Wear compensation containment ring

Abstract

A confinement ring for use in a plasma processing chamber has a lower horizontal section, a vertical section, and an upper horizontal section. The lower horizontal section extends between an inner lower radius and an outer radius of the confinement ring and has an extension section extending vertically downward at the inner lower radius. The lower horizontal section has a plurality of slots defined therein, each slot extending radially along the lower horizontal section from the inner diameter to the outer diameter. An inner slot radius of each slot at the inner diameter is defined to be less than an outer slot radius at the outer diameter. The upper horizontal section extends between an inner upper radius and an outer radius of the confinement ring, and the vertical section continues integrally from the lower horizontal section to the upper horizontal section at the outer radius of the confinement ring.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to confinement rings for use in semiconductor processing modules. [Background technology]

[0002] In semiconductor processing, a substrate undergoes various operations to form features that define an integrated circuit. For example, in a deposition operation, the substrate is received into a processing chamber, a specific type of reactive gas is supplied to the chamber depending on the type of feature to be formed, and radio frequency power is applied to generate a plasma. The substrate is received on a substrate support defined by a lower electrode, such as an electrostatic chuck. An upper electrode, such as a showerhead, is used to supply a specific type of reactive gas to the processing chamber. Radio frequency power is applied to the reactive gas through a corresponding matching network to generate a plasma that is used to selectively deposit ions on the surface of the substrate to form the fine features. The reactive gas produces by-products, such as particles and gases, that must be rapidly removed from the plasma chamber to maintain the integrity of the fine features formed on the surface of the substrate.

[0003] To confine the generated plasma within the processing region, a series of confinement rings are defined to surround the processing region. Furthermore, to improve yield and ensure that the majority of the plasma is above the substrate accepted for processing, the confinement rings surrounding the plasma region may be designed to extend the processing region to cover not only the area above the substrate, but also the area above an edge ring positioned to surround the substrate when accepted for processing, and an outer confinement ring positioned adjacent to the edge ring. The series of confinement rings not only serve to confine the plasma within the process region, but also serve to protect the internal structures of the processing chamber, including the chamber walls.

[0004] During plasma processing, by-products and neutral gas species generated within the plasma are rapidly removed so that the integrity of fine features can be maintained. To efficiently remove by-products and neutral gas species, a series of confinement rings may include multiple slots uniformly defined along their lower surfaces. Currently, these slots have wear issues due to the slots being constantly exposed to reactive plasma and the constant flow of neutral gas species. The wear of the slots is non-uniform along their length. The non-uniform wear of the slots results in unconfined plasma. Unconfined plasma can lead to sparks in parts of the chamber outside the processing region, damaging parts of the chamber exposed to the unconfined plasma. Furthermore, the non-uniform wear of the slots requires replacement of the confinement rings even when other parts of the slots have sufficient remaining useful life.

[0005] It is against this background that embodiments of the present invention arise. Summary of the Invention

[0006] Various embodiments of the present invention provide for a design of a confinement ring for use in a plasma processing chamber to confine plasma within a plasma region. The design includes defining a slot at the bottom of the confinement ring using a tapered slot shape. The slot is used to remove by-products and neutral gas species generated within the plasma region while still efficiently confining the plasma to the plasma region. The slot is constantly exposed to the plasma and therefore wears. When the wear reaches a critical dimension, the confinement ring needs to be replaced to prevent plasma confinement failure. Since the space between the slots is limited, the area around the slot needs to be efficiently managed to maximize the useful life of the confinement ring. However, the volume of plasma near the inner diameter of the slot changes in contrast to the outer diameter, so the area of ​​the slot at the inner diameter wears more than the area at the outer diameter. Therefore, to prevent uneven wear and to avoid having to replace the confinement ring because the area of ​​the slot at the inner diameter reaches a critical dimension sooner than the outer diameter, a tapered slot shape is used to define the slot. The tapered slot shape efficiently utilizes the area around the slot by defining a narrow end at the inner diameter and a wide end at the outer diameter. As the slot wears due to exposure to plasma, the narrow end approaches the critical dimension at approximately the same time as the wide end, and at the end of its life, the entire width of the slot reaches the critical confinement dimension along its entire length. The tapered slot shape efficiently utilizes the area around the slot, especially at the outer diameter, thereby extending the useful life of the confinement ring while maintaining efficient plasma confinement within the plasma region. Thus, the cost of wearing out the confinement rings decreases as the number of processing cycles that the confinement rings can be used in the plasma processing chamber increases.

[0007] In one embodiment, a containment ring is disclosed. The containment ring has a lower horizontal section, an upper horizontal section, and a vertical section. The lower horizontal section extends between an inner lower radius and an outer radius of the containment ring. The lower horizontal section includes an extension section extending vertically downward at the inner lower radius. The lower horizontal section has a plurality of slots defined therein. Each slot of the plurality of slots extends radially along the lower horizontal section from an inner diameter to an outer diameter. Each slot has an inner slot radius at the inner diameter that is shorter than an outer slot radius at the outer diameter, resulting in a narrow end at the inner diameter and a wide end at the outer diameter. The upper horizontal section extends between an inner upper radius and an outer radius of the containment ring. The vertical section is disposed between the lower horizontal section and the upper horizontal section at the outer radius of the containment ring such that the vertical section is continuous from the lower horizontal section to the upper horizontal section.

[0008] In one embodiment, the difference between the inner and outer slot radii of each slot defines a slot taper, whereby each slot tapers from the outer diameter to the inner diameter. The inner and outer slot radii, which affect the slot taper, are sized to be the inverse of the wear rate at the corresponding inner and outer diameters of the slot.

[0009] In one embodiment, the inner upper radius is greater than the inner lower radius of the confinement rings.

[0010] In one embodiment, a step is defined in the upper surface of the upper horizontal extension proximate the inner upper radius, the step extending downwardly from the upper surface toward the inner upper radius of the confinement ring.

[0011] In one embodiment, the inner diameter of the slot is greater than the diameter of the inner ring defined by the inner lower radius and the outer diameter of the slot is less than the diameter of the outer ring defined by the outer radius of the containment ring.

[0012] In one embodiment, the top surface of the upper horizontal section has a plurality of holes, each hole of the plurality of holes configured to receive a portion of a fastener means that secures the confinement ring to an upper electrode of the plasma processing chamber.

[0013] In one embodiment, the extension section of the lower horizontal section is configured to rest on a radio frequency gasket defined on an upper surface of a lower electrode of a plasma processing chamber.

[0014] In one embodiment, the lower horizontal section, the upper horizontal section and the vertical section define a C-shaped structure configured to confine a plasma generated in the plasma processing chamber.

[0015] In one embodiment, the ratio of the inner slot radius to the outer slot radius is from about 1:1.1 to about 1:1.5.

[0016] In one embodiment, an apparatus for confining a plasma in a plasma processing chamber is disclosed. The plasma processing chamber includes a lower electrode for supporting a substrate and an upper electrode disposed above the lower electrode. The apparatus includes a confinement ring. The confinement ring has a lower horizontal section, an upper horizontal section, and a vertical section. The lower horizontal section extends between an inner lower radius and an outer radius of the confinement ring. The lower horizontal section has an extension section extending vertically downward at the inner lower radius. A plurality of slots are defined in the lower horizontal section. Each slot of the plurality of slots extends radially from an inner diameter to an outer diameter along the lower horizontal section. Each slot has an inner slot radius at the inner diameter, the inner slot radius being less than an outer slot radius at the outer diameter. The upper horizontal section extends between an inner upper radius and an outer radius of the confinement ring. The vertical section is disposed between the lower horizontal section and the upper horizontal section at the outer radius so as to seamlessly continue from the lower horizontal section to the upper horizontal section. The extension section of the lower horizontal section is configured to surround a ground ring defined in the lower electrode.

