Embodiments described herein relate to methods of tuning within semiconductor processes to improve plasma stability. In these embodiments, multiple matching networks are provided. Each of the matching networks couple a radio frequency (RF) source to one of multiple connection points located on an electrode. Based on tuning parameter information and physical geometry information, a controller determines a tuning sequence for the multiple matching networks. As such, some of the matching networks are tuned while the other matching networks are locked. Using multiple matching networks leads to a more uniform plasma within the process volume of the process chamber. Improved plasma uniformity leads to less substrate defects and better device performance. Additionally, in these embodiments, the ability to tune each of the matching networks in a sequence decreases or prevents interference from occurring between the matching networks.

Methods and systems for depositing a thin film are disclosed. The methods and systems can be used to deposit a film having a uniform thickness on a substrate surface that has a non-planar three-dimensional geometry, such as a curved surface. The methods involve the use of a deposition source that has a shape in accordance with the non-planar three-dimensional geometry of the substrate surface. In some embodiments, multiple layers of films are deposited onto each other forming multi-layered coatings. In some embodiments, the multi-layered coatings are antireflective (AR) coatings for windows or lenses.

A method for achieving sub-pulsing during a state is described. The method includes receiving a clock signal from a clock source, the clock signal having two states and generating a pulsed signal from the clock signal. The pulsed signal has sub-states within one of the states. The sub-states alternate with respect to each other at a frequency greater than a frequency of the states. The method includes providing the pulsed signal to control power of a radio frequency (RF) signal that is generated by an RF generator. The power is controlled to be synchronous with the pulsed signal.

A wafer processing apparatus includes a chamber, and a voltage waveform generator configured to accelerate plasma ions of the chamber, the voltage waveform generator includes: a pulse circuit configured to apply a chamber voltage, which is a pulse voltage, to the chamber by adjusting a chamber current applied to the chamber; and a slope circuit configured to generate a slope in an on-duty of the chamber voltage, which is the pulse voltage, and the pulse circuit includes a first inductive element configured to store a first internal current.

In accordance with an embodiment, a measurement system includes a sensor circuit configured to provide a voltage sense signal proportional to an electric field sensed by the RF sensor and a current sense signal proportional to a magnetic field sensed by the RF sensor; an analysis circuit comprising a frequency selective demodulator circuit configured to: demodulate the voltage sense signal into a first set of analog demodulated signals according to a set of demodulation frequencies, demodulate the current sense signal into a second set of analog demodulated signals according to the set of demodulation frequencies, and determine a phase shift between the voltage sense signal and the current sense signal for at least one frequency of the set of demodulation frequencies; and analog-to-digital converters configured to receive the first and second sets of analog demodulated signals.

Described herein are technologies related to a radical source with a housing that includes a plasma cavity that is designed to contain a plasma created by a plasma generator. The housing has at least one gas injector designed to inject process gas into the plasma. The plasma produces radicals from the gas injected into the plasma. The cavity has an exit or opening formed therein that ejects the radicals from the cavity. The ejected radicals may be directed towards a subject wafer substrate under the radical source. This Abstract is submitted with the understanding that it will not be used to interpret or limit the scope or meaning of the claims.

In one embodiment, an RF impedance matching network utilizing at least one electronically variable capacitors (EVC) is disclosed. Each EVC includes discrete capacitors operably coupled in parallel, the discrete capacitors including fine capacitors and coarse capacitors. A control circuit determines a parameter related to the plasma chamber and, based on the parameter, determines which of the coarse capacitors and which of the fine capacitors to have switched in to cause an impedance match. The increase of the variable total capacitance of each EVC is achieved by switching in more of the coarse capacitors or more of the fine capacitors than are already switched in without switching out a coarse capacitor that is already switched in.

Systems and methods for achieving a pre-determined factor associated with the edge region within the plasma chamber is described. One of the methods includes providing an RF signal to a main electrode within the plasma chamber. The RF signal is generated based on a frequency of operation of a first RF generator. The method further includes providing another RF signal to an edge electrode within the plasma chamber. The other RF signal is generated based on the frequency of operation of the first RF generator. The method includes receiving a first measurement of a variable, receiving a second measurement of the variable, and modifying a phase of the other RF signal based on the first measurement and the second measurement. The method includes changing a magnitude of a variable associated with a second RF generator to achieve the pre-determined factor.

A plasma reaction cell includes a discharge chamber with a base plate, a side wall, and a cooling plate. A discharge stack mounted within the discharge chamber includes a first insulation plate, a first conductive spacer, a second insulation plate, and a second conductive spacer. An electrode electrically coupled to the first conductive spacer extends through the side wall of the discharge chamber. A first gas channel formed between the first conductive spacer and the first insulation plate has a first end in fluid communication with a first gas port and a second end in fluid communication with a second gas port. A second gas channel formed between the first conductive spacer and the second insulation plate has a first end in fluid communication with the first gas port and a second end in fluid communication with the second gas port.

A method of fabricating a semiconductor device include; seating a substrate having a substrate radius on an electrostatic chuck, applying first radio-frequency power to the electrostatic chuck to induce plasma in a region at least above the electrostatic chuck, and generating a magnetic field in the region at least above the electrostatic chuck using a magnet having a ring-shape and disposed above the electrostatic chuck by applying second radio-frequency power to the magnet, wherein the magnet has an inner radius ranging from about one-half to about one-fourth of the substrate radius.