Patent ID: 8409459
Filing Date: 2013-04-02
Classification: C23C,H01J,H01L

Abstract:
1. A method of adjusting the spatial distribution of plasma in a process chamber, comprising: forming plasma in a process chamber using a plasma generation system; injecting electrons from one or more hollow cathode plasma sources coupled to said process chamber, wherein at least one of the hollow cathode plasma sources is configured to create a hollow cathode plasma in a hollow cathode region, the hollow cathode region being at least in part enclosed by the hollow cathode plasma source, the hollow cathode plasma source having one or more plasma-facing surfaces in contact with said hollow cathode plasma, wherein at least one of said one or more plasma-facing surfaces is movable in order to vary the size of said hollow cathode region to adjust the properties of said hollow cathode plasma; and adjusting a property of the hollow cathode plasma formed in at least one of said one or more hollow cathode plasma sources.