Patent application number | Description | Published |
20090260982 | WAFER PROCESSING DEPOSITION SHIELDING COMPONENTS - Embodiments described herein generally relate to components for a semiconductor processing chamber, a process kit for a semiconductor processing chamber, and a semiconductor processing chamber having a process kit. In one embodiment a lower shield for encircling a sputtering target and a substrate support is provided. The lower shield comprises a cylindrical outer band having a first diameter dimensioned to encircle the sputtering surface of the sputtering target and the substrate support, the cylindrical band comprising a top wall that surrounds a sputtering surface of a sputtering target and a bottom wall that surrounds the substrate support, a support ledge comprising a resting surface and extending radially outward from the cylindrical outer band, a base plate extending radially inward from the bottom wall of the cylindrical band, and a cylindrical inner band coupled with the base plate and partially surrounding a peripheral edge of the substrate support. | 10-22-2009 |
20110209995 | Physical Vapor Deposition With A Variable Capacitive Tuner and Feedback Circuit - Apparatus and methods for performing plasma processing on a wafer supported on a pedestal are provided. The apparatus can include a pedestal on which the wafer can be supported, a variable capacitor having a variable capacitance, a motor attached to the variable capacitor which varies the capacitance of the variable capacitor, a motor controller connected to the motor that causes the motor to rotate, and an output from the variable capacitor connected to the pedestal. A desired state of the variable capacitor is associated with a process recipe in a process controller. When the process recipe is executed the variable capacitor is placed in the desired state. | 09-01-2011 |
20110311735 | MAGNETRON DESIGN FOR RF/DC PHYSICAL VAPOR DEPOSITION - Methods and apparatus to improve target life and deposition uniformity in PVD chambers are provided herein. In some embodiments, a magnetron assembly includes a shunt plate having a central axis, the shunt plate rotatable about the central axis, a first open loop magnetic pole arc coupled to the shunt plate at a first radius from the central axis, and a second open loop magnetic pole arc coupled the shunt plate at a first distance from the first open loop magnetic pole arc, wherein at least one of the first radius varies along the first open loop magnetic pole arc or the first distance varies along the second open loop magnetic pole arc. In some embodiments, a first polarity of the first open loop magnetic pole arc opposes a second polarity of the second open loop magnetic pole arc. | 12-22-2011 |
20120033340 | ELECTROSTATIC CHUCK AND METHODS OF USE THEREOF - An electrostatic chuck and method of use thereof is provided herein. In some embodiments, an electrostatic chuck may include a disk having a first side to support a substrate thereon and a second side, opposing the first side, to provide an interface to selectively couple the disk to a thermal control plate, a first electrode disposed within the disk proximate the first side to electrostatically couple the substrate to the disk and a second electrode disposed within the disk proximate the opposing side of the disk to electrostatically couple the disk to the thermal control plate. In some embodiments, the second electrode may also be configured to heat the disk. | 02-09-2012 |
20120103257 | DEPOSITION RING AND ELECTROSTATIC CHUCK FOR PHYSICAL VAPOR DEPOSITION CHAMBER - Embodiments of the invention generally relate to a process kit for a semiconductor processing chamber, and a semiconductor processing chamber having a kit. More specifically, embodiments described herein relate to a process kit including a deposition ring and a pedestal assembly. The components of the process kit work alone, and in combination, to significantly reduce their effects on the electric fields around a substrate during processing. | 05-03-2012 |
20120211359 | WAFER PROCESSING DEPOSITION SHIELDING COMPONENTS - Embodiments described herein generally relate to components for a semiconductor processing chamber, a process kit for a semiconductor processing chamber, and a semiconductor processing chamber having a process kit. In one embodiment a lower shield for encircling a sputtering target and a substrate support is provided. The lower shield comprises a cylindrical outer band having a first diameter dimensioned to encircle the sputtering surface of the sputtering target and the substrate support, the cylindrical band comprising a top wall that surrounds a sputtering surface of a sputtering target and a bottom wall that surrounds the substrate support, a support ledge comprising a resting surface and extending radially outward from the cylindrical outer band, a base plate extending radially inward from the bottom wall of the cylindrical band, and a cylindrical inner band coupled with the base plate and partially surrounding a peripheral edge of the substrate support. | 08-23-2012 |
