公开(公告)号：US20080087381A1

公开(公告)日：2008-04-17

申请号：US11536197

申请日：2006-09-28

Applicant: STEVEN C. SHANNON ,  Daniel J. Hoffman ,  Steven Lane ,  Walter R. Merry ,  Jivko Dinev

Inventor： STEVEN C. SHANNON ,  Daniel J. Hoffman ,  Steven Lane ,  Walter R. Merry ,  Jivko Dinev

IPC: C23F1/00

CPC classification number: H03H7/38 ,  H03H11/28

Abstract: Embodiments of a method of calculating the equivalent series resistance of a matching network using variable impedance analysis and matching networks analyzed using the same are provided herein. In one embodiment, a method of calculating the equivalent series resistance of a matching network includes the steps of connecting the matching network to a load; measuring an output of the matching network over a range of load impedances; and calculating the equivalent series resistance of the matching network based upon a relationship between the measured output and the load resistance. The load may be a surrogate load or may be a plasma formed in a process chamber.

Abstract translation: 本文提供了使用可变阻抗分析和使用其分析的匹配网络来计算匹配网络的等效串联电阻的方法的实施例。 在一个实施例中，计算匹配网络的等效串联电阻的方法包括将匹配网络连接到负载的步骤; 在一定范围的负载阻抗上测量匹配网络的输出; 并根据测量输出与负载电阻之间的关系计算匹配网络的等效串联电阻。 负载可以是替代负载，也可以是在处理室中形成的等离子体。

公开(公告)号：US07326872B2

公开(公告)日：2008-02-05

申请号：US10927382

申请日：2004-08-26

Applicant: Steven C. Shannon

Inventor： Steven C. Shannon

IPC: B23K10/00

CPC classification number: H01P5/08

Abstract: In one implementation, a method is provided for testing a plasma reactor multi-frequency matching network comprised of multiple matching networks, each of the multiple matching networks having an associated RF power source and being tunable within a tunespace. The method includes providing a multi-frequency dynamic dummy load having a frequency response within the tunespace of each of the multiple matching networks at an operating frequency of its associated RF power source. The method further includes characterizing a performance of the multi-frequency matching network based on a response of the multi-frequency matching network while simultaneously operating at multiple frequencies. In one embodiment, a plasma reactor multi-frequency dynamic dummy load is provided that is adapted for a multi-frequency matching network having multiple matching networks. Each of the multiple matching networks being tunable within a tunespace. The plasma reactor dynamic dummy load being capable of simultaneously providing a frequency response within the tunespace of each of the multiple matching networks at the operating frequency of its associated RF power source.

Abstract translation: 在一个实现中，提供了一种用于测试由多个匹配网络组成的等离子体反应器多频匹配网络的方法，所述多个匹配网络中的每一个具有相关联的RF功率源并且可在调谐空间内调节。 该方法包括在其相关RF功率源的工作频率下提供在多个匹配网络中的每一个的调谐空间内具有频率响应的多频动态虚拟负载。 该方法还包括基于多频匹配网络的响应来表征多频匹配网络的性能，同时在多个频率下操作。 在一个实施例中，提供了适用于具有多个匹配网络的多频匹配网络的等离子体反应堆多频动态虚拟负载。 多个匹配网络中的每一个都可在调谐空间内调节。 等离子体反应堆动态虚拟负载能够在其相关RF电源的工作频率下同时在多个匹配网络中的每一个的调谐空间内提供频率响应。

公开(公告)号：US08324525B2

公开(公告)日：2012-12-04

申请号：US12129091

申请日：2008-05-29

Applicant: Steven C. Shannon ,  Kartik Ramaswamy ,  Daniel J. Hoffman ,  Matthew L. Miller ,  Kenneth S. Collins

Inventor： Steven C. Shannon ,  Kartik Ramaswamy ,  Daniel J. Hoffman ,  Matthew L. Miller ,  Kenneth S. Collins

IPC: B23K10/00

CPC classification number: H05H1/46 ,  H01J37/32091 ,  H01J37/32174 ,  H01J37/32935

Abstract: A method processing a workpiece in a plasma reactor chamber in which a first one of plural applied RF plasma powers is modulated in accordance with a time-varying modulation control signal corresponding to a desired process transient cycle. The method achieves a reduction in reflected power by modulating a second one of the plural plasma powers in response to the time-varying modulation control signal.

