Patent ID: 6306244
Filing Date: 2001-10-23
Classification: C23C,H01J,Y10S

Abstract:
A plasma processing apparatus and a substrate mounted therein comprising:a processing chamber;a power source which energizes process gas in an interior of the processing chamber into a plasma state for processing a substrate;a substrate support which supports a substrate within the interior of the processing chamber, the substrate support having an outer surface;a substrate supported on the substrate support in overhanging relationship therewith;a focus ring surrounding the substrate support, the focus ring having an inner surface forming a gap between the outer surface of the substrate support and the focus ring, the gap being in fluid communication with the interior of the processing chamber, the substrate extending over at least part of the focus ring such that the inner surface of the focus ring is located inwardly of an outer periphery of the substrate; anda clearance gas supply in fluid communication with the gap and which supplies clearance gas to the gap to block migration of process gas and volatile byproducts thereof into the gap during processing of the substrate, the clearance gas supply including a plurality of radially extending gas passages having outlets in the gap.