PLASMA PROCESSING APPARATUS AND SUBSTRATE PROCESSING APPARATUS PROVIDED WITH SAME

Provided is a plasma processing apparatus including: a rotary mounting table supported by a rotatory shaft arranged rotatably within a processing chamber and including multiple substrate placement units arranged side by side in a circumferential direction; a processing gas supplying section for supplying processing gas into the processing chamber; a plasma generating section wherein multiple microwave introducing mechanisms, each provided on the ceiling of the processing chamber so as to face the rotary mounting table and used for generating a plasma of the processing gas, are arranged in multiple rows spaced apart from each other from the inside of the movement path of the substrates when the rotary mounting table is rotated to the outside, each row of microwave introducing mechanisms being formed by arranging the microwave introducing mechanisms annularly side by side along the circumferential direction; and an exhaust unit that evacuates an inside of the processing chamber.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a plasma processing apparatus that places and processes a plurality of processing target substrates such as, for example, semiconductor wafers or liquid crystal substrates within a processing chamber, and a substrate processing apparatus provided with the plasma processing apparatus.

BACKGROUND

As a plasma processing apparatus of this type, a plasma processing apparatus has been developed in which a rotary mounting table (rotary table) is provided within a processing chamber to mount a plurality of semiconductor wafers (simply referred to as “wafers”) along a circumferential direction of the rotary table, and to perform a processing such as, for example, film formation, on each wafer while rotating the rotary mounting table (e.g., see Patent Document 1). Such a so-called semi-batch type plasma processing apparatus may process a plurality of wafers simultaneously, and thus, improve throughput as compared to a single type plasma processing apparatus that processes wafers one by one.

PRIOR ART DOCUMENT

Patent Document

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Problems to be Solved

However, when the rotary mounting table is rotated in such a semi-batch type plasma processing apparatus, the movement path of wafers draws a smaller circle at the center side of the rotary mounting table and a larger circle at the peripheral edge side of the rotary mounting table. Thus, even if the rotary mounting table is rotated at a constant speed, the circumferential speeds of respective portions on the surfaces of the wafers become equal to each other when the portions are equidistant from the center of the rotary mounting table. However, when the portions are not equidistant from the center of the rotary mounting table, the circumferential speeds of the portions do not become equal to each other. Specifically, on a wafer surface, a portion placed at a longer distance from the rotation center of the rotary mounting table moves more rapidly, and thus, a moving distance per unit time is also increased.

Thus, even if plasma is formed with uniform density on the entire surface of the rotary mounting table when it is desired to simultaneously perform a wafer processing over the rotary mounting table in the circumferential direction of the rotary mounting table, a contact time with the plasma is different between a portion near to the rotation center of the rotary mounting table and a portion far from the center of the rotary mounting table on each wafer surface, and as a result, the plasma processing is not uniformly performed from the inside to the outside of the movement path of the wafer.

Thus, the apparatus of Patent Document 1 adjusts the amount of plasma from the rotation center side to the peripheral edge side by adjusting the length of a plasma generation unit in the radial direction of the rotary mounting table. In the apparatus of Patent Document 1, however, the top side of the rotary mounting table is divided into a plurality of regions in the circumferential direction and different processings are performed on the regions, respectively. Thus, the plasma is only generated in some of the regions in the circumferential direction, and as a result, the plasma processing cannot be performed simultaneously on the respective wafers over the entire rotary mounting table in the circumferential direction of the rotary mounting table.

The present disclosure was made in consideration of the problems described above, and is to provide a plasma processing apparatus in which, when a plurality of substrates arranged on the rotary mounting table along the circumferential direction are simultaneously processed over the entire surface of the rotary mounting table, a plasma processing may be performed uniformly from the inside to the outside of the movement path of the substrates when the rotary mounting table is rotated.

Means to Solve the Problems

In order to solve the problems described above, there is provided a plasma processing apparatus that performs a plasma processing on a plurality of substrates placed in a processing chamber. The plasma processing apparatus includes: a rotary mounting table supported by a rotatory shaft rotatably disposed within the processing chamber, and including a plurality of substrate placement units, which are arranged side by side in a circumferential direction to place the substrates thereon; a processing gas supplying section configured to supply a processing gas into the processing chamber; a plasma generating section provided on a ceiling of the processing chamber to face the rotary mounting table, and including a plurality of microwave introducing mechanisms configured to generate plasma of the processing gas, wherein the plurality of microwave introducing mechanisms are arranged in multiple rows which are spaced apart from each other from an area more inside than a movement path of the substrates when the rotary mounting table is rotated, to an area more outside than the movement path of the substrates, each row of the microwave introducing mechanisms being formed by arranging the microwave introducing mechanisms annularly side by side along the circumferential direction; and an exhaust unit configured evacuate an inside of the processing chamber.

In the present disclosure, since the plurality of microwave introducing mechanisms are arranged annularly side by side along the circumferential direction, the substrates may be processed simultaneously over the entire rotary mounting table in the circumferential direction. Thus, the time required for processing the substrates may be considerably reduced as compared to a case where plasma is generated in some regions. Furthermore, the plurality of microwave introducing mechanisms are disposed in multiple rows which are spaced apart from each other from an area more inside than the movement path of the substrates when the rotary mounting table is rotated to an area more outside than the movement path of the substrates, and thus the plasma processing may be adjusted to be uniform from the inside to the outside of the substrate movement path. As a result, the plasma processing may be performed uniformly from the inside to the outside of the substrate movement path while further enhancing the throughput of substrate processing.

The microwave introducing mechanisms may be arranged at regular intervals in the circumferential direction, and the rows may be arranged such that intervals between the rows are narrowed from the inside toward the outside. According to this, in the portions which are equidistant from the center of the rotary mounting table and thus are the same in a moving distance per unit time, plasma of the same plasma density may be generated, and in the portions which are different from each other in the moving distance per unit time, plasma may be generated such that the plasma density is increased as the distance from the center of the rotary mounting table is increased, i.e. as the moving distance per unit time is increased. As a result, the plasma processing uniformity can be enhanced from the inside to the outside of the substrate movement path.

The plurality of microwave introducing mechanisms may be arranged in three or more rows from the inside to the outside, the innermost row of the microwave introducing mechanisms may be arranged more inside than the movement path of the substrates, and the outermost row of the microwave introducing mechanisms is arranged more outside than the movement path of the substrates. In this case, the outermost row of the microwave introducing mechanisms may be spaced apart from the outermost side of the movement path of the substrates by a distance according to a distance between the microwave introducing mechanisms and the rotary mounting table. According to this, even if the plasma potential is varied in the vicinity of the side wall of the processing chamber, the potential-varied portion may be adjusted to an area more outside than the substrate movement path. Thus, the plasma potential on the substrates may be adjusted to be uniform. Meanwhile, the powers of the microwave introducing mechanisms may be set to be sequentially increased from the inside row to the outside row. According to this, the plasma density may also be adjusted from the inside to the outside of the substrate movement path, thereby improving the processing uniformity.

In addition, the processing gas supplying section may include a plurality of gas holes on the ceiling of the processing chamber to introduce the processing gas, in which the plurality of gas holes may be arranged in multiple rows spaced apart from each other from the inside of the movement path of the substrates to the outside of the movement path of the substrates, in which each row of the gas holes is formed by arranging the gas holes annularly side by side along the circumferential direction. In addition, a flow rate of the gas supplied from the gas holes may be adapted to be adjusted for each row. Further, the rotary mounting table may be formed with through holes along the circumferential direction more inside than the movement path of the substrates, the processing gas passing through the through holes. According to this, by adjusting a distance the gas holes in each row, the plasma processing uniformity may be enhanced from the inside to the outside of the substrate movement path.

In addition, each of the substrate placement units may include an electrostatic chuck configured to electrostatically attract a substrate, and the electrostatic chuck may include an electrode plate within an insulator. The electrostatic chuck may be configured such that both of a DC voltage for electrostatically attracting the substrate and a high frequency power for bias for applying a high frequency bias to the substrate are applicable to the electrode plate. In this case, for example, a terminal may be provided on the rotary shaft of the rotary mounting table to be electrically connected to an electrode of each of the substrate placement units so that the DC voltage and the high frequency power for bias may be fed to the terminal of the rotary shaft side while the rotary mounting table is rotated. According to this, the DC voltage or the high frequency power for bias may be always applied even if the rotary mounting table is being rotated.

In addition, a heat transfer gas may be supplied to a gap between each of the substrate placement units and the substrate placed on each of the substrate placement units. In this case, for example, a heat transfer gas inlet recess may be provided around the rotary shaft of the rotary mounting table so that the heat transfer gas may be supplied to the heat transfer gas inlet recess while the rotary mounting table is being rotated. According to this, the heat transfer gas may be always supplied while rotating the rotary mounting table.

In addition, a cooling mechanism configured to cool the substrate may be provided below the electrostatic chuck of each of the substrate placement units, and the cooling mechanism may be configured to circulate a coolant in a coolant flow path provided in a conductive member. In this case, for example, a coolant inlet recess and a coolant outlet recess may be provided around the rotary shaft of the rotary mounting table to communicate with the coolant flow path, in which the coolant inlet recess and the coolant outlet recess may be configured such that the coolant is introduced from the coolant inlet recess and led out from the coolant outlet recess while the rotary mounting table is rotated. According to this, the coolant may always be flowed through the coolant flow path so as to cool the substrates even if the rotary mounting table is being rotated.

