Patent ID: 7682482
Filing Date: 2010-03-23
Classification: H01J

Abstract:
1. A plasma generation apparatus, comprising: an apparatus main body including: a microwave generation section which generates a microwaves, a first waveguide receiving and directing the microwaves, the first waveguide having an upper plate and a lower plate; a plurality of plasma generation nozzles configured to receive the microwaves and produce a plasma gas using energy of the microwaves; said plasma generation nozzles being attached to the lower plate of the first waveguide, each of said plasma generation nozzles including: a central conductor having an upper end, a lower end, a central axis, and a circumferential surface having a mid-region situated removed from and between the upper end and the power end; a seal member surrounding and engaging the mid-region of the circumferential surface of the central conductor; a seal member surrounding and engaging the mid-region of the circumferential surface of the central conductor; a nozzle body having a longitudinally extending central through hole which houses the central conductor therein, said nozzle body has a hollow cylindrical configuration having an upper trunk part and a lower trunk part, and a flange portion between the upper trunk part and the lower trunk part, and a connection hole defined by the upper trunk part of the nozzle body, and communicating with the through hole and extending through the nozzle body; a nozzle holder attached to the lower plate of the first waveguide and supporting the nozzle body and the seal member such that the central conductor is supported and extends into the central through hole of the nozzle body, and a predetermined length of the central conductor including the upper end protrudes through an aperture in the lower plate of the first wave guide and into the first waveguide, and said nozzle holder defining a gas supply hole and accepting said nozzle body so that said gas supply hole communicates with said connection hole such that a gas supplied to the gas supply hole is introduced into the central through hole of the nozzle body below the waveguide; a microwave detection unit for detecting a microwave microwaves leaking from the main body; and a control section for stopping the microwave generation section from generating if the detection unit detects a microwave.