公开(公告)号：US08080479B2

公开(公告)日：2011-12-20

申请号：US11733858

申请日：2007-04-11

Applicant: Kenneth S. Collins ,  Hiroji Hanawa ,  Kartik Ramaswamy ,  Douglas A. Buchberger, Jr. ,  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, Jr. ,  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

CPC classification number: C23C16/45574 ,  C23C16/5096 ,  H01J37/32091 ,  H01J37/32165 ,  H01J37/32174 ,  H01L21/67069 ,  H01L21/6831

Abstract: A method of processing a workpiece in a plasma reactor chamber includes coupling RF power via an electrode to plasma in the chamber, the RF power being of a variable frequency in a frequency range that includes a fundamental frequency f. The method also includes coupling the electrode to a resonator having a resonant VHF frequency F which is a harmonic of the fundamental frequency f, so as to produce VHF power at the harmonic. The method controls the ratio of power near the fundamental f to power at harmonic F, by controlling the proportion of power from the generator that is up-converted from f to F, so as to control plasma ion density distribution.

Abstract translation: 在等离子体反应器室中处理工件的方法包括经由电极将RF功率耦合到腔室中的等离子体，RF功率在包括基频f的频率范围内是可变频率的。 该方法还包括将电极耦合到具有作为基频f的谐波的谐振VHF频率F的谐振器，以便在谐波处产生VHF功率。 该方法通过控制从f向F转换为F的发电机的功率比例来控制基波f附近的功率与谐波F功率的比值，以便控制等离子体离子密度分布。

公开(公告)号：US20110291771A1

公开(公告)日：2011-12-01

申请号：US13205933

申请日：2011-08-09

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 ,  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：US07967944B2

公开(公告)日：2011-06-28

申请号：US12129244

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: C23F1/00

CPC classification number: H05H1/46 ,  H01J37/32082 ,  H01J37/32146 ,  H01J37/32174 ,  H01J37/32935

Abstract: A workpiece is processed in a plasma reactor chamber using stabilization RF power delivered into the chamber, by determining changes in load impedance from RF parameters sensed at an RF source or bias power generator and resolving the changes in load impedance into first and second components thereof, and changing the power level of the stabilization RF power as a function one of the components of changes in load impedance.

Abstract translation: 通过根据在RF源或偏置功率发生器处感测的RF参数确定负载阻抗的变化并将负载阻抗的变化解析成其第一和第二分量，在等离子体反应器室中使用稳定的RF功率来处理工件， 并且将稳定化RF功率的功率电平作为负载阻抗变化的组成部分之一变化。

公开(公告)号：US20090297404A1

公开(公告)日：2009-12-03

申请号：US12129202

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: G05D17/00

CPC classification number: H01J37/32935 ,  H01J37/32082 ,  H01J37/32183

Abstract: A plasma reactor, having source and bias RF power generators of different frequencies, is provided with a controller responsive to fluctuations in plasma load impedance measured at one of the generators to modulate the output of the other generator to compensate for the fluctuations.

Abstract translation: 具有不同频率的源极和偏置RF功率发生器的等离子体反应器设置有响应于在一个发生器处测量的等离子体负载阻抗的波动的控制器，以调制另一发生器的输出以补偿波动。

公开(公告)号：US20090295296A1

公开(公告)日：2009-12-03

申请号：US12129244

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: H05H1/00

CPC classification number: H05H1/46 ,  H01J37/32082 ,  H01J37/32146 ,  H01J37/32174 ,  H01J37/32935

Abstract: A workpiece is processed in a plasma reactor chamber using stabilization RF power delivered into the chamber, by determining changes in load impedance from RF parameters sensed at an RF source or bias power generator and resolving the changes in load impedance into first and second components thereof, and changing the power level of the stabilization RF power as a function one of the components of changes in load impedance.

Abstract translation: 通过根据在RF源或偏置功率发生器处感测的RF参数确定负载阻抗的变化并将负载阻抗的变化解析成其第一和第二分量，在等离子体反应器室中使用稳定的RF功率来处理工件， 并且将稳定化RF功率的功率电平作为负载阻抗变化的组成部分之一变化。

公开(公告)号：US20090295295A1

公开(公告)日：2009-12-03

申请号：US12129155

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: H05H1/00

CPC classification number: H05H1/36 ,  H01J37/32082 ,  H01J37/32183 ,  H01J37/32935 ,  H05H1/46

Abstract: Fluctuations in a plasma characteristic such as load impedance are compensated by a controller that modulates a stabilization RF generator coupled to the plasma having a frequency suitable for stabilizing the plasma characteristic, the controller being responsive to the fluctuations in the plasma characteristic.

Abstract translation: 等离子体特性如负载阻抗的波动由控制器补偿，该控制器调制耦合到具有适于稳定等离子体特性的频率的等离子体的稳定RF发生器，控制器响应于等离子体特性的波动。

公开(公告)号：US20090140828A1

公开(公告)日：2009-06-04

申请号：US11934197

申请日：2007-11-02

Applicant: Steven C. Shannon ,  Daniel J. Hoffman ,  Matthew L. Miler ,  Olga Regelman ,  Kenneth S. Collins ,  Kartik Ramaswamy ,  Kallol Bera

Inventor： Steven C. Shannon ,  Daniel J. Hoffman ,  Matthew L. Miler ,  Olga Regelman ,  Kenneth S. Collins ,  Kartik Ramaswamy ,  Kallol Bera

IPC: H01P7/04

CPC classification number: H05H1/0081 ,  H01J37/32091 ,  H01J37/32174

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for controlling characteristics of a plasma, such as the spatial distribution of RF power and plasma uniformity, are provided herein. In some embodiments, an apparatus for controlling characteristics of a plasma includes a resonator for use in conjunction with a plasma reactor, the resonator including a source resonator for receiving an RF signal having a first frequency; a return path resonator disposed substantially coaxially with, and at least partially within, the source resonator; and an outer conductor having the source resonator and the return path resonator disposed substantially coaxially with, and at least partially within, the outer conductor, the outer conductor for providing an RF ground connection.