[0017] In one embodiment, the lower horizontal section, the vertical section and the upper horizontal section of the confinement ring define a C-shaped structure configured to confine plasma to a plasma region defined within the plasma processing chamber.

[0018] In one embodiment, the extension section of the lower horizontal section of the confinement ring is configured to rest on a radio frequency gasket disposed on an upper surface of an outer ring disposed adjacent to a ground ring defined in the lower electrode.

[0019] In one embodiment, the height of the vertical sections of the confinement rings is determined by the separation distance defined between the upper and lower electrodes of the plasma processing chamber when the plasma processing chamber is performing plasma processing.

[0020] In one embodiment, the lower horizontal section, the vertical section and the upper horizontal section of the confinement ring form a portion of the confinement chamber space that extends radially outward between the lower and upper electrodes to define an extended plasma processing region when the confinement ring is installed in a plasma processing chamber.

[0021] In one embodiment, the extension section is integral with the lower horizontal section, the vertical section and the upper horizontal section of the confinement ring. The extension section is configured to extend vertically below the lower surface of the lower horizontal section.

[0022] In one embodiment, each of the plurality of slots is configured to define a path for gas to exit the containment space formed by the confinement rings when the plasma processing chamber is in operation. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0023] [Figure 1] FIG. 2 is a simplified block diagram of a processing chamber employing a series of wear compensating confinement rings in accordance with the present invention.

[0024] [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a side cross-sectional view of a wear compensating containment ring according to one embodiment.

[0025] [Figure 3A] FIG. 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a confinement ring having tapered slots of the present invention, according to one embodiment.

[0026] [Figure 3B] 1 is a close-up view of the wear profile (i.e., the start and end of the wear profile) of a tapered slot of a wear compensating containment ring of the present invention, according to one embodiment;

[0027] [Figure 3C] 1 is a graphical representation of the amount of wear at different sections along the length of a wear compensating containment ring at different stages of its useful life, according to one embodiment. [Figure 3D] 1 is a graphical representation of the amount of wear at different sections along the length of a wear compensating containment ring at different stages of its useful life, according to one embodiment. [Figure 3E] 1 is a graphical representation of the amount of wear at different sections along the length of a wear compensating containment ring at different stages of its useful life, according to one embodiment.

[0028] [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a top perspective view of a wear compensating containment ring according to one embodiment.

[0029] [Diagram 5] FIG. 2 is a bottom perspective view of a wear compensating containment ring according to one embodiment.

[0030] [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a side view of a wear compensating containment ring according to one embodiment.

[0031] [Figure 7] FIG. 2 is a top view of a wear compensating containment ring according to one embodiment.

[0032] [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a bottom view of a wear compensating containment ring according to one embodiment.

[0033] [Figure 9A] 9 is an enlarged view of a portion of a bottom view of the wear compensating containment ring of FIG. 8 according to one embodiment.

[0034] [Figure 9B] FIG. 13 is a close-up view of a tapered slot of a wear compensating containment ring according to one embodiment.

[0035] [Figure 10] FIG. 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of section 7-7, depicting a cross section between two tapered slot features of the wear compensating containment ring of FIG. 7 in accordance with one embodiment.

[0036] [Figure 11] FIG. 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of section 8-8 of FIG. 7, depicting a cross section between tapered slot features in accordance with one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0037] To improve the service life of the confinement ring while continuing to improve the plasma confinement, various embodiments of the features of the confinement ring for use in the plasma processing chamber are described herein. In some embodiments, the confinement ring includes using a tapered slot shape for the slot defined in the lower section of the confinement ring. The tapered slot may result in some open space along the narrow side. To compensate for the open space along the narrow side, the total number of slots may be increased. The amount of increase in the number of slots takes into account the expected amount of wear along the inner diameter of the tapered slot. In some embodiments, the slot has a slot taper that extends from the wider outer diameter side to the narrow inner diameter side. The wider outer diameter side has a longer outer slot radius and the narrow inner diameter side has a shorter inner slot radius. The inner slot radius of the inner diameter and the outer slot radius of the outer diameter that define the slot taper are sized to be the inverse of the wear rate at the corresponding inner and outer diameters. By sizing the slot taper to the inverse of the wear rate, an improved service life of the confinement ring is achieved. At the end of its useful life, the smaller inner slot radius compensates for the higher wear rate at the inner diameter, resulting in a straighter slot profile along the length of the slot. The difference between the inner and outer slot radii causes each slot to reach the limit of containment simultaneously along the entire length of the slot. A narrower slot at the inner diameter allows more wear to occur before reaching a critical dimension where plasma leakage can occur. Additionally, the tapered slot shape reduces the frequency of replacement of consumable confinement rings by extending their useful life (i.e., increasing the number of processing cycles that the confinement rings can be used for).

[0038] 1 shows a simplified block diagram of an exemplary plasma processing chamber 100 that may use wear-compensating confinement rings in one embodiment. The plasma processing chamber 100 may be a capacitively coupled plasma (CCP) processing chamber (or simply referred to hereinafter as a "plasma processing chamber") in one embodiment and includes a lower electrode 104 for supplying radio frequency (RF) power to the plasma processing chamber 100 and an upper electrode 102 for supplying a process gas to generate a plasma in the plasma processing chamber 100. The lower electrode 104 may be connected to an RF power source 106 through a corresponding matching network 107, with a first end of the RF power source 106 connected to the matching network 107 and a second end of the RF power source 106 electrically grounded. The RF power source 106 may include one or more RF generators (not shown).

[0039] In one embodiment, the lower electrode 104 includes an electrostatic chuck (ESC) having a substrate support 110 defined on top of the ESC to receive a substrate (not shown) for processing. The substrate support 110 is surrounded by an edge ring 112. The edge ring 112 has a depth such that when the substrate is received on the substrate support 110, the top surface of the edge ring 112 is flush with the top surface of the substrate. Thus, the edge ring 112 is configured to extend a processing region of the plasma from the edge of the substrate to an extended processing region (denoted as plasma region 108) that is defined to cover the outer edge of the edge ring 112 when the substrate is received for processing. An outer confinement ring 114 is disposed adjacent to the outer edge of the edge ring 112. The outer confinement ring 114 may be used to further extend the extended plasma processing region 108 beyond the outer edge of the edge ring 112. In one embodiment, a first (inner) portion of the edge ring 112 is disposed on the ESC, a second (middle) portion is disposed on the radio frequency (RF) conductive member 120, and a third (outer) portion is disposed on the quartz member 122 defined in the lower electrode 104. An RF power source 106 is connected to a lower portion of the ESC via a matching network 107 to provide RF power to the processing chamber 100. A ground ring 118 is disposed under a portion of the outer edge of the outer confinement ring 114 and configured to surround the lower electrode 104. An outer ring 124 is disposed to surround a portion of the ground ring 118 of the lower electrode 104. An RF gasket 116 is disposed on an upper surface of the outer ring 124. The outer ring 124 may be made of a quartz member or any other insulating material suitable for use in the plasma processing chamber 100.