20130153412 | APPARATUS FOR ENABLING CONCENTRICITY OF PLASMA DARK SPACE - In some embodiments, substrate processing apparatus may include a chamber body; a lid disposed atop the chamber body; a target assembly coupled to the lid, the target assembly including a target of material to be deposited on a substrate; an annular dark space shield having an inner wall disposed about an outer edge of the target; a seal ring disposed adjacent to an outer edge of the dark space shield; and a support member coupled to the lid proximate an outer end of the support member and extending radially inward such that the support member supports the seal ring and the annular dark space shield, wherein the support member provides sufficient compression when coupled to the lid such that a seal is formed between the support member and the seal ring and the seal ring and the target assembly. | 06-20-2013 |
20130192629 | SUBSTRATE CLEANING CHAMBER AND CLEANING AND CONDITIONING METHODS - A substrate cleaning chamber includes a contoured ceiling electrode having an arcuate surface that faces a substrate support and has a variable cross-sectional thickness to vary the gap size between the arcuate surface and the substrate support to provide a varying plasma density across the substrate support. A dielectric ring for the cleaning chamber comprises a base, a ridge, and a radially inward ledge that covers the peripheral lip of the substrate support. A base shield comprises a circular disc having at least one perimeter wall. Cleaning and conditioning processes for the cleaning chamber are also described. | 08-01-2013 |
20130256125 | SUBSTRATE PROCESSING SYSTEM WITH MECHANICALLY FLOATING TARGET ASSEMBLY - Substrate processing systems are provided herein. In some embodiments, a substrate processing system may include a target assembly having a target comprising a source material to be deposited on a substrate; a grounding assembly disposed about the target assembly and having a first surface that is generally parallel to and opposite a backside of the target assembly; a support member coupled to the grounding assembly to support the target assembly within the grounding assembly; one or more insulators disposed between the backside of the target assembly and the first surface of the grounding assembly; and one or more biasing elements disposed between the first surface of the grounding assembly and the backside of the target assembly to bias the target assembly toward the support member. | 10-03-2013 |
20130256127 | SUBSTRATE PROCESSING SYSTEM HAVING SYMMETRIC RF DISTRIBUTION AND RETURN PATHS - A processing system may include a target having a central axis normal thereto; a source distribution plate having a target facing side opposing a backside of the target, wherein the source distribution plate includes a plurality of first features such that a first distance of a first radial RF distribution path along a given first diameter is about equal to a second distance of an opposing second radial RF distribution path along the given first diameter; and a ground plate opposing a target opposing side of the source distribution plate and having a plurality of second features disposed about the central axis and corresponding to the plurality of first features, wherein a third distance of a first radial RF return path along a given second diameter is about equal to a fourth distance of an opposing second radial RF return path along the given second diameter. | 10-03-2013 |
20130334038 | WAFER PROCESSING DEPOSITION SHIELDING COMPONENTS - Embodiments described herein generally relate to components for a semiconductor processing chamber, a process kit for a semiconductor processing chamber, and a semiconductor processing chamber having a process kit. In one embodiment a lower shield for encircling a sputtering target and a substrate support is provided. The lower shield comprises a cylindrical outer band having a first diameter dimensioned to encircle the sputtering surface of the sputtering target and the substrate support, the cylindrical band comprising a top wall that surrounds a sputtering surface of a sputtering target and a bottom wall that surrounds the substrate support, a support ledge comprising a resting surface and extending radially outward from the cylindrical outer band, a base plate extending radially inward from the bottom wall of the cylindrical band, and a cylindrical inner band coupled with the base plate and partially surrounding a peripheral edge of the substrate support. | 12-19-2013 |
20140046475 | METHOD AND APPARATUS DEPOSITION PROCESS SYNCHRONIZATION - Methods and apparatus for processing a substrate in a process chamber, include receiving process control parameters for one or more devices from a process controller to perform a first chamber process, determining a time to send each of the process control parameters to the one or more devices, for each of the one or more devices, adjusting the determined time to send each of the process control parameters using specific signal process delays associated with each of the one or more devices, and sending the process control parameters to each of the one or more devices at the adjusted times to perform the first chamber process, wherein the synchronization controller includes one or more output channels, each channel directly coupled to one of the one or more devices. | 02-13-2014 |
