An electrode for an apparatus (1) for electrolytically treating a workpiece (3), the apparatus (1) being of a type arranged to convey the workpiece (3) with a surface to be treated past and directed towards a surface of the electrode, is divided into segments (23a-e) at at least this surface of the electrode. The segments (23a-e) are arranged next to each other in a first direction (x). Adjacent segments (23a-e) are separated from each other along respective segment edges (24a-f) such as to allow adjacent segments (23a-e) to be maintained at different respective voltages. The segment edges (24a-f) extend at least partly in a second direction (y) from a common value (y.sub.0) of a co-ordinate in the second direction (y) to an edge (25,26) of at least an electrically conducting part of the electrode surface, the second direction (y) being transverse to the first direction (x) and corresponding to a direction of movement of the workpiece, in use. The segment edges (24a-f) between at least one pair of adjacent segments (23a-e) extend along respective paths of which an angle to the electrode surface edge (25,26) decreases from the common value (y.sub.0) of the co-ordinate to the electrode surface edge (25,26).

A device for a cell of an apparatus for wet processing of a planar workpiece, comprises a structure comprising first and second walls. The workpiece is movable in a central plane through a space between the first and second walls in a first direction (y). Apertures for introducing pressurised liquid between the first and second walls are on opposite sides of the central plane and facing the central plane. The apertures are distributed in the first direction (y) and in a second direction (x) transverse to the first direction (y). Discharge openings for the liquid to leave the space are on opposite sides, in the second direction (x), along the space in the first direction (y). The first and second walls form barriers to liquid flow from the space in a direction (z) perpendicular to the central plane. Channels through the walls are arranged to conduct liquid to respective one of the apertures.

A device for a cell of an apparatus for wet processing of a planar workpiece, comprises a structure comprising first and second walls. The workpiece is movable in a central plane through a space between the first and second walls in a first direction (y). Apertures for introducing pressurised liquid between the first and second walls are on opposite sides of the central plane and facing the central plane. The apertures are distributed in the first direction (y) and in a second direction (x) transverse to the first direction (y). Discharge openings for the liquid to leave the space are on opposite sides, in the second direction (x), along the space in the first direction (y). The first and second walls form barriers to liquid flow from the space in a direction (z) perpendicular to the central plane. Channels through the walls are arranged to conduct liquid to respective one of the apertures.

Provided is a film forming apparatus and a film forming method for forming a metal film capable of reducing the occurrence of discoloring or alteration of the metal film caused by drying of an electrolytic solution remaining on the surface of the formed metal film. A space where the metal film exists is sealed between a housing and a mount base in a state where the solid electrolyte membrane is in contact with the metal film. The film forming apparatus includes a water supply unit supplying a wash water to the sealed space such that the wash water flows onto the surface of the metal film being in contact with the solid electrolyte membrane, and a water discharge unit discharging a wash water from the sealed space such that the wash water having flown onto the surface of the metal film flows out from the surface of the metal film.

Provided is a film forming apparatus and a film forming method for forming a metal film capable of reducing the occurrence of discoloring or alteration of the metal film caused by drying of an electrolytic solution remaining on the surface of the formed metal film. A space where the metal film exists is sealed between a housing and a mount base in a state where the solid electrolyte membrane is in contact with the metal film. The film forming apparatus includes a water supply unit supplying a wash water to the sealed space such that the wash water flows onto the surface of the metal film being in contact with the solid electrolyte membrane, and a water discharge unit discharging a wash water from the sealed space such that the wash water having flown onto the surface of the metal film flows out from the surface of the metal film.

A film formation apparatus includes an anode, a solid electrolyte membrane between the anode and a substrate, a power supply that applies voltage between the anode and the substrate as a cathode, and a liquid reservoir that holds the anode and the solid electrolyte membrane while separating them apart from each other, the liquid reservoir storing electrolyte solution including metal ions between the anode and the solid electrolyte membrane. The solid electrolyte membrane includes a central portion that comes in contact with the substrate and the electrolyte solution, and an outer edge portion outside the central portion. The apparatus includes a membrane tensioning mechanism to apply a tensile force to the central portion toward the outer edge portion while storing the heated electrolyte solution in the liquid reservoir, to elongate the central portion.

A film formation apparatus includes an anode, a solid electrolyte membrane between the anode and a substrate, a power supply that applies voltage between the anode and the substrate as a cathode, and a liquid reservoir that holds the anode and the solid electrolyte membrane while separating them apart from each other, the liquid reservoir storing electrolyte solution including metal ions between the anode and the solid electrolyte membrane. The solid electrolyte membrane includes a central portion that comes in contact with the substrate and the electrolyte solution, and an outer edge portion outside the central portion. The apparatus includes a membrane tensioning mechanism to apply a tensile force to the central portion toward the outer edge portion while storing the heated electrolyte solution in the liquid reservoir, to elongate the central portion.

Provided is a film forming apparatus and a film forming method capable of forming a homogenous metal film by suppressing accumulation of an electrolytic solution between a solid electrolyte membrane and a substrate. A film forming apparatus for forming a metal film includes an anode; a solid electrolyte membrane disposed between the anode and a substrate; a power supply that applies a current between the anode and the substrate; a mount base including a housing recess according to a shape of the substrate that is housed therein; and a housing including a storing chamber that stores an electrolytic solution together with the anode and having the solid electrolyte membrane attached thereto to seal the storing chamber. The mount base includes a liquid discharge portion that discharges the electrolytic solution having passed through the solid electrolyte membrane from a position facing an end face of a side wall of the housing.

An electroplating apparatus including an anode and a cathode, a power supply, and a regulating plate is provided. The power supply is electrically connected to the anode and the cathode. The regulating plate is arranged between the anode and the cathode. The regulating plate includes an insulating grid plate and a plurality of magnetic components. The plurality of magnetic components are uniformly and randomly arranged on the insulating grid plate. An electroplating method is also provided.

The present invention relates to applying at least one ultra/mega sonic device and its reflection plate for forming standing wave in a metallization apparatus to achieve highly uniform metallic film deposition at a rate far greater than conventional film growth rate in electrolyte. In the present invention, the substrate is dynamically controlled so that the position of the substrate passing through the entire acoustic field with different power intensity in each motion cycle. This method guarantees each location of the substrate to receive the same amount of total sonic energy dose over the interval of the process time, and to accumulatively grow a uniform deposition thickness at a rapid rate.