Beyer Weaver Thomas, LLP
Chamber configuration for confining a plasma
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 element.
LAM Research Corporation
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H01J H01J H01J
inventional inventional inventional
Jian J. Mukund Eric H.
Chen Srinivasan Lenz