Patent ID: 7435687
Filing Date: 2008-10-14
Classification: H01J,H01L

Abstract:
1. A plasma processing method for processing a semiconductor wafer disposed in a chamber using plasma, comprising the steps of: eliminating foreign particles which are trapped in a boundary of a sheath layer having a positive ion space charge directly above the semiconductor wafer and a plasma bulk layer in which positive and negative charges are equally distributed by movement of the foreign particles outside of the semiconductor wafer at least by gravity, by generating plasma so that a first plasma density distribution is provided above an outer circumference of the semiconductor wafer and a second plasma density distribution is provided above a center of the semiconductor wafer, the first plasma density distribution being higher than the second plasma density distribution and by forming a shape of the sheath layer having the positive ion space charge directly above the semiconductor wafer so as to be convex; and processing the semiconductor wafer by generating the plasma above the semiconductor wafer so as to be uniform and in which a sheath width above the semiconductor wafer is also uniform.