Abstract: The disclosed invention includes apparatus and methods that may be used for plasma-based deposition of thin layers of material on separate or continuous web substrates at very low temperatures with very low defect density. It achieves superior control of gas phase chemistry by controlling the sequence of introduction of gaseous components. It also has substantially independent control over the rate of chemical processes in the gas and of the amount of power and energy of ion bombardment. Such control enables high quality single and multi-layer films to be deposited cost effectively and uniformly over larger areas under very low temperature conditions.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for plasma-based processing well suited for deposition, etching, or treatment of semiconductor, conductor or insulating films. Plasma generating units include one or more elongated electrodes on the processing side of a substrate and a neutral electrode proximate the opposite side of the substrate. Gases may be injected proximate a powered electrode which break down electrically and produce activated species that flow toward the substrate area. This gas then flows into an extended process region between powered electrodes and substrate, providing controlled and continuous reactivity with the substrate at high rates with efficient utilization of reactant feedstock. Gases are exhausted via passages between powered electrodes or electrode and divider.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for plasma-based processing well suited for deposition, etching, or treatment of semiconductor, conductor or insulating films. Plasma generating units include one or more elongated electrodes on the processing side of a substrate and a neutral electrode proximate the opposite side of the substrate. Gases may be injected proximate a powered electrode which break down electrically and produce activated species that flow toward the substrate area. This gas then flows into an extended process region between powered electrodes and substrate, providing controlled and continuous reactivity with the substrate at high rates with efficient utilization of reactant feedstock. Gases are exhausted via passages between powered electrodes or electrode and divider.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for plasma-based processing well suited for deposition, etching, or treatment of semiconductor, conductor or insulating films. Plasma generating units include one or more elongated electrodes on the processing side of a substrate and a neutral electrode proximate the opposite side of the substrate. Gases may be injected proximate a powered electrode which break down electrically and produce activated species that flow toward the substrate area. This gas then flows into an extended process region between powered electrodes and substrate, providing controlled and continuous reactivity with the substrate at high rates with efficient utilization of reactant feedstock. Gases are exhausted via passages between powered electrodes or electrode and divider.

Abstract: An assembly for a chemical-mechanical polishing process includes a platen having an outer edge, a top surface, and at least one inlet for introducing fluid to the top surface; a manifold system, entrenched in the top surface and in communication with the at least one inlet, for channeling the fluid about the top surface; a polishing pad having a top pad surface, and a plurality of fluid delivery through-holes for introducing the fluid from the manifold system to the top pad surface; and a fluid distribution system, entrenched in the top pad surface and in communication with the through-holes, for substantially uniformly distributing the fluid about the top pad surface. The fluid distribution system includes a set of intersecting first grooves defining an array of lands, each of the first grooves having a first cross sectional area.

Abstract: An assembly for a chemical-mechanical polishing process includes a platen having an outer edge, a top surface, and at least one inlet for introducing fluid to the top surface; a manifold system, entrenched in the top surface and in communication with the at least one inlet, for channeling the fluid about the top surface; a polishing pad having a top pad surface, and a plurality of fluid delivery through-holes for introducing the fluid from the manifold system to the top pad surface; and a fluid distribution system, entrenched in the top pad surface and in communication with the through-holes, for substantially uniformly distributing the fluid about the top pad surface. The fluid distribution system includes a set of intersecting first grooves defining an array of lands, each of the first grooves having a first cross sectional area.

Abstract: In one embodiment, a mixing device includes a nozzle that is disposed tangent to a wall of a chamber. Gas flowing from the nozzle rotates in the chamber forming a vortex. Another gas may be flown near a middle portion of the chamber, thereby uniformly mixing the two gases. In another embodiment, an evaporation and mixing device includes a nozzle configured to impart rotation to a gas flowing into a chamber. An injector flows a liquid material near a middle portion of the chamber, thereby mixing the gas and the liquid material. A heater may be employed to help evaporate the liquid material.