Abstract: Provided are a substrate processing apparatus and a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device, in which shape variations of discharge electrodes can be early detected so as to prevent a film having anon-uniform thickness from being formed on a substrate. The substrate processing apparatus includes a process chamber configured to stack a plurality of substrates therein, a gas supply unit configured to supply gas to an inside of the process chamber, at least one pair of electrodes installed in the process chamber and configured to receive high-frequency power to generate plasma that excites the gas supplied to the inside of the process chamber, and a monitoring system configured to monitor a shape variation of the electrodes.

Abstract: A decoupled capacitive CVD reactor is described, which provides improved CVD capabilities, including processing at lower temperatures, performing alternating deposition and etching steps, and performing in situ cleaning of the chamber, without the need for a remote plasma source. Two RF frequencies are coupled to the susceptor, while the anode is grounded. The high frequency RF source is operated so as to control the plasma density, while the low frequency RF source is operated to control species bombardment on the substrate, so as to control the properties of the film being deposited. Additionally, both RF sources may be controlled, together with selection of gasses supplied to the chamber, to operate the chamber either in deposition mode, partial etch mode, etching mode, or cleaning mode.

Abstract: The present invention provides a hollow cathode discharging apparatus including a hollow anode electrode, a hollow cathode electrode insulatedly fixed in the hollow anode electrode, a gas distribution pipe fixed in the hollow cathode electrode. The hollow anode electrode and the hollow cathode electrode are formed with anode openings and cathode openings respectively. Defined by the gas distribution pipe and the hollow cathode electrode and along the axis thereof is a spiral pathway winding through the cathode openings, so as to form a plurality of continuous and communicated reaction chambers. The gas distribution pipe is disposed with gas separation apertures communicated and adapted to introduce a reactive gas into the reaction chambers. The communicated reaction chambers enable uniform distribution of the reactive gas and thereby facilitate scale-up of the apparatus in axial. Accordingly, the present invention overcomes drawbacks of the prior art.

Abstract: A constituent part is included in a plasma processing apparatus for performing a plasma process on a substrate mounted on a susceptor by using a plasma generated in a processing chamber. The constituent part has at least one recessed corner formed by intersection of two surfaces. The recessed corner is exposed to the plasma when the plasma is generated in the processing chamber. An intersection angle of the two surfaces seen from a plasma side is 115 degrees to 180 degrees.

Abstract: Plasma confinement rings are adapted to reach sufficiently high temperatures on plasma-exposed surfaces of the rings to substantially reduce polymer deposition on those surfaces. The plasma confinement rings include an RF lossy material effective to enhance heating at portions of the rings. A low-emissivity material can be provided on a portion of the plasma confinement ring assembly to enhance heating effects.

Abstract: A plasma processing apparatus includes: a reaction chamber; two electrodes provided inside the reaction chamber for generating a plasma therebetween, wherein at least one of the electrodes has at least one gas inlet pore through which a gas is introduced into the reaction chamber; and a gas inlet pipe coupled to the gas inlet pore for introducing the gas into the reaction chamber. The gas inlet pipe is grounded and insulated from the gas inlet pore, wherein an insulation member is placed inside the gas inlet pipe and the gas inlet pore.

Abstract: A plasma processing apparatus includes a heater in thermal contact with a showerhead electrode, and a temperature controlled top plate in thermal contact with the heater to maintain a desired temperature of the showerhead electrode during semiconductor substrate processing. A gas distribution member supplies a process gas and radio frequency (RF) power to the showerhead electrode.

Abstract: A bolt which is driven into a female screw portion disposed in a brittle member in a wear environment includes a head formed of a wear resistant material, a body which is formed of a resin having elasticity or plasticity and has a first male screw portion, and a placed member disposed between the head and the body and formed of a wear resistant resin having elasticity or plasticity. The body further includes a second male screw portion disposed along a central axis of the body and the head includes a female screw portion which the second male screw portion is driven into. The placed member is of a plate shape and has a through hole in its central portion, and a diameter of the through hole is smaller than or equal to a nominal diameter of the first male screw portion and larger than or equal to a nominal diameter of the second male screw portion.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is an assembly for plasma generation comprising a cathode plate comprising a fixed cathode tip, the cathode tip being integral part of the cathode plate. The assembly further comprises at least one cascade plate, at least one separator plate disposed between the cathode plate and the cascade plate, an anode plate, and an inlet for a gas. The cathode plate, separator plate, cascade plate and anode plate are “electrically isolated” from one another, and the electrically isolated cathode plate, separator plate, and cascade plate define a plasma generation chamber. The cathode tip is disposed within the plasma generation chamber.

