Methods and systems are disclosed for focus ring thickness measurement and feedback control within process chambers. For disclosed embodiments, in-chamber sensors measure physical parameters associated with focus rings, and these measurements are used to determine thickness for the focus rings. The thickness determinations can be used to detect when a focus ring should be replaced and can also be used as feedback to adjust the position of the focus rings within the chamber. For one embodiment, measurements from ultrasonic sensors are used to make thickness determinations for focus rings. For further embodiments, these ultrasonic sensors are positioned at end portions of focus ring lift pins. Other sensors can also be used such as capacitive sensors, resistive sensors, and/or other desired sensors. Further variations and implementations can also be achieved using in-chambers sensors to facilitate focus ring thickness determinations.

An apparatus includes a processing chamber, a substrate support in the processing chamber, a plasma source coupled to the processing chamber, and a plurality of heating devices arranged on the processing chamber. Each heating device is configured to emit laser beam on a substrate positioned on the substrate support to heat the substrate.

A substrate processing apparatus and a substrate processing method using plasma capable of controlling an etch rate and/or uniformity according to a position of a substrate are provided. The substrate processing apparatus includes a first space disposed between an electrode and an ion blocker; a second space disposed between the ion blocker and a shower head; a processing space for processing a substrate under the shower head; a first gas supply module for providing a first gas for generating plasma in the first space; a second gas supply module for providing a second gas to be mixed with the effluent of the plasma in the processing space; and a third gas supply module for providing a third gas to be mixed with the effluent of the plasma in the processing space.

A plasma processing apparatus which forms a first film on a pattern formed on a substrate having dense and coarse areas, and then performs sputtering or etching on the first film.

A plasma processing apparatus includes a processing vessel; a placing table, serving as a lower electrode, disposed within the processing vessel; an upper electrode serving as a facing electrode of the placing table; a plasma processor configured to form a gas within the processing vessel into plasma by supplying a high frequency power and to process a processing target object on the placing table with the plasma; a cover member configured to cover the upper electrode from thereabove; a cooler provided within the cover member and configured to cool the upper electrode with a coolant having a temperature lower than a dew point temperature of exterior air outside the processing vessel; and a gas supply configured to supply a low-dew point gas having a dew point temperature lower than the dew point temperature of the exterior air into a space surrounded by the cover member and the upper electrode.

An object processing apparatus comprising a chamber that has an internal space able to be depressurized and is configured such that a target object is subjected to a plasma treatment in the internal space; a first electrode that is disposed in the chamber and on which the target object is to be mounted; a first power supply that applies a bias voltage of negative potential to the first electrode; a gas introduction device that introduces a processing gas into an inside of the chamber; and a pumping device that depressurizes the inside of the chamber. A cover is provided between the first electrode and the target object so as to cover the first electrode. A spacer is located between the first electrode and the cover, and is disposed so as to occupy a localized region.

In a method of manufacturing a semiconductor device, an underlying structure is formed over a substrate. A film is formed over the underlying structure. Surface topography of the film is measured and the surface topography is stored as topography data. A local etching is performed by using directional etching and scanning the substrate so that an entire surface of the film is subjected to the directional etching. A plasma beam intensity of the directional etching is adjusted according to the topography data.

Systems and methods for real-time control of temperature within a plasma chamber are described. One of the methods includes sensing a voltage in real time of a rail that is coupled to a voltage source. The voltage source supplies a voltage to multiple heater elements of the plasma chamber. The voltage that is sensed is used to adjust one or more duty cycles of corresponding one or more of the heater elements. The adjusted one or more duty cycles facilitate achieving and maintaining a temperature value within the plasma chamber over time.

A plasma processing method performed using a plasma processing apparatus includes a first step of forming a first film on a pattern formed on a substrate and having dense and coarse areas, and a second step of performing sputtering or etching on the first film.

A stage including a mounting section and an adhesive layer is provided. The mounting section is disposed in a plasma space, and a substrate is placed on the mounting section. The adhesive layer bonds the mounting section to a base. A through-hole penetrating the mounting section, the base, and the adhesive layer is formed in the stage. The through-hole is configured to supply a heat transfer gas. The stage includes a sleeve member provided in the through-hole. On a portion of a surface of the sleeve member, multiple fine holes connecting the through-hole with the plasma space are formed, and the portion is positioned at a higher level than the adhesive layer.