[0040] In one embodiment, the upper electrode 102 may be a showerhead having one or more inlets (not shown) connected to one or more process gas sources (not shown) and multiple outlets distributed on a lower surface of the upper electrode 102 facing the lower electrode 104. The multiple outlets are configured to deliver process gas from one or more process gas sources to a plasma processing region (or simply referred to as a "plasma region") 108 defined between the upper electrode 102 and the lower electrode 104. The upper electrode 102 may be comprised of multiple electrodes. FIG. 1 illustrates one such embodiment, in which the upper electrode 102 includes a centrally located inner electrode 102a and an outer electrode 102b disposed adjacent to the inner electrode 102a and surrounding the inner electrode. The upper electrode 102 is electrically grounded in this embodiment to provide a return path to ground for the RF power supplied to the plasma processing chamber 100. The upper electrode 102 has a showerhead extension 102c defined adjacent an outer edge of the outer electrode 102b. The showerhead extension 102 c has a number of fastener means 102 d that are used to couple the upper electrode 102 to the confinement ring structure 140 .

[0041] A confinement ring structure (or simply referred to as "confinement ring") 140 is disposed between the upper electrode 102 and the lower electrode 104. The confinement ring 140 defines a confined chamber space that sufficiently confines the plasma generated in the chamber. The confined chamber space defines the plasma region 108. The confinement ring 140 has a C-shaped structure, with an opening of the C-shape facing the inside of the plasma region 108 defined between the upper electrode 102 and the lower electrode 104 of the processing chamber 100. The confinement ring 140 is used to confine the plasma within the extended plasma region 108 of the plasma processing chamber 100. The confinement ring 140 is configured to be coupled at an upper portion to the showerhead extension 102c of the showerhead 102 and coupled at a lower portion to the outer ring 124 of the lower electrode 104. An RF gasket 116 provided on an upper surface of the outer ring 124 is configured to couple between the upper electrode 102 and the lower electrode 104. The confinement ring 140 is part of the upper electrode 102, and when the upper electrode 102 is lowered, the lower extension of the confinement ring 140 rests on the outer ring, and the RF gasket 116 ensures that the bond between the upper and lower electrodes is airtight. In one embodiment, the confinement ring 140 is positioned such that there is a gap between the lower extension of the confinement ring 140 and the outer confinement ring 114 of the lower electrode 104.

[0042] 2 illustrates an enlarged cross-sectional view of a wear compensation confinement ring (also referred to as a "confinement ring") 140 used in a plasma processing chamber in one embodiment. As noted, the confinement ring 140 is a C-shaped structure having an upper horizontal section 141, a vertical section 142, a lower horizontal section 143, and an extension section 144. The upper horizontal section 141 extends between an inner top radius "r1" and an outer radius "r3" of the confinement ring. The confinement ring 140 extends a height "D1" from an upper surface of the upper horizontal section and a lower surface of the extension section 144. The upper horizontal section 141 extends a height "D2" (i.e., the distance from the upper surface to the lower surface of the upper horizontal section 141). The upper horizontal section 141 has a plurality of fastener holes (or simply "holes") 146 defined in its upper surface, the fastener holes 146 being uniformly distributed in a circular orientation and defined to be aligned with corresponding fastener means 102d disposed on the showerhead extension 102c of the upper electrode 102.

[0043] In one embodiment, the fastener holes 146 extend a depth "D4" from the top surface of the upper horizontal section 141. In one embodiment, a chamfer of about 0.03 mils by 45 degrees is added to the corners of the fastener holes 146. In this embodiment, the chamfer is about 0.03 mils deep from the top surface and has a radius that is about 0.03 mils larger than the minor axis of the threads (not shown). Note that the use of the term "about" in defining the dimensions of the chamfer depth and radius may include a ±15% variation. In one embodiment, the minor axis is based on the thread specifications implemented in the processing chamber 100. A step 147 is defined on the top surface of the upper horizontal section 141 proximate the inner top radius r1 and extends downward and outward toward the inner top radius r1 of the confinement ring 140. In one embodiment, the step 147 extends a height D3 from the top surface of the upper horizontal section 141. A portion of the lower surface of the outer electrode 102b includes a complementary extension 103 that mates with a step 147 defined in the upper horizontal section 141 of the confinement ring 140. The step 147 and the complementary extension 103 may be provided to ensure a secure fit of the confinement ring 140 to the upper electrode 102.

[0044] The vertical section 142 is defined by an outer radius r3 of the confinement ring 140 and is configured to contiguous from the lower horizontal section 143 to the upper horizontal section 141. The vertical section 142 extends to a height “D5” defined to cover the plasma region 108 defined in the plasma processing chamber 100. Thus, the height D5 of the vertical section 142 is defined to be equal to the separation distance between the lower surface of the upper electrode 102 and the upper surface of the lower electrode 104.

[0045] The lower horizontal section 143 extends between an inner lower radius "r2" and an outer radius r3 of the containment ring 140. In one embodiment, the inner lower radius r2 of the containment ring 140 is less than the inner upper radius r1 of the containment ring 140. In one embodiment, the lower horizontal section 143, excluding the extension section 144, extends a depth "D7" (i.e., the distance between the upper and lower surfaces of the lower horizontal section 143, excluding the extension section 144). In one embodiment, the containment ring 140 extends a height "D6" from the upper surface of the upper horizontal section 141 to the lower surface of the lower horizontal section 143, excluding the extension section 144. The lower horizontal section 143 has an extension section 144 defined by an inner lower radius r2. The extension section 144 extends vertically downward from the inner lower radius r2 of the lower horizontal section 143 and is continuous with the lower horizontal section 143. The extension section 144 extends a height "D8" from a lower surface of the lower horizontal section 143 and is configured to rest on an RF gasket 116 defined on an upper surface of an outer ring 124 defined on the lower electrode 104. The outer ring 124 of the lower electrode 104 is configured to surround an area of ​​the lower electrode 104 including at least the ESCs, the substrate support 110, the edge ring 112, the outer confinement ring 114, the ground ring 118, the RF conductive member 120, and the quartz member 122. When the upper electrode 102 is lowered, the RF gasket 116 provides a tight coupling between the lower electrode 104 and the upper electrode 102.

[0046] In one embodiment, the height "D1" of the containment ring 140 from the top surface of the upper horizontal section 141 to the bottom surface of the extension section 144 is defined to be between about 1.5 inches and about 2.75 inches. In one exemplary embodiment, the height D1 is about 2.4 inches. In another exemplary embodiment, the height D1 is about 2.4 inches. In one embodiment, the height "D2" of the upper horizontal section 141 is defined to be between about 250 mils (thousandths of an inch) and about 400 mils. In one exemplary embodiment, the height D2 is about 310 mils. In one embodiment, the height "D3" of the step 147 is defined to be between about 150 mils and about 180 mils. In one exemplary embodiment, the height D3 is about 165 mils. In one embodiment, the fastener holes 146 extend to a depth "D4" between about 200 mils and about 300 mils. In one exemplary embodiment, the height D4 is about 200 mils. In one embodiment, the height "D5" of the vertical section 142 is defined to be between about 0.75 inches and about 2.35 inches. In one exemplary embodiment, the height D5 is about 1.6 inches. In another exemplary embodiment, the height D5 is about 1.6 inches. In one embodiment, the height "D6" of the containment ring 140 from the top surface of the upper horizontal section 141 to the bottom surface of the lower horizontal section 143, excluding the extension section 144, is defined to be between about 1.25 inches and about 2.5 inches. In one exemplary embodiment, the height D6 is defined to be about 2.2 inches. In one embodiment, the depth "D7" of the lower horizontal section 143, excluding the extension section 144, is defined to be between about 300 mils and about 600 mils. In one exemplary embodiment, the height D7 is defined to be about 490 mils. In one embodiment, the height "D8" of the extension section 144 is defined to be between about 100 mils and about 400 mils. In one exemplary embodiment, height D8 is defined to be about 200 mils. It should be noted that the use of the term "about" in defining the height and depth dimensions of the various components of the confinement ring 140 described herein may include a variation of ±15% of the associated value.