Abstract: Provided are a substrate supporting apparatus and a plasma etching apparatus having the same. There is provided a substrate supporting apparatus that can separately provide powers to a central region and an edge region by disposing an electrode supporting a substrate at the central region of the substrate supporting apparatus, and disposing an electrode receiving radio frequency (RF) power at the edge region of the substrate supporting apparatus. There is provided a substrate edge etching apparatus having the substrate supporting apparatus for removing layers or particles deposited in an edge region of a semiconductor substrate and preventing damage of a center region of the semiconductor substrate during an etching process of the substrate edge.

Abstract: The invention relates to equipment for area-based surface treatment of an article by electric dielectric barrier discharge in the presence of a non-atmospheric controlled gaseous mixture, comprising a hollow metal electrode enabling the gaseous mixture to circulate therewithin and the mixture to be transported to a discharge area, whereby said electrode is divided into individual elements which can each be pivoted about a central axis to ensure sufficient distance between the element which is considered as being pivoted and the area of the article opposite the element in question so that the discharge cannot develop; the central pivoting axis is used as a channel for the circulation of the gaseous mixture inside the electrode and is provided with openings enabling the gaseous mixture to be evacuated to the discharge area; pivoting one of the elements of the electrodes blocks up the evacuating opening associated therewith and the gaseous mixture can only be evacuated via the evacuating openings of non-pivoted

Abstract: A plasma reactor for processing a semiconductor workpiece includes a reactor chamber and a set of plural parallel ion shower grids that divide the chamber into an upper ion generation region and a lower reactor region, each of the ion shower grids having plural orifices in mutual registration from grid to grid, each orifice being oriented in a non-parallel direction relative to a surface plane of the respective ion shower grid. A workpiece support in the process region faces the lowermost one of the ion shower grids. A reactive species source furnishes into the ion generation region a chemical vapor deposition precursor species. The reactor further includes a vacuum pump coupled to the reactor region, a plasma source power applicator for generating a plasma in the ion generation region and a grid potential source coupled to the set of ion shower grids.

Abstract: A method of processing a workpiece in a plasma reactor includes coupling RF power from at least three RF power source of three respective frequencies to plasma in the reactor, setting ion energy distribution shape by selecting a ratio between the power levels of a first pair of the at least three RF power sources, and setting ion dissociation and ion density by selecting a ratio between the power levels of a second pair of the at least three RF power sources. The three respective frequencies can be an LF frequency, an HF frequency and a VHF frequency, wherein the first pair corresponds to the LF and HF frequencies and the second pair corresponds to the HF and VHF frequencies. Alternatively, the power sources comprise four RF power sources, and wherein the first pair corresponds to an HF frequency and an LF frequency and the second pair corresponds to a VHF frequency and another frequency. In one embodiment, the second pair corresponds to an upper VHF frequency and a lower VHF frequency.

Abstract: A mounting table for use in a plasma processing apparatus, on which a substrate is mounted, includes: an inner conductive member connected to an ion attracting RF power supply; an outer conductive member connected to a plasma generating RF power supply, the outer conductive member surrounding the inner conductive member; and a partition member formed of a dielectric material, the partition member partitioning between the inner conductive member and the outer conductive member. Further, the mounting table includes an electrostatic chuck formed of a dielectric material and arranged between the substrate and the inner conductive member, and between the substrate and the outer conductive member; and a dielectric layer arranged between the electrostatic chuck and the inner conductive member to conceal the inner conductive member from the electrostatic chuck. The electrostatic chuck includes an electrode film that is connected to a high voltage DC power supply.

