Sectional clamp ring
First Claim
1. A multi-piece consumable clamp ring for use in a processing chamber, comprising:
- a) a downwardly extending U-shaped annular lower ring portion adapted to be positioned between two electrically chargeable members; and
b) an annular upper shield portion separate from the lower ring portion substantially covering an upper surface of the U-shaped annular lower ring portion, wherein the lower ring portion and the upper shield portion are adapted to be releasably coupled together.
1 Assignment
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Accused Products
Abstract
The present invention provides a multi-piece clamp ring, adapted to be used in plasma assisted and other processes in electronic device fabrication and is especially suitable for use in an etching or deposition process. The clamp ring includes an upper shield portion that typically is consumed in the etching process and a lower ring portion protected by the upper shield portion which can be re-used. The upper shield portion protects the lower ring portion from the etching process. The upper shield portion is adapted to be fastened to a chamber member to retain alignment with a substrate during the etching process. The lower ring portion is allowed to move and align itself with the upper shield portion or be removably fastened with the upper shield portion.
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Citations
18 Claims
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1. A multi-piece consumable clamp ring for use in a processing chamber, comprising:
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a) a downwardly extending U-shaped annular lower ring portion adapted to be positioned between two electrically chargeable members; and b) an annular upper shield portion separate from the lower ring portion substantially covering an upper surface of the U-shaped annular lower ring portion, wherein the lower ring portion and the upper shield portion are adapted to be releasably coupled together. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8)
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9. A processing system, comprising:
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a) a chamber having a bottom, sidewalls, and a top; b) a substrate supporting surface inside the chamber; c) a power supply adapted to created a plasma in the chamber; d) a multi-pieces clamp ring having an upper shield portion and a downwardly extending U-shaped lower ring portion that is at least partially shielded from processing in the processing system, wherein the upper shield portion and the lower ring are releasably coupled together. - View Dependent Claims (10, 11, 12)
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- 13. A consumable clamp ring for use in a processing chamber, comprising an annular upper shield portion adapted to be releasably coupled with a downwardly extending U-shaped annular lower ring portion and adapted to substantially cover an upper surface of the lower ring portion.
Specification