PATENT ABSTRACT
The invention provides a plurality of plasma tuning rod subsystems. The plasma tuning rod subsystems can comprise one or more microwave cavities configured to couple electromagnetic (EM) energy in a desired EM wave mode to a plasma by generating resonant microwave energy in one or more plasma tuning rods within and/or adjacent to the plasma. One or more microwave cavity assemblies can be coupled to a process chamber, and can comprise one or more tuning spaces/cavities. Each tuning space/cavity can have one or more plasma tuning rods coupled thereto. Some of the plasma tuning rods can be configured to couple the EM energy from one or more of the resonant cavities to the process space within the process chamber and thereby create uniform plasma within the process space.

PATENT DESCRIPTION
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application is related to co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/______, attorney docket No. TEA-045, entitled “Plasma-Tuning Rods in Surface Wave Antenna (SWA) Sources”, filed on even date herewith. This application is related to co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 13/______, attorney docket No. TEA-074, entitled “Plasma Tuning Rods in Microwave Resonator Plasma Sources”, filed on even date herewith. The contents of each of these applications are herein incorporated by reference in their entireties. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates to substrate/wafer processing, and more particularly to microwave processing systems and methods for processing substrates and/or semiconductor wafers. 
         [0004]    2. Description of the Related Art 
         [0005]    Typically, during semiconductor processing, a (dry) plasma etch process is utilized to remove or etch material along fine lines or within vias or contacts patterned on a semiconductor substrate. The plasma etch process generally involves positioning a semiconductor substrate with an overlying patterned, protective layer, for example a photoresist layer, into a process chamber. 
         [0006]    Once the substrate is positioned within the chamber, an ionizable, dissociative gas mixture is introduced within the chamber at a pre-specified flow rate, while a vacuum pump is throttled to achieve an ambient process pressure. Thereafter, a plasma is formed when a portion of the gas species present are ionized following a collision with an energetic electron. Moreover, the heated electrons serve to dissociate some species of the mixture gas species and create reactant specie(s) suitable for the etching exposed surfaces. Once the plasma is formed, any exposed surfaces of the substrate are etched by the plasma. The process is adjusted to achieve optimal conditions, including an appropriate concentration of desirable reactant and ion populations to etch various features (e.g., trenches, vias, contacts, etc.) in the exposed regions of the substrate. Such substrate materials where etching is required include silicon dioxide (SiO 2 ), poly-silicon, and silicon nitride, for example. 
         [0007]    Conventionally, various techniques have been implemented for exciting a gas into plasma for the treatment of a substrate during semiconductor device fabrication, as described above. In particular, (“parallel plate”) capacitively coupled plasma (CCP) processing systems, or inductively coupled plasma (ICP) processing systems have been utilized commonly for plasma excitation. Among other types of plasma sources, there are microwave plasma sources (including those utilizing electron-cyclotron resonance (ECR)), surface wave plasma (SWP) sources, and helicon plasma sources. 
         [0008]    It is becoming common wisdom that microwave-processing systems offer improved plasma processing performance, particularly for etching processes, over CCP systems, ICP systems and resonantly heated systems. Microwave processing systems produce a high degree of ionization at a relatively lower Boltzmann electron temperature (T e ). In addition, EM sources generally produce plasma richer in electronically excited molecular species with reduced molecular dissociation. However, the practical implementation of microwave processing systems still suffers from several deficiencies including, for example, plasma stability and uniformity. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0009]    The invention relates to a microwave processing systems and, more particularly, to stable and/or uniform cavity assemblies in microwave processing systems. 
         [0010]    According to embodiments, a plurality of plasma tuning rod subsystems are described. The plasma tuning rod subsystems comprise one or more microwave cavities configured to couple electromagnetic (EM) energy in a desired EM wave mode to a plasma by generating resonant microwave energy in one or more plasma tuning rods within and/or adjacent to the plasma. One or more microwave cavity assemblies can be coupled to a process chamber can comprise one or more tuning spaces/cavities, and each tuning space/cavity can have one or more plasma tuning rods coupled thereto. Some of the plasma tuning rods can be configured to couple the EM energy from one or more of the resonant cavities to the process space within the process chamber and thereby create uniform plasma within the process space. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0011]    Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings in which corresponding reference symbols indicate corresponding parts, and in which: 
           [0012]      FIGS. 1A-1C  illustrate different exemplary views of a first microwave processing system according to embodiments of the invention; 
           [0013]      FIGS. 2A-2C  illustrate different exemplary views of a second microwave processing system according to embodiments of the invention; 
           [0014]      FIGS. 3A-3C  illustrate different exemplary views of a third microwave processing system according to embodiments of the invention; 
           [0015]      FIGS. 4A-4C  illustrate different exemplary views of a fourth microwave processing system according to embodiments of the invention; 
           [0016]      FIGS. 5A-5D  show different views of exemplary plasma-tuning rods in accordance with embodiments of the invention; 
           [0017]      FIGS. 6A-6D  show different views of other exemplary plasma-tuning rods in accordance with embodiments of the invention; 
           [0018]      FIGS. 7A-7D  show different views of exemplary plasma-tuning rods in accordance with embodiments of the invention; 
           [0019]      FIG. 8  illustrates a flow diagram for an exemplary operating procedure in accordance with embodiments of the invention; and 
           [0020]      FIG. 9  illustrates a plasma processing system according to embodiments of the invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0021]    A microwave processing system is disclosed in various embodiments. However, one skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the various embodiments may be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other replacement and/or additional methods, materials, or components. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of various embodiments of the invention. 
         [0022]    Similarly, for purposes of explanation, specific numbers, materials, and configurations are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. Nevertheless, the invention may be practiced without specific details. Furthermore, it is understood that the various embodiments shown in the figures are illustrative representations and are not necessarily drawn to scale. 
         [0023]    Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” or variation thereof means that a particular feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the invention, but do not denote that they are present in every embodiment. Thus, the appearances of the phrases such as “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment of the invention. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, materials, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. 
         [0024]    Nonetheless, it should be appreciated that, contained within the description are features which, notwithstanding the inventive nature of the general concepts being explained, are also of an inventive nature. 
         [0025]    Referring now to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate identical or corresponding parts throughout the several views,  FIGS. 1A-1C  illustrate different views of a first microwave processing system according to embodiments of the invention. The first microwave processing system  100  may be used in plasma curtain deposition system or a plasma enhanced deposition system. 
         [0026]      FIG. 1A  shows a partial cut-away top view of a process chamber  110  in a first microwave processing system  100 . The top view shows an x/y plane view of a first interface assembly, a second interface assembly  112   b , and a plurality of additional chamber walls  112  coupled to the first interface assembly  112   a  and the second interface assembly  112   b  thereby forming the process chamber  110 . For example, the chamber walls  112  can have wall thicknesses (t) associated therewith, and the wall thicknesses (t) can vary from about 1 mm to about 5 mm. The first interface assembly  112   a  can have a first interface thickness (t i1 ) associated therewith, and the first interface thickness (t i1 ) can vary from about 1 mm to about 10 mm. The second interface assembly  112   b  can have a second interface thickness (t i2 ) associated therewith, and the second interface thickness (t i2 ) can vary from about 1 mm to about 10 mm. The process space  115  can have a length (x T ) associated therewith, and the length (x T ) can vary from about 10 mm to about 500 mm. 
         [0027]    The top view shows a cut-away view of a first cavity assembly  168   a  having a first EM energy tuning space  169   a  therein, and the first cavity assembly  168   a  can include a first cavity wall  165   a , a second cavity wall  166   a , at least one third cavity wall  167   a , and one or more additional cavity walls (not shown). For example, the first cavity assembly  168   a  can be coupled to the first interface assembly  112   a  using the first cavity wall  165   a , and the walls ( 165   a ,  166   a , and  167   a ) can comprise dielectric material and can have wall thicknesses (t a ) associated therewith, and the wall thicknesses (t a ) can vary from about 1 mm to about 5 mm. In addition, the first EM energy tuning space  169   a  can have a first length (x T1a ) and a first width (y 1a ) associated therewith, the first length (x T1a ) can vary from about 10 mm to about 500 mm, and the first width (y 1a ) can vary from about 5 mm to about 50 mm. 
         [0028]    The top view also shows a cut-away view of a second cavity assembly  168   b  having a second EM energy tuning space  169   b  therein, and the second cavity assembly  168   b  can include a first cavity wall  165   b , a second cavity wall  166   b , at least one third cavity wall  167   b , and one or more additional cavity walls (not shown). For example, and the second cavity assembly  168   b  can be coupled to the second interface assembly  112   b  using the first cavity wall  165   b , and walls ( 165   b ,  166   b , and  167   b ) can comprise dielectric material and can have wall thicknesses (t b ) associated therewith, and the wall thicknesses (t b ) can vary from about 1 mm to about 5 mm. In addition, the second EM energy tuning space  169   b  can have a second length (x T1b ) and a second width (y 1b ) associated therewith, the second length (x T1b ) can vary from about 10 mm to about 500 mm, and the second width (y 1b ) can vary from about 5 mm to about 50 mm. 
         [0029]    In some exemplary systems, a first set of isolation assemblies ( 164   a ,  164   b ,  164   c ,  164   d , and  164   e ) can be removably coupled to a first interface assembly  112   a  and can be configured to isolate the process space  115  from the first EM energy tuning space  169   a . The first set of isolation assemblies ( 164   a ,  164   b ,  164   c ,  164   d , and  164   e ) can be used to removably couple the first set of plasma tuning rods {( 170   a ,  170   b ,  170   c ,  170   d , and  170   e ) and ( 175   a ,  175   b ,  175   c ,  175   d , and  175   e )} to a first interface assembly  112   a . For example, the first set of plasma-tuning portions ( 170   a ,  170   b ,  170   c ,  170   d , and  170   e ) can be configured in the process space  115 , and the first set of EM-tuning portion ( 175   a ,  175   b ,  175   c ,  175   d , and  175   e ) can be configured within the first EM energy tuning space  169   a.    
         [0030]    A second set of isolation assemblies ( 164   f ,  164   g ,  164   h ,  164   i , and  164   j ) can be removably coupled to the second interface assembly  112   b  and can be configured to isolate the process space  115  from the second EM energy tuning space  169   b . The second set of isolation assemblies ( 164   f ,  164   g ,  164   h ,  164   i , and  164   j ) can be used to removably couple the second set of plasma tuning rods {( 170   f ,  170   g ,  170   h ,  170   i , and  170   j ) and ( 175   f ,  175   g ,  175   h ,  175   i , and  175   j )} to the second interface assembly  112   b . For example, the second set of plasma-tuning portions ( 170   f ,  170   g ,  170   h ,  170   i , and  170   j ) can be configured in the process space  115 , and the second set of EM-tuning portion ( 175   f ,  175   g ,  175   h ,  175   h , and  175   j ) can be configured within the second EM energy tuning space  169   b.    
         [0031]    Still referring to  FIG. 1A , a first plasma-tuning rod ( 170   a ,  175   a ) can comprise dielectric material, can have a first plasma-tuning portion  170   a  that can extend a first plasma-tuning distance  171   a  into the process space  115  at a first location defined using (x 2a ). For example, the first plasma-tuning distance  171   a  can vary from about 10 mm to about 400 mm. 
         [0032]    A first EM-coupling region  162   a  can be established at a first EM-coupling distance  176   a  from the first cavity wall  165   a  within the first EM energy tuning space  169   a  established in the first cavity assembly  168   a , and the first EM-tuning portion  175   a  can extend into the first EM-coupling region  162   a . The first EM-tuning portion  175   a  can obtain first microwave energy from the first EM-coupling region  162   a , and the first microwave energy can be transferred to the process space  115  at the first location (x 2a ) using the first plasma-tuning portion  170   a . The first EM-coupling region  162   a  can include a maximum field region, a maximum voltage region, maximum energy region, or a maximum current region, or any combination thereof. For example, the first EM-coupling distance  176   a  can vary from about 0.01 mm to about 10 mm, and the first EM-coupling distance  176   a  can be wavelength-dependent and can vary from about a (λ/4) to about (10λ). 
         [0033]    A first plasma-tuning slab  161   a  can be coupled to a first control assembly  160   a  that can be used to move  163   a  the first plasma-tuning slab  161   a  a first EM-tuning distance  177   a  relative to the first EM-tuning portion  175   a  of the first plasma-tuning rod ( 170   a ,  175   a ) within the first EM energy tuning space  169   a . The first control assembly  160   a  and the first plasma-tuning slab  161   a  can comprise dielectric material and can be used to optimize the microwave energy coupled from the first EM-coupling region  162   a  to the first EM-tuning portion  175   a  of the first plasma-tuning rod ( 170   a ,  175   a ). Thr first EM-tuning distance  177   a  can be established between the first EM-tuning portion  175   a  and the first plasma-tuning slab  161   a  within the first EM energy tuning space  169   a , and the first EM-tuning distance  177   a  can vary from about 0.01 mm to about 1 mm. 
         [0034]    The first plasma-tuning rod ( 170   a ,  175   a ) can have a first diameter (d 1a ) associated therewith, and the first diameter (d 1a ) can vary from about 0.01 mm to about 1 mm. The first plasma-tuning slab  161   a  can have a first diameter (D 1a ) associated therewith, and the first diameter (D 1a ) can vary from about 1 mm to about 10 mm. The first EM-coupling region  162   a , the first control assembly  160   a , and the first plasma-tuning slab  161   a  can have a first x/y plane offset (x 1a ) associated therewith, and the first x/y plane offset (x 1a ) can be wavelength-dependent and can vary from about a quarter wavelength (λ/4) to about (10λ). For example, first control assembly  160   a  can have a cylindrical configuration and a diameter (d 1a ) that can vary from about 1 mm to about 5 mm. 
         [0035]    A second plasma-tuning rod ( 170   b ,  175   b ) can comprise dielectric material and can have a second plasma-tuning portion  170   b  that can extend a second plasma-tuning distance  171   b  into the process space  115  at a second location defined using (x 1b ). For example, the second plasma-tuning distance  171   b  can vary from about 10 mm to about 400 mm. 
         [0036]    A second EM-coupling region  162   b  can be established at a second EM-coupling distance  176   b  from the first cavity wall  165   a  within the first EM energy tuning space  169   a  established in the first cavity assembly  168   a , and the second EM-tuning portion  175   b  can extend into the second EM-coupling region  162   b . The second EM-tuning portion  175   b  can obtain second microwave energy from the second EM-coupling region  162   b , and the second microwave energy can be transferred to the process space  115  at the second location (x 1b ) using the second plasma-tuning portion  170   b . The second EM-coupling region  162   b  can include a maximum field region, a maximum voltage region, maximum energy region, or a maximum current region, or any combination thereof. For example, the second EM-coupling distance  176   b  can vary from about 0.01 mm to about 10 mm, and the second EM-coupling distance  176   b  can be wavelength-dependent and can vary from about (λ/4) to about (10λ). 
         [0037]    A second plasma-tuning slab  161   b  can be coupled to a second control assembly  160   b  and can be used to move  163   b  the second plasma-tuning slab  161   b  a second EM-tuning distance  177   b  relative to the second EM-tuning portion  175   b  of the second plasma-tuning rod ( 170   b ,  175   b ) within the first EM energy tuning space  169   a . The second control assembly  160   b  and the second plasma-tuning slab  161   b  can be used to optimize the microwave energy coupled from the second EM-coupling region  162   b  to the second EM-tuning portion  175   b  of the second plasma-tuning rod ( 170   b ,  175   b ). For example, the second EM-tuning distance  177   b  can be established between the second EM-tuning portion  175   b  and the second plasma-tuning slab  161   b  within the first EM energy tuning space  169   a , and the second EM-tuning distance  177   b  can vary from about 0.01 mm to about 1 mm. 
         [0038]    The second plasma-tuning rod ( 170   b ,  175   b ) can have a second diameter (d 1b ) associated therewith that can vary from about 0.01 mm to about 1 mm. The second plasma-tuning slab  161   b  can comprise dielectric material and can have a second diameter (D 1b ) associated therewith that can vary from about 1 mm to about 10 mm. The second EM-coupling region  162   b , the second control assembly  160   b , and the second plasma-tuning slab  161   b  can have a second x/y plane offset (x 1b ) associated therewith, and the second x/y plane offset (x 1b ) can be wavelength-dependent and can vary from about a quarter wavelength (λ/4) to about (10λ). For example, the second control assembly  160   b  can comprise dielectric material, can have a cylindrical configuration and a diameter (d 1b ) that can vary from about 1 mm to about 5 mm. 
         [0039]    A third plasma-tuning rod ( 170   c ,  175   c ) can comprise dielectric material and can have a third plasma-tuning portion  170   c  that can extend a third plasma-tuning distance  171   c  into the process space  115  at a third location defined using (x 2c ). For example, the third plasma-tuning distance  171   c  can vary from about 10 mm to about 400 mm. 
         [0040]    A third EM-coupling region  162   c  can be established at a third EM-coupling distance  176   c  from the first cavity wall  165   a  within the first EM energy tuning space  169   a  established in the first cavity assembly  168   a , and the third EM-tuning portion  175   c  can extend into the third EM-coupling region  162   c . The third EM-tuning portion  175   c  can obtain third microwave energy from the third EM-coupling region  162   c , and the third microwave energy can be transferred to the process space  115  at the third location (x 2c ) using the third plasma-tuning portion  170   c . The third EM-coupling region  162   c  can include a maximum field region, a maximum voltage region, maximum energy region, or a maximum current region, or any combination thereof. For example, the third EM-coupling distance  176   c  can vary from about 0.01 mm to about 10 mm, and the third EM-coupling distance  176   c  can be wavelength-dependent and can vary from about (λ/4) to about (10λ). 
         [0041]    A third plasma-tuning slab  161   c  can be coupled to a third control assembly  160   c  and can be used to move  163   c  the third plasma-tuning slab  161   c  a third EM-tuning distance  177   c  relative to the third EM-tuning portion  175   c  of the third plasma-tuning rod ( 170   c ,  175   c ) within the first EM energy tuning space  169   a . The third control assembly  160   c  and the third plasma-tuning slab  161   c  can be used to optimize the microwave energy coupled from the third EM-coupling region  162   c  to the third EM-tuning portion  175   c  of the third plasma-tuning rod ( 170   c ,  175   c ). For example, the third EM-tuning distance  177   c  can be established between the third EM-tuning portion  175   c  and the third plasma-tuning slab  161   c  within the first EM energy tuning space  169   a , and the third EM-tuning distance  177   c  can vary from about 0.01 mm to about 1 mm. 
         [0042]    The third plasma-tuning rod ( 170   c ,  175   c ) can have a third diameter (d 1c ) associated therewith that can vary from about 0.01 mm to about 1 mm. The third plasma-tuning slab  161   c  can comprise dielectric material and can have a third diameter (D 1c ) associated therewith that can vary from about 1 mm to about 10 mm. The third EM-coupling region  162   c , the third control assembly  160   c , and the third plasma-tuning slab  161   c  can have a third x/y plane offset (x 1c ) associated therewith, and the third x/y plane offset (x 1c ) can be wavelength-dependent and can vary from about a quarter wavelength (λ/4) to about (10λ). The third control assembly  160   c  can comprise dielectric material and can have a cylindrical configuration and a diameter (d 1c ) that can vary from about 1 mm to about 5 mm. 
         [0043]    A fourth plasma-tuning rod ( 170   d ,  175   d ) can comprise dielectric material and can have a fourth plasma-tuning portion  170   d  that can extend a fourth plasma-tuning distance  171   d  into the process space  115  at a fourth location defined using (x 2d ). For example, the fourth plasma-tuning distance  171   d  can vary from about 10 mm to about 400 mm. 
         [0044]    A fourth EM-coupling region  162   d  can be established at a fourth EM-coupling distance  176   d  from the first cavity wall  165   a  within the first EM energy tuning space  169   a  established in the first cavity assembly  168   a , and the fourth EM-tuning portion  175   d  can extend into the fourth EM-coupling region  162   d . The fourth EM-tuning portion  175   d  can obtain fourth microwave energy from the fourth EM-coupling region  162   d , and the fourth microwave energy can be transferred to the process space  115  at the fourth location (x 2d ) using the fourth plasma-tuning portion  170   d . The fourth EM-coupling region  162   d  can include a maximum field region, a maximum voltage region, maximum energy region, or a maximum current region, or any combination thereof. For example, the fourth EM-coupling distance  176   d  can vary from about 0.01 mm to about 10 mm, and the fourth EM-coupling distance  176   d  can be wavelength-dependent and can vary from about (λ/4) to about (10λ). 
         [0045]    A fourth plasma-tuning slab  161   d  can be coupled to a fourth control assembly  160   d  and can be used to move  163   d  the fourth plasma-tuning slab  161   d  a fourth EM-tuning distance  177   d  relative to the fourth EM-tuning portion  175   d  of the fourth plasma-tuning rod ( 170   d ,  175   d ) within the first EM energy tuning space  169   a . The fourth control assembly  160   d  and the fourth plasma-tuning slab  161   d  can be used to optimize the microwave energy coupled from the fourth EM-coupling region  162   d  to the fourth EM-tuning portion  175   d  of the fourth plasma-tuning rod ( 170   d ,  175   d ). For example, the fourth EM-tuning distance  177   d  can be established between the fourth EM-tuning portion  175   d  and the fourth plasma-tuning slab  161   d  within the first EM energy tuning space  169   a , and the fourth EM-tuning distance  177   d  can vary from about 0.01 mm to about 1 mm. 
         [0046]    The fourth plasma-tuning rod ( 170   d ,  175   d ) can have a fourth diameter (d 1d ) associated therewith that can vary from about 0.01 mm to about 1 mm. The fourth plasma-tuning slab  161   d  can have a fourth diameter (D 1d ) associated therewith that can vary from about 1 mm to about 10 mm. The fourth EM-coupling region  162   d , the fourth control assembly  160   d , and the fourth plasma-tuning slab  161   d  can have a fourth x/y plane offset (x 1d ) associated therewith, and the fourth x/y plane offset (x 1d ) can be wavelength-dependent and can vary from about a quarter wavelength (λ/4) to about (10λ). The fourth control assembly  160   d  can comprise dielectric material, can have a cylindrical configuration and a diameter (d 1d ) that can vary from about 1 mm to about 5 mm. 
         [0047]    A fifth plasma-tuning rod ( 170   e ,  175   e ) can comprise dielectric material and can have a fifth plasma-tuning portion  170   e  that can extend a fifth plasma-tuning distance  171   e  into the process space  115  at a fifth location defined using (x 2e ). For example, the fifth plasma-tuning distance  171   e  can vary from about 10 mm to about 400 mm. 
         [0048]    A fifth EM-coupling region  162   e  can be established at a fifth EM-coupling distance  176   e  from the first cavity wall  165   a  within the first EM energy tuning space  169   a  established in the first cavity assembly  168   a , and the fifth EM-tuning portion  175   e  can extend into the fifth EM-coupling region  162   e . The fifth EM-tuning portion  175   e  can obtain fifth microwave energy from the fifth EM-coupling region  162   e , and the fifth microwave energy can be transferred to the process space  115  at the fifth location (x 2e ) using the fifth plasma-tuning portion  170   e . The fifth EM-coupling region  162   e  can include a maximum field region, a maximum voltage region, maximum energy region, or a maximum current region, or any combination thereof. For example, the fifth EM-coupling distance  176   e  can vary from about 0.01 mm to about 10 mm, and the fifth EM-coupling distance  176   e  can be wavelength-dependent and can vary from about (λ/4) to about (10λ). 
         [0049]    A fifth plasma-tuning slab  161   e  can comprise dielectric material and can be coupled to a fifth control assembly  160   e  and can be used to move  163   e  the fifth plasma-tuning slab  161   e  a fifth EM-tuning distance  177   e  relative to the fifth EM-tuning portion  175   e  of the fifth plasma-tuning rod ( 170   e ,  175   e ) within the first EM energy tuning space  169   a . The fifth control assembly  160   e  and the fifth plasma-tuning slab  161   e  can be used to optimize the microwave energy coupled from the fifth EM-coupling region  162   e  to the fifth EM-tuning portion  175   e  of the fifth plasma-tuning rod ( 170   e ,  175   e ). For example, the fifth EM-tuning distance  177   e  can be established between the fifth EM-tuning portion  175   e  and the fifth plasma-tuning slab  161   e  within the first EM energy tuning space  169   a , and the fifth EM-tuning distance  177   e  can vary from about 0.01 mm to about 1 mm. 
         [0050]    The fifth plasma-tuning rod ( 170   e ,  175   e ) can have a fifth diameter (d 1e ) associated therewith that can vary from about 0.01 mm to about 1 mm. The fifth plasma-tuning slab  161   e  can have a fifth diameter (D 1e ) associated therewith that can vary from about 1 mm to about 10 mm. The fifth EM-coupling region  162   e , the fifth control assembly  160   e , and the fifth plasma-tuning slab  161   e  can have a fifth x/y plane offset (x 1e ) associated therewith, and the fifth x/y plane offset (x 1e ) can be wavelength-dependent and can vary from about a quarter wavelength (λ/4) to about (10λ). The fifth control assembly  160   e  can comprise dielectric material, can have a cylindrical configuration and a diameter (d 1e ) that can vary from about 1 mm to about 5 mm. 