Abstract: A plasma source includes a gas flow channel formed therein and an electrode which is fed with electric power or grounded to be maintained at a controlled electric potential and a surface of the plasma source including an opening portion of a first gas ejecting port can be placed in parallel to a position at which a to-be-processed object can be placed. The plasma source is connected to a first gas supplying device through a gas supplying port 4 and has a multi-layer construction that is constituted from two or more layers. Gas flow channels within the multi-layer construction include buffer spaces and at least one space cross-sectional area parallel to the opening cross-sectional area of the first gas ejecting ports, out of the cross-sectional areas of the buffer spaces, is greater than the opening cross-sectional area of the first gas ejecting ports.

Abstract: There is provided a plasma processing apparatus includes a lower electrode in a processing chamber on which a object to be processed is mounted; an upper electrode confronting the lower electrode; a first and a second high-frequency power supply for applying high-frequency powers respectively to the upper and the lower electrode; and an output controller for raising each of outputs from the high-frequency power supplies at least three times in a stepwise manner up to each of set levels for processing the object to be processed. The output controller adjusts each of rising times of the outputs from the high-frequency power supplies so that an output of the second high-frequency power supply is raised earlier than an output of the first high-frequency power supply while the outputs from the high-frequency power supplies are raised up to the set levels in a stepwise manner.

Abstract: A surface treatment system is disclosed to form a deposition layer at a surface of an object of surface treatment by using a deposition reaction in which an electrode (110) for applying power to form a deposition reaction in the deposition chamber (100) is installed between an inner wall (120) of the deposition chamber (100) and an object of surface treatment (900) and further includes a cooling unit (200) installed at the inner wall (120) of the deposition chamber (100) facing the electrode (110) and cooling ambient thereof.

Abstract: The embodiments of the present invention generally relate to a plasma reactor. In one embodiment, a plasma reactor includes a substrate support is disposed in a vacuum chamber body and coupled to bias power generator. An RF electrode is disposed above the substrate support and coupled to a very high frequency power generator. A conductive annular ring is disposed on the substrate support and has a lower outer wall, an upper outer wall and an inner wall. A step is extends upward and outward from a lower outer wall and inward and downward from the upper outer wall. The inner wall disposed opposite the upper and lower outer wall. In other embodiments, the annular ring may be fabricated from a conductive material, such as silicon carbide and aluminum.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a new apparatus and method to enhance the plasma etch rate, etch selectivity and etch uniformity. The present invention will apply sonic waves to the work during plasma etch process. The sonic waves will enhance the plasma etch rate. The applied sonic waves can be of a mixture of multiple frequencies at the same time or at a different time. Applying different sonic frequency for etching different material will further amplify the etch selectivity. Sonic waves with multiple frequencies, especially with some lower frequency components, will further improve the etch uniformity over a large area.

Abstract: A tray 15 for a dry etching apparatus 1 has substrate accommodation holes 19A to 19D penetrating thickness direction and a substrate support portion 21 supporting an outer peripheral edge portion of a lower surface 2a of a substrate 2. A dielectric plate 23 has a tray support surface 28 supporting a lower surface of the tray 15, substrate placement portions 29A through 29D inserted from a lower surface side of the tray 15 into the substrate accommodation holes 19A through 19D and having a substrate placement surface 31 at its upper end surface for placing the substrate 2. A dc voltage applying mechanism 43 applies a dc voltage to an electrostatic attraction electrode 40. A heat conduction gas supply mechanism 45 supplies a heat conduction gas between the substrate 2 and substrate placement surface 31. The substrate 2 can be retained on the substrate placement surface 31 with high degree of adhesion.

Abstract: A plasma processing apparatus using a capacitive coupled plasma (CCP) source requiring a low pressure range of about 25 mT or less and a method thereof are disclosed. Plasma source power may be applied in a pulse mode to either one of upper and lower electrodes in a chamber, which generates plasma and processes a semiconductor substrate, and plasma maintaining power may be continuously applied to the other of the upper and lower electrodes, such that a stable pulse plasma process may be performed in a low pressure range of about 25 mT or less.

