TWI708131B - Plasma processing devices having multi-port valve assemblies - Google Patents

Plasma processing devices having multi-port valve assemblies Download PDF

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Publication number
TWI708131B
TWI708131B TW105131839A TW105131839A TWI708131B TW I708131 B TWI708131 B TW I708131B TW 105131839 A TW105131839 A TW 105131839A TW 105131839 A TW105131839 A TW 105131839A TW I708131 B TWI708131 B TW I708131B
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openings
plate
valve assembly
port valve
plasma processing
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TW105131839A
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Chinese (zh)
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TW201723717A (en
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丹尼爾 A 布朗
麥可 C 克拉吉
李奧納 J 夏普勒斯
亞倫 K 羅尼
詹姆士 E 塔彭
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美商蘭姆研究公司
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    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01JELECTRIC DISCHARGE TUBES OR DISCHARGE LAMPS
    • H01J37/00Discharge tubes with provision for introducing objects or material to be exposed to the discharge, e.g. for the purpose of examination or processing thereof
    • H01J37/32Gas-filled discharge tubes
    • H01J37/32431Constructional details of the reactor
    • H01J37/32798Further details of plasma apparatus not provided for in groups H01J37/3244 - H01J37/32788; special provisions for cleaning or maintenance of the apparatus
    • H01J37/32816Pressure
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01JELECTRIC DISCHARGE TUBES OR DISCHARGE LAMPS
    • H01J37/00Discharge tubes with provision for introducing objects or material to be exposed to the discharge, e.g. for the purpose of examination or processing thereof
    • H01J37/32Gas-filled discharge tubes
    • H01J37/32431Constructional details of the reactor
    • H01J37/32458Vessel
    • H01J37/32513Sealing means, e.g. sealing between different parts of the vessel
    • HELECTRICITY
    • H01ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
    • H01JELECTRIC DISCHARGE TUBES OR DISCHARGE LAMPS
    • H01J37/00Discharge tubes with provision for introducing objects or material to be exposed to the discharge, e.g. for the purpose of examination or processing thereof
    • H01J37/32Gas-filled discharge tubes
    • H01J37/32431Constructional details of the reactor
    • H01J37/32798Further details of plasma apparatus not provided for in groups H01J37/3244 - H01J37/32788; special provisions for cleaning or maintenance of the apparatus
    • H01J37/32816Pressure
    • H01J37/32834Exhausting

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  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Plasma & Fusion (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Analytical Chemistry (AREA)
  • Plasma Technology (AREA)
  • Drying Of Semiconductors (AREA)

Abstract

A plasma processing device may include a plasma processing chamber, a plasma electrode assembly, a wafer stage, a plasma producing gas inlet, a plurality of vacuum ports, at least one vacuum pump, and a multi-port valve assembly. The multi-port valve assembly may comprise a movable seal plate positioned in the plasma processing chamber. The movable seal plate may comprise a transverse port sealing surface that is shaped and sized to completely overlap the plurality of vacuum ports in a closed state, to partially overlap the plurality of vacuum ports in a partially open state, and to avoid substantial overlap of the plurality of vacuum ports in an open state. The multi-port valve assembly may comprise a transverse actuator coupled to the movable seal plate and a sealing actuator coupled to the movable seal plate.

Description

具有多埠閥組件之電漿處理裝置 Plasma processing device with multi-port valve assembly

本發明大體上係關於電漿處理裝置,更具體而言,係關於用於電漿處理裝置的閥。 The present invention generally relates to plasma processing devices, and more specifically, to valves used in plasma processing devices.

電漿處理裝置一般包含了連接至一或更多真空泵浦的電漿處理腔室。該電漿處理裝置可包含一或更多閥,該一或更多閥對腔室與真空泵浦之間的流體連通進行調節。 The plasma processing device generally includes a plasma processing chamber connected to one or more vacuum pumps. The plasma processing device may include one or more valves that regulate the fluid communication between the chamber and the vacuum pump.

本文中所描述的實施例係關於具有多埠閥組件之電漿處理裝置。根據一實施例,一電漿處理裝置可包含一電漿處理腔室、一電漿電極組件、一晶圓載台、一電漿產生氣體入口、複數真空埠、至少一真空泵浦、及一多埠閥組件。該電漿電極組件及晶圓載台可設置於該電漿處理腔室中,且該電漿產生氣體入口可與該電漿處理腔室流體連通。該真空泵浦可透過該等真空埠其中至少一者而與該電漿處理腔室流體連通。該多埠閥組件可包含設置於該電漿處理腔室中的一可動密封板。該可動密封板可包含一橫向埠密封表面,該橫向埠密封 表面的形狀及尺寸係設計用以於關閉狀態中與該複數真空埠完全重疊,於部分開啟狀態中與該複數真空埠部分重疊,及於開啟狀態中避免與該複數真空埠實質上重疊。該多埠閥組件可包含連接至該可動密封板的一橫向作動器,該橫向作動器界定了作動的橫向範圍,該橫向範圍足以使該可動密封板在橫向方向上於關閉狀態、部分開啟狀態、及開啟狀態之間轉換,該橫向方向係定向為主要與該可動密封板的密封表面對齊。該多埠閥組件可包含連接至該可動密封板的一密封作動器,該密封作動器界定了作動的密封範圍,該密封範圍足以使該可動密封板沿著密封接合與分離之路徑而於密封狀態與非密封狀態之間來回轉換,該密封接合與分離之路徑係定向為主要與該可動密封板的密封表面垂直。 The embodiments described herein are related to plasma processing devices with multi-port valve components. According to an embodiment, a plasma processing apparatus may include a plasma processing chamber, a plasma electrode assembly, a wafer stage, a plasma generating gas inlet, a plurality of vacuum ports, at least one vacuum pump, and a multi-port Valve assembly. The plasma electrode assembly and the wafer stage can be arranged in the plasma processing chamber, and the plasma generating gas inlet can be in fluid communication with the plasma processing chamber. The vacuum pump can be in fluid communication with the plasma processing chamber through at least one of the vacuum ports. The multi-port valve assembly may include a movable sealing plate disposed in the plasma processing chamber. The movable sealing plate may include a transverse port sealing surface, the transverse port sealing The shape and size of the surface are designed to completely overlap with the plurality of vacuum ports in the closed state, partially overlap with the plurality of vacuum ports in the partially opened state, and avoid substantially overlapping with the plurality of vacuum ports in the open state. The multi-port valve assembly may include a lateral actuator connected to the movable sealing plate, the lateral actuator defining a lateral range of actuation, and the lateral range is sufficient to make the movable sealing plate in a closed state or a partially opened state in a lateral direction To switch between, and open state, the transverse direction is oriented to be mainly aligned with the sealing surface of the movable sealing plate. The multi-port valve assembly may include a sealing actuator connected to the movable sealing plate, the sealing actuator defining a sealing range of action, the sealing range being sufficient for the movable sealing plate to seal along the path of sealing engagement and separation To switch back and forth between the state and the unsealed state, the path of the sealing engagement and separation is oriented mainly perpendicular to the sealing surface of the movable sealing plate.

在另一實施例中,一電漿處理裝置可包含一電漿處理腔室、一電漿電極元件、一晶圓載台、一電漿產生氣體入口、複數真空埠、至少一真空泵浦、及一多埠閥組件。該電漿電極元件及晶圓載台可設置於該電漿處理腔室中。該電漿產生氣體入口可與該電漿處理腔室流體連通。該真空泵浦可透過該等真空埠其中至少一者而與該電漿處理腔室流體連通。該多埠閥組件可包含設置於該電漿處理腔室中的一可動密封板。該可動密封板可包含一橫向埠密封表面,該橫向埠密封表面的形狀及尺寸係設計用以於關閉狀態中與該複數真空埠完全重疊,於部分開啟狀態中與該複數真空埠部分重疊,及於開啟狀態中避免與該複數真空埠實質上重疊。該多埠閥組件可包含連接至該可動密封板的一橫向作動器,該橫向作動器界定了作動的橫向範圍,該橫向範圍足以使該可動密封板在橫向方向上於關閉狀態、部分開啟狀態、及開啟狀態之間轉換,該橫向方向係定向為主要與該可動密封板的密封表面對齊。該橫向作動器可包含一旋轉移動作動器,且該可動密封板包含一可旋轉式密封板,該可旋轉式密封板包含一中 心軸。該多埠閥組件可包含連接至該可動密封板的一密封作動器,該密封作動器界定了作動的密封範圍,該密封範圍足以使該可動密封板沿著密封接合與分離之路徑而於密封狀態與非密封狀態之間來回轉換,該密封接合與分離之路徑係定向為主要與該可動密封板的密封表面垂直。 In another embodiment, a plasma processing apparatus may include a plasma processing chamber, a plasma electrode element, a wafer stage, a plasma generating gas inlet, a plurality of vacuum ports, at least one vacuum pump, and one Multi-port valve assembly. The plasma electrode element and the wafer stage can be arranged in the plasma processing chamber. The plasma generating gas inlet may be in fluid communication with the plasma processing chamber. The vacuum pump can be in fluid communication with the plasma processing chamber through at least one of the vacuum ports. The multi-port valve assembly may include a movable sealing plate disposed in the plasma processing chamber. The movable sealing plate may include a horizontal port sealing surface, the shape and size of the horizontal port sealing surface are designed to completely overlap the plurality of vacuum ports in the closed state, and partially overlap the plurality of vacuum ports in the partially open state, And avoid substantially overlapping with the plurality of vacuum ports in the open state. The multi-port valve assembly may include a lateral actuator connected to the movable sealing plate, the lateral actuator defining a lateral range of actuation, and the lateral range is sufficient to make the movable sealing plate in a closed state or a partially opened state in a lateral direction To switch between, and open state, the transverse direction is oriented to be mainly aligned with the sealing surface of the movable sealing plate. The transverse actuator may include a rotary movement actuator, and the movable sealing plate includes a rotatable sealing plate, and the rotatable sealing plate includes a middle Mandrel. The multi-port valve assembly may include a sealing actuator connected to the movable sealing plate, the sealing actuator defining a sealing range of action, the sealing range being sufficient for the movable sealing plate to seal along the path of sealing engagement and separation To switch back and forth between the state and the unsealed state, the path of the sealing engagement and separation is oriented mainly perpendicular to the sealing surface of the movable sealing plate.

在一實施例中,取代用以控制在電漿處理腔室與複數真空泵浦之間的複數開口的複數控制器(例如,一主控制器及一從屬控制器等)及複數作動器,單一的控制器及單一的作動器控制單一的閥以同時地開啟、關閉、密封、或啟封該等開口。使用單一的控制器及單一的作動器節省了與使用複數控制器及作動器有關的時間及成本。此外,相較於使用複數作動器,使用單一的作動器節省了電漿處理腔室中被佔據的空間。此外,使用單一的控制器降低了改變複數閥的位置時主控制器與從屬控制器之間通信中斷的機會。 In one embodiment, instead of plural controllers (for example, a master controller and a slave controller, etc.) and plural actuators used to control plural openings between the plasma processing chamber and plural vacuum pumps, a single The controller and a single actuator control a single valve to simultaneously open, close, seal, or unseal the openings. Using a single controller and a single actuator saves the time and cost associated with using multiple controllers and actuators. In addition, compared to using a plurality of actuators, the use of a single actuator saves the occupied space in the plasma processing chamber. In addition, the use of a single controller reduces the chance of communication interruption between the master controller and the slave controllers when the positions of multiple valves are changed.

將於以下實施方式中提出本文所描述之實施例的額外特徵及優點,對於那些熟悉本技藝人員而言,該等特徵及優點在某種程度上係可藉由該描述而輕易了解的、或可藉由執行本文中所描述之實施例而輕易確認的,其中該描述包含了以下實施方式、申請權利範圍、以及隨附圖式。 The additional features and advantages of the embodiments described herein will be presented in the following embodiments. For those skilled in the art, these features and advantages can be easily understood by the description to a certain extent, or It can be easily confirmed by implementing the embodiments described in this text, where the description includes the following embodiments, the scope of application rights, and the accompanying drawings.

吾人應理解,以上一般描述及以下實施方式二者描述了各樣的實施例,且其意圖乃對吾人提供概觀或架構以理解所主張之標的物的本質及特徵。為了提供對本發明的進一步了解,本說明書包含了隨附圖式,且隨附圖式被納入並構成本說明書的一部份。該等圖式繪示了本文中所述的各樣實施例,且與描述一起用於解釋所主張之標的物的原理及操作。 We should understand that both the above general description and the following embodiments describe various embodiments, and their intention is to provide us with an overview or framework to understand the nature and characteristics of the claimed subject matter. In order to provide a further understanding of the present invention, this specification includes accompanying drawings, and the accompanying drawings are incorporated and constitute a part of this specification. The drawings illustrate various embodiments described herein, and together with the description are used to explain the principles and operations of the claimed subject matter.

100:電漿處理裝置 100: Plasma processing device

110:電漿處理腔室 110: Plasma processing chamber

112:基板 112: substrate

114:頂壁 114: top wall

116:側壁 116: sidewall

118:電漿電極組件 118: Plasma electrode assembly

120:晶圓載台 120: Wafer stage

122:內部區域 122: internal area

130:電漿產生氣體入口 130: gas inlet for plasma generation

140:真空連接壁 140: Vacuum connection wall

141:橫向埠密封表面 141: Horizontal port sealing surface

142:真空埠 142: Vacuum Port

144:葉片 144: Blade

145:饋通埠 145: Feedthrough port

146:腔室構件 146: Chamber component

147:底板 147: bottom plate

148:O形環 148: O-ring

149:垂直軸線 149: Vertical axis

150:真空泵浦 150: Vacuum pump

160:多埠閥組件 160: Multi-port valve assembly

162:曲柄軸 162: crankshaft

164:機械式曲柄 164: Mechanical crank

165:連接點 165: connection point

170:可動密封板 170: movable sealing plate

172:鐵磁流體 172: Ferrofluid

174:鐵磁流體密封部 174: Ferrofluid Seal

176:板狀構件 176: Plate member

178:板狀構件 178: Plate member

180:托架 180: bracket

182:板附接構件 182: Board attachment member

184:滾輪 184: Wheel

186:軌道 186: Orbit

190:作動器連接附屬件 190: Actuator connection accessories

191:曲徑設計 191: Labyrinth Design

192:風箱 192: Bellows

193-196:密封延伸部 193-196: Seal extension

197:腔室構件 197: Chamber component

200:軸承組件 200: bearing assembly

1300:多埠閥組件 1300: Multi-port valve assembly

1302A~1302C:部分 1302A~1302C: part

1304:頂板 1304: top plate

1306A~1306C:開口 1306A~1306C: opening

1310:邊緣部分 1310: edge part

1312:邊緣部分 1312: edge part

1314:可移除式密封板 1314: Removable sealing plate

1316:可移除式腔室襯墊支撐件 1316: Removable chamber liner support

1332:磁鐵 1332: Magnet

1334:磁鐵 1334: Magnet

1336:金屬屏蔽 1336: metal shield

1338:接合蓋 1338: Joint cover

1400:部分 1400: part

1402:基座 1402: Pedestal

1404A~1404B:折板 1404A~1404B: folding board

1406:多埠閥組件 1406: Multi-port valve assembly

1408:金屬板 1408: metal plate

1410:真空連接壁 1410: Vacuum connection wall

1412:鉸鏈 1412: hinge

1500:方法 1500: method

1502:操作 1502: Operation

1504:操作 1504: Operation

1520:方法 1520: method

1522:操作 1522: Operation

1524:操作 1524: Operation

1600:電漿處理系統 1600: Plasma processing system

1602:閥控制器 1602: valve controller

1604:壓力感測器 1604: Pressure Sensor

1606:作動器子系統 1606: Actuator Subsystem

1608:處理模組 1608: Processing Module

1610:多埠閥組件 1610: Multi-port valve assembly

1620:系統 1620: system

1622:系統 1622: system

1622A:作動器 1622A: Actuator

1622B:作動器 1622B: Actuator

1626A:電流產生器 1626A: current generator

1626B:電流產生器 1626B: current generator

1700:方法 1700: method

1702:操作 1702: Operation

1704:操作 1704: operation

1706:操作 1706: operation

1720:方法 1720: method

1722:操作 1722: operation

1724:操作 1724: Operation

1726:操作 1726: operation

1728:操作 1728: operation

1732:操作 1732: operation

1800:方法 1800: method

1802:操作 1802: Operation

1804:操作 1804: Operation

1806:操作 1806: operation

1808:操作 1808: operation

1850:電漿處理系統 1850: Plasma Processing System

1902:曲線圖 1902: graph

1904:曲線圖 1904: graph

1906:曲線圖 1906: graph

A1~A3:軸線 A1~A3: axis

C1~C3:中心 C1~C3: Center

O1~O3:開口 O1~O3: opening

zd:位置 zd: location

θ1~θ3:角度 θ1~θ3: Angle

根據本揭露範圍的一或更多實施例,圖1示意性地描繪了電漿處理裝置的切開前視圖,該電漿處理裝置包含多埠閥組件;根據本揭露範圍的一或更多實施例,圖2示意性地描繪了處於關閉狀態的多埠閥組件。 According to one or more embodiments of the scope of the present disclosure, FIG. 1 schematically depicts a cut-away front view of a plasma processing apparatus including a multi-port valve assembly; according to one or more embodiments of the scope of the present disclosure , Figure 2 schematically depicts the multi-port valve assembly in a closed state.

根據本揭露範圍的一或更多實施例,圖3示意性地描繪了處於開啟狀態的多埠閥組件。 According to one or more embodiments within the scope of the present disclosure, FIG. 3 schematically depicts the multi-port valve assembly in an open state.

根據本揭露範圍的一或更多實施例,圖4示意性地描繪了處於部分開啟狀態的多埠閥組件。 According to one or more embodiments within the scope of the present disclosure, FIG. 4 schematically depicts a multi-port valve assembly in a partially opened state.

根據本揭露範圍的一或更多實施例,圖5示意性地描繪了多埠閥組件之軸承組件。 According to one or more embodiments within the scope of the present disclosure, FIG. 5 schematically depicts the bearing assembly of the multi-port valve assembly.

根據本揭露範圍的一或更多實施例,圖6示意性地描繪了圖5之軸承組件的橫剖面圖。 According to one or more embodiments within the scope of the present disclosure, FIG. 6 schematically depicts a cross-sectional view of the bearing assembly of FIG. 5.

根據本揭露範圍的一或更多實施例,圖7示意性地描繪了圖5之軸承組件的切開圖。 According to one or more embodiments within the scope of the present disclosure, FIG. 7 schematically depicts a cut-away view of the bearing assembly of FIG. 5.

根據本揭露範圍的一或更多實施例,圖8示意性地描繪了多埠閥組件之軸承組件的橫剖面圖。 According to one or more embodiments within the scope of the present disclosure, FIG. 8 schematically depicts a cross-sectional view of the bearing assembly of the multi-port valve assembly.

根據本揭露範圍的一或更多實施例,圖9示意性地描繪了多埠閥組件之軸承組件的橫剖面圖。 According to one or more embodiments within the scope of the present disclosure, FIG. 9 schematically depicts a cross-sectional view of the bearing assembly of the multi-port valve assembly.

根據本揭露範圍的一或更多實施例,圖10示意性地描繪了多埠閥組件。 According to one or more embodiments of the scope of the present disclosure, FIG. 10 schematically depicts a multi-port valve assembly.

根據本揭露範圍的一或更多實施例,圖11示意性地描繪了多埠閥組件之軸承元件的橫剖面圖。 According to one or more embodiments within the scope of the present disclosure, FIG. 11 schematically depicts a cross-sectional view of the bearing element of the multi-port valve assembly.

根據本揭露範圍的一或更多實施例,圖12示意性地描繪了多埠閥組件之軸承元件的橫剖面圖。 According to one or more embodiments within the scope of the present disclosure, FIG. 12 schematically depicts a cross-sectional view of a bearing element of a multi-port valve assembly.

根據本揭露內容的一或更多實施例,圖13A顯示了多埠閥組件的等角視圖。 According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, FIG. 13A shows an isometric view of a multi-port valve assembly.

根據本揭露內容的一或更多實施例,圖13B為圖13A的多埠閥組件之頂板的一部分的等角視圖。 According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, FIG. 13B is an isometric view of a portion of the top plate of the multi-port valve assembly of FIG. 13A.

根據本揭露內容的一或更多實施例,圖14為電漿處理腔室的一部分的等角視圖。 According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, FIG. 14 is an isometric view of a portion of a plasma processing chamber.

根據本揭露內容的一或更多實施例,圖15A為一方法之流程圖,用以繪示閥控制器之使用,該閥控制器係用以調整與圖1之電漿處理裝置關聯的流導(flow conductance)。 According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, FIG. 15A is a flow chart of a method to illustrate the use of a valve controller for adjusting the flow associated with the plasma processing device of FIG. 1 Guide (flow conductance).

根據本揭露內容的一或更多實施例,圖15B為一方法之流程圖,該方法係用以根據配方而操作圖2或圖13A的多埠閥組件。 According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, FIG. 15B is a flowchart of a method for operating the multi-port valve assembly of FIG. 2 or FIG. 13A according to a recipe.

根據本揭露內容的一或更多實施例,圖16A為電漿處理系統的方方塊圖,用以繪示使用閥控制器及作動器子系統以控制圖2或圖13A的多埠閥組件之操作。 According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, FIG. 16A is a block diagram of a plasma processing system to illustrate the use of a valve controller and actuator subsystem to control the multi-port valve assembly of FIG. 2 or FIG. 13A operating.

根據本揭露內容的一或更多實施例,圖16B包含了複數系統的方塊圖以繪示閥控制器及作動器的功能性,該閥控制器及作動器係用以控制磁場而進一步改變頂板的部分或硬式可動密封板的葉片相對於圖2或13A之多埠閥組件的底板之位置。 According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, FIG. 16B includes a block diagram of a plurality of systems to illustrate the functionality of the valve controller and actuator, which are used to control the magnetic field to further change the top plate The position of the part or the vane of the rigid movable sealing plate relative to the bottom plate of the multi-port valve assembly shown in Figure 2 or 13A.

根據本揭露內容的一或更多實施例,圖17A為一方法之流程圖,該方法係用以控制頂板的部分或硬式可動密封板的葉片之位置(圖3)。 According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, FIG. 17A is a flowchart of a method for controlling part of the top plate or the position of the blades of the rigid movable sealing plate (FIG. 3 ).

根據本揭露內容的一或更多實施例,圖17B為一方法之流程圖,用以繪示該可動密封板在橫向方向上移動以達成在流導上的高位準改變,且在垂直方向上移動以達成在流導上的低位準改變。 According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, FIG. 17B is a flow chart of a method for showing that the movable sealing plate moves in the lateral direction to achieve a high level change in flow conductance, and in the vertical direction Move to achieve a low level change in conductance.

根據本揭露內容的一或更多實施例,圖18A為一方法之流程圖,該方法係用以根據在所感測參數上的改變而控制圖2或13A之多埠閥組件。 According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, FIG. 18A is a flowchart of a method for controlling the multi-port valve assembly of FIG. 2 or 13A according to changes in sensed parameters.

根據本揭露內容的一或更多實施例,圖18B為電漿處理系統的方塊圖,該方塊圖係用以繪示圖18A的方法。 According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, FIG. 18B is a block diagram of a plasma processing system, and the block diagram is used to illustrate the method of FIG. 18A.

根據本揭露內容的一或更多實施例,圖19顯示了曲線圖以繪示隨著可動密封板或頂板的移動而在從圖1的電漿處理裝置之內部區域至真空泵浦的流導上的改變。 According to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, FIG. 19 shows a graph to illustrate the flow conductance from the inner region of the plasma processing device of FIG. 1 to the vacuum pump as the movable sealing plate or top plate moves. Change.

現在將對電漿處理設備之各樣的實施例進行詳細說明,隨附圖式中繪示了電漿處理設備之範例。只要可能的時候,將在全部的圖式中使用相同的元件符號來稱呼相同或相似的零件。在一實施例中,該電漿處理裝置可包含一多埠閥組件,該多埠閥組件可調節電漿處理裝置的電漿處理腔室與連接至該腔室的真空泵浦之間的流體連通。該多埠閥組件可包含一可動密封板,該可動密封板可運作用以於處在關閉位置時將複數真空埠密封,及於開啟或部分開啟狀態中容許流體連通。可使用一或更多作動器來使密封板於關閉及開啟位置之間移動,其中該一或更多作動器係用以移動單一密封板。因此,每一真空埠可以不需要其自己的具有獨立的作動器及密封板之閥組件。另外,本文中所描述的多埠閥組件可以不需要潤滑脂,該潤滑脂可能對電漿處理腔室內的基板或真空 泵浦造成汙染。此外,本文中所描述的多埠閥組件可被包含於電漿處理腔室中,從而使該電漿處理裝置之尺寸得以縮小。 Various embodiments of the plasma processing equipment will now be described in detail. An example of the plasma processing equipment is shown in the accompanying drawings. Whenever possible, the same component symbols will be used in all drawings to refer to the same or similar parts. In one embodiment, the plasma processing device may include a multi-port valve assembly that can adjust the fluid communication between the plasma processing chamber of the plasma processing device and the vacuum pump connected to the chamber . The multi-port valve assembly may include a movable sealing plate, which is operable to seal a plurality of vacuum ports when in a closed position and to allow fluid communication in an open or partially open state. One or more actuators can be used to move the sealing plate between the closed and open positions, wherein the one or more actuators are used to move a single sealing plate. Therefore, each vacuum port does not need its own valve assembly with independent actuator and sealing plate. In addition, the multi-port valve assembly described herein may not require grease, which may affect the substrate or vacuum in the plasma processing chamber. The pump causes pollution. In addition, the multi-port valve assembly described herein can be included in the plasma processing chamber, so that the size of the plasma processing device can be reduced.

