Abstract:
A pressure-regulating device for use with a vapor reaction chamber, and methods of its use, are disclosed. In one embodiment according to the invention, the device comprises a magnetically-actuatable valve having an aperture, a plug containing a plug magnet within the valve, a magnet disposed around the valve and magnetically associated with the plug magnet, and an actuator associated with the magnet. The actuator moves the magnet to magnetically bias the plug magnet thereby moving the plug into and out of sealing engagement with the aperture and regulating pressure within the reaction chamber. Plug movement is achieved without interconnecting mechanical parts disposed through the body of the valve that provide surfaces on which adduct, from depositing vaporous by-product material, can accumulate. Since magnetic interaction moves the plug rather than mechanical parts attached to the valve body, build-up of adduct on the internal surfaces of the valve is reduced.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION  
         [0001]    The present invention generally relates to a throttle valve for use within a semiconductor deposition apparatus. In one aspect, the invention comprises a magnetically-actuatable throttle valve for use with a deposition apparatus to inhibit accumulation of material within the throttle-valve.  
         BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
         [0002]    Numerous deposition and etching apparatuses are used within a semiconductor manufacturing process. One apparatus frequently used is a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) apparatus. In the CVD apparatus, one or more gases is introduced into a reaction chamber where the gases are mixed and reacted together to produce a vapor that deposits as a film upon a surface of a semiconductor substrate, typically a semiconductor wafer. By-products (i.e., vaporous materials) of the reaction, including any gases that failed to react, are then removed from the reaction chamber.  
           [0003]    In order to regulate pressure within the reaction chamber, a throttle vacuum valve is typically employed. However, moving and sliding parts in the vacuum throttle valve are susceptible to the build-up of adduct when by-product is released from the reaction chamber and can create trap areas that adversely affect mean time between failures (MTBF). Adduct formation, as well as a few undesirable effects caused by adduct accumulation, is discussed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,691,235 (Meikle, et. al.). Adduct build-up on the moving and sliding surfaces can also be troublesome in tight tolerance areas within the throttle valve, causing the throttle valve to gum-up and/or lock-up. This requires removal of the throttle valve for cleaning and downtime for the affected chamber.  
           [0004]    Thus, an improved pressure control mechanism for use with a semiconductor deposition apparatus that overcomes such problems would be highly desirable.  
         SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
         [0005]    In one aspect, the invention provides a pressure-regulating device for use with a reaction chamber. In one embodiment, the device includes a valve having a valve aperture, a plug comprising a plug magnet disposed within the valve, a ring magnet disposed about the valve, and an actuator associated with the ring magnet. The actuator is operable to move the ring magnet along the valve to magnetically bias the plug magnet. Thus, the plug can be moved into or out of a sealing engagement with the valve aperture to regulate pressure within the reaction chamber. Upon passage of vaporous material from the reaction chamber through the valve, substantially no vaporous material accumulates on surfaces of the valve.  
           [0006]    The device can be structured for use with a semiconductor deposition apparatus such as a chemical vapor deposition apparatus, among others. The device can also be structured for use within a semiconductor etching apparatus such as a plasma etching apparatus, among others.  
           [0007]    The valve body of the throttle valve defines a valve chamber in which the plug is movably disposed. The valve chamber can be structured for laminar flow for reduced resistance to flow of vaporous by-products therethrough. The throttle valve further comprises a valve inlet, a valve outlet, and a throttle valve aperture to the valve chamber. The plug can moved into or out of a sealing engagement with the valve inlet or outlet to allow passage of vaporous material through the valve chamber.  
           [0008]    The plug is shaped to reduce resistance to flow of the vaporous material through the valve chamber. For example, the plug can have an elliptical, a spherical, a conical, or a double-ended conical shape. The plug can comprise one or a plurality of magnets. If desired, the pressure-regulating device can include a base frame and/or a cradle to support the plug within the valve.  
           [0009]    The actuator can comprise a motor assembly, a pneumatic assembly, a hydraulic cylinder, or an electrical solenoid, for example. A motor assembly can include a motor, a carrier, a support, and a lead screw. A pneumatic assembly can comprise a pneumatic valve, a carrier, and a support with the pneumatic valve including a valve body, a piston, and air apertures. A hydraulic cylinder assembly can comprise a carrier, a support, a cylinder body, a piston, and a hydraulic conduit. An electrical solenoid can include a carrier, a support, a solenoid body, a shaft, and an electrical line.  