Abstract translation: 一种在等离子体反应室中处理工件的方法，其中根据对应于期望的过程瞬态循环的时变调制控制信号调制多个施加的RF等离子体功率中的第一个。 该方法通过响应于时变调制控制信号调制多个等离子体功率中的第二个来实现反射功率的降低。

公开(公告)号：US07994872B2

公开(公告)日：2011-08-09

申请号：US12506658

申请日：2009-07-21

Applicant: Steven C. Shannon ,  Jang Gyoo Yang ,  Matthew L. Miller ,  Kartik Ramaswamy ,  James P. Cruse

Inventor： Steven C. Shannon ,  Jang Gyoo Yang ,  Matthew L. Miller ,  Kartik Ramaswamy ,  James P. Cruse

IPC: H03H7/40

CPC classification number: H03H7/38

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for a power matching apparatus for use with a processing chamber. In one aspect of the invention, a power matching apparatus is provided including a first RF power input coupled to a first adjustable capacitor, a second RF power input coupled to a second adjustable capacitor, a power junction coupled to the first adjustable capacitor and the second adjustable capacitor, a receiver circuit coupled to the power junction, a high voltage filter coupled to the power junction and the high voltage filter has a high voltage output, a voltage/current detector coupled to the power junction and a RF power output connected to the voltage/current detector.

Abstract translation: 提供了用于与处理室一起使用的功率匹配装置的装置和方法。 在本发明的一个方面，提供了一种功率匹配装置，其包括耦合到第一可调电容器的第一RF功率输入端，耦合到第二可调电容器的第二RF功率输入端，耦合到第一可调电容器的功率端， 耦合到功率结的接收器电路，耦合到功率结的高电压滤波器和高压滤波器具有高电压输出，耦合到功率结的电压/电流检测器和连接到功率结的RF功率输出 电压/电流检测器。

公开(公告)号：US07988815B2

公开(公告)日：2011-08-02

申请号：US11828568

申请日：2007-07-26

Applicant: Shahid Rauf ,  Kenneth S. Collins ,  Kallol Bera ,  Kartik Ramaswamy ,  Hiroji Hanawa ,  Andrew Nguyen ,  Steven C. Shannon ,  Lawrence Wong ,  Satoru Kobayashi ,  Troy S. Detrick ,  James P. Cruse

Inventor： Shahid Rauf ,  Kenneth S. Collins ,  Kallol Bera ,  Kartik Ramaswamy ,  Hiroji Hanawa ,  Andrew Nguyen ,  Steven C. Shannon ,  Lawrence Wong ,  Satoru Kobayashi ,  Troy S. Detrick ,  James P. Cruse

IPC: C23C16/00 ,  H01L21/306

CPC classification number: H01J37/16 ,  H01J37/20 ,  H01J37/32082 ,  H01J37/32623 ,  H01J37/32697 ,  H01J37/32834

Abstract: RF ground return current flow is diverted away from asymmetrical features of the reactor chamber by providing bypass current flow paths. One bypass current flow path avoids the pumping port in the chamber floor, and comprises a conductive symmetrical grill extending from the side wall to the grounded pedestal base. Another bypass current flow path avoids the wafer slit valve, and comprises an array of conductive straps bridging the section of the sidewall occupied by the slit valve.