參照圖1,該圖描繪了電漿處理裝置100。一般而言,電漿處理裝置100可用以從基板112將材料蝕刻掉,該基板係由例如半導體(舉例而言,矽或玻璃)所形成。例如,基板112可為矽晶圓,例如300mm晶圓、450mm晶圓、或任何其它尺寸的晶圓。在一實施例中,電漿處理裝置100可包含至少一電漿處理腔室110、一電漿電極組件118、一晶圓載台120、一電漿產生氣體入口130、至少一真空泵浦150、複數真空埠142、及一多埠閥組件160。晶圓載台120之範例包含一卡盤,該卡盤包含電極且可包含其它元件(例如設施板、加熱器等)。電漿處理腔室110可包含複數的壁,例如頂壁114、側壁116、及真空連接壁140,該真空連接壁為電漿處理腔室110的底壁。可穿過真空連接壁140而設置複數真空埠142。雖然在圖1中將真空連接壁140描繪為在電漿處理腔室110的底部上,但此位置僅為示例性的,且真空連接壁140可為電漿處理腔室110的任何壁。該至少一真空泵浦150其中每一者可透過該等真空埠142其中至少一者而與電漿處理腔室110流體連通。在一實施例中,每一真空泵浦150透過一獨立的真空埠142而與電漿處理腔室110流體連通。例如,可具有三真空埠142設置在真空連接壁140中,其中每一者分別連接至獨立的真空泵浦150。 1, this figure depicts a plasma processing apparatus 100. Generally speaking, the plasma processing apparatus 100 can be used to etch material away from a substrate 112, which is formed of, for example, a semiconductor (for example, silicon or glass). For example, the substrate 112 may be a silicon wafer, such as a 300mm wafer, a 450mm wafer, or any other size wafer. In an embodiment, the plasma processing apparatus 100 may include at least one plasma processing chamber 110, a plasma electrode assembly 118, a wafer stage 120, a plasma generating gas inlet 130, at least one vacuum pump 150, and a plurality of Vacuum port 142, and a multi-port valve assembly 160. An example of the wafer stage 120 includes a chuck that includes electrodes and may include other components (such as facility boards, heaters, etc.). The plasma processing chamber 110 may include a plurality of walls, such as a top wall 114, a side wall 116, and a vacuum connecting wall 140, and the vacuum connecting wall is the bottom wall of the plasma processing chamber 110. A plurality of vacuum ports 142 can be provided through the vacuum connection wall 140. Although the vacuum connection wall 140 is depicted as being on the bottom of the plasma processing chamber 110 in FIG. 1, this position is only exemplary, and the vacuum connection wall 140 may be any wall of the plasma processing chamber 110. Each of the at least one vacuum pump 150 can be in fluid communication with the plasma processing chamber 110 through at least one of the vacuum ports 142. In one embodiment, each vacuum pump 150 is in fluid communication with the plasma processing chamber 110 through an independent vacuum port 142. For example, there may be three vacuum ports 142 provided in the vacuum connection wall 140, each of which is connected to an independent vacuum pump 150.

電漿處理腔室110包含一內部區域122,可在該內部區域中設置至少該電漿電極組件118及晶圓載台120。電漿處理腔室110可運作以維持其內部122的低壓力(例如,當多埠閥組件160處於真空泵浦150運作後的關閉狀態中時)。電漿產生氣體入口130可與電漿處理腔室110流體連通,且可將電漿產生氣體輸送進入電漿處理腔室110的內部區域122中。可將該電漿產生氣體離子化並轉化為 可用以蝕刻基板112之電漿狀態氣體。例如,一賦能來源(射頻(RF)、微波、或其他來源)可將能量施加至處理氣體以產生電漿氣體。該電漿可對基板112(例如容納在電漿處理腔室110之內部區域122中的晶圓)進行蝕刻。電漿電極組件118可包含一噴淋頭電極,且可運作以確立基板上的蝕刻圖案。例如,美國專利公開案第2011/0108524號揭露了這樣的電漿處理裝置的一實施例。 The plasma processing chamber 110 includes an inner region 122 in which at least the plasma electrode assembly 118 and the wafer stage 120 can be disposed. The plasma processing chamber 110 can be operated to maintain a low pressure inside 122 (for example, when the multi-port valve assembly 160 is in the closed state after the vacuum pump 150 is operated). The plasma generating gas inlet 130 may be in fluid communication with the plasma processing chamber 110 and may transport the plasma generating gas into the inner region 122 of the plasma processing chamber 110. The plasma generated gas can be ionized and converted into The plasma gas can be used to etch the substrate 112. For example, an energizing source (radio frequency (RF), microwave, or other sources) can apply energy to the process gas to generate plasma gas. The plasma can etch the substrate 112 (for example, a wafer contained in the inner region 122 of the plasma processing chamber 110). The plasma electrode assembly 118 may include a shower head electrode and may operate to establish an etching pattern on the substrate. For example, US Patent Publication No. 2011/0108524 discloses an embodiment of such a plasma processing device.

多埠閥組件160可包含一可動密封板170。該可動密封板170可包含一橫向埠密封表面141。在一些實施例中,該可動密封板170可設置於電漿處理腔室110的內部區域122中。該多埠閥組件160可更包含一軸承組件200。該軸承組件200可運作以限制可動密封板170的移動。複數真空泵浦150係描繪成其中每一者可於多埠閥組件160的可動密封板170處於開啟或部分開啟的狀態中時透過真空埠142而與電漿處理裝置100流體連通。如本文中所使用,「開啟狀態」意指多埠閥組件160的狀態,其中電漿處理腔室110的內部區域122與真空泵浦150之間存在著流體連通。如本文中所使用,「關閉狀態」或「密閉狀態」意指多埠閥組件160的狀態,其中電漿處理腔室110的內部區域122與真空泵浦150之間不存在流體連通。相較於葉片144處於密封狀態中時,葉片144處於非密封狀態中時從內部區域122至真空泵浦150存在著較高量的流體流通。如本文中所使用,開啟狀態(有時稱為「完全開啟狀態」)、部分開啟狀態、及關閉狀態可意指可動密封板170的位置或多埠閥組件160的位置,且提到可動密封板170或多埠閥組件160其中任一者處於一特定的狀態時兩者為可互換使用的。真空泵浦150與電漿處理腔室110的內部區域122之間的流體連通狀態(完全開啟、部分開啟、或關閉)係由可動密封板170的位置來決定。 The multi-port valve assembly 160 may include a movable sealing plate 170. The movable sealing plate 170 may include a lateral port sealing surface 141. In some embodiments, the movable sealing plate 170 may be disposed in the inner region 122 of the plasma processing chamber 110. The multi-port valve assembly 160 may further include a bearing assembly 200. The bearing assembly 200 can operate to limit the movement of the movable sealing plate 170. The plurality of vacuum pumps 150 are depicted as each of which can be in fluid communication with the plasma processing apparatus 100 through the vacuum port 142 when the movable sealing plate 170 of the multi-port valve assembly 160 is in an open or partially open state. As used herein, the “open state” refers to the state of the multi-port valve assembly 160 in which there is fluid communication between the inner region 122 of the plasma processing chamber 110 and the vacuum pump 150. As used herein, “closed state” or “closed state” refers to the state of the multi-port valve assembly 160 in which there is no fluid communication between the inner region 122 of the plasma processing chamber 110 and the vacuum pump 150. Compared with when the blade 144 is in the sealed state, when the blade 144 is in the unsealed state, there is a higher amount of fluid flow from the inner region 122 to the vacuum pump 150. As used herein, the open state (sometimes referred to as the "fully open state"), the partially open state, and the closed state can refer to the position of the movable sealing plate 170 or the position of the multi-port valve assembly 160, and refers to the movable seal When either the plate 170 or the multi-port valve assembly 160 is in a specific state, the two can be used interchangeably. The fluid communication state (fully opened, partially opened, or closed) between the vacuum pump 150 and the inner region 122 of the plasma processing chamber 110 is determined by the position of the movable sealing plate 170.

在一實施例中,多埠閥組件160為電漿處理腔室110的一部分。 In one embodiment, the multi-port valve assembly 160 is a part of the plasma processing chamber 110.

現在參照圖式1-4,其中將多埠閥組件160描繪為連接至真空連接壁140。可動密封板170可包含一橫向埠密封表面141(位於可動密封板170的下側)。在一實施例中,該橫向埠密封表面141為大致平坦的。該橫向埠密封表面141的形狀及尺寸係設計用以於關閉狀態(顯示於圖2中)中與複數真空埠142完全重疊,於部分開啟狀態(顯示於圖4中)中與複數真空埠142部分重疊,及於開啟狀態(顯示於圖3中)中避免與複數真空埠142實質上重疊。例如,角度θ1係形成於一橫向軸線(其通過真空埠142之開口O1的中心C1)與一軸線A1(其通過多埠閥組件160的質量中心)之間。軸線A1將可動密封板170的該等葉片144其中第一者二等分。此外,角度θ2係形成於一橫向軸線(其通過真空埠142之開口O2的中心C2)與一軸線A2(其通過多埠閥組件160的質量中心)之間。軸線A2將可動密封板170的該等葉片144其中第二者二等分。另外,角度θ3係形成於一橫向軸線(其通過真空埠142之開口O3的中心C3)與一軸線A3(其通過多埠閥組件160的質量中心)之間。軸線A3將可動密封板170的該等葉片144其中第三者二等分。 Referring now to FIGS. 1-4, the multi-port valve assembly 160 is depicted as connected to the vacuum connection wall 140. The movable sealing plate 170 may include a lateral port sealing surface 141 (located on the lower side of the movable sealing plate 170). In one embodiment, the lateral port sealing surface 141 is substantially flat. The shape and size of the lateral port sealing surface 141 are designed to completely overlap the plurality of vacuum ports 142 in the closed state (shown in FIG. 2), and to overlap the plurality of vacuum ports 142 in the partially open state (shown in FIG. 4). Partially overlap, and avoid substantially overlapping with the plurality of vacuum ports 142 in the open state (shown in FIG. 3). For example, the angle θ1 is formed between a transverse axis (which passes through the center C1 of the opening O1 of the vacuum port 142) and an axis A1 (which passes through the center of mass of the multiport valve assembly 160). The axis A1 bisects the first of the blades 144 of the movable sealing plate 170. In addition, the angle θ2 is formed between a transverse axis (which passes through the center C2 of the opening O2 of the vacuum port 142) and an axis A2 (which passes through the center of mass of the multiport valve assembly 160). The axis A2 bisects the second of the blades 144 of the movable sealing plate 170. In addition, the angle θ3 is formed between a transverse axis (which passes through the center C3 of the opening O3 of the vacuum port 142) and an axis A3 (which passes through the center of mass of the multiport valve assembly 160). The axis A3 bisects the third of the blades 144 of the movable sealing plate 170.

在一實施例中,角度θ1、θ2、及θ3係由一閥控制器(下面進一步描述該閥控制器)所控制,俾使三個葉片140相對於真空埠142的開口係處於部分開啟、關閉、或開啟的位置。 In one embodiment, the angles θ1, θ2, and θ3 are controlled by a valve controller (the valve controller is further described below), so that the openings of the three blades 140 relative to the vacuum port 142 are partially opened and closed. , Or open position.

在一實施例中,角度θ1、θ2、及θ3係由該閥控制器所控制,俾使角度θ1、θ2、及θ3在任何時候為相等的。當角度θ1、θ2、及θ3為相等的,經由開口O1的材料之流導與經由開口O2的材料之流導及經由開口O3的材料之流導為相同的。 In one embodiment, the angles θ1, θ2, and θ3 are controlled by the valve controller so that the angles θ1, θ2, and θ3 are equal at all times. When the angles θ1, θ2, and θ3 are equal, the conductance of the material through the opening O1 is the same as the conductance of the material through the opening O2 and the conductance of the material through the opening O3.

可動密封板170可包含一單一結構,且可包含至少二葉片144。當可動密封板170處於關閉狀態時,每一葉片144可與一真空埠142重疊。該等葉片144 的尺寸及位置(相對於彼此)係設計用以與對應的個別真空埠142重疊。該等葉片144配置在多埠閥組件160的底板147之上。雖然圖2-4描繪了一包含三真空埠142之真空連接壁140,並且具有一包含三對應葉片144之密封板,但真空連接壁140可包含任何數量之真空埠142,並且具有對應數量之葉片144。例如,圖10示意性地描繪了一包含二真空埠142之真空連接壁140,並且具有一包含二對應葉片144的可動密封板170。多埠閥組件160可包含一軸承組件200。該軸承組件200可設置於可動密封板170下方且可設置於該真空連接壁140上方,例如在可動密封板170與真空連接壁140之間。 The movable sealing plate 170 may include a single structure and may include at least two blades 144. When the movable sealing plate 170 is in the closed state, each blade 144 can overlap a vacuum port 142. These blades 144 The size and position (relative to each other) of are designed to overlap the corresponding individual vacuum ports 142. The blades 144 are disposed on the bottom plate 147 of the multi-port valve assembly 160. Although FIGS. 2-4 depict a vacuum connecting wall 140 including three vacuum ports 142 and having a sealing plate including three corresponding blades 144, the vacuum connecting wall 140 may include any number of vacuum ports 142 and have a corresponding number of Blade 144. For example, FIG. 10 schematically depicts a vacuum connection wall 140 including two vacuum ports 142, and a movable sealing plate 170 including two corresponding blades 144. The multi-port valve assembly 160 may include a bearing assembly 200. The bearing assembly 200 can be arranged under the movable sealing plate 170 and can be arranged above the vacuum connecting wall 140, for example, between the movable sealing plate 170 and the vacuum connecting wall 140.

多埠閥組件160可包含一饋通埠145。當將該饋通埠配置到電漿處理裝置100上時,該饋通埠145可圍繞著至少一部分的電漿電極組件118,且可使該多埠閥組件160得以圍繞著電漿處理裝置100而裝配以抑制電漿處理腔室110的內部部分與周圍環境之間的流體流動。在一實施例中,例如為了圍繞著電漿電極組件118的圓柱狀部分而裝配,饋通埠145可為實質上圓形的。然而,例如為了使可動密封板170得以自由移動,饋通埠145可具有任何的形狀。可動密封板170可圍繞著饋通埠145而設置,且可在至少二維度上完全圍繞該饋通埠145。 The multi-port valve assembly 160 may include a feed-through port 145. When the feed-through port is configured on the plasma processing device 100, the feed-through port 145 can surround at least a part of the plasma electrode assembly 118, and the multi-port valve assembly 160 can surround the plasma processing device 100 It is assembled to inhibit fluid flow between the inner part of the plasma processing chamber 110 and the surrounding environment. In an embodiment, for example, to be assembled around the cylindrical portion of the plasma electrode assembly 118, the feedthrough port 145 may be substantially circular. However, for example, in order to allow the movable sealing plate 170 to move freely, the feedthrough port 145 may have any shape. The movable sealing plate 170 may be disposed around the feed-through port 145, and may completely surround the feed-through port 145 in at least two dimensions.

圖2顯示了處於關閉狀態的多埠閥組件160,其中可動密封板170係配置成使橫向埠密封表面141與複數真空埠142完全重疊。當處於關閉狀態中時,多埠閥組件160可限制流體連通並形成一氣密密封。圖3顯示了處於開啟狀態的多埠閥組件160,其中可動密封板170係配置成避免與複數真空埠142實質上重疊。當處於開啟狀態中時,多埠閥組件160實質上不限制流體連通。圖4顯示了處於部分開啟狀態的多埠閥組件160,其中可動密封板170係配置成與複數真空 埠142部分重疊。當處於部分開啟狀態中時,多埠閥組件160部分地限制了流體連通。可利用部分開啟狀態來對真空泵浦150進行節流。 FIG. 2 shows the multi-port valve assembly 160 in a closed state, in which the movable sealing plate 170 is configured such that the horizontal port sealing surface 141 and the plurality of vacuum ports 142 completely overlap. When in the closed state, the multi-port valve assembly 160 can restrict fluid communication and form an airtight seal. FIG. 3 shows the multi-port valve assembly 160 in an open state, in which the movable sealing plate 170 is configured to avoid substantially overlapping the plurality of vacuum ports 142. When in the open state, the multi-port valve assembly 160 does not substantially restrict fluid communication. FIG. 4 shows the multi-port valve assembly 160 in a partially opened state, in which the movable sealing plate 170 is configured to interact with a plurality of vacuum Port 142 partially overlaps. When in a partially open state, the multi-port valve assembly 160 partially restricts fluid communication. The partially open state can be used to throttle the vacuum pump 150.

如圖2-4中所顯示,可動密封板170可有能力在橫向方向上移動。如本文中所使用,「橫向」係意指一方向,其定向為主要對齊可動密封板170的密封表面。例如,在圖2-4中,該「橫向」方向實質上位於x軸與y軸的平面。例如,可動密封板170可以轉動或旋轉路徑移動,在本文中將該密封板稱為旋轉密封板。在一些實施例中,可動密封板170可為一可旋轉式密封板。可旋轉式的可動密封板170可有能力繞一中心軸而旋轉。於圖2-4之實施例中描繪了這樣的可旋轉式的可動密封板170。 As shown in FIGS. 2-4, the movable sealing plate 170 may be capable of moving in the lateral direction. As used herein, “lateral” means a direction that is oriented to be mainly aligned with the sealing surface of the movable sealing plate 170. For example, in Figures 2-4, the "lateral" direction is substantially located in the plane of the x-axis and the y-axis. For example, the movable sealing plate 170 can move in a rotating or rotating path, and the sealing plate is referred to as a rotating sealing plate herein. In some embodiments, the movable sealing plate 170 may be a rotatable sealing plate. The rotatable movable sealing plate 170 can be capable of rotating around a central axis. Such a rotatable movable sealing plate 170 is depicted in the embodiment of FIGS. 2-4.

在一些實施例中,多埠閥組件160可包含一橫向作動器。該橫向作動器可連接至可動密封板170,且可界定了作動的橫向範圍。該作動之橫向範圍可足以使該可動密封板170於橫向方向上在關閉狀態、部分開啟狀態、及開啟狀態之間轉換。該橫向作動器可為任何有能力使可動密封板170在橫向方向上(例如在開啟及關閉狀態之間)轉換之機械元件。在一實施例中,橫向作動器可藉由直接機械性接觸而與可動密封板170連接。在另一實施例中,橫向作動器可透過非接觸性方式(例如藉由磁力)而連接。在一實施例中,橫向作動器包含一旋轉運動作動器,該旋轉運動作動器可以使可動密封板170繞底板147的一中心軸(例如,垂直軸線149)而旋轉。該垂直軸線149通過底板147的質量中心。 In some embodiments, the multi-port valve assembly 160 may include a lateral actuator. The lateral actuator can be connected to the movable sealing plate 170 and can define the lateral range of the action. The lateral range of the action can be sufficient to make the movable sealing plate 170 switch between the closed state, the partially opened state, and the open state in the lateral direction. The lateral actuator can be any mechanical element capable of switching the movable sealing plate 170 in a lateral direction (for example, between an open and a closed state). In one embodiment, the lateral actuator may be connected to the movable sealing plate 170 by direct mechanical contact. In another embodiment, the lateral actuators can be connected in a non-contact manner (for example, by magnetic force). In one embodiment, the transverse actuator includes a rotary motion actuator, which can rotate the movable sealing plate 170 about a central axis (for example, the vertical axis 149) of the bottom plate 147. The vertical axis 149 passes through the center of mass of the bottom plate 147.

可動密封板170可有能力在密封接合/分離的路徑上移動。如本文中所使用,「接合路徑」或「分離路徑」係意指定向為與該可動密封板170的密封表面主要垂直之路徑。例如,在圖2-4中,該接合路徑方向實質上為z軸的方向。可動密封板170可運作以在密封接合/分離路徑的方向上移動至少約2mm、4mm、6 mm、8mm、10mm、12mm、20mm、50mm、或更多。在一實施例中,密封板可運作以在密封接合/分離路徑的方向上移動約10mm與約15mm之間的距離。 The movable sealing plate 170 may have the ability to move on the path of sealing engagement/disengagement. As used herein, the “joining path” or the “separation path” is intended to be a path mainly perpendicular to the sealing surface of the movable sealing plate 170. For example, in FIGS. 2-4, the joining path direction is substantially the direction of the z-axis. The movable sealing plate 170 is operable to move at least about 2mm, 4mm, 6mm in the direction of the sealing engagement/disengagement path. mm, 8mm, 10mm, 12mm, 20mm, 50mm, or more. In an embodiment, the sealing plate is operable to move a distance between about 10 mm and about 15 mm in the direction of the sealing engagement/disengagement path.

在一些實施例中,多埠閥組件160可包含一密封作動器。該密封作動器可連接至該可動密封板170,且可界定了作動的密封範圍。該作動之密封範圍可足以使該可動密封板170沿著密封接合與分離的路徑在密封狀態與非密封狀態之間來回轉換。在一實施例中,密封作動器可藉由直接機械性接觸而與可動密封板170連接。在另一實施例中,密封作動器可透過非接觸性方式(例如藉由磁力)而連接。 In some embodiments, the multi-port valve assembly 160 may include a sealing actuator. The sealing actuator can be connected to the movable sealing plate 170 and can define the sealing range of the action. The sealing range of the action can be sufficient to enable the movable sealing plate 170 to switch back and forth between the sealed state and the unsealed state along the path of sealing engagement and separation. In one embodiment, the sealing actuator may be connected to the movable sealing plate 170 by direct mechanical contact. In another embodiment, the sealing actuator can be connected by non-contact means (for example, by magnetic force).

在一實施例中,該可動密封板170可有能力在橫向方向及密封接合/分離路徑之方向上移動。 In one embodiment, the movable sealing plate 170 may be capable of moving in the transverse direction and the direction of the sealing engagement/disengagement path.

現在參照圖3,在一實施例中,多埠閥組件160可包含至少一O形環(O-ring)148。該O形環148可圍繞著該等真空埠142其中一或更多者而設置。當可動密封板170處於關閉狀態時,該可動密封板170可與每一O形環148直接接觸。當可動密封板170處於關閉狀態時,該等O形環148可幫助形成氣密密封。 Referring now to FIG. 3, in one embodiment, the multi-port valve assembly 160 may include at least one O-ring 148. The O-ring 148 can be arranged around one or more of the vacuum ports 142. When the movable sealing plate 170 is in the closed state, the movable sealing plate 170 can directly contact each O-ring 148. When the movable sealing plate 170 is in the closed state, the O-rings 148 can help form an airtight seal.

在一實施例中,藉由可動密封板170在橫向及密封方向二者上的移動而使該可動密封板170在關閉、部分開啟、及開啟狀態之間轉換。在一些實施例中,可動密封板170在橫向及密封方向之移動可分別由橫向作動器及密封作動器來作動。在其它實施例中,該橫向作動器及密封作動器可包含一單一作動器,該單一作動器可使可動密封板170在橫向及密封方向二者上作動。 In one embodiment, the movable sealing plate 170 is switched between closed, partially opened, and open states by moving the movable sealing plate 170 in both the lateral direction and the sealing direction. In some embodiments, the movement of the movable sealing plate 170 in the transverse direction and the sealing direction can be actuated by a transverse actuator and a sealing actuator respectively. In other embodiments, the transverse actuator and the sealing actuator may include a single actuator, and the single actuator can actuate the movable sealing plate 170 in both the transverse direction and the sealing direction.

在一實施例中,圖2中所描繪之關閉狀態可包含該可動密封板170與真空連接壁140接觸並與真空埠142重疊。因此可形成一氣密密封。可藉由該密封作動器而將可動密封板170以z軸方向拉向真空連接壁140。 In one embodiment, the closed state depicted in FIG. 2 may include that the movable sealing plate 170 is in contact with the vacuum connection wall 140 and overlaps the vacuum port 142. Therefore, an airtight seal can be formed. The movable sealing plate 170 can be pulled toward the vacuum connection wall 140 in the z-axis direction by the sealing actuator.

為了移動至部分開啟狀態,密封作動器可使可動密封板170在z軸方向上移動遠離該真空連接壁140。在可動密封板170移動遠離真空連接壁140之後,橫向作動器可使該可動密封板170在橫向方向上移動,例如使該可動密封板170旋轉至圖4中所描繪之部分開啟狀態。可動密封板170可進一步旋轉以達成圖3中所描繪之開啟狀態。例如,可動密封板170在開啟狀態與圖2之實施例中的關閉狀態之間可能只需要旋轉約60°。 In order to move to the partially opened state, the sealing actuator can move the movable sealing plate 170 away from the vacuum connecting wall 140 in the z-axis direction. After the movable sealing plate 170 is moved away from the vacuum connecting wall 140, the transverse actuator can move the movable sealing plate 170 in the transverse direction, for example, rotating the movable sealing plate 170 to the partially opened state depicted in FIG. 4. The movable sealing plate 170 can be further rotated to achieve the open state depicted in FIG. 3. For example, the movable sealing plate 170 may only need to rotate about 60° between the open state and the closed state in the embodiment of FIG. 2.

