SUBSTRATE PROCESSING APPARATUS AND SUBSTRATE TEMPERATURE CORRECTION METHOD

A placing table includes a placing surface, a flow path formed inside to allow a temperature control medium to flow therein, and a discharge opening through which a heat transfer gas is discharged. A gas supply is configured to supply the heat transfer gas to be discharged through the discharge opening. A measurement unit is configured to measure a temperature of the temperature control medium. A controller is configured to control, when the temperature of the temperature control medium is changed by equal to or more than a predetermined temperature at a change timing, a pressure of the heat transfer gas to eliminate a temperature change of a substrate caused by a temperature change of the temperature control medium after a predetermined time taken before the temperature change of the substrate takes place due to the temperature change of the temperature control medium passes by from the change timing.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Application Nos. 2021-029629 and 2022-003438 filed on Feb. 26, 2021 and Jan. 13, 2022, respectively, the entire disclosures of which are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The various aspects and embodiments described herein pertain generally to a substrate processing apparatus and a substrate temperature correction method.

BACKGROUND

Patent Document 1 proposes a technique of changing a temperature of a substrate by supplying a temperature control medium of a first temperature and a temperature control medium of a second temperature into a flow path of a placing table for placing the substrate thereon while switching them. Patent Document 2 proposes a technique of adjusting a temperature of a substrate by supplying a temperature control medium regulated to a first temperature by a low-temperature control unit and a temperature control medium regulated to a second temperature higher than the first temperature by a high-temperature control unit into a flow path of a placing table while adjusting a mixing ratio therebetween.Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Laid-open Publication No. 2020-120045Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Laid-open Publication No. 2013-105359

SUMMARY

In one exemplary embodiment, a substrate processing apparatus includes a placing tale; a gas supply; a measurement unit; and a controller. The placing table is provided with a placing surface on which a substrate is placed, a flow path formed inside to allow a temperature control medium to flow therein, and a discharge opening through which a heat transfer gas is discharged to the placing surface. The gas supply is configured to supply the heat transfer gas from the discharge opening. The measurement unit is configured to measure a temperature of the temperature control medium flown into the flow path. The controller is configured to control, when the temperature of the temperature control medium measured by the measurement unit is changed by equal to or more than a predetermined temperature at a change timing, a pressure of the heat transfer gas supplied from the gas supply to eliminate a temperature change of the substrate caused by a temperature change of the temperature control medium after a predetermined time taken before the temperature change of the substrate placed on the placing surface takes place due to the temperature change of the temperature control medium passes by from the change timing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of a substrate processing apparatus and a substrate temperature correction method according to the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Here, it should be noted that the substrate processing apparatus and the substrate temperature correction method are not limited by the following exemplary embodiments.

When changing a temperature of a placing table by changing a temperature of a temperature control medium flown into a flow path of the placing table in order to change a temperature of a substrate, the temperature of the substrate may be changed by being affected by the temperature change of the temperature control medium. For example, the temperature of the temperature control medium stored in a tank for storing therein the temperature control medium may be changed due to the temperature control medium returned into the tank at the time of changing the temperature of the temperature control medium, and the temperature of the substrate may also be changed by being affected by this temperature change of the temperature control medium supplied from the tank. Further, when adjusting the temperature of the temperature control medium by adjusting a mixing ratio of the temperature control medium, it is difficult to adjust the mixing ratio such that the temperature is maintained constant. As a result, the temperature of the temperature control medium may be changed, and the temperature of the substrate may also be changed by being affected by this temperature change of the temperature control medium.

The temperature change of the substrate may have an influence on a substrate processing. In view of this, the present disclosure provides a technique capable of suppressing the temperature change of the substrate which is caused by the temperature change of the temperature control medium.

EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

(Configuration of Substrate Processing Apparatus1)

An example of a substrate processing apparatus of the present disclosure will be described. A substrate processing apparatus1according to an exemplary embodiment will be first explained. The substrate processing apparatus1is configured to perform a substrate processing on a substrate W. The following exemplary embodiment will be described for a case where the substrate processing apparatus1is a plasma processing apparatus and a plasma processing such as plasma etching is performed on the substrate W as the substrate processing.FIG. 1is a schematic cross sectional view illustrating an example of the substrate processing apparatus1according to the exemplary embodiment. In the present exemplary embodiment, the substrate processing apparatus1is, for example, a plasma etching apparatus including parallel plate type electrodes. The substrate processing apparatus1includes an apparatus main body10and a control device70. The apparatus main body10is made of a material such as, but not limited to, aluminum, and includes a processing vessel12having a substantially cylindrical shape, for example. The processing vessel12has an anodically oxidized inner wall. Further, the processing vessel12is frame-grounded.

A substantially cylindrical support14made of an insulating material such as, but not limited to quartz is provided on a bottom of the processing vessel12. Within the processing vessel12, the support14extends in a vertical direction (for example, toward an upper electrode30) from the bottom of the processing vessel12.

A placing table11is provided in the processing vessel12. The placing table11is supported by the support14. A placing surface11a, on which the substrate W such as a semiconductor wafer is to be placed, is formed on a center of a top surface of the placing table11. The substrate W is placed on the placing surface11aof the placing table11. The placing table11is configured to hold the substrate W placed on the placing surface11a. The placing table11includes an electrostatic chuck ESC and a lower electrode LE. The lower electrode LE is made of a metal material such as, but not limited to, aluminum, and has a substantially disk shape. The electrostatic chuck ESC is disposed on the lower electrode LE. A top surface of the electrostatic chuck ESC serves as the placing surface11a.

The electrostatic chuck ESC has a structure in which an electrode EL, which is a conductive film, is disposed between a pair of insulating layers or between a pair of insulating sheets. A DC power supply17is electrically connected to the electrode EL via a switch SW. The electrostatic chuck ESC is configured to attract the substrate W onto the top surface thereof by an electrostatic force such as a Coulomb force generated by a DC voltage supplied from the DC power supply17. Thus, the electrostatic chuck ESC can hold the substrate W.

A discharge opening11bthrough which a heat transfer gas is discharged is formed at the placing surface11aof the placing table11. The heat transfer gas such as, but not limited to, a He gas is supplied to the discharge opening11bthrough a pipeline19. The pipeline19is connected to a gas supply18. The gas supply18is configured to supply the heat transfer gas into the pipeline19. The heat transfer gas supplied through the pipeline19is discharged from the discharge opening11bto be supplied into a gap between the electrostatic chuck ESC and the substrate W. By adjusting a pressure of the heat transfer gas supplied into the gap between the electrostatic chuck ESC and the substrate W, thermal conductivity between the electrostatic chuck ESC and the substrate W can be adjusted.