         [0051]    Still referring to  FIG. 1A , a sixth plasma-tuning rod ( 170   f ,  175   f ) can comprise dielectric material and can have a sixth plasma-tuning portion  170   f  that can extend a sixth plasma-tuning distance  171   f  into the process space  115  at a sixth location defined using (x 2f ). The sixth plasma-tuning distance  171   f  can vary from about 10 mm to about 400 mm. 
         [0052]    A sixth EM-coupling region  162   f  can comprise dielectric material and can be established at a sixth EM-coupling distance  176   f  from the first cavity wall  165   b  within the second EM energy tuning space  169   b  established in the second cavity assembly  168   b , and the sixth EM-tuning portion  175   f  can extend into the sixth EM-coupling region  162   f . The sixth EM-tuning portion  175   f  can obtain sixth microwave energy from the sixth EM-coupling region  162   f , and the sixth microwave energy can be transferred to the process space  115  at the sixth location (x 2f ) using the sixth plasma-tuning portion  170   f . The sixth EM-coupling region  162   f  can include a maximum field region, a maximum voltage region, maximum energy region, or a maximum current region, or any combination thereof. The sixth EM-coupling distance  176   f  can vary from about 0.01 mm to about 10 mm, or can be wavelength-dependent and can vary from about (λ/4) to about (10λ). 
         [0053]    A sixth plasma-tuning slab  161   f  can comprise dielectric material and can be coupled to a sixth control assembly  160   f  and can be used to move  163   f  the sixth plasma-tuning slab  161   f  a sixth EM-tuning distance  177   f  relative to the sixth EM-tuning portion  175   f  of the sixth plasma-tuning rod ( 170   f ,  175   f ) within the second EM energy tuning space  169   b . The sixth control assembly  160   f  and the sixth plasma-tuning slab  161   f  can be used to optimize the microwave energy coupled from the sixth EM-coupling region  162   f  to the sixth EM-tuning portion  175   f  of the sixth plasma-tuning rod ( 170   f ,  175   f ). For example, the sixth EM-tuning distance  177   f  can be established between the sixth EM-tuning portion  175   f  and the sixth plasma-tuning slab  161   f  within the second EM energy tuning space  169   b , and the sixth EM-tuning distance  177   f  can vary from about 0.01 mm to about 1 mm. 
         [0054]    The sixth plasma-tuning rod ( 170   f ,  175   f ) can have a sixth diameter (d 1f ) associated therewith that can vary from about 0.01 mm to about 1 mm. The sixth plasma-tuning slab  161   f  can have a sixth diameter (D 1f ) associated therewith that can vary from about 1 mm to about 10 mm. The sixth EM-coupling region  162   f , the sixth control assembly  160   f , and the sixth plasma-tuning slab  161   f  can have a sixth x/y plane offset (x 1f ) associated therewith, and the sixth x/y plane offset (x 1f ) can be wavelength-dependent and can vary from about a quarter wavelength (λ/4) to about (10λ). The sixth control assembly  160   f  can comprise dielectric material, can have a cylindrical configuration and a diameter (d 1f ) that can vary from about 1 mm to about 5 mm. 
         [0055]    A seventh plasma-tuning rod ( 170   g ,  175   g ) can comprise dielectric material and can have a seventh plasma-tuning portion  170   g  that can extend a seventh plasma-tuning distance  171   g  into the process space  115  at a seventh location defined using (x 2g ). The seventh plasma-tuning distance  171   g  can vary from about 10 mm to about 400 mm. 
         [0056]    A seventh EM-coupling region  162   g  can be established at a seventh EM-coupling distance  176   g  from the first cavity wall  165   b  within the second EM energy tuning space  169   b  established in the second cavity assembly  168   b , and the seventh EM-tuning portion  175   g  can extend into the seventh EM-coupling region  162   g . The seventh EM-tuning portion  175   g  can obtain seventh microwave energy from the seventh EM-coupling region  162   g , and the seventh microwave energy can be transferred to the process space  115  at the seventh location (x 2g ) using the seventh plasma-tuning portion  170   g . The seventh EM-coupling region  162   g  can include a maximum field region, a maximum voltage region, maximum energy region, or a maximum current region, or any combination thereof. For example, the seventh EM-coupling distance  176   g  can vary from about 0.01 mm to about 10 mm, and the seventh EM-coupling distance  176   g  can be wavelength-dependent and can vary from about (λ/4) to about (10λ). 
         [0057]    A seventh plasma-tuning slab  161   g  can comprise dielectric material and can be coupled to a seventh control assembly  160   g  and can be used to move  163   g  the seventh plasma-tuning slab  161   g  a seventh EM-tuning distance  177   g  relative to the seventh EM-tuning portion  175   g  of the seventh plasma-tuning rod ( 170   g ,  175   g ) within the second EM energy tuning space  169   b . The seventh control assembly  160   g  and the seventh plasma-tuning slab  161   g  can be used to optimize the microwave energy coupled from the seventh EM-coupling region  162   g  to the seventh EM-tuning portion  175   g  of the seventh plasma-tuning rod ( 170   g ,  175   g ). For example, the seventh EM-tuning distance  177   g  can be established between the seventh EM-tuning portion  175   g  and the seventh plasma-tuning slab  161   g  within the second EM energy tuning space  169   b , and the seventh EM-tuning distance  177   g  can vary from about 0.01 mm to about 1 mm. 
         [0058]    The seventh plasma-tuning rod ( 170   g ,  175   g ) can have a seventh diameter (d 1g ) associated therewith that can vary from about 0.01 mm to about 1 mm. The seventh plasma-tuning slab  161   g  can have a seventh diameter (D 1g ) associated therewith that can vary from about 1 mm to about 10 mm. The seventh EM-coupling region  162   g , the seventh control assembly  160   g , and the seventh plasma-tuning slab  161   g  can have a seventh x/y plane offset (x 1g ) associated therewith, and the seventh x/y plane offset (x 1g ) can be wavelength-dependent and can vary from about a quarter wavelength (λ/4) to about (10λ). The seventh control assembly  160   g  can comprise dielectric material, can have a cylindrical configuration and a diameter (d 1g ) that can vary from about 1 mm to about 5 mm. 
         [0059]    An eighth plasma-tuning rod ( 170   h ,  175   h ) can comprise dielectric material and can have an eighth plasma-tuning portion  170   h  that can extend an eighth plasma-tuning distance  171   h  into the process space  115  at an eighth location defined using (x 2h ). The eighth plasma-tuning distance  171   h  can vary from about 10 mm to about 400 mm. 
         [0060]    An eighth EM-coupling region  162   h  can be established at an eighth EM-coupling distance  176   h  from the first cavity wall  165   b  within the second EM energy tuning space  169   b  established in the second cavity assembly  168   b , and the eighth EM-tuning portion  175   h  can extend into the eighth EM-coupling region  162   h . The eighth EM-tuning portion  175   h  can obtain eighth microwave energy from the eighth EM-coupling region  162   h , and the eighth microwave energy can be transferred to the process space  115  at the eighth location (x 2h ) using the eighth plasma-tuning portion  170   h . The eighth EM-coupling region  162   h  can include a maximum field region, a maximum voltage region, maximum energy region, or a maximum current region, or any combination thereof. For example, the eighth EM-coupling distance  176   h  can vary from about 0.01 mm to about 10 mm, and the eighth EM-coupling distance  176   h  can be wavelength-dependent and can vary from about (λ/4) to about (10λ). 
         [0061]    An eighth plasma-tuning slab  161   h  can comprise dielectric material and can be coupled to an eighth control assembly  160   h  and can be used to move  163   h  the eighth plasma-tuning slab  161   h  an eighth EM-tuning distance  177   h  relative to the eighth EM-tuning portion  175   h  of the eighth plasma-tuning rod ( 170   h ,  175   h ) within the second EM energy tuning space  169   b . The eighth control assembly  160   h  and the eighth plasma-tuning slab  161   h  can be used to optimize the microwave energy coupled from the eighth EM-coupling region  162   h  to the eighth EM-tuning portion  175   h  of the eighth plasma-tuning rod ( 170   h ,  175   h ). The eighth EM-tuning distance  177   h  can be established between the eighth EM-tuning portion  175   h  and the eighth plasma-tuning slab  161   h  within the second EM energy tuning space  169   b , and the eighth EM-tuning distance  177   h  can vary from about 0.01 mm to about 1 mm. 
         [0062]    The eighth plasma-tuning rod ( 170   h ,  175   h ) can have an eighth diameter (d 1h ) associated therewith that can vary from about 0.01 mm to about 1 mm. The eighth plasma-tuning slab  161   h  can have an eighth diameter (D 1h ) associated therewith that can vary from about 1 mm to about 10 mm. The eighth EM-coupling region  162   h , the eighth control assembly  160   h , and the eighth plasma-tuning slab  161   h  can have an eighth x/y plane offset (x 1h ) associated therewith, and the eighth x/y plane offset (x 1h ) can be wavelength-dependent and can vary from about a quarter wavelength (λ/4) to about (10λ). The eighth control assembly  160   h  can comprise dielectric material, can have a cylindrical configuration and a diameter (d 1h ) that can vary from about 1 mm to about 5 mm. 
         [0063]    A ninth plasma-tuning rod ( 170   i ,  175   i ) can comprise dielectric material and can have a ninth plasma-tuning portion  170   i  that can extend a ninth plasma-tuning distance  171   i  into the process space  115  at a ninth location defined using (x 2 ). For example, the ninth plasma-tuning distance  171   i  can vary from about 10 mm to about 400 mm. 
         [0064]    A ninth EM-coupling region  162   i  can be established at a ninth EM-coupling distance  176   i  from the first cavity wall  165   b  within the second EM energy tuning space  169   b  established in the second cavity assembly  168   b , and the ninth EM-tuning portion  175   i  can extend into the ninth EM-coupling region  162   i . The ninth EM-tuning portion  175   i  can obtain ninth microwave energy from the ninth EM-coupling region  162   i , and the ninth microwave energy can be transferred to the process space  115  at the ninth location (x 2 ) using the ninth plasma-tuning portion  170   i . The ninth EM-coupling region  162   i  can include a maximum field region, a maximum voltage region, maximum energy region, or a maximum current region, or any combination thereof. For example, the ninth EM-coupling distance  176   i  can vary from about 0.01 mm to about 10 mm, and the ninth EM-coupling distance  176   i  can be wavelength-dependent and can vary from about (λ/4) to about (10λ). 
         [0065]    A ninth plasma-tuning slab  161   i  can comprise dielectric material and can be coupled to a ninth control assembly  160   i  and can be used to move  163   i  the ninth plasma-tuning slab  161   i  a ninth EM-tuning distance  177   i  relative to the ninth EM-tuning portion  175   i  of the ninth plasma-tuning rod ( 170   i ,  175   i ) within the second EM energy tuning space  169   b . The ninth control assembly  160   i  and the ninth plasma-tuning slab  161   i  can be used to optimize the microwave energy coupled from the ninth EM-coupling region  162   i  to the ninth EM-tuning portion  175   i  of the ninth plasma-tuning rod ( 170   i ,  175   i ). For example, the ninth EM-tuning distance  177   i  can be established between the ninth EM-tuning portion  175   i  and the ninth plasma-tuning slab  161   i  within the second EM energy tuning space  169   b , and the ninth EM-tuning distance  177   i  can vary from about 0.01 mm to about 1 mm. 
         [0066]    The ninth plasma-tuning rod ( 170   i ,  175   i ) can have a ninth diameter (d 1i ) associated therewith that can vary from about 0.01 mm to about 1 mm. The ninth plasma-tuning slab  161   i  can have a ninth diameter (D 1i ) associated therewith that can vary from about 1 mm to about 10 mm. The ninth EM-coupling region  162   i , the ninth control assembly  160   i , and the ninth plasma-tuning slab  161   i  can have a ninth x/y plane offset (x 1i ) associated therewith, and the ninth x/y plane offset (x 1i ) can be wavelength-dependent and can vary from about a quarter wavelength (λ/4) to about (10λ). The ninth control assembly  160   i  can comprise dielectric material, can have a cylindrical configuration and a diameter (d 1i ) that can vary from about 1 mm to about 5 mm. 
         [0067]    A tenth plasma-tuning rod ( 170   j ,  175   j ) can comprise dielectric material and can have a tenth plasma-tuning portion  170   j  that can extend a tenth plasma-tuning distance  171   j  into the process space  115  at a tenth location defined using (x 2j ). For example, the tenth plasma-tuning distance  171   j  can vary from about 10 mm to about 400 mm. 
         [0068]    A tenth EM-coupling region  162   j  can be established at a tenth EM-coupling distance  176   j  from the first cavity wall  165   b  within the second EM energy tuning space  169   b  established in the second cavity assembly  168   b , and the tenth EM-tuning portion  175   j  can extend into the tenth EM-coupling region  162   j . The tenth EM-tuning portion  175   j  can obtain tenth microwave energy from the tenth EM-coupling region  162   j , and the tenth microwave energy can be transferred to the process space  115  at the tenth location (x 2j ) using the tenth plasma-tuning portion  170   j . The tenth EM-coupling region  162   j  can include a maximum field region, a maximum voltage region, maximum energy region, or a maximum current region, or any combination thereof. For example, the tenth EM-coupling distance  176   j  can vary from about 0.01 mm to about 10 mm, and the tenth EM-coupling distance  176   j  can be wavelength-dependent and can vary from about (λ/4) to about (10λ). 
         [0069]    A tenth plasma-tuning slab  161   j  can comprise dielectric material, can be coupled to a tenth control assembly  160   j  and can be used to move  163   j  the tenth plasma-tuning slab  161   j  a tenth EM-tuning distance  177   j  relative to the tenth EM-tuning portion  175   j  of the tenth plasma-tuning rod ( 170   j ,  175   j ) within the second EM energy tuning space  169   b . The tenth control assembly  160   j  and the tenth plasma-tuning slab  161   j  can be used to optimize the microwave energy coupled from the tenth EM-coupling region  162   j  to the tenth EM-tuning portion  175   j  of the tenth plasma-tuning rod ( 170   j ,  175   j ). For example, the tenth EM-tuning distance  177   j  can be established between the tenth EM-tuning portion  175   j  and the tenth plasma-tuning slab  161   j  within the second EM energy tuning space  169   b , and the tenth EM-tuning distance  177   j  can vary from about 0.01 mm to about 1 mm. 
         [0070]    The tenth plasma-tuning rod ( 170   j ,  175   j ) can have a tenth diameter (d 1i ) associated therewith that can vary from about 0.01 mm to about 1 mm. The tenth plasma-tuning slab  161   j  can have a tenth diameter (D 1d ) associated therewith that can vary from about 1 mm to about 10 mm. The tenth EM-coupling region  162   j , the tenth control assembly  160   j , and the tenth plasma-tuning slab  161   j  can have a tenth x/y plane offset (x 1j ) associated therewith, and the tenth x/y plane offset (x ij ) can be wavelength-dependent and can vary from about a quarter wavelength (λ/4) to about (10λ). The tenth control assembly  160   j  can comprise dielectric material, can have a cylindrical configuration and a diameter (d 1j ) that can vary from about 1 mm to about 5 mm. 
         [0071]    The top view of first microwave processing system  100  includes a top view of a first cavity-control assembly  145   a  that is shown coupled to a top view of a first cavity-tuning slab  146   a . The first cavity-control assembly  145   a  can have a first diameter (d 1aa ) associated therewith, and the first diameter (d 1aa ) can vary from about 0.01 mm to about 1 mm. The first cavity-tuning slab  146   a  can have a second diameter (D 1aa ) associated therewith, and the second diameter (D 1aa ) can vary from about 1 mm to about 10 mm. The first cavity-control assembly  145   a  and the first cavity-tuning slab  146   a  can have a first x/y plane offset (y 1aa ) associated therewith that can vary from about 1 mm to about 10 mm. 
         [0072]    In addition, the top view of first microwave processing system  100  includes a top view of a second cavity-control assembly  145   b  that is shown coupled to a top view of a second cavity-tuning slab  146   b . The second cavity-control assembly  145   b  can have a first additional diameter (d 1ba ) associated therewith, and the first additional diameter (d 1ba ) can vary from about 0.01 mm to about 1 mm. The second cavity-tuning slab  146   b  can have a second additional diameter (D 1ba ) associated therewith, and the second additional diameter (D 1ba ) can vary from about 1 mm to about 10 mm. The second cavity-control assembly  145   b  and the second cavity-tuning slab  146   b  can have a second x/y plane offset (y 1ba ) associated therewith, and the second x/y plane offset (y 1ba ) vary from about 1 mm to about 10 mm. 
         [0073]      FIG. 1B  shows a partial cut-away front view of a process chamber  110  in a first microwave processing system  100 . The front view shows an x/z plane view of a plurality of additional walls  112  coupled to each other, thereby creating a partial cut-away front view of a process space  115  in the process chamber  110 . The first microwave processing system  100  can be configured to form plasma in the process space  115 . 
         [0074]    The front view shows a cut-away view of a first cavity assembly  168   a  having a first EM energy tuning space  169   a  therein, and the first cavity assembly  168   a  can include a first cavity wall  165   a , a second cavity wall  166   a , at least one third cavity wall  167   a , and one or more additional cavity walls (not shown). For example, and the first cavity assembly  168   a  can be coupled to the first interface assembly  112   a  using the first cavity wall  165   a . The front view also shows a cut-away view of a second cavity assembly  168   b  having a second EM energy tuning space  169   b  therein, and the second cavity assembly  168   b  can include a first cavity wall  165   b , a second cavity wall  166   b , at least one third cavity wall  167   b , and one or more additional cavity walls (not shown). For example, and the second cavity assembly  168   b  can be coupled to the second interface assembly  112   b  using the first cavity wall  165   b.    
         [0075]    A partial front view (dash line view) of a first set of plasma tuning rods ( 170   a - 170   e ), a partial front view (dash line view) of a first set of plasma-tuning slabs ( 161   a - 161   e ), a partial front view (dotted line view) of a second set of plasma tuning rods ( 170   f - 170   j ), and a partial front view (dotted line view) of a second set of plasma-tuning slabs ( 161   f - 161   j ) are shown in  FIG. 1B . 
         [0076]    The first set of plasma tuning rods ( 170   a - 170   e ) and the first set of plasma-tuning slabs ( 161   a - 161   e ) can have a first set of x/y plane offsets (x 2a-e ) associated therewith, and the first set of x/y plane offsets (x 2a-e ) can vary from about 10 mm to about 100 mm. The first set of plasma tuning rods ( 170   a - 170   e ) and the first set of plasma-tuning slabs ( 161   a - 161   e ) can have a first set of x/z plane offsets (z 1a-e ) associated therewith, and the first set of x/z plane offsets (z 1a-e ) can vary from about 100 mm to about 400 mm. 
         [0077]    The second set of plasma tuning rods ( 170   f - 170   j ) and the second set of plasma-tuning slabs ( 161   f - 161   j ) can have a second set of x/y plane offsets (x 2fj ) associated therewith, and the second set of x/y plane offsets (x 2fj ) can vary from about 10 mm to about 100 mm. The second set of plasma tuning rods ( 170   f - 170   j ) and the second set of plasma-tuning slabs ( 161   f - 161   j ) can have a second set of x/z plane offsets (z 1f-j ) associated therewith, and the second set of x/z plane offsets (z 1f-j ) can vary from about 100 mm to about 400 mm. 
         [0078]      FIG. 1B  shows that the first microwave processing system  100  can include one or more plasma sensors  106  coupled to a chamber wall  112  to obtain first plasma data. In addition, the first microwave processing system  100  may be configured to process 200 mm substrates, 300 mm substrates, or larger-sized substrates. In addition, square and/or rectangular chambers can be configured so that the first microwave processing system  100  may be configured to process square or rectangular substrates, wafers, or LCDs regardless of their size, as would be appreciated by those skilled in the art. Therefore, while aspects of the invention will be described in connection with the processing of a semiconductor substrate, the invention is not limited solely thereto. 
         [0079]    As shown in  FIG. 1B , a first EM source  150   a  can be coupled to a first cavity assembly  168   a , and a second EM source  150   b  can be coupled to a second cavity assembly  168   b . The first EM source  150   a  can be coupled to a first matching network  152   a , and the first matching network  152   a  can be coupled to a first coupling network  154   a . The second EM source  150   b  can be coupled to a second matching network  152   b , and the second matching network  152   b  can be coupled to a second coupling network  154   b . Alternatively, a plurality of matching networks (not shown) or a plurality of coupling networks (not shown) may be used. 
         [0080]    The first coupling network  154   a  can be removably coupled to the first cavity assembly  168   a  that can be removably coupled to an upper portion of a first interface assembly  112   a  of the process chamber  110 . The first coupling network  154   a  can be used to provide microwave energy to the first EM energy tuning space  169   a  in the first cavity assembly  168   a . The second coupling network  154   b  can be removably coupled to the second cavity assembly  168   b  that can be removably coupled to an upper portion of a second interface assembly  112   b  of the process chamber  110 . The second coupling network  154   b  can be used to provide additional microwave energy to the second EM energy tuning space  169   b  in the second cavity assembly  168   b . Alternatively, other EM-coupling configurations may be used. 
         [0081]    As shown in  FIG. 1B , a controller  195  can be coupled  196  to the EM sources ( 150   a ,  150   b ), the matching networks ( 152   a ,  152   b ), the coupling networks ( 154   a ,  154   b ), and the cavity assemblies ( 168   a ,  168   b ), and the controller  195  can use process recipes to establish, control, and optimize the EM sources ( 150   a ,  150   b ), the matching networks ( 152   a ,  152   b ), the coupling networks ( 154   a ,  154   b ), and the cavity assemblies ( 168   a ,  168   b ) to control the plasma uniformity within the process space  115 . For example, the EM sources ( 150   a ,  150   b ) can operate at a frequency from about 500 MHz to about 5000 MHz. In addition, the controller  195  can be coupled  196  to the plasma sensors  106  and process sensors  107 , and the controller  195  can use process recipes to establish, control, and optimize the data from the plasma sensors  106  and the process sensors  107  to control the plasma uniformity within the process space  115 . 
         [0082]    In addition, the controller  195  can be coupled  196  to gas supply system  140 , to a gas supply subassembly  141 , and to a gas showerhead  143 . For example, the gas supply system  140 , the gas supply subassembly  141  and the gas showerhead  143  can be configured to introduce one or more process gases to process space  115 , and can include flow control and/or flow measuring devices. 
         [0083]    During dry plasma etching, the process gas may comprise an etchant, a passivant, or an inert gas, or a combination of two or more thereof. For example, when plasma etching a dielectric film such as silicon oxide (SiO x ) or silicon nitride (Si x N y ), the plasma etch gas composition generally includes a fluorocarbon-based chemistry (C x F y ) such as at least one of C 4 F 8 , C 5 F 8 , C 3 F 6 , C 4 F 6 , CF 4 , etc., and/or may include a fluorohydrocarbon-based chemistry (C x H y F z ) such as at least one of CHF 3 , CH 2 F 2 , etc., and can have at least one of an inert gas, oxygen, CO or CO 2 . Additionally, for example, when etching polycrystalline silicon (polysilicon), the plasma etch gas composition generally includes a halogen-containing gas such as HBr, Cl 2 , NF 3 , or SF 6  or a combination of two or more thereof, and may include fluorohydrocarbon-based chemistry (C x H y F z ) such as at least one of CHF 3 , CH 2 F 2 , etc., and at least one of an inert gas, oxygen, CO or CO 2 , or two or more thereof. During plasma-enhanced deposition, the process gas may comprise a film forming precursor, a reduction gas, or an inert gas, or a combination of two or more thereof. 
         [0084]    As shown in  FIG. 1B , the first microwave processing system  100  can include a pressure control system  190  and port  191  coupled to the process chamber  110 , and configured to evacuate the process chamber  110 , as well as control the pressure within the process chamber  110 . In addition, the first microwave processing system  100  can include a movable substrate holder  120  for processing substrate  105 . 
         [0085]    The front view of first microwave processing system  100  includes a partial front view of a first cavity-control assembly  145   a  that is shown coupled to a front view of a first cavity-tuning slab  146   a . The first cavity-control assembly  145   a  and the first cavity-tuning slab  146   a  can have a first x/z plane offset (z 1aa ) associated therewith, and the first x/z plane offset (z 1aa ) can vary from about 1 mm to about 10 mm. 
         [0086]    The first cavity-control assembly  145   a  can be used to move  147   a  the first cavity-tuning slab  146   a  cavity-tuning distances  148   a  within the first EM-energy tuning space  169   a . The controller  195  can be coupled  196  to the cavity-control assembly  145   a , and the controller  195  can use process recipes to establish, control, and optimize the cavity-tuning distances  148   a  to control and maintain the plasma uniformity within the process space  115  in real-time. For example, the cavity-tuning distances  148   a  can vary from about 0.01 mm to about 10 mm, and the cavity-tuning distances  148   a  can be wavelength-dependent and can vary from about (λ/4) to about (10λ). 
