Patent ID: 6407359
Filing Date: 2002-06-18
Classification: H01J,H05H

Abstract:
A method of producing a plasma for a work surface by means of apparatus comprising means for producing energy in the microwave range and means for creating at least one surface having a magnetic field that is constant and of intensity corresponding to electron cyclotron resonance, and that is placed at least in the microwave propagation zone for the purpose of plasma excitation, the method comprising the steps of:in making a series of individual plasma excitation devices each constituted by a microwave energy wire applicator having one end connected to a source for producing microwave energy and having its opposite end fitted with at least one magnetic dipole as means for creating at least one surface having a magnetic field that is constant and of intensity corresponding to electron cyclotron resonance, and wherein the power of the microwave energy of each individual excitation device is adjusted so as to adjust the uniformity of the plasma; in mounting the magnetic dipole at the end of the microwave applicator in such a manner as to cause electrons accelerated to electron cyclotron resonance to oscillate between the poles so as to create a plasma diffusion zone situated at least on the side of the dipole that is remote from the end of the applicator; and in distributing the individual plasma excitation devices relative to one another and in proximity relationship with the work surface in such a manner as to obtain at least juxtaposition between the plasmas produced by each of the individual devices so as to create a plasma that is uniform for the work surface.