An edge ring ER is disposed around the electrostatic chuck ESC to surround an edge of the substrate W and the electrostatic chuck ESC. The edge ring ER may also be called a focus ring. The edge ring ER enables to improve in-surface uniformity of the processing upon the substrate W. The edge ring ER is made of a material, such as quartz, for example, which is appropriately selected based on a material of an etching target film.

Formed inside the lower electrode LE is a flow path15through which a temperature control medium, which is an insulating fluid such as Galden (registered trademark), flows. A temperature control device20is connected to the flow path15via a pipeline16aand a pipeline16b. The temperature control device20controls a temperature of the temperature control medium flowing in the flow path15of the lower electrode LE. The temperature control medium, which is temperature-controlled by the temperature control device20, is supplied into the flow path15of the lower electrode LE via the pipeline16a. The temperature control medium flowing in the flow path15is returned back to the temperature control device20via the pipeline16b.

The temperature control device20is configured to switch a temperature control medium of a first temperature and a temperature control medium of a second temperature, and configured to supply it into the flow path15of the lower electrode LE. As the temperature control medium of the first temperature and the temperature control medium of the second temperature are supplied into the flow path15of the lower electrode LE while being switched, the temperature of the electrode LE is switched between the first temperature and the second temperature. Accordingly, the temperature of the placing table11is also switched between the first temperature and the second temperature. The first temperature is a temperature equal to or lower than. e.g., 0° C. The second temperature is a temperature equal to or higher than, for example, a room temperature.

A temperature sensor21is provided in the pipeline16a. The temperature sensor21is configured to measure the temperature of the temperature control medium flowing through the pipeline16a.

A power feed line69configured to supply a high frequency power to the lower electrode LE is electrically connected to a bottom surface of the lower electrode LE. The power feed line69is made of a metal. In addition, although not shown inFIG. 1, lifter pins for performing a delivery of the substrate W on the electrostatic chuck ESC and a driving mechanism for the lifter pins are disposed in a space between the lower electrode LE and the bottom of the processing vessel12.

A first high frequency power supply64is connected to the power feed line69via a matching device68. The first high frequency power supply64is a power supply configured to generate a high frequency power for ion attraction into the substrate W, i.e., a high frequency bias power. As an example, the first high frequency power supply64generates the high frequency bias power having a frequency ranging from 400 kHz to 40.68 MHz, for example, 13.56 MHz. The matching device68is a circuit configured to match an output impedance of the first high frequency power supply64and an input impedance at a load (lower electrode LE) side. The high frequency bias power generated by the first high frequency power supply64is supplied to the lower electrode LE via the matching device68and the power feed line69.

An upper electrode30is disposed above the placing table11, facing the placing table11. The lower electrode LE and the upper electrode30are arranged to be substantially parallel to each other. Plasma is formed in a space between the upper electrode30and the lower electrode LE, and a plasma processing such as etching is performed on the substrate W held on the top surface of the electrostatic chuck ESC by the formed plasma. The space between the upper electrode30and the lower electrode LE is a processing space PS.

The upper electrode30is supported at an upper portion of the processing vessel12with an insulating shield member32made of, for example, quartz therebetween. The upper electrode30has an electrode plate34and an electrode supporting body36. A bottom surface of the electrode plate34is in direct contact with the processing space PS. The electrode plate34is provided with a multiple number of gas discharge openings34a. The electrode plate34is made of, for example, a silicon-containing material.

The electrode supporting body36is made of a conductive material such as, but not limited to, aluminum and configured to support the electrode plate34from above in a detachable manner. The electrode supporting body36may have a non-illustrated water-cooling structure. A diffusion space36ais provided within the electrode supporting body36. A multiple number of gas holes36bare extended downwards (towards the placing table11) from the diffusion space36ato communicate with the gas discharge holes34aof the electrode plate34, respectively. The electrode supporting body36is provided with a gas inlet port36cthrough which a processing gas is introduced into the diffusion space36a, and a pipeline38is connected to the gas inlet port36c.

A gas source group40is connected to the pipeline38via a valve group42and a flow rate controller group44. The gas source group40has a plurality of gas sources. The valve group42includes a plurality of valves, and the flow rate controller group44includes a plurality of flow rate controllers such as mass flow controllers. Each of the gas sources belonging to the gas source group40is connected to the pipeline38via a corresponding valve belonging to the valve group42and a corresponding flow rate controller belonging to the flow rate controller group44.

With this configuration, the apparatus main body10is capable of supplying the processing gas from one or more gas sources selected from the gas source group40into the diffusion space36awithin the electrode supporting body36at an individually adjusted flow rate. The processing gas supplied into the diffusion space36ais diffused in the diffusion space36ato be supplied into the processing space PS in a shower shape through the gas holes36band the gas discharge openings34a.

A second high frequency power supply62is connected to the electrode supporting body36via a matching device66. The second high frequency power supply62is a power supply configured to generate a high frequency power for plasma formation, and generates a high frequency power having a frequency ranging from, e.g., 27 MHz to 100 MHz, for example, 60 MHz. The matching device66is a circuit configured to match an output impedance of the second high frequency power supply62with the input impedance at the load (upper electrode30) side. The high frequency power generated by the second high frequency power supply62is supplied to the upper electrode30via the matching device66. Further, the second high frequency power supply62may be connected to the lower electrode LE via the matching device66.

A deposition shield46made of aluminum or the like whose surface is coated with Y2O3, quartz, or the like is provided on an inner wall surface of the processing vessel12and an outer side surface of the support14in a detachable manner. The deposition shield46serves to suppress etching byproducts (deposits) from adhering to the processing vessel12and the support14.

At a bottom side of the processing vessel12(where the support14is provided), an exhaust plate48is provided between an outer sidewall of the support14and an inner sidewall of the processing vessel12. The exhaust plate48is made of, for example, aluminum whose surface is coated with Y2O3, quartz, or the like. An exhaust port12eis provided below the exhaust plate48. An exhaust device50is connected to the exhaust port12evia an exhaust line52.

The exhaust device50includes a vacuum pump such as a turbo molecular pump. The exhaust device50is capable of decompressing the space within the processing vessel12to a required vacuum degree. An opening12gthrough which the wafer W is carried in or out is provided at a sidewall of the processing vessel12, and the opening12gis opened or closed by a gate valve54.

The control device70is, for example, a computer. An operation of the apparatus main body10configured as described above is controlled by the control device70in overall. The control device70includes a controller71and a storage72. Further, the control device70may also include a display configured to display various kinds of information such as a processing status and a manipulation unit such as a keyboard configured to perform various kinds of input operations.