In addition, each substrate placement unit of the rotary mounting table may be provided with a through hole through the substrate placement unit and the rotary mounting table to insert a lifter pin configured to raise the substrate from a lower side of the substrate, through the through hole so as to raise or lower the substrate with respect to the substrate placement unit. The lifter pin may be put into/out from the through hole from/to a lower side of the through hole by a lifter mechanism provided on a bottom portion of the processing chamber to be spaced apart from the rotary mounting table. In this case, the lifter mechanism may be configured to lift the lifter pin by a magnetic fluid actuator, and the lifter pin may be sealed by a magnetic fluid seal. According to this, the substrate may be raised or lowered by the lifter pin without interfering with the rotating movement of the rotary mounting table.

In addition, when the rotary mounting table is made of an insulating material, a heater configured to heat the substrate may be disposed within the rotary mounting table below the electrostatic chuck of each of the substrate placement units, and when the rotary mounting table is made of a conductive material, a heater configured to heat the substrate may be disposed below the electrostatic chuck of each of the substrate placement units through a ground member having a ground potential. In this case, a plurality of heaters may be arranged along the circumferential direction of each of the substrate placement units from the inside to the outside. In addition, a heater may be disposed to be spaced downwardly apart from the rotary mounting table and provided to heat the rotary mounting table from a lower side. According to this, even if a high frequency power for bias is applied while heating the substrates by the heaters, leakage of the high frequency power for bias to the heaters may be prevented.

In order to solve the problems described above, there is provided a substrate processing apparatus provided with a vacuum conveyance chamber which is connected with a plasma processing apparatus that performs a plasma processing on a plurality of substrates disposed within a processing chamber. The plasma processing apparatus includes: a rotary mounting table supported by a rotatory shaft rotatably disposed within the processing chamber, and including a plurality of substrate placement units, which are arranged side by side in a circumferential direction to place the substrates thereon; a processing gas supplying section configured to supply a processing gas into the processing chamber; a plasma generating section provided on a ceiling of the processing chamber to face the rotary mounting table, and including a plurality of microwave introducing mechanisms configured to generate plasma of the processing gas, wherein the plurality of microwave introducing mechanisms are arranged in multiple rows which are spaced apart from each other from an area more inside than a movement path of the substrates when the rotary mounting table is rotated to an area more outside than the movement path of the substrates, each row of the microwave introducing mechanisms being formed by arranging the microwave introducing mechanisms annularly side by side along the circumferential direction; and an exhaust unit configured evacuate an inside of the processing chamber. The vacuum conveyance chamber is connected with the plasma processing apparatus via a buffer chamber, and the buffer chamber is configured to temporarily accommodate the substrates which are equal to or more than a number to be capable of being placed on the rotary mounting table of the plasma processing apparatus.

According to the present disclosure described above, when a plurality of substrates to be processed subsequently are carried into and placed in the buffer chamber while the plasma processing is being performed in the plasma processing apparatus, only the delivery of the next substrates between the rotary mounting table and the buffer chamber is required when the next substrates are set on the rotary mounting table. Thus, the carry-in/out time of substrates may be considerably reduced.

In addition, the substrates accommodated in the buffer chamber may be carried out/in with respect to the vacuum conveyance chamber by a first conveyance arm apparatus provided in the vacuum conveyance chamber, and carried out/in with respect to the plasma processing apparatus by a second conveyance arm apparatus which is provided separately from the first conveyance arm apparatus. In addition, the second conveyance arm apparatus may be provided in a hermetically sealed chamber connected between the buffer chamber and the plasma processing apparatus. According to this, the delivery of the substrates between the plasma processing apparatus and the buffer chamber may be wholly performed by the second conveyance arm apparatus. Thus, the whole substrate conveyance throughput may be enhanced.

Effect of the Invention

According to the present disclosure, when a plurality of substrates arranged on the rotary mounting table along the circumferential direction are simultaneously processed over the entire surface of the rotary mounting table, a plasma processing may be performed uniformly from the inside to the outside of the movement path of the substrates as the rotary mounting table is being rotated.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION TO EXECUTE THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the specification and drawings, components having substantially the same configuration and function will be given the same symbols, and redundant descriptions will be omitted.

First, an exemplary configuration of a plasma processing apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Here, descriptions will be made on a semi-batch type plasma processing apparatus in which surface wave plasma is generated within a processing chamber by a plurality of microwave introducing mechanisms so as to perform a plasma processing such as, for example, etching or film formation, on a plurality of wafers W on a rotary mounting table, as an example.

FIG. 1is a cross-sectional view illustrating a schematic configuration of a semi-batch type plasma processing apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure.FIG. 2is a plan view of a plasma generating section illustrated inFIG. 1.FIG. 3is a plan view of a rotary mounting table illustrated inFIG. 1. Meanwhile, inFIG. 2, the positions of gas holes172are indicated by dotted lines, and inFIG. 3, the positions of the gas holes172and microwave introducing mechanisms224arranged on the rotary mounting table110are indicated by one-dot chain lines, and the movement path of the wafers W (inside and outside of the movement path) when the rotary mounting table110is rotated are indicated by dotted lines.

As illustrated inFIG. 1, the plasma processing apparatus100is provided with a processing chamber102which is made of a conductive material such as, for example, aluminum. The processing chamber102is configured as an airtight processing container which includes a cylindrical side wall104having an opening in the top portion thereof, a disc-shaped ceiling106, and a disc-shaped bottom portion108. The ceiling106may be removably attached by fastening members such as, for example, bolts. The processing chamber102is earthed to a ground. Meanwhile, the shape of the processing chamber102is not limited to the cylindrical shape. For example, the shape of the processing chamber102may be an angular cylinder shape (e.g., a box shape).

A rotary mounting table110is rotatably installed within the processing chamber102. Here, descriptions will be made on a case where the entire rotary mounting table110is made of an insulation member such as, for example, ceramic, as an example. The rotary mounting table110is provided with a disc-shaped rotary table112, on which a plurality of (here, five) wafers W are mounted in the circumferential direction, and a rotary shaft114configured to support the rotary table112at the center of the rotary table112.

The rotary shaft114rotatably penetrates a through hole116formed substantially at the center of the bottom portion108of the processing chamber102. In the through hole116, a seal member118such as, for example, an O-ring is provided between the bottom portion108and the rotary shaft114so as to maintain the airtightness of the inside of the processing chamber102. Meanwhile, the seal member118is not limited to the O-ring. The seal member118may be configured by a magnetic fluid seal so as to reduce, for example, occurrence of particles.

The lower end portion120of the rotary shaft114is inserted into a mounting table driving unit130. The mounting table driving unit130includes, for example, a motor, and is configured to rotate the rotary shaft114in a predetermined direction, for example, clockwise. The lower end of the mounting table driving unit130is opened so that a power feeding terminal122provided on the bottom surface of the lower end portion120of the rotary shaft114is exposed downwardly. Thus, when a power required for the rotary mounting table110, for example, a direct current (DC) voltage for electrostatic attraction of a wafer W (described below) is supplied, a power feeding brush150connected to the power supply is always in contact with the power feeding terminal122so that the required power may be fed to the power feeding terminal even during the rotation of the rotary mounting table110.

On the rotary table112, wafer placement units113are arranged in the circumferential direction in which wafers W are placed on the wafer placement units113, respectively. The number of wafer placement units113to be provided may correspond to the number of wafers which may be processed at once. When five wafers W are processed at once as in the present exemplary embodiment, five wafer placement units113are arranged at regular intervals along the circumferential direction, as illustrated inFIG. 3. Meanwhile, the number of the wafer placement units113is not limited to that illustrated in the drawing.

An electrostatic chuck140is provided on each of the wafer placement units of the rotary table112to hold a wafer W through electrostatic attraction. Each of the electrostatic chucks140illustrated inFIG. 1is attached to the top surface of the rotary table112, and may be configured, for example, by interposing an electrode142made of a conductive film such as, for example, a copper foil, between, for example, two high-molecular polyimide films or ceramics in an insulation state. The wafer W may be attracted and held on the electrostatic chuck140by a Coulomb force generated when the DC voltage is applied to the electrode142.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the electrode142of each electrostatic chuck140is configured such that a high frequency power for bias may be applied thereto when a plasma processing is performed, besides the DC voltage for electrostatic attraction. Specifically, the electrode142of each electrostatic chuck140is connected to the power feeding terminal122via a wiring within the rotary mounting table110. In addition, the power feeding brush150which is in contact with the power feeding terminal122is connected with both of a DC voltage power supply152configured to supply the DC voltage for electrostatic attraction and a high frequency power supply154configured to supply the high frequency power for bias. Thus, since the wafer W may be electrostatically attracted and the high frequency bias may be applied to the wafer W, a processing rate of the plasma processing can be enhanced and in-plane uniformity can also be improved.

Meanwhile, the DC voltage power supply152may be provided with a filter (not illustrated) in order to prevent the leakage of the high frequency power for bias. In addition, in a case where the entire rotary table112is made of an insulation material, a heater made of a resistance heating element may be installed to heat the wafer W as described below. In such a case, when the heater is installed on the rotary table112below the electrostatic chuck140, the leakage of the high frequency power for bias to the heater may be prevented.

A gate valve G is provided on the side wall104of the processing chamber102to open/close a wafer carry-in/out port. In addition, a plurality of exhaust ports160are provided on the bottom portion108of the processing chamber102along the circumferential direction of the rotary mounting table110. Each of the exhaust ports160is connected with an exhaust unit164including a vacuum pump (not illustrated) through an exhaust pipe162. When the inside of the processing chamber102is evacuated by the exhaust unit164, the inside of the processing chamber102may be maintained at a predetermined vacuum atmosphere during the plasma processing.

