Patent ID: 6302057
Filing Date: 2001-10-16
Classification: C23C,H01J

Abstract:
An apparatus for depositing a film on a substrate utilizing a deposition process, the apparatus comprising:a process chamber having an electrically grounded element therein;a substrate support for supporting a substrate within the process chamber;a showerhead electrode positioned in the process chamber proximate the substrate support, the showerhead electrode configured for introducing a process gas and for being biased with RF energy for creating a plasma within the process chamber for plasma enhanced chemical vapor deposition;an electrically insulative cylinder coupled between the showerhead electrode and the grounded element and configured for directing process gas to the showerhead electrode, the insulative cylinder being formed of an electrically insulative material and having an insulative surface for effectively electrically isolating the electrode from the grounded element within the process chamber;the insulative cylinder including at least one feature formed in the insulative surface to circle continuously around the cylinder, the feature having a high effective aspect ratio for inhibiting the deposition of a film therein to thereby create an electrical discontinuity in a film which may form on the insulative surface during the plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition process;whereby the insulative properties of the insulative cylinder are maintained to maintain the electrical isolation of the electrode.