Abstract: A plasma processing apparatus for processing semiconductor substrates comprises a plasma processing chamber in which a semiconductor substrate is processed. A process gas source is in fluid communication with the plasma processing chamber and is adapted to supply a process gas into the plasma processing chamber. A RF energy source is adapted to energize the process gas into a plasma state in the plasma processing chamber. Process gas and byproducts of the plasma processing are exhausted from the plasma processing chamber through a vacuum port. At least one component of the plasma processing apparatus comprises a laterally extending optical fiber beneath a plasma exposed surface of the component wherein spatial temperature measurements of the surface are desired to be taken, and a temperature monitoring arrangement coupled to the optical fiber so as to monitor temperatures at different locations along the optical fiber.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of generating a proximity-corrected design layout for photoresist to be used in an etch operation. The methods may include identifying a feature in an initial design layout, and estimating one or more quantities characteristic of an in-feature plasma flux (IFPF) within the feature during the etch operation. The methods may further include estimating a quantity characteristic of an edge placement error (EPE) of the feature by comparing the one or more quantities characteristic of the IFPF to those in a look-up table (LUT, and/or through application of a multivariate model trained on the LUT, e.g., constructed through machine learning methods (MLM)) which associates values of the quantity characteristic of EPE with values of the one or more quantities characteristics of the IFPF. Thereafter, the initial design layout may be modified based on at the determined quantity characteristic of EPE.

Abstract: Methods are provided for integrating atomic layer etch and atomic layer deposition by performing both processes in the same chamber or reactor. Methods involve sequentially alternating between atomic layer etch and atomic layer deposition processes to prevent feature degradation during etch, improve selectivity, and encapsulate sensitive layers of a semiconductor substrate.

Abstract: A method for etching features in an OMOM stack with first layer of silicon oxide, a second layer of a metal containing material over the first layer, a third layer of silicon oxide over the second layer, and a fourth layer of a metal containing material over the third layer is provided. A hardmask is formed over the stack. The hardmask is patterned. The OMOM stack is etched through the hardmask.

Abstract: A computer-implemented method is provided for facilitating live communication between a potential customer and an enterprise in relation to a product. The method includes causing to display, by a computing device on a webpage over a communications network, an interactive banner located on the webpage that includes advertisement content related to the product. The advertisement content includes an offer to the potential customer to communicate live with the enterprise about the product. The method includes adding to the context information, by the computing device, information related to an interaction over the communications network between the potential customer and the interactive banner. The method further includes adjusting, by the computing device over the communications network, the advertisement content in the interactive banner on the webpage if the potential customer accepts the offer.

Abstract: Systems and methods controlling ion energy within a plasma chamber are described. One of the systems includes an upper electrode coupled to a sinusoidal RF generator for receiving a sinusoidal signal and a nonsinusoidal RF generator for generating a nonsinusoidal signal. The system further includes a power amplifier coupled to the nonsinusoidal RF generator. The power amplifier is used for amplifying the nonsinusoidal signal to generate an amplified signal. The system includes a filter coupled to the power amplifier. The filter is used for filtering the amplified signal using a filtering signal to generate a filtered signal. The system includes a chuck coupled to the filter. The chuck faces at least a portion of the upper electrode and includes a lower electrode. The lower electrode is used for receiving the filtered signal to facilitate achieving ion energy at the chuck to be between a lower threshold and an upper threshold.

Abstract: A method for achieving sub-pulsing during a state is described. The method includes receiving a clock signal from a clock source, the clock signal having two states and generating a pulsed signal from the clock signal. The pulsed signal has sub-states within one of the states. The sub-states alternate with respect to each other at a frequency greater than a frequency of the states. The method includes providing the pulsed signal to control power of a radio frequency (RF) signal that is generated by an RF generator. The power is controlled to be synchronous with the pulsed signal.

Abstract: A semiconductor substrate processing system includes a chamber that includes a processing region and a substrate support. The system includes a top plate assembly disposed within the chamber above the substrate support. The top plate assembly includes first and second sets of plasma microchambers each formed into the lower surface of the top plate assembly. A first network of gas supply channels are formed through the top plate assembly to flow a first process gas to the first set of plasma microchambers to be transformed into a first plasma. A set of exhaust channels are formed through the top plate assembly. The second set of plasma microchambers are formed inside the set of exhaust channels. A second network of gas supply channels are formed through the top plate assembly to flow a second process gas to the second set of plasma microchambers to be transformed into a second plasma.

Abstract: A plasma etching system having a substrate support assembly with multiple independently controllable heater zones. The plasma etching system is configured to control etching temperature of predetermined locations so that pre-etch and/or post-etch non-uniformity of critical device parameters can be compensated for.

Abstract: A substrate processing system having a processing chamber for etching a layer on a substrate is provided. The system includes a chuck upon which the substrate is disposed during etching. The system also includes the chamber being divided into a plasma generating region and a substrate processing region by a separating plate structure. The system further includes a plasma source for generating plasma in the plasma generating region. The system further includes logic for introducing a first gas into the chamber, wherein the gas is suitable for etching the layer. The logic also allows the first gas to be present in the chamber for a period of time sufficient to cause adsorption of at least some of the first gas into the layer. The logic further replaces the first gas with an inert gas, generates metastables from the inert gas, and etches the layer with the metastables.