Abstract translation: 通过提供旁路电流流动路径，RF接地回流电流从反应室的不对称特征转向。 一个旁路电流流动路径避免了室底部中的泵送端口，并且包括从侧壁延伸到接地基座的导电对称格栅。 另一个旁路电流流动路径避免了晶片狭缝阀，并且包括桥接由狭缝阀占据的侧壁部分的导电带阵列。

公开(公告)号：US20100013572A1

公开(公告)日：2010-01-21

申请号：US12506658

申请日：2009-07-21

Applicant: STEVEN C. SHANNON ,  JANG GYOO YANG ,  MATTHEW L. MILLER ,  KARTIK RAMASWAMY ,  JAMES P. CRUSE

Inventor： STEVEN C. SHANNON ,  JANG GYOO YANG ,  MATTHEW L. MILLER ,  KARTIK RAMASWAMY ,  JAMES P. CRUSE

IPC: H03H7/38

CPC classification number: H03H7/38

Abstract: Apparatus and methods are provided for a power matching apparatus for use with a processing chamber. In one aspect of the invention, a power matching apparatus is provided including a first RF power input coupled to a first adjustable capacitor, a second RF power input coupled to a second adjustable capacitor, a power junction coupled to the first adjustable capacitor and the second adjustable capacitor, a receiver circuit coupled to the power junction, a high voltage filter coupled to the power junction and the high voltage filter has a high voltage output, a voltage/current detector coupled to the power junction and a RF power output connected to the voltage/current detector.

Abstract translation: 提供了用于与处理室一起使用的功率匹配装置的装置和方法。 在本发明的一个方面，提供了一种功率匹配装置，其包括耦合到第一可调电容器的第一RF功率输入端，耦合到第二可调电容器的第二RF功率输入端，耦合到第一可调电容器的功率端， 耦合到功率结的接收器电路，耦合到功率结的高电压滤波器和高压滤波器具有高电压输出，耦合到功率结的电压/电流检测器和连接到功率结的RF功率输出 电压/电流检测器。

公开(公告)号：US20090298287A1

公开(公告)日：2009-12-03

申请号：US12129024

申请日：2008-05-29

Applicant: Steven C. Shannon ,  Kartik Ramaswamy ,  Daniel J. Hoffman ,  Matthew L. Miller ,  Kenneth S. Collins

Inventor： Steven C. Shannon ,  Kartik Ramaswamy ,  Daniel J. Hoffman ,  Matthew L. Miller ,  Kenneth S. Collins

IPC: H01L21/3065 ,  H01L21/3205 ,  C23C16/505 ,  H01L21/31

CPC classification number: H01J37/32146 ,  H01J37/32091 ,  H01J37/321 ,  H01J37/32183 ,  H01J37/32935

Abstract: A method is provided in plasma processing of a workpiece for stabilizing the plasma against engineered transients in applied RF power, by modulating an unmatched low power RF generator in synchronism with the transient.

Abstract translation: 提供了一种用于通过与瞬态同步调制不匹配的低功率RF发生器的工件的等离子体处理中的方法来稳定等离子体以应用RF功率中的设计瞬变的方法。

公开(公告)号：US20090294061A1

公开(公告)日：2009-12-03

申请号：US12128926

申请日：2008-05-29

Applicant: Steven C. Shannon ,  Kartik Ramaswamy ,  Daniel J. Hoffman ,  Matthew L. Miller ,  Kenneth S. Collins

Inventor： Steven C. Shannon ,  Kartik Ramaswamy ,  Daniel J. Hoffman ,  Matthew L. Miller ,  Kenneth S. Collins

IPC: C23C16/44 ,  C23F1/00

CPC classification number: H01J37/32935 ,  H01J37/32091 ,  H01J37/32183

Abstract: A plasma reactor for processing a workpiece such as a semiconductor wafer using predetermined transients of plasma bias power or plasma source power has unmatched low power RF generators synchronized to the transients to minimize transient-induced changes in plasma characteristics.