為了使可動密封板170從開啟狀態移動至關閉狀態,橫向作動器可使可動密封板170在橫向方向上移動,例如使該可動密封板170旋轉至圖4中所描繪之部分開啟狀態。橫向作動器可使該可動密封板170進一步旋轉直到它完全與真空埠142重疊。一旦可動密封板170與真空埠142重疊,密封作動器可使可動密封板170向真空連接壁140移動直到形成一氣密密封,該氣密密封不容許電漿處理腔室110與真空泵浦150之間的流體連通。 In order to move the movable sealing plate 170 from the open state to the closed state, the transverse actuator can move the movable sealing plate 170 in the transverse direction, for example, rotating the movable sealing plate 170 to the partially opened state depicted in FIG. 4. The lateral actuator can further rotate the movable sealing plate 170 until it completely overlaps the vacuum port 142. Once the movable sealing plate 170 overlaps the vacuum port 142, the sealing actuator can move the movable sealing plate 170 toward the vacuum connecting wall 140 until an airtight seal is formed, which does not allow between the plasma processing chamber 110 and the vacuum pump 150 Fluid communication.

在其它實施例中,可動密封板170可在開啟及關閉狀態之間移動而無需使用在z軸方向上的移動。例如,可動密封板170可滑過該真空連接壁140而一直與真空連接壁140保持接觸。在另一實施例中,可動密封板170可在開啟及關閉狀態之間移動而無需使用在橫向方向上的移動。例如,可動密封板170可僅在z軸方向上移動以容許流體連通、及禁止流體連通。 In other embodiments, the movable sealing plate 170 can be moved between the open and closed states without using movement in the z-axis direction. For example, the movable sealing plate 170 can slide over the vacuum connection wall 140 to keep in contact with the vacuum connection wall 140 all the time. In another embodiment, the movable sealing plate 170 can move between the open and closed states without using movement in the lateral direction. For example, the movable sealing plate 170 may only move in the z-axis direction to allow fluid communication and prohibit fluid communication.

參照圖1及5-7,多埠閥組件160可更包含一軸承組件200。該軸承組件200可運作以限制可動密封板170在橫向方向、密封接合與分離路徑的方向、或兩者上的移動。雖然本文中揭露了軸承組件200的幾個實施例,但吾人應理解,軸承組件200可為有能力對可動密封板170的移動進行限制之任何機械、或 其它裝置或系統。例如,在一實施例中,軸承組件200可界定了由一導向裝置(例如,軌道186)所限制之運動的範圍。 1 and 5-7, the multi-port valve assembly 160 may further include a bearing assembly 200. The bearing assembly 200 can operate to restrict the movement of the movable sealing plate 170 in the lateral direction, the direction of the sealing engagement and separation path, or both. Although several embodiments of the bearing assembly 200 are disclosed herein, we should understand that the bearing assembly 200 can be any mechanism capable of restricting the movement of the movable sealing plate 170, or Other devices or systems. For example, in one embodiment, the bearing assembly 200 may define the range of movement restricted by a guide device (eg, rail 186).

現在參照圖5-7,在一實施例中,軸承組件200包含一軌道186及一托架180,該托架包含複數滾輪184。可將該等滾輪184連接至托架180,使得滾輪184可以轉動並使托架180得以移動。圖5顯示了這樣的軸承組件200之實施例的切開圖,該軸承組件包含一軌道186上的複數滾輪184。該等滾輪184可保持與軌道186直接接觸。軌道186及托架180可為圓形的,並界定了滾輪184之運動的圓形範圍。軸承組件200可更包含一或更多板附接構件182,該板附接構件可機械連接至可動密封板170(未顯示於圖5中)並將密封作動器的運動轉移至可動密封板170。 Referring now to FIGS. 5-7, in one embodiment, the bearing assembly 200 includes a track 186 and a bracket 180, and the bracket includes a plurality of rollers 184. The rollers 184 can be connected to the carriage 180 so that the rollers 184 can rotate and the carriage 180 can be moved. FIG. 5 shows a cut-away view of an embodiment of such a bearing assembly 200 that includes a plurality of rollers 184 on a track 186. The rollers 184 can maintain direct contact with the track 186. The track 186 and the bracket 180 may be circular, and define the circular range of the movement of the roller 184. The bearing assembly 200 may further include one or more plate attachment members 182, which may be mechanically connected to the movable sealing plate 170 (not shown in FIG. 5) and transfer the movement of the sealing actuator to the movable sealing plate 170 .

現在參照圖6,該圖顯示了穿過圖5之軸承組件200的滾輪部分之橫剖面圖。滾輪184可連接至托架180,使得滾輪184可自由地旋轉並在軌道186的方向上移動,該軌道的方向可為圓形的。滾輪184可與軌道186及可動密封板170接觸且位於二者之間。滾輪184可使可動密封板170得以在相對於軌道186的旋轉方向上自由移動。 Refer now to FIG. 6, which shows a cross-sectional view through the roller portion of the bearing assembly 200 of FIG. The roller 184 can be connected to the bracket 180 so that the roller 184 can freely rotate and move in the direction of the track 186, which can be circular. The roller 184 can be in contact with the rail 186 and the movable sealing plate 170 and is located between them. The roller 184 allows the movable sealing plate 170 to move freely in the direction of rotation relative to the rail 186.

現在參照圖7,該圖顯示了圖5之軸承組件200的切開圖,該切開圖顯示了板附接構件182。該板附接構件182可機械連接至軌道186,且該軌道186可機械連接至一作動器連接附屬件190。在一實施例中,該作動器連接附屬件190可包含密封作動器。例如,該作動器連接附屬件190可為一氣動作動器,該氣動作動器有能力使板附接構件182、托架180、及軌道186在z軸方向上移動,並使得可動密封板170在z軸方向上移動。該作動器連接附屬件190可起著真空密封的作用以將該腔室的真空部分密封(相對於周圍的大氣)。在一些實施例中,作動器 連接附屬件190可包含一風箱192。當該作動器連接附屬件190在z軸方向上移動時,該風箱192可用以將該腔室的真空部分與電漿處理腔室110的周圍大氣區域122隔開。 Referring now to FIG. 7, this figure shows a cut-away view of the bearing assembly 200 of FIG. 5, which cut-away view shows the plate attachment member 182. The plate attachment member 182 can be mechanically connected to the rail 186, and the rail 186 can be mechanically connected to an actuator connection accessory 190. In one embodiment, the actuator attachment attachment 190 may include a sealing actuator. For example, the actuator connection attachment 190 may be a pneumatic actuator capable of moving the plate attachment member 182, the bracket 180, and the rail 186 in the z-axis direction, and the movable sealing plate 170 Move in the z-axis direction. The actuator attachment attachment 190 can function as a vacuum seal to seal the vacuum part of the chamber (relative to the surrounding atmosphere). In some embodiments, the actuator The connection accessory 190 may include a bellows 192. When the actuator attachment attachment 190 moves in the z-axis direction, the wind box 192 can be used to separate the vacuum part of the chamber from the surrounding atmosphere 122 of the plasma processing chamber 110.

現在參照圖8,該圖顯示了軸承組件200的另一實施例之橫剖面圖。在這樣的實施例中,軸承組件200可包含複數滾輪184,該等滾輪係定向於相對於軌道186之橫向方向上。該軸承組件200可包含分別連接至軌道186的板附接構件182及作動器連接附屬件190。在圖8的實施例中,可將滾輪184開槽以與輪廓軌道186相匹配。滾輪184可直接連接至可動密封板170。圖8顯示該板附接構件182,其連接至可動密封板170,而這使得該板附接構件182得以將移動轉移至可動密封板170。在這樣的實施例中,當可動密封板170在滾輪184上旋轉時,軌道186及板附接構件182保持靜止。板附接構件182不會使可動密封板170在橫向方向上移動,但當密封作動器(例如,氣動作動器)使該作動器連接附屬件190在z軸方向上移動時,該板附接構件182會使可動密封板170在密封方向上移動。 Refer now to FIG. 8, which shows a cross-sectional view of another embodiment of the bearing assembly 200. In such an embodiment, the bearing assembly 200 may include a plurality of rollers 184 which are oriented in a transverse direction relative to the track 186. The bearing assembly 200 may include a plate attachment member 182 and an actuator connection attachment 190 respectively connected to the rail 186. In the embodiment of FIG. 8, the roller 184 may be grooved to match the contour track 186. The roller 184 may be directly connected to the movable sealing plate 170. FIG. 8 shows the plate attachment member 182 which is connected to the movable sealing plate 170 and this allows the plate attachment member 182 to transfer movement to the movable sealing plate 170. In such an embodiment, when the movable sealing plate 170 rotates on the roller 184, the rail 186 and the plate attachment member 182 remain stationary. The plate attachment member 182 does not move the movable sealing plate 170 in the lateral direction, but when the sealing actuator (for example, a pneumatic actuator) moves the actuator connection attachment 190 in the z-axis direction, the plate is attached The member 182 moves the movable sealing plate 170 in the sealing direction.

現在參照圖9,該圖顯示了多埠閥組件160的另一實施例。在一些實施例中,該多埠閥組件160可包含一曲徑設計(labyrinth design)191,該曲徑設計包含交錯的密封延伸部193、194、195、196。在一實施例中,至少一密封延伸部193、196可從可動密封板170突出,且至少一密封延伸部194、195可從一腔室構件197突出,該腔室構件197位於該可動密封板170之密封表面的對面。然而,可從腔室構件197或可動密封板170其中任一者突出任何數量的密封延伸部193、194、195、196。在一實施例中,多埠閥組件160可在滾輪184的每一側包含該曲徑設計191。該曲徑設計191可用以阻止粒子從電漿處理腔室110的內部區 域122進入電漿處理腔室110的外部,及從電漿處理腔室110的外部進入電漿處理腔室110的內部區域122。 Referring now to FIG. 9, this figure shows another embodiment of a multi-port valve assembly 160. In some embodiments, the multi-port valve assembly 160 may include a labyrinth design 191 that includes staggered sealing extensions 193, 194, 195, and 196. In an embodiment, at least one sealing extension 193, 196 can protrude from the movable sealing plate 170, and at least one sealing extension 194, 195 can protrude from a chamber member 197 located on the movable sealing plate 170 170 opposite to the sealing surface. However, any number of sealing extensions 193, 194, 195, 196 may protrude from either the chamber member 197 or the movable sealing plate 170. In one embodiment, the multi-port valve assembly 160 may include the labyrinth design 191 on each side of the roller 184. The tortuous path design 191 can be used to prevent particles from moving from the inner area of the plasma processing chamber 110 The domain 122 enters the outside of the plasma processing chamber 110 and enters the inner region 122 of the plasma processing chamber 110 from the outside of the plasma processing chamber 110.

在電漿處理裝置100包含曲徑設計191的一實施例中,密封作動器可使該可動密封板170、托架180、滾輪184、軌道186、密封延伸部196、及延伸密封部193在密封方向上移動。該真空連接壁140、密封延伸部194、195、及腔室構件197可保持靜止。 In an embodiment in which the plasma processing apparatus 100 includes a labyrinth design 191, the sealing actuator can make the movable sealing plate 170, the bracket 180, the roller 184, the track 186, the sealing extension 196, and the extension sealing portion 193 seal Move in the direction. The vacuum connection wall 140, the sealing extensions 194, 195, and the chamber member 197 can remain stationary.

在一實施例中,可使至少一部分的多埠閥組件160帶靜電。如本文中所使用,「帶靜電」係關於通過該部分的多埠閥組件160之電荷。例如,在一實施例中,可使交錯的密封延伸部193、194、195、196其中至少一者帶靜電。該電荷可用以吸引或減少顆粒。例如,電荷可用以阻止粒子從電漿處理腔室110的內部區域122進入電漿處理腔室110的外部,及從電漿處理腔室110的外部進入電漿處理腔室110的內部區域122。 In one embodiment, at least a part of the multi-port valve assembly 160 can be electrostatically charged. As used herein, "statically charged" refers to the electric charge passing through the portion of the multi-port valve assembly 160. For example, in one embodiment, at least one of the staggered sealing extensions 193, 194, 195, 196 can be electrostatically charged. This charge can be used to attract or reduce particles. For example, the electric charge may be used to prevent particles from entering the outside of the plasma processing chamber 110 from the inner region 122 of the plasma processing chamber 110 and entering the inner region 122 of the plasma processing chamber 110 from the outside of the plasma processing chamber 110.

現在參照圖10,在一實施例中,橫向作動器可包含一機械式曲柄164。該機械式曲柄164可運作以使可動密封板170在橫向方向上移動。機械式曲柄164可包含一曲柄軸162,該曲柄軸於連接點165連接至可動密封板170。連接點165可將機械式曲柄164機械連接至可動密封板170,同時容許該連接點165沿著可動密封板170的邊緣滑動。曲柄軸162可旋轉以使該可動密封板170在橫向方向上移動。該曲柄軸162可進行旋轉,而這導致了連接點165沿著可動密封板170的邊緣滑動並將移動轉移至可動密封板170。在一實施例中,曲柄軸162可從該電漿處理腔室110的外部延伸至該電漿處理腔室110的內部區域122。可藉由馬達或其他機械性手段來控制曲柄軸162的旋轉。 Referring now to FIG. 10, in one embodiment, the transverse actuator may include a mechanical crank 164. The mechanical crank 164 can operate to move the movable sealing plate 170 in the lateral direction. The mechanical crank 164 may include a crank shaft 162 connected to the movable sealing plate 170 at a connection point 165. The connection point 165 can mechanically connect the mechanical crank 164 to the movable sealing plate 170 while allowing the connection point 165 to slide along the edge of the movable sealing plate 170. The crankshaft 162 can rotate to move the movable sealing plate 170 in the lateral direction. The crankshaft 162 can rotate, and this causes the connection point 165 to slide along the edge of the movable sealing plate 170 and transfer the movement to the movable sealing plate 170. In an embodiment, the crank shaft 162 may extend from the outside of the plasma processing chamber 110 to the inner region 122 of the plasma processing chamber 110. The rotation of the crankshaft 162 can be controlled by a motor or other mechanical means.

在另一實施例中,橫向作動器可包含一磁性系統。例如,可動密封板170可包含一第一磁性元件,該第一磁性元件可磁性耦接至一設置於電漿處理腔室110外面的第二磁性元件。該第二磁性元件的移動可使該可動密封板170在橫向方向上移動。 In another embodiment, the lateral actuator may include a magnetic system. For example, the movable sealing plate 170 may include a first magnetic element, and the first magnetic element may be magnetically coupled to a second magnetic element disposed outside the plasma processing chamber 110. The movement of the second magnetic element can cause the movable sealing plate 170 to move in the lateral direction.

在另一實施例中,多埠閥組件160可包含一鐵磁流體密封部(ferro-fluidic seal)174。圖11顯示了鐵磁流體密封部174之實施例的橫剖面圖。該鐵磁流體密封部174可包含一鐵磁流體172。在一實施例中,該可動密封板170可包含一板狀構件178,且鐵磁流體172可設置於可動密封板170的板狀構件178與一腔室構件146之間,該腔室構件位於該可動密封板170之密封表面的對面。該鐵磁流體密封部174可為一磁性液體密封系統,該系統可用以旋轉該可動密封板170,同時藉由鐵磁流體172形式之物理屏障的手段來維持氣密密封。 In another embodiment, the multi-port valve assembly 160 may include a ferro-fluidic seal 174. FIG. 11 shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of the ferrofluid seal 174. The ferromagnetic fluid sealing portion 174 may include a ferromagnetic fluid 172. In an embodiment, the movable sealing plate 170 may include a plate-shaped member 178, and the ferromagnetic fluid 172 may be disposed between the plate-shaped member 178 of the movable sealing plate 170 and a chamber member 146, the chamber member being located The movable sealing plate 170 is opposite to the sealing surface. The ferrofluid sealing part 174 can be a magnetic liquid sealing system, which can be used to rotate the movable sealing plate 170 while maintaining an airtight seal by means of a physical barrier in the form of a ferrofluid 172.

在另一實施例中,多埠閥組件160可包含一磁性作動器系統。該磁性作動器系統可運作以使可動密封板170懸浮。圖12顯示一懸浮式可動密封板170之實施例的橫剖面圖。可動密封板170可包含一板狀構件176,該板狀構件係塑形為與該真空連接壁140的形狀吻合。可動密封板170可包含一第一磁性元件。該第一磁性元件可磁性耦接至設置在電漿處理腔室110外面的一第二磁性元件。該磁性系統可使可動密封板170在橫向及密封方向上移動。 In another embodiment, the multi-port valve assembly 160 may include a magnetic actuator system. The magnetic actuator system can operate to suspend the movable sealing plate 170. FIG. 12 shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a floating movable sealing plate 170. The movable sealing plate 170 may include a plate-shaped member 176 that is shaped to match the shape of the vacuum connecting wall 140. The movable sealing plate 170 may include a first magnetic element. The first magnetic element can be magnetically coupled to a second magnetic element arranged outside the plasma processing chamber 110. The magnetic system can move the movable sealing plate 170 in the lateral and sealing directions.

在這樣的一實施例中,該橫向作動器可包含一磁性作動器系統,且該密封作動器可包含一磁性作動器系統。該橫向作動器及密封作動器可包含相同的磁性作動器系統。在圖12中所顯示之實施例中,磁性作動器系統可運作以使該可動密封板170懸浮,並使其從關閉狀態移動至開啟狀態(反之亦然)。 In such an embodiment, the transverse actuator may include a magnetic actuator system, and the sealing actuator may include a magnetic actuator system. The transverse actuator and the sealing actuator may include the same magnetic actuator system. In the embodiment shown in FIG. 12, the magnetic actuator system can operate to suspend the movable sealing plate 170 and move it from the closed state to the open state (or vice versa).

圖13A包含一多埠閥組件1300的等角視圖。該多埠閥組件1300係以與多埠閥組件160(圖2)之裝配相同的方式裝配在電漿處理腔室110的底部(圖1)。例如,多埠閥組件1300係螺接及/或栓接至電漿處理腔室160的側壁116,且側壁116與多埠閥組件1300之間的任何空間為密封的。如另一範例,多埠閥組件1300係焊接或化學結合(或以兩者之方式)至側壁116。 FIG. 13A includes an isometric view of a multi-port valve assembly 1300. The multi-port valve assembly 1300 is assembled on the bottom of the plasma processing chamber 110 (FIG. 1) in the same manner as the assembly of the multi-port valve assembly 160 (FIG. 2). For example, the multi-port valve assembly 1300 is screwed and/or bolted to the side wall 116 of the plasma processing chamber 160, and any space between the side wall 116 and the multi-port valve assembly 1300 is sealed. As another example, the multi-port valve assembly 1300 is welded or chemically bonded (or both) to the side wall 116.

多埠閥組件1300包含了頂板1304及底板147。頂板1304相對於底板147係可移動的(以可動密封板170(圖3)相對於底板147係可移動的方式)。例如,頂板1304可相對於底板147而旋轉或懸浮。如另一範例,使用圖5及6、或圖7及8、或圖9中所使用的機構以相對於底板147而支撐頂板1304。 The multi-port valve assembly 1300 includes a top plate 1304 and a bottom plate 147. The top plate 1304 is movable relative to the bottom plate 147 (in a manner that the movable sealing plate 170 (FIG. 3) is movable relative to the bottom plate 147). For example, the top plate 1304 may rotate or float relative to the bottom plate 147. As another example, the mechanism used in FIGS. 5 and 6, or FIGS. 7 and 8, or FIG. 9 is used to support the top plate 1304 relative to the bottom plate 147.

頂板1304包含複數開口1306A、1306B、及1306C,該等開口與底板147的複數開口為相同形狀。開口1306A係在部分1302A與部分1302B之間,且開口1306B係在部分1302B與部分1302C之間。開口1306C係在部分1302C與部分1302A之間。 The top plate 1304 includes a plurality of openings 1306A, 1306B, and 1306C, and the openings and the plurality of openings of the bottom plate 147 have the same shape. The opening 1306A is between the portion 1302A and the portion 1302B, and the opening 1306B is between the portion 1302B and the portion 1302C. The opening 1306C is between the portion 1302C and the portion 1302A.

部分1302A係位於多埠閥組件1300之饋通埠145的一部分、開口1306A及1306C、與頂板1304之外圍邊緣的一部分之間。相似地,部分1302B係位於饋通埠145的一部分、開口1306A及1306B、與頂板1304之外圍邊緣的一部分之間。另外,部分1302C係位於饋通埠145的一部分、開口1306B及1306C、與頂板1304之外圍邊緣的一部分之間。 The portion 1302A is located between a portion of the feed-through port 145 of the multi-port valve assembly 1300, the openings 1306A and 1306C, and a portion of the peripheral edge of the top plate 1304. Similarly, the portion 1302B is located between a portion of the feedthrough port 145, the openings 1306A and 1306B, and a portion of the peripheral edge of the top plate 1304. In addition, the portion 1302C is located between a portion of the feedthrough port 145, the openings 1306B and 1306C, and a portion of the peripheral edge of the top plate 1304.

底板147的邊緣部分1310包含沿著該邊緣部分1310的一線圈。例如,邊緣部分1310中的線圈係沿著底板147的周邊而位於整個邊緣部分1310中。此外,底板147的邊緣部分1312包含沿著邊緣部分1312的一線圈。例如,邊緣部分1312中的線圈係沿著底板147的周邊而位於整個邊緣部分1312中。吾人應注意, 邊緣部分1312係位於邊緣部分1310的上方。當頂板1304位於底板147上方時,一可移除式密封板1314係位於頂板1304及底板147上方。此外,一可移除式腔室襯墊支撐件1316圍繞著饋通埠145。 The edge portion 1310 of the bottom plate 147 includes a loop along the edge portion 1310. For example, the coils in the edge portion 1310 are located in the entire edge portion 1310 along the periphery of the bottom plate 147. In addition, the edge portion 1312 of the bottom plate 147 includes a loop along the edge portion 1312. For example, the coils in the edge portion 1312 are located in the entire edge portion 1312 along the periphery of the bottom plate 147. We should pay attention, The edge portion 1312 is located above the edge portion 1310. When the top plate 1304 is located above the bottom plate 147, a removable sealing plate 1314 is located above the top plate 1304 and the bottom plate 147. In addition, a removable chamber liner support 1316 surrounds the feedthrough port 145.

當一電流通過邊緣部分1310中的線圈時,一電場及一磁場圍繞著線圈而產生,且該磁場係定向為在垂直方向上(例如,沿著z軸而指向上、指向下等)。此外,當電流通過邊緣部分1312中的線圈時,一電場及一磁場圍繞著線圈而產生,且該磁場係定向為在橫向方向上(例如,沿著xy平面而在x軸與y軸之間等)。在橫向方向上的磁場同時地導致了在角度θ1、θ2、及θ3上的改變。角度θ1係形成於一橫向軸線(其通過真空埠142之開口O1的中心C1)與軸線A1(其通過多埠閥組件1300的質量中心)之間。軸線A1將頂板1304的部分1302A二等分。此外,角度θ2係形成於一橫向軸線(其通過真空埠142之開口O2的中心C2)與軸線A2(其通過多埠閥組件1300的質量中心)之間。軸線A2將頂板1304的部分1302C二等分。另外,角度θ3係形成於一橫向軸線(其通過真空埠142之開口O3的中心C3)與軸線A3(其通過多埠閥組件1300的質量中心)之間。軸線A3將頂板1304的部分1302B二等分。 When a current passes through the coil in the edge portion 1310, an electric field and a magnetic field are generated around the coil, and the magnetic field is oriented in a vertical direction (for example, pointing upwards, pointing downwards along the z axis, etc.). In addition, when current passes through the coil in the edge portion 1312, an electric field and a magnetic field are generated around the coil, and the magnetic field is oriented in the lateral direction (for example, between the x-axis and the y-axis along the xy plane). Wait). The magnetic field in the lateral direction simultaneously causes changes in the angles θ1, θ2, and θ3. The angle θ1 is formed between a transverse axis (which passes through the center C1 of the opening O1 of the vacuum port 142) and an axis A1 (which passes through the center of mass of the multiport valve assembly 1300). The axis A1 bisects the portion 1302A of the top plate 1304. In addition, the angle θ2 is formed between a transverse axis (which passes through the center C2 of the opening O2 of the vacuum port 142) and an axis A2 (which passes through the center of mass of the multiport valve assembly 1300). The axis A2 bisects the portion 1302C of the top plate 1304. In addition, the angle θ3 is formed between a transverse axis (which passes through the center C3 of the opening O3 of the vacuum port 142) and an axis A3 (which passes through the center of mass of the multiport valve assembly 1300). The axis A3 bisects the portion 1302B of the top plate 1304.

在一實施例中,角度θ1、θ2、及θ3係由閥控制器(下面進一步描述該閥控制器)所控制,俾使部分1302A、1302B、及1302C相對於真空埠142的開口係處於部分開啟、關閉、或開啟的位置。 In one embodiment, the angles θ1, θ2, and θ3 are controlled by a valve controller (the valve controller will be described further below), so that the openings of the parts 1302A, 1302B, and 1302C relative to the vacuum port 142 are partially opened , Closed, or open position.

