Patent ID: 6242360
Filing Date: 2001-06-05
Classification: H01J

Abstract:
A plasma processing system for delivering RF power to a plasma processing chamber for processing a wafer, comprising:an RF generator for generating RF power;a plasma chamber arranged to receive the RF power for processing the wafer, the plasma chamber being characterized by an internal impedance during the plasma processing, the plasma chamber having at least one wall for returning RF currents;a match network box for generating an impedance that matches the internal impedance of the plasma chamber to an impedance of the RF generator, the match network box capable of receiving the RF currents;a first cable coupled between the RF generator and the match network box for transmitting RF power between the RF generator and the match network box;a second cable coupled between the match network box and the plasma chamber for transmitting RF power between the match network and the plasma chamber, the second cable providing a return path for an RF return current from the plasma chamber to the match network box; andmeans for electrically isolating the match network box from electrical contacts with the plasma chamber such that only the second cable provides the return path for the RF return current from the plasma chamber to the match network box.