Abstract translation: 本文提供了用于控制等离子体特性的方法和装置，例如RF功率和等离子体均匀性的空间分布。 在一些实施例中，用于控制等离子体特性的装置包括与等离子体电抗器结合使用的谐振器，所述谐振器包括用于接收具有第一频率的RF信号的源谐振器; 与所述源谐振器基本同轴并且至少部分地在所述源谐振器内设置的返回路径谐振器; 以及具有源极谐振器和返回路径谐振器的外部导体，该外部导体与外部导体大致同轴并至少部分地设置，外部导体用于提供RF接地连接。

公开(公告)号：US20080182418A1

公开(公告)日：2008-07-31

申请号：US11733858

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: C23C16/45574 ,  C23C16/5096 ,  H01J37/32091 ,  H01J37/32165 ,  H01J37/32174 ,  H01L21/67069 ,  H01L21/6831

Abstract: A method of processing a workpiece in a plasma reactor chamber includes coupling RF power via an electrode to plasma in the chamber, the RF power being of a variable frequency in a frequency range that includes a fundamental frequency f. The method also includes coupling the electrode to a resonator having a resonant VHF frequency F which is a harmonic of the fundamental frequency f, so as to produce VHF power at the harmonic. The method controls the ratio of power near the fundamental f to power at harmonic F, by controlling the proportion of power from the generator that is up-converted from f to F, so as to control plasma ion density distribution.

Abstract translation: 在等离子体反应器室中处理工件的方法包括经由电极将RF功率耦合到腔室中的等离子体，RF功率在包括基频f的频率范围内是可变频率的。 该方法还包括将电极耦合到具有作为基频f的谐波的谐振VHF频率F的谐振器，以便在谐波处产生VHF功率。 该方法通过控制从f向F转换为F的发电机的功率比例来控制基波f附近的功率与谐波F功率的比值，以便控制等离子体离子密度分布。

公开(公告)号：US20080182417A1

公开(公告)日：2008-07-31

申请号：US11733767

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: C23C16/45574 ,  C23C16/5096 ,  H01J37/32091 ,  H01J37/32165 ,  H01J37/32174 ,  H01L21/67069 ,  H01L21/6831

Abstract: In a plasma reactor chamber a ceiling electrode and a workpiece support electrode, respective RF power sources of respective VHF frequencies f1 and f2 are coupled to either respective ones of the electrodes or to 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. Respective center ground return paths are provided for RF current passing directly between the ceiling electrode and the workpiece support electrode for the frequencies f1 and f2, and an edge ground return path is provided for each of the frequencies f1 and f2. The impedance of at least one of the ground return paths is adjusted so as to control the uniformity of the plasma ion density distribution.

Abstract translation: 在等离子体反应器室中，天花板电极和工件支撑电极，各个VHF频率f1和f2的相应RF功率源耦合到电极中的相应电极或共同的一个电极，其中f1足够高以产生 中心高的不均匀等离子体离子分布和f2足够低以产生中心 - 低不均匀的等离子体离子分布。 提供各自的中心接地返回路径用于频率f1和f2直接通过天花板电极和工件支撑电极之间的RF电流，并为每个频率f1和f2提供边缘接地返回路径。 调整至少一个接地返回路径的阻抗，以便控制等离子体离子密度分布的均匀性。

公开(公告)号：US20080110860A1

公开(公告)日：2008-05-15

申请号：US11751592

申请日：2007-05-21

Applicant: Matthew L. Miller ,  Daniel J. Hoffman ,  Steven C. Shannon ,  Michael Kutney ,  James Carducci ,  Andrew Nguyen

Inventor： Matthew L. Miller ,  Daniel J. Hoffman ,  Steven C. Shannon ,  Michael Kutney ,  James Carducci ,  Andrew Nguyen

IPC: H01L21/302

CPC classification number: H01J37/3266 ,  H01J37/32623 ,  H01J37/32633 ,  H01J37/32697

Abstract: A method for processing a workpiece in a plasma reactor. The method comprises constraining plasma in the chamber away from the floor of the pumping annulus, providing an annular baffle while compensating for asymmetry of gas flow attributable to the pumping port, and providing a gas flow equalizer below the baffle having an eccentrically shaped opening. The method further includes modifying the radial distribution of plasma ion density and providing a magnetic plasma steering field having an edge high plasma ion density distribution tendency. The method further comprises locating the baffle at a sufficient distance below the workpiece to provide an edge low plasma ion density distribution tendency that compensates the edge high plasma ion density distribution tendency of the magnetic plasma steering field.

Abstract translation: 一种在等离子体反应器中处理工件的方法。 该方法包括将腔室中的等离子体约束在泵送环空的地板之外，提供环形挡板，同时补偿归因于泵送端口的气流的不对称性，以及在挡板下方提供具有偏心形状的开口的气流均衡器。 该方法还包括修改等离子体离子密度的径向分布并提供具有边缘高等离子体离子密度分布倾向的磁等离子体转向场。 该方法还包括将挡板定位在工件下方足够的距离处，以提供补偿磁等离子体转向场的边缘高等离子体离子密度分布趋势的边缘低等离子体离子密度分布趋势。