[0047] Of course, the dimensions given for the various components of the confinement ring 140 are provided by way of example only and should not be considered limiting or exhaustive. Variations in dimensions can be expected based on the internal dimensions of the plasma processing chamber 100, the type of process being performed, the type of process gas being used to generate the plasma, the types of by-products and neutral gas species that are generated and need to be removed, and the like. In one embodiment, the confinement ring is made of silicon. In other embodiments, the confinement ring may be made of polysilicon, or silicon carbide, or boron carbide, or ceramic, or aluminum, or any other material that can withstand the processing conditions of the plasma region 108.

[0048] In one embodiment, various corners of the confinement ring 140, such as the inner corners and the outer corners, are configured to be rounded. In one embodiment, the various corners are rounded to maintain the integrity of the confinement ring structure 140 and to prevent the accumulation of particulate matter in the by-products generated by the plasma. Additionally, the corners may be rounded to prevent chipping. FIG. 2 illustrates various rounded corners that may be assumed for the confinement ring 140 in one embodiment. The rounded corners are defined by a radius of curvature. In one embodiment, each of the rounded corners has a different radius of curvature. In an alternative embodiment, all of the rounded corners may have the same radius of curvature. In yet another embodiment, some of the rounded corners may have the same radius of curvature and other corners may have different radii of curvature. The radius of curvature defined for the various corners may be based on the level of exposure each corner may have to the plasma and, in some cases, may be based on the shape of the surfaces surrounding the plasma processing chamber 100.

[0049] FIG. 2 illustrates exemplary dimensions of the radii of curvature of various corners of the confinement ring 140 in one embodiment. In this embodiment, the radius of curvature CR1 of the upper outer corner of the step 147 may be between about 10 mils and about 40 mils. In one exemplary embodiment, the radius of curvature CR1 is about 25 mils. The radius of curvature CR2 of the inner corner of the step 147 is defined to be between about 5 mils and about 40 mils. In one exemplary embodiment, the radius of curvature CR2 is defined to be about 25 mils. The radius of curvature CR3 of the upper inner corner of the top surface of the upper horizontal section 141 may be between about 10 mils and about 40 mils. In one exemplary embodiment, the radius of curvature CR3 is about 25 mils. The radius of curvature CR4 of the upper outer corner of the upper horizontal section 141 is between about 10 mils and about 40 mils. In one exemplary embodiment, the radius of curvature CR4 is about 25 mils. The radius of curvature CR5 of the lower outer corner of the lower horizontal section 143 is between about 10 mils and about 40 mils. In one exemplary embodiment, the radius of curvature CR5 is about 25 mils.

[0050] A radius of curvature CR6 of an upper inner corner of the lower horizontal section 143 is defined to be between about 50 mils and about 250 mils. In one exemplary embodiment, the radius of curvature CR6 is about 150 mils. A dimension of the inner corner CR6' along the lower surface of the upper horizontal section 141 may be defined to be approximately the same as the radius of curvature CR6. A radius of curvature CR7 of an inner lower corner between the lower horizontal section 143 and the extended section 144 is defined to be between about 10 mils and about 40 mils. In one exemplary embodiment, the radius of curvature CR7 is about 25 mils. A radius of curvature CR8 of a lower outer corner of the extended section 144 is defined to be between about 10 mils and about 40 mils. In one exemplary embodiment, the radius of curvature CR8 is about 25 mils. A radius of curvature CR9 of an upper outer corner of the lower horizontal section 143 is defined to be between about 10 mils and about 125 mils. In one exemplary embodiment, the radius of curvature CR9 is defined to be about 25 mils. The radius of curvature CR10 of the lower outer corner of the upper horizontal section 141 is defined to be about 10 mils to about 40 mils. In one exemplary embodiment, the radius of curvature CR10 is about 30 mils. It should be noted that the use of the term "about" in defining the dimensions of the radii of curvature of the various corners of the confinement ring 140 described herein may include a variation of ±15% of the associated value.

[0051] Of course, the above dimensions for the various radii of curvature of the confinement ring 140 are provided as examples and should not be considered limiting or exhaustive. Other radius of curvature dimensions are contemplated depending on the shape of the confinement ring 140, the shape of other components of the plasma processing chamber 100 surrounding the confinement ring 140, the level of exposure of the various corners to the plasma, and the amount of effect by-products have on the various corners of the confinement ring 140. In one embodiment, the width of the fastener hole 146 defined in the top surface of the upper horizontal section 141 may be defined to be between about 35 mils and about 60 mils. In one embodiment, the fastener hole may have an upper outer diameter of about 30 mils x 45' to accommodate the minor diameter of the threads.

[0052] The lower horizontal section 143 has a plurality of slots 145, each of which extends radially between an inner diameter "ID1" and an outer diameter "OD1". The inner diameter ID1 of the slots 145 defined in the lower horizontal section 143 is longer than an inner ring diameter IRD1 (defined by an inner lower radius r2) of the containment ring 140. The outer diameter OD1 of the slots 145 defined in the lower horizontal section 143 is longer than the inner diameter ID1 of the slots 145 but shorter than an outer ring diameter "ORD1" of the containment ring 140. The slots 145 are defined over a length "l2" (i.e., l2=OD1-ID1) that is shorter than a width "l1" (i.e., l1=ORD1-IRD1) of the lower horizontal section 143. Additionally, each slot 145 is defined using a tapered slot geometry to include a slot taper. The slot taper is formed by defining a narrow inner slot radius "ISR" at the inner diameter ID1 of the slot 145 and a wider outer slot radius "OSR" at the outer diameter OD1 of the slot 145. In one embodiment, to compensate for the narrow inner slot radius ISR at the inner diameter ID1, the length l2 of the slot 145 is increased to provide sufficient slot area to remove by-product and neutral gas species.

[0053] By varying the outer slot radius OSR and the inner slot radius ISR, each slot narrows at the inner diameter ID1 (145a) and widens at the outer diameter OD1 (145b). The inner slot radius ISR and the outer slot radius OSR of each slot 145 are sized to be the inverse of the wear rate at the corresponding inner and outer diameters (ID1, OD1) of the slot 145. Additionally, the inner slot radius ISR and the outer slot radius OSR are sized to remove by-products and neutral gas species from the plasma region 108. Varying the radii in this manner allows the slot wear profile at the inner diameter ID1 to reach a critical dimension limit at approximately the same time as the slot wear profile at the outer diameter OD1 of the slot 145, thereby extending the useful life of the confinement ring 140.