20140061039 | TARGET COOLING FOR PHYSICAL VAPOR DEPOSITION (PVD) PROCESSING SYSTEMS - Target assemblies for use in a substrate processing system are provided herein. In some embodiments, a target assembly for use in a substrate processing system may include a source material to be deposited on a substrate, a first backing plate configured to support the source material on a front side of the first backing plate, such that a front surface of the source material opposes the substrate when present, a second backing plate coupled to a backside of the first backing plate, and a plurality of sets of channels disposed between the first and second back plates. These channels permit a coolant to be provided closer to the heat source (target face) thereby facilitating more efficient heat removal from the target. More efficient heat removal from the target results in a target with a lesser thermal gradient and therefore less mechanical bowing/deformation. | 03-06-2014 |
20140061041 | TARGET CENTER POSITIONAL CONSTRAINT FOR PHYSICAL VAPOR DEPOSITION (PVD) PROCESSING SYSTEMS - Target assemblies for use in a substrate processing system are provided herein. In some embodiments, a target assembly for use in a substrate processing system may include a source material, a backing plate configured to support the source material on a front side of the backing plate, and a central support member to support the target assembly within the substrate processing system, wherein the central support member is coupled to a center portion of the backing plate and extends perpendicularly away from the backside of the backing plate. | 03-06-2014 |
20140103027 | HEATED SUBSTRATE SUPPORT RING - Embodiments of substrate support rings are provided herein. In some embodiments, an apparatus for processing substrates includes, a ring configured to be disposed about a peripheral edge of a substrate support to support at least a portion of a substrate disposed atop the substrate support, wherein the ring comprises a heater; and a power supply coupled to the heater to provide power to the heater. | 04-17-2014 |
20140190822 | WAFER PROCESSING DEPOSITION SHIELDING COMPONENTS - Embodiments described herein generally relate to components for a semiconductor processing chamber, a process kit for a semiconductor processing chamber, and a semiconductor processing chamber having a process kit. In one embodiment a lower shield for encircling a sputtering target and a substrate support is provided. The lower shield comprises a cylindrical outer band having a first diameter dimensioned to encircle the sputtering surface of the sputtering target and the substrate support, the cylindrical band comprising a top wall that surrounds a sputtering surface of a sputtering target and a bottom wall that surrounds the substrate support, a support ledge comprising a resting surface and extending radially outward from the cylindrical outer band, a base plate extending radially inward from the bottom wall of the cylindrical band, and a cylindrical inner band coupled with the base plate and partially surrounding a peripheral edge of the substrate support. | 07-10-2014 |
20140216923 | PVD RF DC OPEN/CLOSED LOOP SELECTABLE MAGNETRON - Methods and apparatus for a magnetron assembly are provided herein. In some embodiments, a magnetron assembly includes a first plate having a first central axis, the first plate rotatable about the first central axis, a first open loop magnetic pole coupled to the first plate, a second plate having a second central axis, the second plate rotatable about the second central axis, and a second open loop magnetic pole coupled the second plate, wherein the first open loop magnetic pole and the second open loop magnetic pole form a closed loop magnetic pole when the first and second open loop magnetic poles are aligned. | 08-07-2014 |
20140250658 | VACUUM CHAMBERS AND COMPONENTS FOR SEMICONDUCTOR SUBSTRATE PROCESSING AND METHODS OF FABRICATION - Embodiments of methods for fabricating a vacuum chamber for semiconductor substrate processing are provided herein. In some embodiments, a method for fabricating a vacuum chamber for semiconductor substrate processing may include: providing one or more plates of material that together form a desired shape of a body of the vacuum chamber; performing a friction stir weld on outer surfaces of adjacent ends of the one or more plates to form the body of the vacuum chamber; and coupling at least one of a top or bottom to a respective top or bottom of the body to form the vacuum chamber. | 09-11-2014 |
20140251789 | PHYSICAL VAPOR DEPOSITION RF PLASMA SHIELD DEPOSIT CONTROL - Methods and apparatus for processing a substrate in a physical vapor deposition (PVD) chamber are provided herein. In some embodiments, a process kit shield used in a substrate processing chamber may include a shield body having an inner surface and an outer surface, a process kit shield impedance match device coupled between the shield body and ground, wherein the process kit shield impedance match device is configured to adjust a bias voltage of the process kit shield, a cavity formed on the outer surface of the shield body, and one or more magnets disposed within the cavity. | 09-11-2014 |
20140251800 | SPUTTER SOURCE FOR USE IN A SEMICONDUCTOR PROCESS CHAMBER - In some embodiments, a sputter source for a process chamber may include: a first enclosure having a top, sides and an open bottom; a target coupled to the open bottom; an electrical feed coupled to the top of the first enclosure proximate a central axis of the first enclosure to provide power to the target via the first enclosure; a magnet assembly having a shaft, a support arm coupled to the shaft, and a magnet coupled to the support arm disposed within the first enclosure; a first rotational actuator disposed off-axis to the central axis of the first enclosure and rotatably coupled to the magnet to rotate the magnet about the central axis of the first enclosure; and a second rotational actuator disposed off-axis to the central axis of the first enclosure and rotatably coupled to the magnet to rotate the magnet about a central axis of the magnet assembly. | 09-11-2014 |
