Patent · US Active

Enhanced ignition in inductively coupled plasmas for workpiece processing

US11348784B2 · kind B2 · utility

1Cited by
99References
18Claims
0Family size

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Key dates

Filing dateAug 22, 2019
Grant dateMay 31, 2022
Priority date
Expiry dateDec 31, 2039

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY02E30/10
  • WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
  • WIPO sectorElectrical engineering

Abstract

Plasma processing apparatus and associated methods are provided. In one example, a plasma processing apparatus includes a plasma chamber. The plasma processing apparatus includes a dielectric wall forming at least a portion of the plasma chamber. The plasma processing apparatus includes an inductive coupling element located proximate the dielectric wall. The plasma processing apparatus includes an ultraviolet light source configured to emit an ultraviolet light beam onto a metal surface that faces an interior volume of the plasma chamber. The plasma processing apparatus includes a controller configured to control the ultraviolet light source.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.