Patent ID: 6103085
Filing Date: 2000-08-15
Classification: C25D,H01L

Abstract:
A method of electroplating a workpiece surface, with improved plating thickness uniformity, the method comprising:providing a workpiece including a surface having a maximum lateral dimension;mounting said workpiece on a surface of a cathode of an electroplating apparatus, said electroplating apparatus including an anode in parallel spaced opposition thereto, said anode including an opening in a central surface portion thereof, said anode surface opening forming an orifice for flowing a liquid electrolyte therethrough and into the space between the cathode and anode;providing an electrolyte diffuser member in the space between the cathode and anode and in parallel spaced opposition thereto, the diffuser member including a pattern of openings formed therein for reception and passage of the electrolyte therethrough, said pattern configured for prevention of channeling and/or selective directing of electrolyte flowing towards the cathode from said anode surface orifice, thereby providing substantial uniformity of electroplating thickness over said maximum lateral dimension of said workpiece surface, said diffuser member comprising a disk having a spiral-shaped pattern of substantially equally sized openings formed therein for uniform passage of electrolyte therethrough, said spiral-shaped pattern originating proximate the center of the disk and terminating proximate the periphery thereof; andelectroplating said workpiece surface to form a substantially uniform thickness plating layer thereon.