Abstract: A focus ring of a ring shape is disposed to surround a target substrate on a lower electrode on which the target substrate is mounted in a process chamber. The process chamber receives the target substrate and subjects the received target substrate to a plasma process. At the point of time when the focus ring is first used for the plasma process, a distance between a lower side of an edge portion of the target substrate and a portion of the focus ring facing the lower side of the edge portion of the target substrate is set to be equal to or greater than about 0.4 mm.

Abstract: An apparatus generating a plasma for removing metal oxide from a substrate is disclosed. The embodiment includes a powered electrode assembly, including a powered electrode, a first dielectric layer, and a first wire mesh disposed between the powered electrode and the first dielectric layer. The embodiment also includes a grounded electrode assembly disposed opposite the powered electrode assembly so as to form a cavity wherein the plasma is generated, the first wire mesh being shielded from the plasma by the first dielectric layer when the plasma is present in the cavity, the cavity having an outlet at one end for providing the plasma to remove the metal oxide.

Abstract: Positional relationships are established in a process chamber. A base is configured with a lower electrode surface to support a wafer, and an upper electrode has a lower surface. A drive mounted on the base has a linkage connected to the upper electrode. A fixture placed on the lower surface moves into a desired orientation of the lower electrode. With the upper electrode loosely connected by the linkage to the drive, the fixture transfers the desired orientation to the upper electrode. The linkage is tightened to maintain the desired orientation, the fixture is removed and a process exclusion insert is mounted to the upper electrode. The drive moves the upper electrode and the insert to define an inactive process zone between the upper electrode and the wafer on the lower electrode to protect a central area of the wafer during etching of a wafer edge environ around the central area.

Abstract: A focus ring and a plasma processing apparatus capable of improving an in-surface uniformity of a surface and reducing occurrences of deposition on a backside surface of a peripheral portion of a semiconductor wafer compared to a conventional case are provided. Installed in a vacuum chamber is a susceptor for mounting the semiconductor wafer thereon and a focus ring is installed to surround the semiconductor wafer mounted on the susceptor. The focus ring includes an annular lower member made of a dielectric, and an annular upper member made of a conductive material and mounted on the lower member. The upper member includes a flat portion which is an outer peripheral portion having a top surface positioned higher than a surface to be processed of the semiconductor wafer W, and an inclined portion which is an inner peripheral portion inclined inwardly.

Abstract: An apparatus generating a plasma for removing an edge polymer from a substrate is disclosed. The embodiment includes a powered electrode assembly, including a powered electrode, a first dielectric layer, and a first wire mesh disposed between the powered electrode and the first dielectric layer. The embodiment also includes a grounded electrode assembly disposed opposite the powered electrode assembly so as to form a cavity wherein the plasma is generated, the first wire mesh being shielded from the plasma by the first dielectric layer when the plasma is present in the cavity, the cavity having an outlet at one end for providing the plasma to remove the edge polymer.

Abstract: A reactor for carrying out an etching method for a stack of masked wafers, using an etching gas, preferably chlorotrifluoride (ClF3), wherein the reactor includes a device for carrying out a plasma process. An etching method for masked wafers, using an etching gas, preferably chlorotrifluoride (ClF3), the wafer being pretreated in a plasma process before an etching process, wherein the wafer pretreatment and the etching process for a stack of wafers take place in a reactor chamber.

Abstract: A plasma processing apparatus includes a first electrode and a second electrode so arranged in the upper portion of a processing chamber as to face a mounting table, a gas supply unit for supplying a processing gas between the first electrode and the second electrode, a RF power supply unit for applying a RF power between the first electrode and the second electrode for converting the process gas supplied between the electrodes into a plasma, and a gas exhaust unit for evacuating the inside of the processing chamber to a vacuum level from the lower portion of the processing chamber. Since the electron temperature in the plasma is low near a substrate on the mounting table, damage to the substrate caused by the plasma can be suppressed. In addition, since a metal can be used as a material for the processing chamber, the processing chamber can have good temperature controllability.

