Plasma process method using an electrostatic chuck
US5310453A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Feb 12, 1993 |
| Grant date | May 10, 1994 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 12, 2013 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01J2237/334
- WIPO fieldSemiconductors
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Prior to plasma etching, a wafer is placed on conductive support pins which extend through an electrostatic chuck. The electrostatic chuck is disposed on a susceptor incorporating a cooling jacket. A potential for electrostatic attraction is applied to the electrostatic chuck. The support pins are lowered while they are grounded, thus placing the wafer on the electrostatic chuck. Subsequently, the support pins are retracted into the electrostatic chuck to release contact between the wafer and themselves. A heat medium gas is then supplied between the wafer and the electrostatic chuck to improve the heat transfer rate therebetween. A plasma is then generated in a process chamber, and the wafer is etched by using the plasma. Since the heat transfer rate between the wafer and the electrostatic chuck is improved before the generation of the plasma, damage to the wafer due to heat can be prevented, and the starting time required to start an etching process is shortened.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.