Patents Assigned to Fourth State Technology, Inc.
  • Patent number: 5576629
    Abstract: A plasma monitoring and control method and system monitor and control plasma in an electronic device fabrication reactor by sensing the voltage of the radio frequency power that is directed into the plasma producing gas at the input to the plasma producing environment of the electronic device fabrication reactor. The method and system further senses the current and phase angle of the radio frequency power directed to the plasma producing gas at the input to the plasma producing environment. Full load impedance is measured and used in determining characteristics of the plasma environment, including not only discharge and sheath impedances, but also chuck and wafer impedances, primary ground path impedance, and a secondary ground path impedance associated with the plasma environment. This permits end point detection of both deposition and etch processes, as well as advanced process control for electronic device fabrication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: November 19, 1996
    Assignee: Fourth State Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Terry R. Turner, James D. Spain, John R. Swyers