Patent · US Expired

Adjustable segmented electrode apparatus and method

US6916401B2 · kind B2 · utility

21Cited by
5References
30Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateJan 10, 2003
Grant dateJul 12, 2005
Priority date
Expiry dateOct 24, 2023

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
  • CPC primaryH01J37/32623
  • WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
  • WIPO sectorElectrical engineering

Abstract

A segmented electrode apparatus for use in plasma processing in a plasma chamber or as part of a plasma processing system. The apparatus is composed of a plurality of electrode segments each having an upper surface, a lower surface and a periphery. The lower surfaces of the electrode segments define an electrode segment plane. Further included in the electrode is a plurality of displaceable insulating ring assemblies with a conductive shielding layer in each of them. Each assembly has an insulating body with an upper and lower portion and surrounds a corresponding one of the electrode segments at the electrode segment periphery. Each insulating ring assembly is arranged adjacent another insulating ring assembly and is displaceable with respect thereto and to the corresponding electrode segment. Also included in the electrode apparatus is a plurality of displacement actuators connected to the chamber and to the plurality of insulating ring assemblies at the insulating body upper portions. The displacement actuators are used to displace at least one of the insulating ring assemblies relative to the corresponding one of the electrode segments so as to cause the lower portion of at lea…

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