Abstract: This invention relates to a method of processing substrates including: (a) etching, in a chamber, a generally vertical structure in a substrate using a cyclic process including an etch step using a reactive etch gas and a deposition step for depositing a protective polymer on to the side walls of that part of the structure which has already been etched by a preceding etch step or steps; and (b) cleaning, in the absence of any substrate, the chamber of material deposited thereon by the performance of the deposition step in step (a) characterized in that following the cleaning of the deposition derived material, the chamber is cleaned of material derived from the etchant gas by exposing the chamber to a plasma containing a mixture of O2 and at least the active element of elements of the etchant gas.

Abstract: This invention relates to a method of processing substrates including: (a) etching, in a chamber, a generally vertical structure in a substrate using a cyclic process including an etch step using a reactive etch gas and a deposition step for depositing a protective polymer on to the side walls of that part of the structure which has already been etched by a preceding etch step or steps; and (b) cleaning, in the absence of any substrate, the chamber of material deposited thereon by the performance of the deposition step in step (a) characterised in that following the cleaning of the deposition derived material, the chamber is cleaned of material derived from the etchant gas by exposing the chamber to a plasma containing a mixture of O2 and at least the active element of elements of the etchant gas.

Abstract: This invention relates to plasma processing apparatus and in particular, but not exclusively, to inductively coupled plasma helicon or electron cyclotron resonance apparatus. A plasma generation chamber is sat above a process chamber, in which is located a workpiece support. A plasma generation or source region exists and coils are provided to create magnetic mirrors above and below the plasma generation zone, whereby electrons will be reflected back towards the plasma zone and there is no electrical conductive path extending around or through at least the upper mirror.

Abstract: This invention relates to plasma processing apparatus and in particular, but not exclusively, to inductively coupled plasma helicon or electron cyclotron resonance apparatus.