Patent ID: 6257168
Filing Date: 2001-07-10
Classification: H01J,Y10S

Abstract:
A plasma processing reactor for processing a semiconductor substrate, comprising:a chamber, said chamber including a bottom electrode, said bottom electrode being configured for holding said substrate; anda stationary uniformity ring being configured to surround the periphery of said substrate, said stationary uniformity ring being coupled to a portion of said chamber and disposed above said bottom electrode in a spaced apart relationship to form a vertical space above said bottom electrode, said vertical space being configured to provide room for ingress and egress of said substrate, said stationary uniformity ring having a thickness that substantially reduces diffusion of a first species from outside said stationary uniformity ring toward an edge of said substrate, said stationary uniformity ring having an outer peripheral surface that is spaced apart laterally from a chamber wall thus leaving an open area between said stationary uniformity ring and said chamber wall, said open area permitting gases to pass from above said stationary uniformity ring to an exhaust port.