Front referenced anode
First Claim
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1. An electroplating apparatus, comprising:
- (a) a work piece holder configured to hold a semiconductor wafer in place during electroplating;
(b) an anode support comprising an anode positioning mechanism configured for continuously adjusting the position of a consumable anode to provide a consistent distance between the consumable anode and the semiconductor wafer over a period of time during which the consumable anode is consumed;
(c) the consumable anode, wherein the consumable anode comprises a substantially planar surface that is substantially parallel to the plating surface of the semiconductor wafer during plating, wherein the substantially planar surface is at least co-extensive with the plating surface of the semiconductor wafer; and
(d) a hard stop in contact with the consumable anode.
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Abstract
Apparatus and methods for electroplating are described. Apparatus described herein include anode supports including positioning mechanisms that maintain a consistent distance between the surface of the wafer and the surface of a consumable anode during plating. Greater uniformity control is achieved.
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Citations
13 Claims
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1. An electroplating apparatus, comprising:
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(a) a work piece holder configured to hold a semiconductor wafer in place during electroplating; (b) an anode support comprising an anode positioning mechanism configured for continuously adjusting the position of a consumable anode to provide a consistent distance between the consumable anode and the semiconductor wafer over a period of time during which the consumable anode is consumed; (c) the consumable anode, wherein the consumable anode comprises a substantially planar surface that is substantially parallel to the plating surface of the semiconductor wafer during plating, wherein the substantially planar surface is at least co-extensive with the plating surface of the semiconductor wafer; and (d) a hard stop in contact with the consumable anode. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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Specification