[0054] FIG. 3A is an enlarged view of a portion of the confinement ring 140, illustrating the tapered slot profile of the slot 145 of the present invention according to one embodiment. The slot 145 illustrated in FIG. 3 is not to scale and is exaggerated to show how much shorter the inner slot radius ISR is than the outer slot radius OSR at the beginning of the confinement ring's useful life in the plasma processing chamber 100 (i.e., before the confinement ring is exposed to plasma processing). Thus, each of the plurality of slots 145 has a slot taper defined by a longer outer slot radius OSR at the outer diameter OD1 (145b) and a shorter inner slot radius ISR at the inner diameter ID1 (145a). By varying the outer slot radius OSR and the inner slot radius ISR, each slot 145 is narrower at the inner diameter ID1 (145a) and wider at the outer diameter OD1 (145b). The inner slot radius ISR and outer slot radius OSR of each slot are sized to be the inverse of the wear rate at the corresponding inner and outer diameters (ID1, OD1) of the slots 145 defined in the lower horizontal section 143. Additionally, the inner slot radius ISR and outer slot radius OSR are sized to ensure that by-products and neutral gas species escape from the plasma region 108 while confining the plasma to the plasma region 108. The varying slot radii allow the wear of the slot at the inner diameter ID1 to reach a critical dimension at approximately the same time as the wear of the slot at the outer diameter OD1, thereby improving the useful life of the confinement ring 140.

[0055] 3B illustrates the wear profile of the tapered slot 145 of the present invention in one embodiment. The initial slot profile of the tapered slot 145 defined in the confinement ring 140 is shown in black, and the wear profile that the tapered slot 145 may wear down before reaching a critical dimension limit is shown in red. The narrower slot profile at the inner diameter ID1 provides extra wear area over the wider slot profile at the outer diameter OD1, allowing the confinement ring 140 to undergo additional processing operations in a plasma processing chamber before the wear profile of the confinement ring 140 reaches a critical dimension limit and the confinement ring 140 must be replaced.

[0056] The increased useful life of the confinement ring 140 can be attributed to the additional wear area at the inner diameter ID1 (145a) compared to the outer diameter OD1 (145b). Because the wear at the inner diameter ID1 is greater than the outer diameter OD1, the tapered slot profile allows the confinement ring to undergo more processing operations before the narrow end reaches a critical dimension limit for plasma confinement failure, and the additional wear area is available at the narrow end. Additionally, because the wider end of the slot experiences less wear, the outer diameter reaches a critical dimension limit more slowly than the narrow end, thereby allowing the wider end of the slot to withstand the same amount of processing operations as the narrow end before reaching a critical dimension limit.

[0057] The slot taper, defined by the wider slot dimension at the outer diameter OD1 and the narrower slot dimension at the inner diameter ID1, is sized to be the inverse of the wear rate. By sizing the slot taper according to the wear rate, the higher wear rate at the inner diameter ID1 is compensated for by the lower wear rate at the outer diameter OD1, resulting in a nearly straight slot profile at the end of its useful life. The slot width along the entire length of the slot reaches the containment limit (i.e., critical dimension) at approximately the same time. The tapered shape allows for more efficient use of the area of ​​the outer diameter. Additional slots may be defined to compensate for the free space in the lower horizontal section due to the reduced slot dimension at the inner diameter. The number of additional slots may be determined by factoring in the amount of wear space required at the narrow and wide ends for each slot to reach its critical dimension. The tapered slot shape increases the amount of wear the slot can withstand before reaching the limit of poor containment, resulting in a longer useful life and improved consumable costs.

[0058] 3C-3E show a graphical representation of the extent to which the wear profile changes at various portions of the tapered slot 145 of the present invention at various stages of the useful life of the confinement ring 140 in one embodiment. The graph illustrates the relationship between exposure time and slot width. In one embodiment, the starting slot width for wear at the beginning of the useful life of the confinement ring (i.e., when the confinement ring is not exposed to plasma) is depicted by line 305. Since the confinement ring 140 is in the form of a tapered slot, line 305 represents the starting slot width of the slot 145 and the position of the initial slot width of a corresponding portion along the length of the slot 145 relative to line 305. The critical dimension limit for various portions of the tapered slot (i.e., the final slot width at which wear is reached) is depicted by line 306. Line 306 represents the critical dimension limit for slot wear at various portions of the slot 145 before the plasma confinement failure stage is reached.

[0059] 3C illustrates the beginning of a useful life of the confinement ring 140 according to some embodiments, for example when the confinement ring 140 is newly installed and has not undergone any processing cycles (i.e., exposure time is t0). The graph illustrates various sections of the slots represented by different colored points, including a blue point representing an outer diameter OD1 section of the slot 145, a green point representing a central section of the slot 145, and a red point representing an inner diameter ID1 section of the slot 145. At the beginning of the useful life, the points of each section of the slot 145 are shown relative to the line 305 at their respective starting slot widths, with the red point corresponding to the inner diameter ID1 proximate to the line 305, the blue point corresponding to the outer diameter OD1 shown at a distance relative to the line 305, and the green point corresponding to the central section shown between the red point and the blue point. As can be seen, the amount of area for slot wear at the inner diameter ID1 is greater than the amount of area available for slot wear at the outer diameter OD1.

[0060] The extra area available at ID1 due to the shorter inner slot radius allows more slot wear to occur at ID1 before the slot wear at ID1 reaches a critical dimension limit. Similarly, the smaller area available at OD1 due to the longer outer slot radius allows less slot wear at OD1 before the slot wear at OD1 reaches a critical dimension limit. This is shown in FIG. 3C, where the red dots for the ID1 section are shown to be located close to line 305, the blue dots for the OD1 section are shown to be located some distance from line 305, the distance from line 305 being the difference between the outer and inner slot radii representing the slot taper, and the green dots for the central section are shown to be located between the red and blue dots. 3C further illustrates example slopes of slot wear projected for different sections of the containment ring, where the slope of the red line corresponds to the slot wear at inner diameter ID1, the slope of the blue line corresponds to the slot wear at outer diameter OD1, and the slope of the green line corresponds to the slot wear at the central section of slot 145. The slopes are provided to illustrate the rate at which different portions of slot 145 wear when exposed to multiple processing cycles.

[0061] FIG. 3D illustrates a graphical representation of the wear profile of the slot wear of each slot 145 after completing "m" processing cycles in a plasma processing chamber according to some embodiments, where m is an integer. Points from various sections are shown moving along the respective slopes of the slot wear from the initial slot width shown in FIG. 3C to the corresponding positions shown in FIG. 3D. The slot wear at the inner diameter ID1 is shown to have a steeper slope as shown by the slope of the red line, suggesting greater slot wear at the inner diameter ID1. Similarly, the slot wear at the outer diameter OD1 is shown to have a gentler slope as shown by the slope of the blue line, suggesting less slot wear at the outer diameter OD1, and the slot wear at the central section is shown to have a slope between the slopes of the green and red lines. The slope of the slope is shown to suggest a steady increase in the slot wear of the slot 145 as the slot is exposed to more and more processing cycles.