         [0087]    In addition, the front view of first microwave processing system  100  includes a partial front view of a second cavity-control assembly  145   b  that is shown coupled to a front view of a second cavity-tuning slab  146   b . The second cavity-control assembly  145   b  and the second cavity-tuning slab  146   b  can have a second x/z plane offset (z 1ba ) associated therewith, and the second x/z plane offset (z 1ba ) vary from about 1 mm to about 10 mm. 
         [0088]    The second cavity-control assembly  145   b  can be used to move  147   b  the second cavity-tuning slab  146   b  second cavity-tuning distances  148   b  within the second EM-energy tuning space  169   b . The controller  195  can be coupled  196  to the second cavity-control assembly  145   b , and the controller  195  can use process recipes to establish, control, and optimize the second cavity-tuning distances  148   b  to control and maintain the plasma uniformity within the process space  115  in real-time. For example, the second cavity-tuning distances  148   b  can vary from about 0.01 mm to about 10 mm, and the second cavity-tuning distances  148   b  can be wavelength-dependent and can vary from about (λ/4) to about (10λ). 
         [0089]      FIG. 1C  shows a partial cut-away side view of the process chamber  110  in the first microwave processing system  100 . The side view shows a y/z plane view of a plurality of chamber walls  112  coupled to a first interface assembly  112   a  and to a second interface assembly  112   b , thereby creating a partial cut-away y/z plane view of the process space  115  in the process chamber  110 . The first microwave processing system  100  can be configured to form uniform plasma in the process space  115 . 
         [0090]    A partial side view of a first EM energy tuning space  169   a  in the first cavity assembly  168   a  and a partial side view of a second EM energy tuning space  169   b  in the second cavity assembly  168   b  are shown in  FIG. 1C . A partial side view of the first set of plasma tuning rods ( 170   a - 170   e ), a partial side view of a first set of plasma-tuning slabs ( 161   a - 161   e ), a partial side view of a second set of plasma tuning rods ( 170   f - 170   j ), and a partial side view of a second set of plasma-tuning slabs ( 161   f - 161   j ) are shown in  FIG. 1C . 
         [0091]    Side views of a first set of isolation assemblies ( 164   a ,  164   b ,  164   c ,  164   d , and  164   e ) and a second set of isolation assemblies ( 164   f ,  164   g ,  164   h ,  164   i , and  164   j ) are also shown in  FIG. 1C . For example, first set of isolation assemblies ( 164   a ,  164   b ,  164   c ,  164   d , and  164   e ) can be used to removably couple the first set of plasma tuning rods {( 170   a ,  170   b ,  170   c ,  170   d , and  170   e ) and ( 175   a ,  175   b ,  175   c ,  175   d , and  175   e )} to a first interface assembly  112   a . Each of the first set of isolation assemblies ( 164   a ,  164   b ,  164   c ,  164   d , and  164   e ) can be removably coupled to a first interface assembly  112   a . In addition, the second set of isolation assemblies ( 164   f ,  164   g ,  164   h ,  164   i , and  164   j ) can be used to removably couple the second set of plasma tuning rods {( 170   f ,  170   g ,  170   h ,  170   i , and  170   j ) and ( 175   f ,  175   g ,  175   h ,  175   h , and  175   j )} to a second interface assembly  112   b . Each of the second set of isolation assemblies ( 164   f ,  164   g ,  164   h ,  164   i , and  164   j ) can be removably coupled to a second interface assembly  112   b.    
         [0092]    As shown in  FIG. 1C , a first set of plasma-tuning slabs ( 161   a ,  161   b ,  161   c ,  161   d , and  161   e ) can be coupled to a first set of control assemblies ( 160   a ,  160   b ,  160   c ,  160   d , and  160   e ), and first set of control assemblies ( 160   a ,  160   b ,  160   c ,  160   d , and  160   e ) can be used to move ( 163   a ,  163   b ,  163   c ,  163   d , and  163   e ) the first set of plasma-tuning slabs ( 161   a ,  161   b ,  161   c ,  161   d , and  161   e ) the first set of EM-tuning distances ( 177   a ,  177   b ,  177   c ,  177   d , and  177   e ) relative to the EM-tuning portions ( 175   a ,  175   b ,  175   c ,  175   d , and  175   e ) within the first EM energy tuning space  169   a . In addition, a second set of plasma-tuning slabs ( 161   f ,  161   g ,  161   h ,  161   i , and  161   j ) can be coupled to a second set of control assemblies ( 160   f ,  160   g ,  160   h ,  160   i , and  160   j ), and the second set of control assemblies ( 160   f ,  160   g ,  160   h ,  160   i , and  160   j ) can be used to move ( 163   f ,  163   g ,  163   h ,  163   i , and  163   j ) the second set of plasma-tuning slabs ( 161   f ,  161   g ,  161   h ,  161   i , and  161   j ) the second set of EM-tuning distances ( 177   f ,  177   g ,  177   h ,  177   i , and  177   j ) relative to the EM-tuning portions ( 175   f ,  175   g ,  175   h ,  175   i , and  175   j ) within the second EM energy tuning space  169   b.    
         [0093]    The first set of control assemblies ( 160   a ,  160   b ,  160   c ,  160   d , and  160   e ) can be coupled  196  to the controller  195 , and the controller  195  can use process recipes to establish, control, and optimize the first set of EM-tuning distances ( 177   a ,  177   b ,  177   c ,  177   d , and  177   e ) to control the plasma uniformity within the process space  115 . In addition, the second set of control assemblies ( 160   f ,  160   g ,  160   h ,  160   i , and  160   j ) can be coupled  196  to the controller  195 , and the controller  195  can use process recipes to establish, control, and optimize the second set of EM-tuning distances ( 177   f ,  177   g ,  177   h ,  177   i , and  177   j ) to control the plasma uniformity within the process space  115 . 
         [0094]    The controller  195  can be coupled  196  to the EM sources ( 150   a ,  150   b ), the matching networks ( 152   a ,  152   b ), the coupling networks ( 154   a ,  154   b ), and the cavity assemblies ( 168   a ,  168   b ), and the controller  195  can use process recipes to establish, control, and optimize the EM sources ( 150   a ,  150   b ), the matching networks ( 152   a ,  152   b ), the coupling networks ( 154   a ,  154   b ), and the cavity assemblies ( 168   a ,  168   b ) to control the plasma uniformity within the process space  115 . For example, the EM sources ( 150   a ,  150   b ) can operate at frequencies from about 500 MHz to about 5000 MHz. In addition, the controller  195  can be coupled  196  to the plasma sensors  106 , the process sensors  107 , and the cavity sensors ( 108   a  and  108   b ), and the controller  195  can use process recipes to establish, control, and optimize the data from the plasma sensors  106 , the process sensors  107 , and the cavity sensors ( 108   a  and  108   b ), to control the plasma uniformity within the process space  115 . 
         [0095]    The side view illustrates a process chamber  110  having a total width (y T ), and a total height (z T ) associated therewith in the y/z plane. The total width (y T ) can vary from about 50 mm to about 500 mm, and the total height (z T ) can vary from about 50 mm to about 500 mm. 
         [0096]      FIG. 2A  shows a partial cut-away top view of a second process chamber  210  in a second microwave processing system  200 . The top view shows an x/y plane view of a first interface assembly  212   a , a second interface assembly  212   b , and a plurality of additional chamber walls  212  coupled to the first interface assembly  212   a  and the second interface assembly  212   b  thereby forming the second process chamber  210 . For example, the chamber walls  212  can have wall thicknesses (t) associated therewith, and the wall thicknesses (t) can vary from about 1 mm to about 5 mm. The first interface assembly  212   a  can have a first interface thickness (t i1 ) associated therewith, and the first interface thickness (t i1 ) can vary from about 1 mm to about 10 mm. The second interface assembly  212   b  can have a second interface thickness (t i2 ) associated therewith, and the second interface thickness (t i2 ) can vary from about 1 mm to about 10 mm. The process space  215  can have a length (x T ) associated therewith, and the length (x T ) can vary from about 10 mm to about 500 mm. 
         [0097]    The top view of the second microwave processing system  200  shows a cut-away view of a first cavity assembly  268   a  having a first EM energy tuning space  269   a  therein, and the first cavity assembly  268   a  can include a first cavity wall  265   a , a second cavity wall  266   a , at least one third cavity wall  267   a , and one or more additional cavity walls (not shown). For example, and the first cavity assembly  268   a  can be coupled to the first interface assembly  212   a  using the first cavity wall  265   a , and walls ( 265   a ,  266   a , and  267   a ) can comprise dielectric material and can have wall thicknesses (t a ) associated therewith, and the wall thicknesses (t a ) can vary from about 1 mm to about 5 mm. In addition, the first EM energy tuning space  269   a  can have a first length (x T1a ) and a first width (y 1a ) associated therewith, the first length (x T1a ) can vary from about 10 mm to about 500 mm, and the first width (y 1a ) can vary from about 5 mm to about 50 mm. 
         [0098]    The top view of the second microwave processing system  200  also shows a cut-away view of a second cavity assembly  268   b  having a second EM energy tuning space  269   b  therein, and the second cavity assembly  268   b  can include a first cavity wall  265   b , a second cavity wall  266   b , at least one third cavity wall  267   b , and one or more additional cavity walls (not shown). For example, and the second cavity assembly  268   b  can be coupled to the second interface assembly  212   b  using the first cavity wall  265   b , and walls ( 265   b ,  266   b , and  267   b ) can comprise dielectric material and can have wall thicknesses (t b ) associated therewith, and the wall thicknesses (t b ) can vary from about 1 mm to about 5 mm. In addition, the second EM energy tuning space  269   b  can have a second length (x T1b ) and a second width (y 1b ) associated therewith, the second length (x T1b ) can vary from about 10 mm to about 500 mm, and the second width (y 1b ) can vary from about 5 mm to about 50 mm. 
         [0099]    In some exemplary systems, a first set of isolation assemblies ( 264   a ,  264   b ,  264   c , and  264   d ) can be removably coupled to a first interface assembly  212   a  and can be configured to isolate the process space  215  from the first EM energy tuning space  269   a . The first set of isolation assemblies ( 264   a ,  264   b ,  264   c , and  264   d ) can be used to removably couple the first set of plasma tuning rods {( 270   a ,  270   b ,  270   c , and  270   d ) and ( 275   a ,  275   b ,  275   c ,  275   d )} to a first interface assembly  212   a . For example, the first set of plasma-tuning portions ( 270   a ,  270   b ,  270   c , and  270   d ) can be configured in the process space  215 , and the first set of EM-tuning portion ( 275   a ,  275   b ,  275   c , and  275   d ) can be configured within the first EM energy tuning space  269   a.    
         [0100]    A second set of isolation assemblies ( 264   e ,  264   f ,  264   g , and  264   h ) can be removably coupled to the second interface assembly  212   b  and can be configured to isolate the process space  215  from the second EM energy tuning space  269   b . The second set of isolation assemblies ( 264   e ,  264   f ,  264   g , and  264   h ) can be used to removably couple the second set of plasma tuning rods {( 270   e ,  270   f ,  270   g , and  270   h ) and ( 275   e ,  275   f ,  275   g , and  275   h )} to the second interface assembly  212   b . For example, the second set of plasma-tuning portions ( 270   e ,  270   f ,  270   g , and  270   h ) can be configured in the process space  215 , and the second set of EM-tuning portion ( 275   e ,  275   f ,  275   g , and  275   h ) can be configured within the second EM energy tuning space  269   b.    
         [0101]    Still referring to  FIG. 2A , a first plasma-tuning rod ( 270   a ,  275   a ) can comprise dielectric material and can have a first plasma-tuning portion  270   a  that can extend a first plasma-tuning distance  271   a  into the process space  215  at a first location defined using (x 2a ). The first plasma-tuning distance  271   a  can vary from about 10 mm to about 400 mm. 
         [0102]    A first EM-coupling region  262   a  can be established at a first EM-coupling distance  276   a  from the first cavity wall  265   a  within the first EM energy tuning space  269   a  established in the first cavity assembly  268   a , and the first EM-tuning portion  275   a  can extend into the first EM-coupling region  262   a . The first EM-tuning portion  275   a  can obtain first microwave energy from the first EM-coupling region  262   a , and the first microwave energy can be transferred to the process space  215  at the first location (x 2a ) using the first plasma-tuning portion  270   a . The first EM-coupling region  262   a  can include a maximum field region, a maximum voltage region, maximum energy region, or a maximum current region, or any combination thereof. For example, the first EM-coupling distance  276   a  can vary from about 0.01 mm to about 10 mm, and the first EM-coupling distance  276   a  can be wavelength-dependent and can vary from about (λ/4) to about (10λ). 
         [0103]    A first plasma-tuning slab  261   a  can comprise dielectric material, can be coupled to a first control assembly  260   a , and can be used to move  263   a  the first plasma-tuning slab  261   a  a first EM-tuning distance  277   a  relative to the first EM-tuning portion  275   a  of the first plasma-tuning rod ( 270   a ,  275   a ) within the first EM energy tuning space  269   a . The first control assembly  260   a  and the first plasma-tuning slab  261   a  can be used to optimize the microwave energy coupled from the first EM-coupling region  262   a  to the first EM-tuning portion  275   a  of the first plasma-tuning rod ( 270   a ,  275   a ). For example, the first EM-tuning distance  277   a  can be established between the first EM-tuning portion  275   a  and the first plasma-tuning slab  261   a  within the first EM energy tuning space  269   a , and the first EM-tuning distance  277   a  can vary from about 0.01 mm to about 1 mm. 
         [0104]    The first plasma-tuning rod ( 270   a ,  275   a ) can have a first diameter (d 1a ) associated therewith that can vary from about 0.01 mm to about 1 mm. The first plasma-tuning slab  261   a  can have a first diameter (D 1a ) associated therewith that can vary from about 1 mm to about 10 mm. The first EM-coupling region  262   a , the first control assembly  260   a , and the first plasma-tuning slab  261   a  can have a first x/y plane offset (x 1a ) associated therewith, and the first x/y plane offset (x 1a ) can be wavelength-dependent and can vary from about a quarter wavelength (λ/4) to about (10λ). The first control assembly  260   a  can comprise dielectric material, can have a cylindrical configuration and a diameter (d 1a ) that can vary from about 1 mm to about 5 mm. 
         [0105]    A second plasma-tuning rod ( 270   b ,  275   b ) can comprise dielectric material and can have a second plasma-tuning portion  270   b  that can extend a second plasma-tuning distance  271   b  into the process space  215  at a second location defined using (x 2b ). For example, the second plasma-tuning distance  271   b  can vary from about 10 mm to about 400 mm. 
         [0106]    A second EM-coupling region  262   b  can be established at a second EM-coupling distance  276   b  from the first cavity wall  265   a  within the first EM energy tuning space  269   a  established in the first cavity assembly  268   a , and the second EM-tuning portion  275   b  can extend into the second EM-coupling region  262   b . The second EM-tuning portion  275   b  can obtain second microwave energy from the second EM-coupling region  262   b , and the second microwave energy can be transferred to the process space  215  at the second location (x 1b ) using the second plasma-tuning portion  270   b . The second EM-coupling region  262   b  can include a maximum field region, a maximum voltage region, maximum energy region, or a maximum current region, or any combination thereof. For example, the second EM-coupling distance  276   b  can vary from about 0.01 mm to about 10 mm, and the second EM-coupling distance  276   b  can be wavelength-dependent and can vary from about (λ/4) to about (10λ). 
         [0107]    A second plasma-tuning slab  261   b  can comprise dielectric material, can be coupled to a second control assembly  260   b , and can be used to move  263   b  the second plasma-tuning slab  261   b  a second EM-tuning distance  277   b  relative to the second EM-tuning portion  275   b  of the second plasma-tuning rod ( 270   b ,  275   b ) within the first EM energy tuning space  269   a . The second control assembly  260   b  and the second plasma-tuning slab  261   b  can be used to optimize the microwave energy coupled from the second EM-coupling region  262   b  to the second EM-tuning portion  275   b  of the second plasma-tuning rod ( 270   b ,  275   b ). For example, the second EM-tuning distance  277   b  can be established between the second EM-tuning portion  275   b  and the second plasma-tuning slab  261   b  within the first EM energy tuning space  269   a , and the second EM-tuning distance  277   b  can vary from about 0.01 mm to about 1 mm. 
         [0108]    The second plasma-tuning rod ( 270   b ,  275   b ) can have a second diameter (d 1b ) associated therewith that can vary from about 0.01 mm to about 1 mm. The second plasma-tuning slab  261   b  can have a second diameter (D 1b ) associated therewith that can vary from about 1 mm to about 10 mm. The second EM-coupling region  262   b , the second control assembly  260   b , and the second plasma-tuning slab  261   b  can have a second x/y plane offset (x 1b ) associated therewith, and the second x/y plane offset (x 1b ) can be wavelength-dependent and can vary from about a quarter wavelength (λ/4) to about (10λ). The second control assembly  260   b  can comprise dielectric material, can have a cylindrical configuration and a diameter (d 1b ) that can vary from about 1 mm to about 5 mm. 
         [0109]    A third plasma-tuning rod ( 270   c ,  275   c ) can comprise dielectric material and can have a third plasma-tuning portion  270   c  that can extend a third plasma-tuning distance  271   c  into the process space  215  at a third location defined using (x 2c ). For example, the third plasma-tuning distance  271   c  can vary from about 10 mm to about 400 mm. 
         [0110]    A third EM-coupling region  262   c  can be established at a third EM-coupling distance  276   c  from the first cavity wall  265   a  within the first EM energy tuning space  269   a  established in the first cavity assembly  268   a , and the third EM-tuning portion  275   c  can extend into the third EM-coupling region  262   c . The third EM-tuning portion  275   c  can obtain third microwave energy from the third EM-coupling region  262   c , and the third microwave energy can be transferred to the process space  215  at the third location (x 2 ) using the third plasma-tuning portion  270   c . The third EM-coupling region  262   c  can include a maximum field region, a maximum voltage region, maximum energy region, or a maximum current region, or any combination thereof. For example, the third EM-coupling distance  276   c  can vary from about 0.01 mm to about 10 mm, and the third EM-coupling distance  276   c  can be wavelength-dependent and can vary from about (λ/4) to about (10λ). 
         [0111]    A third plasma-tuning slab  261   c  can comprise dielectric material, can be coupled to a third control assembly  260   c  and can be used to move  263   c  the third plasma-tuning slab  261   c  a third EM-tuning distance  277   c  relative to the third EM-tuning portion  275   c  of the third plasma-tuning rod ( 270   c ,  275   c ) within the first EM energy tuning space  269   a . The third control assembly  260   c  and the third plasma-tuning slab  261   c  can be used to optimize the microwave energy coupled from the third EM-coupling region  262   c  to the third EM-tuning portion  275   c  of the third plasma-tuning rod ( 270   c ,  275   c ). For example, the third EM-tuning distance  277   c  can be established between the third EM-tuning portion  275   c  and the third plasma-tuning slab  261   c  within the first EM energy tuning space  269   a , and the third EM-tuning distance  277   c  can vary from about 0.01 mm to about 1 mm. 
         [0112]    The third plasma-tuning rod ( 270   c ,  275   c ) can have a third diameter (d 1c ) associated therewith that can vary from about 0.01 mm to about 1 mm. The third plasma-tuning slab  261   c  can have a third diameter (D 1g ) associated therewith that can vary from about 1 mm to about 10 mm. The third EM-coupling region  262   c , the third control assembly  260   c , and the third plasma-tuning slab  261   c  can have a third x/y plane offset (x 1c ) associated therewith, and the third x/y plane offset (x 1c ) can be wavelength-dependent and can vary from about a quarter wavelength (λ/4) to about (10λ). The third control assembly  260   c  can comprise dielectric material, can have a cylindrical configuration and a diameter (d 1 ) that can vary from about 1 mm to about 5 mm. 
         [0113]    A fourth plasma-tuning rod ( 270   d ,  275   d ) can comprise dielectric material and can have a fourth plasma-tuning portion  270   d  that can extend a fourth plasma-tuning distance  271   d  into the process space  215  at a fourth location defined using (x 2d ). For example, the fourth plasma-tuning distance  271   d  can vary from about 10 mm to about 400 mm. 
         [0114]    A fourth EM-coupling region  262   d  can be established at a fourth EM-coupling distance  276   d  from the first cavity wall  265   a  within the first EM energy tuning space  269   a  established in the first cavity assembly  268   a , and the fourth EM-tuning portion  275   d  can extend into the fourth EM-coupling region  262   d . The fourth EM-tuning portion  275   d  can obtain fourth microwave energy from the fourth EM-coupling region  262   d , and the fourth microwave energy can be transferred to the process space  215  at the fourth location (x 2d ) using the fourth plasma-tuning portion  270   d . The fourth EM-coupling region  262   d  can include a maximum field region, a maximum voltage region, maximum energy region, or a maximum current region, or any combination thereof. For example, the fourth EM-coupling distance  276   d  can vary from about 0.01 mm to about 10 mm, and the fourth EM-coupling distance  276   d  can be wavelength-dependent and can vary from about (λ/4) to about (10λ). 
         [0115]    A fourth plasma-tuning slab  261   d  can comprise dielectric material, can be coupled to a fourth control assembly  260   d , and can be used to move  263   d  the fourth plasma-tuning slab  261   d  a fourth EM-tuning distance  277   d  relative to the fourth EM-tuning portion  275   d  of the fourth plasma-tuning rod ( 270   d ,  275   d ) within the first EM energy tuning space  269   a . The fourth control assembly  260   d  and the fourth plasma-tuning slab  261   d  can be used to optimize the microwave energy coupled from the fourth EM-coupling region  262   d  to the fourth EM-tuning portion  275   d  of the fourth plasma-tuning rod ( 270   d ,  275   d ). For example, the fourth EM-tuning distance  277   d  can be established between the fourth EM-tuning portion  275   d  and the fourth plasma-tuning slab  261   d  within the first EM energy tuning space  269   a , and the fourth EM-tuning distance  277   d  can vary from about 0.01 mm to about 1 mm. 
         [0116]    The fourth plasma-tuning rod ( 270   d ,  275   d ) can have a fourth diameter (d 1d ) associated therewith, and the fourth diameter (d 1d ) can vary from about 0.01 mm to about 1 mm. The fourth plasma-tuning slab  261   d  can have a fourth diameter (D 1d ) associated therewith, and the fourth diameter (D 1d ) can vary from about 1 mm to about 10 mm. The fourth EM-coupling region  262   d , the fourth control assembly  260   d , and the fourth plasma-tuning slab  261   d  can have a fourth x/y plane offset (x 1d ) associated therewith, and the fourth x/y plane offset (x 1d ) can be wavelength-dependent and can vary from about a quarter wavelength (λ/4) to about (10λ). The fourth control assembly  260   d  can comprise dielectric material and can have a cylindrical configuration and a diameter (d 1d ) that can vary from about 1 mm to about 5 mm. 
         [0117]    A fifth plasma-tuning rod ( 270   e ,  275   e ) can comprise dielectric material and can have a fifth plasma-tuning portion  270   e  that can extend a fifth plasma-tuning distance  271   e  into the process space  215  at a fifth location defined using (x 2e ). For example, the fifth plasma-tuning distance  271   e  can vary from about 10 mm to about 400 mm. 
         [0118]    A fifth EM-coupling region  262   e  can be established at a fifth EM-coupling distance  276   e  from the first cavity wall  265   b  within the second EM energy tuning space  269   b  established in the second cavity assembly  268   b , and the fifth EM-tuning portion  275   e  can extend into the fifth EM-coupling region  262   e . The fifth EM-tuning portion  275   e  can obtain fifth microwave energy from the fifth EM-coupling region  262   e , and the fifth microwave energy can be transferred to the process space  215  at the fifth location (x 2e ) using the fifth plasma-tuning portion  270   e . The fifth EM-coupling region  262   e  can include a maximum field region, a maximum voltage region, maximum energy region, or a maximum current region, or any combination thereof. For example, the fifth EM-coupling distance  276   e  can vary from about 0.01 mm to about 10 mm, and the fifth EM-coupling distance  276   e  can be wavelength-dependent and can vary from about (λ/4) to about (10λ). 
         [0119]    A fifth plasma-tuning slab  261   e  can comprise dielectric material, can be coupled to a fifth control assembly  260   e , and can be used to move  263   e  the fifth plasma-tuning slab  261   e  a fifth EM-tuning distance  277   e  relative to the fifth EM-tuning portion  275   e  of the fifth plasma-tuning rod ( 270   e ,  275   e ) within the first EM energy tuning space  269   a . The fifth control assembly  260   e  and the fifth plasma-tuning slab  261   e  can be used to optimize the microwave energy coupled from the fifth EM-coupling region  262   e  to the fifth EM-tuning portion  275   e  of the fifth plasma-tuning rod ( 270   e ,  275   e ). For example, the fifth EM-tuning distance  277   e  can be established between the fifth EM-tuning portion  275   e  and the fifth plasma-tuning slab  261   e  within the second EM energy tuning space  269   b , and the fifth EM-tuning distance  277   e  can vary from about 0.01 mm to about 1 mm. 