A processing gas supplying section170configured to supply a predetermined processing gas into the processing chamber102, and a plasma generating section200configured to form plasma of the processing gas within the processing chamber102are disposed on the ceiling106of the processing chamber102. Here, the plasma generating section200functions as a microwave plasma source since it generates microwave plasma.

The processing gas supplying section170herein includes a plurality of gas holes172formed in the ceiling106and thus, is configured to supply the processing gas in a shower state. The gas holes172communicate with a gas flow path174formed in the inside of the ceiling106. The gas flow path174is connected with a processing gas supply source178through a pipe176. The flow rate of the processing gas from the processing gas supply source178is controlled to a predetermined flow rate by a flow control unit such as, for example, a mass flow controller (MFC) (not illustrated) when the processing gas is supplied to the gas flow path174.

Thus, since the processing gas such as, for example, Ar gas may be ejected uniformly from the gas holes172, the processing gas may be rapidly turned into plasma so that uniform plasma can be generated. For example, as illustrated inFIG. 2, the gas holes172are arranged in multiple rows from the center side to the peripheral edge side of the ceiling106, in which each row of the gas holes172is formed by arranging side by side the gas holes172annularly along the circumferential direction of the ceiling106.FIG. 2illustrates an example in which the gas holes172are arranged annularly in four rows. Meanwhile, the number of the gas holes172and the number of rows are not limited to those illustrated in the drawing.

(Exemplary Configuration of Plasma Generating Section)

Now, an exemplary configuration of the plasma generating section200illustrated inFIG. 1will be described with reference to drawings. Here, descriptions will be made on the plasma generating section200which includes a plurality of microwave introducing mechanisms provided on the ceiling106of the processing chamber102to generate microwave plasma within the processing chamber102, as an example.FIG. 4is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a plasma generating section illustrated inFIG. 1.FIG. 5is a block diagram illustrating an exemplary configuration of a main amplifier illustrated inFIG. 4.FIG. 6is a cross-sectional view illustrating an exemplary configuration of a microwave introducing mechanism illustrated inFIG. 1.

As illustrated inFIG. 1, the plasma generating section200in the present exemplary embodiment is provided to face the inside of the processing chamber102at the top opening of the processing chamber102. Here, the plasma generating section200includes a microwave output unit210configured to output microwaves to be distributed to a plurality of paths, and a microwave supply unit220configured to guide the microwaves output from the microwave output unit210into the processing chamber102and to radiate the microwaves into the processing chamber102.

As illustrated inFIG. 4, the microwave output unit210includes a microwave power supply212, a microwave oscillator214, an amplifier216configured to amplify oscillated microwaves, and a distributor218configured to distribute amplified microwaves to the plurality of paths.

The microwave oscillator214oscillates microwaves having a predetermined frequency (e.g., 2.45 GHz), for example, in a PLL oscillation mode. The distributor218distributes the microwaves amplified by the amplifier216while matching the impedances of the input and output sides so that loss of microwaves is not caused if possible. As the frequencies of microwaves, for example, 8.35 GHz, 5.8 GHz, 1.98 GHz, and 915 MHz may be used, besides 2.45 GHz.

The microwave supply unit220includes a plurality of antenna modules221so as to guide the microwaves distributed by the distributer218into the processing chamber102. Each antenna module221is provided with an amplifier unit222configured to mainly amplify the distributed microwaves, and a microwave introducing mechanism224.

As illustrated inFIG. 1, each microwave introducing mechanism224is generally divided into a waveguide230having a coaxial structure and configured to transmit microwaves, and an antenna unit240configured to radiate the microwaves transmitted from the waveguide230into the processing chamber102. A tuner250configured to match load (plasma) impedances within the processing chamber102is provided within the waveguide230.

Each microwave introducing mechanism224is disposed on the ceiling106. The ceiling106is provided with a dielectric member107at a position where each microwave introducing mechanism224is disposed, in which the dielectric member107is made of a dielectric material such as, for example, quartz. Thus, the ceiling106may serve as a microwave transmission plate. A specific exemplary configuration of each microwave introducing mechanism224will be described below.

In consideration of efficiency or in-plane uniformity when each wafer W is subjected to a plasma processing while the rotary mounting table110is rotated, the microwave introducing mechanisms224are arranged in multiple rows spaced apart from each other from an area more inside than the movement path of the wafers W to an area more outside than the movement path of the wafers W, in which each row of the microwave introducing mechanisms224is formed by arranging side by side the microwave introducing mechanisms224annularly along the circumferential direction of the rotary mounting table110, for example, as illustrated inFIG. 3.

Since the plurality of microwave introducing mechanisms224are arranged side by side annularly along the circumferential direction, the wafers W may be simultaneously processed over the entire rotary mounting table110along the circumferential direction of the rotary mounting table110so that the time required for processing the wafers W may be greatly reduced as compared to a case where plasma is formed in some regions.

In addition, since the plurality of microwave introducing mechanisms224are arranged in multiple rows to be spaced apart from each other from an area more inside than the movement path of the wafers W to an area more outside than the movement path of the wafers W when the rotary mounting table110is rotated, the plasma processing may be adjusted to be uniformly performed from the inside to the outside of the movement path of the wafers W. As a result, the plasma processing may be uniformly performed from the inside to the outside of the movement path of the wafers W while improving the wafer processing throughput. Meanwhile, the number of the microwave introducing mechanisms224and the number of rows of the microwave introducing mechanisms224are not limited to those illustrated in the drawing. Details for an arrangement of respective microwave introducing mechanisms224will be described in detail below.

When microwaves are radiated to the inside of the processing chamber102from the antenna unit240of each of the microwave introducing mechanisms224, the microwaves are combined in the space within the processing chamber102so that surface wave plasma is formed within the processing chamber102.

For example, as illustrated inFIG. 4, the amplifier unit222of each antenna module221includes a phase shifter226, a variable gain amplifier227, a main amplifier228that constitutes a solid state amplifier, and an isolator229. The phase shifter226herein is configured to be capable of changing the phase of microwaves, and a radiation characteristic may be modulated by adjusting the phase shifter226. For example, directivity may be controlled to vary a plasma distribution by adjusting a phase for each antenna module.

The variable gain amplifier227is an amplifier that adjusts a power level of microwaves input to the main amplifier228, and adjusts variation of each antenna module or adjusts plasma intensity. When the variable gain amplifier227is varied for each antenna module, a distribution may occur in the generated plasma.

For example, as illustrated inFIG. 5, the main amplifier228herein may be configured as a solid state amplifier including an input matching circuit228a, a semiconductor amplification element228b, an output matching circuit228c, and a high-Q resonance circuit228d.

The isolator229is configured to separate reflected microwaves which are reflected from the antenna unit240and directed toward the main amplifier228, and includes a circulator and a dummy load (coaxial terminator). The circulator guides the microwaves reflected from the antenna unit240to a dummy load which in turn coverts the reflected microwaves guided by the circulator into heat.

(Exemplary Configuration of Microwave Introducing Mechanism)

Next, a specific exemplary configuration of a microwave introducing mechanism224will be described with reference to the drawing. Here, descriptions will be made on a case where the microwave introducing mechanism224is configured to be fed with power from a side portion of a waveguide that transmits microwaves, as an example.FIG. 6is a cross-sectional view illustrating a specific exemplary configuration of a microwave introducing mechanism in the present exemplary embodiment. Since all the microwave introducing mechanisms224are configured to be similar to each other, one microwave introducing mechanism224will be described representatively.

As illustrated inFIG. 6, the microwave introducing mechanism224includes a waveguide230having a coaxial structure and configured to transmit microwaves, and an antenna unit240configured to radiate microwaves transmitted through the waveguide230to the inside of the processing chamber102. In addition, the microwaves radiated to the inside of the processing chamber102from the microwave introducing mechanism224are combined in the space within the processing chamber102so that surface wave plasma is formed within the processing chamber102.

The waveguide230includes a cylindrical outer conductor232and a rod-shaped inner conductor234coaxially disposed at the center of the outer conductor232, in which the antenna unit240is installed at the lower end (front end) of the waveguide230. In the waveguide230, the inner conductor234is the power feeding side, and the outer conductor232is the ground side. A reflector236is provided on the top ends (base ends) of the outer conductor232and the inner conductor234.

A tuner250is provided within the waveguide230to match the impedance of the load (plasma) within the processing chamber102with a characteristic impedance of a microwave power supply in the microwave output unit210. The tuner250includes two slugs252a,252bvertically arranged within the waveguide230, and a slug driving unit260configured to slidably drive the slugs. Meanwhile, since the microwave introducing mechanism224in the present exemplary embodiment is configured to be fed with power from a side portion rather than from the top portion, the slug driving unit260may be provided outside (above) the reflector236.

Each of the slugs252a,252bis made of an annular dielectric material installed between the outer conductor232and the inner conductor234, and provided to be vertically slidable between the outer conductor232and the inner conductor234. Specifically, the annular slugs252a,252bare respectively provided with slide members254a,254bat the central holes thereof in which the slide members254a,254bare made of a resin having a sliding property. The slide members254a,254bare placed inside the inner conductor234and include protrusions formed on the outer peripheries thereof to be inserted into a slit (not illustrated) formed in the longitudinal direction of the inner conductor234and to be supported on the inner peripheries of the annular slugs252a,252b. As a result, the slugs252a,252bare vertically slidable along the inner conductor234.

