Patent ID: 7740737

Claim:
A plasma processing apparatus comprising: a process container that forms a process space to accommodate a target substrate; an exhaust unit connected to an exhaust port of the process container to vacuum-exhaust gas from inside the process container; an exhaust plate interposed between the process space and the exhaust port to rectify a flow of exhaust gas; a first electrode and a second electrode disposed opposite each other within the process container, the first electrode being an upper electrode and the second electrode being a lower electrode configured to support the target substrate; an electrode support body made of an insulating material and including a first portion interposed between the second electrode and a bottom of the process container and a second portion surrounding the second electrode; a first RF power application unit configured to apply a first RF power to the first electrode; a second RF power application unit configured to apply a second RF power to the second electrode, the second RF power having a frequency lower than that of the first RF power; a DC power supply configured to apply a DC voltage to the first electrode; a process gas supply unit configured to supply a process gas into the process container; a control unit configured to control any one of application voltage, application current, and application power from the DC power supply to the first electrode; and a conductive member disposed within the process container and grounded to release through plasma a current caused by the DC voltage applied from the DC power supply to the first electrode, the conductive member comprising a portion disposed on a side surface of the electrode support body at a position to be exposed to the plasma above the exhaust plate, wherein the conductive member has a recess to prevent flying substances from being deposited during a plasma process, and the recess is located at an outer periphery of an annular body defining the conductive member.