Patent ID: 8267042
Filing Date: 2012-09-18
Classification: C23C,H01L

Abstract:
1. A plasma processing apparatus comprising: a process container having an upper opening; a top plate which seals the upper opening of the process container, the top plate having an outer circumferential surface and a top surface, wherein the top plate comprises: a dielectric window main body; and a dielectric cover member covering the dielectric window main body; a first gap formed between an inner wall of the process container and the outer circumferential surface, the first gap being closed from inside the process container; a cover member which covers the dielectric cover member while forming a second gap between the cover member and the top surface; an electromagnetic energy supply unit arranged in the second gap, the electromagnetic energy supply unit supplying electromagnetic energy to generate plasma in the process container; a plasma gas distribution unit distributing a plasma gas in the process container through between the dielectric window main body and the dielectric cover member; and a gas flow generation unit which generates a gas flow moving out of the process container from the first and second gaps in such a manner that, when the top plate is failed and the plasma gas leaks, the leaking plasma gas can be trapped in the gas flow.