Abstract: A plasma reactor for processing a workpiece in a reactor chamber having a wafer support pedestal within the chamber and process gas injection apparatus, an RF bias power generator coupled to the wafer support pedestal and having a bias frequency, a source power applicator, an RF source power generator having a source frequency and a coaxial cable coupled between the RF source power generator and the source power applicator includes a filter connected between the coaxial cable and the source power applicator that enhances uniformity of etch rate across the wafer and from reactor to reactor. The filter includes a set of reflection circuits coupled between the source power applicator and a ground potential and being tuned to, respectively, the bias frequency and intermodulation products of the bias frequency and the source frequency.

Abstract: Variable reactances in an impedance-matching box for an RF coil, in a plasma deposition system for depositing a film of sputtered target material on a substrate, can be varied by rotating inductor cores during the deposition process so that the RF coil and substrate heating, and the film deposition, are more uniform due to “time-averaging” of the RF voltage distributions along the RF coil.

Abstract: The present invention provides an HDP-CVD tool using simultaneous deposition and sputtering of doped and undoped silicon dioxide capable of excellent gap fill and blanket film deposition on wafers. The tool of the present invention includes: a dual RF zone inductively coupled plasma source; a dual zone gas distribution system; temperature controlled surfaces within the tool; a symmetrically shaped turbomolecular pumped chamber body; a dual cooling zone electrostatic chuck; an all ceramic/aluminum alloy chamber; and a remote plasma chamber cleaning system.

Abstract: A plasma chamber RF excitation system includes a high frequency RF power source having a fixed RF match circuit at its output and sensing and control apparatus for sensing the amount of RF power delivered by the RF power source and for regulating the output power level of the RF power source so as to maintain the RF power delivered by the RF power source at a desired level, and an RF plasma chamber including an RF radiator. The power source is mounted proximate or directly on the plasma chamber so that the distance between them is much less than an eighth of a wavelength at thr frequency of the RF source. The system may further include an endpoint detector for a plasma etch process or a chamber cleaning process which halts the process when the VSWR or reflected power ceases to change in response to the progress of the etch process.