This paper presents results of experimental investigation of a low-thr
eshold slipping surface discharge as a pulsed source of a dense metal
plasma. The density of the plasma was measured by application of Langm
uir probes and a microwave interferometer. Mass and energy ion spectra
were determined using the ion electrostatic and magnetic analyser. Pr
eliminary results concerning a new metal plasma source application for
TiN thin-film deposition are discussed.