The storage72is a storage device that stores various types of data therein. For example, the storage72may be a storage device such as a hard disk, a solid state drive (SSD), or an optical disk. Further, the storage72may be a semiconductor memory such as a random access memory (RAM), a flash memory, and a non-volatile static random access memory (NVSRAM) in which data can be rewritten.

The storage72stores therein an operating system (OS) and various programs executed by the controller71. For example, the storage72stores therein various programs including a program for implementing a processing of a substrate temperature correction method to be described later. Further, the storage72stores therein various data used in the program executed by the controller71. By way of example, the storage72stores parameter data72a. In addition to the data mentioned above, the storage72may store other data as well.

The parameter data72ais data in which parameter values to be described later are stored for each processing condition of the plasma processing. Details of the parameter data72awill be described later.

The controller71is a device such as a processor configured to control the individual components of the apparatus main body10. An electronic circuit such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit), or an integrated circuit such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) may be adopted as the controller71. The controller71has an internal memory for storing control data or a program defining various processing sequences, and various processings are performed by these control data or the program. The controller71controls the individual components of the apparatus main body10by reading out the program stored in the storage72into a memory and executing the program with the processor, thus allowing the plasma processing to be performed. Moreover, the controller71performs the processing of the substrate temperature correction method according to the exemplary embodiment.

(Configuration of Temperature Control Device20)

Next, a schematic configuration of the temperature control device20will be described.FIG. 2is a diagram showing an example of the schematic configuration of the temperature control device20according to the exemplary embodiment.

The temperature control device20has a first switching unit200, a second switching unit201, a first temperature controller206, and a second temperature controller207.

The first temperature controller206is connected to the pipeline16avia a pipeline220. Further, the first temperature controller206is connected to the pipeline16bvia a pipeline222. The first temperature controller206controls a temperature of a temperature control medium to a first temperature. For example, the first temperature controller206has a tank for storing the temperature control medium therein, and controls the temperature of the temperature control medium to the first temperature by controlling the temperature of the tank. The first temperature controller206supplies the temperature control medium of the first temperature from the tank into the flow path15of the lower electrode LE via the pipeline220and the pipeline16a. The temperature control medium supplied into the flow path15of the lower electrode LE is returned back into the tank of the first temperature controller206via the pipeline16band the pipeline222.

The second temperature controller207is connected to the pipeline16aand the pipe220at a connection point A via a pipeline227. Moreover, the second temperature controller207is connected to the pipeline16band the pipeline222at a connection point B via a pipeline225. The second temperature controller207controls the temperature of the temperature control medium to a second temperature higher than the first temperature. By way of example, the second temperature controller207has a tank for storing the temperature control medium therein, and controls the temperature of the temperature control medium to the second temperature by controlling the temperature of the tank. The second temperature controller207supplies the temperature control medium of the second temperature from the tank into the flow path15of the lower electrode LE via the pipeline227and the pipeline16a. The temperature control medium supplied into the flow path15of the lower electrode LE is returned back into the tank of the second temperature controller207via the pipeline16band the pipeline225.

The first temperature controller206and the second temperature controller207are connected by a pipeline208. The pipeline208adjusts a liquid surface of the tank in the first temperature controller206storing the temperature control medium and a liquid surface of the tank in the second temperature controller207storing the temperature control medium. Thus, leakage of the temperature control medium is suppressed.

The first switching unit200is provided at a connection portion where the pipeline220and the pipeline227are connected to the pipeline16a. The first switching unit200is configured to switch the temperature control medium flowing in the flow path15of the lower electrode LE. The first switching unit200has a first supply valve2000and a second supply valve2001. The first supply valve2000is provided at a portion of the pipeline200near the connection point A between the pipeline220and the pipeline16a. The second supply valve2001is provided at a portion of the pipeline227near the connection point A between the pipeline227and the pipeline16a.

The second switching unit201is provided at a connection portion where the pipeline222and the pipeline225are connected to the pipeline16b. The second switching unit201is configured to switch an output destination of the temperature control medium flowing out from the flow path15of the lower electrode LE to the first temperature controller206or the second temperature controller207. The second switching unit201includes a first return valve2010and a second return valve2011. The first return valve2010is provided at a portion of the pipeline222near the connection point B between the pipeline222and the pipeline16b. The second return valve2011is provided at a portion of the pipeline225near the connection point B between the pipeline225and the pipeline16b.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the first supply valve2000, the second supply valve2001, the first return valve2010, and the second return valve2011are all two-way valves that can be switched between an open state and a closed state. The opening and closing of the first supply valve2000, the second supply valve2001, the first return valve2010, and the second return valve2011are respectively controlled by the controller71.

In addition, although the configuration of the temperature control device20is schematically illustrated inFIG. 2, the configuration of the temperature control device20is not limited thereto. For example, the temperature control device20may have a configuration in which water hammer can be suppressed, as in Patent Document 1.

(Switching Operation of Temperature Control Medium)

FIG. 3AandFIG. 3Bare diagrams for describing a switching operation of the temperature control medium by the temperature control device20according to the exemplary embodiment. InFIG. 3AandFIG. 3B, open valves is drawn in white, and closed valves are drawn in black.

The first temperature controller206controls the temperature of the temperature control medium to the first temperature. The second temperature controller207controls the temperature of the temperature control medium to the second temperature higher than the first temperature.

When circulating the temperature control medium of the first temperature through the flow path15, the controller71controls the first supply valve2000and the first return valve2010to be in an open state, and controls the second supply valve2001and the second return valve2011to be in a closed state. Accordingly, as shown inFIG. 3A, the temperature control medium of the first temperature is outputted from the first temperature controller206, and supplied into the flow path15of the lower electrode LE via the pipeline220, the first supply valve2000, and the pipeline16a. Further, the temperature control medium supplied into the flow path15of the lower electrode LE is returned back into the first temperature controller206via the pipeline16b, the first return valve2010, and the pipeline222. As a result, the placing table11is controlled to the first temperature.

Meanwhile, when circulating the temperature control medium of the second temperature through the flow path15, the controller71controls the first supply valve2000and the first return valve2010to be in the closed state, and controls the second supply valve2001and the second return valve2011to be in the open state. Accordingly, as shown inFIG. 3B, the temperature control medium of the second temperature is outputted from the second temperature controller207, and supplied into the flow path15of the lower electrode LE via the pipeline227, the second supply valve2001, and the pipeline16a. In addition, the temperature control medium supplied into the flow path15of the lower electrode LE is returned back into the second temperature controller207via the pipeline16b, the second return valve2011, and the pipeline225. As a result, the placing table11is controlled to the second temperature.

