Patent ID: 6924235
Filing Date: 2005-08-02
Classification: H01J,H01L

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for improved gas switching, said apparatus comprising: a plasma chamber; at least one plasma source for producing a plasma within said plasma chamber; a substrate holder positioned within said plasma chamber; an exhaust in fluid communication with said plasma chamber; an etchant gas supply having an associated gas inlet for providing an etchant gas to said plasma chamber and an associated gas bypass in fluid communication with said etchant gas supply and said exhaust of said plasma chamber for exhausting said etchant gas; a deposition gas supply having an associated gas inlet for providing a deposition gas to said plasma chamber and an associated gas bypass in fluid communication with said deposition gas supply and said exhaust of said plasma chamber for exhausting said deposition gas; and a gas control switch, said gas control switch controlling at least one of said etchant gas supply and said deposition gas supply such that said gas inlet and said gas bypass of said at least one gas supply are configured such that the respective gas flows bypass said plasma chamber directly to said exhaust of said plasma chamber when the respective gas inlet is closed.