Abstract: A method for achieving sub-pulsing during a state is described. The method includes receiving a clock signal from a clock source, the clock signal having two states and generating a pulsed signal from the clock signal. The pulsed signal has sub-states within one of the states. The sub-states alternate with respect to each other at a frequency greater than a frequency of the states. The method includes providing the pulsed signal to control power of a radio frequency (RF) signal that is generated by an RF generator. The power is controlled to be synchronous with the pulsed signal.

Abstract: A mud retort assembly includes a retort that heats a fluid and thereby generates vapors, a condenser in fluid communication with the retort to at least partially condense the vapors and thereby generate a liquid, a condensate collector that receives the liquid and residual vapors via an outlet pipe of the condenser, and a collector plug having a frustoconical body that extends partially into the condensate collector at an opening to the condensate collector. The collector plug defines a central aperture that receives the outlet pipe and has an annular flange extending radially outward from the frustoconical body to rest on the condensate collector at the opening.

Abstract: A semiconductor substrate processing system includes a chamber that includes a processing region and a substrate support. The system includes a top plate assembly disposed within the chamber above the substrate support. The top plate assembly includes first and second sets of plasma microchambers each formed into the lower surface of the top plate assembly. A first network of gas supply channels are formed through the top plate assembly to flow a first process gas to the first set of plasma microchambers to be transformed into a first plasma. A set of exhaust channels are formed through the top plate assembly. The second set of plasma microchambers are formed inside the set of exhaust channels. A second network of gas supply channels are formed through the top plate assembly to flow a second process gas to the second set of plasma microchambers to be transformed into a second plasma.

Abstract: Methods are provided for integrating atomic layer etch and atomic layer deposition by performing both processes in the same chamber or reactor. Methods involve sequentially alternating between atomic layer etch and atomic layer deposition processes to prevent feature degradation during etch, improve selectivity, and encapsulate sensitive layers of a semiconductor substrate.

Abstract: A method for achieving sub-pulsing during a state is described. The method includes receiving a clock signal from a clock source, the clock signal having two states and generating a pulsed signal from the clock signal. The pulsed signal has sub-states within one of the states. The sub-states alternate with respect to each other at a frequency greater than a frequency of the states. The method includes providing the pulsed signal to control power of a radio frequency (RF) signal that is generated by an RF generator. The power is controlled to be synchronous with the pulsed signal.

Abstract: A substrate support for a substrate processing system includes a baseplate, a bond layer provided on the baseplate, and a ceramic layer arranged on the bond layer. The ceramic layer includes a first region and a second region located radially outward of the first region, the first region has a first thickness, the second region has a second thickness, and the first thickness is greater than the second thickness.

Abstract: A chamber filler kit for balancing electric fields in a dielectric etch chamber is provided. A transport module filler comprises an electrical conductive body, an etch resistant surface, wherein the etch resistant surface comprises an inner curved surface, which matches a partial cylindrical bore of the etch chamber, and a wafer transport aperture, wherein the transport module filler fits into a transport aperture of the etch chamber. A transport module sealer plate is adapted to be mechanically and electrically connected to the partially cylindrical chamber body and the transport module filler. A bias housing filler is adapted to be mechanically and electrically connected to a bias housing wall and comprises a conductive body and an etch resistant surface, wherein the etch resistant surface comprises a curved surface, which matches the partial cylindrical bore.

Abstract: Disclosed are methods of generating a proximity-corrected design layout for photoresist to be used in an etch operation. The methods may include identifying a feature in an initial design layout, and estimating one or more quantities characteristic of an in-feature plasma flux (IFPF) within the feature during the etch operation. The methods may further include estimating a quantity characteristic of an edge placement error (EPE) of the feature by comparing the one or more quantities characteristic of the IFPF to those in a look-up table (LUT, and/or through application of a multivariate model trained on the LUT, e.g., constructed through machine learning methods (MLM)) which associates values of the quantity characteristic of EPE with values of the one or more quantities characteristics of the IFPF. Thereafter, the initial design layout may be modified based on at the determined quantity characteristic of EPE.

Abstract: A method for achieving sub-pulsing during a state is described. The method includes receiving a clock signal from a clock source, the clock signal having two states and generating a pulsed signal from the clock signal. The pulsed signal has sub-states within one of the states. The sub-states alternate with respect to each other at a frequency greater than a frequency of the states. The method includes providing the pulsed signal to control power of a radio frequency (RF) signal that is generated by an RF generator. The power is controlled to be synchronous with the pulsed signal.

Abstract: Methods are provided for integrating atomic layer etch and atomic layer deposition by performing both processes in the same chamber or reactor. Methods involve sequentially alternating between atomic layer etch and atomic layer deposition processes to prevent feature degradation during etch, improve selectivity, and encapsulate sensitive layers of a semiconductor substrate.