However, when changing the temperature of the placing table11by changing the temperature of the temperature control medium flown into the flow path15in order to change the temperature of the substrate W, the temperature of the substrate W may be changed by being affected by the temperature change of the temperature control medium.

For example, when changing the temperature of the temperature control medium to be flown into the flow path15of the placing table11from the first temperature to the second temperature, the controller71switches the opening and closing of the first supply valve2000, the second supply valve2001, the first return valve2010, and the second return valve2011from the state ofFIG. 3Ato the state ofFIG. 3B. In this case, when such switching operations of the valves are performed, the temperature control medium of the first temperature remaining in the flow path15flows into the tank of the second temperature controller207, causing the temperature of the temperature control medium in the tank to be decreased from the second temperature. The second temperature controller207is controlling the temperature of the tank. Accordingly, with the lapse of time, the temperature of the temperature control medium in the tank returns to the second temperature. During a period in which the temperature of the temperature control medium in the tank is decreased from the second temperature, the temperature of the temperature control medium supplied from the second temperature controller207to the flow path15of the placing table11is temporarily decreased from the second temperature.

Further, when changing the temperature of the temperature control medium to be flown into the flow path15of the placing table11from the second temperature to the first temperature, the controller71switches the opening and closing of the first supply valve2000, the second supply valve2001, the first return valve2010, and the second return valve2011from the state ofFIG. 3Bto the state ofFIG. 3A. In this case, when such switching operations of the valves are performed, the temperature control medium of the second temperature remaining in the flow path15flows into the tank of the first temperature controller206, causing the temperature of the temperature control medium in the tank to be increased from the first temperature. At this time, the first temperature controller206is controlling the temperature of the tank. Accordingly, with the lapse of time, the temperature of the temperature control medium being supplied returns to the first temperature. During a period in which the temperature of the temperature control medium in the tank is increased from the first temperature, the temperature of the temperature control medium supplied from the first temperature controller206to the flow path15of the placing table11is temporarily increased from the first temperature.

An example of the temperature change of the substrate W affected by the temperature change of the temperature control medium flown into the flow path15of the placing table11will be described.FIG. 4is a graph showing an example of temperature variations of the temperature control medium and the substrate W according to the exemplary embodiment.FIG. 4illustrate a case where the substrate processing apparatus1performs a second plasma processing on the substrate by flowing the temperature control medium of the second temperature into the flow path15of the placing table11after performing a first plasma processing thereon by flowing the temperature control medium of the first temperature into the flow path15of the placing table11.FIG. 4shows waveforms of a variation of the temperature of the substrate W, a variation of an actual temperature of the temperature control medium supplied to the flow path15of the placing table11, and a variation of a set temperature of the temperature control medium. The “set temperature of the temperature control medium” indicates an ideal temperature of the temperature control medium flowing through the flow path15of the placing table11. Further,FIG. 4shows a period P1in which the first plasma processing is performed and a period P2in which the second plasma processing is performed by supplying the high frequency powers, respectively.

The temperature control device20circulates the temperature control medium of the first temperature through the flow path15of the placing table11before the period P1of the first plasma processing. The temperature of the substrate W is maintained at a first temperature T1before the period P1of the first plasma processing, and then, it is increased from the first temperature T1in the period P1because there is a heat input from the plasma.

When switching the first plasma processing to the second plasma processing, the temperature control device20switches the temperature control medium being supplied from the temperature control medium of the first temperature to the temperature control medium of the second temperature. InFIG. 4, the set temperature of the temperature control medium is switched from the first temperature T1to the second temperature T2between the period P1and the period P2. The actual temperature of the temperature control medium supplied to the flow path15of the placing table11is rapidly increased to the second temperature T2as a result of this switching of the set temperature and is temporarily stabilized near the temperature T2. However, the actual temperature of the temperature control medium is temporarily decreased from the second temperature T2by being affected by the temperature control medium of the first temperature remaining in the flow path15. Although the temperature of the substrate W is increased due to the heat input from the plasma in the period P2and is temporarily stabilized, the temperature of the substrate W may be temporarily decreased under the influence of the temporary decrease in the temperature of the temperature control medium.

FIG. 5is a graph showing an example of the temperature variations of the temperature control medium and the substrate according to the exemplary embodiment. An upper part ofFIG. 5is an enlarged view illustrating a portion ofFIG. 4where the temporary temperature decreases of the temperature control medium and the substrate W take place. Further, a change in a pressure BP of the heat transfer gas is also shown in a lower part ofFIG. 5. InFIG. 5, the gas supply18supplies the heat transfer gas at the constant pressure BP. The temperature of the temperature control medium is transferred to the substrate W via the placing table11. For the reason, the change in the temperature of the temperature control medium is transferred to the substrate W with a time delay. Accordingly, the temporary decrease of the temperature of the substrate W takes place while being delayed from the temporary decrease of the temperature of the temperature control medium. This change in the temperature of the substrate W affects a process of the second plasma processing.

As shown inFIG. 4andFIG. 5, after the temperature change of the temperature control medium occurs, there is a time delay before the temperature change of the substrate W takes place. For this reason, it is too early to correct the pressure BP of the heat transfer gas immediately after the temperature change of the temperature control medium takes place. Thus, by performing the correction of the pressure BP of the heat transfer gas after the lapse of a predetermined time Δwt, which is taken before the temperature of the substrate W is changed by being affected by the temperature change of the temperature control medium, from a timing when the temperature of the temperature control medium has changed, precision can be further improved.

The predetermined time Δwt may be empirically determined. For example, the predetermined time Δwt may be set by measuring a time taken before the temperature change of the substrate W takes place after the temperature of the temperature control medium is changed, by using the substrate processing apparatus1or an apparatus (for example, an experimental plasma processing apparatus) having the same characteristics as the substrate processing apparatus1.FIG. 6is a diagram for describing an example of a method of calculating the predetermined time Δwt according to the exemplary embodiment.FIG. 6shows the waveforms of the variation of the temperature of the substrate W, the variation of the actual temperature of the temperature control medium supplied to the flow path15of the placing table11, and the variation of the set temperature of the temperature control medium shown inFIG. 5. Further,FIG. 6also shows a waveform of a temperature variation of the placing table11. The temperature variation of substrate W and the temperature variation of the placing table11are almost synchronized. An elapsed time in which the actual temperature of the temperature control medium is temporarily reduce the most is calculated from the waveform of the variation of the actual temperature of the temperature control medium. Further, an elapsed time in which the temperature of the substrate W or the placing table11is temporarily reduced the most is calculated from the waveform of the temperature variation of the substrate W or the waveform of the temperature variation of the placing table11. Then, by calculating a difference between the elapsed time in which the actual temperature of the temperature control medium is temporarily reduced the most and the elapsed time in which the temperature of the substrate W or the placing table11is temporarily reduced the most, the predetermined time Δwt is obtained. In the example ofFIG. 6, the elapsed time in which the actual temperature of the temperature control medium is temporarily reduced the most is 106 sec, and the elapsed time in which the temperature of the substrate W or the placing table11is temporarily reduced the most is 126 sec. Thus, the predetermined time Δwt is calculated to be about 20 sec.

