Patent · US Expired

Apparatus for providing RF return current path control in a semiconductor wafer processing system

US6221221A · kind A · utility

62Cited by
6References
20Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateNov 16, 1998
Grant dateApr 24, 2001
Priority date
Expiry dateNov 16, 2018

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
  • CPC primaryH01J37/32577
  • WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
  • WIPO sectorElectrical engineering

Abstract

Apparatus providing a low impedance RF return current path between a shield member and a pedestal in a semiconductor wafer processing chamber. The return path reduces RF voltage drop between the shield member and the pedestal during processing. The return path comprises a conductive strap connected to the pedestal and a conductive bar attached to the strap. A toroidal spring makes multiple parallel electrical connections between the conductive bar and the shield member. A support assembly, attached to a collar on the chamber wall, supports the conductive bar.

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