In addition, the slide members254a,254bare respectively screw-coupled with slug moving shafts262a,262bwhich are installed within the inner space of the inner conductor234along the longitudinal direction thereof and include threads formed on the outer peripheries thereof. Specifically, a screw hole and a through hole are formed in each of the slide members254a,254b, in which the slug moving shaft262ais screw-coupled to the screw hole of the slide member254aand the slug moving shaft262bis inserted through the through hole of the slide member254a. The slug moving shaft262bis screw-coupled to the screw hole of the other slide member254b, and the slug moving shaft262ais inserted through the through hole of the slide member254b.

The slug moving shafts262a,262bare configured to be rotatably driven by the slug driving unit260. Specifically, the slug moving shafts262a,262bextend to the slug driving unit260through the reflector236. A bearing (not illustrated) is provided between the slug moving shafts262a,262band the reflector236. In addition, a bearing unit264made of a conductor is provided at the lower end of the inner conductor234, and the lower ends of the slug moving shafts262a,262bare pivotally supported by the bearing unit264. The slug driving unit260is provided with rotary driving units268a,268bwithin a housing266to rotate the slug moving shafts262a,262b, respectively, in which each of the rotary driving units268a,268bincludes, for example, a motor or a gear. Meanwhile, encoders may be provided on the motors of the rotary driving units268a,268b, respectively, so that the positions of the slugs252a,252bmay be detected by the encoders.

As a result, when the slug moving shaft262ais rotated by the rotary driving unit268ato slide the slide member254a, only the slug252amay be moved up and down, and when the slug moving shaft262bis rotated by the rotary driving unit268bto slide the slide member254b, only the slug252bmay be moved up and down.

The positions of the slugs252a,252bare controlled by a slug controller269. Specifically, based on an impedance value of an input end detected by an impedance detector (not illustrated) and position information of the slugs252a,252bdetected by the encoders of the rotary driving units268a,268b, the slug controller269sends a control signal to the motors of the rotary driving units268a,268bto control the positions of the slugs252a,252b, thereby adjusting the impedance. The slug controller269executes impedance matching such that a termination becomes, for example, 50Ω. When only one of the two slugs252a,252bis moved, a trace passing through an origin of a Smith chart is drawn and when both slugs252a,252bare simultaneously moved, only the phase is rotated.

A power feeding mechanism270configured to feed microwaves (electromagnetic waves) is provided on a side surface of the waveguide230(outer conductor232) at the base end side of the waveguide230. The power feeding mechanism270includes a coaxial line272formed by an inner conductor272aand an outer conductor272bas a power feeding line for supplying microwaves amplified by the amplifier unit222. The coaxial line272is connected to a microwave power inlet port274provided on the side surface of the outer conductor232of the waveguide230, and the front end of the inner conductor272aof the coaxial line272is connected with a power feeding antenna276extending horizontally toward the inside of the outer conductor232of the waveguide230.

The power feeding antenna276is formed, for example, as a microstrip line on a printed circuit board (PCB). A slow wave material277is provided between the reflector236and the power feeding antenna276, in which the slow wave material277is made of a dielectric material such as, for example, Teflon (registered mark) to shorten an effective wavelength of reflected waves. Meanwhile, when microwaves having a high frequency such as, for example, 2.45 G, are used, the slow wave material277may not be provided. At this time, when the electromagnetic waves radiated from the power feeding antenna276are reflected by the reflector236, maximum electromagnetic waves are transmitted to the inside of the waveguide230of the coaxial structure. In such a case, the distance from the power feeding antenna276to the reflector236is set to be about λg/4 multiplied by one half-wavelength.

The power feeding antenna276includes, for example, an antenna body, which is provided with a first pole276awhich is connected with the inner conductor272aof the coaxial line272in the microwave power inlet port274to be supplied with electromagnetic waves and a second pole276bwhich is in contact with the inner conductor234of the waveguide230to radiate electromagnetic waves supplied from the first electrode276a, and a ring-shaped reflection unit276cextending along the outside of the inner conductor234of the waveguide230from the opposite sides of the antenna body. The power feeding antenna276is configured to form standing waves with the electromagnetic waves incident on the antenna body and the electromagnetic waves reflected from the reflection unit276c.

When the power feeding antenna276radiates the microwaves (electromagnetic waves), a microwave power is fed to the space between the outer conductor232and the inner conductor234of the waveguide230. In addition, the microwave power fed to the power feeding mechanism270is propagated toward the antenna unit240.

The antenna unit240is configured to function as a microwave radiation antenna. Specifically, the antenna unit240is provided with a planar slot antenna242having slots242aand a slow wave material244provided on the top of the planar slot antenna242. A columnar member244aformed of a conductor penetrates the center of the slow wave material244so as to connect the bearing unit264and the planar slot antenna242with each other. Thus, the inner conductor234is connected to the planar slot antenna242through the bearing unit264and the columnar member244a.

A slow wave material246is disposed at the front end side (lower end side) of the planar slot antenna242. Meanwhile, the lower end of the outer conductor232extends to the planar slot antenna242to cover the periphery of the slow wave material244. In addition, the peripheries of the planar slot antenna242and the slow wave material246are covered with a coated conductor248.

The slow wave materials244,246have a dielectric constant larger than that of vacuum, and are made of, for example, quartz, ceramic, a fluorine-based resin such as, for example, polytetrafluoroethylene, or a polyimide-based resin. The wavelength of microwaves is lengthened within vacuum. Thus, when the slow wave materials244,246are configured to have a dielectric coefficient larger than that of vacuum, the wavelength of microwaves may be shortened and the size of the antenna may be reduced.

In addition, the slow wave materials244,246may adjust the phase of microwaves according to the thicknesses thereof which are adjusted so that the planar slot antenna242becomes an “antinode” of standing waves. In this way, the reflection may be minimized and the radiation energy of the planar slot antenna242may be maximized.

The slow wave material246of each microwave introducing mechanism224is provided to be in contact with the top surface of one of the dielectric members107formed in the ceiling106. In addition, the microwaves amplified by the main amplifier228pass through the space between the peripheral walls of the inner conductor234and the outer conductor232and penetrate the slow wave material246and the dielectric member107of the ceiling106from the slots242aof the planar slot antenna242, thereby being radiated in the space within the processing chamber102.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the main amplifier228, the tuner250, and the planar slot antenna242are arranged adjacent to each other. In addition, the tuner250and the planar slot antenna242constitute a lumped constant circuit existing within a ½ wavelength, and the planar slot antenna242and the slow wave materials244,246have a combined resistance set to 50Ω. Thus, the tuner250may directly perform tuning on the plasma load, thereby efficiently transferring energy to the plasma.

Each component in the plasma processing apparatus100is adapted to be controlled by a control unit179provided with a microprocessor. The control unit179includes, for example, a storage unit in which a process sequence of the plasma processing apparatus100and process recipes as control parameters are stored, an input unit, and a display unit. The control unit179is configured to control the plasma processing apparatus according to a selected process recipe.

When a plasma processing is performed on wafers W in the plasma processing apparatus100configured as described above, five wafers W are carried into the processing chamber102one by one, and the wafers W are respectively placed on the electrostatic chucks140while rotating the rotary mounting table110. A DC voltage is supplied to the electrostatic chucks140to electrostatically attract the wafers W.

When all the five wafers W are placed on the rotary mounting table110, the plasma processing is initiated while rotating the rotary mounting table110. That is, microwaves are introduced into the processing chamber102from the plasma generating section200while injecting, for example, an etching gas or a film forming gas from the processing gas supplying section170into the processing chamber102, thereby generating surface wave plasma. As a result, the plasma processing is performed on all the wafers W.

When the surface wave plasma is generated, in the plasma generating section200, the microwave power oscillated by the microwave oscillator214of the microwave output unit210is amplified by the amplifier216and then distributed into multiple microwave powers by the distributer218, and the distributed microwave powers are guided to the microwave supply unit220.

In the microwave supply unit220, the multiple distributed microwave powers are respectively amplified by the main amplifiers228, each constituting a solid state amplifier, and the distributed microwave powers are fed to the waveguides230of the microwave introducing mechanisms224, respectively, and subjected to automatic impedance matching in the tuners250. Then, substantially without power reflection, the distributed microwave powers are radiated into the processing chamber102through the slow wave materials244, the planar slot antennas242, the slow wave materials246of the antenna units240, and the dielectric members107of the ceiling106, and spatially combined in the processing chamber102, thereby generating surface wave plasma.

In the present exemplary embodiment, since a plurality of wafers W are arranged along the circumferential direction of the rotary mounting table110, the movement path of the wafers W when the rotary mounting table110is rotated becomes, for example, as illustrated inFIG. 3, an annular region between a circular trace drawn in the vicinity of a central portion, to which the distance from the center of the rotary mounting table110is shortest (an inner circle indicated by a one-dot chain line), and a circular trace drawn in the vicinity of the peripheral edge, to which the distance from the center of the rotary mounting table110is longest (an outer circle indicated by a one-dot chain line).

Thus, in the exemplary embodiment, for example, as illustrated inFIGS. 2 and 3, the microwave introducing mechanisms224are arranged in multiple rows which are spaced apart from each other from an area more inside than the movement path of the wafers W and to an area more outside than the movement path of the wafers W, in which each row is formed by arranging the microwave introducing mechanisms224side by side annularly along the circumferential direction of the rotary mounting table110.FIGS. 2 and 3illustrate an example in which the microwave introducing mechanisms224are arranged annularly in three rows.