Alternatively, the predetermined time Δwt may be theoretically decided. For example, the predetermined time Δwt can be calculated from the following expression (1).

Here, t1 denotes a delay time which is dependent on a volume of a pipeline; t2, a time taken for the heat transfer from the temperature control medium to the substrate W; and t3, a time taken before the pressure BP is actually changed after the gas supply18receives an instruction to change the pressure of the heat transfer gas.

To elaborate, t1 is a time taken before the temperature control medium remaining in the flow path15or the like flows out. The time t1 is determined based on installation positions of the flow path15, the pipe lines16aand16b, and the temperature sensor21. By way of example, a length from the installation position of the temperature sensor21of the pipeline16ato an end of the pipeline16bhaving passed through the flow path15is referred to as L. A cross sectional area of the inside of the flow path15and a cross sectional area of the inside of the pipe lines16aand16bare set to be same, and this cross sectional area of the inside thereof is referred to as S. A flow velocity of the temperature control medium is referred to as V. In this case, the time t1 is calculated by the following expression (2).

For example, when the length L is 4.5 m, the cross sectional area S is 2.85E−4m2, and the flow velocity V of the temperature control medium is 0.5 L/sec, the time t1 is calculated as follows from the expression (2).

The time t2 is a time taken for the heat of the flow path15of the placing table11to be transferred to the substrate W, that is, a time constant τ, and it can be calculated from a thermal resistance and a thermal capacity between the flow path15of the placing table11and the substrate W. By way of example, the time t2 is calculated by the following expression (3) from the thermal resistance and the thermal capacity of each layer such as the electrostatic chuck ESC between the flow path15of the placing table11and the substrate W, the lower electrode LE portion, and the like.

The time t3 is calculated by measuring a time taken before the pressure BP is actually changed after the gas supply18receives the instruction to change the pressure of the heat transfer gas, by using the actual substrate processing apparatus1or an apparatus having the same characteristics as the substrate processing apparatus1(for example, an experimental plasma processing apparatus).

In the placing table11, when the pressure of the heat transfer gas discharged from the discharge opening11bincreases, thermal conductivity between the electrostatic chuck ESC and the substrate W increases, resulting in a decrease of the temperature of the substrate W. In addition, in the placing table11, when the pressure of the heat transfer gas discharged from the discharge opening11bdecreases, the thermal conductivity between the electrostatic chuck ESC and the substrate W decreases, resulting in an increase of the temperature of the substrate W.FIG. 7is a diagram showing an example of a relationship between the pressure BP of the heat transfer gas and a temperature Tw of the substrate W according to the exemplary embodiment.FIG. 7presents a PT curve showing the relationship between the pressure BP of the heat transfer gas and the temperature Tw of the substrate W. With an increase of the pressure BP of the heat transfer gas supplied from the gas supply18, the temperature Tw of the substrate W decreases.

The relationship between the pressure BP of the heat transfer gas and the temperature Tw of the substrate W varies depending on an amount of the heat input from the plasma to the substrate W.FIG. 8is a diagram illustrating an example of a variation of the PT curve in relation to an amount of a heat input Q from the plasma to the substrate W according to the exemplary embodiment. When the amount of the heat input Q from the plasma to the substrate W is larger, the whole PT curve is shifted upwards.

FIG. 9is a diagram in which the logarithm is taken on the vertical and the horizontal axes ofFIG. 7. The PT curve showing the relationship between the pressure BP of the heat transfer gas and the temperature Tw of the substrate W as shown inFIG. 9becomes to have a linear shape if the logarithm is respectively taken on the temperature Tw of the substrate W and the pressure BP of the heat transfer gas. Thus, the PT curve can be approximated by a logarithmic function. For example, the PT curve can be represented by the following expression (4-1), and the expression (4-2) can be derived from the expression (4-1).

Here, a and b are parameters. T denotes the temperature of the substrate W. P indicates the pressure of the heat transfer gas to be supplied.

Next, correction of the temperature of the substrate W will be explained.FIG. 10is a diagram for describing an example of the correction of the temperature of the substrate W according to the exemplary embodiment.FIG. 10shows the PT curve, and an enlarged view of a part of the PT curve is shown in the lower part ofFIG. 10. When a supply temperature of the temperature control medium is changed by ΔT (° C.), the temperature Tw of the substrate W changes from T to T+ΔT. In order to return the temperature Tw of the substrate W from T+ΔT to T, a correction amount of the pressure BP of the heat transfer gas is set to be ΔP.

If (P, T+ΔT) and (P+ΔP, T) are put in the expression (4-2), the following expressions (5-1) and (5-2) are obtained.

If T is eliminated using the expressions (5-1) and (5-2), the following expression (6) is obtained.

If the expression (6) is put as an expression regarding ΔP, the following expression (7) is obtained.

Thus, if the parameters a and b are set, the correction amount ΔP of the pressure BP of the heat transfer gas for changing the temperature Tw of the substrate W by ΔT is calculated from the expression (7).

As shown inFIG. 8, the PT curve showing the relationship between the pressure BP of the heat transfer gas and the temperature Tw of the substrate W varies depending on the amount of the heat input Q from the plasma to the substrate W. The amount of the heat input Q from the plasma to the substrate W varies depending on processing conditions of the plasma processing. Thus, by acquiring the PT curve for each processing condition of the plasma processing in advance and obtaining the expression (4-2) that approximates each PT curve, the parameters a and b can be obtained in advance for each processing condition of the plasma processing.

The parameters a and b for each processing condition of the plasma processing are stored in parameter data72a.

The controller71controls the pressure BP of the heat transfer gas from the gas supply18such that the temperature change of the substrate W due to the temperature change of the temperature control medium may be eliminated. By way of example, the controller71determines whether the temperature of the temperature control medium measured by the temperature sensor21has changed by equal to or more than a predetermined temperature. The predetermined temperature is set according to a range in which the temperature change of the temperature control medium is allowed. The predetermined temperature is, for example, 5° C. When the temperature of the temperature control medium is found to be changed by equal to more than the predetermined temperature at a change timing, the controller71controls the pressure BP of the heat transfer gas from the gas supply18so as to eliminate the temperature change of the substrate W due to the temperature change of the temperature control medium after the predetermined time Δwt has elapsed from the change timing (the timing when the temperature of the temperature control medium is changed).

