Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention are directed to apparatus and methods for depositing amorphous and microcrystalline silicon films during the formation of solar cells. Specifically, embodiments of the invention provide for a pre-heated hydrogen-containing gas to be introduced into a processing chamber separately from the silicon-containing gas. A plasma, struck from the heated hydrogen-containing gas, reacts with the silicon-containing gas to produce a silicon film on a substrate.

Abstract: A showerhead assembly for distributing gases within a processing chamber is provided. In one embodiment, the showerhead assembly includes a cylindrical member having a faceplate coupled thereto. The cylindrical member has an outwardly extending first flange at a first end. The faceplate is coupled to a second end of the cylindrical member and has a plurality of holes formed though a center region of the faceplate. The joint between the cylindrical member and the faceplate allow for relative movement when subjected to thermal stresses. In another embodiment, at least one clamp member retains the faceplate to the second end of the cylindrical member.

Abstract: A showerhead assembly for distributing gases within a processing chamber is provided. In one embodiment, the showerhead assembly includes a cylindrical member having a faceplate coupled thereto. The cylindrical member has an outwardly extending first flange at a first end. The faceplate is coupled to a second end of the cylindrical member and has a plurality of holes formed though a center region of the faceplate. The joint between the cylindrical member and the faceplate allow for relative movement when subjected to thermal stresses. In another embodiment, at least one clamp member retains the faceplate to the second end of the cylindrical member.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to an apparatus and method for delivering two separate gas flows to a processing region. One embodiment of a substrate processing chamber adapted to deliver two separate gas flows to a processing region comprises a substrate support having a substrate receiving surface and a showerhead disposed over the substrate receiving surface. The showerhead includes a first passageway having a plurality of first passageway holes and a second passageway having a plurality of second passageway holes. The first passageway is adapted to deliver a first gas flow through the first passageway holes to the substrate receiving surface. The second passageway is adapted to deliver a second gas flow through the second passageway holes to the substrate receiving surface. The substrate processing chamber further includes a plasma power source.

Abstract: A plasma reaction chamber particularly suited for plasma-enhance chemical vapor deposition of titanium using TiCl.sub.4 as the precursor. The reactor includes a perforated showerhead faceplate and a perforated blocker plate within the showerhead to evenly distribute the atomized TiCl.sub.4. Both the showerhead faceplate and the blocker plate are made of solid nickel. RF power is applied between the showerhead faceplate and the heater pedestal supporting the wafer to excite the processing gas into a plasma. A shield ring is set on the periphery of the heater pedestal to confine the plasma to the processing region above the wafer. The shield ring is supported on the heater pedestal by a downwardly descending ridge, thereby minimizing thermal flow. The shield ring also protects the periphery of the top surface of the heater pedestal not covered by the wafer. An isolator electrically insulates the RF-driven showerhead from the chamber body and is disposed generally above the shield ring.