         [0120]    The fifth plasma-tuning rod ( 270   e ,  275   e ) can have a fifth diameter (d 1e ) associated therewith that can vary from about 0.01 mm to about 1 mm. The fifth plasma-tuning slab  261   e  can have a fifth diameter (D 1e ) associated therewith that can vary from about 1 mm to about 10 mm. The fifth EM-coupling region  262   e , the fifth control assembly  260   e , and the fifth plasma-tuning slab  261   e  can have a fifth x/y plane offset (x 1e ) associated therewith, and the fifth x/y plane offset (x 1e ) can be wavelength-dependent and can vary from about a quarter wavelength (λ/4) to about (10λ). The fifth control assembly  260   e  can comprise dielectric material, can have a cylindrical configuration and a diameter (d 1e ) that can vary from about 1 mm to about 5 mm. 
         [0121]    Still referring to  FIG. 2A , a sixth plasma-tuning rod ( 270   f ,  275   f ) can comprise dielectric material and can have a sixth plasma-tuning portion  270   f  that can extend a sixth plasma-tuning distance  271   f  into the process space  215  at a sixth location defined using (x 2f ). The sixth plasma-tuning distance  271   f  can vary from about 10 mm to about 400 mm. 
         [0122]    A sixth EM-coupling region  262   f  can be established at a sixth EM-coupling distance  276   f  from the first cavity wall  265   b  within the second EM energy tuning space  269   b  established in the second cavity assembly  268   b , and the sixth EM-tuning portion  275   f  can extend into the sixth EM-coupling region  262   f . The sixth EM-tuning portion  275   f  can obtain sixth microwave energy from the sixth EM-coupling region  262   f , and the sixth microwave energy can be transferred to the process space  215  at the sixth location (x 2f ) using the sixth plasma-tuning portion  270   f . The sixth EM-coupling region  262   f  can include a maximum field region, a maximum voltage region, maximum energy region, or a maximum current region, or any combination thereof. For example, the sixth EM-coupling distance  276   f  can vary from about 0.01 mm to about 10 mm, and the sixth EM-coupling distance  276   f  can be wavelength-dependent and can vary from about (λ/4) to about (10λ). 
         [0123]    A sixth plasma-tuning slab  261   f  can comprise dielectric material, can be coupled to a sixth control assembly  260   f , and can be used to move  263   f  the sixth plasma-tuning slab  261   f  a sixth EM-tuning distance  277   f  relative to the sixth EM-tuning portion  275   f  of the sixth plasma-tuning rod ( 270   f ,  275   f ) within the second EM energy tuning space  269   b . The sixth control assembly  260   f  and the sixth plasma-tuning slab  261   f  can be used to optimize the microwave energy coupled from the sixth EM-coupling region  262   f  to the sixth EM-tuning portion  275   f  of the sixth plasma-tuning rod ( 270   f ,  275   f ). For example, the sixth EM-tuning distance  277   f  can be established between the sixth EM-tuning portion  275   f  and the sixth plasma-tuning slab  261   f  within the second EM energy tuning space  269   b , and the sixth EM-tuning distance  277   f  can vary from about 0.01 mm to about 1 mm. 
         [0124]    The sixth plasma-tuning rod ( 270   f ,  275   f ) can have a sixth diameter (d 1f ) associated therewith that can vary from about 0.01 mm to about 1 mm. The sixth plasma-tuning slab  261   f  can have a sixth diameter (D 1f ) associated therewith that can vary from about 1 mm to about 10 mm. The sixth EM-coupling region  262   f , the sixth control assembly  260   f , and the sixth plasma-tuning slab  261   f  can have a sixth x/y plane offset (x 1f ) associated therewith, and the sixth x/y plane offset (x 1f ) can be wavelength-dependent and can vary from about a quarter wavelength (λ/4) to about (10λ). The sixth control assembly  260   f  can comprise dielectric material, can have a cylindrical configuration and a diameter (d 1f ) that can vary from about 1 mm to about 5 mm. 
         [0125]    A seventh plasma-tuning rod ( 270   g ,  275   g ) can comprise dielectric material and can have a seventh plasma-tuning portion  270   g  that can extend a seventh plasma-tuning distance  271   g  into the process space  215  at a seventh location defined using (x 2g ). The seventh plasma-tuning distance  271   g  can vary from about 10 mm to about 400 mm. 
         [0126]    A seventh EM-coupling region  262   g  can be established at a seventh EM-coupling distance  276   g  from the first cavity wall  265   b  within the second EM energy tuning space  269   b  established in the second cavity assembly  268   b , and the seventh EM-tuning portion  275   g  can extend into the seventh EM-coupling region  262   g . The seventh EM-tuning portion  275   g  can obtain seventh microwave energy from the seventh EM-coupling region  262   g , and the seventh microwave energy can be transferred to the process space  215  at the seventh location (x 2g ) using the seventh plasma-tuning portion  270   g . The seventh EM-coupling region  262   g  can include a maximum field region, a maximum voltage region, maximum energy region, or a maximum current region, or any combination thereof. For example, the seventh EM-coupling distance  276   g  can vary from about 0.01 mm to about 10 mm, and the seventh EM-coupling distance  276   g  can be wavelength-dependent and can vary from about (λ/4) to about (10λ). 
         [0127]    A seventh plasma-tuning slab  261   g  can comprise dielectric material, can be coupled to a seventh control assembly  260   g , and can be used to move  263   g  the seventh plasma-tuning slab  261   g  a seventh EM-tuning distance  277   g  relative to the seventh EM-tuning portion  275   g  of the seventh plasma-tuning rod ( 270   g ,  275   g ) within the second EM energy tuning space  269   b . The seventh control assembly  260   g  and the seventh plasma-tuning slab  261   g  can be used to optimize the microwave energy coupled from the seventh EM-coupling region  262   g  to the seventh EM-tuning portion  275   g  of the seventh plasma-tuning rod ( 270   g ,  275   g ). For example, the seventh EM-tuning distance  277   g  can be established between the seventh EM-tuning portion  275   g  and the seventh plasma-tuning slab  261   g  within the second EM energy tuning space  269   b , and the seventh EM-tuning distance  277   g  can vary from about 0.01 mm to about 1 mm. 
         [0128]    The seventh plasma-tuning rod ( 270   g ,  275   g ) can have a seventh diameter (d 1g ) associated therewith that can vary from about 0.01 mm to about 1 mm. The seventh plasma-tuning slab  261   g  can have a seventh diameter (D 1g ) associated therewith that can vary from about 1 mm to about 10 mm. The seventh EM-coupling region  262   g , the seventh control assembly  260   g , and the seventh plasma-tuning slab  261   g  can have a seventh x/y plane offset (x 1g ) associated therewith, and the seventh x/y plane offset (x 1g ) can be wavelength-dependent and can vary from about a quarter wavelength (λ/4) to about (10λ). The seventh control assembly  260   g  can comprise dielectric material, can have a cylindrical configuration and a diameter (d 1g ) that can vary from about 1 mm to about 5 mm. 
         [0129]    An eighth plasma-tuning rod ( 270   h ,  275   h ) can comprise dielectric material and can have an eighth plasma-tuning portion  270   h  that can extend an eighth plasma-tuning distance  271   h  into the process space  215  at an eighth location defined using (x 2h ). The eighth plasma-tuning distance  271   h  can vary from about 10 mm to about 400 mm. 
         [0130]    An eighth EM-coupling region  262   h  can be established at an eighth EM-coupling distance  276   h  from the first cavity wall  265   b  within the second EM energy tuning space  269   b  established in the second cavity assembly  268   b , and the eighth EM-tuning portion  275   h  can extend into the eighth EM-coupling region  262   h . The eighth EM-tuning portion  275   h  can obtain eighth microwave energy from the eighth EM-coupling region  262   h , and the eighth microwave energy can be transferred to the process space  215  at the eighth location (x 2h ) using the eighth plasma-tuning portion  270   h . The eighth EM-coupling region  262   h  can include a maximum field region, a maximum voltage region, maximum energy region, or a maximum current region, or any combination thereof. For example, the eighth EM-coupling distance  276   h  can vary from about 0.01 mm to about 10 mm, and the eighth EM-coupling distance  276   h  can be wavelength-dependent and can vary from about (λ/4) to about (10λ). 
         [0131]    An eighth plasma-tuning slab  261   h  can comprise dielectric material, can be coupled to an eighth control assembly  260   h , and can be used to move  263   h  the eighth plasma-tuning slab  261   h  an eighth EM-tuning distance  277   h  relative to the eighth EM-tuning portion  275   h  of the eighth plasma-tuning rod ( 270   h ,  275   h ) within the second EM energy tuning space  269   b . The eighth control assembly  260   h  and the eighth plasma-tuning slab  261   h  can be used to optimize the microwave energy coupled from the eighth EM-coupling region  262   h  to the eighth EM-tuning portion  275   h  of the eighth plasma-tuning rod ( 270   h ,  275   h ). For example, the eighth EM-tuning distance  277   h  can be established between the eighth EM-tuning portion  275   h  and the eighth plasma-tuning slab  261   h  within the second EM energy tuning space  269   b , and the eighth EM-tuning distance  277   h  can vary from about 0.01 mm to about 1 mm. 
         [0132]    The eighth plasma-tuning rod ( 270   h ,  275   h ) can have an eighth diameter (d 1h ) associated therewith that can vary from about 0.01 mm to about 1 mm. The eighth plasma-tuning slab  261   h  can have an eighth diameter (D 1h ) associated therewith that can vary from about 1 mm to about 10 mm. The eighth EM-coupling region  262   h , the eighth control assembly  260   h , and the eighth plasma-tuning slab  261   h  can have an eighth x/y plane offset (x 1h ) associated therewith, and the eighth x/y plane offset (x 1h ) can be wavelength-dependent and can vary from about a quarter wavelength (λ/4) to about (10λ). The eighth control assembly  260   h  can comprise dielectric material, can have a cylindrical configuration and a diameter (d 1h ) that can vary from about 1 mm to about 5 mm. 
         [0133]    The top view of the second microwave processing system  200  includes a top view of a first cavity-control assembly  245   a  that is shown coupled to a top view of a first cavity-tuning slab  246   a . The first cavity-control assembly  245   a  can have a first diameter (d 1aa ) associated therewith, and the first diameter (d 1aa ) can vary from about 0.01 mm to about 1 mm. The first cavity-tuning slab  246   a  can have a second diameter (D laa ) associated therewith, and the second diameter (D 1aa ) can vary from about 1 mm to about 10 mm. The first cavity-control assembly  245   a  and the first cavity-tuning slab  246   a  can have a first x/y plane offset (y 1aa ) associated therewith, and the first x/y plane offset (y 1aa ) can vary from about 1 mm to about 10 mm. 
         [0134]    In addition, the top view of the second microwave processing system  200  includes a top view of a second cavity-control assembly  245   b  that is shown coupled to a top view of a second cavity-tuning slab  246   b . The second cavity-control assembly  245   b  can have a first additional diameter (d 1ba ) associated therewith, and the first additional diameter (d 1ba ) can vary from about 0.01 mm to about 1 mm. The second cavity-tuning slab  246   b  can have a second additional diameter (D 1ba ) associated therewith, and the second additional diameter (D 1ba ) can vary from about 1 mm to about 10 mm. The second cavity-control assembly  245   b  and the second cavity-tuning slab  246   b  can have a second x/y plane offset (y 1ba ) associated therewith, and the second x/y plane offset (y 1ba ) vary from about 1 mm to about 10 mm. 
         [0135]      FIG. 2B  shows a partial cut-away front view of a second process chamber  210  in a second microwave processing system  200 . The front view shows an x/z plane view of a plurality of additional walls  212  coupled to each other, thereby creating a partial cut-away front view of a process space  215  in the second process chamber  210 . The second microwave processing system  200  can be configured to form uniform plasma in the process space  215 . 
         [0136]    The front view shows a cut-away view of a first cavity assembly  268   a  having a first EM energy tuning space  269   a  therein, and the first cavity assembly  268   a  can include a first cavity wall  265   a , a second cavity wall  266   a , at least one third cavity wall  267   a , and one or more additional cavity walls (not shown). For example, and the first cavity assembly  268   a  can be coupled to the first interface assembly  212   a  using the first cavity wall  265   a . The front view also shows a cut-away view of a second cavity assembly  268   b  having a second EM energy tuning space  269   b  therein, and the second cavity assembly  268   b  can include a first cavity wall  265   b , a second cavity wall  266   b , at least one third cavity wall  267   b , and one or more additional cavity walls (not shown). For example, and the second cavity assembly  268   b  can be coupled to the second interface assembly  212   b  using the first cavity wall  265   b.    
         [0137]    A partial front view (dash line view) of a first set of plasma tuning rods ( 270   a - 270   d ), a partial front view (dash line view) of a first set of plasma-tuning slabs ( 261   a - 261   d ), a partial front view (dotted line view) of a second set of plasma tuning rods ( 270   e - 270   h ), and a partial front view (dotted line view) of a second set of plasma-tuning slabs ( 261   e - 261   h ) are shown in  FIG. 2B . 
         [0138]    The first set of plasma tuning rods ( 270   a - 270   d ) and the first set of plasma-tuning slabs ( 261   a - 261   d ) can have a first set of x/y plane offsets (x 2a-d ) associated therewith, and the first set of x/y plane offsets (x 2a-d ) can vary from about 10 mm to about 100 mm. The first set of plasma tuning rods ( 270   a - 270   d ) and the first set of plasma-tuning slabs ( 261   a - 261   d ) can have a first set of x/z plane offsets (z 1a-d ) associated therewith, and the first set of x/z plane offsets (z 1a-d ) can vary from about 100 mm to about 400 mm. 
         [0139]    The second set of plasma tuning rods ( 270   e - 270   h ) and the second set of plasma-tuning slabs ( 261   e - 261   h ) can have a second set of x/y plane offsets (x 2e-h ) associated therewith, and the second set of x/y plane offsets (x 2e-h ) can vary from about 10 mm to about 100 mm. The second set of plasma tuning rods ( 270   e - 270   h ) and the second set of plasma-tuning slabs ( 261   e - 261   h ) can have a second set of x/z plane offsets (z 1e-h ) associated therewith, and the second set of x/z plane offsets (z 1e-h ) can vary from about 100 mm to about 400 mm. 
         [0140]      FIG. 2B  shows that the second microwave processing system  200  can include one or more plasma sensors  206  coupled to a chamber wall  212  to obtain first plasma data. In addition, the second microwave processing system  200  may be configured to process 200 mm substrates, 300 mm substrates, or larger-sized substrates. In addition, square and/or rectangular chambers can be configured so that the second microwave processing system  200  may be configured to process square or rectangular substrates, wafers, or LCDs regardless of their size, as would be appreciated by those skilled in the art. Therefore, while aspects of the invention will be described in connection with the processing of a semiconductor substrate, the invention is not limited solely thereto. 
         [0141]    As shown in  FIG. 2B , a first EM source  250   a  can be coupled to a first cavity assembly  268   a , and a second EM source  250   b  can be coupled to a second cavity assembly  268   b . The first EM source  250   a  can be coupled to a first matching network  252   a , and the first matching network  252   a  can be coupled to a first coupling network  254   a . The second EM source  250   b  can be coupled to a second matching network  252   b , and the second matching network  252   b  can be coupled to a second coupling network  254   b . Alternatively, a plurality of matching networks (not shown) or a plurality of coupling networks (not shown) may be used. 
         [0142]    The first coupling network  254   a  can be removably coupled to the first cavity assembly  268   a  that can be removably coupled to an upper portion of a first interface assembly  212   a  of the process chamber  210 . The first coupling network  254   a  can be used to provide microwave energy to the first EM energy tuning space  269   a  in the first cavity assembly  268   a . The second coupling network  254   b  can be removably coupled to the second cavity assembly  268   b  that can be removably coupled to an upper portion of a second interface assembly  212   b  of the process chamber  210 . The second coupling network  254   b  can be used to provide additional microwave energy to the second EM energy tuning space  269   b  in the second cavity assembly  268   b . Alternatively, other EM-coupling configurations may be used. 
         [0143]    As shown in  FIG. 2B , a controller  295  can be coupled  296  to the EM sources ( 250   a ,  250   b ), the matching networks ( 252   a ,  252   b ), the coupling networks ( 254   a ,  254   b ), and the cavity assemblies ( 268   a ,  268   b ), and the controller  295  can use process recipes to establish, control, and optimize the EM sources ( 250   a ,  250   b ), the matching networks ( 252   a ,  252   b ), the coupling networks ( 254   a ,  254   b ), and the cavity assemblies ( 268   a ,  268   b ) to control the plasma uniformity within the process space  215 . For example, the EM sources ( 250   a ,  250   b ) can operate at a frequency from about 500 MHz. to about 5000 MHz. In addition, the controller  295  can be coupled  296  to the plasma sensors  206  and process sensors  207 , and the controller  295  can use process recipes to establish, control, and optimize the data from the plasma sensors  206  and the process sensors  207  to control the plasma uniformity within the process space  215 . 
         [0144]    In addition, the controller  295  can be coupled  296  to gas supply system  240 , to a gas supply subassembly  241 , and to a gas showerhead  243 . For example, the gas supply system  240 , the gas supply subassembly  241  and the gas showerhead  243  can be configured to introduce one or more process gases to process space  215 , and can include flow control and/or flow measuring devices. 
         [0145]    During dry plasma etching, the process gas may comprise an etchant, a passivant, or an inert gas, or a combination of two or more thereof. For example, when plasma etching a dielectric film such as silicon oxide (SiO x ) or silicon nitride (Si x N y ), the plasma etch gas composition generally includes a fluorocarbon-based chemistry (C x F y ) such as at least one of C 4 F 8 , C 5 F 8 , C 3 F 6 , C 4 F 6 , CF 4 , etc., and/or may include a fluorohydrocarbon-based chemistry (C x H y F z ) such as at least one of CHF 3 , CH 2 F 2 , etc., and can have at least one of an inert gas, oxygen, CO or CO 2 . Additionally, for example, when etching polycrystalline silicon (polysilicon), the plasma etch gas composition generally includes a halogen-containing gas such as HBr, Cl 2 , NF 3 , or SF 6  or a combination of two or more thereof, and may include fluorohydrocarbon-based chemistry (C x H y F z ) such as at least one of CHF 3 , CH 2 F 2 , etc., and at least one of an inert gas, oxygen, CO or CO 2 , or two or more thereof. During plasma enhanced deposition, the process gas may comprise a film forming precursor, a reduction gas, or an inert gas, or a combination of two or more thereof. 
         [0146]    As shown in  FIG. 2B , the second microwave processing system  200  can include a pressure control system  290  and port  291  coupled to the process chamber  210 , and configured to evacuate the process chamber  210 , as well as control the pressure within the process chamber  210 . In addition, the second microwave processing system  200  can include a movable substrate holder  220  for processing substrate  205 . 
         [0147]    The front view of the second microwave processing system  200  includes a partial front view of a first cavity-control assembly  245   a  that is shown coupled to a front view of a first cavity-tuning slab  246   a . The first cavity-control assembly  245   a  and the first cavity-tuning slab  246   a  can have a first x/z plane offset (z 1aa ) associated therewith, and the first x/z plane offset (z 1aa ) can vary from about 1 mm to about 10 mm. 
         [0148]    The first cavity-control assembly  245   a  can be used to move  247   a  the first cavity-tuning slab  246   a  cavity-tuning distances  248   a  within the first EM-energy tuning space  269   a . The controller  295  can be coupled  296  to the cavity-control assembly  245   a , and the controller  295  can use process recipes to establish, control, and optimize the cavity-tuning distances  248   a  to control and maintain the plasma uniformity within the process space  215  in real-time. For example, the cavity-tuning distances  248   a  can vary from about 0.01 mm to about 10 mm, and the cavity-tuning distances  248   a  can be wavelength-dependent and can vary from about (λ/4) to about (10λ). 
         [0149]    In addition, the front view of the second microwave processing system  200  includes a partial front view of a second cavity-control assembly  245   b  that is shown coupled to a front view of a second cavity-tuning slab  246   b . The second cavity-control assembly  245   b  and the second cavity-tuning slab  246   b  can have a second x/z plane offset (z 1ba ) associated therewith that can vary from about 1 mm to about 10 mm. 
         [0150]    The second cavity-control assembly  245   b  can be used to move  247   b  the second cavity-tuning slab  246   b  second cavity-tuning distances  248   b  within the second EM-energy tuning space  269   b . The controller  295  can be coupled  296  to the second cavity-control assembly  245   b , and the controller  295  can use process recipes to establish, control, and optimize the second cavity-tuning distances  248   b  to control and maintain the plasma uniformity within the process space  215  in real-time. For example, the second cavity-tuning distances  248   b  can vary from about 0.01 mm to about 10 mm, and the second cavity-tuning distances  248   b  can be wavelength-dependent and can vary from about (λ/4) to about (10λ). 
         [0151]      FIG. 2C  shows a partial cut-away side view of the second process chamber  210  in the second microwave processing system  200 . The side view shows a y/z plane view of a plurality of chamber walls  212  coupled to a first interface assembly  212   a  and to a second interface assembly  212   b , thereby creating a partial cut-away side view of the process space  215  in the process chamber  210 . The second microwave processing system  200  can be configured to form plasma in the process space  215 . 
         [0152]    A partial side view of a first EM energy tuning space  269   a  in the first cavity assembly  268   a  and a partial side view of a second EM energy tuning space  269   b  in the second cavity assembly  268   b  are shown in  FIG. 2C . A partial side view of the first set of plasma tuning rods ( 270   a - 270   d ), a partial side view of a first set of plasma-tuning slabs ( 261   a - 261   d ), a partial side view of a second set of plasma tuning rods ( 270   e - 270   h ), and a partial side view of a second set of plasma-tuning slabs ( 261   e - 261   h ) are shown in  FIG. 2C . 
         [0153]    Side views of a first set of isolation assemblies ( 264   a ,  264   b ,  264   c , and  264   d ) and a second set of isolation assemblies ( 264   e ,  264   f ,  264   g , and  264   h ) are also shown in  FIG. 2C . For example, first set of isolation assemblies ( 264   a ,  264   b ,  264   c , and  264   d ) can be used to removably couple the first set of plasma tuning rods {( 270   a ,  270   b ,  270   c , and  270   d ) and ( 275   a ,  275   b ,  275   c , and  275   d )} to a first interface assembly  212   a . Each of the first set of isolation assemblies ( 264   a ,  264   b ,  264   c , and  264   d ) can be removably coupled to a first interface assembly  212   a . In addition, the second set of isolation assemblies ( 264   e ,  264   f ,  264   g , and  264   h ) can be used to removably couple the second set of plasma tuning rods {( 270   e ,  270   f ,  270   g , and  270   h ) and ( 275   e ,  275   f ,  275   g , and  275   h )} to a second interface assembly  212   b . Each of the second set of isolation assemblies ( 264   e ,  264   f ,  264   g , and  264   h ) can be removably coupled to a second interface assembly  212   b.    
         [0154]    As shown in  FIG. 2C , a first set of plasma-tuning slabs ( 261   a ,  261   b ,  261   c , and  261   d ) can be coupled to a first set of control assemblies ( 260   a ,  260   b ,  260   c , and  260   d ), and first set of control assemblies ( 260   a ,  260   b ,  260   c , and  260   d ) can be used to move ( 263   a ,  263   b ,  263   c , and  263   d ) the first set of plasma-tuning slabs ( 261   a ,  261   b ,  261   c , and  261   d ) the first set of EM-tuning distances ( 277   a ,  277   b ,  277   c , and  277   d ) relative to the EM-tuning portions ( 275   a ,  275   b ,  275   c , and  275   d ) within the first EM energy tuning space  269   a . In addition, a second set of plasma-tuning slabs ( 261   e ,  261   f ,  261   g , and  261   h ) can be coupled to a second set of control assemblies ( 260   e ,  260   f ,  260   g , and  260   h ), and the second set of control assemblies ( 260   e ,  260   f ,  260   g , and  260   h ) can be used to move ( 263   e ,  263   f ,  263   g , and  263   h ) the second set of plasma-tuning slabs ( 261   e ,  261   f ,  261   g , and  261   h ) the second set of EM-tuning distances ( 277   e ,  277   f ,  277   g , and  277   h ) relative to the EM-tuning portions ( 275   e ,  275   f ,  275   g , and  275   h ) within the second EM energy tuning space  269   b.    
         [0155]    The first set of control assemblies ( 260   a ,  260   b ,  260   c , and  260   d ) can be coupled  296  to the controller  295 , and the controller  295  can use process recipes to establish, control, and optimize the first set of EM-tuning distances ( 277   a ,  277   b ,  277   c , and  277   d ) to control the plasma uniformity within the process space  215 . In addition, the second set of control assemblies ( 260   e ,  260   f ,  260   g , and  260   h ) can be coupled  296  to the controller  295 , and the controller  295  can use process recipes to establish, control, and optimize the second set of EM-tuning distances ( 277   e ,  277   f ,  277   g , and  277   h ) to control the plasma uniformity within the process space  215 . 
