Patent ID: 6302995
Filing Date: 2001-10-16
Classification: H01J,H01L

Abstract:
A local etching apparatus comprising:a discharge tube with a spray port of a nozzle portion facing an object to be etched in a chamber;a plasma generator for causing plasma discharge of a gas in said discharge tube so as to produce radicals for locally etching a relatively thick portion present on a surface of the object to be etched, wherein said plasma generator comprises a microwave generator for generating a microwave and a waveguide for guiding the microwave generated by said microwave generator and being fit over said discharge tube; anda heater for heating said discharge tube to a predetermined temperature, wherein said heater comprises a heating member capable of raising the temperature in accordance with voltage applied thereto said heating member being provided so as to surround a location below a discharge location where said waveguide and said discharge tube intersect, and a voltage controller for preheating said discharge tube to at least a temperature at which the etching depth of the object to be etched becomes substantially constant by controlling the voltage applied to said heating member.