           [0010]    In another embodiment, the pressure-regulating device used with the reaction chamber can comprise a valve having a valve aperture, a plug comprising a plug magnet disposed within the valve, a ring magnet surrounding the valve, and a selectively actuatable power source associated with the ring magnet, for example, a variable power source wherein the ring magnet functions as an electromagnet. The ring magnet is magnetically associated with the plug magnet and the power source is operable to magnetically bias the plug magnet and move the plug into or out of a sealing engagement with the valve aperture to regulate pressure within the reaction chamber.  
           [0011]    The pressure-regulating device can be employed, for example, within a chemical vapor deposition apparatus or an etching apparatus. Therefore, in another aspect, the invention provides a semiconductor deposition apparatus comprising a reaction chamber and the pressure-regulating valve device. The reaction chamber is structured for receiving reaction source gases and comprises an outlet for expelling vaporous by-product. The valve device is connected to the outlet of the reaction chamber for passage of the by-product therethrough.  
           [0012]    The apparatus can employ an exhaust pump that operates to draw the vaporous by-product from the reaction chamber toward the valve device. The apparatus can additionally comprise a thermal energy source, such as a heating coil, to heat the reaction chamber. Also, the apparatus can include a flow meter to monitor flow of the gases into the reaction chamber and a flow valve to regulate flow of the gases into the reaction chamber. Further, the apparatus includes a gas inlet pipe and an outlet pipe connected for passage of vaporous material from the reaction chamber.  
           [0013]    In another aspect, the invention provides a method of regulating pressure in the reaction chamber of the vapor deposition apparatus. The method comprises providing the reaction chamber and the valve device and allowing fluid communication therebetween. Thereafter, gas introduced into the reaction chamber is allowed to react. The magnet is moved along the throttle valve by activating the actuator such that the plug is moved within the valve chamber into or out of a sealing engagement with the valve aperture to regulate passage of vaporous by-product from the reaction chamber through the valve chamber. Therefore, the pressure within the reaction chamber can be regulated. Use of the throttle valve according to the invention results in substantially no vaporous by-product accumulating on exposed surfaces of the throttle valve.  
           [0014]    Depending on the actuator selected, for example, a motor assembly or a pneumatic assembly, the method can further comprise energizing a motor to rotate a lead screw or introducing air into or releasing air from an air aperture to expand or retract a piston, respectively. Alternatively, the method can further comprise actuating a power source associated with the magnet to produce an electro-magnet. In each case, the plug can be moved within the valve chamber and into or out of a sealing engagement with the valve aperture to regulate passage of vaporous by-product from the reaction chamber through the valve chamber, and regulate pressure within the reaction chamber. 
       
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS  
       [0015]    Embodiments of the invention are disclosed with reference to the accompanying drawings and are for illustrative purposes only. The invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction, or the arrangement of the components, illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments or of being practiced or carried out in other various ways. Like reference numerals are used to indicate like components.  
         [0016]    [0016]FIG. 1 illustrates a schematic, side view of a conventional chemical vapor deposition apparatus as known in the art.  
         [0017]    [0017]FIG. 2 illustrates a top, cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a magnetically-actuatable throttle valve according to the invention, employing a motor assembly and in a closed position.  
         [0018]    [0018]FIG. 2A illustrates a top, cross-sectional view of the magnetically-actuatable throttle valve of FIG. 2 in an open position.  
         [0019]    [0019]FIG. 2B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the magnetically-actuatable throttle valve of FIG. 2 taken along line  2 B- 2 B.  
         [0020]    [0020]FIG. 3 illustrates a top, cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a magnetically-actuatable throttle valve, according to the invention, employing a pneumatic assembly and in an open position.  
         [0021]    [0021]FIG. 3A illustrates a portion of the throttle valve from FIG. 3 with a hydraulic cylinder assembly replacing the pneumatic assembly.  
         [0022]    [0022]FIG. 3B. illustrates a portion of the throttle valve from FIG. 3 with an electrical solenoid assembly replacing the pneumatic assembly.  
         [0023]    [0023]FIG. 4 illustrates a top, cross-sectional view of the magnetically-actuatable throttle valve of FIG. 3 in a closed position.  
         [0024]    [0024]FIG. 5 illustrates a top, cross-sectional view of the magnetically-actuatable throttle valve of FIG. 3 employing a stabilizing base frame and in an opened position.  
         [0025]    [0025]FIG. 5A illustrates a side elevational, cross-sectional view of the magnetically-actuatable throttle valve and stabilizing base frame of FIG. 5 taken along line  5 A- 5 A.  
         [0026]    [0026]FIG. 6 illustrates a top, cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a magnetically-actuatable throttle valve, according to the invention, employing an electromagnet and in a closed position.  
         [0027]    [0027]FIG. 7 illustrates a top, cross-sectional view of the magnetically-actuatable throttle valve of FIG. 6 in an opened position.  
         [0028]    [0028]FIG. 8 illustrates a top, cross-sectional view of the magnetically-actuatable throttle valve of FIG. 6 in an intermediate position.  
         [0029]    [0029]FIG. 9 illustrates a top, cross-sectional view of another embodiment of a magnetically-actuatable throttle valve according to the invention, employing a plug comprising a plurality of plug magnets.  
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS  
       [0030]    The invention will be described generally with reference to the drawings for the purpose of illustrating embodiments only and not for purposes of limiting the same. Referring to FIG. 1, a conventional chemical vapor deposition (CVD) apparatus  2 , as known in the art, is schematically illustrated. Various components can be included within CVD apparatus  2 , such as reaction chamber  4 , thermal energy source  6 , inlet pipe  8 , flow meters  10 , flow valves  12 , connector  14 , outlet pipe  16 , downstream outlet pipe  18 , exhaust pump  20 , and pressure control mechanism  22 .  
         [0031]    Reaction chamber  4  can provide a temporary storage area for cassette  24  (i.e., boat, tray, etc.) which can carry, store, and/or transport semiconductor substrates  26 . Semiconductor substrates  26  refer to any supporting structure and can include, but are not limited to, semiconductor wafer fragments or wafers.  
         [0032]    One or more gases can be introduced into reaction chamber  4  through inlet pipe  8  and released into the reaction chamber through one or more inlet openings  28 . Once released, the gases can be mixed and/or reacted within reaction chamber  4  according to known CVD processing techniques to deposit a film (not shown) on the surfaces of substrates  26 . The film can comprise a semiconductor material such as polysilicon, among others; a dielectric such as silicon nitride, silicon dioxide, and titanium nitride, among others; or a conductor such as tungsten, titanium, and aluminum, among others.  
         [0033]    One or more flow meters  10  and one or more flow valves  12  can be disposed within inlet pipe  8  to monitor, control, and/or regulate flow (i.e., egress) of the gas into reaction chamber  4 . Flow valves  12  are designed and configured to regulate gas flow through inlet pipe  8 . Further, flow meters  10  are designed and configured to monitor the rate and/or volume of the gas flow through inlet pipe  8 . When working in combination, flow meters  10  and flow valves  12  permit the monitoring and/or regulation of the gas flow into reaction vessel  4 .  
         [0034]    An energy source, typically a thermal energy source, drives the film forming reactions. In the illustrated embodiment, thermal energy source  6  comprises helical heating coils that circumferentially, longitudinally surround reaction chamber  4 .  
         [0035]    Eventually, by-products (e.g., un-reacted gases, vaporous materials) of the reaction gases are discharged from reaction chamber  4 . As illustrated, the by-products are expelled from reaction chamber  4  through connector  14  into outlet pipe  16 . Exhaust pump  20  (i.e., vacuum pump), as schematically illustrated in FIG. 1, can control discharge of the by-product flow from reaction chamber  4 . After leaving reaction chamber  4  and entering outlet pipe  16 , the by-products flow through pressure control mechanism  22  which is typically employed within CVD apparatus  2  to regulate pressure within reaction chamber  4 . Conventional pressure control mechanisms  22  include a valve, a throttle valve, a vacuum valve, a butterfly valve, and the like. Unfortunately, such valves all too often experience undesirable adduct accumulation from the deposition of reaction by-products on the mechanical and/or structural components and/or assemblies, particularly in trap areas and/or in tight tolerance areas. As adduct accumulates within pressure control mechanism  22 , the mechanism can become inefficient, require an inordinate amount of maintenance, and/or fail to function.  
         [0036]    In FIG. 2, an embodiment of magnetically-actuatable throttle valve  30 , according to the invention, is illustrated. Magnetically-actuatable throttle valve  30  is designed, configured, and/or intended to replace pressure control mechanism  22  in CVD apparatus  2 . When magnetically-actuatable throttle valve  30  is used, accumulation of adduct is substantially reduced compared to conventional pressure control mechanisms such as a vacuum throttle valve. As shown in FIGS.  2 - 8 , magnetically-actuatable valve  30  comprises valve body  32 , valve inlet  34 , valve outlet  36 , plug  38 , plug magnet  40 , ring magnet  42 , and actuator  44 .  
         [0037]    Valve body  32  defines valve chamber  46 , valve exterior  48 , and valve aperture  50 . Valve body  32  can be fabricated from a variety of materials that are resistant to reaction with the by-product materials. Exemplary materials for valve body  32  include stainless steel, aluminum, among others. Valve body  32  can be fabricated by known manufacturing processes, including, for example, conventional machining or a molding process such as injection molding, extrusion, compression molding, among other methods.  
         [0038]    Valve chamber  46  is designed and configured to selectively permit the reaction by-products to flow therethrough. In preferred embodiments, valve chamber  46  promotes laminar flow and, as such, reduces resistance to any gas, fluid, or reaction by-product material passing through the valve chamber. This inhibits the deposition and accumulation of by-product material on walls or surfaces  51  of valve chamber  46  and valve body  32  and thereby eliminates adduct build-up. As illustrated in FIGS.  2 - 8 , valve inlet  34  can be disposed at one end of valve body  32  while valve outlet  36  can be disposed at another end of the valve body. Valve inlet  34  and valve outlet  36  can comprise, in preferred embodiments, threaded members to attach or connect in a mating fashion to other various threaded components. While valve inlet  34  and valve outlet  36  are described as threaded, and arranged at opposing ends of valve body  32  in FIGS.  2 - 8 , these arrangements are not required and further known arrangements known to those skilled in the art are contemplated.  
         [0039]    When magnetically-actuatable throttle valve  30  (e.g., as shown in FIG. 2) replaces pressure control mechanism  22  in CVD apparatus  2  as schematically shown in FIG. 1, valve inlet  34  is secured to outlet pipe  16  and valve outlet  36  is secured to downstream outlet pipe  18 . When permitted, the reaction by-products can flow and/or proceed through magnetically-actuatable throttle valve  30  by entering at valve inlet  34  and thereafter passing through valve chamber  46 . The by-products can subsequently be discharged from magnetically-actuatable throttle valve  30  at valve outlet  36 .  
         [0040]    In contrast to the manner in which conventional pressure control mechanisms  22  control the flow of the reaction by-products, the flow of the reaction by-products through magnetically-actuatable throttle valve  30  can be controlled by magnetically actuating plug  38 .  
         [0041]    Plug  38 , as illustrated in FIGS.  2 - 9 , houses plug magnet  40 . Therefore, any force and/or bias exerted upon plug magnet  40  can be directly translated to plug  38 . The polarity of plug magnet  40  is indicated with an “N” and an “S” on the plug magnet in each of the drawing Figures and the orientation of the polarity (N-S) can be reversed as desired. Further, although FIG. 2 depicts plug magnet  40  as a single magnet, the plug magnet can comprise a series and/or a plurality of individual magnets  40 ′″, for example, as shown in FIG. 9. Plug  38  is generally disposed within valve body  32 , and in particular, within valve chamber  46 . As shown, plug  12  is not mechanically, structurally, or otherwise directly connected to valve body  32  or actuator  44 . In other words, plug  38  is “free floating” in the chamber. Thus, no mechanically or structurally accommodating and/or corresponding slots, grooves, recesses, detents, protrusions, or the like need to be machined or exist upon, or within, valve body  32 , valve chamber  46 , and/or magnetically-actuatable throttle valve  30 . Thus, adduct is not provided a convenient place or locale to deposit, attach, or accumulate.  
         [0042]    Plug  38  can be in the form of a variety of geometric and other shapes. In preferred embodiments, plug  38  comprises an aerodynamic, laminar-promoting, and/or turbulence-reducing shape. Plug  38  can comprise an ellipsoid, a sphere, a cone, a double-ended cone, and the like, such that the plug has a cross-section (FIG. 2B) that resembles, for example, an ellipse, a circle, a triangle, a diamond, and the like. In the illustrated example in FIGS.  2 - 2 B, plug  38  is an elliptical shape and circular in cross section. Within valve chamber  46 , plug  38  is capable of moving longitudinally, shifting back and forth, moving toward or away from valve inlet  34 , moving toward or away from valve outlet  36  and/or being generally actuated in at least one direction.  
         [0043]    Plug  38  can be fabricated from a variety of materials that are resistant to reaction with the by-product materials. Exemplary materials for forming plug  38  include tetrafluoroethylene (Teflon™), stainless steel, among others. Plug  38  can be fabricated by known manufacturing processes, including, for example, a molding process such as injection molding, extrusion, compression molding, among other methods. Plug magnet  40  can be disposed (i.e., inserted, placed, etc.) within plug  38  by encapsulation and/or mechanical capture.  
         [0044]    As shown in FIG. 2, ring magnet  42 , in preferred embodiments, can be a cylindrical or tubular magnet that is externally disposed about valve body  32 . For example, a tubular ring magnet  42  can be slipped over or wrapped around valve body  32 . Although ring magnet  42  is illustrated and described as being cylindrical or tubular, the ring magnet is not limited to these configurations. It is contemplated that ring magnet  42  can comprise a variety of shapes and/or designs. Orientation of the polarity of ring magnet  42 , indicated with an “N” and an “S” in each of the drawing figures, can be reversed to coincide with the orientation of the plug magnet  40 .  
         [0045]    Actuator  44  can be secured to valve body  32  and can comprise various mechanisms for providing movement of ring magnet  42 . It is contemplated that actuator  44  can comprise a motor assembly, a pneumatic assembly, an electrical solenoid, a hydraulic cylinder, or other actuating mechanism capable of providing linear motion. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 2, actuator  44  comprises a motor assembly  52 . Motor assembly  52  can include motor  54 , carrier  56 , support  58 , and lead screw  60 . Motor  54  can include a variety of conventional motors such as a drive motor, a stepper motor, an electric motor, an electric direct current (DC) motor, and the like.  
         [0046]    As illustrated in FIG. 2, ring magnet  42  is secured to carrier  56  of motor assembly  52 , and the carrier is secured to, and associated with, lead screw  60 . Continuing, lead screw  60  is secured to, and associated with, motor  52  and the motor is secured to support  58 . As lead screw  60  alternatively rotates either clockwise or counter-clockwise (directional arrow B), the lead screw can push or pull carrier  56  toward, or away from, motor  52  (directional arrow A). Therefore, ring magnet  42  is capable of moving along and/or about valve body  32 . In other words, ring magnet  42  translates longitudinally back and forth along valve body  32  (directional arrow A). As this occurs, ring magnet  42  and plug magnet  40  magnetically interact. The magnetic interaction permits plug  38  to be moved toward, or away, from valve inlet  34  within valve chamber  46  as shown by directional arrow A in FIGS.  2 - 10 .  
         [0047]    Because magnetically-actuatable throttle valve  30  uses the magnetic interaction between ring magnet  42  and plug magnet  40  to move plug  38 , there are no surfaces (e.g., such as those formed by mechanical and/or structural components and/or assemblies) onto which reaction by-products are inclined to accumulate or deposit within the magnetically-actuatable throttle valve. Further, the magnetic interaction between ring magnet  42  and plug magnet  40 , in combination with the use of a smooth-walled and stream-lined valve chamber  46 , permit magnetically-actuatable throttle valve  30  to be free of moving mechanically-connected parts, sliding structurally-connected parts, trap areas, and/or tight tolerance areas. Also, magnetically-actuatable throttle valve  30  is not subject to excessive maintenance, does not contribute to poor exhaust pump  20  performance (FIG. 1), and does not cause downtime for a CVD apparatus  2  such as that illustrated in FIG. 1.  