在一實施例中,角度θ1、θ2、及θ3係由閥控制器所控制,俾使角度θ1、θ2、及θ3在任何時候為相等的。 In one embodiment, the angles θ1, θ2, and θ3 are controlled by the valve controller so that the angles θ1, θ2, and θ3 are equal at all times.

圖13A之實施例係顯示三個真空泵浦150之使用。若使用兩個真空泵浦150,則頂板1304包含彼此間隔開的兩個開口。例如,兩個開口以180度之角度位於頂板1304上,且底板147包含相對於彼此以180度定向的兩個開口。 The embodiment of FIG. 13A shows the use of three vacuum pumps 150. If two vacuum pumps 150 are used, the top plate 1304 includes two openings spaced apart from each other. For example, two openings are located on the top plate 1304 at an angle of 180 degrees, and the bottom plate 147 includes two openings oriented at 180 degrees with respect to each other.

在一實施例中,多埠閥組件1300為電漿處理腔室110的一部分。 In one embodiment, the multi-port valve assembly 1300 is a part of the plasma processing chamber 110.

圖13B為頂板1304的一部分之實施例的等角視圖。頂板1304包含用於懸浮(例如,頂板1304沿著z軸的移動等)的一或更多磁鐵1332(例如,永久磁鐵、釹磁鐵、稀土金屬磁鐵等)。例如,頂板1304包含一組磁鐵(例如,2磁鐵、4磁鐵等)。一或更多磁鐵1332產生對應的一或更多磁場,該一或更多磁場係定向為在垂直方向上以促成頂板1304之懸浮。頂板1304更包含一或更多磁鐵1334(例如,永久磁鐵、釹磁鐵、稀土金屬磁鐵等)以使頂板1304沿x-y平面旋轉以對從電漿處理腔室110至真空泵浦150的材料之流量進行節流。例如,頂板1304包含沿著頂板1304之徑向區域的一系列之磁鐵以使頂板1304旋轉轉動。該徑向區域為在距離頂板1304之周邊一預定距離內的區域。該一或更多磁鐵1334產生對應的一或更多磁場,該一或更多磁場係定向為在橫向方向上以促成頂板1304之旋轉。頂板1304更包含一金屬屏蔽1336,以降低該一或更多磁鐵1332及1334所產生的磁場干擾電漿處理腔室110內之基板112(圖1)處理的機會。頂板1304的接合蓋1338對頂板1304內的一或更多磁鐵1332及1334提供掩蓋。在一實施例中,每一磁鐵1332為圓柱狀的,且每一磁鐵1334為弧狀的。如本文所使用,在一實施例中,磁鐵可為任何其它形狀,例如棒狀、馬蹄形、碟形等 Figure 13B is an isometric view of an embodiment of a portion of the top plate 1304. The top plate 1304 includes one or more magnets 1332 (e.g., permanent magnets, neodymium magnets, rare earth metal magnets, etc.) for levitation (e.g., movement of the top plate 1304 along the z-axis, etc.). For example, the top plate 1304 includes a set of magnets (for example, 2 magnets, 4 magnets, etc.). One or more magnets 1332 generate corresponding one or more magnetic fields, and the one or more magnetic fields are oriented in the vertical direction to facilitate the levitation of the top plate 1304. The top plate 1304 further includes one or more magnets 1334 (for example, permanent magnets, neodymium magnets, rare earth metal magnets, etc.) to rotate the top plate 1304 along the xy plane to control the flow of materials from the plasma processing chamber 110 to the vacuum pump 150 Throttling. For example, the top plate 1304 includes a series of magnets along the radial region of the top plate 1304 to rotate the top plate 1304. The radial area is an area within a predetermined distance from the periphery of the top plate 1304. The one or more magnets 1334 generate corresponding one or more magnetic fields, and the one or more magnetic fields are oriented in the lateral direction to promote the rotation of the top plate 1304. The top plate 1304 further includes a metal shield 1336 to reduce the chance that the magnetic field generated by the one or more magnets 1332 and 1334 interferes with the processing of the substrate 112 (FIG. 1) in the plasma processing chamber 110. The joint cover 1338 of the top plate 1304 provides a cover for one or more magnets 1332 and 1334 in the top plate 1304. In one embodiment, each magnet 1332 is cylindrical, and each magnet 1334 is arc-shaped. As used herein, in one embodiment, the magnet can be any other shape, such as rod shape, horseshoe shape, dish shape, etc.

當位於邊緣部分1310(圖13A)內的線圈所產生的磁場與一或更多磁鐵1332所產生的磁場相互干涉時,頂板1304相對於底板147沿z軸懸浮以使真空埠142(圖13A)的開口密封或啟封。此外,當位於邊緣部分1312(圖13A)內的線圈 所產生的磁場與一或更多磁鐵1334所產生的磁場相互干涉時,頂板1304相對於底板147沿x-y平面旋轉以使真空埠142的開口開啟、部分開啟、或關閉。 When the magnetic field generated by the coil located in the edge portion 1310 (FIG. 13A) and the magnetic field generated by one or more magnets 1332 interfere with each other, the top plate 1304 is suspended along the z-axis relative to the bottom plate 147 to make the vacuum port 142 (FIG. 13A) The opening is sealed or unsealed. In addition, when the coil located in the edge portion 1312 (Figure 13A) When the generated magnetic field interferes with the magnetic field generated by one or more magnets 1334, the top plate 1304 rotates relative to the bottom plate 147 along the x-y plane to open, partially open, or close the opening of the vacuum port 142.

在一實施例中,一或更多磁鐵1334係均等或不均等地相互間隔。相似地,在一實施例中,一或更多磁鐵1332係均等或不均等地相互間隔。 In one embodiment, one or more magnets 1334 are equally or unequally spaced from each other. Similarly, in one embodiment, one or more magnets 1332 are equally or unequally spaced from each other.

在一實施例中,位於邊緣部分1312中的線圈中之電流量係由閥控制器(下面將進一步描述該閥控制器)所控制,以控制頂板1304相對於底板147的旋轉量。例如,使施加至邊緣部分1312中之線圈的電流量增加或減少,俾使該電流所產生之磁場施加一力至該頂板1304,使得由通過頂板1304之質量中心及該一或更多磁鐵1334其中第一者的一水平軸線相對於x軸所形成的一角度係相同於由通過頂板1304之質量中心及該一或更多磁鐵1334其中第二者的一水平軸線相對於x軸所形成的一角度。第一及第二磁鐵在此範例中係彼此相鄰的。此外,水平軸線為位於x-y平面上的軸線。如另一範例,使施加至邊緣部分1312中之線圈的電流量增加或減少,俾使該電流所產生之磁場施加一力至該頂板1304,使得由通過頂板1304之質量中心及在第一磁鐵與第二磁鐵之間的一位置的一水平軸線相對於x軸所形成的一角度係相同於由通過頂板1304之質量中心及在第二磁鐵與第三磁鐵之間的一位置的一水平軸線相對於x軸所形成的一角度。該第三磁鐵係與第二磁鐵相鄰且位於第一磁鐵的相反側。 In one embodiment, the amount of current in the coil located in the edge portion 1312 is controlled by a valve controller (the valve controller will be further described below) to control the amount of rotation of the top plate 1304 relative to the bottom plate 147. For example, the amount of current applied to the coil in the edge portion 1312 is increased or decreased, so that the magnetic field generated by the current applies a force to the top plate 1304, so that the center of mass of the top plate 1304 and the one or more magnets 1334 The angle formed by a horizontal axis of the first with respect to the x-axis is the same as that formed by the center of mass passing through the top plate 1304 and the one or more magnets 1334 with a horizontal axis of the second with respect to the x-axis. One angle. The first and second magnets are adjacent to each other in this example. In addition, the horizontal axis is an axis located on the x-y plane. As another example, the amount of current applied to the coil in the edge portion 1312 is increased or decreased so that the magnetic field generated by the current applies a force to the top plate 1304, so that the center of mass passing through the top plate 1304 and the first magnet An angle formed by a horizontal axis at a position between the second magnet and the x-axis is the same as a horizontal axis passing through the center of mass of the top plate 1304 and a position between the second magnet and the third magnet An angle relative to the x axis. The third magnet is adjacent to the second magnet and located on the opposite side of the first magnet.

在一實施例中,一或更多磁鐵1332及1334係位於可動密封板170(圖2)中,以促成可動密封板170相對於底板147的懸浮或轉動。例如,一或更多磁鐵1332及1334係位於葉片144(圖3)內,以促成對該可動密封板170沿著z軸及沿著x-y平面之移動的控制。 In one embodiment, one or more magnets 1332 and 1334 are located in the movable sealing plate 170 (FIG. 2) to facilitate the suspension or rotation of the movable sealing plate 170 relative to the bottom plate 147. For example, one or more magnets 1332 and 1334 are located in the blade 144 (FIG. 3) to facilitate control of the movement of the movable sealing plate 170 along the z-axis and along the x-y plane.

在一實施例中,當葉片144(圖2)或部分1302A、1302B、及1302C處於開啟狀態(開口O1、O2、及O3並未部分地或完全地被葉片或部分1302A、1302B、及1302C所覆蓋)時,這樣的葉片144或部分1302A、1302B、及1302C之狀態在本文中有時稱為非重疊狀態。在非重疊狀態中,存在著經由開口O1、O2、及O3其中每一者的流導之最大量(相較於重疊狀態及各種程度的部分重疊狀態之流導)。在一實施例中,當葉片144(圖2)或部分1302A、1302B、及1302C處於關閉狀態(開口O1、O2、及O3完全被葉片或部分1302A、1302B、及1302C所覆蓋)時,這樣的葉片144或部分1302A、1302B、及1302C之狀態在本文中有時稱為重疊狀態。在重疊狀態中,從電漿處理腔室110的內部區域122至真空泵浦150不存在流導或僅存在最小的流導。在一實施例中,當葉片144(圖2)或部分1302A、1302B、及1302C處於部分開啟狀態(葉片或部分1302A、1302B、及1302C未使開口O1、O2、及O3完全被覆蓋且沒有使其保持敞開)時,這樣的葉片144或部分1302A、1302B、及1302C之狀態在本文中有時稱為部分重疊狀態。在部分重疊狀態中,當角度θ1、θ2、及θ3隨著時間改變,部分重疊狀態的程度亦隨時間改變。隨著角度θ1、θ2、及θ3增加,部分重疊狀態的程度提高,且與開口O1、O2、及O3其中每一者關聯的流導上升。相似地,隨著角度θ1、θ2、及θ3減少,部分重疊狀態的程度降低,且與每一開口O1、O2、及O3關聯的流導下降。 In one embodiment, when the blade 144 (FIG. 2) or the portions 1302A, 1302B, and 1302C are in an open state (the openings O1, O2, and O3 are not partially or completely blocked by the blades or portions 1302A, 1302B, and 1302C). When covering), the state of such blades 144 or portions 1302A, 1302B, and 1302C is sometimes referred to herein as a non-overlapping state. In the non-overlapping state, there is the maximum amount of conductance through each of the openings O1, O2, and O3 (compared to the conductance in the overlapping state and various degrees of partial overlap state). In one embodiment, when the blade 144 (FIG. 2) or parts 1302A, 1302B, and 1302C are closed (openings O1, O2, and O3 are completely covered by the blade or parts 1302A, 1302B, and 1302C), such The state of the blade 144 or portions 1302A, 1302B, and 1302C is sometimes referred to herein as an overlapping state. In the overlapping state, there is no conductance or only minimal conductance from the inner region 122 of the plasma processing chamber 110 to the vacuum pump 150. In one embodiment, when the blade 144 (FIG. 2) or parts 1302A, 1302B, and 1302C are in a partially opened state (the blade or parts 1302A, 1302B, and 1302C do not cover the openings O1, O2, and O3 completely and do not make When it remains open), the state of such blades 144 or portions 1302A, 1302B, and 1302C is sometimes referred to herein as a partially overlapping state. In the partially overlapping state, when the angles θ1, θ2, and θ3 change with time, the degree of the partially overlapping state also changes with time. As the angles θ1, θ2, and θ3 increase, the degree of the partially overlapping state increases, and the conductance associated with each of the openings O1, O2, and O3 increases. Similarly, as the angles θ1, θ2, and θ3 decrease, the degree of the partially overlapping state decreases, and the conductance associated with each opening O1, O2, and O3 decreases.

在一實施例中,當葉片144或部分1302A、1302B、及1302C係定位在開口O1、O2、及O3上方而使得該等開口完全被葉片144或部分1302A、1302B、及1302C覆蓋且密封時,這樣的葉片144或部分1302A、1302B、及1302C之狀態為密封狀態。在一實施例中,當葉片144或部分1302A、1302B、及1302C係定位在開口O1、O2、及O3上方而使得該等開口未被葉片144或部分1302A、1302B、 及1302C所完全覆蓋且葉片144或部分1302A、1302B、及1302C係以步進的方式在垂直方向上沿著z軸移動(例如,位移等)時,這樣的葉片144或部分1302A,1302B及1302C之狀態在本文中有時稱為葉片144或部分1302A、1302B、及1302C之各種程度的非密封狀態。例如,當葉片144自底板147以垂直方向從z軸上的位置zd1移動至z軸上的位置zd2時,非密封狀態之程度改變。位置zd1係與非密封狀態的第一程度關聯,且位置zd2係與非密封狀態的第二程度關聯。 In one embodiment, when the blade 144 or the portions 1302A, 1302B, and 1302C are positioned above the openings O1, O2, and O3 such that the openings are completely covered and sealed by the blade 144 or the portions 1302A, 1302B, and 1302C, The state of such blades 144 or portions 1302A, 1302B, and 1302C is a sealed state. In one embodiment, when the blade 144 or the portions 1302A, 1302B, and 1302C are positioned above the openings O1, O2, and O3, such that the openings are not covered by the blade 144 or the portions 1302A, 1302B, When the blades 144 or parts 1302A, 1302B, and 1302C are moved along the z-axis in the vertical direction in a stepwise manner (for example, displacement, etc.), such blades 144 or parts 1302A, 1302B, and 1302C are completely covered This state is sometimes referred to herein as the various degrees of unsealed state of the blade 144 or portions 1302A, 1302B, and 1302C. For example, when the blade 144 moves from the position zd1 on the z axis to the position zd2 on the z axis in the vertical direction from the bottom plate 147, the degree of the non-sealing state changes. The position zd1 is associated with the first degree of the unsealed state, and the position zd2 is associated with the second degree of the unsealed state.

在一實施例中,當葉片144或部分1302A、1302B、及1302C從開啟狀態移動至關閉狀態時,在開口O1、O2、及O3的流導下降。相似地,當葉片144或部分1302A、1302B、及1302C從關閉狀態移動至開啟狀態時,在開口O1、O2、及O3的流導上升。在一實施例中,當葉片144或部分1302A、1302B、及1302C從非密封狀態移動至密封狀態時,在開口O1、O2、及O3的流導下降。此外,當葉片144或部分1302A、1302B、及1302C從密封狀態移動至非密封狀態時,在開口O1、O2、及O3的流導上升。 In one embodiment, when the blade 144 or the portions 1302A, 1302B, and 1302C move from the open state to the closed state, the conductance at the openings O1, O2, and O3 decreases. Similarly, when the blade 144 or the portions 1302A, 1302B, and 1302C move from the closed state to the open state, the conductance at the openings O1, O2, and O3 rises. In one embodiment, when the blade 144 or the portions 1302A, 1302B, and 1302C move from the unsealed state to the sealed state, the conductance at the openings O1, O2, and O3 decreases. In addition, when the vane 144 or the portions 1302A, 1302B, and 1302C move from the sealed state to the unsealed state, the conductance at the openings O1, O2, and O3 increases.

圖14為電漿處理腔室的部分1400之實施例的等角視圖。部分1400包含一基座1402(例如,晶圓載台、卡盤等),基板112(圖1)係置於該基座上以對基板112進行處理。在基座1402下方為一多埠閥組件1406。該多埠閥組件1406包含一真空連接壁1410、複數折板1404A及1404B、及一金屬板1408,該金屬板具有複數開口(針對每一折板1404A及1404B一個)。 Figure 14 is an isometric view of an embodiment of a portion 1400 of a plasma processing chamber. The portion 1400 includes a susceptor 1402 (for example, a wafer stage, a chuck, etc.) on which the substrate 112 (FIG. 1) is placed to process the substrate 112. Below the base 1402 is a multi-port valve assembly 1406. The multi-port valve assembly 1406 includes a vacuum connection wall 1410, a plurality of folded plates 1404A and 1404B, and a metal plate 1408 with a plurality of openings (one for each folded plate 1404A and 1404B).

折板1404A及1404B係相對於彼此而鉸接,並沿著z軸繞鉸鏈1412而旋轉。例如,一馬達(例如,步進馬達、伺服馬達等)連接至一或更多連接鏈結(例如,軸、或齒輪、或其組合等),該一或更多連接鏈結隨著馬達之轉子的移動而在垂直方向上移動。在一實施例中,馬達、及一或更多連接鏈結、及用以驅動 該馬達之驅動器(例如,一或更多電晶體等)為作動器的零件。該一或更多連接鏈結係與折板1404A或折板1404B相接觸。一或更多連接鏈結在向上方向上的移動使折板1404A或折板1404B開啟,且一或更多連接鏈結在向下方向上的移動使折板1404A或折板1404B關閉。折板1404A及1404B係開啟及關閉以改變在電漿腔室的內部與真空泵浦150之間的流導量。 The flaps 1404A and 1404B are hinged relative to each other, and rotate about the hinge 1412 along the z axis. For example, a motor (e.g., stepper motor, servo motor, etc.) is connected to one or more connection links (e.g., shaft, or gear, or a combination thereof, etc.), and the one or more connection links follow the motor The movement of the rotor moves in the vertical direction. In one embodiment, the motor, and one or more connection links, and used to drive The driver (for example, one or more transistors, etc.) of the motor is a part of the actuator. The one or more connecting links are in contact with the folded plate 1404A or the folded plate 1404B. The movement of one or more connection links in the upward direction causes the flap 1404A or the flap 1404B to open, and the movement of one or more connection links in the downward direction causes the flap 1404A or the flap 1404B to close. The flaps 1404A and 1404B are opened and closed to change the conductance between the inside of the plasma chamber and the vacuum pump 150.

每一折板1404A及1404B於關閉或密封時覆蓋了金屬板1408中的一開口。例如,折板1404A覆蓋了金屬板1408中的開口,且該開口位於真空泵浦150與電漿處理腔室的一內部區域之間,部分1400係位於該內部區域中。如另一範例,折板1404B覆蓋了金屬板1408中的另一開口,且該開口位於真空泵浦150與電漿處理腔室的內部區域(部分1400係位於該內部區域中)之間。 Each of the folded plates 1404A and 1404B covers an opening in the metal plate 1408 when closed or sealed. For example, the folded plate 1404A covers the opening in the metal plate 1408, and the opening is located between the vacuum pump 150 and an inner region of the plasma processing chamber, and the portion 1400 is located in the inner region. As another example, the flap 1404B covers another opening in the metal plate 1408, and the opening is located between the vacuum pump 150 and the inner region of the plasma processing chamber (the portion 1400 is located in the inner region).

在一實施例中,一馬達經由連接鏈結而連接至折板1404A及1404B以同時將折板1404A及1404B密封、啟封、開啟、關閉、或部分開啟。例如,折板1404A相對於該等開口其中一者係開啟了一量(例如,相對於該開口所形成的角度、相對於該開口所形成的度數等),且該量係相同於折板1404B相對於該等開口其中另一者所開啟的量。折板1404A及1404B開啟相同的量導致了與該等開口關聯之流導同時改變。該馬達係由閥控制器所控制。例如,閥控制器發送一指令信號至一驅動器,該驅動器產生電流以使馬達的轉子轉動。轉子進行旋轉使一或更多連接鏈結移動以同時地使折板1404A及1404B密封或啟封。 In one embodiment, a motor is connected to the flaps 1404A and 1404B via a connection link to simultaneously seal, unseal, open, close, or partially open the flaps 1404A and 1404B. For example, the folded plate 1404A is opened by an amount relative to one of the openings (for example, the angle formed relative to the opening, the degree formed relative to the opening, etc.), and the amount is the same as the folded plate 1404B Relative to the amount opened by the other of the openings. The opening of the flaps 1404A and 1404B by the same amount causes the conductance associated with the openings to change simultaneously. The motor is controlled by the valve controller. For example, the valve controller sends a command signal to a driver, which generates current to rotate the rotor of the motor. The rotor rotates to move one or more connecting links to simultaneously seal or unseal the flaps 1404A and 1404B.

在一實施例中,有時將折板1404A及1404B及鉸鏈1412稱為一板,而折板1404A及1404B為該板的部分。 In an embodiment, the folded plates 1404A and 1404B and the hinge 1412 are sometimes referred to as a plate, and the folded plates 1404A and 1404B are parts of the plate.

圖15A為方法1500之實施例的流程圖,該流程圖係用以繪示使用閥控制器以調整與電漿處理腔室110(圖1)關聯之流導。方法1500係由閥控制器執行。 如本文中所使用,控制器之範例包含了處理器及記憶體裝置。如本文中所使用,處理器為特定應用積體電路、可程式化邏輯裝置、微處理器、或中央處理單元等。記憶體裝置之範例包含隨機存取記憶體(RAM)、快閃記憶體、唯讀記憶體、磁碟陣列、光碟、硬碟等。 15A is a flowchart of an embodiment of a method 1500, which is used to illustrate the use of a valve controller to adjust the conductance associated with the plasma processing chamber 110 (FIG. 1). The method 1500 is performed by the valve controller. As used in this article, examples of controllers include processors and memory devices. As used herein, a processor is an application-specific integrated circuit, a programmable logic device, a microprocessor, or a central processing unit. Examples of memory devices include random access memory (RAM), flash memory, read-only memory, disk arrays, optical disks, hard disks, etc.

方法1500包含監控與電漿處理腔室110關聯之條件的操作1502。例如,一壓力感測器係用以感測電漿處理腔室110中的壓力。該壓力感測器係位於該內部區域122(圖1)內。在一實施例中,壓力感測器的一部分係位於內部區域122內,且壓力感測器的其餘部分係位於內部區域122外。如另一範例,藉由流率感測器(例如,流量計等)而測量從內部區域122(圖1)流過真空埠142(圖3)至真空泵浦150(圖1)的材料(例如,電漿處理之殘留物、氣體、電漿等)流動之流率。 The method 1500 includes an operation 1502 of monitoring conditions associated with the plasma processing chamber 110. For example, a pressure sensor is used to sense the pressure in the plasma processing chamber 110. The pressure sensor is located in the inner region 122 (Figure 1). In one embodiment, a part of the pressure sensor is located in the inner area 122 and the rest of the pressure sensor is located outside the inner area 122. As another example, a flow rate sensor (e.g., flow meter, etc.) is used to measure the material (e.g., from the internal area 122 (Figure 1)) flowing through the vacuum port 142 (Figure 3) to the vacuum pump 150 (Figure 1). , The flow rate of plasma processing residue, gas, plasma, etc.).

所監控的條件係提供至閥控制器。一旦接收到條件,在操作1504中,閥控制器對連接至該閥控制器的作動器進行指示以調整硬式可動密封板170(圖3)或頂板1304(圖13A)的位置,以引起從電漿處理腔室110經由真空埠142的開口O1、O2、及O3至真空泵浦150之流導(例如,流量等)的調整。例如,閥控制器發送一信號至作動器以使具有葉片144的硬式可動密封板170、或具有部分1302A、1302B、及1302C的頂板1304在垂直方向上(例如,沿著z軸等)向上或向下移動以調整流導。當藉由閥控制器經由作動器進行控制時,整合至可動密封板170中之葉片144促成了葉片144的同時移動,且整合至頂板1304中的部分1302A、1302B、及1302C促成了部分1302A、1302B、及1302C的同時移動。當葉片144或部分1302A、1302B、及1302C同時移動時,通過底板147(圖2)之開口O1、O2、及O3其中每一者的流導同時改變。例如,在從內部區域122(圖1)經由開口O1至第一真空泵浦150(該第一真空泵浦與開口O1介接)之流導上的改變係與在從內部區域 122經由開口O2至第二真空泵浦150(該第二真空泵浦與開口O2介接)之流導上的改變、及從內部區域122經由開口O3至第三真空泵浦150(該第三真空泵浦與開口O3介接)之流導上的改變相同。如另一範例,閥控制器發送一信號至作動器而使硬式可動密封板170或頂板1304在橫向方向上移動以使與真空埠142關聯之開口O1、O2、及O3開啟、或部分開啟、或關閉。在操作1504之後,重複操作1502。在一實施例中,操作1502係與操作1504同時執行。 The monitored conditions are provided to the valve controller. Once the condition is received, in operation 1504, the valve controller instructs the actuator connected to the valve controller to adjust the position of the rigid movable sealing plate 170 (Figure 3) or the top plate 1304 (Figure 13A) to cause electrical The slurry processing chamber 110 adjusts the conductance (for example, flow rate, etc.) of the vacuum pump 150 through the openings O1, O2, and O3 of the vacuum port 142. For example, the valve controller sends a signal to the actuator to cause the rigid movable sealing plate 170 with blades 144, or the top plate 1304 with portions 1302A, 1302B, and 1302C to be upward or downward in the vertical direction (for example, along the z-axis, etc.) Move down to adjust flow conductance. When controlled by the valve controller via an actuator, the blade 144 integrated into the movable sealing plate 170 facilitates simultaneous movement of the blade 144, and the parts 1302A, 1302B, and 1302C integrated into the top plate 1304 facilitate the parts 1302A, 1302B and 1302C move simultaneously. When the blades 144 or the portions 1302A, 1302B, and 1302C move simultaneously, the conductance through each of the openings O1, O2, and O3 of the bottom plate 147 (FIG. 2) changes simultaneously. For example, the change in conductance from the inner region 122 (FIG. 1) through the opening O1 to the first vacuum pump 150 (the first vacuum pump is connected to the opening O1) 122 through the opening O2 to the change in conductance of the second vacuum pump 150 (the second vacuum pump is connected to the opening O2), and from the inner region 122 through the opening O3 to the third vacuum pump 150 (the third vacuum pump and The change in conductance of the opening O3 is the same. As another example, the valve controller sends a signal to the actuator to move the rigid movable sealing plate 170 or the top plate 1304 in the lateral direction to open or partially open the openings O1, O2, and O3 associated with the vacuum port 142, Or close. After operation 1504, operation 1502 is repeated. In one embodiment, operation 1502 is performed simultaneously with operation 1504.

