Patent ID: 8137471
Filing Date: 2012-03-20
Classification: H01J,H01L

Abstract:
1. A plasma processing apparatus comprising: a process container that forms a process space to accommodate a target substrate; an exhaust unit connected to an exhaust port of the process container to vacuum-exhaust gas from inside the process container; an exhaust plate interposed between the process space and the exhaust port to rectify a flow of exhaust gas; a first electrode and a second electrode disposed opposite each other within the process container, the first electrode being an upper electrode and the second electrode being a lower electrode and configured to support the target substrate through a mount face; a conductive focus ring disposed on the second electrode to surround the target substrate; an electrode support made of an insulating material and including a first portion interposed between the second electrode and a bottom of the process container and a second portion surrounding the second electrode; a first RF power application unit configured to apply a first RF power to the first electrode; a second RF power application unit configured to apply a second RF power to the second electrode, the second RF power having a frequency lower than that of the first RF power; a DC power supply configured to apply a DC voltage to the first electrode; a process gas supply unit configured to supply a process gas into the process container; a first shield part covering a side surface of the electrode support and formed of a first conductive internal body and a first insulator covering the first conductive internal body; and a conductive member disposed within the process container and grounded to release through plasma a current caused by the DC voltage applied from the DC power supply to the first electrode, the conductive member being supported by the first shield part and laterally protruding therefrom at a position that is located, in a height-wise direction, between the mount face and the exhaust plate so as for the conductive member to be exposed to the plasma, and the conductive member being grounded through the first conductive internal body of the first shield part.