When the microwave introducing mechanisms224are arranged annularly in multiple rows from the inside of the movement path of the wafers W to the outside of the movement path of the wafers W, plasma may be generated in the annular region where the wafers W pass when the rotary mounting table110is rotated. As a result, the plasma processing may be efficiently performed on each of the wafers W.

Further, when the microwave introducing mechanisms224are arranged in multiple rows from an area more inside than the movement path of the wafers W to an area more outside than the movement path of the wafers W, the in-plane uniformity of the plasma processing between radial portions from the center of the rotary mounting table110may be improved in each rotating wafer W. That is, since the plasma generated within the processing chamber102is warped in the vicinity of the side wall of the processing chamber102, the microwave introducing mechanisms224may be arranged more outside than the movement path of the wafers W so that the plasma of each wafer W may be adjusted to become uniform.

Here, the arrangement of the microwave introducing mechanisms224will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Each ofFIGS. 7 and 8is a view for describing the arrangement of the microwave introducing mechanisms224. Referring toFIG. 7, the rotary mounting table110and wafers W are depicted by dotted lines, and the movement path (inside and outside) of the wafers W when the rotary mounting table110is rotated is depicted by one-dot chain lines.

As illustrated inFIG. 7, the movement path of the wafers W when the rotary mounting table110is rotated draws a smaller circle at the center side of the rotary mounting table110and a larger circle at the peripheral edge side of the rotary mounting table110. Thus, even if the rotary mounting table110is rotated at a constant speed, a plasma contact time of each point on the surface of each wafer W is varied depending on the distance from the center of the rotary mounting table110. Specifically, on each wafer surface, the plasma contact time becomes longer as the distance from the center of the rotary mounting table110is shorter, and the plasma contact time becomes shorter as the distance from the center of the rotary mounting table110is longer.

For this reason, even if plasma having uniform density is formed on the movement path of the wafers W, the plasma contact time is varied between portions on each wafer surface, to which the distances from the center of the rotary mounting table110are different from each other, for example, between the center side (the inside of the movement path) and the peripheral edge side (the outside of the movement path) of the rotary mounting table110. Thus, the plasma processing cannot be uniformly performed.

Thus, it is preferable that the microwave introducing mechanisms224are arranged at regular intervals Y in the circumferential direction and the intervals between the rows are reduced towards the outside from the inside of the movement path of the wafers W. For example, as illustrated inFIGS. 7 and 8, when the microwave introducing mechanisms224are arranged in three rows, the intervals L of the microwave introducing mechanisms224in each row in the circumferential direction are set to be equal to each other, and the distance R′ between the second row and the third row is set to be narrower than the distance R between the first row which is closest to the center of the rotary mounting table110and the second row.

Then, plasma may be generated in such a manner that the plasma density is equal in the circumferential direction at the portions to which the distances from the center of the rotary mounting table110are the same, and the plasma density is increased as the distance from the center of the rotary mounting table110is increased. As a result, in the wafers W, the processing uniformity may be enhanced not only in the circumferential direction of the rotary mounting table110, but also in the radial direction.

When adjusting the power of each microwave introducing mechanism224, it is preferable that the adjustment is performed such that the processing on the surfaces of the wafers W is uniformly performed in the radial direction of the rotary mounting table110. Specifically, it is preferable that the adjustment is performed such that the plasma potential becomes substantially equal on the wafers W. Even with such adjustment, however, since the plasma potential becomes zero on the side wall104of the processing chamber102(ground potential), the variation of the plasma potential is increased in the vicinity of the side wall104, as illustrated inFIG. 8(the line indicated by a one-dot chain line). The magnitude of variation of the plasma potential in the vicinity of the side wall104is varied depending on the distance D between the plasma generating section200and the rotary mounting table110. Specifically, the variation of the plasma potential in the vicinity of the side wall104increases as the distance D between the plasma generating section200and the rotary mounting table110increases.

Thus, the outside row closest to the side wall104among the rows of the microwave introducing mechanisms224is spaced apart from the outermost side in the movement path of the wafers W by a distance X according to the distance D between the plasma generating section200and the rotary mounting table110. In such a case, the distance X between the outermost row of the microwave introducing mechanisms224and the outermost side of the movement path of the wafers W may be adjusted in a range of ¼ to ½ of the distance D between the plasma generating section200and the rotary mounting table110. As a result, the portions close to the side wall104on the surfaces of the wafers W may also be set to have the same plasma potential as the central portions of the wafers W. The processing uniformity may be enhanced between the portions close to the side wall104and the central portions on the surfaces of the wafers W. Meanwhile, concerning the innermost row among the rows of the microwave introducing mechanisms224, the plasma potential at the center side of the rotary mounting table110may be adjusted on the surfaces of the wafers W by adjusting the distance Y from the innermost side in the movement path of the wafers W.

In the foregoing, it has been described that the arrangement of the microwave introducing mechanisms224is adjusted such that the plasma density increases as the distance from the center of the rotary mounting table110increases, as an example. However, the present disclosure is not limited to this. For example, the power of each microwave introducing mechanism224may be adjusted. Specifically, the power of the microwave introducing mechanisms224may be set to be sequentially increased from the inside row toward the outside row. With this arrangement, the plasma may be generated such that the density of the plasma is increased as the distance from the center of the rotary mounting table110is increased.

Meanwhile, it has been described that each microwave introducing mechanism224is configured such that microwaves may be introduced into the microwave introducing mechanism224from a side thereof so that a slug driving unit260may be provided on the top of the microwave introducing mechanism224, as an example. However, the configuration of the microwave introducing mechanism224is not limited to this. For example, the microwave introducing mechanism224may be configured such that microwaves may be introduced into the microwave introducing mechanism from the top thereof such that the slug driving unit260may be provided on a side thereof.

Next, descriptions will be made on a case where heaters for heating the wafers W are provided in the plasma processing apparatus100illustrated inFIG. 1with reference to drawings. When the heaters are provided, the plasma processing apparatus100may function as an apparatus performing a film forming processing or an etching processing which requires heating of the wafers W.

The heaters for adjusting the temperature of the wafers W may be provided to be spaced apart from the rotary mounting table110or directly provided on the rotary mounting table110. Here, descriptions will be made on a case where the rotary mounting table110is heated by heaters which are disposed to be spaced downwardly apart from the rotary mounting table110, as an example.FIGS. 9 and 10are views for describing an exemplary configuration in which heaters are provided below the rotary mounting table. InFIG. 10, the positions of the rotary mounting table110and the wafers W above heaters180are indicated by one-dot chain lines.

In the plasma processing apparatus100illustrated inFIG. 9, annular heaters180are disposed below the rotary mounting table110. The heaters180herein are disposed to be spaced apart from the rotary mounting table110not to interfere with the rotating movement of the rotary mounting table110. For example, as illustrated inFIG. 9, the heaters180may be disposed on the bottom portion108of the processing chamber102. Thus, the rotary mounting table110may be heated by the annular heaters180from the lower side while being rotated, and as a result, the temperature of each wafer W may be adjusted to a predetermined temperature.

In this case, the rotary mounting table110may be divided into multiple zones from the center side to the peripheral edge side thereof, and the heaters may be disposed in the zones, respectively, so that the temperature of each zone may be independently controlled. For example, when the rotary mounting table110is divided into three zones from the center side to the peripheral edge side as illustrated inFIG. 10, a heater180aof the inner zone that passes a portion which is close to the innermost side of the movement path of the wafers W when the rotary mounting table110is rotated, a heater180cof the outer zone that passes a portion close to the outermost side of the movement path of the wafers W, and a heater180bthat passes the middle zone therebetween are attached to the bottom portion108of the processing chamber102as illustrated inFIG. 9. Thus, each zone may be independently heated and controlled.

Meanwhile, each of the heaters180a,180b,180cmay be disposed by dividing it into multiple parts as illustrated inFIG. 9, or installed as a single body. When each of the heaters180a,180b,180cis installed by dividing it into multiple parts, the number of divided parts is not limited to that illustrated inFIG. 9.

Since the heaters180illustrated inFIGS. 9 and 10heat the rotary mounting table110from a distant place, heating may be efficiently performed when the rotary mounting table110is made of an insulating material having a high heat conductivity such as, for example, quartz or carbon, and the heaters180are configured as radiant heat type heaters. In addition, according to this configuration, high temperature heating is also possible. Thus, the plasma processing apparatus100may function as a film forming apparatus that performs a film forming processing that requires high temperature heating of wafers W.

Subsequently, descriptions will be made on a case where heaters for adjusting the temperature of wafers W are directly installed on the rotary mounting table110, as an example.FIGS. 11 and 12are views for describing an exemplary configuration in which heaters are provided on the rotary mounting table.

In the plasma processing apparatus100illustrated inFIG. 11, annular heaters182are directly disposed on the rotary mounting table110. The heaters182herein are disposed below the electrostatic chucks140, respectively. For example, as illustrated inFIG. 11, the annular heaters182may be embedded in the rotary mounting table110below the electrostatic chucks140, respectively. Thus, the wafers W may be respectively heated by the annular heaters182while the rotary mounting table110is rotated, and as a result, the temperature of each wafer W may be adjusted to a predetermined temperature.

