Patent ID: 8431007
Filing Date: 2013-04-30
Classification: C25F

Abstract:
1. An electro-thinning apparatus for removing excess metal from a surface metal layer of a substrate, comprising: an electrolysis bath containing an electrolysis liquid; a transportation system disposed in the electrolysis bath for moving a substrate from an upstream end to a downstream end of the transportation system, wherein the surface metal layer of the substrate is immersed in the electrolysis liquid; an anode roller disposed relative to the electrolysis bath and located at the upstream end of the transportation system, wherein the anode roller is configured to be in contact with the surface metal layer of the substrate during electrolysis; a cathode roller located downstream to the anode roller, wherein the cathode roller is partly immersed in the electrolysis liquid but away from the surface metal layer of the substrate during electrolysis; and at least one shielding plate located downstream to the cathode roller; wherein, when the surface metal layer of the substrate contacts the anode roller and the substrate is moved towards the downstream end of the transportation system, there is an electrical field between the cathode roller and the surface metal layer of the substrate except for the area of the substrate being shielded by the shielding plate.