在一實施例中,流導係與所有的真空埠142關聯。例如,將流量感測器置於內部區域122內或內部區域122外以測量通過開口O1(開口O1係與該等真空埠142其中一者關聯)之流動的流率,將另一流量感測器置於內部區域122內或內部區域122外以測量通過開口O2(開口O2係與該等真空埠142其中另一者關聯)之流動的流率,並將再另一流量感測器置於內部區域122內或內部區域122外以測量通過開口O3(開口O3係與該等真空埠142其中再另一者關聯)之流動的流率。閥控制器接收與開口O1、O2、及O3關聯的複數流率(該等開口O1、O2、及O3係與該等真空埠142關聯),並將該等流率加總以達成與電漿處理腔室110或與三個真空埠142關聯的流導。 In one embodiment, the flow guide is associated with all the vacuum ports 142. For example, the flow sensor is placed in the inner region 122 or outside the inner region 122 to measure the flow rate of the flow through the opening O1 (the opening O1 is associated with one of the vacuum ports 142), and the other flow rate is sensed The device is placed in the inner area 122 or outside the inner area 122 to measure the flow rate of the flow through the opening O2 (the opening O2 is associated with the other one of the vacuum ports 142), and another flow sensor is placed In the inner region 122 or outside the inner region 122, the flow rate of the flow through the opening O3 (the opening O3 is associated with the other one of the vacuum ports 142) is measured. The valve controller receives the plural flow rates associated with the openings O1, O2, and O3 (the openings O1, O2, and O3 are associated with the vacuum ports 142), and sums the flow rates to achieve a plasma The processing chamber 110 or the flow guides associated with the three vacuum ports 142.

在一實施例中,圖15A的方法適用於圖14之多埠閥組件1406。例如,在操作1502中監控與使用圖14所繪示之電漿處理腔室關聯的條件之後,閥控制器對作動器(例如,連接至馬達的驅動器等)進行指示,以藉由使折板繞鉸鏈1412(圖14)轉動而讓折板1404A及1404B(圖14)在垂直方向上作動。 In one embodiment, the method of FIG. 15A is applicable to the multi-port valve assembly 1406 of FIG. 14. For example, after monitoring the conditions associated with the use of the plasma processing chamber shown in FIG. 14 in operation 1502, the valve controller instructs the actuator (for example, the driver connected to the motor, etc.) to make the flap Rotate around the hinge 1412 (Figure 14) to allow the flaps 1404A and 1404B (Figure 14) to move in the vertical direction.

圖15B為方法1520之實施例的流程圖,該方法係用以根據一配方操作多埠閥組件(例如,多埠閥組件160(圖2)、多埠閥組件1300(圖13A)等)。該配方包含用以處理基板112的一或更多參數(例如,壓力、溫度、上與下電極之間的間隙、 流入電漿處理腔室110的一或更多處理氣體之流率、供應至電漿處理腔室110的一或更多RF信號110的一或更多頻率、一或更多RF信號的一或更多功率位準等)。在基板112上執行的各種處理之範例包含了在基板112上沉積材料、對基板112或沉積在基板112上的層進行蝕刻、清洗基板112等。在一實施例中,閥控制器從連接至閥控制器的主機控制器接收配方。例如,閥控制器從主機控制器接收欲於內部區域122(圖1)中維持的操作壓力或操作流導。 FIG. 15B is a flowchart of an embodiment of a method 1520 for operating a multi-port valve assembly (for example, the multi-port valve assembly 160 (FIG. 2), the multi-port valve assembly 1300 (FIG. 13A), etc.) according to a recipe. The recipe includes one or more parameters for processing the substrate 112 (for example, pressure, temperature, gap between the upper and lower electrodes, The flow rate of one or more processing gases flowing into the plasma processing chamber 110, one or more frequencies of the one or more RF signals 110 supplied to the plasma processing chamber 110, one or more of the one or more RF signals More power levels, etc.). Examples of various processes performed on the substrate 112 include depositing materials on the substrate 112, etching the substrate 112 or a layer deposited on the substrate 112, cleaning the substrate 112, and the like. In an embodiment, the valve controller receives the recipe from a host controller connected to the valve controller. For example, the valve controller receives the operating pressure or operating conductance to be maintained in the internal region 122 (FIG. 1) from the host controller.

方法1520包含了根據配方而操作多埠閥組件的操作1522。例如,閥控制器控制作動器以進一步控制硬式可動密封板170(圖3)或頂板(圖13A)的移動而使得操作壓力及/或操作流導被維持。如另一範例,閥控制器儲存了一查閱表,該查閱表具有真空埠142之開口開啟的量與操作壓力及/或操作流導之間的對應關係。閥控制器基於操作壓力及/或操作流導而從查閱表辨識真空埠142之開口開啟的量。閥控制器發送一信號至作動器以達成真空埠142之開口開啟的量。 The method 1520 includes an operation 1522 of operating the multi-port valve assembly according to the recipe. For example, the valve controller controls the actuator to further control the movement of the rigid movable sealing plate 170 (FIG. 3) or the top plate (FIG. 13A) so that the operating pressure and/or the operating conductance are maintained. As another example, the valve controller stores a look-up table that has the correspondence between the opening amount of the vacuum port 142 and the operating pressure and/or operating conductance. The valve controller recognizes the opening amount of the vacuum port 142 from the look-up table based on the operating pressure and/or the operating conductance. The valve controller sends a signal to the actuator to achieve the opening amount of the vacuum port 142.

方法1502更包含一操作1524,該操作指示作動器調整硬式可動密封板170或頂板(圖13A)的位置以引起從內部區域122經由真空埠142的開口至真空泵浦150的流導之調整。例如,閥控制器根據在操作壓力及/或操作流導上的改變而從查閱表辨識出真空埠142開啟的量為應修改的。為了達成修改的量,真空控制器發送一信號至作動器以使真空埠142的開口開啟、或關閉、或進一步部分開啟、及/或進一步部分關閉。 The method 1502 further includes an operation 1524 that instructs the actuator to adjust the position of the rigid movable sealing plate 170 or the top plate (FIG. 13A) to cause adjustment of the conductance from the inner region 122 through the opening of the vacuum port 142 to the vacuum pump 150. For example, the valve controller recognizes from the look-up table that the opening amount of the vacuum port 142 should be modified based on changes in operating pressure and/or operating conductance. In order to achieve the modified amount, the vacuum controller sends a signal to the actuator to make the opening of the vacuum port 142 open, close, or further partially open, and/or further partially close.

在一實施例中,圖15B的方法1520適用於圖14的多埠閥組件1406。例如,在執行根據配方而操作多埠閥組件1406的操作1522之後,閥控制器指示作動器(例如,連接至馬達的驅動器等)使折板1404A及1404B(圖14)繞鉸鏈1412(圖 14)旋轉以進一步調整流導。流導為由圖14中所繪示的電漿腔室經由金屬板1408(圖14)中的開口至真空泵浦150(圖14)的材料之流動的導率。 In one embodiment, the method 1520 of FIG. 15B is applicable to the multi-port valve assembly 1406 of FIG. 14. For example, after performing operation 1522 of operating the multi-port valve assembly 1406 according to the recipe, the valve controller instructs an actuator (for example, a driver connected to a motor, etc.) to make the flaps 1404A and 1404B (FIG. 14) wrap around the hinge 1412 (FIG. 14) 14) Rotate to further adjust the conductance. The conductance is the conductivity of the material flowing from the plasma chamber shown in FIG. 14 through the opening in the metal plate 1408 (FIG. 14) to the vacuum pump 150 (FIG. 14 ).

圖16A為電漿處理系統1600之實施例的方塊圖,用以繪示使用閥控制器1602及作動器子系統1606控制多埠閥組件1610(例如,多埠閥組件160(圖1)、多埠閥組件1300(圖13A)等)之操作。系統1600包含電漿處理腔室110、真空泵浦150、作動器子系統1606、閥控制器1602、及處理模組1608。作動器子系統1606之範例包含作動器1622A(圖16B)及作動器1622B(圖16B)。處理模組1608為主機控制器之範例。在一實施例中,處理模組1608為主控制器的處理器所執行之電腦軟體程式的一部分。主機控制器藉由控制電漿處理系統的各樣元件而執行配方。各樣元件之範例包含馬達及一或更多連接鏈結、閥、加熱器、及真空泵浦150等,該一或更多連接鏈結係連接至該馬達以改變電漿處理腔室110的上與下電極之間的間隙而控制基板112的處理,該閥控制了至電漿處理腔室110的氣體流動量以控制基板112的處理,該加熱器提供一電流信號以加熱電漿處理腔室110中的電極而控制基板112的處理之溫度,該等真空泵浦係操作以達成從內部區域122至內部區域112之外的材料流動量以於基板112的處理期間內控制電漿處理腔室110內的壓力。 16A is a block diagram of an embodiment of the plasma processing system 1600, which is used to illustrate the use of the valve controller 1602 and the actuator subsystem 1606 to control the multi-port valve assembly 1610 (for example, the multi-port valve assembly 160 (FIG. 1), multiple Operation of port valve assembly 1300 (Figure 13A) etc.). The system 1600 includes a plasma processing chamber 110, a vacuum pump 150, an actuator subsystem 1606, a valve controller 1602, and a processing module 1608. Examples of actuator subsystem 1606 include actuator 1622A (Figure 16B) and actuator 1622B (Figure 16B). The processing module 1608 is an example of a host controller. In one embodiment, the processing module 1608 is a part of a computer software program executed by the processor of the main controller. The host controller executes the recipe by controlling various components of the plasma processing system. Examples of various components include a motor and one or more connection links, valves, heaters, and vacuum pump 150, etc., the one or more connection links are connected to the motor to change the upper surface of the plasma processing chamber 110 The gap between the bottom electrode and the lower electrode controls the processing of the substrate 112. The valve controls the gas flow to the plasma processing chamber 110 to control the processing of the substrate 112. The heater provides a current signal to heat the plasma processing chamber. The electrodes in 110 control the processing temperature of the substrate 112, and the vacuum pumps are operated to achieve the flow of material from the inner area 122 to outside the inner area 112 to control the plasma processing chamber 110 during the processing of the substrate 112 Pressure within.

閥控制器1602從處理模組1608接收配方,並控制作動器子系統1606以進一步調整硬式可動密封板170(圖3)的葉片144(圖3)之位置或頂板1304的部分1302A、1302B、及1302C(圖13A)之位置。壓力感測器1604監控電漿處理腔室110之內部區域122中的壓力,並將所監控的壓力提供至閥控制器1602。閥控制器1602對所監控的壓力與配方中所指定的操作壓力進行比較,以判定所監控的壓力是否在操作壓力的一預定臨界值內。一旦判定所監控的壓力係在操作壓力的 預定臨界值內,閥控制器1602不發送信號至作動器子系統1606來改變硬式可動密封板170(圖3)的葉片144(圖3)、或頂板1304的部分1302A、1302B、及1302C(圖13A)相對於真空埠142的開口(圖3及圖13A)之位置。 The valve controller 1602 receives the recipe from the processing module 1608 and controls the actuator subsystem 1606 to further adjust the position of the blade 144 (FIG. 3) of the rigid movable sealing plate 170 (FIG. 3) or the parts 1302A, 1302B, and parts of the top plate 1304. 1302C (Figure 13A) location. The pressure sensor 1604 monitors the pressure in the inner region 122 of the plasma processing chamber 110 and provides the monitored pressure to the valve controller 1602. The valve controller 1602 compares the monitored pressure with the operating pressure specified in the recipe to determine whether the monitored pressure is within a predetermined threshold of the operating pressure. Once it is determined that the monitored pressure is within the operating pressure Within a predetermined threshold, the valve controller 1602 does not send a signal to the actuator subsystem 1606 to change the blade 144 (FIG. 3) of the rigid movable sealing plate 170 (FIG. 3), or the portions 1302A, 1302B, and 1302C of the top plate 1304 (FIG. 13A) The position relative to the opening of the vacuum port 142 (FIG. 3 and FIG. 13A).

另一方面,一旦判定所監控的壓力係在操作壓力的預定臨界值之外,閥控制器1602發送一信號至作動器子系統1606。一旦接收到該信號,作動器子系統1606移動葉片144或部分1302A、1302B、及1302C以使真空埠142的該等開口開啟、關閉、或部分開啟而達成操作配方中的壓力。 On the other hand, once it is determined that the monitored pressure is outside the predetermined critical value of the operating pressure, the valve controller 1602 sends a signal to the actuator subsystem 1606. Upon receiving the signal, the actuator subsystem 1606 moves the blade 144 or portions 1302A, 1302B, and 1302C to open, close, or partially open the openings of the vacuum port 142 to achieve the pressure in the operating recipe.

圖16B包含了系統1620及系統1622之方塊圖以繪示閥控制器1602及作動器的功能性,該閥控制器及作動器係用以控制磁場以進一步改變硬式可動密封板170(圖3)的葉片144(圖3)、或頂板1304的部分1302A、1302B、及1302C(圖13A)相對於真空埠142的開口O1、O2、及O3(圖3及圖13A)之位置。系統1620包含閥控制器1602及作動器1622A,該作動器1622A包含電流產生器1626A及在邊緣部分1312(圖13A)中的線圈。電流產生器之範例包含一或更多電晶體。系統1620更包含一或更多磁鐵1334。 Figure 16B contains a block diagram of the system 1620 and the system 1622 to illustrate the functionality of the valve controller 1602 and the actuator, which are used to control the magnetic field to further change the rigid movable sealing plate 170 (Figure 3) The position of the vane 144 (FIG. 3) or the portions 1302A, 1302B, and 1302C of the top plate 1304 (FIG. 13A) relative to the openings O1, O2, and O3 (FIG. 3 and FIG. 13A) of the vacuum port 142. The system 1620 includes a valve controller 1602 and an actuator 1622A, which includes a current generator 1626A and a coil in the edge portion 1312 (Figure 13A). Examples of current generators include one or more transistors. The system 1620 further includes one or more magnets 1334.

閥控制器1602發送一命令信號至電流產生器1626A以產生一電流信號。該電流信號係由電流產生器1626A在從閥控制器1602接收到該命令信號之後產生。電流係從電流產生器1626A提供至邊緣部分1312中的線圈。邊緣部分1312中的線圈在從電流產生器1626A接收到電流信號之後在橫向方向上產生一橫向磁場1。此外,一或更多磁鐵1334為產生一或更多橫向磁場2的固定(例如,永久等)磁鐵。在一實施例中,橫向磁場2具有與橫向磁場1之方向相反的方向。橫向磁場1與一或更多橫向磁場2相互干涉,以相對於與真空埠142關聯的開口O1、 O2、及O3(圖3)而使可動密封板170的葉片144(圖3)或頂板1304的部分1302A、1302B、及1302C(圖13A)開啟、關閉、或部分開啟。 The valve controller 1602 sends a command signal to the current generator 1626A to generate a current signal. The current signal is generated by the current generator 1626A after receiving the command signal from the valve controller 1602. The current is supplied from the current generator 1626A to the coil in the edge portion 1312. The coil in the edge portion 1312 generates a transverse magnetic field 1 in the transverse direction after receiving the current signal from the current generator 1626A. In addition, the one or more magnets 1334 are fixed (for example, permanent, etc.) magnets that generate one or more transverse magnetic fields 2. In one embodiment, the transverse magnetic field 2 has a direction opposite to that of the transverse magnetic field 1. The transverse magnetic field 1 and one or more transverse magnetic fields 2 interfere with each other to oppose the opening O1 associated with the vacuum port 142 O2, and O3 (FIG. 3) open, close, or partially open the blades 144 (FIG. 3) of the movable sealing plate 170 or the portions 1302A, 1302B, and 1302C (FIG. 13A) of the top plate 1304.

系統1622更包含閥控制器1602及作動器1622B,該作動器1622B包含電流產生器1626B及邊緣部分1310(圖13A)中的線圈。系統1622更包含一或更多磁鐵1332。 The system 1622 further includes a valve controller 1602 and an actuator 1622B. The actuator 1622B includes a current generator 1626B and a coil in the edge portion 1310 (FIG. 13A). The system 1622 further includes one or more magnets 1332.

閥控制器1602發送一命令信號至電流產生器1626B以產生一電流信號。該電流信號係由電流產生器1626B在從閥控制器1602接收到該命令信號之後產生。電流係從電流產生器1626B提供至邊緣部分1310中的線圈。邊緣部分1310中的線圈在從電流產生器1626B接收到電流信號之後在垂直方向上產生一垂直磁場1。此外,一或更多磁鐵1332為產生一或更多垂直磁場2的固定磁鐵。在一實施例中,垂直磁場2具有與垂直磁場1之方向相反的方向。垂直磁場1與一或更多垂直磁場2相互干涉,以相對於與真空埠142關聯的開口(圖3)而使可動密封板170的葉片144(圖3)或頂板1304的部分1302A、1302B、及1302C(圖13A)密封或啟封。 The valve controller 1602 sends a command signal to the current generator 1626B to generate a current signal. The current signal is generated by the current generator 1626B after receiving the command signal from the valve controller 1602. The current is supplied from the current generator 1626B to the coil in the edge portion 1310. The coil in the edge portion 1310 generates a vertical magnetic field 1 in the vertical direction after receiving the current signal from the current generator 1626B. In addition, the one or more magnets 1332 are fixed magnets that generate one or more vertical magnetic fields 2. In one embodiment, the vertical magnetic field 2 has a direction opposite to that of the vertical magnetic field 1. The vertical magnetic field 1 and one or more vertical magnetic fields 2 interfere with each other to make the vane 144 (FIG. 3) of the movable sealing plate 170 or the portions 1302A, 1302B, 1302B, of the top plate 1304, relative to the opening associated with the vacuum port 142 (FIG. 3) And 1302C (Figure 13A) sealed or unsealed.

在一實施例中,閥控制器1602控制作動器1622A及作動器1622B以達成葉片144或部分1302A、1302B、及1302C之週期***錯的旋轉及垂直移動。例如,閥控制器1602發送一信號至作動器1622A以修改第一時間週期的橫向場1而使葉片144或部分1302A、1302B、及1302C在第一時間週期旋轉。接著,閥控制器1602發送一信號至作動器1622B以修改第二時間週期的垂直場1而使葉片144或部分1302A、1302B、及1302C在第二時間週期垂直地移動。然後,閥控制器1602發送一信號至作動器1622A以修改第三時間週期的橫向場1而使葉片144或部分1302A、1302B、及1302C在第三時間週期旋轉。第一時間週期相等於第二 時間週期,而第二時間週期相等於第三時間週期。在一實施例中,第一時間週期不相等於(例如,大於、小於等)第二時間週期與第三時間週期其中至少一者。 In one embodiment, the valve controller 1602 controls the actuator 1622A and the actuator 1622B to achieve periodic staggered rotation and vertical movement of the blade 144 or portions 1302A, 1302B, and 1302C. For example, the valve controller 1602 sends a signal to the actuator 1622A to modify the transverse field 1 of the first time period so that the blades 144 or portions 1302A, 1302B, and 1302C rotate in the first time period. Then, the valve controller 1602 sends a signal to the actuator 1622B to modify the vertical field 1 of the second time period so that the blades 144 or parts 1302A, 1302B, and 1302C move vertically in the second time period. Then, the valve controller 1602 sends a signal to the actuator 1622A to modify the transverse field 1 of the third time period so that the blades 144 or parts 1302A, 1302B, and 1302C rotate in the third time period. The first time period is equal to the second Time period, and the second time period is equal to the third time period. In an embodiment, the first time period is not equal to (eg, greater than, less than, etc.) at least one of the second time period and the third time period.

圖17A為方法1700之實施例的流程圖,該方法係用以控制硬式可動密封板170(圖3)的葉片144(圖3)或頂板1304的部分1302A、1302B、及1302C(圖13A)之位置。方法1700包含一操作1702,該操作係用以感測與電漿處理腔室110的內部區域122(圖1)關聯的一參數(例如,條件等)。例如,在內部區域122中的壓力係由壓力感測器所測量,或者與開口O1、O2、及O3關聯的流率(開口O1、O2、及O3係與真空埠142(圖3)關聯)係由一或更多流量計所測量,該一或更多流量計可置於內部區域122之內或電漿處理腔室110之外。 FIG. 17A is a flowchart of an embodiment of a method 1700 for controlling one of the blades 144 (FIG. 3) of the rigid movable sealing plate 170 (FIG. 3) or the parts 1302A, 1302B, and 1302C (FIG. 13A) of the top plate 1304 position. The method 1700 includes an operation 1702 for sensing a parameter (eg, condition, etc.) associated with the inner region 122 (FIG. 1) of the plasma processing chamber 110. For example, the pressure in the inner region 122 is measured by a pressure sensor, or the flow rate associated with the openings O1, O2, and O3 (the openings O1, O2, and O3 are associated with the vacuum port 142 (FIG. 3)) It is measured by one or more flow meters, which can be placed inside the internal area 122 or outside the plasma processing chamber 110.

所感測的參數係從一感測器(例如,壓力感測器1604(圖16A)、一或更多流量計等)提供至閥控制器1602(圖16A)。在操作1704中,閥控制器1602根據所感測的參數而判定所感測到的參數之位準(例如,量等)是否為應改變的。例如,閥控制器1602對感測到的參數與配方中的參數進行比較,以基於該比較而判定所感測到的參數不在該參數的一預定臨界值內。一旦判定所感測到的參數不在參數的預定臨界值內,閥控制器1602判定所感測到的參數為應改變的。另一方面,一旦判定所感測到的參數在參數的預定臨界值內,閥控制器1602判定所感測到的參數不是應改變的。 The sensed parameters are provided from a sensor (e.g., pressure sensor 1604 (FIG. 16A), one or more flow meters, etc.) to valve controller 1602 (FIG. 16A). In operation 1704, the valve controller 1602 determines whether the level (for example, the amount, etc.) of the sensed parameter should be changed according to the sensed parameter. For example, the valve controller 1602 compares the sensed parameter with the parameter in the recipe to determine that the sensed parameter is not within a predetermined threshold of the parameter based on the comparison. Once it is determined that the sensed parameter is not within the predetermined critical value of the parameter, the valve controller 1602 determines that the sensed parameter should be changed. On the other hand, once it is determined that the sensed parameter is within the predetermined critical value of the parameter, the valve controller 1602 determines that the sensed parameter should not be changed.

一旦判定所感測到的參數之位準為應改變的,閥控制器1602辨識相對於與真空埠142(圖3)關聯的開口O1、O2、及O3而言可動密封板170的葉片144(圖3)或頂板1304的部分1302A、1302B、及1302C(圖13A)之位置。例如,讀取儲存在閥控制器1602的記憶體裝置中的查閱表以判定相對於底板147(圖3)的開口O1、O2、及O3而言葉片144或部分1302A、1302B、及1302C之位置。此外, 讀取該查閱表以判定應由電流產生器1626A及1626B(圖16B)產生的電流量以達成葉片144或部分1302A、1302B、及1302C之位置。 Once it is determined that the level of the sensed parameter should be changed, the valve controller 1602 identifies the blade 144 (FIG. 3) of the movable sealing plate 170 with respect to the openings O1, O2, and O3 associated with the vacuum port 142 (FIG. 3) 3) Or the positions of the parts 1302A, 1302B, and 1302C of the top plate 1304 (Figure 13A). For example, read the lookup table stored in the memory device of the valve controller 1602 to determine the position of the sill 144 or parts 1302A, 1302B, and 1302C relative to the openings O1, O2, and O3 of the bottom plate 147 (FIG. 3) . In addition, The look-up table is read to determine the amount of current that should be generated by the current generators 1626A and 1626B (FIG. 16B) to achieve the position of the blade 144 or parts 1302A, 1302B, and 1302C.