In this case, each wafer W may be divided concentrically into multiple zones from the center side to the peripheral edge side, and the heaters may be disposed in the zones, respectively, so that the temperature of each zone may be independently controlled. For example, when each wafer is divided into three zones from the center side to the peripheral edge side as illustrated inFIG. 12, a heater182aof the inner zone which is closest to the center of the wafer W, a heater182cof the outer zone which is closest to the peripheral edge of the wafer W, and a heater182bof the middle zone therebetween are attached to the bottom side of the electrostatic chuck140, as illustrated inFIG. 11. As a result, each zone may be independently heated and controlled. In addition, in this case, the temperature of each wafer W may be independently controlled.

Since the heaters182illustrated inFIGS. 11 and 12heat the wafers W from the bottom side of the electrostatic chucks140, respectively, a fine in-plane temperature control may be performed on the surface of each wafer W. Due to this, the plasma processing apparatus100may function as an etching apparatus which performs an etching processing which requires a fine temperature control of a wafer W.

Subsequently, descriptions will be made on another exemplary configuration of the processing gas supplying section170in the plasma processing apparatus100illustrated inFIG. 1with reference to drawings.FIGS. 13 and 14are views for describing another exemplary configuration of the processing gas supplying section. InFIG. 14, the plasma generating section200is omitted. InFIG. 13, the positions of the rotary mounting table110and the wafers W are indicated by one-dot chain lines.

As illustrated inFIG. 13, the processing gas supplying section170herein is divided into multiple zones from the center side to the peripheral edge side of the rotary mounting table110, and the heaters are respectively disposed in the zones so that the processing gas may be independently supplied to each zone. For example, as illustrated inFIG. 13, when the processing gas supply unit170is divided into three zones from the center side to the peripheral edge side of the rotary mounting table110, gas holes172a, gas holes172c, and gas holes172bare formed to be arranged side by side annularly in rows in the circumferential direction in the inside zone passing through a portion which is closest to the innermost side of the movement path of the wafers W when the rotary mounting table110is rotated, in the outside zone passing through a portion which is closest to the outermost side of the movement path of the wafers W, and in the middle zone therebetween, respectively.

As illustrated inFIG. 14, the gas holes172a,172b,172crespectively communicate with gas flow paths174a,174b,174cwhich are independently formed within the ceiling106of the processing chamber102. The gas flow paths174a,174b,174care connected with first, second and third processing gas supply sources178a,178b,178cthrough pipes176a,176b,176c, respectively.

The first, second, and third processing gas supply sources178a,178b,178cmay supply the same species of gases or the different species of gases. The processing gases from the processing gas supply sources178a,178b,178care supplied to the gas flow paths174a,174b,174while the flow rates thereof are controlled to predetermined flow rates by flow rate control units such as, for example, mass flow controllers (MFCs) (not illustrated), respectively.

According to the gas supply unit170illustrate inFIG. 13, the processing gases from the processing gas supply sources178a,178b,178cmay be independently ejected from the gas holes172a,172b,172c, respectively, as illustrated inFIG. 14. The processing gases ejected from the gas holes172a,172b,172care ejected toward the wafers W on the rotary mounting table110, and discharged from the exhaust ports160through the space between the side portion of the rotary mounting table110and the side wall104of the processing chamber102.

Meanwhile, a through hole, through which the processing gases pass, may be provided in the rotary mounting table110illustrated inFIG. 14so as to form flows of the processing gases directed toward the center side of the rotary mounting table110from the top surfaces of the wafers W. Specifically, for example, as illustrated inFIGS. 15 and 16, a plurality of through holes166are formed to be arranged side by side annularly more inside than the movement path of the wafers W when the rotary mounting table110is rotated.

According to this, as illustrated inFIG. 16, the processing gases ejected toward the wafers W on the rotary mounting table110from the gas holes172a,172b,172cflow not only into the space between the side portion of the rotary mounting table110and the side wall104of the processing chamber102, but also into the through holes166of the rotary mounting table110to be discharged from the exhaust ports160. As a result, not only the flows of processing gases directed toward the peripheral edge side of the rotary mounting table110through the top of each wafer W, but also the flows of processing gases directed toward the center side may be formed so that processing uniformity in the radial direction of the rotary mounting table110may be further enhanced on each wafer W.

In addition, the through holes166in the rotary mounting table110are not limited to those illustrated inFIGS. 15 and 16. For example, as illustrated inFIGS. 17 and 18, through holes168may be formed to surround each wafer W placed on the rotary mounting table110. According to this, on the wafer W, not only the flows of processing gases directed toward the peripheral edge side of the rotary mounting table110, but also the flows of processing gases directed toward the center side may be formed. In addition, since the through holes168illustrated inFIG. 16are formed around each wafer W, the flows of processing gases directed from the center side to the entire peripheral edge side may be formed on each wafer as illustrated inFIG. 15such that processing uniformity on the entire surface of each wafer W may be further enhanced.

(Modified Example of Rotary Mounting Table)

Next, another exemplary configuration of the rotary mounting table applicable to the plasma processing apparatus according to the present exemplary embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Here, descriptions will be made on a case where the rotary mounting table110is configured to be capable of cooling each wafer W in the plasma processing apparatus110illustrated inFIG. 1, as an example. According to this, the plasma processing apparatus100may function as an apparatus for performing an etching processing while cooling wafers W.FIG. 19is a cross-sectional view illustrating another exemplary configuration of the plasma processing apparatus illustrated inFIG. 1in which another rotary mounting table is applied. InFIG. 19, since the components other than the rotary mounting table are the same as those illustrated inFIG. 1, detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted.

The rotary mounting table110illustrated inFIG. 19is configured by covering a rotary table112and a rotary shaft114which are made of a highly heat-conductive material, for example, a metal such as, for example, aluminum, with an insulation member115such as, for example, ceramic. The upper end of the rotary shaft114herein is inserted into a hole formed at the center of the rotary table112, and the lower end of the rotary shaft114protrudes from the insulation member115to be inserted into a mounting table driving unit130.

Each wafer placement unit113on the rotary mounting table110is provided with a cooling mechanism configured to cool a wafer W. The cooling mechanism is configured by providing a coolant flow path190within a disc-shaped protrusion191made of a metal having a high conductivity such as, for example, aluminum, and formed, for example, on the top surface of the rotary table112so that a coolant (e.g., cooling water) having a predetermined temperature and supplied from a chiller unit (not illustrated) is introduced into the coolant flow path190from an inlet piping192, and the coolant is led out from an outlet piping193so that the coolant190can be circulated and supplied.

Each of the inlet piping192and the outlet piping193communicates with the coolant flow path190of the wafer W on each wafer placement unit113through an inlet line194and an outlet line195, respectively, in which the inlet line194and the outlet line195are provided within the rotary table112and the rotary shaft114.

The inlet line194and the outlet line195within the rotary shaft114communicate with annular recesses196,197, respectively, which are formed on the entire side surface of the lower end portion120of the rotary shaft114. The upper and lower portions of the annular recesses196,197are sealed by seal members such as, for example, O-rings. Meanwhile, the inlet piping192and the outlet piping193are disposed to face the annular recesses196,197at the side surface of the mounting table driving unit130, respectively.

According to the cooling mechanism with this configuration, even if the rotary mounting table110is rotated, the inlet piping192and the outlet piping193always face and communicate with the annular recesses196,197, and as a result, coolant may be circulated in the coolant flow path190of each wafer placement unit113while rotating the rotary mounting table110. Thus, even if the plasma processing is being performed while rotating the rotary mounting table110, each wafer W may be cooled so as to control the temperature thereof to a predetermine temperature.

Meanwhile, a heat transfer gas supply mechanism (not illustrated) may be provided in each wafer placement unit113of the rotary mounting table110to supply a heat transfer gas such as, for example, He gas to a gap between the top surface of the electrostatic chuck140and the rear surface of a wafer W. The wafer temperature may be maintained at a desired temperature by supplying the heat transfer gas so as to enhance the heat conductivity to the rear surfaces of the wafers. Although not particularly illustrated in connection with the heat transfer gas supply mechanism, like the cooling mechanism described above, in connection with the heat transfer gas supply mechanism, a gas line communicating with the top surface of each electrostatic chuck140is provided within the rotary table112and the rotary shaft114so that the gas line communicates with an annular recess formed around the entire side surface of the lower end portion120of the rotary shaft114. In addition, the heat transfer gas inlet piping faces the annular recess to introduce the heat transfer gas into the annular recess so that the heat transfer gas may be supplied to the rear surface of each wafer W while rotating the rotary mounting table110. Meanwhile, when both the cooling mechanism and the heat transfer gas supply mechanism are provided, the annular recesses thereof are provided at the positions shifted on the side surface of the lower end portion120of the rotary shaft114so that the annular recesses do not interfere with each other.

In addition, heaters may be provided in the plasma processing apparatus100illustrated inFIG. 19to heat wafers W. For example, as illustrated inFIGS. 9 and 10described above, the heaters180may be provided to be spaced downwardly away from the rotary mounting table110, or, as illustrated inFIGS. 11 and 12, the heaters182may be provided below each electrostatic chuck140of the rotary mounting table110.

However, even if the rotary table112made of a metal such as, for example, aluminum is employed as illustrated inFIG. 19, when the heaters182are directly provided on the rotary table112below each electrostatic chuck140, a high frequency power for bias may leak out to the heaters182through the rotary table112when the high frequency power for bias is applied to each electrostatic chuck140.