Abstract: A showerhead electrode assembly of a plasma processing apparatus includes a thermal control plate attached to a showerhead electrode, and a top plate attached to the thermal control plate. At least one thermal bridge is provided between opposed surfaces of the thermal control plate and the top plate to allow electrical and thermal conduction between the thermal control plate and top plate. A lubricating material between the thermal bridge and the top plate minimizes galling of opposed metal surfaces due to differential thermal expansion between the top plate and thermal control plate. A heater supported by the thermal control plate cooperates with the temperature controlled top plate to maintain the showerhead electrode at a desired temperature.

Abstract: A method and electrode assembly for treating a substrate with a non-equilibrium plasma in which the electrode assembly has two or more spaced barrier electrodes and a ground electrode spaced apart from the two spaced barrier electrodes for passage of a substrate to be treated. Plasma fluid medium is introduced between the barrier electrodes and is biased to provide a greater flow to an inlet region of the electrode assembly to help inhibit the ingress of air. Each of the barrier electrodes can be provided with central and leg sections having passages for introducing a cooling fluid into one of the leg sections and discharging said cooling fluid from the other of the leg sections. The central section can be provided with a transverse cross-sectional area less than that of the leg sections to increase velocity in the central section.

Abstract: A dry etching apparatus is disclosed, which is capable of forming a uniform pattern in a substrate surface, the dry etching apparatus for etching at least one substrate through the use of plasma, comprising the at least one substrate placed on a tray inside a chamber; a susceptor, provided inside the chamber while confronting with the at least one substrate, for supplying a high-frequency power to form the plasma; a grounding part provided beneath the susceptor while being untouchable to the susceptor; and an insulating part provided between the susceptor and the grounding part.

Abstract: In accordance with one embodiment of the present disclosure, an assembly is provided comprising a multi-component electrode and a peripherally engaging electrode carrier. The peripherally engaging electrode carrier comprises a carrier frame and a plurality of reciprocating electrode supports. The multi-component electrode is positioned in the electrode accommodating aperture of the carrier frame. The backing plate of the electrode comprises a plurality of mounting recesses formed about its periphery. The reciprocating electrode supports can be reciprocated into and out of the mounting recesses. Additional embodiments of broader and narrower scope are contemplated.

Abstract: A baffle plate, provided in a processing chamber for processing a substrate therein such that the baffle plate is disposed around a mounting table for mounting the substrate thereon, has a plurality of gas exhaust holes, through which a gas is exhausted from the processing chamber. The baffle plate has a stacked structure including a plurality of plate-shaped members. The baffle plate includes a pressure adjustment gas supply passageway to supply a pressure adjustment gas for adjusting a pressure in the processing chamber.

Abstract: A plasma processing system with improved component temperature control is disclosed. The system may include a plasma processing chamber having a chamber wall. The system may also include an electrode disposed inside the plasma processing chamber. The system may also include a support member disposed inside the plasma processing chamber for supporting the electrode. The system may also include a support plate disposed outside the chamber wall. The system may also include a cantilever disposed through the chamber wall for coupling the support member with the support plate. The system may also include a lift plate disposed between the chamber wall and the support plate. The system may also include thermally resistive coupling mechanisms for mechanically coupling the lift plate with the support plate.

Abstract: A multifrequency plasma reactor includes first, second and third power generators operably coupled to at least one of an upper and lower electrode for generating power signals. The plasma reactor further includes a controller for selectively activating the power generators according to an activation profile that results in the formation of a desirable narrow gap via in a semiconductor wafer. A method of generating a plasma in the reactor for etching the semiconductor wafer is also described by way of configuring the power generators according to various activation configurations during various phases of the etching process.

Abstract: A processing apparatus for performing a process on a surface of an object to be processed by applying a high frequency power to an electrode installed in an airtight processing chamber to convert a processing gas introduced therein into a plasma, includes a thermal transfer gas feed pathway for supplying a thermal transfer gas for controlling a temperature of the object to be processed to a minute space between the object to be processed and a holding unit installed on the electrode for attracting and holding the object to be processed through an inner portion of an insulating member disposed under the electrode. A portion of the thermal transfer gas feed pathway, which passes through the inner portion of the insulating member, is formed in a zigzag shape or a spiral shape with respect to a normal direction of a holding surface of the holding unit.

