Abstract: An apparatus and method for producing electrons in a plasma flood gun is disclosed. The apparatus includes an indirectly heated cathode (IHC) which is contained within a pre-fabricated cartridge. This cartridge can be readily replaced in a plasma flood gun. In addition, the use of an IHC reduces the amount of contaminants that are injected into the workpiece or wafer.

Abstract: A cathode in an indirectly heated cathode ion source is supported by at least one rod or pin. The cathode is preferably in the form of a disk, and the support rod is smaller in diameter than the disk to limit thermal conduction and radiation. In one embodiment, the cathode is supported by a single rod at or near its center. The support rod may be held by a spring-action clamp for simple and reliable clamping and unclamping. The disk shaped cathode and the support rod may be fabricated as a single piece. A filament that emits electrons thermionically may be disposed around the rod in close proximity to the cathode.

Abstract: A technique improving performance and lifetime of inductively heated cathode ion sources is disclosed. In one particular exemplary embodiment, the technique may be realized as a method for improving performance and lifetime of an inductively heated cathode (IHC) ion source in an ion implanter. The method may comprise maintaining an arc chamber of the IHC ion source under vacuum during a maintenance of the ion implanter, wherein no gas is supplied to the arc chamber. The method may also comprise heating a cathode of the IHC ion source by supplying a filament with a current. The method may further comprise biasing the cathode with respect to the filament at a current level of 0.5-5 A without biasing the arc chamber with respect to the cathode. The method additionally comprise keeping a source magnet from producing a magnetic field inside the arc chamber.

Abstract: An ion implanter has a source arc chamber including a conductive end wall at a repeller end of the arc chamber, the end wall having a central portion surrounding an opening. A ceramic insulator is secured to an outer surface of the end wall, such as by peripheral screw threads engaging mating threads at the periphery of a recessed area of the end wall. A conductive repeller has a narrow shaft secured to the insulator and extending through the end wall opening, and a body disposed within the source arc chamber adjacent to the end wall. The end wall, insulator and repeller are configured to form a continuous vacuum gap between the central portion of the end wall and (i) the repeller body, (ii) the repeller shaft, and (iii) the insulator. The insulator interior surface can have a ridged cross section.

Abstract: A cathode in an indirectly heated cathode ion source is supported by at least one rod or pin. The cathode is preferably in the form of a disk, and the support rod is smaller in diameter than the disk to limit thermal conduction and radiation. In one embodiment, the cathode is supported by a single rod at or near its center. The support rod may be held by a spring-action clamp for simple and reliable clamping and unclamping. The disk shaped cathode and the support rod may be fabricated as a single piece. A filament that emits electrons thermionically may be disposed around the rod in close proximity to the cathode.