[0062] FIG. 3E illustrates a graphical representation of the wear profile of the slot wear at each slot 145 after "n" processing cycles according to some implementations, where n is an integer greater than m. The graph illustrates the slot wear at the inner diameter ID1, illustrated as a red dot, approaching the line 306, which represents the critical dimension limit, at approximately the same time as the portions of the slot 145 illustrated as green and blue dots. Thus, the line 306 may represent the end of the useful life of the confinement ring 140, i.e., the stage at which a plasma confinement failure event is likely to occur and the confinement ring should be replaced. As can be seen from FIGS. 3C-3E, the wear at various portions along the length of the slot 145 approaches the critical dimension limit at approximately the same time as the narrow end of the slot 145 experiences a larger wear area and the wider end of the slot experiences a smaller wear area. Due to the tapered shape of the slot 145, the slot wear area around the outer diameter OD1 is effectively used, and the extra area provided at the inner diameter ID1 allows the confinement ring 140 to withstand more wear before it must be replaced. Thus, the tapered slot configuration extends the useful life of the confinement rings by allowing them to undergo more processing cycles before they must be replaced.

[0063] 4 shows a top perspective view of a confinement ring 140 used in the plasma processing chamber 100 to confine plasma to the plasma region 108. The confinement ring 140 is a C-shaped structure configured to be positioned along the periphery of the plasma region 108 to confine plasma to the plasma region 108 that extends over the substrate support 110, the edge ring 112, and the outer confinement ring 114. The confinement ring 140 is a replaceable consumable part. The top surface of the confinement ring has a plurality of fastener holes 146 uniformly arranged in a circular orientation, the fastener holes 146 configured to align with and receive fastener means 102d defined in the showerhead extension 102c of the upper electrode 102.

[0064] 5 illustrates a bottom perspective view of a confinement ring 140 used in plasma processing chamber 100 to confine plasma to plasma region 108. The bottom view illustrates a number of slots 145 having a tapered contour defined along lower horizontal section 143. The number and size of slots 145 in lower horizontal section 143 are determined to optimize removal of by-products and neutral gas species from plasma region 108.

[0065] 6 shows a side view of containment ring 140. The side view shows vertical section 142 extending between upper horizontal section 141 and lower horizontal section 143. The side view also shows extension section 144 extending vertically downward from the inner lower radius r2 of confinement ring 140.

[0066] 7 shows a top view of a confinement ring 140 for use in a plasma processing chamber. The confinement ring 140 is disposed between the upper electrode 102 and the lower electrode 104 and has a C-shaped configuration. The C-shaped configuration confines the plasma to a plasma region 108 that extends to cover an area above the substrate support 110, the edge ring 112, and the outer confinement ring 114. A plurality of fastener holes 146 defined in an upper surface of the upper horizontal section 141 are configured to receive fastener means 102d defined in a lower surface of the showerhead extension 102c of the upper electrode 102.

[0067] FIG. 8 is a bottom view of a confinement ring 140 for use in the plasma processing chamber 100, showing details of the bottom surface of the confinement ring 140. The bottom surface of the confinement ring 140 has a number of tapered slots distributed along the lower horizontal section 143. The slots extend between the top and bottom surfaces of the lower horizontal section 143 of the confinement ring 140 and provide a path for removing by-products and neutral gas species from the confinement space of the processing region 108. The slots 145 extend radially between an inner diameter ID1 and an outer diameter OD1. The lower horizontal section 143 has a width "l1" and a length "l2" of each slot 145 is less than the width l1 of the lower horizontal section 143, which extends between an inner lower radius r2 (i.e., used to define the inner ring diameter IRD1) and an outer radius r3 (i.e., used to define the outer ring diameter ORD1) of the confinement ring 140. Additionally, an inner diameter ID1 of the slot 145 defined in the lower horizontal section 143 is greater than a diameter IRD1 of the inner ring of the containment ring 140. An outer diameter OD1 of the slot 145 in the lower horizontal section 143 is greater than the inner diameter ID1 of the slot 145 and the diameter IRD1 of the inner ring of the containment ring 140, but is less than a diameter ORD1 of the outer ring of the containment ring 140. A width l1 of the lower horizontal section 143 is greater than a width of the upper horizontal section 141, which extends between an inner upper radius r1 and an outer radius r3 of the containment ring 140.

[0068] In one embodiment, the width l1 of the lower horizontal section 143 is defined to be between about 2.25 inches and about 4.75 inches. In one exemplary embodiment, the width l1 of the lower horizontal section 143 is about 2.81 inches. In one embodiment, the radial length l2 of the slot 145 is defined to be between about 1.85 inches and about 4.35 inches. In one exemplary embodiment, the radial length l2 of the slot 145 is defined to be between about 2.2 inches. In one embodiment, the inner top radius r1 of the upper horizontal section 141 of the containment ring 140 is defined to be between about 8.25 inches and about 9.0 inches. In one exemplary embodiment, the inner top radius r1 of the upper horizontal section 141 of the containment ring 140 is defined to be between about 8.4 inches. In one embodiment, the inner bottom radius r2 of the containment ring 140 is defined to be between about 7.25 inches and about 8.5 inches. In one exemplary embodiment, the inner lower radius r2 of the lower horizontal section 143 of the containment ring 140 is defined to be about 7.44 inches. In one embodiment, the containment ring 140 inner ring diameter IRD1 (i.e., 2x inner lower radius r2) is defined to be about 14.5 inches to about 17.0 inches. In one exemplary embodiment, the inner ring diameter IRD1 is defined to be about 14.9 inches. In one embodiment, the containment ring 140 outer radius r3 is defined to be about 8 inches to about 12 inches. In one exemplary embodiment, the containment ring 140 outer radius r3 is defined to be about 10.25 inches. In one embodiment, the containment ring 140 outer ring diameter ORD1 (i.e., 2x outer radius r3) is defined to be about 16.0 inches to about 24.0 inches. In one exemplary embodiment, the outer ring diameter ORD1 is defined to be about 20.5 inches.

[0069] In one embodiment, the inner slot radius ISR at the narrow end of the slot 145 is defined to be about 0.02 inches to about 0.06 inches. In one exemplary embodiment, the ISR of the slot 145 is defined to be about 0.04 inches. In one embodiment, the outer slot radius OSR at the wide end of the slot 145 is defined to be about 0.03 inches to about 0.09 inches. In one exemplary embodiment, the OSR at the wide end of the slot 145 is defined to be about 0.046 inches. In some embodiments, the OSR may be about 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30%, 35%, 40%, 45% or 50% greater than the ISR. In some embodiments, the OSR is about 20% greater than the ISR. In one embodiment, the inner diameter ID1 of the slot 145 defined in the lower horizontal section 143 of the confinement ring 140 is defined to be between about 15 inches and about 16.75 inches. In one exemplary embodiment, the inner diameter ID1 is about 15.4 inches. In one embodiment, the outer diameter OD1 of the slot 145 defined in the lower horizontal section 143 of the confinement ring 140 is defined to be between about 18.6 inches and about 23.6 inches. In one exemplary embodiment, the outer diameter OD1 is about 20.0 inches. In another exemplary embodiment, the outer diameter OD1 is about 19.95 inches. Of course, the above dimensions for the various components of the confinement ring 140 are provided by way of example only and may vary depending on the geometry of the plasma processing chamber, the plasma processes being performed in the chamber, the separation distance between the upper and lower electrodes, etc. Furthermore, it is noted that the use of the term "about" in defining the various diameters and radii of the different sections of the confinement rings described herein may include a variation of ±15% of the associated value.