Abstract: The embodiments of the present invention generally relate to annular ring used in a plasma processing chamber. In one embodiment, the annular ring includes an inner wall, an upper outer wall, a lower outer wall, a step defined between the upper and lower outer wall, a top surface and a bottom wall. The step is formed upward and outward from the lower outer wall and inward and downward from the upper outer wall. The annular ring may be fabricated from a conductive material, such as silicon carbide and aluminum.

Abstract: A plasma processing apparatus suitable for high-speed and high-definition etching is provided. By applying to a wafer chucking electrode 9 a voltage waveform in which an absolute value of high frequency voltage increases with time and switching between a positive voltage and a negative voltage occurs, a rectangular high frequency voltage is caused to be generated in the wafer 10, with the result that the duty ratio of the rectangular high frequency voltage decreases and that the high energy ion ratio in the energy distribution of ions incident on the wafer increases. Therefore, high efficiency and high accuracy etching becomes possible, providing the advantage that the material selection ratio is improved.

Abstract: Disclosed is a plasma etching chamber for completely dry-cleaning a film material and particles deposited at the periphery of a wafer through plasma etching while generating plasma at the top to the bottom sides of the periphery of the wafer. A pair of top and bottom anodes facing each other is placed around the periphery of the wafer under the application of radio frequency through a cathode. Alternatively, a top cathode and a bottom anode are placed around the periphery of the wafer while facing each other and a view-ring shields the area of the cathode, the anode and the wafer from the outside. A plasma etching system includes a plurality of the above-structured etching chambers. A handler takes wafers from a plurality of cassette stands or load ports, and posture-corrects the orientation frat locations of the wafers by a wafer alignment unit. The wafers are charged into the plasma etching chambers directly or via load lock chambers.

Abstract: A plasma reaction chamber includes a chamber housing having two inner connection passages for connecting two vacuum chambers to other vacuum chambers. Two vacuum chambers and two inner connection passages form a continuous discharge path. At least one magnetic core is mounted in two vacuum chambers or two inner connection passages, and a coil connected to a power source is wounded around the magnetic core so as to transfer induced electromotive force to the continuous discharge path. The plasma reaction chamber is configured so that at least two vacuum chambers are integrated in a multiple arrangement, and common parts are shared in common, so that at least two substrates may be treated in parallel at the same time, thereby improving productivity per unit area and making it possible to construct a low-cost and high-efficient substrate treatment system.

Abstract: A plasma processing chamber for processing a substrate to form electronic components thereon is disclosed. The plasma processing chamber includes a plasma-facing component having a plasma-facing surface oriented toward a plasma in the plasma processing chamber during processing of the substrate, the plasma-facing component being electrically isolated from a ground terminal. The plasma processing chamber further includes a grounding arrangement coupled to the plasma-facing component, the grounding arrangement including a first resistance circuit disposed in a first current path between the plasma-facing component and the ground terminal. The grounding arrangement further includes a RF filter arrangement disposed in at least one other current path between the plasma-facing component and the ground terminal, wherein a resistance value of the first resistance circuit is selected to substantially eliminate arcing between the plasma and the plasma-facing component during the processing of the substrate.

Abstract: A poled polymer structure is formed on the surface of a substrate by poling a nonlinear optical reactant during a plasma polymerizing deposition of the reactant onto the surface. The substrate is fixed between the positive plasma-generating and ground electrodes in an air-evacuated chamber so that the substrate electrically floats relative to the electrodes. This arrangement permits the application of an electrostatic poling field to the depositing polymer structure while the plasma excitation power is maintained. The electrostatic poling field is produced by the application of a dc voltage to poling electrodes that can be arranged in various configurations relative to the substrate.

Abstract: A plasma processing apparatus includes a stage which is a lower electrode, an upper electrode which is a counter electrode for the lower electrode, and a processing chamber in which the lower and the upper electrodes are placed. The apparatus supplies a gas to a plasma generation space located between the lower and the upper electrodes to generate a plasma so that a processing object is subjected to plasma processing. In the apparatus, the upper electrode is formed up of a body portion having a gas supply port, a gas-permeable porous plate located on the underside of the body portion so as to close the gas supply port, and a support member for supporting the outer edge portion of the porous plate. Slits for absorption of strain due to thermal expansion in the plasma processing are formed at a pitch in the outer edge portion of the porous plate.