For this reason, in the present exemplary embodiment, when the rotary table112made of a metal is applied, a ground member184having a ground potential is provided between the rotary table112(the disc-shaped protrusions191) and each electrostatic chuck140, for example, as illustrated inFIG. 20, and the heaters182(182a,182b,182c) are disposed in the ground member184. The ground member184may be made of an insulation member such as, for example, ceramic. In this way, it is possible to prevent the high frequency power for bias applied to each electrostatic chuck140from leaking out to the heaters182. Meanwhile, instead of the ground member184, the heaters182may be provided with a filter to block the high frequency power for bias.

Meanwhile, the configuration of the processing gas supplying section170illustrated inFIGS. 13 and 14may also be applied to the plasma processing apparatus100illustrated inFIGS. 19 and 20, and the through holes166illustrated inFIGS. 15and16and the through holes168illustrated inFIGS. 17 and 18may be formed in the rotary mounting table110.

(Another Exemplary Configuration of Plasma Generating Section)

Next, another exemplary configuration of the plasma generating section applicable to the plasma processing apparatus100according to the present exemplary embodiment will be described with reference to drawings. Here, descriptions will be made on a plasma generating section300in which a plurality of waveguides are disposed in the ceiling106to generate microwave plasma within the processing chamber102, as an example.FIG. 21is a cross-sectional view illustrating another exemplary embodiment of the plasma generating section, andFIG. 22is a plan view of the plasma generating section300illustrated inFIG. 21which is viewed from the top side, andFIG. 23is a plan view of the rotary mounting table110viewed from the top side.

Meanwhile, since the components other than the plasma generating section300are the same as those illustrated inFIG. 1, detailed descriptions thereof will be omitted. InFIG. 22, the positions of the gas holes172are indicated by dotted lines, inFIG. 23, the positions of the gas holes172disposed on the rotary mounting table110, waveguides310for guiding microwaves, and plungers330are indicated by one-dot chain lines, and the movement path (inside and outside) of the wafers W when the rotary mounting table110is rotated is indicated by dotted lines.

The plasma generating section300illustrated inFIG. 21is provided with a plurality of waveguides310to supply microwaves into the processing chamber102. A plurality of waveguides310are provided. Each waveguide310is a rectangular waveguide and defines a waveguide path (WG) extending radially from the center side to the peripheral edge side of the ceiling106. Here, descriptions will be made on an example in which eight waveguides310are provided in the ceiling106, as illustrated inFIG. 22. Meanwhile, the number and shape of the waveguides310are not limited thereto.

Each waveguide310is connected with a microwave generator320. The microwave generator320is configured to generate microwaves of, for example, about 2.45 GHz, and supply the microwaves to the waveguides310.

Each waveguide310has a lower conductor portion311defining a waveguide path WG from the lower side. The lower conductor portion311is in contact with the top surface of the ceiling106of the processing chamber102. A plurality of openings312are formed in the lower conductor portions and the ceiling106to penetrate the lower conductor portions311and the ceiling106. Dielectric members314made of a dielectric material such as, for example, quartz, are attached by being respectively inserted into the openings312to protrude downwardly from the bottom surface of the ceiling106. Thus, the ceiling106may also function as a microwave transmission plate.

Above the waveguides310, plungers330are disposed to face the dielectric members314, respectively. Each plunger330includes a reflector332and a positioning mechanism334. The reflector332of each plunger330faces one of the dielectric members314through the waveguide310. The positioning mechanism334of each plunger330functions to adjust a distance from the waveguide path WG of the reflector332in the axis Z direction.

In consideration of efficiency and in-plane uniformity when each wafer W is processed by plasma while the rotary mounting table110is rotated, the plungers330and the dielectric members314are arranged in multiple rows such that the multiple rows are spaced apart from each other from an area more inside than the movement path of the wafers W to an area more outside than the movement path of the wafers W in which each row is formed by arranging the plungers330and the dielectric members314annularly side by side in the circumferential direction of the rotary mounting table110, as illustrated inFIGS. 22 and 23. Meanwhile, the numbers of the plungers330or dielectric members314and the number of rows thereof are not limited to those illustrated in the drawings.

According to the plasma generating section300configured as described above, a processing gas is supplied to the inside of the processing chamber102by the processing gas supplying section170while rotating the rotary mounting table110on which five wafers W are placed. In addition, microwaves are generated by the microwave generator320. The generated microwaves are propagated to the plurality of waveguides310and discharged to the inside of the processing chamber102from the plurality of dielectric members314. As a result, plasma of the processing gas is generated in the processing chamber102so that a predetermined plasma processing is performed on each wafer W.

Meanwhile, also in the plasma processing apparatus100illustrated inFIG. 21, the configuration of the processing gas supplying section170illustrated inFIGS. 13 and 14may be applied, and the through holes166illustrated inFIGS. 15 and 16and the through holes168illustrated inFIGS. 17 and 18may be formed in the rotary mounting table110. Further, any one or both of the heaters180illustrated inFIGS. 9 and 10and the heaters182illustrated inFIGS. 11 and 12may be provided, and the rotary mounting table110illustrated inFIGS. 19 and 20may be applied.

(Exemplary Configuration of Substrate Processing Apparatus)

Next, an exemplary configuration of a substrate processing apparatus including a vacuum conveyance chamber, to which the plasma processing apparatus according to the present exemplary embodiment described above may be connected, will be described with reference to the drawings.FIG. 24is a horizontal cross-sectional view illustrating a schematic configuration of a substrate processing apparatus in the present exemplary embodiment.FIG. 25is a vertical cross-sectional view illustrating the substrate processing apparatus illustrated inFIG. 24.

The substrate processing apparatus400illustrated inFIG. 24includes a vacuum conveyance chamber (common conveyance chamber)420to which a plurality of semi-batch type plasma processing apparatuses100and a plurality of single type plasma processing apparatuses410may be connected.

The vacuum conveyance chamber420illustrated inFIG. 24is configured in a pentagonal shape which is long in one direction. To the vacuum conveyance chamber420, two semi-batch type plasma processing apparatuses100A,100B are connected to the tip end of the vacuum conveyance chamber420through gate valves G, four single type plasma processing apparatuses410C,410D,410E,410F in total are connected to the both sides of the vacuum conveyance chamber420(two apparatuses at each side) through gate valves G, and two load-lock chambers LLA, LLB are connected to the base end of the vacuum conveyance chamber420through gate valves G.

The load-lock chambers LLA, LLB function to temporarily maintain wafers W to adjust pressure, and then pass the wafers W to the next stage. Within each of the load-lock chambers LLA, LLB, a delivery table is provided to place a wafer W thereon.

Within the vacuum conveyance chamber420, a conveyance arm apparatus (first conveyance arm apparatus)430of a double arm mechanism provided with two conveyance arms are installed to be slidable along guide rails432installed in the longitudinal direction of the vacuum conveyance chamber420.

In the conveyance arm apparatus430, a position of the sliding direction is set in advance according to a chamber to access. Here, descriptions will be made on a case where positions in the vicinity of the tip end side and the base end side of the vacuum conveyance chamber420are set in advance, as an example.

For example, when accessing any of the semi-batch type plasma processing apparatuses100A,100B and two single type plasma processing apparatuses420C,420D, the conveyance arm apparatus430is disposed at the position in the vicinity of the tip end side. By rotating the conveyance arm at this position, the conveyance arm may be advanced/retreated with respect to a plasma processing apparatus to access so as to perform carry-in/out of a wafer W.

In addition, when accessing any of two single type plasma processing apparatuses410E,410F and two load-lock chambers LLA, LLB, the conveyance arm apparatus430is disposed at the position in the vicinity of the base end side. By rotating the conveyance arm at this position, the conveyance arm may be advanced/retreated in a plasma processing direction to access so as to perform carry-in/out of a wafer W.

The load-lock chambers LLA, LLB are connected to an atmosphere conveyance chamber440having an atmospheric-pressure atmosphere through gate valves G, respectively. The atmosphere conveyance chamber440is configured such that a storage container442, in which a plurality of wafers W (e.g.,25wafers corresponding to one lot) are accommodated, may be set on a storage table444. On a side wall of the atmosphere conveyance chamber440, load ports446as wafer W input ports are formed to correspond to storage tables444, respectively.

In the atmosphere conveyance chamber440, an orienter (pre-alignment stage)448serving as a wafer W positioning apparatus is provided. The orienter447is provided therein with, for example, an optical sensor configured to optically detect the peripheral edges of the rotary mounting table and the wafer W, so as to detect an orientation flat or a notch of the wafer W, thereby positioning the wafer W.

In the atmosphere conveyance chamber440, a conveyance arm apparatus450of a double arm mechanism including two conveyance arms is installed to be slidable in the longitudinal direction of the atmosphere conveyance chamber440. The conveyance arm apparatus450is configured to be capable of carrying wafers W into/out of each storage container442through a load port446, and carrying wafers W into/out of the load-lock chambers LLA, LLB through the gate valves G.

According to the substrate processing apparatus400, when a new wafer W is loaded in a load-lock chamber from the atmosphere conveyance chamber440as needed, the new wafer W is taken out by the conveyance arm apparatus430and conveyed to a plasma processing apparatus in which a processing is to be performed.

However, in the semi-batch type plasma processing apparatuses100A,100B according to the present exemplary embodiment, a plasma processing is initiated after a plurality of wafers W are set on the rotary mounting table110, as described above. For this reason, when the semi-batch type plasma processing apparatuses100A,100B are directly connected with the vacuum conveyance chamber420through the gate valves, the wafers W are delivered one by one while operating the conveyance arm apparatus450of the atmosphere conveyance chamber440and the conveyance arm apparatus430of the vacuum conveyance chamber420. In this way, it takes a lot of time to set all the wafers W on the rotary mounting table110.

