Patent ID: 6790375
Filing Date: 2004-09-14
Classification: H01L,H02N

Abstract:
A method of processing a workpiece in a vacuum plasma processor chamber having an electrostatic chuck with an electrode comprising applying the workpiece to the chuck holding the workpiece on the chuck by applying a DC chucking voltage to the electrode, processing the workpiece with a plasma in the chamber while (a) the chucking voltage is applied to the electrode, (b) the workpiece is on the chuck, and (c) the workpiece is being processed by the plasma, reversing the polarity of the voltage applied to the electrode as workpiece processing is being completed, removing the workpiece from the chuck after the reverse voltage has been applied to the electrode and while the chuck applies no substantial force to the workpiece, monitoring chucking current flowing in the chuck as the workpiece is removed from the chuck, and controlling the reverse voltage applied to the chuck in response to the monitored current for at least one workpiece processed subsequently to the workpiece which resulted in the monitoring step.