Patent ID: 7311784
Filing Date: 2007-12-25
Classification: H01J,H01L

Abstract:
1. A plasma processing system comprising: a process chamber; an upper electrode assembly; a plurality of pressure detectors configured to detect pressures in a plurality of locations in the process chamber; a chuck assembly including a support surface configured to support a wafer; and a fluid flow control member including a plurality of recesses, said fluid flow control member located on the chuck assembly and surrounding the support surface of the chuck assembly, the fluid flow control member having an upper surface substantially in a same plane as the support surface of the chuck assembly when the fluid flow control member is in a withdrawn position, wherein the chuck assembly includes a plurality of lift pin assemblies for lifting the fluid flow control member at at least one location, each lift pin assembly including a lift pin configured to engage with a respective recess of the fluid flow control member to directly lift the fluid flow control member to an extended position such that the upper surface of the fluid flow control member extends above the support surface of the chuck assembly, the lift pins configured to be controlled based on the pressures detected by the plurality of pressure detectors.