         [0156]    The controller  295  can be coupled  296  to the EM sources ( 250   a ,  250   b ), the matching networks ( 252   a ,  252   b ), the coupling networks ( 254   a ,  254   b ), and the cavity assemblies ( 268   a ,  268   b ), and the controller  295  can use process recipes to establish, control, and optimize the EM sources ( 250   a ,  250   b ), the matching networks ( 252   a ,  252   b ), the coupling networks ( 254   a ,  254   b ), and the cavity assemblies ( 268   a ,  268   b ) to control the plasma uniformity within the process space  215 . For example, the EM sources ( 250   a ,  250   b ) can operate at frequencies from about 500 MHz to about 5000 MHz. In addition, the controller  295  can be coupled  296  to the plasma sensors  206 , the process sensors  207 , and the cavity sensors ( 208   a  and  208   b ), and the controller  295  can use process recipes to establish, control, and optimize the data from the plasma sensors  206 , the process sensors  207 , and the cavity sensors ( 208   a  and  208   b ), to control the plasma uniformity in the process space  215 . 
         [0157]    The side view illustrates a process chamber  210  having a total width (y T ), and a total height (z T ) associated therewith in the y/z plane. For example, the total width (y T ) can vary from about 50 mm to about 500 mm, and the total height (z T ) can vary from about 50 mm to about 500 mm. 
         [0158]      FIG. 3A  shows a partial cut-away top view of a third process chamber  310  in a third microwave processing system  300 . The top view shows an x/y plane view of a first interface assembly  312   a , a second interface assembly  312   b , and a plurality of additional chamber walls  312  coupled to the first interface assembly  312   a  and the second interface assembly  312   b  thereby forming the third process chamber  310 . For example, the chamber walls  312  can have wall thicknesses (t) associated therewith, and the wall thicknesses (t) can vary from about 1 mm to about 5 mm. The first interface assembly  312   a  can have a first interface thickness (t i1 ) associated therewith, and the first interface thickness (t i1 ) can vary from about 1 mm to about 10 mm. The second interface assembly  312   b  can have a second interface thickness (t i2 ) associated therewith, and the second interface thickness (t i2 ) can vary from about 1 mm to about 10 mm. The process space  315  can have a length (x T ) associated therewith, and the length (x T ) can vary from about 10 mm to about 500 mm. 
         [0159]    The top view of the third microwave processing system  300  shows a cut-away view of a first cavity assembly  368   a  having a first EM energy tuning space  369   a  therein, and the first cavity assembly  368   a  can include a first cavity wall  365   a , a second cavity wall  366   a , at least one third cavity wall  367   a , and one or more additional cavity walls (not shown). For example, and the first cavity assembly  368   a  can be coupled to the first interface assembly  312   a  using the first cavity wall  365   a , and walls ( 365   a ,  366   a , and  367   a ) can comprise dielectric material and can have wall thicknesses (t a ) associated therewith, and the wall thicknesses (t a ) can vary from about 1 mm to about 5 mm. In addition, the first EM energy tuning space  369   a  can have a first length (x T1a ) and a first width (y 1a ) associated therewith, the first length (x T1a ) can vary from about 10 mm to about 500 mm, and the first width (y 1a ) can vary from about 5 mm to about 50 mm. 
         [0160]    The top view of the third microwave processing system  300  also shows a cut-away view of a second cavity assembly  368   b  having a second EM energy tuning space  369   b  therein, and the second cavity assembly  368   b  can include a first cavity wall  365   b , a second cavity wall  366   b , at least one third cavity wall  367   b , and one or more additional cavity walls (not shown). For example, and the second cavity assembly  368   b  can be coupled to the second interface assembly  312   b  using the first cavity wall  365   b , and walls ( 365   b ,  366   b , and  367   b ) can comprise dielectric material and can have wall thicknesses (t b ) associated therewith, and the wall thicknesses (t b ) can vary from about 1 mm to about 5 mm. In addition, the second EM energy tuning space  369   b  can have a second length (x T1b ) and a second width (y 1b ) associated therewith, the second length (x T1b ) can vary from about 10 mm to about 500 mm, and the second width (y 1b ) can vary from about 5 mm to about 50 mm. 
         [0161]    In some exemplary systems, a first set of isolation assemblies ( 364   a ,  364   b , and  364   c ,) can be removably coupled to a first interface assembly  312   a  and can be configured to isolate the process space  315  from the first EM energy tuning space  369   a . The first set of isolation assemblies ( 364   a ,  364   b , and  364   c ) can be used to removably couple the first set of plasma tuning rods {( 370   a ,  370   b , and  370   c ) and ( 375   a ,  375   b , and  375   c )} to a first interface assembly  312   a . For example, the first set of plasma-tuning portions ( 370   a ,  370   b , and  370   c ) can be configured in the process space  315 , and the first set of EM-tuning portion ( 375   a ,  375   b , and  375   c ) can be configured within the first EM energy tuning space  369   a.    
         [0162]    A second set of isolation assemblies ( 364   d ,  364   e , and  3640  can be removably coupled to the second interface assembly  312   b  and can be configured to isolate the process space  315  from the second EM energy tuning space  369   b . The second set of isolation assemblies ( 364   d ,  364   e , and  3640  can be used to removably couple the second set of plasma tuning rods {( 370   d ,  370   e , and  3700  and ( 375   d ,  375   e , and  3750 } to the second interface assembly  312   b . For example, the second set of plasma-tuning portions ( 370   d ,  370   e , and  3700  can be configured in the process space  315 , and the second set of EM-tuning portion ( 375   d ,  375   e , and  3750  can be configured within the second EM energy tuning space  369   b.    
         [0163]    Still referring to  FIG. 3A , a first plasma-tuning rod ( 370   a ,  375   a ) can comprise dielectric material and can have a first plasma-tuning portion  370   a  that can extend a first plasma-tuning distance  371   a  into the process space  315  at a first location defined using (x 2a ). The first plasma-tuning distance  371   a  can vary from about 10 mm to about 400 mm. 
         [0164]    A first EM-coupling region  362   a  can be established at a first EM-coupling distance  376   a  from the first cavity wall  365   a  within the first EM energy tuning space  369   a  established in the first cavity assembly  368   a , and the first EM-tuning portion  375   a  can extend into the first EM-coupling region  362   a . The first EM-tuning portion  375   a  can obtain first microwave energy from the first EM-coupling region  362   a , and the first microwave energy can be transferred to the process space  315  at the first location (x 2a ) using the first plasma-tuning portion  370   a . The first EM-coupling region  362   a  can include a maximum field region, a maximum voltage region, maximum energy region, or a maximum current region, or any combination thereof. For example, the first EM-coupling distance  376   a  can vary from about 0.01 mm to about 10 mm, and the first EM-coupling distance  376   a  can be wavelength-dependent and can vary from about (λ/4) to about (10λ). 
         [0165]    A first plasma-tuning slab  361   a  can comprise dielectric material, can be coupled to a first control assembly  360   a , and can be used to move  363   a  the first plasma-tuning slab  361   a  a first EM-tuning distance  377   a  relative to the first EM-tuning portion  375   a  of the first plasma-tuning rod ( 370   a ,  375   a ) within the first EM energy tuning space  369   a . The first control assembly  360   a  and the first plasma-tuning slab  361   a  can be used to optimize the microwave energy coupled from the first EM-coupling region  362   a  to the first EM-tuning portion  375   a  of the first plasma-tuning rod ( 370   a ,  375   a ). For example, the first EM-tuning distance  377   a  can be established between the first EM-tuning portion  375   a  and the first plasma-tuning slab  361   a  within the first EM energy tuning space  369   a , and the first EM-tuning distance  377   a  can vary from about 0.01 mm to about 1 mm. 
         [0166]    The first plasma-tuning rod ( 370   a ,  375   a ) can have a first diameter (d 1a ) associated therewith that can vary from about 0.01 mm to about 1 mm. The first plasma-tuning slab  361   a  can have a first diameter (D 1a ) associated therewith that can vary from about 1 mm to about 10 mm. The first EM-coupling region  362   a , the first control assembly  360   a , and the first plasma-tuning slab  361   a  can have a first x/y plane offset (x 1a ) associated therewith, and the first x/y plane offset (x 1a ) can be wavelength-dependent and can vary from about a quarter wavelength (λ/4) to about (10λ). The first control assembly  360   a  can comprise dielectric material, can have a cylindrical configuration and a diameter (d 1a ) that can vary from about 1 mm to about 5 mm. 
         [0167]    A second plasma-tuning rod ( 370   b ,  375   b ) can have a second plasma-tuning portion  370   b  that can extend a second plasma-tuning distance  371   b  into the process space  315  at a second location defined using (x 2b ). For example, the second plasma-tuning distance  371   b  can vary from about 10 mm to about 400 mm. 
         [0168]    A second EM-coupling region  362   b  can be established at a second EM-coupling distance  376   b  from the first cavity wall  365   a  within the first EM energy tuning space  369   a  established in the first cavity assembly  368   a , and the second EM-tuning portion  375   b  can extend into the second EM-coupling region  362   b . The second EM-tuning portion  375   b  can obtain second microwave energy from the second EM-coupling region  362   b , and the second microwave energy can be transferred to the process space  315  at the second location (x 1b ) using the second plasma-tuning portion  370   b . The second EM-coupling region  362   b  can include a maximum field region, a maximum voltage region, maximum energy region, or a maximum current region, or any combination thereof. For example, the second EM-coupling distance  376   b  can vary from about 0.01 mm to about 10 mm, and the second EM-coupling distance  376   b  can be wavelength-dependent and can vary from about (λ/4) to about (10λ). 
         [0169]    A second plasma-tuning slab  361   b  can comprise dielectric material, can be coupled to a second control assembly  360   b , and can be used to move  363   b  the second plasma-tuning slab  361   b  a second EM-tuning distance  377   b  relative to the second EM-tuning portion  375   b  of the second plasma-tuning rod ( 370   b ,  375   b ) within the first EM energy tuning space  369   a . The second control assembly  360   b  and the second plasma-tuning slab  361   b  can be used to optimize the microwave energy coupled from the second EM-coupling region  362   b  to the second EM-tuning portion  375   b  of the second plasma-tuning rod ( 370   b ,  375   b ). For example, the second EM-tuning distance  377   b  can be established between the second EM-tuning portion  375   b  and the second plasma-tuning slab  361   b  within the first EM energy tuning space  369   a , and the second EM-tuning distance  377   b  can vary from about 0.01 mm to about 1 mm. 
         [0170]    The second plasma-tuning rod ( 370   b ,  375   b ) can have a second diameter (d 1b ) associated therewith that can vary from about 0.01 mm to about 1 mm. The second plasma-tuning slab  361   b  can have a second diameter (D 1b ) associated therewith that can vary from about 1 mm to about 10 mm. The second EM-coupling region  362   b , the second control assembly  360   b , and the second plasma-tuning slab  361   b  can have a second x/y plane offset (x 1b ) associated therewith, and the second x/y plane offset (x 1b ) can be wavelength-dependent and can vary from about a quarter wavelength (λ/4) to about (10λ). The second control assembly  360   b  can comprise dielectric material, can have a cylindrical configuration and a diameter (d 1b ) that can vary from about 1 mm to about 5 mm. 
         [0171]    A third plasma-tuning rod ( 370   c ,  375   c ) can comprise dielectric material and can have a third plasma-tuning portion  370   c  that can extend a third plasma-tuning distance  371   c  into the process space  315  at a third location defined using (x 2c ). For example, the third plasma-tuning distance  371   c  can vary from about 10 mm to about 400 mm. 
         [0172]    A third EM-coupling region  362   c  can be established at a third EM-coupling distance  376   c  from the first cavity wall  365   a  within the first EM energy tuning space  369   a  established in the first cavity assembly  368   a , and the third EM-tuning portion  375   c  can extend into the third EM-coupling region  362   c . The third EM-tuning portion  375   c  can obtain third microwave energy from the third EM-coupling region  362   c , and the third microwave energy can be transferred to the process space  315  at the third location (x 2 ) using the third plasma-tuning portion  370   c . The third EM-coupling region  362   c  can include a maximum field region, a maximum voltage region, maximum energy region, or a maximum current region, or any combination thereof. The third EM-coupling distance  376   c  can vary from about 0.01 mm to about 10 mm, and the third EM-coupling distance  376   c  can be wavelength-dependent and can vary from about (λ/4) to about (10λ). 
         [0173]    A third plasma-tuning slab  361   c  can comprise dielectric material, can be coupled to a third control assembly  360   c , and can be used to move  363   c  the third plasma-tuning slab  361   c  a third EM-tuning distance  377   c  relative to the third EM-tuning portion  375   c  of the third plasma-tuning rod ( 370   c ,  375   c ) within the first EM energy tuning space  369   a . The third control assembly  360   c  and the third plasma-tuning slab  361   c  can be used to optimize the microwave energy coupled from the third EM-coupling region  362   c  to the third EM-tuning portion  375   c  of the third plasma-tuning rod ( 370   c ,  375   c ). For example, the third EM-tuning distance  377   c  can be established between the third EM-tuning portion  375   c  and the third plasma-tuning slab  361   c  within the first EM energy tuning space  369   a , and the third EM-tuning distance  377   c  can vary from about 0.01 mm to about 1 mm. 
         [0174]    The third plasma-tuning rod ( 370   c ,  375   c ) can have a third diameter (d 1c ) associated therewith that can vary from about 0.01 mm to about 1 mm. The third plasma-tuning slab  361   c  can have a third diameter (D 1c ) associated therewith that can vary from about 1 mm to about 10 mm. The third EM-coupling region  362   c , the third control assembly  360   c , and the third plasma-tuning slab  361   c  can have a third x/y plane offset (x 1c ) associated therewith, and the third x/y plane offset (x 1c ) can be wavelength-dependent and can vary from about a quarter wavelength (λ/4) to about (10λ). For example, the third control assembly  360   c  can have a cylindrical configuration and a diameter (d 1c ) that can vary from about 1 mm to about 5 mm. 
         [0175]    A fourth plasma-tuning rod ( 370   d ,  375   d ) can comprise dielectric material and can have a fourth plasma-tuning portion  370   d  that can extend a fourth plasma-tuning distance  371   d  into the process space  315  at a fourth location defined using (x 2d ). For example, the fourth plasma-tuning distance  371   d  can vary from about 10 mm to about 400 mm. 
         [0176]    A fourth EM-coupling region  362   d  can be established at a fourth EM-coupling distance  376   d  from the first cavity wall  365   b  within the second EM energy tuning space  369   b  established in the second cavity assembly  368   b , and the fourth EM-tuning portion  375   d  can extend into the fourth EM-coupling region  362   d . The fourth EM-tuning portion  375   d  can obtain fourth microwave energy from the fourth EM-coupling region  362   d , and the fourth microwave energy can be transferred to the process space  315  at the fourth location (x 2d ) using the fourth plasma-tuning portion  370   d . The fourth EM-coupling region  362   d  can include a maximum field region, a maximum voltage region, maximum energy region, or a maximum current region, or any combination thereof. For example, the fourth EM-coupling distance  376   d  can vary from about 0.01 mm to about 10 mm, and the fourth EM-coupling distance  376   d  can be wavelength-dependent and can vary from about (λ/4) to about (10λ). 
         [0177]    A fourth plasma-tuning slab  361   d  can comprise dielectric material, can be coupled to a fourth control assembly  360   d , and can be used to move  363   d  the fourth plasma-tuning slab  361   d  a fourth EM-tuning distance  377   d  relative to the fourth EM-tuning portion  375   d  of the fourth plasma-tuning rod ( 370   d ,  375   d ) within the second EM energy tuning space  369   b . The fourth control assembly  360   d  and the fourth plasma-tuning slab  361   d  can be used to optimize the microwave energy coupled from the fourth EM-coupling region  362   d  to the fourth EM-tuning portion  375   d  of the fourth plasma-tuning rod ( 370   d ,  375   d ). For example, the fourth EM-tuning distance  377   d  can be established between the fourth EM-tuning portion  375   d  and the fourth plasma-tuning slab  361   d  within the second EM energy tuning space  369   b , and the fourth EM-tuning distance  377   d  can vary from about 0.01 mm to about 1 mm. 
         [0178]    The fourth plasma-tuning rod ( 370   d ,  375   d ) can have a fourth diameter (d 1d ) associated therewith that can vary from about 0.01 mm to about 1 mm. The fourth plasma-tuning slab  361   d  can have a fourth diameter (D 1d ) associated therewith that can vary from about 1 mm to about 10 mm. The fourth EM-coupling region  362   d , the fourth control assembly  360   d , and the fourth plasma-tuning slab  361   d  can have a fourth x/y plane offset (x 1d ) associated therewith, and the fourth x/y plane offset (x 1d ) can be wavelength-dependent and can vary from about a quarter wavelength (λ/4) to about (10λ). The fourth control assembly  360   d  can comprise dielectric material, can have a cylindrical configuration and a diameter (d 1d ) that can vary from about 1 mm to about 5 mm. 
         [0179]    A fifth plasma-tuning rod ( 370   e ,  375   e ) can comprise dielectric material and can have a fifth plasma-tuning portion  370   e  that can extend a fifth plasma-tuning distance  371   e  into the process space  315  at a fifth location defined using (x 2e ). For example, the fifth plasma-tuning distance  371   e  can vary from about 10 mm to about 400 mm. 
         [0180]    A fifth EM-coupling region  362   e  can be established at a fifth EM-coupling distance  376   e  from the first cavity wall  365   b  within the second EM energy tuning space  369   b  established in the second cavity assembly  368   b , and the fifth EM-tuning portion  375   e  can extend into the fifth EM-coupling region  362   e . The fifth EM-tuning portion  375   e  can obtain fifth microwave energy from the fifth EM-coupling region  362   e , and the fifth microwave energy can be transferred to the process space  315  at the fifth location (x 2e ) using the fifth plasma-tuning portion  370   e . The fifth EM-coupling region  362   e  can include a maximum field region, a maximum voltage region, maximum energy region, or a maximum current region, or any combination thereof. For example, the fifth EM-coupling distance  376   e  can vary from about 0.01 mm to about 10 mm, and the fifth EM-coupling distance  376   e  can be wavelength-dependent and can vary from about (λ/4) to about (10λ). 
         [0181]    A fifth plasma-tuning slab  361   e  can comprise dielectric material, can be coupled to a fifth control assembly  360   e , and can be used to move  363   e  the fifth plasma-tuning slab  361   e  a fifth EM-tuning distance  377   e  relative to the fifth EM-tuning portion  375   e  of the fifth plasma-tuning rod ( 370   e ,  375   e ) within the first EM energy tuning space  369   a . The fifth control assembly  360   e  and the fifth plasma-tuning slab  361   e  can be used to optimize the microwave energy coupled from the fifth EM-coupling region  362   e  to the fifth EM-tuning portion  375   e  of the fifth plasma-tuning rod ( 370   e ,  375   e ). For example, the fifth EM-tuning distance  377   e  can be established between the fifth EM-tuning portion  375   e  and the fifth plasma-tuning slab  361   e  within the second EM energy tuning space  369   b , and the fifth EM-tuning distance  377   e  can vary from about 0.01 mm to about 1 mm. 
         [0182]    The fifth plasma-tuning rod ( 370   e ,  375   e ) can have a fifth diameter (d 1e ) associated therewith that can vary from about 0.01 mm to about 1 mm. The fifth plasma-tuning slab  361   e  can have a fifth diameter (D 1e ) associated therewith that can vary from about 1 mm to about 10 mm. The fifth EM-coupling region  362   e , the fifth control assembly  360   e , and the fifth plasma-tuning slab  361   e  can have a fifth x/y plane offset (x 1e ) associated therewith, and the fifth x/y plane offset (x 1e ) can be wavelength-dependent and can vary from about a quarter wavelength (λ/4) to about (10λ). The fifth control assembly  360   e  can comprise dielectric material, can have a cylindrical configuration and a diameter (d 1e ) that can vary from about 1 mm to about 5 mm. 
         [0183]    Still referring to  FIG. 3A , a sixth plasma-tuning rod ( 370   f ,  375   f ) can comprise dielectric material and can have a sixth plasma-tuning portion  370   f  that can extend a sixth plasma-tuning distance  371   f  into the process space  315  at a sixth location defined using (x 2f ). The sixth plasma-tuning distance  371   f  can vary from about 10 mm to about 400 mm. 
         [0184]    A sixth EM-coupling region  362   f  can be established at a sixth EM-coupling distance  376   f  from the first cavity wall  365   b  within the second EM energy tuning space  369   b  established in the second cavity assembly  368   b , and the sixth EM-tuning portion  375   f  can extend into the sixth EM-coupling region  362   f . The sixth EM-tuning portion  375   f  can obtain sixth microwave energy from the sixth EM-coupling region  362   f , and the sixth microwave energy can be transferred to the process space  315  at the sixth location (x 2f ) using the sixth plasma-tuning portion  370   f . The sixth EM-coupling region  362   f  can include a maximum field region, a maximum voltage region, maximum energy region, or a maximum current region, or any combination thereof. For example, the sixth EM-coupling distance  376   f  can vary from about 0.01 mm to about 10 mm, and the sixth EM-coupling distance  376   f  can be wavelength-dependent and can vary from about (λ/4) to about (10λ). 
         [0185]    A sixth plasma-tuning slab  361   f  can comprise dielectric material and can be coupled to a sixth control assembly  360   f  and can be used to move  363   f  the sixth plasma-tuning slab  361   f  a sixth EM-tuning distance  377   f  relative to the sixth EM-tuning portion  375   f  of the sixth plasma-tuning rod ( 370   f ,  375   f ) within the second EM energy tuning space  369   b . The sixth control assembly  360   f  and the sixth plasma-tuning slab  361   f  can be used to optimize the microwave energy coupled from the sixth EM-coupling region  362   f  to the sixth EM-tuning portion  375   f  of the sixth plasma-tuning rod ( 370   f ,  375   f ). For example, the sixth EM-tuning distance  377   f  can be established between the sixth EM-tuning portion  375   f  and the sixth plasma-tuning slab  361   f  within the second EM energy tuning space  369   b , and the sixth EM-tuning distance  377   f  can vary from about 0.01 mm to about 1 mm. 
         [0186]    The sixth plasma-tuning rod ( 370   f ,  375   f ) can have a sixth diameter (d 1f ) associated therewith that can vary from about 0.01 mm to about 1 mm. The sixth plasma-tuning slab  361   f  can have a sixth diameter (D 1f ) associated therewith that can vary from about 1 mm to about 10 mm. The sixth EM-coupling region  362   f , the sixth control assembly  360   f , and the sixth plasma-tuning slab  361   f  can have a sixth x/y plane offset (x 1f ) associated therewith, and the sixth x/y plane offset (x 1f ) can be wavelength-dependent and can vary from about a quarter wavelength (λ/4) to about (10λ). The sixth control assembly  360   f  can comprise dielectric material, can have a cylindrical configuration and a diameter (d 1f ) that can vary from about 1 mm to about 5 mm. 
         [0187]    The top view of the third microwave processing system  300  includes a top view of a first cavity-control assembly  345   a  that is shown coupled to a top view of a first cavity-tuning slab  346   a . The first cavity-control assembly  345   a  can have a first diameter (D 1aa ) associated therewith, and the first diameter (d 1aa ) can vary from about 0.01 mm to about 1 mm. The first cavity-tuning slab  346   a  can have a second diameter (D 1aa ) associated therewith, and the second diameter (D 1aa ) can vary from about 1 mm to about 10 mm. The first cavity-control assembly  345   a  and the first cavity-tuning slab  346   a  can have a first x/y plane offset (y 1aa ) associated therewith, and the first x/y plane offset (y 1aa ) can vary from about 1 mm to about 10 mm. 
         [0188]    In addition, the top view of the third microwave processing system  300  includes a top view of a second cavity-control assembly  345   b  that is shown coupled to a top view of a second cavity-tuning slab  346   b . The second cavity-control assembly  345   b  can have a first additional diameter (d 1ba ) associated therewith, and the first additional diameter (d 1ba ) can vary from about 0.01 mm to about 1 mm. The second cavity-tuning slab  346   b  can have a second additional diameter (D 1ba ) associated therewith, and the second additional diameter (D 1ba ) can vary from about 1 mm to about 10 mm. The second cavity-control assembly  345   b  and the second cavity-tuning slab  346   b  can have a second x/y plane offset (y 1ba ) associated therewith, and the second x/y plane offset (y 1ba ) vary from about 1 mm to about 10 mm. 
         [0189]      FIG. 3B  shows a partial cut-away front view of a third process chamber  310  in a third microwave processing system  300 . The front view shows an x/z plane view of a plurality of additional walls  312  coupled to each other, thereby creating a partial cut-away front view of a process space  315  in the third process chamber  310 . The third microwave processing system  300  can be configured to form uniform plasma in the process space  315 . 
         [0190]    The front view shows a cut-away view of a first cavity assembly  368   a  having a first EM energy tuning space  369   a  therein, and the first cavity assembly  368   a  can include a first cavity wall  365   a , a second cavity wall  366   a , at least one third cavity wall  367   a , and one or more additional cavity walls (not shown). For example, and the first cavity assembly  368   a  can be coupled to the first interface assembly  312   a  using the first cavity wall  365   a . The front view also shows a cut-away view of a second cavity assembly  368   b  having a second EM energy tuning space  369   b  therein, and the second cavity assembly  368   b  can include a first cavity wall  365   b , a second cavity wall  366   b , at least one third cavity wall  367   b , and one or more additional cavity walls (not shown). For example, and the second cavity assembly  368   b  can be coupled to the second interface assembly  312   b  using the first cavity wall  365   b.    
