Patent ID: 6508199
Filing Date: 2003-01-21
Classification: H01J,H01L

Abstract:
A plasma processing apparatus comprising:a first electrode and a second electrode facing opposite each other inside a processing chamber; a gas supply system through which a processing gas is introduced into said processing chamber; a high-frequency power supply system that generates plasma by applying high-frequency power to at least either said first electrode or said second electrode; a first ring-shaped body that covers the circumferential edge of said first electrode; a cylindrical body that is provided around said first ring-shaped body to surround a workpiece during a plasma process; a second ring-shaped body that is provided around said second electrode and is positioned inside said cylindrical body during said plasma process, a gas discharge path that is formed between said cylindrical body and said second ring-shaped body at least during said plasma process, and wherein: the conductance value in said gas discharge path formed between said cylindrical body and said second ring-shaped body remains constant at least while said plasma processing is in progress, regardless of the distance between said first electrode and said second electrode.