Applied Materials, Inc.
Methods and apparatus for in-situ cleaning of electrostatic chucks

Abstract:

Methods and apparatus for cleaning an electrostatic chuck (ESC) in a semiconductor chamber allow in-situ cleaning of the ESC. An apparatus may include an adapter or cover ring that is electrically isolated from a deposition ring; an annular grounding bracket mounted to and surrounding a pedestal, the annular grounding bracket has at least one horizontal grounding loop on an upper perimeter surface configured to provide electrical contact with the adapter or cover ring and to provide an RF return path to the ESC during plasma generation; and a bracket with a horizontal grounding loop on a first end to make electrical contact with the deposition ring and a vertical grounding loop on a second end to make electrical contact with a lift hoop which is electrically grounded, the bracket is mounted to, but electrically isolated from, the annular grounding bracket.