Patent · US Expired

Chamber configuration for confining a plasma

US7094315B2 · kind B2 · utility

25Cited by
14References
27Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateDec 22, 2004
Grant dateAug 22, 2006
Priority date
Expiry dateDec 22, 2024

Classification

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

Abstract

A plasma confining assembly for minimizing unwanted plasma formations in regions outside of a process region in a process chamber is disclosed. The plasma confining assembly includes a first confining element and second confining element positioned proximate the periphery of the process region. The second confining element is spaced apart from the first confining element. The first confining element includes an exposed conductive surface that is electrically grounded and the second confining element includes an exposed insulating surface, which is configured for covering a conductive portion that is electrically grounded. The first confining element and the second confining element substantially reduce the effects of plasma forming components that pass therebetween. Additionally, the plasma confining assembly may include a third confining element, which is formed from an insulating material and disposed between the first confining element and the second confining element, and proximate the periphery of the process region. The third confining element further reduces the effects of plasma forming components that pass between the first confining element and the second confining elemen…

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