Patent ID: 6331754
Filing Date: 2001-12-18
Classification: H01J

Abstract:
An inductively-coupled-plasma-processing apparatus for processing a target substrate, comprising:an airtight process chamber;a worktable on which the target substrate is placed in the process chamber;a process gas supply system for supplying a process gas into the process chamber;an exhaust system for exhausting the process chamber and setting the process chamber at a vacuum;a dielectric panel arranged in a ceiling of the process chamber;an RF antenna arranged outside the process chamber to face the dielectric panel, the RF antenna generating an inductive electric field for turning the process gas into plasma in the process chamber;an overhead frame arranged above the dielectric panel;a suspender supported by the overhead frame and arranged to impose a load of the dielectric panel on the overhead frame such that the dielectric panel is prevented from warping downward, the suspender being disposed at a position distant from a peripheral edge of the dielectric panel and within a contour of the target substrate mounted on the worktable; anda showerhead arranged between the worktable and the dielectric panel and including a shower case having a gas flow path connected to the process gas supply system and a plurality of gas supply holes opened to the worktable, the shower case being connected to the suspender and having a portion extending in parallel to the dielectric panel to serve as a supporting bracket for supporting the dielectric panel.