[0070] 9A illustrates a close-up view of a portion of the underside of a lower horizontal section 143 of a containment ring 140 having a plurality of slots 145 defining a tapered geometry of the present invention. The tapered profile of each slot 145 has a narrower inner slot radius ISR at inner diameter ID1 145a and a wider outer slot radius OSR at outer diameter OD1 145b. In one embodiment, the ratio of the inner slot radius ISR to the outer slot radius OSR of the slots 145 is defined to be between about 1:1.1 and about 1:1.5. In one embodiment, the angle separating any pair of adjacent slots 145 is defined to be between about 360° / 270° and about 360° / 285°. In one exemplary embodiment, the angle separating any pair of adjacent slots 145 is defined to be between about 360° / 279°.

[0071] FIG. 9B shows a close-up of a tapered profile slot 145 of the present invention. Both ends of the slot 145 have a rounded profile. The rounded profile ends of the slot 145 present a narrower inner slot radius ISR at the inner diameter ID1 145a of the slot 145 and a wider outer slot radius OSR at the outer diameter OD1 145b. The difference between the inner slot radius ISR and the outer slot radius OSR defines the slot taper of each slot 145. The slot taper is defined as the inverse of the wear rate at the inner and outer diameters (ID1, OD1) of the lower horizontal section 143 of the containment ring 140. In one exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 9B, the ratio of the inner slot radius ISR to the outer slot radius OSR is shown to be about 1:1.2. The ratio presented in FIG. 9B is merely one example and other ratios are contemplated.

[0072] FIG. 10 illustrates a cross-sectional view of section 7-7 of the confinement ring 140 illustrated in FIG. 9A. The cross-sectional view of section 7-7 of the confinement ring 140 is a view of the section of the confinement ring 140 between two tapered slots 145. The cross-sectional view of section 7-7 of the confinement ring 140 illustrates an upper horizontal section 141, a vertical section 142, a lower horizontal section 143, and an extension section 144 defined vertically downward from the lower horizontal section 143 at an inner lower radius. The inner diameter of the upper horizontal section 141 has a step 147 configured to receive a complementary extension 103 of the outer electrode 102b. The extension section 144 is shown extending vertically downward from the inner lower radius of the lower horizontal section 143. A fastener hole 146 is defined in an upper surface of the upper horizontal section 141.

[0073] FIG. 11 shows a cross-sectional view of section 8-8 of the confinement ring 140 shown in FIG. 9A. The cross-sectional view of section 8-8 of the confinement ring 140 is a view of a cross-section of the confinement ring 140 in which a slot 145 is defined. A fastener hole 146 in the upper surface of the upper horizontal section 141 is defined to receive a fastener means included in the showerhead extension 120c (not shown). The lower horizontal section 143 shows the slot 145 having a tapered profile tapering down from an outer diameter OD1 145b to an inner diameter ID1 145a. The tapered slot 145 is defined by an outer slot radius OSR defined at the outer diameter OD1 (145b) and an inner slot radius ISR at the inner diameter ID1 (145a).

[0074] Various embodiments discussed herein that utilize a tapered slot shape to define a slot in the lower horizontal section of the confinement ring 140 have been shown to improve the service life of the confinement ring 140 while maintaining efficient confinement of the plasma within the plasma region 108. Thus, the cost of wearing out the confinement ring decreases as the confinement ring can be used for an increasing number of processing cycles in the plasma processing chamber. The tapered slot shape allows for more efficient use of area at the outer diameter, which results in the slot width along its entire length reaching, more or less, the critical confinement dimension at the end of its life. The tapered slot extends the amount of wear the slot can withstand before reaching the limit of poor confinement, resulting in a longer life and improved consumable costs. The present disclosure includes the following application examples: [Application example 1] A confinement ring comprising: a lower horizontal section extending between an inner lower radius and an outer radius of the containment ring, the lower horizontal section including an extension section extending vertically downward at the inner lower radius, the lower horizontal section further having a plurality of slots, each slot extending radially along the lower horizontal section from an inner diameter to an outer diameter, an inner slot radius of each slot at the inner diameter being less than an outer slot radius of each slot at the outer diameter; an upper horizontal section extending between an inner upper radius and the outer radius of the confinement ring; a vertical section that merges integrally from the lower horizontal section to the upper horizontal section at the outer radius of the confinement ring; The confinement ring has [Application example 2] A containment ring as described in Application Example 1, wherein the difference between the inner slot radius and the outer slot radius of each slot defines a slot taper whereby each slot tapers from the outer diameter toward the inner diameter, and the inner and outer slot radii that affect the slot taper are sized to be the inverse of the wear rate at the corresponding inner and outer diameters of the slot. [Application example 3] The confinement ring of application example 1, wherein the inner upper radius is greater than the inner lower radius. [Application example 4] A confinement ring as described in Application Example 1, wherein a step is defined on an upper surface of the upper horizontal extension portion near the inner upper radius, the step extending downwardly from the upper surface and toward the inner upper radius of the confinement ring. [Application example 5] A confinement ring as described in Application Example 1, wherein the inner diameter is larger than an inner ring diameter defined by the inner lower radius and the outer diameter is smaller than an outer ring diameter defined by the outer radius of the confinement ring. [Application Example 6] The containment ring of application example 1, wherein the length of each slot is defined to be between about 1.85 inches (about 4.70 cm) and about 4.35 inches (about 11.05 cm). [Application Example 7] A confinement ring as described in Application Example 1, wherein an upper surface of the upper horizontal section has a plurality of holes, each of the plurality of holes being configured to receive a portion of a fastener means for fixing the confinement ring to an upper electrode of a plasma processing chamber. [Application Example 8] A confinement ring as described in Application Example 1, wherein the extended section of the lower horizontal section is configured to rest on a radio frequency gasket defined on an upper surface of a lower electrode of a plasma processing chamber. [Application Example 9] A confinement ring as described in Application Example 1, wherein the lower horizontal section, the vertical section and the upper horizontal section define a C-shaped structure configured to confine plasma generated in a plasma processing chamber. [Example 10] The confinement ring according to application example 1, wherein a ratio of the inner slot radius to the outer slot radius is about 1:1.1 to about 1:1.5. [Application Example 11] 1. An apparatus for confining a plasma in a plasma processing chamber, the plasma processing chamber including a lower electrode for supporting a substrate and an upper electrode disposed above the lower electrode, the apparatus comprising: A confinement ring comprising: a lower horizontal section extending between an inner lower radius and an outer radius of the containment ring, the lower horizontal section including an extension section extending vertically downward at the inner lower radius, the lower horizontal section having a plurality of slots, each slot extending radially along the lower horizontal section from an inner diameter to an outer diameter, an inner slot radius of each slot at the inner diameter being less than an outer slot radius of each slot at the outer diameter; an upper horizontal section extending between an inner upper radius and an outer radius of the confinement ring; a vertical section that merges integrally from the lower horizontal section to the upper horizontal section at the outer radius of the confinement ring; Have the extension section of the lower horizontal section is configured to surround a ground ring defined in the lower electrode. The apparatus includes a containment ring. [Application Example 12] The apparatus of Application Example 11, wherein the lower horizontal section, the vertical section and the upper horizontal section of the confinement ring define a C-shaped structure to confine plasma generated in the plasma processing chamber to a plasma region defined between the upper electrode and the lower electrode of the plasma processing chamber. [Application Example 13] 12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein the inner upper radius is greater than the inner lower radius of the confinement ring. [Example 14] The apparatus of application example 11, wherein a step is defined in an upper surface of the upper horizontal section proximate the inner upper radius, the step extending downwardly and outwardly from the upper surface toward the inner upper radius of the confinement ring. [Example 15] An apparatus as described in Application Example 11, wherein an upper surface of the upper horizontal section has a plurality of holes, each hole of the plurality of holes configured to receive a portion of a fastener means, the fastener means configured to couple the confinement ring to an extension of the upper electrode, and the extension of the upper electrode is electrically grounded. [Example 16] The apparatus of application example 11, wherein the extension section of the lower horizontal section is configured to rest on a high frequency gasket disposed on an upper surface of an outer ring disposed adjacent to a ground ring defined in the lower electrode. [Application Example 17] The apparatus of application example 11, wherein the confinement ring defined by the lower horizontal section, the upper horizontal section and the vertical section is a continuous structure made from one of silicon, or polysilicon, or silicon carbide, or boron carbide, or ceramic, or aluminum. [Example 18] The apparatus of application example 11, wherein the height of the vertical section of the confinement ring is determined by a separation distance defined between the upper electrode and the lower electrode of the plasma processing chamber when the plasma processing chamber is performing plasma processing. [Example 19] The apparatus of application example 11, wherein the lower horizontal section, the upper horizontal section and the vertical section of the confinement ring form a portion of a confinement chamber space extending radially outward between the lower electrode and the upper electrode to define an expanded plasma processing region when the confinement ring is installed in the plasma processing chamber. [Example 20] The apparatus of Application Example 11, wherein the extension section is integral with the lower horizontal section, the vertical section and the upper horizontal section of the confinement ring, and the extension section is configured to extend below the lower surface of the lower horizontal section. [Example 21] 12. The apparatus of claim 11, wherein each of the plurality of slots defines a path for gas to exit a confinement space formed by the confinement ring when the plasma processing chamber is operating.

