Patent ID: 6531069
Filing Date: 2003-03-11
Classification: H01J

Abstract:
A method of performing Reactive Ion Etching (RIE) comprising:providing an RIE chamber, providing a work supporting surface comprising a first electrode, providing a second electrode confronting the first electrode combined therewith to form an ionization space above the work supporting surface in the chamber, providing a plurality of peripheral exhaust openings arranged on the periphery of the ionization space, supplying a reactive species into the ionization space, forming a plasma of the reactive species in the ionization space between the inlet electrode and the first electrode provided by the work supporting surface, and imparting vector forces to the plasma of said reactive species diverting the paths thereof with continuously varying vectors by imparting vector forces directing the reactive species along non-linear paths along continuously changing direction as a function of time by sequentially rotating access to the peripheral exhaust openings about the ionization space mechanically, whereby the reactive species follow non-linear paths continuously changing direction with time thereby counteracting shadow effects of the RIE process relative to tall structures and asperities on workpiece surfaces.