20140260544 | METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MEASURING PRESSURE IN A PHYSICAL VAPOR DEPOSITION CHAMBER - A method and apparatus for physical vapor deposition are provided herein. In some embodiments, an apparatus for measuring pressure of a substrate processing chamber may include a shield having an annular one-piece body having an inner volume, a top opening and a bottom opening, wherein a bottom of the annular one-piece body includes an inner upwardly extending u-shaped portion, a gas injection adapter disposed about an outer wall of the shield, a pressure measuring conduit formed within the gas injection adapter, wherein the pressure measuring conduit is fluidly coupled the inner volume via a gap formed between an outer wall of the shield and substrate processing chamber components disposed proximate the shield, and wherein the gap has substantially the same pressure as the inner volume, and a pressure detector coupled to the pressure measuring conduit. | 09-18-2014 |
20140261177 | APPARATUS FOR GAS INJECTION IN A PHYSICAL VAPOR DEPOSITION CHAMBER - Apparatus for physical vapor deposition are provided herein. In some embodiments, a shield for use in a physical vapor deposition chamber, comprises an annular one-piece body having an inner volume, a top opening and a bottom opening, wherein a bottom of the annular one-piece body includes an inner upwardly extending u-shaped portion, an annular groove formed in an inner wall of the one-piece body, and a plurality of gas distribution vents disposed along the annular feature and formed through the one-piece body, wherein the plurality of gas distribution vents are spaced apart from each other to distribute gases into the inner volume in a desired pattern. | 09-18-2014 |
20140261180 | PVD TARGET FOR SELF-CENTERING PROCESS SHIELD - In some embodiments, a target assembly, for use in a substrate processing chamber having a process shield, may include a backing plate having a first side and an opposing second side, wherein the second side comprises a first surface having a first diameter bounded by a first edge; a target material having a first side bonded to the first surface of the backing plate; wherein the first edge is an interface between the backing plate and the target material; a plurality of slots disposed along an outer periphery of the backing plate extending from the first side of the backing plate toward the second side of the backing plate, wherein the plurality of slots are configured to align the target assembly with respect to the process shield. | 09-18-2014 |
20140263169 | METHODS FOR PROCESSING A SUBSTRATE USING MULTIPLE SUBSTRATE SUPPORT POSITIONS - In some embodiments, a method for processing a substrate in a process chamber having a substrate support configured to move in a direction perpendicular to a top surface of a cover ring of a process kit may include positioning the substrate support in a first position such that a top surface of the substrate is positioned about 3 mm above to about 10 mm below a top surface of a cover ring of a process kit disposed about the periphery of the substrate support; performing a plasma deposition process while the substrate support is in the first position; moving the substrate support to a second position such that the top surface of the substrate is disposed about 3 mm below to about 15 mm above the top surface of the cover ring; and performing a plasma etch process while the substrate support is in the second position. | 09-18-2014 |
20140271081 | SHUTTER BLADE AND ROBOT BLADE WITH CTE COMPENSATION - Processing chamber shutter blade and robot blade assemblies are constructed to eliminate thermal effects on the placement of elements in processing chambers. Such blade assemblies may contain at least two parts, which may include a positioning member including a low CTE material and a thermal compensating member including a high CTE material. The positioning member includes a coupling point and a reference point on a reference axis separated by a first distance. The thermal compensating member includes a connection point and a controlled point separated by another distance that is less than the first distance. A distance ratio of the first distance to the other distance is substantially equal to a CTE ratio of the high CTE material to the low CTE material, and the positioning member is joined to the thermal compensating member through the coupling point and the connection point. | 09-18-2014 |
20150075970 | PVD PLASMA CONTROL USING A MAGNET EDGE LIFT MECHANISM - Apparatus for providing a magnetic field within a process chamber are provided herein. In some embodiments, an apparatus for providing a magnetic field within a process chamber includes: an inner rotating mechanism including a first plate having a central axis, wherein the first plate includes and a first plurality of magnets and is rotatable about the central axis; and an outer lifting mechanism including a ring disposed proximate the first plate, the ring having a second plurality of magnets coupled to a bottom surface of the ring proximate the peripheral edge of the ring, wherein the ring is movable in a direction perpendicular to the first plate. | 03-19-2015 |