Abstract: Methods and apparatus perform backside via reveal processes using a centralized control framework for multiple process tools. In some embodiments, a method for performing a backside via reveal process may include receiving process tool operational parameters from process tools involved in the backside via reveal process by a central controller, receiving sensor metrology data from at least one or more of the process tools involved in the backside via reveal process, and altering the backside reveal process based, at least in part, on the process tool operational parameters and the sensor metrology data by adjusting two or more of the process tools involved in the backside via reveal process. The profile parameters are configured to prevent backside via breakage during a chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) process.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus that monitors deposition on a shutter disk in-situ. In some embodiments that apparatus may include a process chamber with an internal processing volume, an enclosure disposed external to the internal processing volume where the enclosure accepts a shutter disk when the shutter disk is not in use in the internal processing volume, a shutter disk arm that moves the shutter disk back and forth from the enclosure to the internal processing volume, and at least one sensor integrated into the enclosure. The at least one sensor is configured to determine at least one film property of a material deposited on the shutter disk after a pasting process in the internal processing volume.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus perform backside via reveal processes using a centralized control framework for multiple process tools. In some embodiments, a method for performing a backside via reveal process may include receiving process tool operational parameters from process tools involved in the backside via reveal process by a central controller, receiving sensor metrology data from at least one or more of the process tools involved in the backside via reveal process, and altering the backside reveal process based, at least in part, on the process tool operational parameters and the sensor metrology data by adjusting two or more of the process tools involved in the backside via reveal process. The profile parameters are configured to prevent backside via breakage during a chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) process.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing flow into a processing chamber are provided. In one embodiment, a vacuum processing chamber is provided that includes a substrate support pedestal disposed in an interior volume of a chamber body, a lid enclosing the interior volume, a gas distribution plate positioned below the lid and above the substrate support pedestal, and a vortex inducing gas inlet oriented to induce a vortex of gas circulating in a plenum around a center line of the chamber body prior to the gas passing through the gas distribution plate.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for providing flow into a processing chamber are provided. In one embodiment, a vacuum processing chamber is provided that includes a substrate support pedestal disposed in an interior volume of a chamber body, a lid enclosing the interior volume, a gas distribution plate positioned below the lid and above the substrate support pedestal, and a vortex inducing gas inlet oriented to induce a vortex of gas circulating in a plenum around a center line of the chamber body prior to the gas passing through the gas distribution plate.

Abstract: A method of processing a workpiece in a chamber of a plasma reactor having a set of plural electromagnet coils includes selecting plural predetermined plasma density distributions relative to a workpiece surface, the predetermined plasma density distributions corresponding to different sets of D.C. currents in the coils, and flowing a process gas into the chamber and generating a plasma in the chamber. The method further includes switching plasma in the chamber between the predetermined plasma density distributions by switching D.C. currents through the coils between the different sets of D.C. currents.

Abstract: A method for processing a workpiece in a plasma reactor having a set of n coils includes constructing, for each one of the n coils, a set of plasma distributions for discrete values of coil current in a predetermined current range. The distributions are grouped, each group having one distribution for each of the n coils, and being a unique set of n distributions. A combined plasma distribution is computed from each group of distributions. The variance of each combined distribution is computed. The method further includes finding an optimum one of the combined distributions having an at least nearly minimum variance, and identifying the n coil currents associated with the optimum distribution. During plasma processing of the workpiece, currents through the coils are maintained at levels corresponding to the n coil currents associated with the one combined distribution.