Patent ID: 6949202
Filing Date: 2005-09-27
Classification: B81C,B82Y,C03C,C23F,H01L

Abstract:
1. Apparatus for etching a simple, said apparatus comprsing: (a) a source of etchant gas selected from a noble gas halide and a halogen halide; (b) an etching chamber in communication with said source of etchant gas; (c) a recirculation loop passing through said etching chamber; (d) a valve connecting the source to the recirculation loop such that the etchant gas can be introduced into the recirculation loop when the valve is turned on, and the source can be disconnected from the recirculation loop when the valve is shut off; and (e) a pump disposed within said recirculation loop for recirculating etchant gas along said recirculation loop so as to recirculate the etchant gas in the recirculation loop while the source is disconnected from the recirculation loops.