A middle-frequency magnetron sputtering with anode-layer ion source assistance was designed and AlN films were deposited on Si(111) substrates by using this system. The structure and composition of the films were characterized by X-ray diffraction
atomic force microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. The films deposited under optimal conditions have strong diffraction of AlN (002) and the FWHM of (002) peaks from different film samples ranges of 612 – 648 arcsec. Gas flow rate
the substrate bias and the application of anode-layer ion source are of obvious influence to the AlN film structure.