For example, when the temperature of the temperature control medium measured by the temperature sensor21has changed by equal to or more than the predetermined temperature from the first temperature while the temperature control medium of the first temperature is being supplied to the flow path15from the temperature control device20, and, also, when the temperature of the temperature control medium measured by the temperature sensor21has changed by equal to or more than the predetermined temperature from the second temperature while the temperature control medium of the second temperature is being supplied to the flow path15from the temperature control device20, the controller71controls the pressure BP of the heat transfer gas from the gas supply18after the lapse of the predetermined time Δwt from the timing when the temperature of the temperature control medium has changed. The controller71increases the pressure BP of the heat transfer gas from the gas supply18when the temperature of the temperature control medium is increased by equal to or more than the predetermined temperature, whereas the controller71decreases the pressure BP of the heat transfer gas from the gas supply18when the temperature of the temperature control medium is reduced by equal to or more than the predetermined temperature.

By way of example, the controller71calculates the correction amount ΔP of the pressure BP of the heat transfer gas for correcting the temperature change of the substrate W by using the relational expression representing the relationship between the pressure BP of the heat transfer gas supplied from the gas supply18and the temperature Tw of the substrate W. Specifically, the controller71specifies, from the parameter data72a, values of the parameters a and b corresponding to the amount of the heat input of the plasma processing being performed when the temperature change has occurred or corresponding to the processing condition of the plasma processing being performed. The controller71calculates the correction amount ΔP of the pressure BP of the heat transfer gas for correcting the temperature change of the substrate W by using the expression (7) to which the specified values of the parameters a and b are applied. Then, the controller71performs a control of changing the pressure BP of the heat transfer gas to be supplied from the gas supply18after the predetermined time Δwt passes by from the timing when the temperature change has occurred.

FIG. 11is a diagram for describing a control over the pressure BP of the heat transfer gas according to the exemplary embodiment. The waveforms of the variation of the actual temperature of the temperature control medium supplied to the flow path15of the placing table11and the variation of the set temperature of the temperature control medium, which are the same as those illustrated inFIG. 5, are shown in the upper part ofFIG. 11. Further, a variation of the pressure BP of the heat transfer gas is shown in the lower part ofFIG. 11. Moreover, a waveform of the variation of the temperature Tw of the substrate W after being corrected through the control over the pressure BP of the heat transfer gas is shown in the upper part ofFIG. 11.

If the temperature of the temperature control medium has changed by equal to or more than the predetermined temperature after the temperature of the temperature control medium measured by the temperature sensor21comes into a normal state, the controller71controls the pressure BP of the heat transfer gas from the gas supply18so as to eliminate the temperature change of the substrate W caused by the temperature change of the temperature control medium. For example, when the temperature of the temperature control medium measured by the temperature sensor21falls within a certain range (for example, 3° C.) regarded as the normal state from the set temperature of the temperature control medium, the controller71makes a determination that the temperature of the temperature control medium has reached the normal state. In addition, the controller71may also make a determination that the temperature of the temperature control medium has reached the normal state when the temperature change of the temperature control medium falls within the certain range even for a certain time. When the temperature of the temperature control medium comes into the normal state, the controller71makes a determination upon whether the temperature of the temperature control medium measured by the temperature sensor21has changed by equal to or more than the predetermined temperature.

InFIG. 11, the temperature of the temperature control medium measured by the temperature sensor21is changed by equal to or more than the predetermined temperature at a timing ta. The controller71controls the pressure BP of the heat transfer gas from the gas supply18so as to eliminate the temperature change of the substrate W due to the temperature change of the temperature control medium, after the predetermined time Δwt has elapsed from the timing ta. InFIG. 11, the temperature control medium of the second temperature is supplied to the flow path15. The controller71performs a control of reducing the pressure BP of the heat transfer gas from the gas supply18at a timing tb upon the lapse of the predetermined time Δwt from the timing ta. For example, the controller71specifies, from the parameter data72a, values of the parameters a and b corresponding to a processing condition of the second plasma processing being performed when the temperature of the temperature control medium has changed by equal to or more than the predetermined temperature. The controller71calculates the correction amount ΔP of the pressure BP of the heat transfer gas by using the expression (7) to which the values of the specific parameters a and b are applied. The controller71performs a control of reducing the pressure BP of the heat transfer gas from the gas supply18by as much as the correction amount ΔP at the timing tb.

In the placing table11, if the pressure of the heat transfer gas discharged from the discharge opening11bdecreases, the thermal conductivity between the electrostatic chuck ESC and the substrate W decreases, and the temperature of the substrate W rises. Accordingly, as the pressure BP of the heat transfer gas supplied from the gas supply18decreases, the temperature of the substrate W increases. Consequently, the temperature of the substrate W is corrected as shown by a dashed line ofFIG. 11. In this way, the substrate processing apparatus1is capable of suppressing the temperature of the substrate W from being changed as a result of being affected by the temperature change of the temperature control medium even when the temperature of the temperature control medium flown to the flow path15of the placing table11is changed.

FIG. 12is a flowchart illustrating an example of the substrate temperature correction method according to the exemplary embodiment. The substrate temperature correction method shown inFIG. 12is carried out as the controller71controls the individual components of the apparatus main body10. The controller71starts a processing illustrated inFIG. 12when the temperature of the temperature control medium comes into the normal state.

The controller71measures the temperature of the temperature control medium by the temperature sensor21(S10). The controller71determines whether the temperature of the temperature control medium measured by the temperature sensor21has changed by equal to more than the predetermined temperature (S11). If the temperature of the temperature control medium has not changed by equal to or more than the predetermined temperature (S11: No), the processing returns to the process S10described above.

Meanwhile, if the temperature of the temperature control medium has changed by equal to or more than the predetermined temperature (S11: Yes), the controller71specifies, from the parameter data72a, the values of the parameters a and b corresponding to the processing condition of the second plasma processing being performed (S12). The controller71calculates the correction amount ΔP of the pressure BP of the heat transfer gas for correcting the temperature change of the substrate W by using the expression (7) to which the specified values of the parameters a and b are applied (S13).

The controller71determines whether or not the predetermined time Δwt has elapsed from the timing ta when the temperature of the temperature control medium has changed by equal to or more than the predetermined temperature (S14). If the predetermined time Δwt has not passed by (S14: No), the processing returns to the process S14described above.

