Patent ID: 7189432
Filing Date: 2007-03-13
Classification: C23C,H01J,H01L

Abstract:
1. A method comprising the acts of: supplying an atomic layer deposition process gas to a process chamber, wherein a gas flow conductance is defined for gas exiting the chamber; and varying a flux of the deposition process gas to a substrate in the process chamber by varying the gas flow conductance; wherein varying the gas flow conductance comprises translating at least one feature substantially circumscribing a periphery of the substrate by moving the at least one feature in a linear motion in a direction substantial perpendicular to a surface of the substrate to vary an aperture through which the gas exits the chamber; wherein the at least one feature comprises a first aperture portion for forming a first variable conductance path and a second aperture portion for forming a second variable conductance path, wherein varying the gas flow conductance further comprises varying the gas flow conductance through the first aperture portion during a deposition process, and varying the gas flow conductance through the second aperture portion while purging gases from the chamber after a deposition cycle, the second aperture portion being configured for providing a gas conductance that is different than a gas conductance achievable using the first aperture portion.