Patent ID: 7674394
Filing Date: 2010-03-09
Classification: C23C,H01J

Abstract:
1. A method of processing a workpiece in the chamber of a plasma reactor having a ceiling overlying the workpiece, comprising: introducing a process gas into the chamber through a gas distribution plate in the ceiling, by distributing gas flow from a first gas input to plural gas distribution orifices extending through a manifold of said gas distribution plate, and distributing gas flow from each of said plural gas distribution orifices to plural gas injection orifices in a showerhead of said gas distribution plate; wherein distributing said gas flow from said first gas input to said plural gas distribution orifices comprises distributing said gas flow through a succession of arcuate paths defined by respective axes of arcuate rotation transverse to said ceiling and joined at respective junctions, and dividing gas flow at each one of said junctions from a respective one of said gas flow paths flowing into the one junction into a respective pair of said gas flow paths flowing out of the one junction in opposite rotational directions; restricting gas flow in said arcuate paths to arcuate lengths less than complete circles; and simultaneously (a) capacitively coupling VHF plasma source power from a VHF source into a process region of the chamber that overlies the wafer from an electrode within said gas distribution plate, and (b) inductively coupling RF plasma source power from an RF source independent of said VHF source into said process region from a coil antenna overlying said gas distribution plate.