Meanwhile, if the predetermined time Δwt has elapsed (S14: Yes), the controller71performs the control of changing the pressure BP of the heat transfer gas supplied from the gas supply18by as much as the correction amount ΔP (S15), and ends the processing. Upon the completion of the processing, the controller71may perform the substrate temperature correction method shown inFIG. 12again.

As described above, the substrate processing apparatus1according to the exemplary embodiment includes the placing table11, the gas supply18, a measurement unit (the temperature sensor21), and the controller71. The placing table11has the placing surface11aon which the substrate W is placed, and the flow path15through which the temperature control medium flows is formed inside the placing table11. Further, the placing table11is provided with the discharge opening11bthrough which the heat transfer gas is discharged to the placing surface11a. The measurement unit is configured to measure the temperature of the temperature control medium flown into the flow path15. If the temperature of the temperature control medium measured by the measurement unit has changed by equal to or more than the predetermined temperature, controller71controls the pressure BP of the heat transfer gas supplied from the gas supply18so as to eliminate the temperature change of the substrate W due to the temperature change of the temperature control medium after the predetermined time Δwt during which the temperature change of the substrate W placed on the placing surface11atakes place due to the temperature change of the temperature control medium has passed by from the timing when the temperature of the temperature control medium has changed. Thus, the substrate processing apparatus1is capable of suppressing the temperature change of the substrate W caused by the temperature change of the temperature control medium.

In addition, if the temperature of the temperature control medium has increased by equal to or more than the predetermined temperature, the controller71performs the control of increasing the pressure BP of the heat transfer gas supplied from the gas supply18, and if the temperature of the temperature control medium has decreased by equal to or more than the predetermined temperature, the controller71performs the control of reducing the pressure BP of the heat transfer gas supplied from the gas supply18. Accordingly, by increasing the pressure BP of the heat transfer gas, the thermal conductivity between the placing table11and the substrate W is increased, and by reducing the pressure BP of the heat transfer gas, the thermal conductivity between the placing table11and the substrate W is reduced. Thus, the temperature change of the substrate W due to the temperature change of the temperature control medium can be suppressed.

Moreover, the controller71calculates the correction amount ΔP of the pressure BP of the heating gas for correcting the temperature change of the substrate W by using the relational expression (for example, the expression (7)) indicating the relationship between the pressure BP of the heat transfer gas supplied from the gas supply18and the temperature of the substrate W, and performs the control of changing the pressure BP of the heat transfer medium supplied from the gas supply18by the correction amount ΔP after the predetermined time Δwt has elapsed from the timing when the temperature of the substrate W has changed. Thus, since the substrate processing apparatus1is capable of correcting the pressure BP of the heat transfer gas by as much as the correction amount of the temperature change of the substrate W, the substrate processing apparatus1is capable of reducing the temperature change of the substrate W due to the temperature change of the temperature control medium.

Further, the relational expression includes the parameters a and b. The storage72stores therein the parameter data72ain which the values of the parameters a and b of the relational expressions are matched with the heat input amounts of the plasma processing or the processing conditions of the plasma processing. The controller71specifies the values of the parameters a and b corresponding to the heat input amount of the plasma processing being performed or the processing condition of the plasma processing being performed when the temperature of the temperature control medium measured by the measurement unit has changed by equal to or more than the predetermined temperature. Then, the controller71calculates the correction amount ΔP of the pressure BP of the heat transfer gas for correcting the temperature change of the substrate W by using the relational expression to which the specified values of the parameters a and b are applied. Thus, since the substrate processing apparatus1is capable of calculating the correction amount ΔP according to the plasma processing being performed, the temperature change of the substrate W due to the temperature change of the temperature control medium can be further reduced.

Moreover, a temperature control medium supply unit (the temperature control device20) circulates the temperature control medium through the flow path15, and supplies the temperature control medium of the first temperature or the temperature control medium of the second temperature into the flow path15while switching them. If the temperature of the temperature control medium measured by the measurement unit changes by equal to or more than the predetermined temperature from the first temperature while the temperature control medium of the first temperature is supplied from the temperature control medium supply unit into the flow path15, and if the temperature of the temperature control medium measured by the measurement unit changes by equal to or more than the predetermined temperature from the second temperature while the temperature control medium of the second temperature is supplied from the temperature control medium supply unit into the flow path15, the controller71controls the pressure BP of the heat transfer gas supplied from the gas supply18after the lapse of the predetermined time Δwt from the timing when the temperature change of the temperature control medium has occurred. Thus, the substrate processing apparatus1is capable of reducing the temperature change of the substrate W due to the influence of the temperature change of the temperature control medium.

In addition, the predetermined time Δwt is determined by measuring a period taken before the temperature change of the substrate W occurs after the temperature of the temperature control medium has changed. Accordingly, since the pressure BP of the heat transfer gas can be corrected at a timing when the temperature change of the substrate W actually takes place after the temperature of the temperature control medium has changed, the temperature change of the substrate W due to the influence of the temperature change of the temperature control medium can be reduced.

Furthermore, the predetermined time Δwt is calculated through an operation using the delay time t1 dependent on the pipeline volume, the time t2 taken for the heat transfer from the temperature control medium to the substrate, and the time t3 taken before the pressure BP is actually changed after the instruction to change the pressure of the heat transfer gas is made. Thus, the predetermined time Δwt can be logically calculated without needing to measure it.

The exemplary embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all aspects and do not limit the present disclosure. In fact, the above exemplary embodiments can be embodied in various forms. Further, the above-described exemplary embodiments may be omitted, replaced, or modified in various forms without departing from the scope and spirit of the appended claims.

For example, the above exemplary embodiment has been described for the example where the substrate W is the semiconductor wafer. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and the substrate W may be any of various types.

Furthermore, the above exemplary embodiment has been described for the example where the temperature control device20controls the temperature of the substrate W by supplying the temperature control medium of the first temperature T1and the temperature control medium of the second temperature T2to the flow path15of the placing table11while switching them. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The temperature control device20may adopt a configuration as described in Patent Document 2, for example, and be configured to adjust the temperature of the substrate W by mixing the temperature control medium of the first temperature T1and the temperature control medium of the second temperature T2to the set temperature and supplying the mixture of the set temperature into the flow path15. In this configuration as well, it is possible to suppress the temperature change of the substrate W caused by the influence of the temperature change of the temperature control medium.

