Abstract: An arrangement in a plasma processing system for selectively providing an RF grounding path between an electrode and ground. The arrangement includes an RF conduction path structure and an annular structure. The annular structure and the RF conduction path structure having two relative positions relative to one another. A first relative position of the two relative positions is characterized by the annular structure electrically coupling with the RF conduction path structure to provide a ground to the RF conduction path structure. A second relative position of the two relative positions is characterized by the annular structure being electrically uncoupled from the RF conduction path.

Abstract: A vacuum chamber with a cover with a first section, a second section, and a pocket between the first section and second section is provided. The vacuum chamber has a main cavity to which the first section is adjacent. The vacuum chamber may be used for plasma processing, which may require a critical element to be supported by the first section. The pocket is in fluid communication with the main cavity. When a vacuum is created in the main cavity, the pressure is also reduced in the pocket. As a result, the second section of the cover is deformed by the vacuum in the pocket. However, the vacuum in the pocket helps to prevent the first section from deforming, providing better support for the critical element.

Abstract: A vacuum plasma chamber for processing a workpiece includes first and second electrodes for electrical coupling with gas in the chamber and respectively connected to first and second relatively high and low frequency RF sources. The chamber includes a wall at a reference potential and a plasma confinement region spaced from the wall. A filter arrangement connected to the sources and the electrodes enables current from the first source to flow to the first electrode, prevents the substantial flow of current from the first source to the second electrode and the second source, and enables current from the second source to flow to the first and second electrodes and prevents the substantial flow of current from the second source to the first source.

Abstract: A plasma processing apparatus includes a heater in thermal contact with a showerhead electrode, and a temperature controlled top plate in thermal contact with the heater to maintain a desired temperature of the showerhead electrode during semiconductor substrate processing. A gas distribution member supplies a process gas and radio frequency (RF) power to the showerhead electrode.

Abstract: A gas distribution system for supplying different gas compositions to a chamber, such as a plasma processing chamber of a plasma processing apparatus is provided. The gas distribution system can include a gas supply section, a flow control section and a switching section. The gas supply section provides first and second gases, typically gas mixtures, to the flow control section, which controls the flows of the first and second gases to the chamber. The chamber can include multiple zones, and the flow control section can supply the first and second gases to the multiple zones at desired flow ratios of the gases. The gas distribution system can continuously supply the first and second gases to the switching section and the switching section is operable to switch the flows of the first and second gases, such that one of the first and second process gases is supplied to the chamber while the other of the first and second gases is supplied to a by-pass line, and then to switch the gas flows.

Abstract: A plasma processing apparatus includes a gas distribution member which supplies a process gas and radio frequency (RF) power to a showerhead electrode. The gas distribution member can include multiple gas passages which supply the same process gas or different process gases at the same or different flow rates to one or more plenums at the backside of the showerhead electrode. The gas distribution member provides a desired process gas distribution to be achieved across a semiconductor substrate processed in a gap between the showerhead electrode and a bottom electrode on which the substrate is supported.

Abstract: A vacuum chamber with a cover with a first section, a second section, and a pocket between the first section and second section is provided. The vacuum chamber has a main cavity to which the first section is adjacent. The vacuum chamber may be used for plasma processing, which may require a critical element to be supported by the first section. The pocket is in fluid communication with the main cavity. When a vacuum is created in the main cavity, the pressure is also reduced in the pocket. As a result, the second section of the cover is deformed by the vacuum in the pocket. However, the vacuum in the pocket helps to prevent the first section from deforming, providing better support for the critical element.

Abstract: A plasma confining assembly for minimizing unwanted plasma formations in regions outside of a process region in a process chamber is disclosed. The plasma confining assembly includes a first confining element and second confining element positioned proximate the periphery of the process region. The second confining element is spaced apart from the first confining element. The first confining element includes an exposed conductive surface that is electrically grounded and the second confining element includes an exposed insulating surface, which is configured for covering a conductive portion that is electrically grounded. The first confining element and the second confining element substantially reduce the effects of plasma forming components that pass therebetween.

Abstract: A workpiece is processed with a plasma in a vacuum plasma processing chamber by exciting the plasma at several frequencies such that the excitation of the plasma by the several frequencies simultaneously causes several different phenomena to occur in the plasma. The chamber includes central top and bottom electrodes and a peripheral top and/or bottom electrode arrangement that is either powered by RF or is connected to a reference potential by a filter arrangement that passes at least one of the plasma excitation frequencies to the exclusion of other frequencies.

Abstract: A plasma processing apparatus for processing a substrate is provided. A plasma processing chamber with chamber walls is provided. A substrate support is provided within the chamber walls. At least one confinement ring is provided, where the confinement ring and the substrate support define a plasma volume. A magnetic source for generating a magnetic field for magnetically enhancing physical confinement provided by the at least one confinement ring is provided.

Abstract: A plasma discharge electrode having a front surface with a central portion thereof including gas outlets discharging a process gas which forms a plasma and a peripheral portion substantially surrounding the gas outlets. The peripheral portion has at least one step for controlling a density of the plasma formed by the electrode. The electrode can be used as the grounded upper electrode in a parallel plate plasma processing apparatus such as a plasma etching apparatus. The geometric features of the step and of a corresponding edge ring on the lower electrode can be varied to achieve the desired etch rate profile across a wafer surface.