Claims

1. A confinement ring comprising: a lower horizontal section extending between an inner lower radius and an outer radius of the containment ring, the lower horizontal section including an extension section extending vertically downward at the inner lower radius, the lower horizontal section further having a plurality of slots, each slot extending radially along the lower horizontal section from an inner diameter to an outer diameter, an inner slot radius of at least one slot at the inner diameter being shorter than an outer slot radius of the at least one slot at the outer diameter, a difference between the inner slot radius and the outer slot radius of the at least one slot defining a slot taper whereby the at least one slot tapers from the outer diameter toward the inner diameter, the inner slot radius and the outer slot radius affecting the slot taper being sized to be the inverse of a wear rate at corresponding inner and outer diameters of the at least one slot; an upper horizontal section extending between an inner upper radius and the outer radius of the confinement ring; a vertical section that merges integrally from the lower horizontal section to the upper horizontal section at the outer radius of the confinement ring; The confinement ring has

2. The containment ring of claim 1 , wherein the inner upper radius is greater than the inner lower radius.

3. 2. The confinement ring of claim 1, wherein a step is defined in a top surface of the upper horizontal section proximate the inner upper radius, the step extending downwardly from the top surface and toward the inner upper radius of the confinement ring.

4. 2. The containment ring of claim 1 , wherein the inner diameter is greater than an inner ring diameter defined by the inner lower radius and the outer diameter is less than an outer ring diameter defined by the outer radius of the containment ring.

5. The containment ring of claim 1 , wherein a length of each slot is defined to be between about 1.85 inches (about 4.70 cm) and about 4.35 inches (about 11.05 cm).

6. 10. The confinement ring of claim 1, wherein a top surface of the upper horizontal section has a plurality of holes, each hole of the plurality of holes configured to receive a portion of a fastener means that secures the confinement ring to an upper electrode of a plasma processing chamber.

7. 10. The confinement ring of claim 1, wherein the extension section of the lower horizontal section is configured to rest on a radio frequency gasket defined on an upper surface of a lower electrode of a plasma processing chamber.

8. 10. The confinement ring of claim 1, wherein the lower horizontal section, the vertical section and the upper horizontal section define a C-shaped structure configured to confine a plasma generated in a plasma processing chamber.

9. The confinement ring of claim 1 , wherein a ratio of the inner slot radius to the outer slot radius is from about 1:1.1 to about 1:1.

5.

10. 1. An apparatus for confining a plasma in a plasma processing chamber, the plasma processing chamber including a lower electrode for supporting a substrate and an upper electrode disposed above the lower electrode, the apparatus comprising: A confinement ring comprising: a lower horizontal section extending between an inner lower radius and an outer radius of the containment ring, the lower horizontal section including an extension section extending vertically downward at the inner lower radius, the lower horizontal section having a plurality of slots, each slot extending radially along the lower horizontal section from an inner diameter to an outer diameter, an inner slot radius of at least one slot at the inner diameter being shorter than an outer slot radius of the at least one slot at the outer diameter, a difference between the inner slot radius and the outer slot radius of the at least one slot defining a slot taper whereby the at least one slot tapers from the outer diameter toward the inner diameter, the inner slot radius and the outer slot radius affecting the slot taper being sized to be the inverse of a wear rate at corresponding inner and outer diameters of the at least one slot; an upper horizontal section extending between an inner upper radius and an outer radius of the confinement ring; a vertical section that merges integrally from the lower horizontal section to the upper horizontal section at the outer radius of the confinement ring; Have the extension section of the lower horizontal section is configured to surround a ground ring defined in the lower electrode. The apparatus includes a containment ring.

11. 11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the lower horizontal section, the vertical section and the upper horizontal section of the confinement ring define a C-shaped structure to confine plasma generated in the plasma processing chamber to a plasma region defined between the upper and lower electrodes of the plasma processing chamber.

12. The apparatus of claim 10 , wherein the inner upper radius is greater than the inner lower radius of the confinement ring.

13. 11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein a step is defined in an upper surface of the upper horizontal section proximate the inner upper radius, the step extending downwardly and outwardly from the upper surface toward the inner upper radius of the confinement ring.

14. 11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein a top surface of the upper horizontal section has a plurality of holes, each hole of the plurality of holes configured to receive a portion of a fastener means, the fastener means configured to couple the confinement ring to an extension of the upper electrode, the extension of the upper electrode being electrically grounded.

15. 11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the extension section of the lower horizontal section is configured to rest on a radio frequency gasket disposed on an upper surface of an outer ring disposed adjacent a ground ring defined in the lower electrode.

16. 11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the confinement ring defined by the lower horizontal section, the upper horizontal section, and the vertical section is a continuous structure made from one of silicon, or polysilicon, or silicon carbide, or boron carbide, or ceramic, or aluminum.

17. 11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein a height of the vertical section of the confinement ring is determined by a separation distance defined between the upper and lower electrodes of the plasma processing chamber when the plasma processing chamber is performing plasma processing.

18. 11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the lower horizontal section, the upper horizontal section, and the vertical section of the confinement ring form a portion of a confinement chamber volume that extends radially outward between the lower and upper electrodes to define an extended plasma processing region when the confinement ring is installed in the plasma processing chamber.

19. 11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein the extension section is integral with the lower horizontal section, the vertical section, and the upper horizontal section of the confinement ring, the extension section being configured to extend below a lower surface of the lower horizontal section.

20. 11. The apparatus of claim 10, wherein each of the plurality of slots defines a path for gas to exit a containment space formed by the confinement ring when the plasma processing chamber is operating.

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