         [0191]    A partial front view (dash line view) of a first set of plasma tuning rods ( 370   a - 370   c ), a partial front view (dash line view) of a first set of plasma-tuning slabs ( 361   a - 361   c ), a partial front view (dotted line view) of a second set of plasma tuning rods ( 370   d - 370   f ), and a partial front view (dotted line view) of a second set of plasma-tuning slabs ( 361   d - 361   f ) are shown in  FIG. 3B . 
         [0192]    The first set of plasma tuning rods ( 370   a - 370   c ) and the first set of plasma-tuning slabs ( 361   a - 361   c ) can have a first set of x/y plane offsets (x 2a-c ) associated therewith, and the first set of x/y plane offsets (x 2a-c ) can vary from about 10 mm to about 100 mm. The first set of plasma tuning rods ( 370   a - 370   c ) and the first set of plasma-tuning slabs ( 361   a - 361   c ) can have a first set of x/z plane offsets (z 1a-c ) associated therewith, and the first set of x/z plane offsets (z 1a-c ) can vary from about 100 mm to about 400 mm. 
         [0193]    The second set of plasma tuning rods ( 370   d - 370   f ) and the second set of plasma-tuning slabs ( 361   d - 361   f ) can have a second set of x/y plane offsets (x 2d-f ) associated therewith, and the second set of x/y plane offsets (x 2d-f ) can vary from about 10 mm to about 100 mm. The second set of plasma tuning rods ( 370   d - 370   f ) and the second set of plasma-tuning slabs ( 361   d - 361   f ) can have a second set of x/z plane offsets (z 1d-f ) associated therewith that can vary from about 100 mm to about 400 mm. 
         [0194]      FIG. 3B  shows that the third microwave processing system  300  can include one or more plasma sensors  306  coupled to a chamber wall  312  to obtain first plasma data. In addition, the third microwave processing system  300  may be configured to process 300 mm substrates, 300 mm substrates, or larger-sized substrates. In addition, square and/or rectangular chambers can be configured so that the third microwave processing system  300  may be configured to process square or rectangular substrates, wafers, or LCDs regardless of their size, as would be appreciated by those skilled in the art. Therefore, while aspects of the invention will be described in connection with the processing of a semiconductor substrate, the invention is not limited solely thereto. 
         [0195]    As shown in  FIG. 3B , a first EM source  350   a  can be coupled to a first cavity assembly  368   a , and a second EM source  350   b  can be coupled to a second cavity assembly  368   b . The first EM source  350   a  can be coupled to a first matching network  352   a , and the first matching network  352   a  can be coupled to a first coupling network  354   a . The second EM source  350   b  can be coupled to a second matching network  352   b , and the second matching network  352   b  can be coupled to a second coupling network  354   b . Alternatively, a plurality of matching networks (not shown) or a plurality of coupling networks (not shown) may be used. 
         [0196]    The first coupling network  354   a  can be removably coupled to the first cavity assembly  368   a  that can be removably coupled to an upper portion of a first interface assembly  312   a  of the process chamber  310 . The first coupling network  354   a  can be used to provide microwave energy to the first EM energy tuning space  369   a  in the first cavity assembly  368   a . The second coupling network  354   b  can be removably coupled to the second cavity assembly  368   b  that can be removably coupled to an upper portion of a second interface assembly  312   b  of the process chamber  310 . The second coupling network  354   b  can be used to provide additional microwave energy to the second EM energy tuning space  369   b  in the second cavity assembly  368   b . Alternatively, other EM-coupling configurations may be used. 
         [0197]    As shown in  FIG. 3B , a controller  395  can be coupled  396  to the EM sources ( 350   a ,  350   b ), the matching networks ( 352   a ,  352   b ), the coupling networks ( 354   a ,  354   b ), and the cavity assemblies ( 368   a ,  368   b ), and the controller  395  can use process recipes to establish, control, and optimize the EM sources ( 350   a ,  350   b ), the matching networks ( 352   a ,  352   b ), the coupling networks ( 354   a ,  354   b ), and the cavity assemblies ( 368   a ,  368   b ) to control the plasma uniformity within the process space  315 . For example, the EM sources ( 350   a ,  350   b ) can operate at a frequency from about 500 MHz. to about 5000 MHz. In addition, the controller  395  can be coupled  396  to the plasma sensors  306  and process sensors  307 , and the controller  395  can use process recipes to establish, control, and optimize the data from the plasma sensors  306  and the process sensors  307  to control the plasma uniformity within the process space  315 . 
         [0198]    In addition, the controller  395  can be coupled  396  to gas supply system  340 , to a gas supply subassembly  341 , and to a gas showerhead  343 . For example, the gas supply system  340 , the gas supply subassembly  341  and the gas showerhead  343  can be configured to introduce one or more process gases to process space  315 , and can include flow control and/or flow measuring devices. 
         [0199]    During dry plasma etching, the process gas may comprise an etchant, a passivant, or an inert gas, or a combination of two or more thereof. For example, when plasma etching a dielectric film such as silicon oxide (SiO x ) or silicon nitride (Si x N y ), the plasma etch gas composition generally includes a fluorocarbon-based chemistry (C x F y ) such as at least one of C 4 F 8 , C 5 F 8 , C 3 F 6 , C 4 F 6 , CF 4 , etc., and/or may include a fluorohydrocarbon-based chemistry (C x H y F z ) such as at least one of CHF 3 , CH 2 F 2 , etc., and can have at least one of an inert gas, oxygen, CO or CO 2 . Additionally, for example, when etching polycrystalline silicon (polysilicon), the plasma etch gas composition generally includes a halogen-containing gas such as HBr, Cl 2 , NF 3 , or SF 6  or a combination of two or more thereof, and may include fluorohydrocarbon-based chemistry (C x H y F z ) such as at least one of CHF 3 , CH 2 F 2 , etc., and at least one of an inert gas, oxygen, CO or CO 2 , or two or more thereof. During plasma enhanced deposition, the process gas may comprise a film forming precursor, a reduction gas, or an inert gas, or a combination of two or more thereof. 
         [0200]    As shown in  FIG. 3B , the third microwave processing system  300  can include a pressure control system  390  and port  391  coupled to the process chamber  310 , and configured to evacuate the process chamber  310 , as well as control the pressure within the process chamber  310 . In addition, the third microwave processing system  300  can include a movable substrate holder  320  for processing substrate  305 . 
         [0201]    The front view of the third microwave processing system  300  includes a partial front view of a first cavity-control assembly  345   a  that is shown coupled to a front view of a first cavity-tuning slab  346   a . The first cavity-control assembly  345   a  and the first cavity-tuning slab  346   a  can have a first x/z plane offset (z 1aa ) associated therewith, and the first x/z plane offset (z 1aa ) can vary from about 1 mm to about 10 mm. 
         [0202]    The first cavity-control assembly  345   a  can be used to move  347   a  the first cavity-tuning slab  346   a  cavity-tuning distances  348   a  within the first EM-energy tuning space  369   a . The controller  395  can be coupled  396  to the cavity-control assembly  345   a , and the controller  395  can use process recipes to establish, control, and optimize the cavity-tuning distances  348   a  to control and maintain the plasma uniformity within the process space  315  in real-time. For example, the cavity-tuning distances  348   a  can vary from about 0.01 mm to about 10 mm, and the cavity-tuning distances  348   a  can be wavelength-dependent and can vary from about (λ/4) to about (10λ). 
         [0203]    In addition, the front view of the third microwave processing system  300  includes a partial front view of a second cavity-control assembly  345   b  that is shown coupled to a front view of a second cavity-tuning slab  346   b . The second cavity-control assembly  345   b  and the second cavity-tuning slab  346   b  can have a second x/z plane offset (z 1ba ) associated therewith, and the second x/z plane offset (z 1ba ) vary from about 1 mm to about 10 mm. 
         [0204]    The second cavity-control assembly  345   b  can be used to move  347   b  the second cavity-tuning slab  346   b  second cavity-tuning distances  348   b  within the second EM-energy tuning space  369   b . The controller  395  can be coupled  396  to the second cavity-control assembly  345   b , and the controller  395  can use process recipes to establish, control, and optimize the second cavity-tuning distances  348   b  to control and maintain the plasma uniformity within the process space  315  in real-time. For example, the second cavity-tuning distances  348   b  can vary from about 0.01 mm to about 10 mm, and the second cavity-tuning distances  348   b  can be wavelength-dependent and can vary from about (λ/4) to about (10λ). 
         [0205]      FIG. 3C  shows a partial cut-away side view of the third process chamber  310  in the third microwave processing system  300 . The side view shows a y/z plane view of a plurality of chamber walls  312  coupled to a first interface assembly  312   a  and to a second interface assembly  312   b , thereby creating a partial cut-away side view of the process space  315  in the process chamber  310 . The third microwave processing system  300  can be configured to form uniform plasma in the process space  315 . 
         [0206]    A partial side view of a first EM energy tuning space  369   a  in the first cavity assembly  368   a  and a partial side view of a second EM energy tuning space  369   b  in the second cavity assembly  368   b  are shown in  FIG. 3C . A partial side view of the first set of plasma tuning rods ( 370   a - 370   c ), a partial side view of a first set of plasma-tuning slabs ( 361   a - 361   c ), a partial side view of a second set of plasma tuning rods ( 370   d - 3700 , and a partial side view of a second set of plasma-tuning slabs ( 361   d - 3610  are shown in  FIG. 3C . 
         [0207]    Side views of a first set of isolation assemblies ( 364   a ,  364   b , and  364   c ) and a second set of isolation assemblies ( 364   d ,  364   e , and  3640  are also shown in  FIG. 3C . For example, first set of isolation assemblies ( 364   a ,  364   b , and  364   c ) can be used to removably couple the first set of plasma tuning rods {( 370   a ,  370   b , and  370   c ) and ( 375   a ,  375   b , and  375   c )} to a first interface assembly  312   a . Each of the first set of isolation assemblies ( 364   a ,  364   b , and  364   c ) can be removably coupled to a first interface assembly  312   a . In addition, the second set of isolation assemblies ( 364   d ,  364   e , and  3640  can be used to removably couple the second set of plasma tuning rods {( 370   d ,  370   e , and  3700  and ( 375   d ,  375   e , and  3750 } to a second interface assembly  312   b . Each of the second set of isolation assemblies ( 364   d ,  364   e , and  3640  can be removably coupled to a second interface assembly  312   b.    
         [0208]    As shown in  FIG. 3C , a first set of plasma-tuning slabs ( 361   a ,  361   b , and  361   c ) can be coupled to a first set of control assemblies ( 360   a ,  360   b , and  360   c ), and first set of control assemblies ( 360   a ,  360   b , and  360   c ) can be used to move ( 363   a ,  363   b , and  363   c ) the first set of plasma-tuning slabs ( 361   a ,  361   b , and  361   c ) the first set of EM-tuning distances ( 377   a ,  377   b , and  377   c ) relative to the EM-tuning portions ( 375   a ,  375   b , and  375   c ) within the first EM energy tuning space  369   a . In addition, a second set of plasma-tuning slabs ( 361   d ,  361   e , and  3610  can be coupled to a second set of control assemblies ( 360   d ,  360   e , and  3600 , and the second set of control assemblies ( 360   d ,  360   e , and  3600  can be used to move ( 363   d ,  363   e , and  3630  the second set of plasma-tuning slabs ( 361   d ,  361   e , and  3610  the second set of EM-tuning distances ( 377   d ,  377   e , and  377   f ) relative to the EM-tuning portions ( 375   d ,  375   e , and  3750  within the second EM energy tuning space  369   b.    
         [0209]    The first set of control assemblies ( 360   a ,  360   b , and  360   c ) can be coupled  396  to the controller  395 , and the controller  395  can use process recipes to establish, control, and optimize the first set of EM-tuning distances ( 377   a ,  377   b , and  377   c ) to control the plasma uniformity within the process space  315 . In addition, the second set of control assemblies ( 360   d ,  360   e , and  360   f ) can be coupled  396  to the controller  395 , and the controller  395  can use process recipes to establish, control, and optimize the second set of EM-tuning distances ( 377   d ,  377   e , and  377   f ) to control the plasma uniformity within the process space  315 . 
         [0210]    The controller  395  can be coupled  396  to the EM sources ( 350   a ,  350   b ), the matching networks ( 352   a ,  352   b ), the coupling networks ( 354   a ,  354   b ), and the cavity assemblies ( 368   a ,  368   b ), and the controller  395  can use process recipes to establish, control, and optimize the EM sources ( 350   a ,  350   b ), the matching networks ( 352   a ,  352   b ), the coupling networks ( 354   a ,  354   b ), and the cavity assemblies ( 368   a ,  368   b ) to control the plasma uniformity within the process space  315 . For example, the EM sources ( 350   a ,  350   b ) can operate at frequencies from about 500 MHz to about 5000 MHz. In addition, the controller  395  can be coupled  396  to the plasma sensors  306 , the process sensors  307 , and the cavity sensors ( 308   a  and  308   b ), and the controller  395  can use process recipes to establish, control, and optimize the data from the plasma sensors  306 , the process sensors  307 , and the cavity sensors ( 308   a  and  308   b ), to control the plasma uniformity in the process space  315 . 
         [0211]    The side view illustrates a process chamber  310  having a total width (y T ), and a total height (z T ) associated therewith in the y/z plane. The total width (y T ) can vary from about 50 mm to about 500 mm, and the total height (z T ) can vary from about 50 mm to about 500 mm. 
         [0212]      FIG. 4A  shows a partial cut-away top view of a fourth process chamber  410  in a fourth microwave processing system  400 . The top view shows an x/y plane view of a first interface assembly  412   a , a second interface assembly  412   b , and a plurality of additional chamber walls  412  coupled to the first interface assembly  412   a  and the second interface assembly  412   b  thereby forming the fourth process chamber  410 . For example, the chamber walls  412  can have wall thicknesses (t) associated therewith, and the wall thicknesses (t) can vary from about 1 mm to about 5 mm. The first interface assembly  412   a  can have a first interface thickness (t i1 ) associated therewith, and the first interface thickness (t i1 ) can vary from about 1 mm to about 10 mm. The second interface assembly  412   b  can have a second interface thickness (t i2 ) associated therewith, and the second interface thickness (t i2 ) can vary from about 1 mm to about 10 mm. The process space  415  can have a length (x T ) associated therewith, and the length (x T ) can vary from about 10 mm to about 500 mm. 
         [0213]    The top view of the fourth microwave processing system  400  shows a cut-away view of a first cavity assembly  468   a  having a first EM energy tuning space  469   a  therein, and the first cavity assembly  468   a  can include a first cavity wall  465   a , a second cavity wall  466   a , at least one third cavity wall  467   a , and one or more additional cavity walls (not shown). For example, and the first cavity assembly  468   a  can be coupled to the first interface assembly  412   a  using the first cavity wall  465   a , and walls ( 465   a ,  466   a , and  467   a ) can comprise dielectric material and can have wall thicknesses (t a ) associated therewith, and the wall thicknesses (t a ) can vary from about 1 mm to about 5 mm. In addition, the first EM energy tuning space  469   a  can have a first length (x T1a ) and a first width (y 1a ) associated therewith, the first length (x T1a ) can vary from about 10 mm to about 500 mm, and the first width (y 1a ) can vary from about 5 mm to about 50 mm. 
         [0214]    The top view of the fourth microwave processing system  400  also shows a cut-away view of a second cavity assembly  468   b  having a second EM energy tuning space  469   b  therein, and the second cavity assembly  468   b  can include a first cavity wall  465   b , a second cavity wall  466   b , at least one third cavity wall  467   b , and one or more additional cavity walls (not shown). For example, and the second cavity assembly  468   b  can be coupled to the second interface assembly  412   b  using the first cavity wall  465   b , and walls ( 465   b ,  466   b , and  467   b ) can comprise dielectric material and can have wall thicknesses (t b ) associated therewith, and the wall thicknesses (t b ) can vary from about 1 mm to about 5 mm. In addition, the second EM energy tuning space  469   b  can have a second length (x T1b ) and a second width (y 1b ) associated therewith, the second length (x T1b ) can vary from about 10 mm to about 500 mm, and the second width (y 1b ) can vary from about 5 mm to about 50 mm. 
         [0215]    In some exemplary systems, a first set of isolation assemblies ( 464   a  and  464   b ) can be removably coupled to a first interface assembly  412   a  and can be configured to isolate the process space  415  from the first EM energy tuning space  469   a . The first set of isolation assemblies ( 464   a  and  464   b ) can be used to removably couple the first set of plasma tuning rods {( 470   a  and  470   b ) and ( 475   a  and  475   b )} to a first interface assembly  412   a . For example, the first set of plasma-tuning portions ( 470   a  and  470   b ) can be configured in the process space  415 , and the first set of EM-tuning portion ( 475   a  and  475   b ) can be configured within the first EM energy tuning space  469   a.    
         [0216]    A second set of isolation assemblies ( 464   c  and  464   d ) can be removably coupled to the second interface assembly  412   b  and can be configured to isolate the process space  415  from the second EM energy tuning space  469   b . The second set of isolation assemblies ( 464   c  and  464   d ) can be used to removably couple the second set of plasma tuning rods {( 470   c  and  470   d ) and ( 475   c  and  475   d )} to the second interface assembly  412   b . For example, the second set of plasma-tuning portions ( 470   c  and  470   d ) can be configured in the process space  415 , and the second set of EM-tuning portion ( 475   c  and  475   d ) can be configured within the second EM energy tuning space  469   b.    
         [0217]    Still referring to  FIG. 4A , a first plasma-tuning rod ( 470   a ,  475   a ) can comprise dielectric material and can have a first plasma-tuning portion  470   a  that can extend a first plasma-tuning distance  471   a  into the process space  415  at a first location defined using (x 2a ). The first plasma-tuning distance  471   a  can vary from about 10 mm to about 400 mm. 
         [0218]    A first EM-coupling region  462   a  can be established at a first EM-coupling distance  476   a  from the first cavity wall  465   a  within the first EM energy tuning space  469   a  established in the first cavity assembly  468   a , and the first EM-tuning portion  475   a  can extend into the first EM-coupling region  462   a . The first EM-tuning portion  475   a  can obtain first microwave energy from the first EM-coupling region  462   a , and the first microwave energy can be transferred to the process space  415  at the first location (x 2a ) using the first plasma-tuning portion  470   a . The first EM-coupling region  462   a  can include a maximum field region, a maximum voltage region, maximum energy region, or a maximum current region, or any combination thereof. For example, the first EM-coupling distance  476   a  can vary from about 0.01 mm to about 10 mm, and the first EM-coupling distance  476   a  can be wavelength-dependent and can vary from about (λ/4) to about (10λ). 
         [0219]    A first plasma-tuning slab  461   a  can comprise dielectric material, can be coupled to a first control assembly  460   a , and can be used to move  463   a  the first plasma-tuning slab  461   a  a first EM-tuning distance  477   a  relative to the first EM-tuning portion  475   a  of the first plasma-tuning rod ( 470   a ,  475   a ) within the first EM energy tuning space  469   a . The first control assembly  460   a  and the first plasma-tuning slab  461   a  can be used to optimize the microwave energy coupled from the first EM-coupling region  462   a  to the first EM-tuning portion  475   a  of the first plasma-tuning rod ( 370   a ,  475   a ). For example, the first EM-tuning distance  477   a  can be established between the first EM-tuning portion  475   a  and the first plasma-tuning slab  461   a  within the first EM energy tuning space  469   a , and the first EM-tuning distance  477   a  can vary from about 0.01 mm to about 1 mm. 
         [0220]    The first plasma-tuning rod ( 470   a ,  475   a ) can have a first diameter (d 1a ) associated therewith that can vary from about 0.01 mm to about 1 mm. The first plasma-tuning slab  461   a  can have a first diameter (D 1a ) associated therewith that can vary from about 1 mm to about 10 mm. The first EM-coupling region  462   a , the first control assembly  460   a , and the first plasma-tuning slab  461   a  can have a first x/y plane offset (x 1a ) associated therewith, and the first x/y plane offset (x 1a ) can be wavelength-dependent and can vary from about a quarter wavelength (λ/4) to about (10λ). The first control assembly  460   a  can have a cylindrical configuration and a diameter (d 1a ) that can vary from about 1 mm to about 5 mm. 
         [0221]    A second plasma-tuning rod ( 470   b ,  475   b ) can have a second plasma-tuning portion  470   b  that can extend a second plasma-tuning distance  471   b  into the process space  415  at a second location defined using (x 1b ). For example, the second plasma-tuning distance  471   b  can vary from about 10 mm to about 400 mm. 
         [0222]    A second EM-coupling region  462   b  can be established at a second EM-coupling distance  476   b  from the first cavity wall  465   a  within the first EM energy tuning space  469   a  established in the first cavity assembly  468   a , and the second EM-tuning portion  475   b  can extend into the second EM-coupling region  462   b . The second EM-tuning portion  475   b  can obtain second microwave energy from the second EM-coupling region  462   b , and the second microwave energy can be transferred to the process space  415  at the second location (x 1b ) using the second plasma-tuning portion  470   b . The second EM-coupling region  462   b  can include a maximum field region, a maximum voltage region, maximum energy region, or a maximum current region, or any combination thereof. For example, the second EM-coupling distance  476   b  can vary from about 0.01 mm to about 10 mm, and the second EM-coupling distance  476   b  can be wavelength-dependent and can vary from about (λ/4) to about (10λ). 
         [0223]    A second plasma-tuning slab  461   b  can comprise dielectric material, can be coupled to a second control assembly  460   b , and can be used to move  463   b  the second plasma-tuning slab  461   b  a second EM-tuning distance  477   b  relative to the second EM-tuning portion  475   b  of the second plasma-tuning rod ( 470   b ,  475   b ) within the first EM energy tuning space  469   a . The second control assembly  460   b  and the second plasma-tuning slab  461   b  can be used to optimize the microwave energy coupled from the second EM-coupling region  462   b  to the second EM-tuning portion  475   b  of the second plasma-tuning rod ( 470   b ,  475   b ). For example, the second EM-tuning distance  477   b  can be established between the second EM-tuning portion  475   b  and the second plasma-tuning slab  461   b  within the first EM energy tuning space  469   a , and the second EM-tuning distance  477   b  can vary from about 0.01 mm to about 1 mm. 
         [0224]    The second plasma-tuning rod ( 470   b ,  475   b ) can have a second diameter (d 1b ) associated therewith that can vary from about 0.01 mm to about 1 mm. The second plasma-tuning slab  461   b  can have a second diameter (D 1b ) associated therewith that can vary from about 1 mm to about 10 mm. The second EM-coupling region  462   b , the second control assembly  460   b , and the second plasma-tuning slab  461   b  can have a second x/y plane offset (x 1b ) associated therewith, and the second x/y plane offset (x 1b ) can be wavelength-dependent and can vary from about a quarter wavelength (λ/4) to about (10λ). The second control assembly  460   b  can comprise dielectric material and can have a cylindrical configuration and a diameter (d 1b ) that can vary from about 1 mm to about 5 mm. 
         [0225]    A third plasma-tuning rod ( 470   c ,  475   c ) can comprise dielectric material and can have a third plasma-tuning portion  470   c  that can extend a third plasma-tuning distance  471   c  into the process space  415  at a third location defined using (x 2c ). For example, the third plasma-tuning distance  471   c  can vary from about 10 mm to about 400 mm. 
         [0226]    A third EM-coupling region  462   c  can be established at a third EM-coupling distance  476   c  from the first cavity wall  465   a  within the second EM energy tuning space  469   b  established in the second cavity assembly  468   b , and the third EM-tuning portion  475   c  can extend into the third EM-coupling region  462   c . The third EM-tuning portion  475   c  can obtain third microwave energy from the third EM-coupling region  462   c , and the third microwave energy can be transferred to the process space  415  at the third location (x 2c ) using the third plasma-tuning portion  470   c . The third EM-coupling region  462   c  can include a maximum field region, a maximum voltage region, maximum energy region, or a maximum current region, or any combination thereof. For example, the third EM-coupling distance  476   c  can vary from about 0.01 mm to about 10 mm, and the third EM-coupling distance  476   c  can be wavelength-dependent and can vary from about (λ/4) to about (10λ). 
         [0227]    A third plasma-tuning slab  461   c  can comprise dielectric material, can be coupled to a third control assembly  460   c , and can be used to move  463   c  the third plasma-tuning slab  461   c  a third EM-tuning distance  477   c  relative to the third EM-tuning portion  475   c  of the third plasma-tuning rod ( 470   c ,  475   c ) within the second EM energy tuning space  469   b . The third control assembly  460   c  and the third plasma-tuning slab  461   c  can be used to optimize the microwave energy coupled from the third EM-coupling region  462   c  to the third EM-tuning portion  475   c  of the third plasma-tuning rod ( 470   c ,  475   c ). For example, the third EM-tuning distance  477   c  can be established between the third EM-tuning portion  475   c  and the third plasma-tuning slab  461   c  within the second EM energy tuning space  469   b , and the third EM-tuning distance  477   c  can vary from about 0.01 mm to about 1 mm. 