Abstract: An electrode assembly of a semiconductor processing chamber wherein heat transfer between a backing plate and a showerhead electrode is improved by an electrostatic clamping arrangement, which includes a compliant material in contact with a surface of the showerhead electrode. The showerhead electrode is removably attached to the backing plate by a mechanical clamping arrangement which engages an outer periphery of the showerhead electrode. The electrostatic clamping arrangement is coextensive with the showerhead electrode to improve thermal conduction between the backing plate and the showerhead electrode.

Abstract: A vacuum chamber with a cover with a first section, a second section, and a pocket between the first section and second section is provided. The vacuum chamber has a main cavity to which the first section is adjacent. The vacuum chamber may be used for plasma processing, which may require a critical element to be supported by the first section. The pocket is in fluid communication with the main cavity. When a vacuum is created in the main cavity, the pressure is also reduced in the pocket. As a result, the second section of the cover is deformed by the vacuum in the pocket. However, the vacuum in the pocket helps to prevent the first section from deforming, providing better support for the critical element.

Abstract: A vacuum plasma chamber for processing a workpiece includes first and second electrodes for electrical coupling with gas in the chamber and respectively connected to first and second relatively high and low frequency RF sources. The chamber includes a wall at a reference potential and a plasma confinement region spaced from the wall. A filter arrangement connected to the sources and the electrodes enables current from the first source to flow to the first electrode, prevents the substantial flow of current from the first source to the second electrode and the second source, and enables current from the second source to flow to the first and second electrodes and prevents the substantial flow of current from the second source to the first source.

Abstract: An electrode assembly of a semiconductor processing chamber wherein heat transfer between a backing plate and a showerhead electrode is improved by an electrostatic clamping arrangement, which includes a compliant material in contact with a surface of the showerhead electrode. The showerhead electrode is removably attached to the backing plate by a mechanical clamping arrangement which engages an outer periphery of the showerhead electrode. The electrostatic clamping arrangement is coextensive with the showerhead electrode to improve thermal conduction between the backing plate and the showerhead electrode.

Abstract: A plasma discharge electrode having a front surface with a central portion thereof including gas outlets discharging a process gas which forms a plasma and a peripheral portion substantially surrounding the gas outlets. The peripheral portion has at least one step for controlling a density of the plasma formed by the electrode. The electrode can be used as the grounded upper electrode in a parallel plate plasma processing apparatus such as a plasma etching apparatus. The geometric features of the step and of a corresponding edge ring on the lower electrode can be varied to achieve the desired etch rate profile across a wafer surface.

Abstract: A gas distribution system for uniformly or non-uniformly distributing gas across the surface of a semiconductor substrate. The gas distribution system includes a support plate and a showerhead which are secured together to define a gas distribution chamber therebetween. A baffle assembly including one or more baffle plates is located within the gas distribution chamber. The baffle arrangement includes a first gas supply supplying process gas to a central portion of the baffle chamber and a second gas supply supplying a second process gas to a peripheral region of the baffle chamber. Because the pressure of the gas is greater at locations closer to the outlets of the first and second gas supplies, the gas pressure at the backside of the showerhead can be made more uniform than in the case with a single gas supply.

Abstract: A plasma processing chamber is provided which provides improved wafer area pressure control. The plasma processing chamber is a vacuum chamber with a device connected for generating and sustaining a plasma. Part of this device would be an etchant gas source and an exhaust port. A confinement ring defines an area above a wafer. The wafer area pressure is dependent on the pressure drop across the confinement ring. The confinement ring is part of a confinement device that provides wafer area pressure control greater than 40%. Such a confinement device may be a fixed vertical restriction ring in addition to the confinement ring, where the confinement ring is adjustable. In the alternative, three adjustable confinement rings may be used to provide the desired wafer area pressure control.

Abstract: A plasma discharge electrode having a front surface with a central portion thereof including gas outlets discharging a process gas which forms a plasma and a peripheral portion substantially surrounding the gas outlets. The peripheral portion has at least one step for controlling a density of the plasma formed by the electrode. The electrode can be used as the grounded upper electrode in a parallel plate plasma processing apparatus such as a plasma etching apparatus. The geometric features of the step and of a corresponding edge ring on the lower electrode can be varied to achieve the desired etch rate profile across a wafer surface.

Abstract: A gas distribution system for uniformly or non-uniformly distributing gas across the surface of a semiconductor substrate. The gas distribution system includes a support plate and a showerhead which are secured together to define a gas distribution chamber therebetween. A baffle assembly including one or more baffle plates is located within the gas distribution chamber. The baffle arrangement includes a first gas supply supplying process gas to a central portion of the baffle chamber and a second gas supply supplying a second process gas to a peripheral region of the baffle chamber. Because the pressure of the gas is greater at locations closer to the outlets of the first and second gas supplies, the gas pressure at the backside of the showerhead can be made more uniform than in the case with a single gas supply.