在方法1700的操作1706中,閥控制器1602控制可動密封板170的葉片144或頂板1304的部分1302A、1302B、及1302C來達成該參數以減少或消除在感測到的參數與配方的參數之間的差,俾使配方的參數與感測到的參數係在該預定臨界值內。例如,閥控制器1602發送一命令信號至作動器子系統1606(圖16A)。該命令信號包含了應由邊緣部分1310及1312(圖13A)中之線圈產生的電流之複數位準(例如,量等)。一旦接收到該指令信號,作動器子系統1606產生該等位準的電流信號以例如使葉片144或部分1302A、1302B、及1302C相對於開口O1、O2、及O3而密封、啟封、開啟、部分開啟、或關閉等。所產生之該等位準的電流信號促使可動密封板170的葉片144或頂板1304的部分1302A、1302B、及1302C達成相對於開口O1,O2,及O3而言的該等位置(例如,角度θ1、θ2、θ3、z軸位置zd等),俾使配方的參數與感測到的參數係在該預定臨界值內。該z軸位置zd係該等葉片144其中每一者相對於底板147之位置,或者該等部分1302A、1302B、及1302C其中每一者相對於底板147的位置。在操作1706之後,重複方法1700。 In operation 1706 of the method 1700, the valve controller 1602 controls the vane 144 of the movable sealing plate 170 or the portions 1302A, 1302B, and 1302C of the top plate 1304 to achieve the parameter to reduce or eliminate the difference between the sensed parameter and the parameter of the recipe. So that the parameters of the formula and the sensed parameters are within the predetermined threshold. For example, the valve controller 1602 sends a command signal to the actuator subsystem 1606 (Figure 16A). The command signal contains the complex level (for example, amount, etc.) of the current that should be generated by the coils in the edge portions 1310 and 1312 (FIG. 13A). Upon receiving the command signal, the actuator subsystem 1606 generates a current signal of the same level to, for example, make the blade 144 or parts 1302A, 1302B, and 1302C seal, unseal, open, and partially seal against the openings O1, O2, and O3. Turn on, or turn off, etc. The generated current signals at these levels cause the blades 144 of the movable sealing plate 170 or the parts 1302A, 1302B, and 1302C of the top plate 1304 to achieve these positions relative to the openings O1, O2, and O3 (for example, the angle θ1 , Θ2, θ3, z-axis position zd, etc.), so that the parameters of the recipe and the sensed parameters are within the predetermined critical value. The z-axis position zd is the position of each of the blades 144 relative to the bottom plate 147, or the position of each of the parts 1302A, 1302B, and 1302C relative to the bottom plate 147. After operation 1706, the method 1700 is repeated.

吾人應注意,本文中有時候將可動密封板170或頂板1304稱為閥。 It should be noted that the movable sealing plate 170 or the top plate 1304 is sometimes referred to as a valve in this article.

在一實施例中,圖17A的方法1700適用於圖14的多埠閥組件1406。例如,在對與圖14中所繪示之電漿處理腔室的內部區域關聯的一參數(例如,壓力等)進行感測(於操作1702中)、及判定該參數之位準是否係應改變的之後,閥控制器指示作動器(例如,連接至馬達的驅動器等)使折板1404A及1404B(圖14)繞鉸鏈1412(圖14)旋轉以控制該參數。例如,閥控制器辨識與該參數對應(例如,具有映射關係、有一對一的對應關係等)之電流量,並將該電流量提供至驅動器以 藉由該驅動器產生該電流量。該電流量亦對應於折板1404A及1404B相對於對應開口之旋轉量。 In one embodiment, the method 1700 of FIG. 17A is applicable to the multi-port valve assembly 1406 of FIG. 14. For example, in sensing (in operation 1702) a parameter (for example, pressure, etc.) associated with the internal area of the plasma processing chamber shown in FIG. 14, and determining whether the level of the parameter is appropriate After the change, the valve controller instructs an actuator (for example, a driver connected to a motor, etc.) to rotate the flaps 1404A and 1404B (FIG. 14) around the hinge 1412 (FIG. 14) to control the parameter. For example, the valve controller identifies the amount of current corresponding to the parameter (for example, has a mapping relationship, has a one-to-one correspondence, etc.), and provides the amount of current to the driver to The amount of current is generated by the driver. The amount of current also corresponds to the amount of rotation of the flaps 1404A and 1404B relative to the corresponding openings.

圖17B為方法1720之實施例的流程圖,用以繪示可動密封板170係在橫向方向上移動以達成在流導上的高位準改變,且係在垂直方向上移動以達成在流導上的低位準改變。在方法1720期間,真空泵浦150(圖1)係以全功率(例如,真空泵浦可操作之最大功率、真空泵浦的最大規定操作功率、尖峰功率等)進行操作。真空泵浦150在方法1720的操作1732係以全功率進行操作。 17B is a flow chart of an embodiment of the method 1720, which is used to illustrate that the movable sealing plate 170 is moved in the lateral direction to achieve a high level change in the flow conductance, and is moved in the vertical direction to achieve the flow conductance. The low level changes. During the method 1720, the vacuum pump 150 (FIG. 1) is operated at full power (eg, the maximum power that the vacuum pump can operate, the maximum specified operating power of the vacuum pump, the peak power, etc.). The vacuum pump 150 operates at full power in operation 1732 of method 1720.

此外,在方法1720的操作1722中,閥控制器1602(圖16A)判定在從內部區域122(圖1)至真空泵浦150之流導上的一低位準改變是否為應達成的。例如,該低位準改變基於該配方(例如,為了達成配方中所指定的壓力、為了達成配方中所指定的流導等)及用以完成低位準改變的時間量為應達成的。如另一範例,若應於內部區域122內達成的壓力係在所感測到的壓力或電漿處理腔室110(圖1)當前運作之壓力的一預定範圍內,且該應達成之壓力可在小於一預定時間週期的一時間週期內達成,則應施加在流導上的低位準改變以達成該壓力。 In addition, in operation 1722 of method 1720, valve controller 1602 (FIG. 16A) determines whether a low-level change in conductance from internal region 122 (FIG. 1) to vacuum pump 150 is achievable. For example, the low-level change should be achieved based on the recipe (for example, to achieve the pressure specified in the recipe, to achieve the flow conductance specified in the recipe, etc.) and the amount of time to complete the low-level change. As another example, if the pressure that should be achieved in the inner region 122 is within a predetermined range of the sensed pressure or the pressure of the plasma processing chamber 110 (FIG. 1) currently operating, and the pressure that should be achieved can be Achieve within a time period less than a predetermined time period, the low level change that should be applied to the conductance to achieve the pressure.

一旦判定低位準的流導改變係應達成的,閥控制器1602在操作1724中控制可動密封板170的葉片144或頂板1304的部分1302A、1302B、及1302C在垂直方向上移動。例如,閥控制器1602從閥控制器1602的記憶體裝置辨識一電流量以發送至邊緣部分1310(圖16B)中之線圈。該電流量係從閥控制器1602發送至電流產生器1626B(圖16B)。電流產生器1626B產生具有該電流量的一電流信號,並將該電流信號發送至邊緣部分1310中的線圈。邊緣部分1310中的線圈對在z軸方向上的一磁場進行修改(該磁場與一或更多磁鐵1332(圖16B)所產生的一或更多垂直磁場相互作用),以改變可動密封板170的葉片144或頂板1304的部分 1302A、1302B、及1302C相對於底板147(圖2及13A)而言之zd位置(例如,向上移動、向下移動等)。 Once it is determined that the low-level conductance change system should be achieved, the valve controller 1602 controls the vane 144 of the movable sealing plate 170 or the portions 1302A, 1302B, and 1302C of the top plate 1304 to move in the vertical direction in operation 1724. For example, the valve controller 1602 recognizes an amount of current from the memory device of the valve controller 1602 to send to the coil in the edge portion 1310 (FIG. 16B). This amount of current is sent from the valve controller 1602 to the current generator 1626B (FIG. 16B). The current generator 1626B generates a current signal having the current amount, and sends the current signal to the coil in the edge portion 1310. The coil in the edge portion 1310 modifies a magnetic field in the z-axis direction (the magnetic field interacts with one or more vertical magnetic fields generated by one or more magnets 1332 (FIG. 16B)) to change the movable sealing plate 170 Part of the blade 144 or top plate 1304 The zd positions of 1302A, 1302B, and 1302C relative to the bottom plate 147 (FIGS. 2 and 13A) (for example, move up, move down, etc.).

另一方面,一旦判定低位準的流導改變不是應達成的,則在方法1720的操作1726中,閥控制器1602判定在從內部區域122(圖1)至真空泵浦150之流導上的一高位準改變是否為應達成的。例如,該高位準改變基於該配方(例如,為了達成配方中所指定的壓力、為了達成配方中所指定的流導等)及用以完成高位準改變的時間量係應達成的。如另一範例,若應於內部區域122內達成的壓力係在所感測到的壓力或電漿處理腔室110(圖1)當前運作之壓力的一預定範圍外,且該應達成之壓力無法在小於一預定時間週期的一時間週期內達成,則應施加在流導上的高位準改變以達成該壓力。 On the other hand, once it is determined that the low-level conductance change should not be achieved, in operation 1726 of method 1720, the valve controller 1602 determines that the conductance from the inner region 122 (FIG. 1) to the vacuum pump 150 is Whether the high-level change should be achieved. For example, the high-level change should be achieved based on the recipe (for example, to achieve the pressure specified in the recipe, to achieve the flow conductance specified in the recipe, etc.) and the amount of time to complete the high-level change. As another example, if the pressure that should be achieved in the inner region 122 is outside a predetermined range of the sensed pressure or the current operating pressure of the plasma processing chamber 110 (FIG. 1), and the pressure that should be achieved cannot Achieve within a time period less than a predetermined time period, the high level change that should be applied to the conductance to achieve the pressure.

一旦判定流導的高位準改變係應達成的,閥控制器1602在操作1728中控制可動密封板170的葉片144或頂板1304的部分1302A、1302B、及1302C在橫向方向上移動。例如,閥控制器1602從閥控制器1602的記憶體裝置辨識一電流量以發送至邊緣部分1312(圖16B)中之線圈。該電流量係從閥控制器1602發送至電流產生器1626A(圖16B)。電流產生器1626A產生具有該電流量的一電流信號,並將該電流信號發送至邊緣部分1312中的線圈。邊緣部分1312中的線圈對在橫向方向上的一磁場進行修改(該磁場與一或更多磁鐵1334(圖16B)所產生的一或更多橫向磁場相互干涉),以同時地改變可動密封板170的該等葉片144或同時地改變頂板1304的該等部分1302A、1302B、及1302C相對於底板147(圖2及13A)而言之位置(例如,角度θ1、θ2、及θ3等)。吾人應注意,真空泵浦150在方法1720之所有操作1732、1722、1724、1726、及1728期間內皆係以全功率進行操作。 Once it is determined that the high-level change of conductance should be achieved, the valve controller 1602 controls the vane 144 of the movable sealing plate 170 or the portions 1302A, 1302B, and 1302C of the top plate 1304 to move in the lateral direction in operation 1728. For example, the valve controller 1602 recognizes an amount of current from the memory device of the valve controller 1602 to send to the coil in the edge portion 1312 (FIG. 16B). This amount of current is sent from the valve controller 1602 to the current generator 1626A (FIG. 16B). The current generator 1626A generates a current signal having the current amount, and sends the current signal to the coil in the edge portion 1312. The coil in the edge portion 1312 modifies a magnetic field in the transverse direction (the magnetic field interferes with one or more transverse magnetic fields generated by one or more magnets 1334 (FIG. 16B)) to simultaneously change the movable sealing plate The blades 144 of 170 may simultaneously change the positions (for example, angles θ1, θ2, and θ3, etc.) of the portions 1302A, 1302B, and 1302C of the top plate 1304 relative to the bottom plate 147 (FIGS. 2 and 13A). It should be noted that the vacuum pump 150 is operated at full power during all operations 1732, 1722, 1724, 1726, and 1728 of method 1720.

圖18A為方法1800之實施例的流程圖,該方法係用以根據在所感測的參數上之改變而控制該多埠閥組件160(圖2)或1300(圖13A)。方法1800係參照圖18B之電漿處理系統1850而描述。方法1800係於達成電漿處理腔室110(繪示於圖18B中)中的一壓力之後執行。該壓力係藉由操作一粗抽泵浦(roughing pump)而達成,該粗抽泵浦亦繪示於圖18B中。例如,操作粗抽泵浦以使電漿處理腔室110中的壓力降低直到達成一預定量的降低壓力。真空泵浦150(繪示於圖18B中)係於電漿處理腔室110內達到該降低壓力之後進行操作。 FIG. 18A is a flowchart of an embodiment of a method 1800 for controlling the multi-port valve assembly 160 (FIG. 2) or 1300 (FIG. 13A) based on changes in the sensed parameters. The method 1800 is described with reference to the plasma processing system 1850 of FIG. 18B. Method 1800 is performed after reaching a pressure in the plasma processing chamber 110 (shown in FIG. 18B). The pressure is achieved by operating a roughing pump, which is also shown in FIG. 18B. For example, the rough pump is operated to reduce the pressure in the plasma processing chamber 110 until a predetermined amount of reduced pressure is reached. The vacuum pump 150 (shown in FIG. 18B) is operated after the reduced pressure in the plasma processing chamber 110 is reached.

方法1800包含一操作1802,該操作係用以感測電漿處理腔室110(圖1)內的參數(例如,壓力等)。該感測係由壓力感測器完成。 The method 1800 includes an operation 1802 for sensing a parameter (eg, pressure, etc.) in the plasma processing chamber 110 (FIG. 1). The sensing system is completed by a pressure sensor.

所感測的參數係從壓力感測器發送至閥控制器1602(繪示於圖18B中)。閥控制器1602於操作1804中判定所感測到的參數之位準是否在一預定正常操作範圍內。例如,閥控制器1602對所感測到的參數之位準與配方中所列出的一預先儲存參數進行比較,以判定所感測到的參數之位準是否在該預先儲存參數的一預定臨界值內。一旦判定所感測到的參數之位準係在該預先儲存參數的預定臨界值內,則閥控制器1602判定所感測的參數之位準係在預定正常操作範圍內。例如,一旦判定所感測到的參數之位準係低於該預先儲存參數的該預定臨界值,則閥控制器1602判定所感測到的參數之位準係在預定正常操作範圍內。另一方面,一旦判定所感測到的參數之位準不在該預先儲存參數的預定臨界值內,則閥控制器1602判定所感測到的參數之位準不在預定正常操作範圍內。例如,一旦判定所感測到的參數之位準高於該預先儲存參數的預定臨界值,則閥控制器1602判定所感測到的參數之位準不在預定正常操作範圍內。 The sensed parameters are sent from the pressure sensor to the valve controller 1602 (shown in Figure 18B). The valve controller 1602 determines in operation 1804 whether the level of the sensed parameter is within a predetermined normal operating range. For example, the valve controller 1602 compares the level of the sensed parameter with a pre-stored parameter listed in the recipe to determine whether the level of the sensed parameter is within a predetermined threshold of the pre-stored parameter Inside. Once it is determined that the level of the sensed parameter is within the predetermined threshold value of the pre-stored parameter, the valve controller 1602 determines that the level of the sensed parameter is within the predetermined normal operating range. For example, once it is determined that the level of the sensed parameter is lower than the predetermined threshold of the pre-stored parameter, the valve controller 1602 determines that the level of the sensed parameter is within the predetermined normal operating range. On the other hand, once it is determined that the level of the sensed parameter is not within the predetermined threshold value of the pre-stored parameter, the valve controller 1602 determines that the level of the sensed parameter is not within the predetermined normal operating range. For example, once it is determined that the level of the sensed parameter is higher than the predetermined threshold value of the pre-stored parameter, the valve controller 1602 determines that the level of the sensed parameter is not within the predetermined normal operating range.

此外,一旦判定所感測到的參數之位準係在預定正常操作範圍內,則閥控制器1602於操作1808中控制可動密封板170(圖2)或頂板1304(圖13A)垂直地或在橫向方向上移動。例如,閥控制器1602根據配方而控制作動器1606(繪示於圖18B中),使得可動密封板170或頂板1304相對於開口O1至O3(圖2及13A)移動以改變角度θ1、θ2、及θ3、或改變在垂直方向上的距離zd、或其組合。 In addition, once it is determined that the level of the sensed parameter is within the predetermined normal operating range, the valve controller 1602 controls the movable sealing plate 170 (FIG. 2) or the top plate 1304 (FIG. 13A) to be vertically or horizontally in operation 1808. Move in the direction. For example, the valve controller 1602 controls the actuator 1606 (shown in FIG. 18B) according to the recipe, so that the movable sealing plate 170 or the top plate 1304 moves relative to the openings O1 to O3 (FIGS. 2 and 13A) to change the angles θ1, θ2, And θ3, or change the distance zd in the vertical direction, or a combination thereof.

另一方面,一旦判定所感測到的參數之位準為不在預定正常操作範圍內,在操作1806中閥控制器1602控制作動器1606將可動密封板170(圖2)移動,俾使葉片144(圖3)在一預定時間量內(例如,少於兩秒等)將底板147(圖2)的開口O1、O2、及O3密封或關閉。在一實施例中,於操作1806中,閥控制器1602控制作動器1606將頂板1304移動,俾使部分1302A、1302B、及1302C係在開口O1、O2、及O3被覆蓋的關閉位置、或密封位置。操作1806避免了對真空泵浦150造成損壞。在所感測的參數上超過預定正常操作範圍的改變可能是電漿處理腔室110中的破損晶圓或電漿處理腔室110中的受損零件(例如,電極、限制環、電極延伸部、邊緣環等)所導致。若開口O1、O2、及O3保持開啟更長的時間,則可能對真空泵浦150(例如,真空泵浦150的扇葉等)造成損壞。可藉由在判定所感測的參數在預定正常操作範圍之外後立刻關閉開口O1、O2、及O3而防止該損壞。 On the other hand, once it is determined that the level of the sensed parameter is not within the predetermined normal operating range, in operation 1806, the valve controller 1602 controls the actuator 1606 to move the movable sealing plate 170 (FIG. 2), so that the blade 144 ( Fig. 3) The openings O1, O2, and O3 of the bottom plate 147 (Fig. 2) are sealed or closed within a predetermined amount of time (for example, less than two seconds, etc.). In one embodiment, in operation 1806, the valve controller 1602 controls the actuator 1606 to move the top plate 1304 so that the parts 1302A, 1302B, and 1302C are in the closed position or sealed with the openings O1, O2, and O3 covered. position. Operation 1806 avoids damage to the vacuum pump 150. Changes in the sensed parameters that exceed the predetermined normal operating range may be damaged wafers in the plasma processing chamber 110 or damaged parts in the plasma processing chamber 110 (for example, electrodes, confinement rings, electrode extensions, Edge ring, etc.). If the openings O1, O2, and O3 remain open for a longer period of time, the vacuum pump 150 (for example, the fan blades of the vacuum pump 150, etc.) may be damaged. The damage can be prevented by closing the openings O1, O2, and O3 immediately after determining that the sensed parameter is outside the predetermined normal operating range.

此外,使用單一的閥控制器1602促成了開口O1、O2、及O3之快速關閉。相較於藉由葉片144或部分1302A、1302B、及1302C關閉開口O1至O3,關閉兩個閥需要花更多的時間。此外,若缺乏溝通或控制複數閥的複數控制器之間進行通信時發生故障,則該等閥可能無法關閉或可能無法準時關閉。在使用閥控制器1602的情況下,不存在主控制器與從屬控制器,因此缺乏溝通或故障的機會減少至零。 In addition, the use of a single valve controller 1602 facilitates rapid closing of the openings O1, O2, and O3. Compared to closing the openings O1 to O3 by the blade 144 or the portions 1302A, 1302B, and 1302C, it takes more time to close the two valves. In addition, if there is a lack of communication or a failure occurs during communication between the plurality of controllers controlling the plurality of valves, the valves may not close or may not close on time. In the case of using the valve controller 1602, there is no master controller and slave controller, so the lack of communication or the chance of failure is reduced to zero.

在一實施例中,圖18A的方法1800適用於圖14的多埠閥組件1406。例如,在對與圖14中所繪示之電漿處理腔室的內部區域關聯的一參數進行感測(於操作1802中)、及判定該參數之位準是否在預定正常操作範圍內之後,閥控制器指示作動器(例如,連接至馬達的驅動器等)使折板1404A及1404B(圖14)繞鉸鏈1412(圖14)旋轉以將金屬板1406(圖14)中的開口密封。另一方面,一旦判定該參數之位準係在預定正常操作範圍內,閥控制器根據配方而指示作動器使折板1404A及1404B繞鉸鏈1412旋轉。 In one embodiment, the method 1800 of FIG. 18A is applicable to the multi-port valve assembly 1406 of FIG. 14. For example, after sensing a parameter associated with the internal area of the plasma processing chamber shown in FIG. 14 (in operation 1802), and determining whether the level of the parameter is within a predetermined normal operating range, The valve controller instructs an actuator (e.g., a driver connected to a motor, etc.) to rotate the flaps 1404A and 1404B (Figure 14) about the hinge 1412 (Figure 14) to seal the opening in the metal plate 1406 (Figure 14). On the other hand, once it is determined that the level of the parameter is within the predetermined normal operating range, the valve controller instructs the actuator to rotate the flaps 1404A and 1404B around the hinge 1412 according to the recipe.

圖18B為電漿處理系統1850之實施例的方塊圖,該方塊圖係用以繪示圖18A的方法1800。電漿處理系統1850包含了粗抽泵浦以及圖16A中所繪示的其他元件。 18B is a block diagram of an embodiment of a plasma processing system 1850, which is used to illustrate the method 1800 of FIG. 18A. The plasma processing system 1850 includes a rough pump and other elements shown in FIG. 16A.

圖19顯示曲線圖1902、1904、及1906以繪示隨著可動密封板170(圖2)或頂板1304(圖13A)的移動而在從內部區域122(圖1)至真空泵浦150(圖1)的流導上的改變。曲線圖1902繪示當可動密封板170或頂板1304相對於底板147(圖2)而在垂直方向上從一密封位置移動距離zd至一非密封位置時,在流導上的改變為線性的。曲線圖1904繪示當將可動密封板170或頂板1304移動以旋轉而相對於底板147使角度θ1、θ2、及θ3從一關閉位置改變至一或更多漸進式的部分開啟位置並進一步至一開啟位置時,在流導上的改變為非線性的。曲線圖1906繪示當可動密封板170或頂板1304同時進行垂直移動及轉動時(旋轉與在垂直方向上之移動互相交錯並週期性地重複),在流導上的改變為線性及非線性之組合。例如,曲線圖1906代表了當可動密封板170自密封且關閉的位置垂直移動一時間週期、接著旋轉該時間週期、接著垂直地移動該時間週期、並依此類推直到可動密封板170處於開啟位置且處於非密封位置時在流導上的改變。 Figure 19 shows graphs 1902, 1904, and 1906 to illustrate the movement from the inner region 122 (Figure 1) to the vacuum pump 150 (Figure 1) as the movable sealing plate 170 (Figure 2) or the top plate 1304 (Figure 13A) moves. ) Changes in conductance. The graph 1902 shows that when the movable sealing plate 170 or the top plate 1304 moves a distance zd from a sealed position to an unsealed position in the vertical direction relative to the bottom plate 147 (FIG. 2), the change in flow conductance is linear. The graph 1904 shows that when the movable sealing plate 170 or the top plate 1304 is moved to rotate, the angles θ1, θ2, and θ3 relative to the bottom plate 147 are changed from a closed position to one or more progressive partial open positions and further to a In the open position, the change in conductance is non-linear. The graph 1906 shows that when the movable sealing plate 170 or the top plate 1304 moves vertically and rotates at the same time (rotation and movement in the vertical direction are interlaced and periodically repeated), the change in flow conductance is linear and nonlinear. combination. For example, the graph 1906 represents when the movable sealing plate 170 is self-sealing and closed position moves vertically for a time period, then rotates for the time period, then moves vertically for the time period, and so on until the movable sealing plate 170 is in the open position And the change in conductance when in the unsealed position.

雖然各樣的機械系統之實施例可運作以對可動密封板170或頂板1304在橫向方向、密封方向、或兩方向上之移動進行作動及/或限制,但吾人應理解,這些實施例僅為說明性的,且可使用其它機械之實施例以使可動密封板170或頂板1304於關閉、部分開啟、及開啟狀態之間轉換。 Although various embodiments of mechanical systems can operate to actuate and/or restrict the movement of the movable sealing plate 170 or the top plate 1304 in the lateral direction, the sealing direction, or both directions, we should understand that these embodiments are only Illustrative, and other mechanical embodiments may be used to switch the movable sealing plate 170 or the top plate 1304 between closed, partially open, and open states.

吾人應注意,在本文中可使用術語「實質上」及「約」來表示固有的不確定性程度,該固有的不確定性程度可歸因於任何量化的比較、值、測量、或其它表現形式。本文中亦將這些術語用來表示在不會導致討論之標的物在基本功能上改變的情況下,量化的表現型式可能從指定的基準偏離之程度。 We should note that the terms "substantially" and "about" may be used in this article to indicate the inherent degree of uncertainty, which can be attributed to any quantitative comparison, value, measurement, or other performance form. In this article, these terms are also used to indicate the extent to which the quantitative expression pattern may deviate from the specified benchmark without causing the basic function of the subject of discussion to change.

