Abstract: A radio frequency (RF) ground return arrangement for providing a low impedance RF return path for a RF current within a processing chamber of a plasma processing chamber during processing of a substrate is provided. The RF ground return arrangement includes a set of confinement rings, which is configured to surround a confined chamber volume that is configured for sustaining a plasma for etching the substrate during substrate processing. The RF ground return arrangement also includes a lower electrode support structure. The RF ground return arrangement further includes a RF contact-enabled component, which provides a RF contact between the set of confinement rings and the lower electrode support structure such that the low impedance RF return path facilitates returning the RF current back to an RF source.

Abstract: An arrangement for performing plasma confinement within a processing chamber during substrate processing is provided. The arrangement includes a first peripheral ring positioned next to a secondary peripheral ring. The first peripheral ring surrounds a confined chamber volume that sustains plasma for etching a substrate. The first peripheral ring includes a first plurality of slots for exhausting processed byproduct gas from the confined chamber volume. The second peripheral ring includes a second plurality of slots that is positioned next to the first plurality of slots such that the second plurality of slots does not overlap the first plurality of slots, thereby preventing a direct line-of-sight from within the confined chamber volume to an outside chamber volume (an area outside of the first peripheral ring). The arrangement also includes a manifold connecting the two rings to provide a route for exhausting the processed byproduct gas from the confined chamber volume.

Abstract: A radio frequency (RF) ground return arrangement for providing a low impedance RF return path for a RF current within a processing chamber of a plasma processing chamber during processing of a substrate is provided. The RF ground return arrangement includes a set of confinement rings, which is configured to surround a confined chamber volume that is configured for sustaining a plasma for etching the substrate during substrate processing. The RF ground return arrangement also includes a lower electrode support structure. The RF ground return arrangement further includes a RF contact-enabled component, which provides a RF contact between the set of confinement rings and the lower electrode support structure such that the low impedance RF return path facilitates returning the RF current back to an RF source.