Thus, in the substrate processing apparatus400according to the present exemplary embodiment, for example, as illustrated inFIGS. 24 and 25, the semi-batch type plasma processing apparatuses100A,100B may be respectively connected to the vacuum conveyance chamber420through buffer chambers460A,460B each of which may temporarily accommodate a number of wafers W, of which the number is equal to or more than the number of wafers which may be placed on each of the rotary mounting tables110. Each of the buffer chambers460A,460B is configured by liftably installing a substrate holding unit462which is capable of arranging and holding a plurality of wafers W in the vertical direction, for example, as illustrated inFIG. 25.

According to this, for example, when a plurality of wafers W to be subsequently processed are conveyed into and kept in the buffer chambers460, for example, while the plasma processing is performed in the semi-batch type plasma processing apparatuses, only the delivery of the next wafers W between the buffer chambers460and the rotary mounting tables110is required when the next wafers W are set on the rotary mounting tables110. Thus, the time required for carrying in/out the wafers W may be greatly reduced.

In this case, as illustrated inFIGS. 24 and 25, hermetically sealed conveyance chambers480A,480B, each of which includes a conveyance arm apparatus (second conveyance arm apparatus)470A or470B, may be installed between the semi-batch type plasma processing apparatuses100A,100B and the buffer chambers460A,460B, respectively. The semi-batch type plasma processing apparatuses100A,100B and the conveyance chambers480A,480B, the conveyance chambers480A,480B and the buffer chambers460A,460B, and the buffer chambers460A,460B and the vacuum conveyance chamber420are connected with each other through gate valves G, respectively.

According to this, the delivery of wafers W between each of the semi-batch type plasma processing apparatuses100A,100B and each of the buffer chambers460A,460B may be fully performed by the conveyance arm apparatus470A or470B of each of the conveyance chambers480A,480B, and as a result, the whole wafer W conveyance throughput may be enhanced. Meanwhile, each of the conveyance arm apparatuses470A,470B may be configured as a double arm mechanism including two conveyance arms as illustrated inFIG. 24, or as a single arm mechanism including one conveyance arm.

In addition, when the semi-batch type plasma processing apparatuses100A,100B are directly connected to the buffer chambers460A,460B, respectively, without providing the conveyance chambers480A,480B, the conveyance arm apparatuses470A,470B may be installed in the buffer chambers460A,460B, respectively.

Descriptions will be made on a case where a lifter mechanism configured to raise/lower wafers W with lift pins to/from each electrostatic chuck140of the rotary mounting table110is provided in the semi-batch type plasma processing apparatus100according to the present exemplary embodiment described above.

As described above, the rotary mounting table110of the plasma processing apparatus100according to the present exemplary embodiment is rotated. Thus, even when performing carry-in/out of wafers W, the wafers W may be placed on the electrostatic chucks140one by one while rotating the rotary mounting table110.

For this reason, when the lifter mechanism is provided in the plasma processing apparatus100, it is not necessary to install the lifter mechanisms on all the electrostatic chucks140. It is sufficient if the wafers W may be raised or lowered at least at a position where the wafers W face the gate valves G.

Thus, in the present exemplary embodiment, for example, as illustrated inFIG. 25, a lifter mechanism500configured to raise/lower lifter pins502is installed in the vicinity of the gate valve G, to be spaced apart downwardly from the rotary mounting table110. In addition, at least three through holes144are formed through the rotary mounting table110and the electrostatic chuck140in an area in the rotary mounting table110where each electrostatic chuck140is disposed, as holes that allow the lifter pins502to pass therethrough from the bottom side.

Thus, as illustrated inFIG. 24, the lifter mechanism500is driven when an electrostatic chuck140is positioned to face the gate valve G so that the lifter pins502are inserted into the through holes144of the electrostatic chuck140and raised until the lifer pins502protrude from the top side of the electrostatic chuck140. Then, the wafer W may be raised from the electrostatic chuck140.

The lifter mechanism500may have any configuration as long as it may raise/lower the lifter pins502. The lifter mechanism500may be configured, for example, by liftably supporting the lifter pins in a casing and providing a motor driving the lifter pins502to be raised/lowered. A seal member is provided around each lifter pin502to seal.

As the seal member herein, an O-ring may be used. Alternatively, a magnetic fluid seal may also be used. The magnetic fluid is obtained by dispersing, minute particles of, for example, Fe3O4in a colloid state in a dispersion medium, and the magnetic fluid seal maintains the magnetic fluid along magnetic flux lines formed by a magnet in a gap where the seal is disposed. The magnetic fluid maintained in the gap by magnetic force functions like a liquid-phase O-ring without flowing out even if a pressure difference exists. Thus, the magnetic fluid seal does not cause contact of solids, unlike the O-ring, and as a result, friction loss may be reduced and occurrence of particles by friction may be prevented.

Meanwhile, the magnetic fluid seal performs sealing with liquid as described above. Thus, when sealing is performed on linearly moving shafts such as, for example, the lifter pins502, the magnetic fluid may be dragged due to the movement of the shafts. Thus, the lifting stroke of the lifter pins502may not be set too long. Thus, when the lifting stroke of the lifter pins502is set long, the lifter pins502may be lifted using, for example, a link mechanism.

Here, an exemplary configuration of a lifter mechanism500using the magnetic fluid seal will be described with reference to drawings. The lifter mechanism500liftably supports a shaft506through a magnetic fluid seal510, in which the shaft506is lifted within a case504by a motor (not illustrated), for example.

The magnetic fluid seal510is configured such that a magnetic fluid516is maintained in a gap between ball pieces514interposed between magnets512and the shaft506, for example, as illustrated inFIG. 26. According to this, the magnetic fluid516may be maintained by the magnetic flux lines of the magnets512to be capable of sealing the shaft506.

Meanwhile, a lifter pin502is liftably supported by a link mechanism520. The link mechanism520includes a rotatable link522and thus has a function of converting the rotating movement of the link522into the lifting movement of the lifter pin502. By lifting the link522with the shaft506, the lifter pin502supported on the tip end of the link522is lifted. According to this, even if the lifting stroke of the shaft506is short, the lifting stroke of the lifter pin502may be set long.

Meanwhile, a heater530may be provided within the case504of the lifter mechanism500so as to further suppress occurrence of particles. The magnetic fluid seal510herein may be applied as the seal member118of the rotary mounting table110illustrated inFIG. 1. In addition, a magnetic fluid actuator may be provided instead of the magnetic fluid seal510to lift and drive the shaft506. In addition, the lifter pin may be directly lifted by the magnetic fluid actuator.

Next, descriptions will be made on operations in the case where wafers W are placed on the rotary mounting table110by the plasma processing apparatus100provided with the lifter mechanism500described above with reference to the drawings.FIGS. 27A to 27Dare explanatory views of operations when wafers are placed on the rotary mounting table in the present exemplary embodiment. Here, descriptions will be made on a case where the wafers W are placed on the electrostatic chucks140of the plasma processing apparatus100A illustrated inFIG. 25.

For example, when a wafer W is placed on an electrostatic chuck140of the rotary mounting table110, for example, as illustrated inFIG. 25, the rotary mounting table110is rotated such that the electrostatic chuck140is moved to the position where the electrostatic chuck140faces the gate valve G, as illustrated inFIGS. 25 and 27A. In addition, the lifter pins502are raised by the lifter mechanism500so that the lifter pins502are inserted into the through holes144, as illustrated inFIG. 27B.

Then, a wafer W is carried into the plasma processing apparatus100A by the conveyance arm apparatus470A through the gate valve G, and is placed on the lifter pins502, as illustrated inFIG. 27C. Then, the lifter pins502are lowered by the lifter mechanism500and the wafer W is lowered and placed on the electrostatic chuck140as illustrated inFIG. 27D. The lifter pins502are lowered to be returned to the original positions thereof, i.e. the positions where the lifter pins502do not interfere with the rotating movement of the rotary mounting table110.

Thereafter, the operations ofFIGS. 27A to 27Dare repeated, so as to place a wafer W on each of the electrostatic chucks140of the rotary mounting table110. When the wafers W are placed on all the electrostatic chucks140in this way, the rotary mounting table110is rotated to initiate a plasma processing.

Meanwhile, in the substrate processing apparatus400illustrated inFIG. 24, descriptions has been made on the case where the buffer chambers430A,430B are provided between the plasma processing apparatuses100A,100B and the vacuum conveyance chamber420. Without being limited to this, however, the buffer chambers430A,430B may be installed at any placement positions of the single type plasma processing apparatuses410C,410D,410E,410F, instead of them. In addition, the number of the semi-batch type plasma processing apparatuses and the number of the single type plasma processing apparatuses are not limited to those illustrated inFIG. 24. In addition, the vacuum conveyance apparatus connecting them with each other are not limited to those illustrated inFIG. 24.

Although, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure have been described with reference to the accompanying drawings, the present disclosure is, of course, not limited to the exemplary embodiments. It is obvious that a person skilled in the art may conceive various changes and modifications within the scope defined in the claims, and it is understood that the changes and modifications are naturally belonging to the technical scope of the present disclosure.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

The present disclosure is applicable to a plasma processing apparatus in which a plurality of processing target substrates such as, for example, semiconductor wafers and liquid crystal substrates, are placed and processed within a processing chamber, and a substrate processing apparatus including the same.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS