Patent Description:
Radio frequency (RF) Plasma-enhanced processing is extensively used in semiconductor manufacturing to etch different types of films, deposit thin films at low to intermediate processing temperatures and perform surface treatment and cleaning. Characteristic of such processes is the employment of a plasma, i.e., a partially ionized gas, that is used to generate neutral species and ions from precursors inside a reaction chamber, provide energy for ion bombardment, and/or perform other actions. There are challenges in controlling plasma densities during such processes and non-uniformity of the plasma within a reaction chamber affects wafer processing uniformity and yield of the integrated circuits or other devices being fabricated.

Non-uniform plasma densities within a reaction chamber may cause uneven etch rates or certain characteristics across a substrate. In certain systems, monitoring plasma density uniformity within a reaction chamber occurs with probes. Such probes may be exposed to the plasma environment rely on coatings and may use active electronics to infer plasma density. Such systems may take milliseconds or more to respond to changes in the plasma. Emission spectroscopy may also be used to determine the profile of plasma density within a reaction chamber, but such system may require multiple lines of sight through the plasma and use complicated analysis to infer non-uniformity. Neither of these techniques are sensitive and fast enough to effectively resolve the non-uniformity issues and may further be costly to implement. <CIT> purports to disclose a system and method for processing substrates having an improved matching system. A matching controller is utilized to control multiple matching networks, thus providing improved, more rapid and stable matching. The matching controller can also automatically set up initial matching conditions required during and immediately after plasma initiation, to thereby provide faster and more reliable initial matching, and reduced operator involvement. The system also provides improved instrumentation, for more accurate phase and amplitude detection, and an improved arrangement of power detectors. The matching network also incorporates a circuit for reliable control of tunable elements in a matching network, and a device for protecting tunable elements against damage are also provided. <CIT> purports to disclose an impedance matching apparatus. The impedance matching apparatus calculates a forward wave voltage and a reflected wave voltage at an output terminal, based on a forward wave voltage and a reflected wave voltage at an input terminal, on information on variable values of variable capacitors acquired in advance through measurement, and on a parameter of the impedance matching apparatus corresponding to the information on the variable values of variable capacitors. The impedance matching apparatus calculates an input reflection coefficient at the input terminal corresponding to the information on the variable values of the variable capacitors, based on the forward wave voltage, the reflected wave voltage and the parameter. The impedance matching apparatus selects the lowest absolute value out of absolute values of the input reflection coefficients corresponding to the variable values of the variable capacitors, and adjusts the impedance of the variable capacitors based on the lowest value. According to the present technology, there is provided a method and a system as set out in the accompanying claims.

The present disclosure is best understood from the following detailed description when read with the accompanying Figures.

Illustrative examples of the subject matter claimed below will now be disclosed. In the interest of clarity, not all features of an actual implementation are described in this specification. It will be appreciated that in the development of any such actual implementation, numerous implementation-specific decisions may be made to achieve the developers' specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which will vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it will be appreciated that such a development effort, even if complex and time-consuming, would be a routine undertaking for those of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure.

Further, as used herein, the article "a" is intended to have its ordinary meaning in the patent arts, namely "one or more. " Herein, the term "about" when applied to a value generally means within the tolerance range of the equipment used to produce the value, or in some examples, means plus or minus <NUM>%, or plus or minus <NUM>%, or plus or minus <NUM>%, unless otherwise expressly specified. Further, herein the term "substantially" as used herein means a majority, or almost all, or all, or an amount with a range of about <NUM>% to about <NUM>%, for example. Moreover, examples herein are intended to be illustrative only and are presented for discussion purposes and not by way of limitation.

Turning to <FIG>, a side view schematic representation of a RF plasma processing system <NUM>, according to embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. RF plasma processing system <NUM> includes a first RF generator <NUM> and a second RF generator <NUM>, a first impedance matching network <NUM>, a second impedance matching network <NUM>, a sheath <NUM>, a plasma powering device, such as showerhead <NUM> or equivalent powered element such as an electrode, and a pedestal <NUM>. As used herein, plasma power devices may refer to any device that introduces power to generate plasma and may include, for example, showerhead <NUM> and/or other types of electrodes, as well as antenna and the like.

RF plasma processing system <NUM> may include one or more RF generators <NUM>, <NUM> that deliver power to a reaction chamber <NUM> through one or more impedance matching networks <NUM>, <NUM>. RF power flows from the first RF generator <NUM> through the impedance matching network <NUM> into plasma in reaction chamber <NUM> to showerhead <NUM> or sidewall, to an electrode other than showerhead <NUM>, or to an inductive antenna (not shown) that electromagnetically provides power to the plasma, where after the power flows from the plasma to ground and/or to pedestal <NUM> and/or to second impedance matching network <NUM>. Generally, first impedance matching network <NUM> compensates for variations in a load impedance inside reaction chamber <NUM> so the combined impedance of showerhead <NUM> and first impedance matching network <NUM> equal the output impedance of first RF generator <NUM>, e.g., <NUM> ohms, by adjusting the reactive components, e.g., variable capacitors, within first impedance matching network <NUM>. The term "about" is acknowledgement that, in practice, some imprecision relative to the range may be experienced and yet obtain satisfactory result. Such imprecision may result from, for example, a loss of calibration or drift during operation. In these situations, however, the expressed range is the nominal target for operational conditions when in use.

In certain examples, first RF generator <NUM> may provide power at a RF frequency between about <NUM> and <NUM>, while second RF generator <NUM> connected to pedestal <NUM> may supply power at a RF frequency lower than that of first RF generator <NUM>, however, in certain implementations, second RF generator <NUM> may not supply power at a RF frequency lower than that of first RF generator <NUM>. Typically, the frequencies of first and second RF generators <NUM>, <NUM> is such that first RF generator <NUM> is at a RF frequency that is not an integer multiple, nor integer fraction, of the frequency of second RF generator <NUM>.

Impedance matching networks <NUM>, <NUM> are designed to make adjustments to their internal reactive elements such that the load impedance matches the source impedance. Generally, low reflected power is considered positive, however, embodiments of the present disclosure ensure that the delivered power is maintained in reaction chamber <NUM>, and that power that is reflected back towards first and second RF generators <NUM>, <NUM>, and that even when the reflected power is relatively high, the associated impedance matching networks <NUM>, <NUM> may monitor forward and reflected power to and from reaction chamber <NUM> and, using motor-driver systems or electrically modified or switched capacitors, make adjustments to adjustable reactive elements, e.g., vacuum variable capacitors. Impedance matching networks <NUM>, <NUM> may contain circuitry to measure phase and magnitude of signals to determine the levels of forward and reflected power from the intended load. As such, embodiments of the present disclosure may be effective even when the amount of reflected power is high. If there is a significant amount of reflected power at a primary frequency, capacitors are varied until the reflected power is minimized, for example to less than about <NUM> Watts and/or less than about <NUM> percent for the period, or in certain embodiments, to less than <NUM> Watt. Typically, harmonic frequency signals are not measured, including the reflected power at harmonic frequencies.

Although RF plasma processing systems <NUM> have many advantages, they have historically been challenged to maintain control of plasma density throughout a multistep process. Design tolerances on the order of one percent non-uniformity, for example, with a density range of the same order relative to a nominal value remain a challenge. Achieving optimal integrated circuit (IC) yields on each and every wafer as the feature size shrinks below about <NUM> and the layer thicknesses are less than <NUM> requires progressively tighter control of the uniformity of the plasma and neutral species to the <NUM>% level and even less. Non-uniform plasma densities, or average densities deviating from the desired value by more than a desired range within reaction chambers may be caused by slow changes in the chamber, changes in the RF circuit, or the rapid growth (on the order of less than a millisecond) of parasitic or secondary plasmas which can lead to non-uniformities of nano-scale features across a processed wafer due to uneven etch rates.

Because even a difference in an etch rate of one percent across a wafer can cause yield problems for advanced technologies, and because it often takes a substantial amount of time to complete wafer processing to see the yield loss, a need exists to promptly and accurately detect non-uniform plasma densities or plasma density that deviates from the desired range within a reaction chamber in a time period that may need to be less than about <NUM> millisecond to avoid irreversible deviations on the wafer from desired feature profile.

Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that electromagnetic (EM) surface waves may propagate on surfaces within an RF powered plasma in reaction chamber <NUM>. These surface waves will have appreciable energy at both the fundamental RF drive frequency and RF harmonics. The harmonic waves' average power and power distribution are sensitive functions of plasma density and non-uniformity. Herein, a harmonic wave profile is defined as the spectrum of surface waves having frequencies that are integer multiples of the fundamental drive frequency for an RF plasma-based reaction chamber <NUM>. For example, if <NUM> RF drive power is provided to reaction chamber <NUM>, the injected power will generate surface waves at that frequency that propagate along interfaces between plasma and interior reaction chamber <NUM> surfaces. Harmonic surface waves of integer multiple frequencies may also be generated. For example, <NUM> electromagnetic waves may generate <NUM>, <NUM>, or <NUM> surface waves. Both odd and even harmonics (2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, etc.) may appear, but in some examples the odd harmonics may be dominant.

Aspects of the present disclosure may provide sensor locations on and about reaction chamber <NUM> and components thereof that may allow for detecting and analyzing RF surface waves to find amplitudes and phases of fundamental and harmonics at a plurality of points within or adjacent reaction chamber <NUM>. The waves may be detected by sensing the rf voltage or rf current at fundamental and harmonic frequencies on the surface of a chamber component. In some embodiments a sensor for voltage will include a pickup that is configured at, or proximate to, the surface of the electrode, pedestal base, chamber wall, or strap, and a conducting line that conveys the signal from the pickup to a connector or cable. A current sensor may include a conducting element that may include one or more loops or partial loops or a linear conductor, where one end of the conducting element is at a reference potential that may be local electrical ground.

A plurality of sensors, e.g., two or more, may be positioned upon certain chamber component, which will be discussed in detail below, at different angles about a chamber symmetry axis for measuring the surface voltage or current associated with such surface waves. Herein, an angle measured about the symmetry axis from a reference point of the chamber is defined as an azimuth. In some embodiments such sensors may be positioned at approximately the same distance from the symmetry axis of the chamber.

Sensors may be mounted in various locations on or about reaction chamber and/or components thereof. For example, sensors may be mounted on the surface of an electrode, such as pedestal <NUM> and/or showerhead <NUM>. Sensors may also be mounted on a base of an electrode either within the vacuum or outside the vacuum environment. Sensors may be mounted inside the chamber on one or more metal wall surfaces of the reaction chamber <NUM>, and inside or outside wall areas that contain a dielectric material, or on an antenna that may be used for inductively providing power into the plasma. Sensors may also be placed on a passive antenna that may be used for sensing the EM waves proximate the boundary of the plasma or upon or proximate a plurality of conducting busses or straps connecting first or second impedance matching network <NUM>, <NUM> to an electrode, such as pedestal <NUM> and/or showerhead <NUM>, antenna, or other components that transmits power to plasma within reaction chamber <NUM>. Sensors may also be connected to an electrical ground. The sensors may thereby pick up signals from different parts of RF plasma processing system <NUM> as they propagate on respective component surfaces.

A spectrum of RF harmonic waves is generated at the electrode-plasma interface, e.g., sheath <NUM> in <FIG> and waves propagate in all directions so that both amplitudes and phases of all wave components will vary with location on an electrode or support base. Such waves also propagate along the inner surface of a metal wall adjacent the plasma and propagate through any dielectric wall that may be adjacent plasma. Such wave amplitudes and phases change in response to changes of the plasma, e.g., plasma density and non-uniformity, with response times on the order of or less than a few microseconds. Further, the frequency and phase distributions of RF harmonic surface waves that propagate on the electrode-plasma interface determine the frequency and phase distributions of harmonic surface waves that propagate on the surface of an electrode base toward impedance matching networks <NUM>, <NUM>, on surfaces connected to an electrode or plasma-wall interface, or on walls. The amplitudes and phases of the signals for fundamental and harmonic waves at the different sensor locations permit determination of what part of the total EM wave field for each frequency is azimuthally symmetric and what part is non-symmetric.

In the case of inductive plasma, signals from the plasma, e.g., fundamental and harmonic, may propagate back to an antenna and then to the impedance matching network feeding power to the antenna. The frequency and phase distributions of both fundamental and harmonic RF waves may be monitored on a microsecond or faster timescale using sensors mounted on such surfaces and may be compared with specified ranges and phase relationships as indicators of plasma asymmetry or changes in plasma density or electrical conductivity. Signals from such sensors may be transmitted, by cables, or otherwise, to detectors that analyze the signal's component frequencies to produce the amplitude and phase values for each frequency component at each sensor location.

In certain implementations, the amplitudes and phases of the detected RF harmonic components may be rapidly determined by circuits (detectors) in a signal analysis compartment that may be a separate metal box or chassis, or that may be within or connected to or part of impedance matching networks <NUM>, <NUM>. Such amplitudes and phases may be used to determine the status, including the radial distribution and the asymmetry of plasma by applying algorithms and plasma non-uniformity calibrations. The signals from the sensors may be Fourier analyzed by dedicated circuits (detectors) that are fast enough to perform virtually continuous spectrum analysis, updating as frequently as possible and yielding a high-rate data stream. For example, for plasma power at <NUM>, <NUM> periods may take less than <NUM> microseconds to process through Fourier analysis, and for pulsed plasmas when each element of the pulse occurs at <NUM>, this allows for updates of plasma status at a rate of <NUM>.

The results of the dedicated Fourier analyses of fundamental and harmonic waves may be stored on a separate storage medium that may be read and/or written to by an analysis processor associated with the signal analysis compartment. Either stored results or a real-time signals may be routed to high speed computational processors to determine asymmetry parameters for each of fundamental and harmonic waves. The asymmetry parameters may be compared to values previously stored on the separate storage medium (or on a different storage medium) using algorithms (which may also be stored on the separate storage medium or on a different storage medium) to very rapidly recognize a "Plasma Fault" condition. The analysis processor then may transmit an appropriate command, e.g., to continue the process under the present conditions, or to make needed changes in the process conditions, to first and second RF generators <NUM>, <NUM>, and in certain implementations, more than just two RF generators and when appropriate to the impedance matching networks associated with these generators. In certain implementations, three, four, or more RF generators may be used. First and second RF generators <NUM>,<NUM> may then continue, stop, change the power provided, or respond in some other suitable way - for example, going into a reduced-power mode or a pulsed mode or a change in frequency, or ordering certain corrective actions, e.g., alarm triggering, power interruption, etc., to avoid improper wafer processing during a Plasma Fault or other unacceptable situation.

The location of sensors for detecting (electric and magnetic fields of) and characterizing surface waves may, in some embodiments, be on peripheral surfaces (bare or covered by dielectric) of the pedestal <NUM> outside the area covered by the wafer. For example, if reaction chamber <NUM> is to process circular wafers of radius <NUM>, the pedestal-mounted sensors may be located at radii greater than <NUM> from the wafer center which may in some cases be under an annular peripheral dielectric for controlling edge effects. Sensors may additionally or alternatively be located on the surface or periphery of the showerhead <NUM> facing the wafer or on the surface of the base of the pedestal <NUM> or the base of showerhead <NUM>, whether these locations are within or outside the evacuated process environment. Sensors may also be located at various other locations, which will be discussed in detail below, and may monitor continuously or periodically to provide uniformity of the process plasma.

Using sensors outside the evacuated process environment, e.g., in the straps or busses connecting the base to one or more of impedance matching networks <NUM>, <NUM>, the base of pedestal <NUM> and/or showerhead <NUM>, may not require passing signals through a vacuum feedthrough or installing transmission cables within the evacuated volume of reaction chamber <NUM>. Sensors in such locations may monitor the fundamental and harmonic EM waves substantially continuously. This may enable an RF plasma processing system <NUM> to continuously provide plasma density uniformity and determine within a very brief time whether a fault condition has occurred or whether proper wafer or substrate processing continues.

In certain example implementations, the present disclosure may provide apparatuses and methods for detecting deviations of the plasma from the required "process window" within an RF plasma processing system <NUM>. The RF plasma processing system <NUM> may include reaction chamber <NUM>, which may include showerhead <NUM> for injecting reactant gases into reaction chamber <NUM>, and which may also include a wafer-support pedestal <NUM>. However, in other implementations, showerhead <NUM> may not inject gas into reaction chamber <NUM>. In some embodiments showerhead <NUM> may be mounted with its center near the approximate symmetry axis of reaction chamber <NUM> and equipped with a plurality of sensors positioned at selected azimuths around the symmetry axis. Additionally or alternatively, such sensors may be positioned on the wafer-facing surface in peripheral areas of showerhead <NUM> to detect and measure propagating EM surface waves while wafers are being processed.

Further, in some embodiments, there may be a plurality of sensors that are mounted on the outer surface of the wafer support pedestal <NUM>, outside the area occupied by the wafer, for detecting both amplitude and phase of the RF harmonics and fundamental surface waves. Such sensors may be exposed to plasma or may be covered by dielectric, or dielectric-and-metal, covers. Additionally or alternatively, sensors may be situated on the periphery of the pedestal <NUM> base, within or outside the evacuated volume and/or below the plane defined by the wafer. In some implementations, the sensors may be positioned on the pedestal base to detect surface electromagnetic waves propagating toward or away from the wafer-supporting area of the pedestal and on the surface of the pedestal base. In certain embodiments, the sensors may be mounted close to the wafer plane (e.g., less than <NUM> centimeters).

Alternatively, sensors may be mounted on a part of pedestal <NUM> that is metal or another electrically conductive material and located outside the evacuated region of reaction chamber <NUM> in atmospheric conditions. Sensors located outside the evacuated region may be mounted on a region of pedestal <NUM> at a radius from the pedestal symmetry axis that is at least <NUM>% of the maximal pedestal <NUM> radius, or even more than <NUM>% of the maximum pedestal <NUM> radius. Such sensors may be positioned close - in some embodiments within a few centimeters of the vacuum seal for the support pedestal <NUM>, e.g., the O-ring. In some embodiments, the total of radial and axial propagation distance from the edge of the wafer to the sensors may be less than about <NUM>, or in some embodiments less than about <NUM>, or even about <NUM>. Specific locations and orientations of sensors according to embodiments of the present disclosure will be discussed in detail below.

Turning to <FIG>, a schematic side view of a plasma chamber with high impedance sensors mounted in various positions on the electrodes in accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. Each of two components serving as electrodes, i.e., pedestal <NUM> and showerhead <NUM>, or equivalent other powered element may use a separate RF generator <NUM> or <NUM> and impedance matching networks <NUM> and <NUM>. Alternatively, an electrode may have a plurality of generators and matching networks feeding power thereto. Arrows <NUM> along the surface of pedestal <NUM> indicate the inward radial direction of RF current and power flow from the bottom (bias) RF generator <NUM> that is connected electrically through the impedance matching network <NUM> to pedestal <NUM>. The electric field created contributes to the formation of a plasma (not shown) between the electrodes and a radial outward counterflow of current and power, indicated by arrows <NUM>, along the lower surface of showerhead <NUM> or other powered element and ultimately to a selective grounding circuit in impedance matching network <NUM> for showerhead <NUM> or the other powered element.

In certain embodiments, reaction chamber <NUM>, having RF power from first and second RF generators <NUM>, <NUM> and impedance matching networks <NUM>, <NUM> may include sensors <NUM> on the periphery of pedestal <NUM> that may be covered by dielectric <NUM>. Communication lines <NUM> may transmit signals from each of sensors <NUM>, that in some embodiments may be approximately equidistant from the pedestal symmetry axis, to Fourier analysis circuits (not shown) that compute amplitude and phase of both fundamental frequency and harmonic frequency surface waves picked up by each sensor <NUM>.

In some implementations, the Fourier analysis circuits may calculate magnitudes and phases of the fundamental and higher order harmonics of the periodic, electro- magnetic surface waveforms. The resulting series of magnitudes, known as a Fourier series, and their phases results from the relation between a function in the domain of time and a function in the domain of frequency.

Further, some of the embodiments of the disclosed matching network <NUM> may contain a signal analysis compartment <NUM> or appendage of the matching network <NUM> that is separate and RF isolated from the RF power handling and impedance matching circuitry or components of the matching network <NUM>. The signal analysis compartment <NUM> may contain Fourier analysis circuit(s) (detectors) for analyzing sensor signals and yielding digital amplitudes and phases of RF fundamental and harmonic waves. Signal analysis compartment <NUM> may also contain high speed digital logic or computation processors for analyzing the relative magnitudes and phases of signals at harmonic frequencies and deriving quantitative parameters that characterize the relative magnitudes of axisymmetric and non-axisymmetric harmonic components at each frequency, and their relative phases. Furthermore, in some embodiments, the disclosed matching network <NUM> may be connected via a very fast network to the second RF generator <NUM> as well as the controller (not shown) for the reaction chamber <NUM> or RF plasma processing system <NUM> wherein sensors <NUM> are located. In some embodiments the disclosed enhanced impedance matching network <NUM> may be capable of sending commands to the first RF generator <NUM> as well as communicating its calculated parameters to the processing chamber controller and/or to the tool control system.

In addition, another, first RF generator <NUM> and impedance matching network <NUM> may also be electrically coupled to the other electrode, which may be a showerhead <NUM> in reaction chamber <NUM>. In one implementation, the first RF generator <NUM> may operate at different frequency than second RF generator <NUM>, and its frequency may not be an integer multiple of the frequency of the second RF generator <NUM>.

Similarly, impedance matching network <NUM> monitors the reflected power from the electrode and processing chamber <NUM> and may make adjustments if there is significant reflected power from the electrode. In some embodiments, the second RF generator <NUM> may be a <NUM> RF generator, a <NUM> RF generator, or a <NUM> RF generator or other, while the first RF generator <NUM> may operate at a somewhat higher frequency. In some embodiments, first RF generator <NUM> may operate at a frequency greater than <NUM>, such as <NUM>, <NUM>, or higher.

In one embodiment, the primary function of the first RF generator <NUM> may be to power the reaction chamber <NUM> to generate plasma between the showerhead <NUM> or another power source such as an electrode and pedestal <NUM>, both to generate reactive chemical species such as fluorine or chlorine and to cause ions from the generated plasma to accelerate and strike a wafer disposed on the pedestal <NUM>.

Disposed on the upper electrode surface, i.e., showerhead <NUM>, facing the lower electrode, i.e., pedestal <NUM>, may be a set of sensors <NUM> having bandwidth greater than about <NUM> times the frequency of the highest frequency RF generator connected to that electrode. In some embodiments, each of these may have an impedance greater than about <NUM> Ohms, and in some embodiments greater than <NUM> Ohms. Sensors <NUM> may be voltage or current sensors or may combine both capabilities in a single package - for example, where a current sensor may include one or more segments of wire that may be covered by an electrostatic shield.

In some embodiments, the sensors <NUM> have electrical connections to Fourier analysis circuits in the signal analysis compartment <NUM> of the impedance matching network <NUM>. The Fourier analysis circuits may output amplitude and phase of the different frequency components from each of the sensors <NUM> and compare them with other sensors <NUM> and/or with reference levels that are stored in memory. The analyses of the signals in some embodiments may include pattern recognition of amplitudes or phases or both, or artificial intelligence (AI) employing learning algorithms that may use neural networks or conventional digital algorithmic processing of the signals from the sensors <NUM>.

Signal processing by the Fourier analysis circuits to find fundamental and harmonic component signals, both amplitudes and phases, may be done within less than about <NUM> micro-seconds and in preferred embodiments a <NUM> microsecond or less for each of the sensor signals. The isolated signal analysis compartment <NUM> of the impedance matching network <NUM> may incorporate at least one computation or logic processor having substantial computational capability with very high speed (< <NUM> ns cycle time) circuits employing very high-speed logic ICs. In some embodiments, the processors in the signal analysis compartment <NUM> are programmable so that suppliers or users of the processing chambers <NUM> may provide or implement proprietary algorithms or analytical software upon the computing "platform" provided in the impedance matching network <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the software programs for calculating parameters from signal amplitudes and phases, and further logic algorithms for determining the effect on processing uniformity of excursions from acceptable plasma conditions, may reside on a removable "plug-in" component that contains data storage and connects to the signal processing compartment. This software or logic calculates the extent of an excursion of the RF electromagnetic surface wave spectrum from that characteristic of nominal or proper operating conditions. Based on this, a processor associated with a controller may "decide" upon corrective action or termination of the process within about a millisecond, before the wafer is misprocessed. In some embodiments, a quantitative judgement as to the expected effect of the excursion on process uniformity or other properties may be done within about <NUM> micro-seconds of occurrence so that remedial action may start within a millisecond. Further, action may be taken such that there is minimal or no damage to the wafer or substrate being processed in the reaction chamber <NUM> at that time and thereby avoid loss of yield on that wafer or substrate.

The assessment and/or decision made in the signal analysis compartment <NUM> of the impedance matching network <NUM> may, in some embodiments, be performed by the very fast computation or analytical system using algorithms residing on a plug-in storage and/or detachable data-processing device. In still other embodiments, the assessment decisions made in signal analysis compartment <NUM> may be performed using an analog or neural net type processor. Such decision may further use a decision algorithm that may reside on the detachable storage or processing device. The order for corrective action may then be promptly transmitted by high speed data line from compartment <NUM> of the impedance matching network <NUM> to the RF generator <NUM>, which may temporarily interrupt, change, or terminate power to the plasma. This assures that factory management may promptly take or plan corrective action for that processing chamber <NUM> and RF plasma processing system <NUM>.

Also shown in <FIG> is a set of sensors <NUM>, which are configured on the outer surface of the base <NUM> of the showerhead <NUM>, outside the vacuum region within the reaction chamber <NUM> in atmospheric conditions. In some embodiments, additional sensors <NUM> may be mounted on the pedestal base <NUM> and connected by high speed signal cables to the disclosed signal processing compartment <NUM> of the impedance matching network <NUM>, as with sensors <NUM>. The sensors <NUM>, being located outside the vacuum environment of the reaction chamber <NUM>, are substantially less expensive and less difficult to integrate into the information and processing network since no vacuum feed- is required.

Sensors <NUM> may be disposed in some configurations to sense voltage and/or current on the surface of pedestal <NUM> and may be covered and protected from plasma by a dielectric cover <NUM>. Sensors of this type and location are proximate to the wafer and/or substrate and therefore may have a sensitivity advantage in detecting certain modes of EM surface waves that are indicative of plasma asymmetry - which is an important type of plasma non-uniformity. These in-chamber sensors <NUM> may use communications lines that pass through the vacuum wall via a feed-through or in some embodiments use wireless communication links operating at optical or at lower frequencies.

In general, phase and amplitude patterns of each frequency of EM surface wave over the surface of showerhead <NUM> and pedestal <NUM> may be determined by analysis of the signals from any of the groups of voltage, current, phase, or combination sensors <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, and <NUM>. In general, EM surface waves at a given frequency produce voltage and current signals having phase relationships with signals of other frequencies. The magnitude of the voltage at each frequency and each point is the sum of voltages from all waves of that frequency originating from all points across the electrode surface. For an axisymmetric electrode surface where the power is fed symmetrically, and the plasma is axisymmetric, axisymmetric surface-wave modes will result from the superposition of waves from all parts of the electrode and other surfaces in the reaction chamber <NUM>. In general, perfectly symmetrical plasma in a symmetrical chamber with a symmetrical electrode centered on the chamber's axis of symmetry would predominantly have symmetrical lines of equal phase and amplitude in the form of circles centered at the center of the pedestal <NUM>.

Turning to <FIG>, a cross-sectional view of a dual plate electrode assembly having wide bandwidth sensors providing voltage signals through electrical connectors having low shunt capacitance to the surrounding area of the electrode and to electrical ground, according to embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. In some embodiments an electrode, such as the showerhead <NUM>, may include two conducting plates <NUM>, <NUM> that are configured approximately parallel, with centers aligned, having generally the same shape as the substrate or wafer. A surface of the first plate <NUM> that faces away from the second plate <NUM> may be exposed to the vacuum environment and to the plasma. The first plate <NUM> is separated from the second plate <NUM> a distance that is the length of the dielectric standoff supports <NUM>. The first plate <NUM> may have embedded sensors <NUM>, whose pucks or pickups are of conducting material and whose surfaces are approximately co-planar with that surface of the first plate <NUM> that faces away from the second plate <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the sensors <NUM> may be mounted into the first plate <NUM>, surrounded by a dielectric <NUM> with a low dielectric constant, such as quartz or some other suitable material. In some embodiments, the dielectric <NUM> may have a dielectric constant less than <NUM> and in some embodiments the dielectric constant may be less than <NUM> for inorganic materials such as aerogels based on quartz. The sensors <NUM> may have high bandwidth extending from <NUM> to at least <NUM> times the highest drive frequency connected to that chamber, that may be as much or more than <NUM> and may be capable of sensing the surface voltage, the surface current, or both. The sensitivity of sensors <NUM> in some embodiments may vary by less than <NUM>% over the range of frequencies of the harmonics of the principal fundamental RF frequency used in the reaction chamber. In some embodiments, at least one lead <NUM> from each sensor is connected to the inner conductor <NUM> of a vacuum electrical signal feedthrough <NUM>, which has its base <NUM> mounted in the electrically grounded second plate <NUM>. In some embodiments the leads from each sensor may be connected directly to a circuit board located in similar position to <NUM> having a ground plane and detector circuits, one for each sensor, to determine amplitude and phase for each frequency component.

The inner conductor <NUM> of the feedthrough <NUM> may have a small shunt capacitance to the base <NUM> of the feedthrough <NUM> mounted into the grounded second plate <NUM> - e.g., less than <NUM> pico-farads (pf), and in some embodiments less than <NUM> pf, such that the total shunt capacitance from the sensor <NUM> plus the lead <NUM> plus the feedthrough <NUM> to ground should be less than <NUM> pf and, in some embodiments, less than <NUM> pf. In some embodiments the output from the base <NUM> mounted into the grounded second plate <NUM> may be connected to an attenuator (not shown). In some embodiments, the attenuator may include an electrical resistor having a resistance greater than about <NUM> Ohms. In parallel with the electrical resistor <NUM> there may be a shunt resistor to ground <NUM>. The shunt resistor's resistance may be, e.g., <NUM> Ohms, or alternatively may be equal to the impedance of a cable that connects the attenuator to a communications network or to a controller for the plasma chamber. In cases where the detectors are located in <FIG> instead of the connectors as shown, the signal outputs from the detectors, which are the amplitudes and phases of voltage or current at each frequency for that sensor, may be transmitted to an analysis processor that may be in a compartment of the matching network.

Each sensor <NUM> may measure voltage or current amplitude of the combined electromagnetic surface wave modes, which have as components fundamental and harmonic frequencies for all RF generators providing power to the plasma. The fundamental and range of harmonic frequencies ranging from about <NUM> to as much as about <NUM> or more. In other embodiment, the sensors may measure voltage at fundamental and harmonic frequencies in range from about <NUM> to about <NUM>.

<FIG> shows a cross-sectional view of a pedestal with an embedded broadband voltage sensor, according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Voltage sensor <NUM> may be mounted into an electrode, such as pedestal <NUM>. In some embodiments, the sensors <NUM> may be connected through a resistor to electrical ground <NUM>. The tip or puck of sensor <NUM> may have a lead <NUM> surrounded by a dielectric <NUM> (which may optionally be air or vacuum). In some embodiments, the lead <NUM> from the sensor <NUM> may pass through an attenuator such as resistor(s) <NUM> with a shunt resistor <NUM> that may in some embodiments be about <NUM> Ohms and may also be connected to electrical ground <NUM>. Such resistors <NUM> may be non-inductive and may have a resistance in the range between about <NUM> Ohms and about <NUM>,<NUM> Ohms. In some embodiments the resistance may be between about <NUM> Ohms and about <NUM>,<NUM> Ohms. Resistor <NUM> may also be non-inductive.

Further, the dielectric <NUM> should be generally non-magnetic and have a low loss tangent, in some embodiments less than about <NUM> or in other embodiments, less than about <NUM>. The shunt capacitance between the tip of sensor <NUM> and lead <NUM> to the grounded electrode should be less than about <NUM> pf, or less than about <NUM> pf in some embodiments so that the reactance between the sensor <NUM> and the pedestal <NUM> electrode should be greater than about <NUM> Ohms at <NUM>. The purpose of such low shunt capacitance is to reduce the loading of the surface wave by the sensor <NUM> so that it minimally absorbs the wave energy and permits the wave to propagate as it would in the absence of the sensor <NUM>. Under such conditions, the surface potential that is detected will not be greatly different than it would have been on an electrode without such sensors <NUM>.

Turning to <FIG>, a schematic side view of a pedestal with associated RF and control components, according to embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. Pedestal <NUM> power feed circuit includes RF power generator <NUM> and impedance matching network <NUM>. High-speed signal lines, e.g., cables <NUM>, <NUM>, carry signals from sensors <NUM>, <NUM> to a compartment that in some embodiments may be in or attached to the impedance matching network <NUM>. High-speed lines <NUM> of a data network take information from the impedance matching network <NUM> to the controller(s) <NUM> of the reaction chamber, or generator, or tool or factory (not shown). Sensors <NUM>, <NUM> are mounted on or near a base <NUM> of pedestal <NUM>, which may be inside or outside the vacuum region of a reaction chamber.

In some embodiments, there may be a signal analysis, e.g., fault-detection, compartment <NUM> associated with the impedance matching network <NUM>. The signal analysis compartment <NUM> may be electrically and/or RF isolated from certain components, such as vacuum capacitors and high voltage electronics, of impedance matching network <NUM>. The signal analysis compartment <NUM> receives signals from sensors <NUM>, <NUM> via cables <NUM>, <NUM>. Signal analysis compartment <NUM> then channels the signals from each sensor <NUM>, <NUM> to an internal circuit that may be called a detector and may include electronic components such as transistors and passive components. In alternate embodiments where the amplitude and phase are found directly adjacent the sensor for each frequency component, the signals coming to the signal analysis compartment may be amplitude and phase for each frequency component rather than the raw signals.

Each detector (not shown) in the compartment <NUM> may perform RF spectrum analysis of signals from one sensor <NUM>, <NUM> or from a group of sensors that may be analyzed in parallel. The analysis may include averaging the signals of a group of sensors, or of one or more sensors <NUM>, <NUM> over time, for noise reduction. There may in some embodiments be an output from each detector of amplitude and phase for each frequency component of the signal obtained by each sensor <NUM>, <NUM>, e.g., fundamental and harmonics. The outputs from each detector may then be input to an analog-to-digital converter for each harmonic signal, yielding digitized values for both amplitude and phase of each harmonic measured.

These digital amplitude and phase values for each frequency component and each sensor may be input, with little to no delay, e.g., < <NUM> microseconds, to high-speed digital processors in the signal analysis compartment associated with the disclosed impedance matching network. The digital processors may analyze both amplitude and phase information for fundamental and each harmonic from the sensors, determining the relative magnitude of the different surface-wave modes, including the axisymmetric mode and non axi-symmetric modes, for both fundamental and harmonics. There may be differing non-axisymmetric modes for each frequency component, one or more of which may be indicators of the plasma non-uniformity.

In some embodiments, such non-axisymmetric modes may be rapidly identified by algorithms that reside on the plug-in. A reference database correlating the magnitudes of non-axisymmetric modes with plasma non-uniformity percentages may also reside on this plug-in or detachable processor. The digital processors may also compute rates of change of the amplitudes of the wave modes and acceleration of amplitudes of one or more wave modes to determine the likelihood of a fault in the immediate future. One measure of the magnitude of a non-axisymmetric mode at a given frequency may be the difference between the phases of a given frequency surface wave at different sensor positions which have the same radial distance from the center of a circular electrode, symmetrically located in an axisymmetric chamber. Alternatively, a second indicator of non-axisymmetric modes may be differences between the amplitudes of a given frequency surface wave at different sensor positions which have the same radial distance from the center of a circular electrode that is symmetrically located in an axisymmetric chamber.

A matching network <NUM> having an isolated compartment <NUM> containing multichannel detector systems (not shown) may simultaneously Fourier analyze, digitize and record voltage amplitude and phase of EM waves propagating at various locations on the pedestal <NUM>. Because of inherent noise, each of the determined voltage amplitudes and phases may be averaged over brief time intervals, as needed, and may be averaged for groups of sensors <NUM>, <NUM> to make a determination of relative magnitudes or average in time over a relatively large number of pulses.

A showerhead, pedestal, or other powered element such as an electrode, equipped with groups or arrays of sensors may be used as a test system to generate data to characterize and record the relationship between spectra and spatial patterns of EM wave modes and various non-uniformities of the plasma density during an RF process. These data may in some embodiments be analyzed offline by engineers to characterize and categorize plasma behaviors and put into a database that may be stored in a plug-in storage device that may be connected to matching network compartment or other controller or monitoring systems.

The relationship between amplitude and phase pattern characteristics of non-axisymmetric and axisymmetric EM modes, and process and plasma non-uniformities or deviations from proper conditions may be stored in the plug-in that connects to the disclosed signal analysis compartment of the matching network. In implementations where the RF plasma processing system may be used as a production tool, the non-uniformity of the plasma and process may thereby be rapidly detected as the operation of the chamber is being monitored. For example, the disclosed type of sensor shown in <FIG>, configured as shown in <FIG>, may be retrofitted to a RF plasma system as shown in <FIG>.

To determine whether the process plasma may have experienced a plasma fault condition, the analysis processors in the signal analysis compartment associated with the impedance matching network may compute parameters based in part on the magnitudes of non-axisymmetric EM modes for each of a pre-specified set of harmonics of a drive frequency on some electrode or antenna. The processors in some embodiments may then compare these parameters to reference ranges in a database. Such reference database may reside on a plug-in that is connected to the signal analysis compartment that may be a compartment in or associated with the impedance matching network.

The database may store parameters characterizing various plasma conditions to aid in determining whether and how severe a plasma excursion from an acceptable "process window" is. In some embodiments, the analysis may include a comparison of phases of each harmonic from every sensor or group thereof at a given distance from the center of the electrode. The variance of such phases for a sensor or group of sensors about any azimuth may be a measure of the asymmetry of the generation and/or propagation of that harmonic mode, and therefore may be a measure of plasma asymmetry and non-uniformity. In some embodiments the analysis may include calculation of differences of amplitude among sensors or groups of sensors at a given distance from the symmetry axis. The variance of such amplitudes for a sensor or group of adjacent sensors in a range of azimuth may also be a measure of the asymmetry of the generation and/or propagation of that harmonic mode, and therefore may be a measure of plasma asymmetry and non-uniformity.

A quantitative measure of the asymmetry for each of a set of harmonics, a parameter, may then be stored in the plug-in unit, and may be transmitted through the data network to the chamber and the tool controllers. Further, the trend and acceleration in the parameters may be computed and compared with reference values and criteria in the database as part of the process of determining whether a fault condition occurs. In some embodiments, when such fault condition occurs, algorithms and criteria that may be stored on the plug-in, may execute in the processors resident in the compartment to determine a course of remedial or preventive action. Such action then may be transmitted rapidly to the RF generator and/or the chamber and/or tool controllers.

In some embodiments, all such databases of parameters, algorithms, criteria, and specifications for comparing the parameters, rates of change of parameters, and acceleration of parameters may reside on a data storage device or detachable processor, that may be connected to a port that may be an input/output port of the signal analysis compartment. The analysis of the surface wave modes based on signals from the sensors, and parameters derived therefrom, performed so rapidly by the processors that any fault declaration and remedial action orders may be transmitted to the RF generator, and reported to the controller for the chamber or system via a network within five milliseconds or less of the occurrence. In some embodiments, a fault condition and specified remedial action orders may be transmitted to the generator within one millisecond.

In some embodiments, many types of plasma excursions from desired plasma uniformity may be detected quickly enough that the tool or chamber controller may take measures to correct the plasma fault condition before the wafer or substrate is misprocessed. In some circumstances, the specified remedial action may be that RF power format, e.g., continuous-wave (CW) or pulsed, is altered briefly, or power is turned off completely for a brief period, or frequency is changed for a brief period of time, or processing of the current wafer may be halted and the wafer saved for later processing or discarded, or the reaction chamber may be shut down for maintenance.

In certain embodiments, upon detection of a plasma fault condition, the disclosed signal analysis compartment associated with the matching network may order appropriate corrective actions to be executed by the RF generator and/or in some embodiments by the matching network. For example, the RF process generator may initiate a termination process to end the processing of wafers in response to the signals measured by sensors on the showerhead and/or pedestal. Alternatively, power may be interrupted, e.g., the institution of pulsed power, by the RF plasma processing deposition system to stop or pulse the plasma so that secondary plasmas are stopped or greatly reduced. In some cases, after a very brief interruption, the specified remedial action may provide that processing can then continue. In certain implementations, the remedial action may be determined through, for example, machine learning and/or programmed remediation programs based on yield data or other wafer diagnostics.

Turning to <FIG>, a top view of the propagation of axisymmetric surface waves across a pedestal where the plasma in the reaction chamber is axisymmetric, according to embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. In <FIG>, circles <NUM> are the curves of constant phase and amplitude for fundamental and harmonic frequency components of axisymmetric surface-wave modes. The circles are concentric with the electrodes. These modes are highly dominant when in the chamber, electrode and plasma are all axisymmetric and coaxial. The propagation vectors <NUM> for the surface waves at any frequency will be radial. The waves will propagate both toward the center and away from the center, and as they propagate, such waves will inject power into the plasma.

Turning to <FIG>, a top view of transverse electromagnetic surface wave propagation across an electrode, according to embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. In <FIG>, the lines <NUM>-<NUM> of constant phase and equal amplitude for a particular single non-axisymmetric mode are approximately straight and parallel, whether at the fundamental frequency or a harmonic thereof. Such surface waves may be detected by sensors disposed on a pedestal or showerhead of the RF plasma deposition system. This mode may be called "transverse" which means that the direction of propagation, as seen in propagation vectors <NUM>-<NUM>, is across the electrode surface from one side to the other or from a central plane to both left and right sides. There may be other non-axisymmetric modes where the lines of constant phase may be curves that have a center of curvature displaced from the center of the electrode. The detector readings for each frequency can be decomposed into a sum of axisymmetric modes and (often a small number of) non-axisymmetric modes that reflect the major non-uniformities of the plasma. Typically, the decomposition may permit identification of a transverse mode component and/or one main "off-center" or displaced radial mode, either of which is characteristic of a configuration of plasma non-uniformity. The correlations of the configuration of plasma non-uniformity with the particular non-axisymmetric modes is done in advance of production processing as part of building the database, which may reside on the plug-in unit or elsewhere.

Turning to <FIG>, a top view of one exemplary azimuthal sensor disposition for a reaction chamber, according to embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. In this embodiment, a plurality of sensors <NUM> may be disposed azimuthally around one or more components of a reaction chamber and/or on the reaction chamber itself. As briefly discussed above, the plurality of sensors <NUM>, which in this embodiment may be four, may be positioned upon certain chamber components, such as a showerhead and/or a pedestal, at different angles about a chamber symmetry axis <NUM> for measuring the surface voltage or current associated with surface waves. In this case at <NUM>-degree intervals, but in some embodiments may be at irregular intervals of azimuth.

Sensors <NUM> may include passive sensors <NUM> that pick up changing electric potentials or magnetic fields. Sensors <NUM> may be disposed at differing azimuths for detecting EM waves having different types of propagation modes relative to chamber symmetry axis <NUM>. Sensors <NUM> may be disposed at equidistant locations around chamber symmetry axis <NUM> and/or components within a reaction chamber, or the reaction chamber itself. Similarly, sensors <NUM> may be disposed diametrically opposite one another, such that the spacing between sensors <NUM> and the symmetry axis may be approximately the same. For example, the distance between sensor <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> is approximately the same as that between <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM>. Similarly, each sensors <NUM> is located the same distance from chamber symmetry axis <NUM>. Examples of sensor <NUM> spacing and location are discussed in greater detail below.

As illustrated, the sensors <NUM> are disposed at diametrically opposite locations. For example, sensor <NUM>-<NUM> is diametrically opposed to sensor <NUM>-<NUM>, while sensor <NUM>-<NUM> is diametrically opposed to sensor <NUM>-<NUM>. The sensors <NUM> may for non-axisymmetric plasma thus find differences in wave forms on different sides of the reaction chamber and/or components thereof, and when differences in the wave forms occur, provide notification, as explained above, so that remedial or proactive actions may be taken. For example, if sensor <NUM>-<NUM> and sensor <NUM>-<NUM> sense and report a difference in waveform from their diametrically opposed locations, such differences may provide an indication that the harmonics are out of phase or have differing amplitudes, which may thereby indicate there is plasma nonuniformity and asymmetry. Such differences in waveform occur when there are differences between diametrically opposite detectors in the relative phase or amplitude of one or more harmonics in signals picked up by the opposite sensors.

In certain embodiments, four sensors <NUM> may be used, as illustrated in <FIG>. However, in other embodiments differing numbers of sensors <NUM>, such as six, eight, twelve, fourteen, sixteen, eighteen, twenty, or more sensors <NUM> may be used. In some embodiments the azimuth angles between sensors may not be equal, nonetheless, the same characteristics of non-azimuthally symmetric plasma modes may be observed by sensors. In certain implementations, it may be beneficial to have between six and twelve sensors <NUM>. The greater the number of sensors <NUM>, the more data may be collected, thereby providing enhanced ability to discriminate against noise and sensitivity for recognition of nonuniformity. However, by increasing the number of sensors <NUM>, data processing may be slowed, thereby resulting in remediation and preventive actions that occur more slowly. Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that balancing the number of sensors <NUM> with a desired level of granularity of data may thereby allow the RF plasma process to be optimized. As such, as computing power increases, and the speed with which data may be processed increases, it may be beneficial to increase the number of sensors <NUM>. In certain embodiments, specific sensors <NUM> may be selectively turned off and on, thereby allowing controllers to access certain desired data. For example, in a system having eight sensors, four of the sensors may be selected and turned off, thereby decreasing the amount of generated data. In other embodiments, additional sensors may be added or removed from operation, thereby changing the amount of data that is generated.

Sensors <NUM> may also include various types of sensors, both round and other geometries. In certain embodiments, sensors <NUM> may be circular having an area between about <NUM> square centimeter and about <NUM> square centimeters. Sensors <NUM> may further include a surface insulator layer or coating to protect sensors <NUM> from plasma or reactive species in a reaction chamber and may also include other optional coatings and layers such as faraday shields for current sensors, aluminum coatings, and the like.

Turning to <FIG>, a side cross-sectional view of azimuthally mounted sensors on a reaction chamber, according to embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. In this embodiment, reaction chamber <NUM> has a symmetry axis <NUM> that runs longitudinally from the center of showerhead <NUM> through pedestal <NUM>. In other embodiments, symmetry axis <NUM> may run longitudinally from the center of another electrode, such as an antenna. A plurality of sensors <NUM> may be azimuthally disposed at various locations around and inside reaction chamber <NUM>, as well as around or associated with specific components, such as showerhead <NUM> and/or pedestal <NUM>. As <FIG> is a cross-section, only two sensors <NUM> for each location are illustrated, however, more sensors <NUM> may be used during implementation of the RF plasma monitoring process, as discussed in detail with respect to <FIG>.

In certain embodiments, sensors <NUM>-<NUM> may be disposed around the edge or periphery of showerhead <NUM>. In such an implementation, sensors <NUM>-<NUM> may be disposed at least partially or completely embedded within showerhead <NUM>-<NUM> and the outer surface of sensors <NUM>-<NUM> may be coated with an insulating layer, thereby protecting sensors <NUM>-<NUM> from the environment within reaction chamber <NUM>. In such an embodiment, two or more sensors <NUM>-<NUM> may be azimuthally disposed around the edge of showerhead <NUM>, and preferably four or more sensors thereby allowing for detection of nonuniformity and asymmetry in RF plasma processing.

In other embodiments, sensors <NUM>-<NUM> may be disposed along the edge of pedestal <NUM> within the vacuum of reaction chamber <NUM>. As explained above with respect to sensors <NUM>-<NUM>, sensors <NUM>-<NUM> may be partially or completely embedded in pedestal <NUM> and may or may not include an insulating layer disposed on an outer surface thereof. Further, in some embodiments they may have a dielectric protective part covering them. In additional to sensors <NUM>-<NUM> disposed around the pedestal <NUM> inside the vacuum, other sensors <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> may be disposed outside of the vacuum of reaction chamber <NUM> and around pedestal <NUM>. Such sensors <NUM>-<NUM> and <NUM>-<NUM> may be disposed on a metal surface along pedestal <NUM> and/or a base portion thereof. Sensors <NUM> may also be disposed on other support structures of or associated with pedestal <NUM>.

In still other embodiments, sensors <NUM>-<NUM> may be disposed and/or otherwise built into the sidewall of reaction chamber <NUM>. In such embodiments, where the wall is dielectric, sensors <NUM>-<NUM> may be disposed outside reaction chamber <NUM> on an outside chamber wall <NUM> or may be built into the sidewall so that sensors <NUM>-<NUM> are within the vacuum of reaction chamber <NUM>. For metal walls, sensors should have their pickups exposed in the inner surface of the wall so that EM fields on the inside of the chamber may be sensed. Other sensors <NUM>-<NUM> may be disposed into view ports <NUM>, which are located along the outside chamber wall <NUM>. In such embodiments, sensors <NUM>-<NUM> in viewports may be located outside the vacuum of reaction chamber <NUM> or located within reaction chamber <NUM>.

In yet other embodiments, sensors <NUM>-<NUM> may be disposed in dielectric located around, for example showerhead <NUM>, while in other implementations, sensors <NUM>-<NUM> may be disposed in dielectric located around pedestal <NUM>. While specific locations for sensors <NUM> are discussed herein, sensors <NUM> may be located at various other locations in and around reaction chamber <NUM>. For example, sensors <NUM> may be disposed inside or outside a dielectric wall near an antenna or other components. Sensors <NUM> may further be located at various other locations inside a metal wall of reaction chamber <NUM>.

In certain embodiments, combinations of sensors <NUM>-<NUM> - <NUM>-<NUM> may be used in order to more accurately monitor RF plasma processing. For example, sensors <NUM>-<NUM> around the edge of showerhead <NUM> may be combined with sensors <NUM>-<NUM> around the edge of pedestal <NUM>. Similarly, combinations of sensors <NUM>-<NUM> outside reaction chamber <NUM> may be combined with sensors <NUM>-<NUM>/<NUM>-<NUM> located within reaction chamber <NUM>. In still other embodiments, combinations three, four, five, six, seven, or more variations of sensor <NUM> location may be used to further optimize monitoring of RF plasma processing.

Turning to <FIG>, a side cross-section of a model reactor chamber according to embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. In this embodiment exemplary positions are shown for a plurality of azimuthally disposed sensors <NUM>, located around a bottom electrode which in this example is pedestal <NUM>. Similar to the sensors <NUM> discussed above with respect to <FIG>, <FIG> illustrates sensors <NUM> that are disposed in various locations. Sensors <NUM>-<NUM> are disposed around an outer edge of pedestal <NUM>. Sensor azimuthal positions indicated as <NUM>-<NUM> are disposed around the inside of reaction chamber <NUM>, while sensor azimuth positions <NUM>-<NUM> are disposed around the outer periphery of reaction chamber <NUM> adjacent viewports.

In this embodiment, twelve sensors <NUM> are illustrated at each location, however, in other implementations, other numbers of sensors <NUM>, both fewer and greater, may be used. Also, in addition to the sensor <NUM> locations expressly illustrated, other sensor <NUM> locations may also be used to further enhance RF plasma processing.

Turning to <FIG>, a side schematic cross-section of a reaction chamber according to embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. In this embodiment, sensors <NUM> are illustrated disposed around the antenna of an inductively coupled plasma source <NUM>. As such, sensors <NUM> may sense RF currents or voltages from a plasma source that is located within reaction chamber <NUM>.

Turning to <FIG>, a partial cross-section of a RF plasma processing system, according to embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. In this embodiment, RF plasma processing system <NUM> includes a pedestal <NUM>. Pedestal <NUM> includes sensors <NUM> that are disposed along an upper outer edge of pedestal <NUM>. As described above, sensors <NUM> may be disposed on an upper, outer edge, embedded within pedestal <NUM>, or may alternately be disposed around an outer edge either inside or outside the vacuum of a reaction chamber.

RF plasma processing system <NUM> also includes circuitry <NUM> that is connected to sensors <NUM> through communication lines <NUM>. As sensors <NUM> receive sensed data from RF plasma processing system <NUM>, the data may be sent to circuitry <NUM> for processing. Because the circuitry <NUM> is relatively close to sensors <NUM>, the time taken to transfer the sensed data therebetween may be decreased. As such, initial calculations as to the electrical properties sensed by sensors <NUM> may be performed more quickly, then transferred to other components <NUM> of RF plasma processing system <NUM>. The other components <NUM> may include, for example, an RF generator, an impedance matching network, a fault detection compartment, an operation controller for the reaction chamber, an operational controller for the tool, a plug-in device, a signal analysis compartment, or other component(s) connected to RF plasma processing system <NUM>.

Components of the RF plasma processing system <NUM>, either the other components <NUM> or still other components not shown may then adjust aspects of RF plasma processing system <NUM> to correct for a fault that is detected by sensors <NUM> and processed at least partially within circuitry <NUM>. Circuitry <NUM> may be located within pedestal <NUM> outside of the vacuum of the reaction chamber (not shown) in an isolated structure to protect circuitry <NUM> from the conditions within the reaction chamber. In other embodiments, circuitry <NUM> may be located in a base of pedestal <NUM>, or in other areas proximate pedestal <NUM>.

As <FIG> illustrates a cross-section of a components of an RF plasma processing system <NUM>, one of ordinary skill in the art having the benefit of this disclosure will appreciate that circuitry <NUM> may be disposed at approximately the same radius at different azimuths around pedestal <NUM>. As such, independent circuitry <NUM> may be available for each sensor <NUM> or sensors <NUM> and may be connected to centralized circuitry <NUM> that is located in one or more select locations around and/or within pedestal <NUM>.

Turning to <FIG>, a partial cross-section of an inductively coupled RF plasma processing system <NUM>, according to embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. Sensors <NUM> are shown configured proximate the induction antenna <NUM> and may be mounted outside or inside a dielectric wall (not shown) that is adjacent the antenna.

Turning to <FIG>, process phase diagrams for a RF plasma processing system matching network, according to embodiments of the present disclosure are shown. In <FIG>, phase one of a process is shown, wherein the amplitude of the radio frequency increases with time as the direct current section of the generator is providing a higher voltage. Phase one may last, for example, approximately <NUM> millisecond, depending on the design features provided by the manufacturer. As illustrated, the forward voltage <NUM> is increasing with each pulse, and similarly, the reflected voltage <NUM> is also increasing with each pulse.

In <FIG>, phase two of a process is shown, wherein the amplitude of the radio frequency voltage is constant, but the match is not turned. Accordingly, the amplitude of the forward voltage <NUM> is constant, as is the amplitude of the reflected voltage <NUM>. In <FIG>, phase three of a process is shown, in which the match is tuned. In phase three, the amplitude of the forward voltage <NUM> is constant. The amplitude of the reflected voltage <NUM> is also constant, however, the amplitude of the reflected voltage <NUM> is also lower. A fourth phase, not illustrated, may also occur in some embodiments, in which a process parameter has changed, such as a change to a capacitor, and an endpoint is reached. During the fourth phase, an impedance may have changed, which may result in a change to the voltage.

Turning to <FIG>, a schematic representation of the phases of a radio frequency processing system matching network, according to embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. As discussed in greater detail above, a process may include four phases. During phase one <NUM>, the direct current is ramping up. During phase two <NUM>, the matching network begins to become tuned, but may not be fully tuned. In phase three <NUM> a steady state may occur, in which the reflected voltage is relatively low. In the fourth phase <NUM>, an end time may be reached. This process may occur numerous times for a particular wafer.

Aspects of the present disclosure may allow for statistics to be derived for individual wafers based on dynamic changes in the process that are represented above with respect to the various phases of operation. Accordingly, statistics may be performed for one or more of the phases, and may include signals associated with a particular pulse. For example, statistics may be prepared that allows for voltage of a radio frequency to be measured on or about a sensor, on an output of a matching network, in or around the plasma processing system, and or on a component external to the matching network. Statistics may also be prepared for current of a radio frequency and/or phases in terms of degrees between the voltage of the radio frequency and the current of the radio frequency. The process may be completed for numerous wafers, and the statistics compiled, thereby allowing for trends to be monitored. The trends may be used to determine when various alerts and/or intervention commands may be issued. Aspects of determining the statistics and generating alerts and intervention commands are discussed in detail below.

Turning to <FIG>, a graphical illustration of voltage at a beginning of a radio frequency pulse in a radio frequency plasma processing system, according to embodiments of the present disclosure, is shown. Before discussing the accumulation of statistical data and how the data is used, an example of how a pulse reaches a steady state is illustrated. In this illustration, the x-axis represents time in microseconds and the y-axis represents a unit measurement proportional to voltage. Thus, various measurements and calculations, such as slope, time to reach max voltage, time to reach steady state max voltage, and voltage at steady state. Such measurements may be performed for each and/or a plurality of pulses, which may thereby allow for calculation of averages for particular values, standard deviations for particular values, ramps, trends, and the like to be monitored. The acquisition and use of such measured values will not be discussed in detail.

Embodiments of the present disclosure may provide methods to provide data on radio frequency pulses in a radio frequency plasma processing system. The method may include measuring an electrical parameter within a matching network of the radio frequency plasma processing system. Initially, a matching network may include functionality to detect a type of process that is occurring, and as such, the matching network knows the power, a preset position of the capacitors, the position the capacitors reach when the reflected power is approximately zero, as well as an identification value of the process, which may be provided by the user. Each of these known aspects may be individually or collectively referred to herein as a matching network value.

Measuring the electrical parameter may include measuring one or more aspects of the radio frequency plasma processing operation. Some of the measurements may include relatively slow variables, such as measuring a position of a capacitor, that may only occur every <NUM> milliseconds, while other measurements may occur relatively quickly, such as measuring current, voltage, and phase, as was discussed in detail above. The relatively quick measurements may occur in a microsecond time frame, such as every <NUM> microseconds or less.

In operation, methods may further include determining an attribute of the measurement of the electrical parameter. For each of the electrical parameters that is measured, a specific feature may be identified such as the time for reflected power to reach a minimum and/or a slope of the envelope of the voltage measured on a component in or about the plasma chamber, and/or the time for the envelope to reach steady state, as well as features showing how the voltage and/or current are evolving. The attribute may include, for example, one or more parameters, such as a minimum value, a maximum value, character of a transient, such as a slope, a ramp or a trend. The attribute may be determined for a set period of time or over a predefined time period, that may be based on the type of attribute that is identified.

In operation, methods may further include defining a first statistic for the attribute of the measurement of the electrical parameter. Examples of statistics may include, for a specific attribute, an average, a standard deviation, a trend, and the like. The statistics may thereby reflect attributes of specific electrical parameters of specific periods of time. The time period for the statistics may be based on the type of measurement that was initially take. As such, and explained above, for slow variables, the time period may be longer than for relatively quick variables.

In operation, methods may further include defining a second statistic based on the first statistic for at least one of a phase and a process. The second statistic may be representative as a collection of calculated or measured values defined by the first statistic that are aggregated for a phase or a process. For example, the first statistics collected for phase one may be combined to collectively define a second statistic. Similar methods of aggregating second statistics may occur for a process, where the process may be a period of time, a type of action, a matching network parameter, or another operational aspect of the process.

In operation, methods may further include delivering the first statistic and second statistic to a user. In certain embodiments the delivery may occur at a rate that is substantially the same as a data acquisition rate of the user. As the first and second statistics either individually or collectively may be used to determine an operational condition of a matching network or other component or aspect of a RF plasma processing system, delivering the statistics to a user may allow the user to understand how the process is progressing. The statistics may then be used by the matching network, a component associated with the matching network, or a user to determine whether any changes to the process may be beneficial. For example, a user may use the first and second statistics to determine that a condition damaging to a wafer or other aspect of the process is occurring. As such, the user may take remedial action, stop the process, and the like, to prevent the event from occurring. Additionally, the first and second statistics may be used to provide alerts or intervention commands to either a user and/or a matching network and/or a radio frequency generator and/or a component of the plasma processing system. Initiation of an alert may inform the user and/or matching network and/or a radio frequency generator and/or a component of the plasma processing system that a condition is occurring, while an intervention may take action to address the condition.

In operation, methods may further include storing the first statistic and the second statistic within the matching network. By storing the first statistic and the second statistic within the matching network a repository of collected data may be available for use in other aspects of plasma processing. For example, the stored information may be used to determine expected lifetimes of components, such as capacitors. The data may also be used to compare one of the first and second statistics to an actual measurement of an electrical property to determine whether a specific action should occur. In certain embodiments, the action may include an alert or intervention when the comparison between at least one of the first and second statistic to the actual measurement of the electrical property falls within a defined criterion.

In still other embodiments, a matching network design parameter may be adjusted based on at least one of the first and second statistic. Design parameters may include parameters that control the way the matching network operates, such as finding a minimum of reflected power or intentionally shift the algorithm to not reach the exact minimum, but to optimize another parameter, such as making the time to reach a minimum reflected power equal to a predetermined target value and/or the slope of the envelope of the voltage measured on a component in or about the plasma chamber to reach a predetermined value. Similarly, a matching network operational parameter may be adjusted based on at least one of the first and second statistic. In still other embodiments, the first and second statistics may be grouped when they occur under a common process condition that may be defined by an identification provided by a user, an input power, a capacitor preset position, and a capacitor tuned position. As such, statistics for common processes may be analyzed to determine an expected condition within a RF plasma processing system.

In addition to the methods provided above, certain diagnostics may be performed on a matching network. The diagnostics may include use of the data explained above or may include other components and devices that collect additional information. Examples of such components and methods are described in detail below with respect to <FIG>.

Turning to <FIG>, a schematic representation of a matching network <NUM> for a RF plasma processing system, according to embodiments of the present disclosure is shown. In this embodiment, a RF signal may be fed into the matching network, close to an output by a low power RF source <NUM>. The RF signal may be used as a diagnostic signal to determine certain properties of the matching network, which are described in detail below.

The matching network may include a number of components including inductors, capacitors, sensors, and the like. In the embodiment illustrated in <FIG>, the matching network includes dampening elements <NUM> that are located at both an input and output side of the matching network. Dampening elements <NUM> may dampen a signal by, for example, <NUM> decibels, to ensure that the plasma chamber on the output <NUM> of the matching network or the generator on the input side of the matching network is not affecting measurements occurring in the matching network.

The matching network may also include various sensors, such as an input sensor <NUM> disposed on the input side of the matching network that may measure, for example, phase and magnitude. Other types of sensors may include one or more voltage sensors <NUM>, impedance sensors <NUM>, current sensors, <NUM>, and the like. The matching network may also include various other components, such as variable impedance components <NUM>, such as capacitors, as well as fixed impedance components <NUM>, such as inductors. Such components of the matching network are defined operationally below.

The low power RF source <NUM> may be built into the matching network or may be an add-on, which is plugged into a port (not shown) of the matching network. As such, in certain embodiments, an add-on low power RF source <NUM> may allow the same low power RF source to be used on multiple matching networks or otherwise be changed out to accommodate various operational constraints. Low power source <NUM> may provide a wave, such as a sine wave or arbitrary wave form that is built with a known spectrum, e.g., frequency and phase.

The RF signal may include a spectrum of frequencies with defined amplitudes and phases relative to a single reference RF signal. The impedance at an output of the low power RF source <NUM> may be measured by a sensor <NUM>. In certain embodiments, the RF signal may travel through a blocking circuit <NUM>. Blocking circuit <NUM> may block the process frequency of the matching network but does not block the RF signal.

The RF signal may then travel through a main section of the circuit of the matching network, while not traveling to the output. The RF signal may be prevented from traveling through the output by a component <NUM>. Component <NUM> may have a low impedance, such as less than <NUM> ohm (Ω), at the process frequency, while having a high impedance for the RF signal. Similarly, the RF signal may also not travel through an input port of the matching network.

The matching circuit may include one or more inductors <NUM> and capacitors <NUM>. In certain embodiments, capacitors <NUM> may be variable capacitors, such as variable vacuum capacitors and/or electronically variable capacitors, such as pin-diode switchable capacitors. In certain aspects of the matching circuit, one or more sensors <NUM> may measure voltage, current, and phase of the RF signal. In certain embodiments, sensors <NUM> may be current sensors, such as sensor <NUM> disposed in a location within the matching circuit where the voltage is expected to be relatively low. In certain implementations, sensors <NUM> and <NUM> may also measure voltage, current and phase at the processing frequency.

During operation, RF signals may be monitored by sensors <NUM> and <NUM>, and the monitored RF signals may be compared with a predefined mathematical model for the matching network. The predefined mathematical model may be built into the matching network. The predefined mathematical model may include actual values of fixed and variable elements of the matching network. A difference in voltage measured by sensors <NUM> on either side of a component may be proportional to the impedance of the component. When a mismatch between the measurements and the models occurs during processing, the matching network may send an alert and/or an interventional command to a user and/or the matching network and/or a radio frequency generator and/or a component of the plasma processing system. The alert or interventional command may occur when a predefined limit or range of mismatch occurs.

An alert may include sending a message to a user that a mismatch has occurred, thereby allowing the user to determine the next steps. For example, the user may choose to stop the process, or determine that the mismatch is too minor to stop the process. The user may also change an operational parameter of the matching network in response to the alter. An intervention command may allow for immediate action, such as automatically changing an operational parameter of the matching network or otherwise tell the user what actions to take place. In certain embodiments, the interventional command may automatically stop operation of a RF plasma processing system.

In certain implementations, if a measured current on either side of a component is not the same, a certain percentage of current may be lost through arcing. Moreover, if the differences of voltages between two sides of a component do not correspond to the calculated voltage implied by the current and the impedance of the component, such difference may indicate that a component is malfunctioning. For example, a higher resistance may indicate that the component is ageing and may require maintenance or replacement. In certain embodiments, the frequencies of the RF signal may be varied in time to create resonance at a predefined location in the matching circuit for a predetermined value of a certain component.

The system and methods described above may therefore provide an increasingly accurate and relatively rapid diagnostic method for use in RF plasma processing system matching networks. For example, in certain embodiments, the diagnostics may occur in a microsecond time frame. As such, users of such matching networks may have increased knowledge of the functional dynamics of the matching network to ensure the matching network is functioning according to acceptable manufacturing tolerances.

According to various embodiments, the above-described diagnostic method may occur when plasma is turned on or when plasma is turned off. When diagnostics are performed with the plasma on, a full return path of the RF signal is provided. Such diagnostics may also be used to detect relatively rapid changes in impedance, such as arcs, by using a frequency that is not the carrier of the power. When diagnostics are performed with the plasma off, the measurements may be focused on the structures leading to the plasma reaction chamber and/or the matching network.

During operation, the above-described systems and methods may be used in diagnosing matching network and/or RF plasma processing systems. Such methods may include providing a diagnostic RF signal, such as the RF signal described above, where the diagnostic RF signal includes a plurality of frequencies. The diagnostic RF signal may be provided to the matching network of the radio frequency plasma processing system.

In operation, such methods may further include measuring a voltage, a current, and a phase of the diagnostic radio frequency signal as the diagnostic RF signal propagates through the matching network as a function of a plurality of variable capacitors of the matching network. The measurements may occur as the diagnostic RF signal propagates through matching network circuitry, which may include, for example, sensors, capacitors, inductors, and other such components.

In operation, the methods may further include blocking a processing radio frequency between a matching network circuit core and a source that is providing the diagnostic radio frequency signal. The processing radio signal may include the signal indicating the RF that is supplied to a reaction chamber during plasma processes and the matching network circuit core may include any of the matching network components and circuitry explained above, including sensors, capacitors, inductors, and the like.

In operation, the methods may also include blocking the diagnostic RF signal at an input and an output of the matching network, thereby preventing the diagnostic RF signal from interfering with the operation of the RF plasma processing system.

In operation, the methods may further include obtaining a plurality of resonance components from the diagnostic RF signal and collecting at least one of a typical reference for the voltage, the current and the phase, and a statistic of the voltage, the current, and the phase.

In operation, the methods may also include comparing the voltage, the current, and the phase to at least one of the typical reference for the voltage, the current, and the phase, and the statistic of the voltage, the current and the phase. Based on the comparison, methods may also include generating a least one of an alert and an intervention based on the comparing the voltage, the current, and the phase to at least one of the typical reference for the voltage, the current, and the phase, and the statistic of the voltage, the statistic of the current, and the statistic of the phase. Such alerts and interventions are described in detail above.

In certain embodiments, methods may include obtaining, by calculation, at least one of value of a fixed and a variable component of a match. Obtaining such components may thereby also diagnostics to be performed to determine the functionality of such components and may further be used to determine whether specific alerts or interventions may be required or suggested.

<FIG> shows a computer processing device <NUM> in accordance with one or more examples of the present disclosure. Computer processing device <NUM> may be used to implement aspects of the present disclosure, such as the methods and systems discussed above including, for example, a controller or other processing device used in implementing the above discussed embodiments. Computer processing device <NUM> may include one or more central processing units (singular "CPU" or plural "CPUs") <NUM> disposed on one or more printed circuit boards (not otherwise shown). Each of the one or more CPUs <NUM> may be a single-core processor (not independently illustrated) or a multi-core processor (not independently illustrated). Multi-core processors typically include a plurality of processor cores (not shown) disposed on the same physical die (not shown) or a plurality of processor cores (not shown) disposed on multiple die (not shown) that are collectively disposed within the same mechanical package (not shown). Computer processing device <NUM> may include one or more core logic devices such as, for example, host bridge <NUM> and input/output ("IO") bridge <NUM>.

CPU <NUM> may include an interface <NUM> to host bridge1911, an interface <NUM> to system memory <NUM>, and an interface <NUM> to one or more IO devices, such as, for example, graphics processing unit ("GFX") <NUM>. GFX <NUM> may include one or more graphics processor cores (not independently shown) and an interface <NUM> to display <NUM>. In certain examples, CPU <NUM> may integrate the functionality of GFX <NUM> and interface directly (not shown) with display <NUM>. Host bridge <NUM> may include an interface <NUM> to CPU <NUM>, an interface <NUM> to IO bridge <NUM>, for examples where CPU <NUM> does not include interface <NUM> to system memory <NUM>, an interface <NUM> to system memory <NUM>, and for examples where CPU <NUM> does not include integrated GFX <NUM> or interface <NUM> to GFX <NUM>, an interface <NUM> to GFX <NUM>. One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that CPU <NUM> and host bridge <NUM> may be integrated, in whole or in part, to reduce chip count, motherboard footprint, thermal design power, and power consumption. IO bridge <NUM> may include an interface <NUM> to host bridge <NUM>, one or more interfaces <NUM> to one or more IO expansion devices <NUM>, an interface <NUM> to keyboard <NUM>, an interface <NUM> to mouse <NUM>, an interface <NUM> to one or more local storage devices <NUM>, and an interface <NUM> to one or more network interface devices <NUM>.

Each local storage device <NUM> may be a solid-state memory device, a solid-state memory device array, a hard disk drive, a hard disk drive array, or any other non-transitory computer readable medium. Each network interface device <NUM> may provide one or more network interfaces including, for example, Ethernet, Fibre Channel, WiMAX, Wi-Fi ®, Bluetooth®, or any other network protocol suitable to facilitate networked communications. Computer processing device <NUM> may include one or more network-attached storage devices <NUM> in addition to, or instead of, one or more local storage devices <NUM>. Network-attached storage device <NUM> may be a solid-state memory device, a solid-state memory device array, a hard disk drive, a hard disk drive array, or any other non-transitory computer readable medium. Network-attached storage device <NUM> may or may not be collocated with computer processing device <NUM> and may be accessible to computer processing device <NUM> via one or more network interfaces provided by one or more network interface devices <NUM>.

One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that computer processing device <NUM> may include one or more application-specific integrated circuits ("ASICs") that are configured to perform a certain function, such as, for example, hashing (not shown), in a more efficient manner. The one or more ASICs may interface directly with an interface of CPU <NUM>, host bridge <NUM>, or IO bridge <NUM>. Alternatively, an application-specific computing system (not shown), sometimes referred to as mining systems, may be reduced to only those components necessary to perform the desired function, such as hashing via one or more hashing ASICs, to reduce chip count, motherboard footprint, thermal design power, and power consumption. As such, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that the one or more CPUs <NUM>, host bridge <NUM>, IO bridge <NUM>, or ASICs or various sub-sets, super-sets, or combinations of functions or features thereof, may be integrated, in whole or in part, or distributed among various devices in a way that may vary based on an application, design, or form factor in accordance with one or more example examples. As such, the description of computer processing device <NUM> is merely exemplary and not intended to limit the type, kind, or configuration of components that constitute a computing system suitable for performing computing operations, including, but not limited to, hashing functions. Additionally, one of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that computer processing device <NUM>, an application-specific computing system (not shown), or combination thereof, may be disposed in a stand-alone, desktop, server, or rack mountable form factor.

One of ordinary skill in the art will recognize that computer processing device <NUM> may be a cloud-based server, a server, a workstation, a desktop, a laptop, a netbook, a tablet, a smartphone, a mobile device, and/or any other type of computing system in accordance with one or more example examples.

Examples in the present disclosure may also be directed to a non-transitory computer-readable medium storing computer-executable instructions and executable by one or more processors of the computer via which the computer-readable medium is accessed. A computer-readable media may be any available media that may be accessed by a computer. By way of example, such computer-readable media may comprise RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or other optical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that may be used to carry or store desired program code in the form of instructions or data structures and that may be accessed by a computer. Disk and disc, as used herein, includes compact disc ("CD"), laser disc, optical disc, digital versatile disc ("DVD"), floppy disk and Blu-ray® disc where disks usually reproduce data magnetically, while discs reproduce data optically with lasers.

Note also that the software implemented aspects of the subject matter claimed below are usually encoded on some form of program storage medium or implemented over some type of transmission medium. The program storage medium is a non-transitory medium and may be magnetic (e.g., a floppy disk or a hard drive) or optical (e.g., a compact disk read only memory, or "CD ROM"), and may be read only or random access. Similarly, the transmission medium may be twisted wire pairs, coaxial cable, optical fiber, or some other suitable transmission medium known to the art. The claimed subject matter is not limited by these aspects of any given implementation.

Claim 1:
A method of providing data on radio frequency pulses in a radio frequency plasma processing system (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>), the method comprising:
measuring an electrical parameter within a matching network (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) of the radio frequency plasma processing system (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>);
determining an attribute of the measurement of the electrical parameter;
defining a first statistic for the attribute of the measurement of the electrical parameter;
defining a second statistic based on the first statistic for at least one of a phase and a process;
delivering the first statistic and second statistic to a user;
storing the first statistic and the second statistic within the matching network (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>);
determining a lifetime of a capacitor in the matching network (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) based on at least one of the first statistic and the second statistic; and
issuing an alert and/or an intervention command based on at least one of the first statistic and the second statistic.