Patent ID: 6056849
Filing Date: 2000-05-02
Classification: C23C,H01L

Abstract:
Apparatus for surface treating workpieces by a plasma comprising a plasma treatment chamber (10), means for evacuating the treatment chamber (10), means for producing a plasma in the treatment chamber (10), a processing chamber (11) downstream of said treatment chamber (10), an opening between the treatment chamber (10) and the processing chamber (11), door means (12) for reciprocally slidably opening and closing the opening; means for conveying workpieces into, out of and between the treatment chamber (10) and the processing chamber (11) through the opening in an open position of said door means (12); processing means (20) in said processing chamber (11) for machining workpieces in said processing chamber (11) in a closed position of said door means (12), means for creating a seal relative to said door means (12) in the closed position thereof, means for creating other than ambient atmosphere in said processing chamber (11) during the machining of workpieces by said processing means (20) whereby oxidation of machined surfaces is prevented, means for preventing oxidation of the workpieces after the machining thereof upon the movement of said door means (12) to said open position and the return of said machined workpieces to said treatment chamber (10), and means for cleansing said processing chamber (11) of machining chips and impurities.