         [0048]    In FIG. 2, plug  38  within magnetically-actuatable throttle valve  30 , which is employing motor assembly  52 , is engaged with valve aperture  50 . Thus, magnetically-actuatable throttle valve  30  is in the “closed” position. The reaction by-products are restricted from flowing through valve inlet  34  into chamber  46 . In FIG. 2A, plug  38  within magnetically-actuatable throttle valve  30  is disengaged from valve aperture  50 . Thus, magnetically-actuatable throttle valve  30  is in the “open” position. The reaction by-products are permitted to flow through valve inlet  34  and valve chamber  46 , and out valve outlet  36 .  
         [0049]    In another embodiment of a magnetically-actuatable throttle valve  30 ′ according to the invention, as depicted in FIG. 3, actuator  44 ′ comprises pneumatic assembly  62 ′. As shown, pneumatic assembly  62 ′ includes pneumatic valve  64 ′, carrier  56 ′, and support  58 ′. Pneumatic valve  64 ′ can comprise pneumatic valve body  70 ′, piston  72 ′, and at least one air aperture  74 ′. As illustrated in FIG. 3, ring magnet  42 ′ is secured to carrier  56 ′ and the carrier is secured to pneumatic valve body  70 ′. Continuing, pneumatic valve body  70 ′ is secured to, and associated with, piston  72 ′ and the piston is secured to support  58 ′.  
         [0050]    As illustrated in FIG. 3, in a preferred embodiment, each pneumatic valve  64 ′ comprises two air apertures  74 ′. As air (or some other gas and/or a liquid) is alternatively and/or intermittently introduced or released from air apertures  74 ′, piston  72 ′ can extend or retract toward, or away from support  58 ′ as shown by directional arrow A. Therefore, piston  72 ′ can thrust carrier  56 ′ toward, or away from, support  58 ′ which permits ring magnet  42 ′ to translate longitudinally back and forth along valve body  32 ′ as shown by directional arrow A. Ring magnet  42 ′ is once again capable of moving along and/or about valve body  32 ′ (directional arrow A). As this occurs, ring magnet  42 ′ magnetically biases plug magnet  40 ′ such that plug  38 ′ resultantly moves longitudinally within valve chamber  46 ′ (directional arrow A).  
         [0051]    In another embodiment of a magnetically-actuatable throttle valve  30 ′ a  according to the invention, as depicted in FIG. 3A, a hydraulic cylinder assembly  86 ′ a  replaces pneumatic valve assembly  62 ′ from FIG. 3. Hydraulic cylinder assembly  86 ′ a  can comprise carrier  56 ′ a , support  58 ′ a , cylinder body  88 ′ a , piston  90 ′ a , and at least one hydraulic conduit  92 ′ a . As illustrated in FIG. 3A, ring magnet  42 ′ a  is secured to carrier  56 ′ a  and the carrier is secured to cylinder body  88 ′ a . Continuing, cylinder body  88 ′ a  is secured to, and associated with, piston  90 ′ a  and the piston is secured to support  5840   a . As hydraulic conduits  92 ′ a  selectively provide hydraulic fluid to hydraulic cylinder  86 ′ a , piston  90 ′ a  retracts or expands to move ring magnet  42 ′ a  along and/or about valve body  32 ′ a . As this occurs, the ring magnet  42 ′ a  magnetically biases the plug magnet (not shown) such that the plug (not shown) resultantly moves longitudinally within the valve chamber  46 ′ a .  
         [0052]    In yet another embodiment of a magnetically-actuatable throttle valve  30 ′ b  according to the invention, as depicted in FIG. 3B, an electrical solenoid assembly  94 ′ b  replaces pneumatic valve assembly  62 ′ from FIG. 3. Electrical solenoid assembly  94 ′ b  can comprise carrier  56 ′ b , support  58 ′ b , solenoid body  96 ′ b , shaft  98 ′ b , and electric line  100 ′ b . As illustrated in FIG. 3B, ring magnet  42 ′ b  is secured to carrier  56 ′ b  and the carrier is secured to solenoid body  96 ′ b . Continuing, solenoid body  96 ′ b  is secured to, and associated with, shaft  98 ′ b  and the piston is secured to support  58 ′ b . As electric line  100 ′ b  selectively provides power to electrical solenoid  94 ′ b , shaft  98 ′ b  retracts or expands to move ring magnet  42 ′ b  along and/or about valve body  32 ′ b . As this occurs, the ring magnet  42 ′ b  magnetically biases the plug magnet (not shown) such that the plug (not shown) resultantly moves longitudinally within the valve chamber  46 ′ b .  
         [0053]    In FIG. 3, plug  38 ′ within magnetically-actuatable throttle valve  30 ′, which is employing pneumatic assembly  62 ′, is disengaged from valve aperture  50 ′. Thus, magnetically-actuatable throttle valve  30 ′ is in the “open” position. The reaction by-products are permitted to flow through valve inlet  34 ′, valve chamber  46 ′, and valve outlet  36 ′. In FIG. 4, plug  38 ′ within magnetically-actuatable throttle valve  30 ′ is engaged with valve aperture  50 ′. Thus, magnetically-actuatable throttle valve  30 ′ is in the “closed” position. The reaction by-products are restricted from flowing through valve inlet  34 ′.  
         [0054]    Optionally, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 5A, magnetically-actuatable throttle valve  30 ′ can include stabilizing base frame  76 ′. Stabilizing base frame  76 ′ is structured for receiving and/or securing plug  38 ′ during operation and/or use of actuator  44 ′, particularly when the actuator is represented by pneumatic assembly  62 ′.  
         [0055]    Stabilizing base frame  76 ′ comprises support ring  76   a ′ and support arm  76   b ′ and can be fabricated from a variety of materials that are resistant to reaction with the by-product materials. Exemplary materials for forming base frame  76 ′ include tetrafluoroethylene (Teflon™), stainless steel, aluminum, among others. Base frame  76 ′ can be fabricated by known manufacturing processes, including, for example, machining, casting, mechanical assembly of parts, among other methods. Base frame  76 ′ can be disposed within valve body  32 ′ by press fit, mechanical capture, welding, among other methods.  
         [0056]    In another embodiment of a magnetically-actuatable throttle valve  30 ″, according to the invention, as depicted in FIG. 6, ring magnet  42 ″ is in the form of an electromagnet  78 ″ which is associated with a power source  80 ″. Power source  80 ″ can comprise a variable voltage power source such as a DC power source, an AC power source, and the like, as conventionally known as used in the art. When electromagnet  78 ″ is alternatively and/or intermittently energized by power source  80 ″, the electromagnet magnetically biases plug magnet  40 ″ such that plug  38 ″ resultantly moves longitudinally within valve chamber  46 ″ (directional arrow A). Optionally, as shown in FIGS.  6 - 8 , cradle  82 ″ can be employed within valve chamber  46 ″ to receive and/or secure plug  38 ″ during operation. Cradle  82 ″ can be structured substantially similar to stabilizing base frame  76 ′ as illustrated in FIG. 5A.  
         [0057]    In FIG. 6, plug  38 ″ within magnetically-actuatable throttle valve  30 ″, employing electro-magnet  78 ″, is engaged with valve aperture  50 ″. Thus, magnetically-actuatable throttle valve  30 ″ is in the “closed” position. The reaction by-products are restricted from flowing through valve inlet  34 ″. In FIG. 7, plug  38 ″ within throttle valve  30 ″ is disengaged from valve aperture  50 ″. Thus, magnetically-actuatable throttle valve  30 ″ is in the “open” position. The reaction by-products are permitted to flow through valve inlet  34 ″, valve chamber  46 ″, and valve outlet  36 ″. In FIG. 8, plug  38 ″ is “intermediately” disengaged from valve aperture  50 ″. Thus, magnetically-actuatable throttle valve  30 ″ is in an a “partially open” or “intermediate” position. While the reaction by-products are permitted to flow into valve chamber  46 ″ within throttle valve  30 ″ in the partially open position, the flow of by-products into the valve chamber is reduced, but not completely prohibited. The partially opened position allows plug  38 ″ to be disposed at any position between the opened position (FIG. 7) and the closed position (FIG. 6). Although perhaps slowed, the reaction by-products are nonetheless permitted to flow through valve inlet  34 ″, valve chamber  46 ″, and valve outlet  36 ″ when valve  30 ″ is in a partially opened position.  
