Patent ID: 7435926
Filing Date: 2008-10-14
Classification: H01J,H05H

Abstract:
1. A method for determining a status of a component of a plasma processing system comprising: identifying a set of variables, the set of variables including at least one parameter of the component, the at least one parameter of the component pertaining to the status of the component; formulating an impedance as a function of the set of variables; operating the plasma processing system using a plurality of signals associated with different frequencies, at least two of the plurality of signals being provided to the plasma processing system at different times; measuring a set of voltage values, a set of phase values and a set of current values associated with at least one of an upper electrode and a lower electrode of the plasma processing system for the plurality of signals; calculating a set of values of the impedance using the set of voltage values, the set of phase values, and the set of current values; forming a set of equations using the function and the set of values of the impedance; and solving the set of equations to obtain a value of the at least one parameter of the component, the value of the at least one parameter of the component reflecting the status of the component.