Abstract: A plasma processing apparatus includes a high-frequency power source for applying bias power to an electrode on which a substrate is disposed, an insulating layer formed on a surface of the electrode, a conductive material buried within the insulating layer, a feeder line connecting the high-frequency power source and the conductive material, a variable capacitor provided in the feeder line, and a direct current power source connected to the electrode at a position between the electrode and the high-frequency power source. One portion of the insulating layer where the conductive material is buried formed on an outer part of the electrode has a thickness which is greater than a thickness of another portion of the insulating layer where the conducting material is not buried and which extends from a central part of the electrode to the one portion of the insulating layer.

Abstract: The present invention herein provides an apparatus and a method for dry etching, which can solve such a problem that an object to be processed undergoes cracking during the etching procedures due to the heat deformation thereof and thermal shocks, possibly encountered when subjecting, to dry etching procedures, the object having a high thermal expansion coefficient. A dry etching apparatus is provided with an electrode structure having a convex-shaped surface, the convex-shape is one concentric with the cross section of the electrode structure and the height thereof falls within the range of from 0.2 to 1.0 mm. An object consisting of a material having a thermal expansion coefficient of not less than 30×10?7/° C. is subjected to dry etching while using the foregoing dry etching apparatus.

Abstract: Plasma processing systems and methods for using pre-dissociated and/or pre-ionized tuning gases are disclosed herein. In one embodiment, a plasma processing system includes a reaction chamber, a support element in the reaction chamber, and one or more cathode discharge assemblies in the reaction chamber. The reaction chamber is configured to produce a plasma in an interior volume of the chamber. The support element positions a microelectronic workpiece in the reaction chamber, and the cathode discharge assembly supplies an at least partially dissociated and/or ionized tuning gas to the workpiece in the chamber.

Abstract: In a plasma processing apparatus that executes plasma processing on a semiconductor wafer placed inside a processing chamber by generating plasma with a processing gas supplied through a gas supply hole at an upper electrode (shower head) disposed inside the processing chamber, an interchangeable insert member is inserted at a gas passing hole at a gas supply unit to prevent entry of charged particles in the plasma generated in the processing chamber into the gas supply unit. This structure makes it possible to fully prevent the entry of charged particles in the plasma generated inside the processing chamber into the gas supply unit.

Abstract: Disclosed is a substrate processing apparatus, including: a reaction chamber to process a substrate; a substrate placing member to stack a plurality of substrates thereon in multi-layers at a predetermined distance from one another in the reaction chamber; an introducing section to introduce processing gas into the reaction chamber; an exhaust section to exhaust an inside of the reaction chamber; and a plurality of pairs of comb electrodes, to which alternating current electric power is to be applied, to generate plasma, the plurality of pairs of comb electrodes being disposed in the reaction chamber, wherein each pair of the plurality of pairs of comb electrodes are disposed at a predetermined distance from each of plasma processing faces of the plurality of the substrates to be placed on the substrate placing member.

Abstract: A feeder rod that transmits radio-frequency power via a matcher to a susceptor used in plasma generation that is disposed inside a processing chamber where a wafer undergoes a predetermined type of plasma processing, includes as an integrated part thereof electrical characteristics measurement probes. The integrated feeder rod unit can be detachably installed as a whole between the matcher and the processing chamber.

Abstract: A plasma processing apparatus includes a processing gas supplying unit for supplying a desired processing gas to a processing space between an upper electrode and a lower electrode which are disposed facing each other in an evacuable processing chamber. The plasma processing apparatus further includes a radio frequency (RF) power supply unit for applying an RF power to one of the lower and the upper electrode to generate plasma of the processing gas by RF discharge and an electrically conductive RF ground member which covers a periphery portion of the electrode to which the RF power is applied to receive RF power emitted outwardly in radial directions from the periphery portion of the electrode to which the RF power is applied and send the received RF power to a ground line.