本文中所述之實施例可以各樣的電腦系統結構來實施,其中包括了手持硬體單元、微處理器系統、基於微處理器或可程式化之消費電子產品、微電腦、大型電腦、及類似裝置。實施例亦可在分散式計算環境中實施,其中任務係透過電腦網路連線之遠端處理硬體單元而執行。 The embodiments described in this document can be implemented in various computer system structures, including handheld hardware units, microprocessor systems, microprocessor-based or programmable consumer electronics, microcomputers, mainframe computers, and the like Device. The embodiments can also be implemented in a distributed computing environment, where tasks are performed by remote processing hardware units connected to a computer network.

在一些實行例中,控制器為系統的一部分,其可為上述範例的一部分。這樣的系統包含了半導體處理設備,半導體處理設備包含一或更多處理工具、一或更多腔室、用於處理的一或更多平臺、及/或特定處理元件(基板基座、氣流系統等)。這些系統係與電子設備整合,以於在半導體晶圓或基板處理之前、期間、及之後控制系統的操作。電子設備可稱作為「控制器」,其可控制一或更多系統之各種元件或子部分。依據系統的處理需求及/或類型,控制器可加以編程以控制本文中所揭露的任何製程,其中包含:處理氣體的輸送、溫度設定(例如,加熱及/或冷卻)、壓力設定、真空設定、功率設定、RF產生器設定、RF匹配電路設定、頻率設定、流率設定、流體輸送設定、位置及操作設定、出入工具、及其他轉移工具、及/或與系統連接或介接的負載鎖室之基板轉移。 In some implementations, the controller is part of the system, which can be part of the above example. Such systems include semiconductor processing equipment, which includes one or more processing tools, one or more chambers, one or more platforms for processing, and/or specific processing elements (substrate base, airflow system) Wait). These systems are integrated with electronic equipment to control the operation of the system before, during, and after semiconductor wafer or substrate processing. Electronic equipment can be called a "controller", which can control various elements or sub-parts of one or more systems. Depending on the processing requirements and/or types of the system, the controller can be programmed to control any of the processes disclosed in this article, including: processing gas delivery, temperature setting (for example, heating and/or cooling), pressure setting, and vacuum setting , Power setting, RF generator setting, RF matching circuit setting, frequency setting, flow rate setting, fluid delivery setting, position and operation setting, access tools, and other transfer tools, and/or load locks connected or interfaced with the system The substrate transfer of the chamber.

廣義而言,在各樣的實施例中,控制器係定義為電子設備,其具有各種不同的積體電路、邏輯、記憶體、及/或軟體,其接收指令、發布指令、控制操作、啟用清潔操作、啟用終點量測等。積體電路包含儲存程式指令之韌體形式的晶片、數位信號處理器(DSP)、定義為特殊應用積體電路(ASIC)的晶片、可程式化邏輯裝置(PLD)、及/或一或更多微處理器、或執行程式指令(例如軟體)的微控制器。程式指令為以各種個別設定(或程式檔案)的形式而通訊至控制器的指令,該等設定定義了用以在半導體晶圓上或對半導體晶圓或對系統實行特定製程的操作參數。在一些實施例中,該等操作參數為由製程工程師定義之配方的部分,以在一或複數層、材料、金屬、氧化物、矽、二氧化矽、表面、電路、及/或晶圓的晶粒之製造期間內完成一或複數處理步驟。 Broadly speaking, in various embodiments, the controller is defined as an electronic device, which has various integrated circuits, logic, memory, and/or software, which receives commands, issues commands, controls operations, and enables Clean operation, enable end point measurement, etc. The integrated circuit includes a chip in the form of firmware that stores program instructions, a digital signal processor (DSP), a chip defined as a special application integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (PLD), and/or one or more Multiple microprocessors, or microcontrollers that execute program instructions (such as software). Program instructions are instructions communicated to the controller in the form of various individual settings (or program files), and these settings define operating parameters used to implement specific processes on a semiconductor wafer or on a semiconductor wafer or on a system. In some embodiments, the operating parameters are part of a recipe defined by a process engineer, with one or more layers, materials, metals, oxides, silicon, silicon dioxide, surfaces, circuits, and/or wafers One or more processing steps are completed during the manufacturing of the die.

在一些實施例中,控制器為電腦的一部分或連接至電腦,該電腦係與系統整合、連接至系統、以其他方式網路連至系統、或其組合。舉例而言,控制器可為在「雲端」或工廠主機電腦系統的整體或部分,其可允許晶圓處理的遠端存取。該電腦可允許針對系統的遠端存取以監控製造操作的當前進度、檢查過往製造操作的歷史、檢查來自複數個製造操作的趨勢或性能度量、改變目前處理的參數、設定目前操作之後的處理步驟、或開始新的處理。 In some embodiments, the controller is a part of the computer or is connected to the computer, the computer is integrated with the system, connected to the system, connected to the system in other ways via a network, or a combination thereof. For example, the controller can be the whole or part of the host computer system in the "cloud" or factory, which can allow remote access to wafer processing. The computer allows remote access to the system to monitor the current progress of manufacturing operations, check the history of past manufacturing operations, check trends or performance metrics from multiple manufacturing operations, change the current processing parameters, and set the processing after the current operation Step, or start a new process.

在一些實施例中,遠端電腦(例如伺服器)可透過網路提供製程配方給系統,該網路可包含區域網路或網際網路。遠端電腦可包含使用者介面,其允許參數及/或設定的輸入或編程,這些參數及/或設定係接著從遠端電腦被傳遞至系統。在一些範例中,控制器接收數據形式的指令,其指定了一或更多操作期間內欲執行的每一處理步驟之參數。吾人應理解參數係專門用於欲執行之製程類型、及控制器與其介接或對其進行控制之工具類型。因此,如上面所述,控 制器可為分散式的,例如藉由包含一或更多分散的控制器,其由網路連在一起且朝共同的目的作業(例如完成本文中所述之製程)。一個用於此等目的之分散式控制器之範例包含腔室上的一或複數積體電路,連通位於遠端(例如在平台級或作為遠端電腦的一部分)的一或複數積體電路,其結合以控制腔室中的製程。 In some embodiments, a remote computer (such as a server) can provide process recipes to the system via a network, and the network can include a local area network or the Internet. The remote computer may include a user interface that allows input or programming of parameters and/or settings, which are then transferred from the remote computer to the system. In some examples, the controller receives instructions in the form of data, which specify the parameters of each processing step to be executed during one or more operation periods. We should understand that the parameters are specifically used for the type of process to be executed, and the type of tool that the controller interfaces with or controls it. Therefore, as mentioned above, control The controller can be distributed, for example, by including one or more distributed controllers that are connected together by a network and work toward a common purpose (such as completing the processes described herein). An example of a distributed controller used for these purposes includes one or more integrated circuits on the chamber, connected to one or more integrated circuits located remotely (for example, at the platform level or as part of a remote computer), It is combined to control the process in the chamber.

在各樣的實施例中,不受限制地,範例性系統包含電漿蝕刻腔室或模組、沉積腔室或模組、旋轉-潤洗腔室或模組、金屬電鍍腔室或模組、清潔腔室或模組、斜邊蝕刻腔室或模組、物理氣相沉積(PVD)腔室或模組、化學氣相沉積(CVD)腔室或模組、原子層沉積(ALD)腔室或模組、原子層蝕刻(ALE)腔室或模組、離子植入腔室或模組、軌道腔室或模組、及任何可關聯或使用於半導體晶圓的製造及/或生產中之其他的半導體處理系統。 In various embodiments, without limitation, exemplary systems include plasma etching chambers or modules, deposition chambers or modules, spin-rinsing chambers or modules, metal plating chambers or modules , Clean chamber or module, bevel etching chamber or module, physical vapor deposition (PVD) chamber or module, chemical vapor deposition (CVD) chamber or module, atomic layer deposition (ALD) chamber Chamber or module, atomic layer etching (ALE) chamber or module, ion implantation chamber or module, orbital chamber or module, and any related or used in the manufacturing and/or production of semiconductor wafers Other semiconductor processing systems.

吾人更應注意,雖然上述操作在一些實施例中係用於平行板電漿腔室,例如電容耦合電漿腔室等。但是在一些實施例中,上述的操作適用於其他類型的電漿腔室,例如一包括感應耦合電漿(ICP)反應器、變壓耦合電漿(TCP)反應器、導體工具、介電工具的電漿腔室、一包括電子迴旋共振(ECR)反應器的電漿腔室、等。 It should be noted that although the above operations are used in parallel-plate plasma chambers, such as capacitively coupled plasma chambers, in some embodiments. However, in some embodiments, the above-mentioned operations are applicable to other types of plasma chambers, such as an inductively coupled plasma (ICP) reactor, a transformer coupled plasma (TCP) reactor, a conductor tool, and a dielectric tool. The plasma chamber, a plasma chamber including an electron cyclotron resonance (ECR) reactor, etc.

如上面所述,依據欲由工具執行的處理步驟,控制器可與下述通訊:一或更多其他工具電路或模組、其他工具元件、群組工具、其他工具介面、毗鄰工具、相鄰工具、位於工廠各處的工具、主電腦、另一個控制器、或用於材料傳送的工具,該等用於材料傳送的工具將晶圓的容器攜帶進出半導體生產工廠內的工具位置及/或裝載埠。 As mentioned above, depending on the processing steps to be executed by the tool, the controller can communicate with the following: one or more other tool circuits or modules, other tool components, group tools, other tool interfaces, adjacent tools, adjacent Tools, tools located throughout the factory, a host computer, another controller, or tools for material transfer, which carry wafer containers in and out of the tool locations and/or in the semiconductor production plant Load port.

在了解上面的實施例後,吾人應理解該等實施例其中一些使用了各種不同電腦所實行的操作,其中操作涉及儲存在電腦系統中的資料。這些電腦 實行操作係對物理量進行操縱的操作。本文中描述之任何構成本發明部分的操作為有用的機械操作。 After understanding the above embodiments, we should understand that some of these embodiments use operations performed by various computers, and the operations involve data stored in the computer system. These computers The operation system is the operation of manipulating physical quantities. Any operations described herein that form part of the present invention are useful mechanical operations.

該等實施例其中一些亦關於用以執行這些操作的硬體單元或設備。該等設備係特別為特殊用途電腦而建構。當被定義為特殊用途電腦時,該電腦在仍可執行特殊用途的同時,亦可執行非特殊用途部分之其他處理、程式執行、或例行程序。 Some of these embodiments also relate to hardware units or devices used to perform these operations. These devices are specially constructed for special purpose computers. When defined as a special-purpose computer, the computer can still perform special purposes while also performing other processing, program execution, or routine procedures for non-special-purpose parts.

在一些實施例中,操作可由一電腦執行,其中該電腦係被一或更多儲存在電腦記憶體或透過網路所得到的電腦程式選擇性地啟動或配置。當透過電腦網路得到資料時,該資料係藉由電腦網路上的其他電腦來處理,例如,雲端的計算資源。 In some embodiments, the operation can be performed by a computer, wherein the computer is selectively activated or configured by one or more computer programs stored in computer memory or obtained through the network. When data is obtained through a computer network, the data is processed by other computers on the computer network, for example, computing resources in the cloud.

本文中所述的一或更多實施例亦可被製作為非暫態的電腦可讀媒體上的電腦可讀代碼。該非暫態的電腦可讀媒體係可儲存資料的任何資料儲存硬體單元(例如,記憶體裝置等),其中該資料儲存硬體單元之後可被電腦系統讀取。非暫態的電腦可讀媒體的範例包括硬碟、網路附接儲存器(NAS)、ROM、RAM、光碟唯讀記憶體(CD-ROMs)、可錄式光碟(CD-Rs)、可覆寫式光碟(CD-RWs)、磁帶、及其他光學與非光學資料儲存硬體單元。在一些實施例中,非暫態的電腦可讀媒體包含電腦可讀的有形媒體,其中該電腦可讀的有形媒體係透過連接網路的電腦系統加以散佈,俾使電腦可讀代碼被以散佈的方式儲存及執行。 One or more of the embodiments described herein can also be made as computer-readable codes on non-transitory computer-readable media. The non-transitory computer-readable medium is any data storage hardware unit (for example, a memory device, etc.) that can store data, wherein the data storage hardware unit can then be read by a computer system. Examples of non-transitory computer-readable media include hard disks, network attached storage (NAS), ROM, RAM, CD-ROMs, CD-Rs, CD-Rs CD-RWs, magnetic tapes, and other optical and non-optical data storage hardware units. In some embodiments, the non-transitory computer-readable medium includes a computer-readable tangible medium, where the computer-readable tangible medium is distributed through a computer system connected to a network, so that the computer-readable code is distributed Way to store and execute.

雖然以特定順序描述上述一些方法操作,但吾人應理解在各樣的實施例中,可在方法操作之間執行其他庶務操作,或可調整方法操作使得其在略 為不同之時間發生,或可將其分散在系統中,該系統允許方法操作發生在不同的區間、或以與上述不同的順序執行。 Although some of the above method operations are described in a specific order, we should understand that in various embodiments, other general operations may be performed between method operations, or method operations may be adjusted so that they are omitted. Occurs at different times, or can be dispersed in the system, which allows method operations to occur in different intervals or in a different order from the above.

吾人更應注意,在一些實施例中,可將任何上述實施例的一或更多特徵與任何其他實施例的一或更多特徵結合而不超出本揭露內容中描述之各樣實施例所述之範圍。 It should be noted that in some embodiments, one or more features of any of the above embodiments can be combined with one or more features of any other embodiments without going beyond the description of the various embodiments described in this disclosure. The scope.

可對本文中所描述之實施例進行各樣的修改及變化而不超出所申請之標的物的範圍。因此,本說明書意圖涵蓋本文中所描述的各樣實施例之修改及變化,且這樣的修改及變化屬於隨附申請權利範圍及其同等物之範圍內。 Various modifications and changes can be made to the embodiments described herein without going beyond the scope of the applied subject matter. Therefore, this specification intends to cover the modifications and changes of the various embodiments described herein, and such modifications and changes fall within the scope of the appended application rights and their equivalents.

100:電漿處理裝置 100: Plasma processing device

110:電漿處理腔室 110: Plasma processing chamber

112:基板 112: substrate

114:頂壁 114: top wall

116:側壁 116: sidewall

118:電漿電極組件 118: Plasma electrode assembly

120:晶圓載台 120: Wafer stage

122:內部區域 122: internal area

130電漿產生氣:體入口 130 plasma generated gas: body inlet

140:真空連接壁 140: Vacuum connection wall

141:橫向埠密封表面 141: Horizontal port sealing surface

142:真空埠 142: Vacuum Port

150:真空泵浦 150: Vacuum pump

160:多埠閥組件 160: Multi-port valve assembly

170:可動密封板 170: movable sealing plate

200:軸承組件 200: bearing assembly

Claims (42)

