Abstract: The present invention generally relates method and apparatus for detecting erosion to a ring assembly used in an etching or other plasma processing chamber. In one embodiment, a method begins by obtaining a metric indicative of wear on a ring assembly disposed on a substrate support in a plasma processing chamber prior to processing with plasma in the plasma processing chamber. The metric for the ring assembly is monitored with a sensor. A determination is made if the metric exceeds a threshold and generating a signal in response to the metric exceeding the threshold.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure relate to a multi-plate faceplate having a first plate and a second plate. The first plate has a plurality of first plate openings. The second plate has a first surface, an opposed second surface and a plurality of second plate openings extending therethrough. The first surface is mechanically coupled to the first plate. A second plate opening has a conical portion configured to be fluidly coupled to a first plate opening and decreasing in cross-section in the depth direction thereof from the second surface. A surface of the conical portion is coated with a protective coating adjacent to the first and second surfaces. In another embodiment, the first plate has a protrusion extending therefrom into a recess formed inwardly of the first surface. The protrusion has a passage extending therethrough fluidly connected to the recess, which is fluidly connected to the second plate opening.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates method and apparatus for detecting erosion to a ring assembly used in an etching or other plasma processing chamber. In one embodiment, a method begins by obtaining a metric indicative of wear on a ring assembly disposed on a substrate support in a plasma processing chamber prior to processing with plasma in the plasma processing chamber. The metric for the ring assembly is monitored with a sensor. A determination is made if the metric exceeds a threshold and generating a signal in response to the metric exceeding the threshold.

Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure relate to a multi-plate faceplate having a first plate and a second plate. The first plate has a plurality of first plate openings. The second plate has a first surface, an opposed second surface and a plurality of second plate openings extending therethrough. The first surface is mechanically coupled to the first plate. A second plate opening has a conical portion configured to be fluidly coupled to a first plate opening and decreasing in cross-section in the depth direction thereof from the second surface. A surface of the conical portion is coated with a protective coating adjacent to the first and second surfaces. In another embodiment, the first plate has a protrusion extending therefrom into a recess formed inwardly of the first surface. The protrusion has a passage extending therethrough fluidly connected to the recess, which is fluidly connected to the second plate opening.

Abstract: The present invention generally relates method and apparatus for detecting erosion to a ring assembly used in an etching or other plasma processing chamber. In one embodiment, a method begins by obtaining a metric indicative of wear on a ring assembly disposed on a substrate support in a plasma processing chamber prior to processing with plasma in the plasma processing chamber. The metric for the ring assembly is monitored with a sensor. A determination is made if the metric exceeds a threshold and generating a signal in response to the metric exceeding the threshold.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure include methods and apparatuses utilized to reduce residual film layers from a substrate periphery region, such as an edge or bevel of the substrate. Contamination of the substrate bevel, backside and substrate periphery region may be reduced after a plasma process. In one embodiment, an edge ring includes a base circular ring having an inner surface defining a center opening formed thereon and an outer surface defining a perimeter of the base circular ring. The base circular ring includes an upper body and a lower portion connected to the upper body. A step is formed at the inner surface of the base circular ring and above a first upper surface of the upper body. The step defines a pocket above the first upper surface of the upper body. A plurality of raised features formed on the first upper surface of the base circular ring.

Abstract: In one aspect, a scrubber brush assembly is provided. The scrubber brush assembly includes (1) a cylindrical brush including exterior and interior surfaces; and (2) a sleeve having an exterior surface coupled to the interior surface of the scrubber brush and an interior surface. The exterior surface of the sleeve includes first coupling features adapted to prevent rotation of the sleeve relative to the brush. The scrubber brush assembly also includes a mandrel coupled to the interior surface of the sleeve. Numerous other aspects are provided.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein provide an application for delivery of fluids within substrate processing systems. More particularly, embodiments described herein provide applications for delivery of processing chemicals within substrate processing systems. In one embodiment, a fluid delivery system is provided. The fluid delivery system comprises a bulk fluid source for supplying fluids, a fluid delivery module for controlling and monitoring a ratio of fluids flowing from the bulk fluid source, a first stream line positioned downstream from the fluid delivery module, a first switch positioned along the first stream line, a second stream line positioned downstream from the fluid delivery module, and a second switch positioned along the second stream line, wherein the fluid delivery module splits the fluids from the bulk fluid source into two streams flowing through the first stream line and the second stream line according to a pre-defined ratio.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention relate to semiconductor device manufacturing, and more particularly to a horizontal megasonic module for cleaning substrates. In one embodiment an apparatus for cleaning a substrate is provided. The apparatus comprises a tank adapted to contain a cleaning fluid, a movable housing having a first side adapted to be placed in the cleaning fluid, a plurality of rotatable rollers coupled to the first side of the housing, the rollers positioned and including grooves to securely hold the substrate in a horizontal orientation, and one or more transducers adapted to direct vibrational energy through the cleaning fluid in the tank toward the substrate, wherein at least one of the transducers directs vibrational energy toward the substrate and substantially parallel to a major surface of the substrate.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to an apparatus and methods for rinsing and drying substrates that include multiple rinsing and drying modules. Methods for arranging drying modules to enable high-throughput rinsing and drying of multiple substrates are also provided. In one embodiment a system for drying semiconductor substrates is provided. The system comprises a housing, a first drying module positioned within the housing, and a second drying module positioned adjacent the first drying module within the housing, wherein the first and second drying modules are oriented approximately vertically within the housing.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally relate to a modular, configurable system in which distinct cleaning and drying modules can be arranged in different combinations selectable by a user of the system. In one embodiment a configurable system for substrate cleaning is provided. The configurable system provides a frame including first and second bays, the first and second bays each adapted to hold one or more cleaning or drying modules, and a transfer area positioned between the first and second bays including a robot adapted to move substrates to and from the one or more modules positioned within the first and second bays, wherein the frame is adapted to hold a user selectable set of one or more cleaning or drying modules in the first and second bays.

Abstract: In one aspect, a scrubber brush assembly is provided. The scrubber brush assembly includes (1) a cylindrical brush including exterior and interior surfaces; and (2) a sleeve having an exterior surface coupled to the interior surface of the scrubber brush and an interior surface. The exterior surface of the sleeve includes first coupling features adapted to prevent rotation of the sleeve relative to the brush. The scrubber brush assembly also includes a mandrel coupled to the interior surface of the sleeve. Numerous other aspects are provided.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide an electrochemical plating cell. The plating cell includes a fluid basin having an anolyte solution compartment and a catholyte solution compartment, an ionic membrane positioned between the anolyte solution compartment and the catholyte solution compartment, and an anode positioned in the anolyte solution compartment, wherein the ionic membrane comprises a poly tetrafluoroethylene based ionomer.