Abstract translation: 使用等离子体偏置功率或等离子体源功率的预定瞬变来处理诸如半导体晶片的工件的等离子体反应器具有与瞬变同步的无与伦比的低功率RF发生器，以使等离子体特性的瞬变诱发变化最小化。

公开(公告)号：US20090130856A1

公开(公告)日：2009-05-21

申请号：US12355130

申请日：2009-01-16

Applicant: Steven C. Shannon ,  Daniel J. Hoffman ,  Jeremiah T. P. Pender ,  Tarreg Mawari

Inventor： Steven C. Shannon ,  Daniel J. Hoffman ,  Jeremiah T. P. Pender ,  Tarreg Mawari

IPC: H01L21/3065

CPC classification number: H05H1/0081 ,  H01J37/32174 ,  H01J37/32935 ,  H01L21/67005

Abstract: Methods for monitoring process drift using plasma characteristics are provided. In one embodiment, a method for monitoring process drift using plasma characteristics includes obtaining metrics of current and voltage information of a first waveform coupled to a plasma during a plasma process formed on a substrate, obtaining metrics of current and voltage information of a second waveform coupled to the plasma during the plasma process formed on the substrate, the first and second waveforms having different frequencies, determining at least one characteristic of the plasma using the metrics obtained from each different frequency waveform, and adjusting the plasma process in response to the determined at least one characteristic of the plasma.

Abstract translation: 提供了使用等离子体特性监测过程漂移的方法。 在一个实施例中，使用等离子体特性来监测过程漂移的方法包括获得在形成在衬底上的等离子体工艺期间耦合到等离子体的第一波形的电流和电压信息的度量，获得耦合的第二波形的电流和电压信息的度量 在形成在衬底上的等离子体工艺期间等离子体，第一和第二波形具有不同的频率，使用从每个不同频率波形获得的度量来确定等离子体的至少一个特性，以及响应于所确定的等离子体处理 等离子体的至少一个特征。

公开(公告)号：US20080182416A1

公开(公告)日：2008-07-31

申请号：US11733764

申请日：2007-04-11

Applicant: Kenneth S. Collins ,  Hiroji Hanawa ,  Kartik Ramaswamy ,  Douglas A. Buchberger ,  Shahid Rauf ,  Kallol Bera ,  Lawrence Wong ,  Walter R. Merry ,  Matthew L. Miller ,  Steven C. Shannon ,  Andrew Nguyen ,  James P. Cruse ,  James Carducci ,  Troy S. Detrick ,  Subhash Deshmukh ,  Jennifer Y. Sun

Inventor： Kenneth S. Collins ,  Hiroji Hanawa ,  Kartik Ramaswamy ,  Douglas A. Buchberger ,  Shahid Rauf ,  Kallol Bera ,  Lawrence Wong ,  Walter R. Merry ,  Matthew L. Miller ,  Steven C. Shannon ,  Andrew Nguyen ,  James P. Cruse ,  James Carducci ,  Troy S. Detrick ,  Subhash Deshmukh ,  Jennifer Y. Sun

IPC: H01L21/302 ,  H01L21/461

CPC classification number: H01J37/32174 ,  H01J37/32091 ,  H01J37/32165

Abstract: A method is provided for processing a workpiece in a plasma reactor chamber having electrodes including at least a ceiling electrode and a workpiece support electrode. The method includes coupling respective RF power sources of respective VHF frequencies f1 and f2 to either (a) respective ones of the electrodes or (b) a common one of the electrodes, where f1 is sufficiently high to produce a center-high non-uniform plasma ion distribution and f2 is sufficiently low to produce a center-low non-uniform plasma ion distribution. The method further includes adjusting a ratio of an RF parameter at the f1 frequency to the RF parameter at the f2 frequency so as to control plasma ion density distribution, the RF parameter being any one of RF power, RF voltage or RF current.

Abstract translation: 提供了一种用于处理具有至少包括天花板电极和工件支撑电极的电极的等离子体反应器室中的工件的方法。 该方法包括将各个VHF频率f 1和f 2的相应RF功率源耦合到（a）电极中的相应电极或（b）电极中的公共电极，其中f 1足够高以产生中心高 不均匀的等离子体离子分布和f 2足够低以产生中心 - 低不均匀等离子体离子分布。 该方法还包括调整f 1频率处的RF参数与f 2频率处的RF参数的比率，以便控制等离子体离子密度分布，RF参数是RF功率，RF电压或RF电流中的任何一个。