Further, the above exemplary embodiment has been described for the example where the temperature of the temperature control medium is changed by being affected by the temperature control medium remaining in the flow path when the temperature of the temperature control medium is switched between the first temperature T1and the second temperature T2. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The substrate temperature correction method of the present disclosure can be applied to suppress the temperature change of the substrate W caused by the influence of the temperature change of the temperature control medium when the temperature change of the temperature control medium takes place for any reason.FIG. 13is a diagram illustrating another example of the correction of the temperature of the substrate W according to the exemplary embodiment. InFIG. 13, a temperature change ΔTBof the temperature control medium takes place while the temperature control medium of a constant temperature is supplied to the flow path15of the placing table11, and a temperature change ΔTWof the substrate W takes place due to the influence of this temperature change ΔTBof the temperature control medium. In this case as well, by controlling the pressure BP of the heat transfer gas so as to eliminate the temperature change ΔTW of the substrate W after the lapse of the predetermined time Δwt from the timing when the temperature change ΔTBhas occurred, it is possible to suppress the temperature change ΔTWof the substrate caused by the temperature change ΔTBOf the temperature control medium.

In addition, the above exemplary embodiment has been explained for the example where the correction amount ΔP required to return the temperature Tw of the substrate W is calculated when the temperature of the temperature control medium has changed by equal to or more than the predetermined temperature. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. Even if the temperature change of the temperature control medium is rapid, the change in the temperature Tw of the substrate W is small when the period for the temperature change is short. On the other hand, even if the temperature change of the temperature control medium is gentle, the change in the temperature Tw of the substrate W is large when the period for the temperature change is long. In this way, the change in the temperature Tw of the substrate W differs depending on the shape of the waveform of the temperature change of the temperature control medium. Therefore, the controller71may control the pressure BP of the heat transfer gas supplied from the gas supply18according to the shape of the waveform of the temperature change of the temperature control medium when the temperature of the temperature control medium has changed by equal to or more than the predetermined temperature. For example, the controller71may calculate the correction amount of the pressure BP of the heat transfer gas from the shape of the waveform of the temperature change of the temperature control medium. By way of example, to reduce the temperature change of the substrate W, for each type of the shape of the waveform of the temperature change of the temperature control medium, a correction coefficient capable of correcting the correction amount ΔP may be obtained by an experiment or the like to be stored as correction coefficient data. When the temperature change ΔTBof the temperature control medium occurs, the controller71specifies the type of the shape of the waveform of the temperature change ΔTB, and specifies the correction coefficient corresponding to the specified type from the correction coefficient data. The controller71may perform a control of correcting the correction amount by multiplying the correction amount ΔP by the specified correction coefficient, and changing the pressure BP of the heat transfer gas supplied from the gas supply18by the corrected correction amount. Therefore, since the correction amount corresponding to the waveform of the temperature change of the temperature control medium can be calculated, the temperature change of the substrate can be further suppressed.

Moreover, in the above-described exemplary embodiment, the thermal conductivity between the placing table11and the substrate W is adjusted by adjusting the pressure of the heat transfer gas supplied into the gap between the placing table11and the substrate W. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The temperature control medium flows in the flow path15formed inside the placing table11, and the thermal conductivity between the temperature control medium and the placing table11can be adjusted by adjusting a flow velocity of the temperature control medium. For example, by increasing the flow velocity of the temperature control medium, the thermal conductivity between the temperature control medium and the placing table11increases. On the other hand, by reducing the flow velocity of the temperature control medium, the thermal conductivity between the temperature control medium and the placing table11is reduced. Thus, when the temperature of the temperature control medium measured by the measurement unit has changed by equal to or more than the predetermined temperature, the controller71may control the thermal conductivity in the range from the temperature control medium to the substrate W positioned on the placing surface11ato eliminate the temperature change of the substrate W due to the temperature change of the temperature control medium after the predetermined time Δwt elapses from the timing when the temperature of the temperature control medium is changed. The controller71increases the thermal conductivity in the range from the temperature control medium to the substrate W disposed on the placing surface11awhen the temperature of the temperature control medium has increased by equal to or more than the predetermined temperature, and reduces the thermal conductivity in the range from the temperature control medium to the substrate W positioned on the placing surface11awhen the temperature of the temperature control medium has decreased by equal to or more than the predetermined temperature. For example, the controller71increases the flow velocity of the temperature control medium flowing through the flow path15when the temperature of the temperature control medium has increased by equal to or more than the predetermined temperature, and reduces the flow velocity of the temperature control medium flowing through the flow path15when the temperature of the temperature control medium has decreased by equal to or more than the predetermined temperature. As an example of controlling the flow velocity of the temperature control medium, when a valve is provided either between the pipeline16aand the flow path15or between the flow path15and the pipeline16bat least, the flow velocity of the temperature control medium may be controlled by adjusting an opening degree of the installed valve. Alternatively, a function to vary a cross sectional area of the flow path15may be provided to control the flow velocity of the temperature control medium. Still alternatively, the flow velocity of the temperature control medium discharged from the temperature control device20to the pipeline16may be adjusted. By adopting any of these mechanisms, the thermal conductivity in the range from the temperature control medium and the substrate W placed on the placing surface11acan be adjusted. In addition, the thermal conductivity between the temperature control medium and the placing table11is a part of the thermal conductivity in the range from the temperature control medium to the substrate W placed on the placing surface11a. Additionally, by adopting these mechanisms in combination with the adjustment of the pressure of the heat transfer gas supplied into the gap between the placing table11and the substrate W, the thermal conductivity in the range from the temperature control medium to the substrate W placed on the placing surface11amay be adjusted.

The above exemplary embodiment has been described for the case where capacitively coupled plasma (CCP) is used as an example of a plasma source. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. By way of non-limiting example, inductively coupled plasma (ICP), microwave-excited surface wave plasma (SWP), electron cyclotron resonance plasma (ECP) or helicon wave excited plasma (HWP) may be used as the plasma source.

In addition, although the above exemplary embodiment has been described for the case where the plasma processing such as plasma etching is performed on the substrate W as the substrate processing, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The substrate processing may be any processing involving the heat input to the substrate W. For example, the substrate processing may be heat treatment such as ashing.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the substrate processing apparatus1is a plasma processing apparatus configured to perform the plasma processing such as plasma etching. However, the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The substrate processing apparatus1may be any apparatus as long as it performs the substrate processing involving the heat input to the substrate W. For example, the substrate processing apparatus1may be a film forming apparatus, a modifying apparatus, or the like.

The exemplary embodiments disclosed herein are illustrative in all aspects and do not limit the present disclosure. In fact, the above exemplary embodiments can be embodied in various forms. Further, the above-described exemplary embodiments may be omitted, replaced, or modified in various forms without departing from the scope and spirit of the appended claims.

According to the exemplary embodiment, it is possible to suppress the temperature variation of the substrate which is caused by the temperature variation of the temperature control medium.