一種控制多埠閥組件的方法,包含:監控與一電漿處理腔室關聯的一條件,該條件係由一控制器進行處理,該多埠閥組件係設置在該電漿處理腔室的一卡盤下方且用以控制一流導(flow conductance),其中該多埠閥組件具有形成於該多埠閥組件的一底板中的複數開口,其中該複數開口其中每一者與位於該電漿處理腔室外面之複數真空泵浦其中對應一者接觸,其中該多埠閥組件具有一硬式可動密封板,該硬式可動密封板具有可旋轉移動以相對於該等開口置於一重疊狀態、複數程度之部分重疊狀態、及一非重疊狀態其中一者的複數葉片,且該硬式可動密封板可垂直移動以相對於該等開口界定一密封狀態及複數程度之非密封狀態其中一者;及藉由該控制器指示與該多埠閥組件關聯的一作動器調整該硬式可動密封板之位置而導致在該流導上的調整,其中該硬式可動密封板之位置的調整導致該硬式可動密封板的該等葉片相對於該等開口的一同時移動以促成在與該等開口關聯的該流導上的一同時改變。 A method of controlling a multi-port valve assembly includes: monitoring a condition associated with a plasma processing chamber, the condition being processed by a controller, and the multi-port valve assembly is disposed in a plasma processing chamber. Below the chuck and used to control flow conductance, the multi-port valve assembly has a plurality of openings formed in a bottom plate of the multi-port valve assembly, wherein each of the plurality of openings is located in the plasma processing One of the plurality of vacuum pumps outside the chamber is in contact with each other, wherein the multi-port valve assembly has a rigid movable sealing plate, and the rigid movable sealing plate is rotatably movable to be placed in an overlapping state with respect to the openings. A plurality of blades in one of a partially overlapping state and a non-overlapping state, and the rigid movable sealing plate can move vertically to define one of a sealed state and a plurality of non-sealed states with respect to the openings; and The controller instructs an actuator associated with the multi-port valve assembly to adjust the position of the rigid movable sealing plate to cause adjustment on the flow conduction, wherein the adjustment of the position of the rigid movable sealing plate results in the rigid movable sealing plate Wait for a simultaneous movement of the blades relative to the openings to cause a simultaneous change in the flow guide associated with the openings. 如申請專利範圍第1項之控制多埠閥組件的方法,其中該同時移動改變了形成於該等葉片其中每一者與該等開口其中對應一者的中心之間的一相等角度,其中該同時移動提供了形成於該等葉片其中每一者與該底板之間的一相等高度。 For example, the method for controlling a multi-port valve assembly in the scope of the patent application, wherein the simultaneous movement changes an equal angle formed between each of the blades and the center of the corresponding one of the openings, wherein the Simultaneous movement provides an equal height formed between each of the blades and the bottom plate. 如申請專利範圍第1項之控制多埠閥組件的方法,其中該條件係藉由對該條件與一處理模組正在執行的一操作配方進行一比較而處理,其中該操 作配方係執行以處理一晶圓,其中該指示之步驟係回應於該條件對該操作配方之該比較而執行。 For example, the method for controlling a multi-port valve assembly in the scope of the patent application, wherein the condition is processed by comparing the condition with an operation recipe being executed by a processing module, wherein the operation A recipe is executed to process a wafer, wherein the step of the instruction is executed in response to the condition of the comparison of the operation recipe. 如申請專利範圍第1項之控制多埠閥組件的方法,其中該條件係藉由對該條件與一處理模組正在執行的一操作配方進行一比較而處理,其中該指示之步驟係回應於基於該比較判定該條件不匹配該操作配方中的一預定條件而執行。 For example, the method for controlling a multi-port valve assembly in the scope of the patent application, wherein the condition is processed by comparing the condition with an operating formula being executed by a processing module, and the step of the instruction is in response to Based on the comparison, it is determined that the condition does not match a predetermined condition in the operation recipe and executed. 如申請專利範圍第1項之控制多埠閥組件的方法,其中該硬式可動密封板之位置係調整以使該等葉片相對於該等開口旋轉移動,及使該等葉片相對於該等開口垂直位移。 For example, the method for controlling a multi-port valve assembly in the scope of the patent application, wherein the position of the rigid movable sealing plate is adjusted so that the blades are rotated relative to the openings, and the blades are perpendicular to the openings Displacement. 如申請專利範圍第1項之控制多埠閥組件的方法,其中該多埠閥組件係附接至該電漿處理腔室的一真空連接壁,該真空連接壁為該電漿處理腔室的一底壁,該電漿處理腔室更包含一頂壁及複數側壁。 For example, the method for controlling a multi-port valve assembly of the first patent application, wherein the multi-port valve assembly is attached to a vacuum connecting wall of the plasma processing chamber, and the vacuum connecting wall is the plasma processing chamber A bottom wall. The plasma processing chamber further includes a top wall and a plurality of side walls. 如申請專利範圍第1項之控制多埠閥組件的方法,其中該底板係位於該可動密封板的下方,其中該流導係與所有的該等開口關聯。 For example, in the method for controlling a multi-port valve assembly in the first patent application, the bottom plate is located below the movable sealing plate, and the flow guide system is associated with all the openings. 如申請專利範圍第1項之控制多埠閥組件的方法,其中該等葉片相對於通過該底板之質量中心的一垂直軸線為可旋轉的。 For example, the method for controlling a multi-port valve assembly in the first item of the scope of patent application, wherein the blades are rotatable with respect to a vertical axis passing through the center of mass of the bottom plate. 如申請專利範圍第1項之控制多埠閥組件的方法,其中在該重疊狀態中,不存在從該電漿處理腔室至該複數真空泵浦的該流導,其中隨著部分重疊狀態之程度提高,從該電漿處理腔室至該等真空泵浦之該流導上升, 其中在該非重疊狀態中,相較於在該重疊狀態中之該流導的量及在該等部分重疊狀態中之該流導的量,存在著從該電漿處理腔室至該等真空泵浦之該流導的最大量。 For example, the method for controlling a multi-port valve assembly in the scope of patent application, wherein in the overlapping state, there is no conductance from the plasma processing chamber to the plurality of vacuum pumps, and the flow conductance from the plasma processing chamber to the plurality of vacuum pumps increases with the degree of the partially overlapping state Increase, the conductance from the plasma processing chamber to the vacuum pumps rises, Wherein in the non-overlapping state, compared to the amount of the conductance in the overlapping state and the amount of the conductance in the partially overlapping states, there is a flow from the plasma processing chamber to the vacuum pumps The maximum amount of the conductance. 如申請專利範圍第1項之控制多埠閥組件的方法,其中在該密封狀態期間內,不存在從該電漿處理腔室至該複數真空泵浦的該流導,其中在該非密封狀態期間內,相較於在該密封狀態中,存在著從該電漿處理腔室至該等真空泵浦之該流導的更高量。 For example, the method for controlling a multi-port valve assembly of the first item of the scope of patent application, wherein during the sealed state, there is no conductance from the plasma processing chamber to the plurality of vacuum pumps, wherein during the non-sealed state Compared with in the sealed state, there is a higher amount of the conductance from the plasma processing chamber to the vacuum pumps. 如申請專利範圍第1項之控制多埠閥組件的方法,其中該硬式可動密封板包含一磁鐵,其中該作動器包含一電流產生器及嵌入在該底板中的一線圈,其中流過該線圈的一電流產生一磁場且該磁鐵產生一磁場以使該硬式可動密封板旋轉。 For example, the method for controlling a multi-port valve assembly in the scope of the patent application, wherein the rigid movable sealing plate includes a magnet, and the actuator includes a current generator and a coil embedded in the bottom plate, wherein the coil flows through An electric current of Φ generates a magnetic field and the magnet generates a magnetic field to rotate the rigid movable sealing plate. 如申請專利範圍第1項之控制多埠閥組件的方法,其中該硬式可動密封板包含一磁鐵,其中該作動器包含一電流產生器及嵌入在該底板中的一線圈,其中流過該線圈的一電流產生一磁場且該磁鐵產生一磁場以使該硬式可動密封板垂直移動。 For example, the method for controlling a multi-port valve assembly in the scope of the patent application, wherein the rigid movable sealing plate includes a magnet, and the actuator includes a current generator and a coil embedded in the bottom plate, wherein the coil flows through An electric current of Φ generates a magnetic field and the magnet generates a magnetic field to move the rigid movable sealing plate vertically. 如申請專利範圍第1項之控制多埠閥組件的方法,更包含:藉由該控制器判定從該電漿處理腔室的一內部區域至該複數真空泵浦的該流導上的一低位準改變是否為應達成的;其中該指示該作動器之步驟包含在判定該流導上的該低位準改變係應達成的之後對該作動器進行控制,俾使該硬式可動密封板在一垂直方向上移動以使在該等真空泵浦與該電漿處理腔室之間的該複數開口密封或啟封,且 其中該指示該作動器之步驟包含回應於判定該流導上的一高位準變化係應達成的而對該作動器進行控制,俾使該硬式可動密封板在一橫向方向上移動以使該複數開口開啟、或部分開啟、或關閉。 For example, the method for controlling a multi-port valve assembly in the first item of the scope of patent application further includes: determining, by the controller, from an internal area of the plasma processing chamber to a low level on the conductance of the plurality of vacuum pumps Whether the change should be achieved; wherein the step of instructing the actuator includes controlling the actuator after determining that the low-level change on the conductance should be achieved, so that the rigid movable sealing plate is in a vertical direction Move upward to seal or unseal the plurality of openings between the vacuum pumps and the plasma processing chamber, and The step of instructing the actuator includes controlling the actuator in response to determining that a high-level change on the flow conductance should be achieved, so that the rigid movable sealing plate is moved in a lateral direction to make the plural number The opening is open, or partially open, or closed. 如申請專利範圍第1項之控制多埠閥組件的方法,其中該條件包含該電漿處理腔室中的一壓力,該方法更包含:藉由該控制器判定該壓力的一位準是否在一預定正常操作範圍內;其中該指示該作動器之步驟包含回應於判定該位準不在該預定正常操作範圍內而對該作動器進行控制,俾使在該電漿處理腔室與複數真空泵浦之間的該等開口關閉。 For example, the method for controlling a multi-port valve assembly in the scope of the patent application, wherein the condition includes a pressure in the plasma processing chamber, the method further includes: determining whether the level of the pressure is at the level by the controller Within a predetermined normal operating range; wherein the step of instructing the actuator includes controlling the actuator in response to determining that the level is not within the predetermined normal operating range, so that the plasma processing chamber and a plurality of vacuum pumps The openings in between are closed. 如申請專利範圍第14項之控制多埠閥組件的方法,其中該藉由該控制器判定該壓力的該位準是否在該預定正常操作範圍內之步驟包含判定該位準是否高於壓力位準的該預定正常操作範圍。 For example, the method for controlling a multi-port valve assembly according to item 14 of the scope of patent application, wherein the step of determining by the controller whether the level of the pressure is within the predetermined normal operating range includes determining whether the level is higher than the pressure level The predetermined normal operating range. 一種控制多埠閥組件的方法,包含:藉由一控制器根據一配方操作該多埠閥組件,其中該控制器係連接至一電漿處理腔室,該多埠閥組件係設置於該電漿處理腔室的一卡盤下方且用以控制一流導,其中該多埠閥組件具有形成於該多埠閥組件的一底板中的複數開口,其中該複數開口其中每一者與位於該電漿處理腔室外之複數真空泵浦其中對應一者接觸,其中該多埠閥組件具有一硬式可動密封板,該硬式可動密封板具有可旋轉移動以相對於該等開口置於一重疊狀態、複數程度之部分重疊狀態、及一非重疊狀態其中一者的複數葉片,且該硬式可動密封板可垂直移動以相對於該等開口界定一密封狀態及複數程度之非密封度狀態其中一者;及 藉由該控制器指示與該多埠閥組件關聯的一作動器調整該硬式可動密封板之位置以導致在該流導上的調整,其中該硬式可動密封板之位置的調整導致該硬式可動密封板的該等葉片相對於該等開口的一同時移動以促成在與該等開口關聯的該流導上的一同時改變。 A method of controlling a multi-port valve assembly includes: operating the multi-port valve assembly by a controller according to a recipe, wherein the controller is connected to a plasma processing chamber, and the multi-port valve assembly is arranged in the electric Under a chuck of the slurry processing chamber and used to control the flow guide, the multi-port valve assembly has a plurality of openings formed in a bottom plate of the multi-port valve assembly, wherein each of the plurality of openings is located in the electric One of the plurality of vacuum pumps outside the slurry processing chamber is in contact with one corresponding one, wherein the multi-port valve assembly has a rigid movable sealing plate, and the rigid movable sealing plate is rotatably movable to be placed in an overlapping state with respect to the openings. A plurality of blades in one of a partially overlapping state and a non-overlapping state, and the rigid movable sealing plate can move vertically to define one of a sealed state and a plurality of non-sealed states relative to the openings; and The controller instructs an actuator associated with the multi-port valve assembly to adjust the position of the rigid movable sealing plate to cause adjustment on the flow conduction, wherein the adjustment of the position of the rigid movable sealing plate results in the rigid movable seal A simultaneous movement of the blades of the plate relative to the openings facilitates a simultaneous change in the flow guide associated with the openings. 如申請專利範圍第16項之控制多埠閥組件的方法,其中該配方包含該電漿處理腔室中的一壓力。 For example, the method for controlling a multi-port valve assembly in the scope of patent application, wherein the formula includes a pressure in the plasma processing chamber. 如申請專利範圍第16項之控制多埠閥組件的方法,更包含:藉由該控制器判定從該電漿處理腔室的一內部區域至複數真空泵浦的該流導上的一低位準改變是否為應達成的;其中該指示該作動器之步驟包含在判定該流導上的該低位準改變係應達成的之後對該作動器進行控制,俾使該硬式可動密封板在一垂直方向上移動以使在該等真空泵浦與該電漿處理腔室之間的該複數開口密封或啟封,且其中該指示該作動器之步驟包含回應於判定該流導上的一高位準變化係應達成的而對該作動器進行控制,俾使該硬式可動密封板在一橫向方向上移動以使該複數開口開啟、或部分開啟、或關閉。 For example, the method for controlling a multi-port valve assembly of the 16th patent application further includes: determining, by the controller, a low level change from an internal area of the plasma processing chamber to the conductance of the plurality of vacuum pumps Whether it should be achieved; wherein the step of instructing the actuator includes controlling the actuator after determining that the low level change on the conductance should be achieved, so that the rigid movable sealing plate is in a vertical direction Move to seal or unseal the plurality of openings between the vacuum pumps and the plasma processing chamber, and wherein the step of instructing the actuator includes responding to determining that a high-level change in the conductance should be achieved The actuator is controlled to move the rigid movable sealing plate in a transverse direction to open, or partially open, or close the plurality of openings. 如申請專利範圍第16項之控制多埠閥組件的方法,其中該配方包含該電漿處理腔室中的一壓力,該方法更包含:藉由該控制器判定該壓力的一位準是否在一預定正常操作範圍內;其中該指示該作動器之步驟包含回應於判定該位準不在該預定正常操作範圍內而對該作動器進行控制,俾使在該電漿處理腔室與複數真空泵浦之間的該等開口關閉。 For example, the method for controlling a multi-port valve assembly in the scope of patent application, wherein the formula includes a pressure in the plasma processing chamber, and the method further includes: determining whether the pressure level is at the level by the controller Within a predetermined normal operating range; wherein the step of instructing the actuator includes controlling the actuator in response to determining that the level is not within the predetermined normal operating range, so that the plasma processing chamber and a plurality of vacuum pumps The openings in between are closed. 一種控制多埠閥組件的方法,包含: 監控與一電漿處理腔室關聯的一條件,該條件係由一控制器進行處理,其中該控制器經由一監控裝置連接至該電漿處理腔室,該多埠閥組件係設置在該電漿處理腔室的一卡盤下方且用以控制一流導,其中該多埠閥組件具有形成於該多埠閥組件的一底板中的複數開口,其中該複數開口其中每一者與位於該電漿處理腔室外面之複數真空泵浦其中對應一者接觸,其中該多埠閥組件具有一頂板,該頂板具有複數部分,該複數部分可在一垂直方向上旋轉以相對於該等開口而界定一密封狀態、及複數程度的非密封狀態其中一者;及藉由該控制器指示與該多埠閥組件關聯的一作動器調整該頂板的該等部分之位置而導致在該流導上的調整,其中該頂板的該複數部分之位置的調整導致該頂板的該等部分相對於該等開口的一同時移動以促成在與該等開口關聯的該流導上的一同時改變。 A method for controlling a multi-port valve assembly includes: To monitor a condition associated with a plasma processing chamber, the condition is processed by a controller, wherein the controller is connected to the plasma processing chamber via a monitoring device, and the multi-port valve assembly is arranged in the plasma processing chamber Under a chuck of the slurry processing chamber and used to control the flow guide, the multi-port valve assembly has a plurality of openings formed in a bottom plate of the multi-port valve assembly, wherein each of the plurality of openings is located in the electric One of the plurality of vacuum pumps outside the slurry processing chamber is in contact with a corresponding one, wherein the multi-port valve assembly has a top plate, the top plate has a plurality of parts, the plurality of parts can rotate in a vertical direction to define a relative to the openings One of a sealed state and a plurality of non-sealed states; and an actuator associated with the multi-port valve assembly is instructed by the controller to adjust the positions of the parts of the top plate, resulting in an adjustment on the flow conductance , Wherein the adjustment of the positions of the plurality of parts of the top plate results in a simultaneous movement of the parts of the top plate relative to the openings to facilitate a simultaneous change in the flow guide associated with the openings. 如申請專利範圍第20項之控制多埠閥組件的方法,其中該條件包含該電漿處理腔室中的一壓力,該方法更包含:藉由該控制器判定該壓力的一位準是否在一預定正常操作範圍內;其中該指示該作動器之步驟包含回應於判定該位準不在該預定正常操作範圍內而對該作動器進行控制,俾使在該電漿處理腔室與複數真空泵浦之間的該等開口關閉。 For example, the method for controlling a multi-port valve assembly in the scope of the patent application, wherein the condition includes a pressure in the plasma processing chamber, the method further includes: determining whether the level of the pressure is within the controller Within a predetermined normal operating range; wherein the step of instructing the actuator includes controlling the actuator in response to determining that the level is not within the predetermined normal operating range, so that the plasma processing chamber and a plurality of vacuum pumps The openings in between are closed. 如申請專利範圍第20項之控制多埠閥組件的方法,其中該複數部分其中一者係經由一鉸鏈而附接至該複數部分其中另一者。 For example, the method for controlling a multi-port valve assembly in the scope of the patent application, wherein one of the plural parts is attached to the other of the plural parts through a hinge. 一種電漿腔室的多埠閥組件,包含: 一頂板,圍繞著一饋通埠、複數開口、及複數板部分,其中將該饋通埠配置以使中心柱得以通過以支撐該電漿腔室的一晶圓載台,其中該複數板部分及該頂板之該複數開口相對於彼此交錯,其中該複數板部分及該頂板之該複數開口圍繞著該饋通埠;及一底板,位於該頂板的下方且具有複數開口,該複數開口圍繞著該饋通埠,其中該頂板係配置以相對於該底板在一橫向方向上旋轉及相對於該底板在一垂直方向上移動,其中該頂板在該橫向方向上的該旋轉將該複數板部分其中一者及該頂板之該複數開口其中一者之間重疊的量、以及該複數板部分其中另一者及該頂板之該複數開口其中另一者之間重疊的量加以改變,其中在該等重疊量上的改變以及在該垂直方向上之移動對從該電漿腔室經由該頂板之該複數開口及該底板之該複數開口至該電漿腔室外面之流導的量進行修改。 A multi-port valve assembly of a plasma chamber, comprising: A top plate surrounds a feed-through port, a plurality of openings, and a plurality of plate portions, wherein the feed-through port is configured to allow the center column to pass through to support a wafer stage of the plasma chamber, wherein the plurality of plate portions and The plurality of openings of the top plate are staggered with respect to each other, wherein the plurality of plate portions and the plurality of openings of the top plate surround the feed-through port; and a bottom plate is located below the top plate and has a plurality of openings, the plurality of openings surround the A feedthrough port, wherein the top plate is configured to rotate in a transverse direction relative to the bottom plate and move in a vertical direction relative to the bottom plate, wherein the rotation of the top plate in the transverse direction is one of the plurality of plate parts The amount of overlap between the one and the one of the plurality of openings of the top plate, and the amount of overlap between the other one of the plurality of plate portions and the other one of the plurality of openings of the top plate is changed, wherein the overlap The change in quantity and the movement in the vertical direction modify the amount of conductance from the plasma chamber to the outside of the plasma chamber through the plurality of openings of the top plate and the plurality of openings of the bottom plate. 如申請專利範圍第23項之電漿腔室的多埠閥組件,其中該複數板部分以一步進的方式在該垂直方向上移動,俾使該頂板在該垂直方向上移動以達成相對於該底板之複數程度的非密封狀態,其中該複數程度的非密封狀態其中每一者對應於在該頂板及該底板之間的一不同垂直距離。 For example, the multi-port valve assembly of the plasma chamber of the 23rd patent application, wherein the plurality of plate parts move in the vertical direction in a stepwise manner, so that the top plate moves in the vertical direction to achieve relative A plurality of degrees of unsealed state of the bottom plate, wherein each of the plurality of degrees of unsealed state corresponds to a different vertical distance between the top plate and the bottom plate. 如申請專利範圍第23項之電漿腔室的多埠閥組件,其中該複數板部分包含一第一板部分及一第二板部分,其中該頂板的該複數開口包含一第一開口及一第二開口,其中該第一開口係位於該第一板部分的旁邊,該第二板部分係位於該第一開口的旁邊,且該第二開口係位於該第二板部分的旁邊。 For example, the multi-port valve assembly of the plasma chamber of the 23rd patent application, wherein the plurality of plate parts include a first plate part and a second plate part, and the plurality of openings of the top plate include a first opening and a The second opening, wherein the first opening is located beside the first plate portion, the second plate portion is located beside the first opening, and the second opening is located beside the second plate portion. 如申請專利範圍第23項之電漿腔室的多埠閥組件,其中該底板具有一頂邊緣部分,其中該頂邊緣部分包含一線圈,其中該頂邊緣部分的該線圈 係設置以接收一電流以產生一第一磁場,其中該頂板包含一第一磁鐵,該第一磁鐵設置以產生一第二磁場,其中該第一及第二磁場彼此干涉以將該頂板相對於該底板在該橫向方向上旋轉。 For example, the multi-port valve assembly of the plasma chamber of the 23rd patent application, wherein the bottom plate has a top edge portion, wherein the top edge portion includes a coil, and the coil of the top edge portion Is arranged to receive an electric current to generate a first magnetic field, wherein the top plate includes a first magnet, and the first magnet is arranged to generate a second magnetic field, wherein the first and second magnetic fields interfere with each other to oppose the top plate The bottom plate rotates in the lateral direction. 如申請專利範圍第26項之電漿腔室的多埠閥組件,其中該底板具有一底邊緣部分,其中該底邊緣部分包含一線圈,其中該底邊緣部分的該線圈係設置以接收一電流以產生一第三磁場,其中該頂板包含一第二磁鐵,該第二磁鐵係設置以產生一第四磁場,其中該第三及第四磁場彼此干涉以將該頂板相對於該底板在該垂直方向上移動。 For example, the multi-port valve assembly of the plasma chamber of the 26th patent application, wherein the bottom plate has a bottom edge portion, wherein the bottom edge portion includes a coil, and the coil of the bottom edge portion is arranged to receive a current To generate a third magnetic field, wherein the top plate includes a second magnet, and the second magnet is arranged to generate a fourth magnetic field, wherein the third and fourth magnetic fields interfere with each other so that the top plate is perpendicular to the bottom plate. Move in the direction. 如申請專利範圍第27項之電漿腔室的多埠閥組件,其中該頂板包含一金屬屏蔽,該金屬屏蔽位於該第二磁鐵的上方及該第一磁鐵的旁邊,以在該電漿腔室內將一基板屏蔽於該第二及第四磁場。 For example, the multi-port valve assembly of the plasma chamber of the 27th patent application, wherein the top plate includes a metal shield, the metal shield is located above the second magnet and beside the first magnet, so as to be in the plasma chamber A substrate is shielded from the second and fourth magnetic fields indoors. 如申請專利範圍第23項之電漿腔室的多埠閥組件,其中該中心柱包含一電漿電極組件及一電漿產生氣體入口。 For example, the multi-port valve assembly of the plasma chamber of the 23rd patent application, wherein the central column includes a plasma electrode assembly and a plasma generating gas inlet. 如申請專利範圍第23項之電漿腔室的多埠閥組件,其中該底板係該電漿腔室之一底壁的一部分,其中該底板的複數開口位於與複數真空泵浦相鄰的一平面,其中該底板的該複數開口其中每一者與該複數真空泵浦其中對應一者介接。 For example, the multi-port valve assembly of the plasma chamber of the 23rd patent application, wherein the bottom plate is a part of a bottom wall of the plasma chamber, and the plurality of openings of the bottom plate are located on a plane adjacent to the plurality of vacuum pumps , Wherein each of the plurality of openings of the bottom plate is interfaced with a corresponding one of the plurality of vacuum pumps. 一種電漿腔室,包含一頂壁;複數側壁,其連接至該頂壁;一底壁,其連接至該複數側壁,其中該底壁具有一饋通埠;一晶圓載台,其位於該複數側壁之間、該底壁上方、以及該頂壁下方; 一中心柱的一部分,其通過該饋通埠以連接至該晶圓載台,其中該饋通埠係設置以使該中心柱得以通過以支撐該晶圓載台;以及一多埠閥組件,其連接至該底壁以形成該底壁的一部分,該多埠閥組件包含:一頂板、複數開口、及複數板部分,其中該頂板之該複數開口及該複數板部分圍繞著該中心柱的一部分,其中該複數板部分及該頂板之該複數開口相對於彼此交錯,其中該複數板部分及該頂板之該複數開口圍繞著該饋通埠;及一底板,位於該頂板的下方且具有複數開口,該複數開口圍繞著該饋通埠,其中該頂板係配置以相對於該底板在一橫向方向上旋轉及相對於該底板在一垂直方向上移動,其中該頂板在該橫向方向上的該旋轉將該複數板部分其中一者及該頂板之該複數開口其中一者之間重疊的量、以及該複數板部分其中另一者及該頂板之該複數開口其中另一者之間重疊的量加以改變,其中在該等重疊量上的改變以及在該垂直方向上之移動對從該電漿腔室經由該頂板之該複數開口及該底板之該複數開口至該電漿腔室外面之流導的量進行修改。 A plasma chamber includes a top wall; a plurality of side walls connected to the top wall; a bottom wall connected to the plurality of side walls, wherein the bottom wall has a feed-through port; a wafer carrier is located on the Between the plurality of side walls, above the bottom wall, and below the top wall; A part of a center column connected to the wafer stage through the feedthrough port, wherein the feedthrough port is arranged so that the center column can pass through to support the wafer stage; and a multi-port valve assembly connected To the bottom wall to form a part of the bottom wall, the multi-port valve assembly includes: a top plate, a plurality of openings, and a plurality of plate parts, wherein the plurality of openings of the top plate and the plurality of plate parts surround a part of the central column, Wherein the plurality of openings of the plurality of plate portions and the top plate are staggered with respect to each other, wherein the plurality of openings of the plurality of plate portions and the top plate surround the feedthrough port; and a bottom plate is located below the top plate and has a plurality of openings, The plurality of openings surround the feedthrough port, wherein the top plate is configured to rotate in a lateral direction relative to the bottom plate and move in a vertical direction relative to the bottom plate, wherein the rotation of the top plate in the lateral direction will The amount of overlap between one of the plurality of plate portions and one of the plurality of openings of the top plate, and the amount of overlap between the other of the plurality of plate portions and the other one of the plurality of openings of the top plate are changed , Wherein the change in the overlap amount and the movement in the vertical direction affect the conductance from the plasma chamber to the outside of the plasma chamber through the plurality of openings of the top plate and the plurality of openings of the bottom plate The amount is modified. 如申請專利範圍第31項之電漿腔室,其中該複數板部分以一步進的方式在該垂直方向上移動,俾使該頂板在垂直方向上移動以達成相對於該底板之複數程度的非密封狀態,其中該複數程度的非密封狀態其中每一者對應於在該頂板及該底板之間的一不同垂直距離。 For example, the plasma chamber of item 31 of the scope of patent application, wherein the plurality of plates are moved in the vertical direction in a step-by-step manner, so that the top plate is moved in the vertical direction to achieve a plurality of degrees relative to the bottom plate. The sealed state, wherein each of the plurality of non-sealed states corresponds to a different vertical distance between the top plate and the bottom plate. 如申請專利範圍第31項之電漿腔室,其中該複數板部分包含一第一板部分及一第二板部分,其中該頂板的該複數開口包含一第一開口及一第二 開口,其中該第一開口係位於該第一板部分的旁邊,該第二板部分係位於該第一開口的旁邊,且該第二開口係位於該第二板部分的旁邊。 For example, the plasma chamber of item 31 of the scope of patent application, wherein the plurality of plate portions include a first plate portion and a second plate portion, wherein the plurality of openings of the top plate include a first opening and a second The opening, wherein the first opening is located beside the first plate portion, the second plate portion is located beside the first opening, and the second opening is located beside the second plate portion. 如申請專利範圍第31項之電漿腔室,其中該底板具有一頂邊緣部分,其中該頂邊緣部分包含一線圈,其中該頂邊緣部分的該線圈係設置以接收一電流以產生一第一磁場,其中該頂板包含一第一磁鐵,該第一磁鐵設置以產生一第二磁場,其中該第一及第二磁場彼此干涉以將該頂板相對於該底板在該橫向方向上旋轉。 For example, the plasma chamber of the 31st patent application, wherein the bottom plate has a top edge portion, wherein the top edge portion includes a coil, and the coil of the top edge portion is arranged to receive an electric current to generate a first A magnetic field, wherein the top plate includes a first magnet, and the first magnet is arranged to generate a second magnetic field, wherein the first and second magnetic fields interfere with each other to rotate the top plate relative to the bottom plate in the transverse direction. 如申請專利範圍第34項之電漿腔室,其中該底板具有一底邊緣部分,其中該底邊緣部分包含一線圈,其中該底邊緣部分的該線圈係設置以接收一電流以產生一第三磁場,其中該頂板包含一第二磁鐵,該第二磁鐵係設置以產生一第四磁場,其中該第三及第四磁場彼此干涉以將該頂板相對於該底板在該垂直方向上移動。 For example, the plasma chamber of the 34th patent application, wherein the bottom plate has a bottom edge portion, wherein the bottom edge portion includes a coil, and the coil of the bottom edge portion is arranged to receive a current to generate a third A magnetic field, wherein the top plate includes a second magnet, and the second magnet is arranged to generate a fourth magnetic field, wherein the third and fourth magnetic fields interfere with each other to move the top plate relative to the bottom plate in the vertical direction. 如申請專利範圍第35項之電漿腔室,其中該頂板包含一金屬屏蔽,該金屬屏蔽位於該第二磁鐵的上方及該第一磁鐵的旁邊,以在該電漿腔室內將一基板屏蔽於該第二及第四磁場。 For example, the plasma chamber of item 35 of the scope of patent application, wherein the top plate includes a metal shield located above the second magnet and beside the first magnet to shield a substrate in the plasma chamber In the second and fourth magnetic fields. 如申請專利範圍第31項之電漿腔室,其中該中心柱包含一電漿電極組件及一電漿產生氣體入口。 For example, the plasma chamber of the 31st patent application, wherein the central column includes a plasma electrode assembly and a plasma generating gas inlet. 如申請專利範圍第31項之電漿腔室,其中該底板係該電漿腔室之該底壁的一部分,其中該底板的複數開口位於與複數真空泵浦相鄰的一平面,其中該底板的該複數開口其中每一者與該複數真空泵浦其中對應一者介接。 For example, the plasma chamber of item 31 of the scope of patent application, wherein the bottom plate is a part of the bottom wall of the plasma chamber, wherein the plurality of openings of the bottom plate are located in a plane adjacent to the plurality of vacuum pumps, and the bottom plate Each of the plurality of openings is interfaced with a corresponding one of the plurality of vacuum pumps. 一種電漿處理腔室的多埠閥組件,包含: 一底板,其具有複數開口,其中該底板之該複數開口其中每一者係設置以與位於該電漿處理腔室外面之複數真空泵浦其中對應一者接觸;及一頂板,具有可旋轉移動以相對於該底板之該複數開口置於一重疊狀態、複數程度之部分重疊狀態、及一非重疊狀態其中一者的複數板部分以將從該電漿處理腔室內到該電漿處理腔室外之材料的流導的量進行改變,其中該頂板係設置以相對於該底板垂直移動以相對於該底板之該複數開口界定一密封狀態及一非密封度狀態其中一者以將從該電漿處理腔室內到該電漿處理腔室外之材料的流導的量進行改變。 A multi-port valve assembly of a plasma processing chamber includes: A bottom plate having a plurality of openings, wherein each of the plurality of openings of the bottom plate is arranged to contact a corresponding one of the plurality of vacuum pumps located outside the plasma processing chamber; and a top plate having a rotatable movement to The plurality of openings with respect to the bottom plate are placed in one of an overlapping state, a plurality of degrees of partial overlap state, and a plurality of plate portions in a non-overlapping state to move from the plasma processing chamber to the plasma processing chamber outside The amount of conductance of the material is changed, wherein the top plate is arranged to move vertically relative to the bottom plate to define one of a sealed state and a non-sealed state with respect to the plurality of openings of the bottom plate to treat the plasma from the plasma The amount of conductance of the material inside the chamber to the outside of the plasma processing chamber is changed. 如申請專利範圍第39項之電漿處理腔室的多埠閥組件,其中該頂板具有複數開口,其中該頂板之該複數開口的一第一者係位於該等板部分的一第一者的旁邊,該等板部分的一第二者係位於該複數開口的該第一者的旁邊,及該頂板之該複數開口的一第二者係位於該等板部分之該第二者的旁邊。 For example, the multi-port valve assembly of the plasma processing chamber of the 39th patent application, wherein the top plate has a plurality of openings, and a first of the plurality of openings of the top plate is located at a first of the plate portions Beside, a second of the plate parts is located beside the first of the plurality of openings, and a second one of the plurality of openings of the top plate is located beside the second of the plate parts. 如申請專利範圍第40項之電漿處理腔室的多埠閥組件,其中該頂板之該複數開口其中每一者的形狀與該底板之該複數開口其中每一者的形狀相同。 For example, the multi-port valve assembly of the plasma processing chamber of the 40th patent application, wherein the shape of each of the plurality of openings of the top plate is the same as the shape of each of the plurality of openings of the bottom plate. 如申請專利範圍第39項之電漿處理腔室的多埠閥組件,其中該頂板係設置以相對於該底板以一步進的方式垂直移動,俾使該頂板相對於該底板界定複數程度之非密封度狀態以將從該電漿處理腔室內到該電漿處理腔室外之材料的流導的量進行改變。 For example, the multi-port valve assembly of the plasma processing chamber of the 39th patent application, wherein the top plate is arranged to move vertically with respect to the bottom plate in a stepwise manner, so that the top plate defines a plurality of degrees of difference relative to the bottom plate. The state of sealing is changed by the amount of conductance of the material from the inside of the plasma processing chamber to the outside of the plasma processing chamber.
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