Patent ID: 7699957
Filing Date: 2010-04-20
Classification: C23C,H01J,Y10S

Abstract:
1. A plasma processing apparatus having a load lock chamber, a transfer chamber, a processing chamber, and gate valves respectively installed between the chambers, each of the gate valves comprising: a valve housing provided between the chambers such that external side surfaces of the valve housing contact corresponding external side surfaces of the chambers via sealing members positioned therebetween, wherein the valve housing defines a closed space therein; a valve provided in the valve housing, the valve including a sealing plate that contacts a corresponding inner surface of the valve housing on a side thereof adjacent to the processing chamber, and a back plate that contacts a corresponding inner surface of the valve housing on a side thereof adjacent to the transfer chamber; a valve driver coupled to the valve, wherein the valve driver moves the valve in a vertical direction; and a ground member having a closed curve shape, wherein the ground member is positioned along an edge of the sealing plate opposite the corresponding inner surface of the valve housing, or along an edge of the back plate opposite the corresponding inner surface of the valve housing so as to ground the gate valve, and wherein the ground member comprises an O-ring made of a conductive material, and a spiral ring made of a metal that is wound around an outer surface of the O-ring.