         [0058]    Referring for example to FIG. 2, as magnetically-actuatable throttle valve  30 , is operated, plug  38  can move within valve chamber  46  between the open position and the closed position, and preferably, to any position between the opened and closed positions. When the closed position is experienced, plug  38  maintains a sealing engagement with valve aperture  50  (e.g., FIGS. 2, 4 and  6 ). To form the sealing engagement, plug  38  can be urged toward valve inlet  34  by actuator  44 . When plug  38  has traveled far enough, the plug encounters, abuts, and/or enters valve aperture  50  to form, in preferred embodiments, a gas-impermeable (i.e., liquid-impermeable, fluid-impermeable, etc.) seal. To encourage the sealing engagement, and the formation of the seal, in preferred embodiments valve aperture  50  is elliptical, round, or otherwise configured to correspond to the shape of plug  38 . Thus, plug  38  can prohibit the reaction by-products from entering valve chamber  46 .  
         [0059]    Plug  38  can also be urged toward valve outlet  36  by actuator  44 . When plug  38  terminates contact with valve aperture  50  (e.g., FIGS. 2A, 3,  5 , and  7 - 9 ), the reaction by-products can begin to flow through valve chamber  46 . In exemplary embodiments, the rate of flow and/or egress of the reaction by-products can be controlled by actuating plug  38  within valve chamber  46  (e.g., when magnetically-actuatable throttle valve  30  is in the partially opened position). Referring to FIG. 8, electro-magnet power source  80 ″ of electro-magnet  78 ″ can comprise a variable voltage power source to better achieve positioning of plug  38 ″ relative to valve outlet  36 ″ so that the valve is in a partially opened position. Thus, by using variable voltage, electro-magnet  78 ″ can perform as a “voice coil driver”, as is known in the art, to obtain modulation of the position of the plug within the vacuum passage. Depending how far plug  38  is drawn away from the sealing engagement with valve aperture  50 , the rate of flow and/or egress of the reaction by-products can be permitted to increase and decrease.  
         [0060]    Among other advantages, magnetically-actuatable throttle valve  30  eliminates mechanical motion “feedthroughs”, that is apertures through valve body  32  that accommodate mechanical assemblies and/or components, and, therefore, inhibits leaking from within valve chamber  46  (e.g., vacuum leaks). Further, throttle valve  30  contains only one moving part, plug magnet  40 , within valve chamber  46 , as opposed to numerous moving parts found in conventional valves. Also, throttle valve  30  permits rapid actuation of plug  38  due to the absence of mechanical assemblies and associated apertures found in conventional valves. Rate of actuation of plug  38 , for the most part, corresponds directly to the speed of the actuator utilized (or electromagnet  78 ″ where utilized). Thus, the faster the actuator  44  selected for valve  30 , the faster plug  38  can be moved within chamber  46 . For example, when the throttle valve employs an electromagnet  78 ″ or pneumatic assembly  62 ′, actuation of the plug from an “opened” position to a “closed” position can be performed in tens of milliseconds.  
         [0061]    It is contemplated, and can be appreciated in the art, that particular embodiments of actuator  44  within magnetically-actuatable valve  30  can be more favorably suited for two-position actuation (e.g., either an opened or closed position) while other embodiments can be more favorably suited for variable and/or modulating positions (e.g., an open or closed position as well as a variety of positions in between the opened and closed positions).  
         [0062]    In addition to CVD apparatus  2  as illustrated in FIG. 1, the magnetically-actuatable valve of the invention can be employed within other CVD apparatuses including, but not limited to, atomic layer deposition (ALD), physical vapor deposition (PVD), atomic layer epitaxy (ALE), plasma-enhanced CVD (PECVD), low-pressure CVD (LPCVD), metallic-organic CVD (MOCVD), and the like. Also, magnetically-actuatable valve  30  can be employed within dry etching apparatuses including, but not limited to, plasma etching, high-density plasma etching, microwave etching, reactive ion etching (REI), and the like.  
         [0063]    Despite any methods being outlined in a step-by-step sequence, the completion of acts or steps in a particular chronological order is not mandatory. Further, elimination, modification, rearrangement, combination, reordering, or the like, of acts or steps is contemplated and considered within the scope of the description and claims.  
         [0064]    While the present invention has been described in terms of the preferred embodiment, it is recognized that equivalents, alternatives, and modifications, aside from those expressly stated, are possible and within the scope of the appending claims.