Patent ID: 9101042
Filing Date: 2015-08-04
Classification: H05H

Abstract:
1. A surface wave plasma source (SWPS), comprising: an electromagnetic (EM) wave launcher configured to couple EM energy in a desired EM wave mode to a plasma by generating a surface wave on a plasma surface located adjacent said plasma, said EM wave launcher comprising a slot antenna having a plurality of slots formed therethrough configured to couple said EM energy from a first region above said slot antenna to a second region below said slot antenna; a dielectric window positioned in said second region and having a lower surface of said dielectric window including said plasma surface; an attenuation assembly disposed between said slot antenna and said plasma surface, wherein said attenuation assembly includes a first fluid channel substantially aligned with a first arrangement of slots in said plurality of slots and configured to receive a first flow of a first fluid at a first fluid temperature; a fluid supply system coupled to said first fluid channel and configured to supply said first flow of said first fluid through said first fluid channel; a fluid temperature control system configured to selectably add or remove heat from said first fluid; and a power coupling system coupled to said EM wave launcher and configured to provide said EM energy to said EM wave launcher for forming said plasma.