spaced from cathode 20 by about 0.020 inch.

[0050] An example of cathode insulator 24 is shown in FIGS. 4A-4C. As shown, insulator 24 has a generally ring-shaped configuration with a central opening 200 for receiving cathode 20. Insulator 24 is configured to electrically and thermally isolate cathode 20 from arc chamber housing 10 (FIG. 1). Preferably, central opening 200 is dimensioned slightly larger than cathode 20 to provide a vacuum gap between insulator 24 and cathode 20 to prevent thermal conduction. Insulator 24 may be provided with a flange 202 which shields sidewall 204 of insulator 24 from the plasma in arc chamber 14 (FIG. 1). The flange 202 may be provided with a groove 206 on the side facing away from the plasma, which increases the path length between cathode 20 and arc chamber housing 10. This insulator design reduces the risk of deposits on the insulator causing a short circuit between cathode 20 and arc chamber housing 10. In a preferred embodiment, cathode insulator 24 is fabricated of boron nitride.

[0051] While there have been shown and described what are at present considered the preferred embodiments of the present invention, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made therein without departing from the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. It should further be understood that the features described herein may be utilized separately or in any combination within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A cathode sub-assembly for an ion source comprising: an indirectly heated cathode; and a support rod fixedly attached to the indirectly heated cathode for supporting the cathode within an arc chamber of the ion source.

2. The cathode sub-assembly as defined in claim 1 wherein the support rod is attached to a surface of the cathode facing away from the arc chamber.

3. The cathode sub-assembly as defined in claim 2 wherein the cathode is in the shape of a disk.

4. The cathode sub-assembly as defined in claim 3 wherein the support rod is fixedly attached at or near the center of the cathode, along an axis of the cathode.

5. The cathode sub-assembly as defined in claim 4 wherein the support rod is in the shape of a cylinder and the diameter of the cathode is larger than a diameter of the support rod.

6. The cathode sub-assembly as defined in claim 5 wherein the diameter of the cathode is at least four times larger than the diameter of the support rod.

7. The cathode sub-assembly as defined in claim 5 further comprising a spring loaded clamp for holding the support rod.

8. The cathode sub-assembly as defined in claim 1 wherein the support rod mechanically supports and conducts electrical energy to the cathode.

9. A cathode assembly for use in an indirectly heated cathode ion source which includes an arc chamber housing that defines an arc chamber, comprising: a cathode sub-assembly, including a cathode and a support rod fixedly mounted thereto; and a filament for emitting electrons, that is positioned outside the arc chamber in close proximity to the support rod of the cathode sub-assembly; and a cathode insulator for electrically and thermally isolating the cathode from an arc chamber housing, that is disposed around the cathode of the cathode sub-assembly.

10. The cathode sub-assembly as defined in claim 9 further comprising a filament disposed around the support rod in close proximity to the cathode and isolated from a plasma in the arc chamber.

11. The cathode sub-assembly as defined in claim 9 further comprising a filament disposed around the support rod in close proximity to the cathode and isolated from a plasma in the arc chamber, wherein the filament is fabricated of an electrically conductive material and includes an arc-shaped turn having an inside diameter greater than or equal to the diameter of the support rod.

12. The cathode sub-assembly as defined in claim 9 further comprising a filament disposed around the support rod in close proximity to the cathode and isolated from a plasma in the arc chamber, wherein the filament is fabricated of an electrically conductive material and includes an arc-shaped turn having an inside diameter greater than or equal to the diameter of the support rod, and wherein a cross-sectional area of the filament varies along a length of the filament, and is smallest along the arc-shaped turn.

13. The cathode assembly of claim 9 wherein said cathode insulator includes an opening having a diameter that is larger than or equal to the diameter of the cathode.

14. The cathode assembly as defined in claim 13 wherein a vacuum gap is provided between the cathode insulator and the cathode to limit thermal conduction.

15. The cathode insulator of claim 13 wherein said cathode insulator has a generally tubular shape with a sidewall and includes a flange, for shielding the sidewall of the cathode insulator from a plasma in the arc chamber.

16. The cathode insulator of claim 15 wherein said flange is provided with a groove on a side of the flange facing away from the plasma, for increasing a path length between the cathode and the arc chamber housing.

17. A method for supporting and indirectly heating a cathode of an ion source comprising steps of: supporting the cathode by a rod fixedly attached to the cathode; and bombarding the cathode with electrons.

18. A cathode assembly for an ion source comprising: a cathode; a support rod fixedly attached to the cathode; and a cathode insulator for electrically and thermally isolating the cathode from an arc chamber housing; and an indirect heating means for indirectly heating the cathode.