Sensor array for measuring plasma characteristics in plasma processing environments
First Claim
1. A method of measuring plasma boundary properties in a plasma processing system, comprising:
- a) providing a plasma processing system having a plasma chamber;
b) providing a sensor array comprising a plurality of electrically floating sensors disposed within the plasma chamber;
c) creating a plasma within the plasma chamber for use in a plasma process; and
d) measuring boundary properties of the plasma using the sensor array.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A plasma processing system is provided with diagnostic apparatus for making in-situ measurements of plasma properties. The diagnostic apparatus generally comprises a non-invasive sensor array disposed within a plasma processing chamber, an electrical circuit for stimulating the sensors, and means for recording and communicating sensor measurements for monitoring or control of the plasma process. In one form, the sensors are dynamically pulsed dual floating Langmuir probes that measure incident charged particle currents and electron temperatures in proximity to the plasma boundary or boundaries within the processing system. The plasma measurements may be used to monitor the condition of the processing plasma or furnished to a process system controller for use in controlling the plasma process.
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Citations
18 Claims
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1. A method of measuring plasma boundary properties in a plasma processing system, comprising:
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a) providing a plasma processing system having a plasma chamber;
b) providing a sensor array comprising a plurality of electrically floating sensors disposed within the plasma chamber;
c) creating a plasma within the plasma chamber for use in a plasma process; and
d) measuring boundary properties of the plasma using the sensor array. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10)
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11. A plasma processing system, comprising:
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a) a plasma chamber in which a processing plasma may be created;
b) a sensor array comprising a plurality of electrically floating sensors disposed within the plasma chamber; and
c) a circuit for stimulating the plurality of sensors to measure boundary properties of the processing plasma. - View Dependent Claims (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18)
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Specification