         [0228]    The third plasma-tuning rod ( 470   c ,  475   c ) can have a third diameter (d 1c ) associated therewith that can vary from about 0.01 mm to about 1 mm. The third plasma-tuning slab  461   c  can have a third diameter (DO associated therewith that can vary from about 1 mm to about 10 mm. The third EM-coupling region  462   c , the third control assembly  460   c , and the third plasma-tuning slab  461   c  can have a third x/y plane offset (x 1c ) associated therewith, and the third x/y plane offset (x 1c ) can be wavelength-dependent and can vary from about a quarter wavelength (λ/4) to about (10λ). The third control assembly  460   c  can comprise dielectric material, can have a cylindrical configuration and a diameter (d 1 ) that can vary from about 1 mm to about 5 mm. 
         [0229]    A fourth plasma-tuning rod ( 470   d ,  475   d ) can comprise dielectric material and can have a fourth plasma-tuning portion  470   d  that can extend a fourth plasma-tuning distance  471   d  into the process space  415  at a fourth location defined using (x 2d ). For example, the fourth plasma-tuning distance  471   d  can vary from about 10 mm to about 400 mm. 
         [0230]    A fourth EM-coupling region  462   d  can be established at a fourth EM-coupling distance  476   d  from the first cavity wall  465   a  within the second EM energy tuning space  469   b  established in the second cavity assembly  468   b , and the fourth EM-tuning portion  475   d  can extend into the fourth EM-coupling region  462   d . The fourth EM-tuning portion  475   d  can obtain fourth microwave energy from the fourth EM-coupling region  462   d , and the fourth microwave energy can be transferred to the process space  415  at the fourth location (x 2d ) using the fourth plasma-tuning portion  470   d . The fourth EM-coupling region  462   d  can include a maximum field region, a maximum voltage region, maximum energy region, or a maximum current region, or any combination thereof. For example, the fourth EM-coupling distance  476   d  can vary from about 0.01 mm to about 10 mm, and the fourth EM-coupling distance  476   d  can be wavelength-dependent and can vary from about (λ/4) to about (10λ). 
         [0231]    A fourth plasma-tuning slab  461   d  can comprise dielectric material, can be coupled to a fourth control assembly  460   d , and can be used to move  463   d  the fourth plasma-tuning slab  461   d  a fourth EM-tuning distance  477   d  relative to the fourth EM-tuning portion  475   d  of the fourth plasma-tuning rod ( 470   d ,  475   d ) within the second EM energy tuning space  469   b . The fourth control assembly  460   d  and the fourth plasma-tuning slab  461   d  can be used to optimize the microwave energy coupled from the fourth EM-coupling region  462   d  to the fourth EM-tuning portion  475   d  of the fourth plasma-tuning rod ( 470   d ,  475   d ). For example, the fourth EM-tuning distance  477   d  can be established between the fourth EM-tuning portion  475   d  and the fourth plasma-tuning slab  461   d  within the second EM energy tuning space  469   b , and the fourth EM-tuning distance  477   d  can vary from about 0.01 mm to about 1 mm. 
         [0232]    The fourth plasma-tuning rod ( 470   d ,  475   d ) can have a fourth diameter (d 1d ) associated therewith that can vary from about 0.01 mm to about 1 mm. The fourth plasma-tuning slab  461   d  can have a fourth diameter (D 1d ) associated therewith that can vary from about 1 mm to about 10 mm. The fourth EM-coupling region  462   d , the fourth control assembly  460   d , and the fourth plasma-tuning slab  461   d  can have a fourth x/y plane offset (x 1d ) associated therewith, and the fourth x/y plane offset (x 1d ) can be wavelength-dependent and can vary from about a quarter wavelength (λ/4) to about (10λ). The fourth control assembly  460   d  can comprise dielectric material, can have a cylindrical configuration and a diameter (d 1d ) that can vary from about 1 mm to about 5 mm. 
         [0233]    The top view of the fourth microwave processing system  400  includes a top view of a first cavity-control assembly  445   a  that is shown coupled to a top view of a first cavity-tuning slab  446   a . The first cavity-control assembly  445   a  can have a first diameter (d 1aa ) associated therewith, and the first diameter (d 1aa ) can vary from about 0.01 mm to about 1 mm. The first cavity-tuning slab  446   a  can have a second diameter (D 1aa ) associated therewith, and the second diameter (D 1aa ) can vary from about 1 mm to about 10 mm. The first cavity-control assembly  445   a  and the first cavity-tuning slab  446   a  can have a first x/y plane offset (y 1aa ) associated therewith, and the first x/y plane offset (y 1aa ) can vary from about 1 mm to about 10 mm. 
         [0234]    In addition, the top view of the fourth microwave processing system  400  includes a top view of a second cavity-control assembly  445   b  that is shown coupled to a top view of a second cavity-tuning slab  446   b . The second cavity-control assembly  445   b  can have a first additional diameter (d 1ba ) associated therewith, and the first additional diameter (d 1ba ) can vary from about 0.01 mm to about 1 mm. The second cavity-tuning slab  446   b  can have a second additional diameter (D 1ba ) associated therewith, and the second additional diameter (D 1ba ) can vary from about 1 mm to about 10 mm. The second cavity-control assembly  445   b  and the second cavity-tuning slab  446   b  can have a second x/y plane offset (y 1ba ) associated therewith, and the second x/y plane offset (y 1ba ) vary from about 1 mm to about 10 mm. 
         [0235]      FIG. 4B  shows a partial cut-away front view of a fourth process chamber  410  in a fourth microwave processing system  400 . The front view shows an x/z plane view of a plurality of additional walls  412  coupled to each other, thereby creating a partial cut-away front view of a process space  415  in the fourth process chamber  410 . The fourth microwave processing system  400  can be configured to form plasma in the process space  415 . 
         [0236]    The front view of the fourth microwave processing system  400  shows a cut-away view of a first cavity assembly  468   a  having a first EM energy tuning space  469   a  therein, and the first cavity assembly  468   a  can include a first cavity wall  465   a , a second cavity wall  466   a , at least one third cavity wall  467   a , and one or more additional cavity walls (not shown). For example, and the first cavity assembly  468   a  can be coupled to the first interface assembly  412   a  using the first cavity wall  465   a . The front view also shows a cut-away view of a second cavity assembly  468   b  having a second EM energy tuning space  469   b  therein, and the second cavity assembly  468   b  can include a first cavity wall  465   b , a second cavity wall  466   b , at least one third cavity wall  467   b , and one or more additional cavity walls (not shown). For example, and the second cavity assembly  468   b  can be coupled to the second interface assembly  412   b  using the first cavity wall  465   b.    
         [0237]    A partial front view (dash line view) of a first set of plasma tuning rods ( 470   a  and  470   b ), a partial front view (dash line view) of a first set of plasma-tuning slabs ( 461   a  and  461   b ), a partial front view (dotted line view) of a second set of plasma tuning rods ( 470   c  and  470   d ), and a partial front view (dotted line view) of a second set of plasma-tuning slabs ( 461   c  and  461   d ) are shown in  FIG. 4B . 
         [0238]    The first set of plasma tuning rods ( 470   a  and  470   b ) and the first set of plasma-tuning slabs ( 461   a  and  461   b ) can have a first set of x/y plane offsets (x 2a-b ) associated therewith that can vary from about 10 mm to about 100 mm. The first set of plasma tuning rods ( 470   a  and  470   b ) and the first set of plasma-tuning slabs ( 461   a  and  461   b ) can have a first set of x/z plane offsets (z 1a-b ) associated therewith, and the first set of x/z plane offsets (z 1a-b ) can vary from about 100 mm to about 400 mm. 
         [0239]    The second set of plasma tuning rods ( 470   c  and  470   d ) and the second set of plasma-tuning slabs ( 461   c  and  461   d ) can have a second set of x/y plane offsets (x 2c-d ) associated therewith, and the second set of x/y plane offsets (x 2c-d ) can vary from about 10 mm to about 100 mm. The second set of plasma tuning rods ( 470   c  and  470   d ) and the second set of plasma-tuning slabs ( 461   c  and  461   d ) can have a second set of x/z plane offsets (z 1c-d ) associated therewith, and the second set of x/z plane offsets (z 1c-d ) can vary from about 100 mm to about 400 mm. 
         [0240]      FIG. 4B  shows that the fourth microwave processing system  400  can include one or more plasma sensors  406  coupled to a chamber wall  412  to obtain first plasma data. In addition, the fourth microwave processing system  400  may be configured to process 400 mm substrates, 300 mm substrates, or larger-sized substrates. In addition, square and/or rectangular chambers can be configured so that the fourth microwave processing system  400  may be configured to process square or rectangular substrates, wafers, or LCDs regardless of their size, as would be appreciated by those skilled in the art. Therefore, while aspects of the invention will be described in connection with the processing of a semiconductor substrate, the invention is not limited solely thereto. 
         [0241]    As shown in  FIG. 4B , a first EM source  450   a  can be coupled to a first cavity assembly  468   a , and a second EM source  450   b  can be coupled to a second cavity assembly  468   b . The first EM source  450   a  can be coupled to a first matching network  452   a , and the first matching network  452   a  can be coupled to a first coupling network  454   a . The second EM source  450   b  can be coupled to a second matching network  452   b , and the second matching network  452   b  can be coupled to a second coupling network  454   b . Alternatively, a plurality of matching networks (not shown) or a plurality of coupling networks (not shown) may be used. 
         [0242]    The first coupling network  454   a  can be removably coupled to the first cavity assembly  468   a  that can be removably coupled to an upper portion of a first interface assembly  412   a  of the process chamber  410 . The first coupling network  454   a  can be used to provide microwave energy to the first EM energy tuning space  469   a  in the first cavity assembly  468   a . The second coupling network  454   b  can be removably coupled to the second cavity assembly  468   b  that can be removably coupled to an upper portion of a second interface assembly  412   b  of the process chamber  410 . The second coupling network  454   b  can be used to provide additional microwave energy to the second EM energy tuning space  469   b  in the second cavity assembly  468   b . Alternatively, other EM-coupling configurations may be used. 
         [0243]    As shown in  FIG. 4B , a controller  495  can be coupled  496  to the EM sources ( 450   a ,  450   b ), the matching networks ( 452   a ,  452   b ), the coupling networks ( 454   a ,  454   b ), and the cavity assemblies ( 468   a ,  468   b ), and the controller  495  can use process recipes to establish, control, and optimize the EM sources ( 450   a ,  450   b ), the matching networks ( 452   a ,  452   b ), the coupling networks ( 454   a ,  454   b ), and the cavity assemblies ( 468   a ,  468   b ) to control the plasma uniformity within the process space  415 . For example, the EM sources ( 450   a ,  450   b ) can operate at a frequency from about 500 MHz. to about 5000 MHz. In addition, the controller  495  can be coupled  496  to the plasma sensors  406  and process sensors  407 , and the controller  495  can use process recipes to establish, control, and optimize the data from the plasma sensors  406  and the process sensors  407  to control the plasma uniformity within the process space  415 . 
         [0244]    In addition, the controller  495  can be coupled  496  to gas supply system  440 , to a gas supply subassembly  441 , and to a gas showerhead  443 . For example, the gas supply system  440 , the gas supply subassembly  441  and the gas showerhead  443  can be configured to introduce one or more process gases to process space  415 , and can include flow control and/or flow measuring devices. 
         [0245]    During dry plasma etching, the process gas may comprise an etchant, a passivant, or an inert gas, or a combination of two or more thereof. For example, when plasma etching a dielectric film such as silicon oxide (SiO x ) or silicon nitride (Si x N y ), the plasma etch gas composition generally includes a fluorocarbon-based chemistry (C x F y ) such as at least one of C 4 F 8 , C 5 F 8 , C 3 F 6 , C 4 F 6 , CF 4 , etc., and/or may include a fluorohydrocarbon-based chemistry (C x H y F z ) such as at least one of CHF 3 , CH 2 F 2 , etc., and can have at least one of an inert gas, oxygen, CO or CO 2 . Additionally, for example, when etching polycrystalline silicon (polysilicon), the plasma etch gas composition generally includes a halogen-containing gas such as HBr, Cl 2 , NF 3 , or SF 6  or a combination of two or more thereof, and may include fluorohydrocarbon-based chemistry (C x H y F z ) such as at least one of CHF 3 , CH 2 F 2 , etc., and at least one of an inert gas, oxygen, CO or CO 2 , or two or more thereof. During plasma enhanced deposition, the process gas may comprise a film forming precursor, a reduction gas, or an inert gas, or a combination of two or more thereof. 
         [0246]    As shown in  FIG. 4B , the fourth microwave processing system  400  can include a pressure control system  490  and port  491  coupled to the process chamber  410 , and configured to evacuate the process chamber  410 , as well as control the pressure within the process chamber  410 . In addition, the fourth microwave processing system  400  can include a movable substrate holder  420  for processing substrate  405 . 
         [0247]    The front view of the fourth microwave processing system  400  includes a partial front view of a first cavity-control assembly  445   a  that is shown coupled to a front view of a first cavity-tuning slab  446   a . The first cavity-control assembly  445   a  and the first cavity-tuning slab  446   a  can have a first x/z plane offset (z 1aa ) associated therewith, and the first x/z plane offset (z 1aa ) can vary from about 1 mm to about 10 mm. 
         [0248]    The first cavity-control assembly  445   a  can be used to move  447   a  the first cavity-tuning slab  446   a  fourth cavity-tuning distances  448   a  within the first EM-energy tuning space  469   a . The controller  495  can be coupled  496  to the first cavity-control assembly  445   a , and the controller  495  can use process recipes to establish, control, and optimize the fourth cavity-tuning distances  448   a  to control and maintain the plasma uniformity within the process space  415  in real-time. For example, the fourth cavity-tuning distances  448   a  can vary from about 0.01 mm to about 10 mm, and the fourth cavity-tuning distances  448   a  can be wavelength-dependent and can vary from about (λ/4) to about (10λ). 
         [0249]    In addition, the front view of the fourth microwave processing system  400  includes a partial front view of a second cavity-control assembly  445   b  that is shown coupled to a front view of a second cavity-tuning slab  446   b . The second cavity-control assembly  445   b  and the second cavity-tuning slab  446   b  can have a second x/z plane offset (z 1ba ) associated therewith that can vary from about 1 mm to about 10 mm. 
         [0250]    The second cavity-control assembly  445   b  can be used to move  447   b  the second cavity-tuning slab  446   b  second cavity-tuning distances  448   b  within the second EM-energy tuning space  469   b . The controller  495  can be coupled to the second cavity-control assembly  445   b , and the controller  495  can use process recipes to establish, control, and optimize the second cavity-tuning distances  448   b  to control and maintain the plasma uniformity within the process space  415  in real-time. For example, the second cavity-tuning distances  448   b  can vary from about 0.01 mm to about 10 mm, and the second cavity-tuning distances  448   b  can be wavelength-dependent and can vary from about (λ/4) to about (10λ). 
         [0251]      FIG. 4C  shows a partial cut-away side view of the fourth process chamber  410  in the fourth microwave processing system  400 . The side view shows a y/z plane view of a plurality of chamber walls  412  coupled to a first interface assembly  412   a  and to a second interface assembly  412   b , thereby creating a partial cut-away side view of the process space  415  in the process chamber  410 . The fourth microwave processing system  400  can be configured to form plasma in the process space  415 . 
         [0252]    A partial side view of a first EM energy tuning space  469   a  in the first cavity assembly  468   a  and a partial side view of a second EM energy tuning space  469   b  in the second cavity assembly  468   b  are shown in  FIG. 4C . A partial side view of the first set of plasma tuning rods ( 470   a  and  470   b ), a partial side view of a first set of plasma-tuning slabs ( 461   a  and  461   b ), a partial side view of a second set of plasma tuning rods ( 470   c  and  470   d ), and a partial side view of a second set of plasma-tuning slabs ( 461   c  and  461   d ) are shown in  FIG. 4C . 
         [0253]    Side views of a first set of isolation assemblies ( 464   a  and  464   b ) and a second set of isolation assemblies ( 464   c  and  464   d ) are also shown in  FIG. 4C . For example, first set of isolation assemblies ( 464   a  and  464   b ) can be used to removably couple the first set of plasma tuning rods {( 470   a  and  470   b ) and ( 475   a  and  475   b )} to a first interface assembly  412   a . Each of the first set of isolation assemblies ( 464   a  and  464   b ) can be removably coupled to a first interface assembly  412   a . In addition, the second set of isolation assemblies ( 464   c  and  464   d ) can be used to removably couple the second set of plasma tuning rods {( 470   c  and  470   d ) and ( 475   c  and  475   d )} to a second interface assembly  412   b . Each of the second set of isolation assemblies ( 464   c  and  464   d ) can be removably coupled to a second interface assembly  412   b.    
         [0254]    As shown in  FIG. 4C , a first set of plasma-tuning slabs ( 461   a  and  461   b ) can be coupled to a first set of control assemblies ( 460   a  and  460   b ), and first set of control assemblies ( 460   a  and  460   b ) can be used to move ( 463   a  and  463   b ) the first set of plasma-tuning slabs ( 461   a  and  461   b ) the first set of EM-tuning distances ( 477   a  and  477   b ) relative to the EM-tuning portions ( 475   a  and  475   b ) within the first EM energy tuning space  469   a . In addition, a second set of plasma-tuning slabs ( 461   c  and  461   d ) can be coupled to a second set of control assemblies ( 460   c  and  460   d ), and the second set of control assemblies ( 460   c  and  460   d ) can be used to move ( 463   c  and  463   d ) the second set of plasma-tuning slabs ( 461   c  and  461   d ) the second set of EM-tuning distances ( 477   c  and  477   d ) relative to the EM-tuning portions ( 475   c  and  475   d ) within the second EM energy tuning space  469   b.    
         [0255]    The first set of control assemblies ( 460   a  and  460   b ) can be coupled to the controller  495 , and the controller  495  can use process recipes to establish, control, and optimize the first set of EM-tuning distances ( 477   a  and  477   b ) to control the plasma uniformity within the process space  415 . In addition, the second set of control assemblies ( 460   c  and  460   d ) can be coupled to the controller  495 , and the controller  495  can use process recipes to establish, control, and optimize the second set of EM-tuning distances ( 477   c  and  477   d ) to control the plasma uniformity within the process space  415 . 
         [0256]    The controller  495  can be coupled  496  to the EM sources ( 450   a ,  450   b ), the matching networks ( 452   a ,  452   b ), the coupling networks ( 454   a ,  454   b ), and the cavity assemblies ( 468   a ,  468   b ), and the controller  495  can use process recipes to establish, control, and optimize the EM sources ( 450   a ,  450   b ), the matching networks ( 452   a ,  452   b ), the coupling networks ( 454   a ,  454   b ), and the cavity assemblies ( 468   a ,  468   b ) to control the plasma uniformity within the process space  415 . For example, the EM sources ( 450   a ,  450   b ) can operate at frequencies from about 500 MHz to about 5000 MHz. In addition, the controller  495  can be coupled  496  to the plasma sensors  406 , the process sensors  407 , and the cavity sensors ( 408   a  and  408   b ), and the controller  495  can use process recipes to establish, control, and optimize the data from the plasma sensors  406 , the process sensors  407 , and the cavity sensors ( 408   a  and  408   b ), to control the plasma uniformity within the process space  415 . 
         [0257]    The side view illustrates a process chamber  410  having a total width (y T ), and a total height (z T ) associated therewith in the y/z plane. For example, the total width (y T ) can vary from about 50 mm to about 500 mm, and the total height (z T ) can vary from about 50 mm to about 500 mm. 
         [0258]      FIGS. 5A-5D  show different views of exemplary plasma-tuning rods in accordance with embodiments of the invention.  FIG. 5A  shows a front view and a side view of a first exemplary plasma-tuning rod ( 570   a ,  575   a ). The first plasma-tuning portion  570   a  can have first lengths (y 11 ) associated therewith, and the first lengths (y 11 ) can vary from about 1 mm to about 400 mm. The first EM-tuning portion  575   a  can have lengths (y 12 ) associated therewith, and the lengths (y 12 ) can vary from about 1 mm to about 400 mm. The first plasma-tuning portion  570   a  and the first EM-tuning portion  575   a  can have first heights (x 1 ) associated therewith, and the first heights (x 1 ) can vary from about 0.1 mm to about 10 mm. The first plasma-tuning portion  570   a  and the first EM-tuning portion  575   a  can have first widths (z 1 ) associated therewith, and the first widths (z 1 ) can vary from about 0.1 mm to about 10 mm. 
         [0259]      FIG. 5B  shows a front view and a side view of a second exemplary plasma-tuning rod ( 570   b ,  575   b ). The second plasma-tuning portion  570   b  can have first lengths (y 21 ) associated therewith, and the first lengths (y 21 ) can vary from about 1 mm to about 400 mm. The second EM-tuning portion  575   b  can have lengths (y 22 ) associated therewith, and the lengths (y 22 ) can vary from about 1 mm to about 400 mm. The second plasma-tuning portion  570   b  and the second EM-tuning portion  575   b  can have second heights (x 2 ) associated therewith, and the second heights (x 2 ) can vary from about 0.1 mm to about 10 mm. The second plasma-tuning portion  570   b  and the second EM-tuning portion  575   b  can have second widths (z 2 ) associated therewith, and the second widths (z 2 ) can vary from about 0.1 mm to about 10 mm. 
         [0260]      FIG. 5C  shows a front view and a side view of a third exemplary plasma-tuning rod ( 570   c ,  575   c ). The third plasma-tuning portion  570   c  can have third lengths (y 31 ) associated therewith, and the third lengths (y 31 ) can vary from about 1 mm to about 400 mm. The third EM-tuning portion  575   c  can have a length (y 32 ) associated therewith, and the length (y 32 ) can vary from about 1 mm to about 400 mm. The third plasma-tuning portion  570   c  and the third EM-tuning portion  575   c  can have third heights (x 3 ) associated therewith, and the third heights (x 3 ) can vary from about 0.1 mm to about 10 mm. The third plasma-tuning portion  570   c  and the third EM-tuning portion  575   c  can have third widths (z 3 ) associated therewith, and the third widths (z 3 ) can vary from about 0.1 mm to about 10 mm. 
         [0261]      FIG. 5D  shows a front view and a side view of a fourth exemplary plasma-tuning rod ( 570   d ,  575   d ). The fourth plasma-tuning portion  570   d  can have fourth lengths (y 41 ) associated therewith, and the fourth lengths (y 41 ) can vary from about 1 mm to about 400 mm. The fourth EM-tuning portion  575   d  can have a length (y 42 ) associated therewith, and the length (y 42 ) can vary from about 1 mm to about 400 mm. The fourth plasma-tuning portion  570   d  and the fourth EM-tuning portion  575   d  can have fourth heights (x 4 ) associated therewith, and the fourth heights (x 4 ) can vary from about 0.1 mm to about 10 mm. The fourth plasma-tuning portion  570   d  and the fourth EM-tuning portion  575   d  can have fourth widths (z 4 ) associated therewith, and the fourth widths (z 4 ) can vary from about 0.1 mm to about 10 mm. 
         [0262]      FIGS. 6A-6D  show different views of exemplary plasma-tuning rods in accordance with embodiments of the invention.  FIG. 6A  shows a front view and a side view of a first exemplary plasma-tuning rod ( 670   a ,  675   a ). The first plasma-tuning portion  670   a  can have first lengths (y 11 ) associated therewith, and the first lengths (y 11 ) can vary from about 1 mm to about 400 mm. The first EM-tuning portion  675   a  can have lengths (y 12 ) associated therewith, and the lengths (y 12 ) can vary from about 1 mm to about 400 mm. The first plasma-tuning portion  670   a  and the first EM-tuning portion  675   a  can have first heights (x 1 ) associated therewith, and the first heights (x 1 ) can vary from about 0.1 mm to about 10 mm. The first plasma-tuning portion  670   a  and the first EM-tuning portion  675   a  can have first widths (z 1 ) associated therewith, and the first widths (z 1 ) can vary from about 0.1 mm to about 10 mm. The first plasma-tuning portion  670   a  and the first EM-tuning portion  675   a  can have first thicknesses (t z1 ) associated therewith, and the first thicknesses (t z1 ) can vary from about 0.01 mm to about 1 mm. 
         [0263]      FIG. 6B  shows a front view and a side view of a second exemplary plasma-tuning rod ( 670   b ,  675   b ). The second plasma-tuning portion  670   b  can have first lengths (y 21 ) associated therewith, and the first lengths (y 21 ) can vary from about 1 mm to about 400 mm. The second EM-tuning portion  675   b  can have lengths (y 22 ) associated therewith, and the lengths (y 22 ) can vary from about 1 mm to about 400 mm. The second plasma-tuning portion  670   b  and the second EM-tuning portion  675   b  can have second heights (x 2 ) associated therewith, and the second heights (x 2 ) can vary from about 0.1 mm to about 10 mm. The second plasma-tuning portion  670   b  and the second EM-tuning portion  675   b  can have second widths (z 2 ) associated therewith, and the second widths (z 2 ) can vary from about 0.1 mm to about 10 mm. The second plasma-tuning portion  670   b  and the second EM-tuning portion  675   b  can have second thicknesses (t z2 ) associated therewith, and the second thicknesses (t z2 ) can vary from about 0.01 mm to about 1 mm. 
