Abstract: An apparatus, which performs a plasma process on a target substrate by using plasma, includes first and second electrodes in a process chamber to oppose each other. An RF field, which turns a process gas into plasma by excitation, is formed between the first and second electrodes. An RF power supply, which supplies RF power, is connected to the first or second electrode through a matching circuit. The matching circuit automatically performs input impedance matching relative to the RF power. A variable impedance setting section is connected to a predetermined member, which is electrically coupled with the plasma, through an interconnection. The impedance setting section sets a backward-direction impedance against an RF component input to the predetermined member from the plasma. A controller supplies a control signal concerning a preset value of the backward-direction impedance to the impedance setting section.

Abstract: A method for etching a high-k dielectric layer on a substrate in a plasma processing system is described. The high-k dielectric layer can, for example, comprise HfO2. The method comprises elevating the temperature of the substrate above 200° C. (i.e., typically of order 400° C.), introducing a process gas comprising a halogen-containing gas, igniting a plasma from the process gas, and exposing the substrate to the plasma. The process gas can further include a reduction gas in order to improve the etch rate of HfO2 relative to Si and SiO2.

Abstract: An apparatus, which performs a plasma process on a target substrate by using plasma, includes first and second electrodes in a process chamber to oppose each other. An RF field, which turns a process gas into plasma by excitation, is formed between the first and second electrodes. An RF power supply, which supplies RF power, is connected to the first or second electrode through a matching circuit. The matching circuit automatically performs input impedance matching relative to the RF power. A variable impedance setting section is connected to a predetermined member, which is electrically coupled with the plasma, through an interconnection. The impedance setting section sets a backward-direction impedance against an RF component input to the predetermined member from the plasma. A controller supplies a control signal concerning a preset value of the backward-direction impedance to the impedance setting section.

Abstract: An apparatus, which performs a plasma process on a target substrate by using plasma, includes first and second electrodes in a process chamber to oppose each other. An RF field, which turns a process gas into plasma by excitation, is formed between the first and second electrodes. An RF power supply, which supplies RF power, is connected to the first or second electrode through a matching circuit. The matching circuit automatically performs input impedance matching relative to the RF power. A variable impedance setting section is connected to a predetermined member, which is electrically coupled with the plasma, through an interconnection. The impedance setting section sets a backward-direction impedance against an RF component input to the predetermined member from the plasma. A controller supplies a control signal concerning a preset value of the backward-direction impedance to the impedance setting section.

Abstract: The upper electrode (15a) and the lower electrode (15b) are installed in the chamber (2) in parallel. Between these electrodes, the upper electrode (15a) is electrically grounded. The lower electrode (15b) is connected to the first RF power generator (13) via the low-pass filter (14) and to the second RF power generator (22) via the high-pass filter (23). Wafer W is held against the upper part of the lower electrode (15b) by the high-temperature electrostatic chuck ESC. By being distributed the first and the second RF electric power from the RF power generators (13) and (22), respectively, plasma is produced near the lower electrode (15b), and the wafer W is processed by the plasma. By these procedures, plasma process apparatus with high efficiency in plasma processing and simple structure can be offered.

Abstract: A plasma processing apparatus includes a processing chamber having a ceiling and a sidewall, a susceptor, disposed in the processing chamber, for mounting thereon an object to be processed, a processing gas supply mechanism for supplying a processing gas through the ceiling to generate a plasma, an exhaust plate that is disposed between the susceptor and the sidewall and has a plurality of holes, a gas exhaust unit for exhausting a gas from under the susceptor through the exhaust plate, and a fin structure having plural fins arranged at regular intervals, which is disposed as protruded from the sidewall, at least, in a region extending from a top end portion of the sidewall to a region of a same height as that of a mounting surface of the susceptor for mounting the object thereon.

Abstract: A method and system are provided for rapid temperature profile control of the upper surface of a substrate holder providing a specified uniformity or specified non-uniformity of the temperature profile on that surface. The substrate holder includes a first fluid channel positioned in a first thermal zone, utilizing a heat transfer fluid at a specified flow rate and at a specified temperature, to control the temperature profile of the first thermal zone of the surface of the substrate holder. A second fluid channel positioned in a second thermal zone of the substrate holder, utilizing a heat transfer fluid at a specified flow rate and at a specified temperature, is configured to control the temperature profile of the second thermal zone of the surface of the substrate holder.

Abstract: A method for etching a high-k dielectric layer on a substrate in a plasma processing system is described. The high-k dielectric layer can, for example, comprise HfO2. The method comprises elevating the temperature of the substrate above 2000°C. (i.e., typically of order 400° C.), introducing a process gas comprising a halogen-containing gas, igniting a plasma from the process gas, and exposing the substrate to the plasma. The process gas can further include a reduction gas in order to improve the etch rate of HfO2 relative to Si and SiO2.

Abstract: A method for heating a substrate between a first process and a second process using a plasma is described. The heating method comprises thermally isolating the substrate on the substrate holder by removing the backside supply of a heat transfer gas and removing the clamping force. Furthermore, an inert gas, such as a Noble gas, is introduced to the plasma processing system and a plasma is ignited. The substrate is exposed to the inert plasma for a period of time sufficient to elevate the temperature of the substrate from a first temperature (i.e., typically less than 100° C.) to a second temperature (i.e., typically of order 400° C.).

Abstract: The upper electrode (15a) and the lower electrode (15b) are installed in the chamber (2) in parallel. Between these electrodes, the upper electrode (15a) is electrically grounded. The lower electrode (15b) is connected to the first RF power generator (13) via the low-pass filter (14) and to the second RF power generator (22) via the high-pass filter (23). Wafer W is held against the upper part of the lower electrode (15b) by the high-temperature electrostatic chuck ESC. By being distributed the first and the second RF electric power from the RF power generators (13) and (22), respectively, plasma is produced near the lower electrode (15b), and the wafer W is processed by the plasma. By these procedures, plasma process apparatus with high efficiency in plasma processing and simple structure can be offered.

Abstract: An apparatus, which performs a plasma process on a target substrate by using plasma, includes first and second electrodes in a process chamber to oppose each other. An RF field, which turns a process gas into plasma by excitation, is formed between the first and second electrodes. An RF power supply, which supplies RF power, is connected to the first or second electrode through a matching circuit. The matching circuit automatically performs input impedance matching relative to the RF power. A variable impedance setting section is connected to a predetermined member, which is electrically coupled with the plasma, through an interconnection. The impedance setting section sets a backward-direction impedance against an RF component input to the predetermined member from the plasma. A controller supplies a control signal concerning a preset value of the backward-direction impedance to the impedance setting section.