         [0264]      FIG. 6C  shows a front view and a side view of a third exemplary plasma-tuning rod ( 670   c ,  675   c ). The third plasma-tuning portion  670   c  can have third lengths (y 31 ) associated therewith, and the third lengths (y 31 ) can vary from about 1 mm to about 400 mm. The third EM-tuning portion  675   c  can have a length (y 32 ) associated therewith, and the length (y 32 ) can vary from about 1 mm to about 400 mm. The third plasma-tuning portion  670   c  and the third EM-tuning portion  675   c  can have third heights (x 3 ) associated therewith, and the third heights (x 3 ) can vary from about 0.1 mm to about 10 mm. The third plasma-tuning portion  670   c  and the third EM-tuning portion  675   c  can have third widths (z 3 ) associated therewith, and the third widths (z 3 ) can vary from about 0.1 mm to about 10 mm. The third plasma-tuning portion  670   c  and the third EM-tuning portion  675   c  can have third thicknesses (t z3  and t x3 ) associated therewith, and the third thicknesses (t z3  and t x3 ) can vary from about 0.01 mm to about 1 mm. 
         [0265]      FIG. 6D  shows a front view and a side view of a fourth exemplary plasma-tuning rod ( 670   d ,  675   d ). The fourth plasma-tuning portion  670   d  can have fourth lengths (y 41 ) associated therewith, and the fourth lengths (y 41 ) can vary from about 1 mm to about 400 mm. The fourth EM-tuning portion  675   d  can have a length (y 42 ) associated therewith, and the length (y 42 ) can vary from about 1 mm to about 400 mm. The fourth plasma-tuning portion  670   d  and the fourth EM-tuning portion  675   d  can have fourth heights (x 4 ) associated therewith, and the fourth heights (x 4 ) can vary from about 0.1 mm to about 10 mm. The fourth plasma-tuning portion  670   d  and the fourth EM-tuning portion  675   d  can have fourth widths (z 4 ) associated therewith, and the fourth widths (z 4 ) can vary from about 0.1 mm to about 10 mm. The fourth plasma-tuning portion  670   d  and the fourth EM-tuning portion  675   d  can have fourth thicknesses (t z4  and t x4 ) associated therewith, and the fourth thicknesses (t z4  and t x4 ) can vary from about 0.01 mm to about 1 mm. 
         [0266]      FIGS. 7A-7D  show different views of exemplary plasma-tuning rods in accordance with embodiments of the invention.  FIG. 7A  shows a front view and a side view of a first exemplary plasma-tuning rod ( 770   a ,  775   a ). The first plasma-tuning portion  770   a  can have first lengths (y 11 ) associated therewith, and the first lengths (y 11 ) can vary from about 1 mm to about 400 mm. The first EM-tuning portion  775   a  can have lengths (y 12 ) associated therewith, and the lengths (y 12 ) can vary from about 1 mm to about 400 mm. The first plasma-tuning portion  770   a  and the first EM-tuning portion  775   a  can have first heights (x 1 ) associated therewith, and the first heights (x 1 ) can vary from about 0.1 mm to about 10 mm. The first plasma-tuning portion  770   a  and the first EM-tuning portion  775   a  can have first widths (z 1 ) associated therewith, and the first widths (z 1 ) can vary from about 0.1 mm to about 10 mm. A first temperature control loop  772   a  can be configured within the first exemplary plasma-tuning rod ( 770   a ,  775   a ). For example, a temperature control fluid and/or gas can flow through the first temperature control loop  772   a  to control the temperature of the first exemplary plasma-tuning rod ( 770   a ,  775   a ). The first temperature control loop  772   a  can have first diameters (d a1 ) associated therewith, and the first diameters (d a1 ) can vary from about 0.001 mm to about 0.1 mm. In addition, the first temperature control loop  772   a  have first offsets (l x11  and l x12 ) associated therewith, and the first offsets (l x11  and l x12 ) can vary from about 0.01 mm to about 0.1 mm. 
         [0267]      FIG. 7B  shows a front view and a side view of a second exemplary plasma-tuning rod ( 770   b ,  775   b ). The second plasma-tuning portion  770   b  can have first lengths (y 21 ) associated therewith, and the first lengths (y 21 ) can vary from about 1 mm to about 400 mm. The second EM-tuning portion  775   b  can have lengths (y 22 ) associated therewith, and the lengths (y 22 ) can vary from about 1 mm to about 400 mm. The second plasma-tuning portion  770   b  and the second EM-tuning portion  775   b  can have second heights (x 2 ) associated therewith, and the second heights (x 2 ) can vary from about 0.1 mm to about 10 mm. The second plasma-tuning portion  770   b  and the second EM-tuning portion  775   b  can have second widths (z 2 ) associated therewith, and the second widths (z 2 ) can vary from about 0.1 mm to about 10 mm. A second temperature control loop  772   b  can be configured within the second exemplary plasma-tuning rod ( 770   b ,  775   b ). For example, a temperature control fluid and/or gas can flow through the second temperature control loop  772   b  to control the temperature of the second exemplary plasma-tuning rod ( 770   b ,  775   b ). The second temperature control loop  772   b  can have second diameters (d z2 ) associated therewith, and the second diameters (d z2 ) can vary from about 0.001 mm to about 0.1 mm. In addition, the second temperature control loop  772   b  have second offsets (l x21  and l x22 ) associated therewith, and the second offsets (l x21  and l x22 ) can vary from about 0.01 mm to about 0.1 mm. 
         [0268]      FIG. 7C  shows a front view and a side view of a third exemplary plasma-tuning rod ( 770   c ,  775   c ). The third plasma-tuning portion  770   c  can have third lengths (y 31 ) associated therewith, and the third lengths (y 31 ) can vary from about 1 mm to about 400 mm. The third EM-tuning portion  775   c  can have a length (y 32 ) associated therewith, and the length (y 32 ) can vary from about 1 mm to about 400 mm. The third plasma-tuning portion  770   c  and the third EM-tuning portion  775   c  can have third heights (x 3 ) associated therewith, and the third heights (x 3 ) can vary from about 0.1 mm to about 10 mm. The third plasma-tuning portion  770   c  and the third EM-tuning portion  775   c  can have third widths (z 3 ) associated therewith, and the third widths (z 3 ) can vary from about 0.1 mm to about 10 mm. A third temperature control loop  772   c  can be configured within the third exemplary plasma-tuning rod ( 770   c ,  775   c ). For example, a temperature control fluid and/or gas can flow through the third temperature control loop  772   c  to control the temperature of the third exemplary plasma-tuning rod ( 770   c ,  775   c ). The third temperature control loop  772   c  can have third diameters (d z3 ) associated therewith, and the third diameters (d z3 ) can vary from about 0.001 mm to about 0.1 mm. In addition, the third temperature control loop  772   c  have third offsets (l x31  and l x32 ) associated therewith, and the third offsets (l x31  and l x32 ) can vary from about 0.01 mm to about 0.1 mm. 
         [0269]      FIG. 7D  shows a front view and a side view of a fourth exemplary plasma-tuning rod ( 770   d ,  775   d ). The fourth plasma-tuning portion  770   d  can have fourth lengths (y 41 ) associated therewith, and the fourth lengths (y 41 ) can vary from about 1 mm to about 400 mm. The fourth EM-tuning portion  775   d  can have a length (y 42 ) associated therewith, and the length (y 42 ) can vary from about 1 mm to about 400 mm. The fourth plasma-tuning portion  770   d  and the fourth EM-tuning portion  775   d  can have fourth heights (x 4 ) associated therewith, and the fourth heights (x 4 ) can vary from about 0.1 mm to about 10 mm. The fourth plasma-tuning portion  770   d  and the fourth EM-tuning portion  775   d  can have fourth widths (z 4 ) associated therewith, and the fourth widths (z 4 ) can vary from about 0.1 mm to about 10 mm. A fourth temperature control loop  772   d  can be configured within the fourth exemplary plasma-tuning rod ( 770   d ,  775   d ). For example, a temperature control fluid and/or gas can flow through the fourth temperature control loop  772   d  to control the temperature of the fourth exemplary plasma-tuning rod ( 770   d ,  775   d ). The fourth temperature control loop  772   d  can have fourth diameters (d z4 ) associated therewith, and the fourth diameters (d z4 ) can vary from about 0.001 mm to about 0.1 mm. In addition, the fourth temperature control loop  772   d  have fourth offsets (l x41  and l x42 ) associated therewith, and the fourth offsets (l x41  and l x42 ) can vary from about 0.01 mm to about 0.1 mm. 
         [0270]      FIG. 8  illustrates a flow diagram for an exemplary operating procedure in accordance with embodiments of the invention. An exemplary multi-step procedure  800  is shown in  FIG. 8 . 
         [0271]    In  810 , a substrate can be positioned on a substrate holder in a process chamber, and a first cavity assembly ( 168   a ,  FIG. 1 ) and a second cavity assembly ( 168   b ,  FIG. 1 ) can be coupled to the process chamber. In one embodiment, the first cavity assembly ( 168   a ,  FIG. 1 ) with the first EM energy tuning space ( 169   a ,  FIG. 1 ) therein can be coupled the first process chamber ( 110 ,  FIG. 1 ) using the first interface assembly ( 112   a ,  FIG. 1 ), and the second cavity assembly ( 168   b ,  FIG. 1 ) with the second EM energy tuning space ( 169   b ,  FIG. 1 ) therein can be coupled the first process chamber ( 110 ,  FIG. 1 ) using the second interface assembly ( 112   b ,  FIG. 1 ). 
         [0272]    In  820 , a first set of first plasma-tuning rods {( 170   a - 170   e ) and ( 175   a - 175   e ), FIG.  1 } can be configured from the first cavity assembly ( 168   a ,  FIG. 1 ) through a first interface assembly ( 112   a ,  FIG. 1 ) into the process space ( 115 ,  FIG. 1 ) in the first process chamber ( 110 ,  FIG. 1 ). A first set of isolation assemblies ( 164   a - 164   e ,  FIG. 1 ) can be removably coupled to the first interface assembly ( 112   a ,  FIG. 1 ) and can be configured to isolate the process space ( 115 ,  FIG. 1 ) in the first process chamber ( 110 ,  FIG. 1 ) from the first EM energy tuning space ( 169   a ,  FIG. 1 ) in the first cavity assembly ( 168   a ,  FIG. 1 ). The first set of isolation assemblies ( 164   a - 164   e ,  FIG. 1 ) can be used to removably couple the first set of plasma tuning rods {( 170   a - 170   e ) and ( 175   a - 175   e ), FIG.  1 } to the first interface assembly ( 112   a ,  FIG. 1 ). For example, the first plasma-tuning portions ( 170   a - 170   e ,  FIG. 1 ) can be configured in the process space ( 115 ,  FIG. 1 ), and the first EM-tuning portions ( 175   a - 175   e ,  FIG. 1 ) can be configured within the first EM energy tuning space ( 169   a ,  FIG. 1 ). 
         [0273]    In  830 , a set of second plasma-tuning rods {( 170   f - 170   j ) and ( 175   f - 175   j ), FIG.  1 } can be configured from the second cavity assembly ( 168   b ,  FIG. 1 ) through a second interface assembly ( 112   b ,  FIG. 1 ) into the process space ( 115 ,  FIG. 1 ) in the first process chamber ( 110 ,  FIG. 1 ). A second set of isolation assemblies ( 164   f - 164   j ,  FIG. 1 ) can be removably coupled to the second interface assembly ( 112   b ,  FIG. 1 ) and can be configured to isolate the process space ( 115 ,  FIG. 1 ) in the first process chamber ( 110 ,  FIG. 1 ) from the second EM energy tuning space ( 169   b ,  FIG. 1 ) in the second cavity assembly ( 168   b ,  FIG. 1 ). The second set of isolation assemblies ( 164   f - 164   j ,  FIG. 1 ) can be used to removably couple the set of second plasma tuning rods {( 170   f - 170   j ) and ( 175   f - 175   j ), FIG.  1 } to the second interface assembly ( 112   b ,  FIG. 1 ). For example, the second set of plasma-tuning portions ( 170   f - 170   j ,  FIG. 1 ) can be configured in the process space ( 115 ,  FIG. 1 ), and the second EM-tuning portions ( 175   f - 175   j ,  FIG. 1 ) can be configured within the second EM energy tuning space ( 169   b ,  FIG. 1 ). 
         [0274]    In  840 , process gas can be supplied into the process chamber above the first and second plasma-tuning rods. During dry plasma etching, the process gas may comprise an etchant, a passivant, or an inert gas, or a combination of two or more thereof. For example, when plasma etching a dielectric film such as silicon oxide (SiO x ) or silicon nitride (Si x N y ), the plasma etch gas composition generally includes a fluorocarbon-based chemistry (C x F y ) such as at least one of C 4 F 8 , C 5 F 8 , C 3 F 6 , C 4 F 6 , CF 4 , etc., and/or may include a fluorohydrocarbon-based chemistry (C x H y F z ) such as at least one of CHF 3 , CH 2 F 2 , etc., and can have at least one of an inert gas, oxygen, CO or CO 2 . Additionally, for example, when etching polycrystalline silicon (polysilicon), the plasma etch gas composition generally includes a halogen-containing gas such as HBr, Cl 2 , NF 3 , or SF 6  or a combination of two or more thereof, and may include fluorohydrocarbon-based chemistry (C x H y F z ) such as at least one of CHF 3 , CH 2 F 2 , etc., and at least one of an inert gas, oxygen, CO or CO 2 , or two or more thereof. During plasma-enhanced deposition, the process gas may comprise a film forming precursor, a reduction gas, or an inert gas, or a combination of two or more thereof. 
         [0275]    In  850 , uniform microwave plasma can be created by applying first tunable microwave signals to the first plasma-tuning rods and applying second tunable microwave signals to the second plasma-tuning rods. 
         [0276]    In some systems, a first set of EM-coupling regions ( 162   a - 162   e ,  FIG. 1 ) can be established at first EM-coupling distances ( 176   a - 176   e ,  FIG. 1 ) from the first cavity wall ( 165   a ,  FIG. 1 ) within the first EM energy tuning space ( 169   a ,  FIG. 1 ) established in the first cavity assembly ( 168   a ,  FIG. 1 ), and the first set of EM-tuning portions ( 175   a - 175   e ,  FIG. 1 ) can extend into the first set of EM-coupling regions ( 162   a - 162   e ,  FIG. 1 ). The first EM-tuning portions ( 175   a - 175   e ,  FIG. 1 ) can obtain different tunable microwave signals (energies) from the first set of EM-coupling regions ( 162   a - 162   e ,  FIG. 1 ), and the different tunable microwave signals (energies) can be transferred to the process space ( 115 ,  FIG. 1 ) at the first set of locations (x 2a -x 2e ,  FIG. 1 ) using the first set of plasma-tuning portions ( 170   a - 170   e ,  FIG. 1 ). The first set of EM-coupling regions ( 162   a - 162   e ,  FIG. 1 ) can include tunable E-field regions, tunable H-field regions, maximum E-field regions, maximum H-field regions, maximum voltage regions, maximum energy regions, or maximum current regions, or any combination thereof. 
         [0277]    A first set of plasma-tuning slabs ( 161   a - 161   e ,  FIG. 1 ) can be coupled to a first set of control assemblies ( 160   a - 160   e ,  FIG. 1 ) and can be used to move ( 163   a - 163   e ,  FIG. 1 ) the first set of plasma-tuning slabs ( 161   a - 161   e ,  FIG. 1 ) a first set of EM-tuning distances ( 177   a - 177   e ,  FIG. 1 ) relative to the first set of EM-tuning portions ( 175   a - 175   e ,  FIG. 1 ) of the first set of plasma tuning rods {( 170   a - 170   e ) and ( 175   a - 175   e ), FIG.  1 } within the first EM energy tuning space ( 169   a ,  FIG. 1 ). The first set of control assemblies ( 160   a - 160   e ,  FIG. 1 ) and the first set of plasma-tuning slabs ( 161   a - 161   e ,  FIG. 1 ) can be used to tune/optimize the different tunable microwave signals (energies) coupled from the first set of EM-coupling regions ( 162   a - 162   e ,  FIG. 1 ) to the first set of EM-tuning portions ( 175   a - 175   e ,  FIG. 1 ) of the first set of plasma tuning rods {( 170   a - 170   e ) and ( 175   a - 175   e ), FIG.  1 }. For example, the first set of EM-tuning distances ( 177   a - 177   e ,  FIG. 1 ) can be established between the first set of EM-tuning distances ( 177   a - 177   e ,  FIG. 1 ) and the first set of plasma-tuning slabs ( 161   a - 161   e ,  FIG. 1 ) within the first EM energy tuning space ( 169   a ,  FIG. 1 ), and the first set of EM-tuning distances ( 177   a - 177   e ,  FIG. 1 ) can vary from about 0.01 mm to about 1 mm. One or more controllers ( 195 ,  FIG. 1 ) can be coupled to the first set of control assemblies ( 160   a - 160   e ,  FIG. 1 ) and can be used to control/optimize the movements ( 163   a - 163   e ,  FIG. 1 ) of the first set of plasma-tuning slabs ( 161   a - 161   e ,  FIG. 1 ). For example, one or more controllers ( 195 ,  FIG. 1 ) can be used to control/optimize the first set of EM-tuning distances ( 177   a - 177   e ,  FIG. 1 ) to create, optimize, and/or maintain a uniform microwave plasma within the process space ( 115 ,  FIG. 1 ) in the process chamber ( 110 ,  FIG. 1 ) during substrate processing. 
         [0278]    In addition, a second set of EM-coupling regions ( 162   e - 162   j ,  FIG. 1 ) can be established at a second set of EM-coupling distances ( 176   e - 176   j ,  FIG. 1 ) from the first cavity wall ( 165   b ,  FIG. 1 ) within the second EM energy tuning space ( 169   b ,  FIG. 1 ) established in the second cavity assembly ( 168   b ,  FIG. 1 ), and the second set of EM-tuning portions ( 175   f - 175   j ,  FIG. 1 ) can extend into the second set of EM-coupling regions ( 162   f - 162   j ,  FIG. 1 ). The second set of EM-tuning portions ( 175   f - 175   j ,  FIG. 1 ) can obtain different tunable microwave signals (energies) from the second set of EM-coupling regions ( 162   f - 162   j ,  FIG. 1 ), and the different tunable microwave signals (energies) can be transferred to the process space ( 115 ,  FIG. 1 ) at the second set of locations (x 2f -x 2j ,  FIG. 1 ) using the second set of plasma-tuning portions ( 170   f - 170   j ,  FIG. 1 ). The second set of EM-coupling regions ( 162   f - 162   j ,  FIG. 1 ) can include tunable E-field regions, tunable H-field regions, maximum E-field regions, maximum H-field regions, maximum voltage regions, maximum energy regions, or maximum current regions, or any combination thereof. 
         [0279]    A second set of plasma-tuning slabs ( 161   f - 161   j ,  FIG. 1 ) can be coupled to a second set of control assemblies ( 160   f - 160   j ,  FIG. 1 ) and can be used to move ( 163   f - 163   j ,  FIG. 1 ) the second set of plasma-tuning slabs ( 161   f - 161   j ,  FIG. 1 ) a second set of EM-tuning distances ( 177   f - 177   j ,  FIG. 1 ) relative to the second set of EM-tuning portions ( 175   f - 175   j ,  FIG. 1 ) of the second set of plasma tuning rods {( 170   f - 170   j ) and ( 175   f - 175   j ), FIG.  1 } within the second EM energy tuning space ( 169   b ,  FIG. 1 ). The second set of control assemblies ( 160   f - 160   j ,  FIG. 1 ) and the second set of plasma-tuning slabs ( 161   f - 161   j ,  FIG. 1 ) can be used to tune/optimize the different tunable microwave signals (energies) coupled from the second set of EM-coupling regions ( 162   f - 162   j ,  FIG. 1 ) to the second set of EM-tuning portions ( 175   f - 175   j ,  FIG. 1 ) of the second set of plasma tuning rods {( 170   f - 170   j ) and ( 175   f - 175   j ), FIG.  1 }. For example, the second set of EM-tuning distances ( 177   f - 177   j ,  FIG. 1 ) can be established between the second set of EM-tuning distances ( 177   f - 177   j ,  FIG. 1 ) and the second set of plasma-tuning slabs ( 161   f - 161   j ,  FIG. 1 ) within the second EM energy tuning space ( 169   b ,  FIG. 1 ), and the second set of EM-tuning distances ( 177   f - 177   j ,  FIG. 1 ) can vary from about 0.01 mm to about 1 mm. One or more controllers ( 195 ,  FIG. 1 ) can be coupled to the second set of control assemblies ( 160   f - 160   j ,  FIG. 1 ) and can be used to control/optimize the second set of movements ( 163   f - 163   j ,  FIG. 1 ) of the second set of plasma-tuning slabs ( 161   f - 161   j ,  FIG. 1 ). For example, one or more controllers ( 195 ,  FIG. 1 ) can be used to control/optimize the second set of EM-tuning distances ( 177   f - 177   j ,  FIG. 1 ) to create, optimize, and/or maintain a uniform microwave plasma within the process space ( 115 ,  FIG. 1 ) in the process chamber ( 110 ,  FIG. 1 ) during substrate processing. 
         [0280]    Furthermore, one or more controllers ( 195 ,  FIG. 1 ) can be coupled to the EM sources ( 150   a  and  150   b ,  FIG. 1 ), the matching networks ( 152   a  and  152   b ,  FIG. 1 ), the coupling networks ( 154   a  and  154   b ,  FIG. 1 ), and the cavity assemblies ( 168   a  and  168   b ,  FIG. 1 ), and at least one controller ( 195 ,  FIG. 1 ) can use process recipes to establish, control, and optimize the EM sources ( 150   a  and  150   b ,  FIG. 1 ), the matching networks ( 152   a  and  152   b ,  FIG. 1 ), the coupling networks ( 154   a  and  154   b ,  FIG. 1 ), and the cavity assemblies ( 168   a  and  168   b ,  FIG. 1 ) to control the microwave plasma uniformity within the process space ( 115 ,  FIG. 1 ). 
         [0281]    In  860 , the substrate can be processed by moving the substrate through the uniform microwave plasma. 
         [0282]      FIG. 9  illustrates a plasma processing system  900  according to embodiments of the invention. The plasma processing system  900  may comprise a dry plasma etching system or a plasma enhanced deposition system. 
         [0283]    The plasma processing system  900  comprises a process chamber  910  having a plurality of chamber walls  922  and interface assemblies ( 922   a  and  922   b ) configured to define a process space  915 . The plasma processing system  900  comprises a substrate holder (not shown) configured to support and/or move  906  the substrate  905  through the process space  915 . The substrate  905  is exposed to plasma or process chemistry in process space  915 . The plasma processing system  900  can comprise a plurality of cavity assemblies ( 968   a ,  968   b ,  968   c ,  968   d ,  968   e , and  9680  coupled to the interface assemblies ( 922   a  and  922   b ). The first cavity assembly  968   a  can be coupled to a first set of plasma-tuning rods ( 911   a  and  912   a ); the second cavity assembly  968   b  can be coupled to a second set of plasma-tuning rods ( 911   b  and  912   b ); the third cavity assembly  968   c  can be coupled to a third set of plasma-tuning rods ( 911   c  and  912   c ); the fourth cavity assembly  968   d  can be coupled to a fourth set of plasma-tuning rods ( 911   d  and  912   d ); the fifth cavity assembly  968   e  can be coupled to a fifth set of plasma-tuning rods ( 911   e  and  912   e ); and the sixth cavity assembly  968   f  can be coupled to a sixth set of plasma-tuning rods ( 911   f  and  9120 . The plurality of plasma-tuning rods ( 911   a ,  912   a ,  911   b ,  912   b ,  911   c ,  912   c ,  911   d ,  912   d ,  911   e ,  912   e ,  911   f , and  9120  can be configured to form plasma in the process space  915 . For example, the cavity assemblies ( 968   a ,  968   b ,  968   c ,  968   d ,  968   e , and  9680  and the plasma-tuning rods ( 911   a ,  912   a ,  911   b ,  912   b ,  911   c ,  912   c ,  911   d ,  912   d ,  911   e ,  912   e ,  911   f , and  9120  can be configured using the microwave systems ( 100 ,  200 ,  300 , or  400 ) described herein. 
         [0284]    Although only certain embodiments of this invention have been described in detail above, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible in the embodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of this invention. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this invention. 
         [0285]    Thus, the description is not intended to limit the invention and the configuration, operation, and behavior of the present invention has been described with the understanding that modifications and variations of the embodiments are possible, given the level of detail present herein. Accordingly, the preceding detailed description is not mean or intended to, in any way, limit the invention—rather the scope of the invention is defined by the appended claims.