Semitool, Inc.

Tim McGlenn

Steve L Eudy

Timothy A Anderson

Kyle Moran Hanson

Gregory J Wilson

Daniel J Woodruff

Randy Harris

Thomas Lee Ritzdorf

Daniel P Bexten

Curtis A Weber

Processing tools, components of tools, and methods of making and using such devices for electrochemical processing of microelectronic workpieces. One aspect of the invention is directed toward reaction vessels for electrochemical processing of microelectronic workpieces, processing stations including such reaction vessels, and methods for using these devices. For example, one embodiment of a reaction vessel includes an outer container having an outer wall, a first outlet configured to introduce a primary fluid flow into the outer container, and at least one second outlet configured to introduce a secondary fluid flow into the outer container separate from the primary fluid flow. The reaction vessel can also include at least one electrode, and it can also have a field shaping unit. The field shaping unit, for example, can be a dielectric assembly coupled to the second outlet to receive the secondary flow and configured to contain the secondary flow separate from the primary flow through at least a portion of the outer container. The field shaping unit can also have at least one electrode compartment through which the secondary flow can pass separately from the primary flow. The electrode is positioned in the electrode compartment.

Processing tools, components of processing tools, and method of making and using same for electrochemical processing of microelectronic workpieces

An apparatus and method for processing microelectronic workpieces. The apparatus can include a housing at least partially enclosing a process environment, with a first processing chamber and a second processing chamber positioned within the housing. The first processing chamber can have a first electrically powered device, such as a first anode and/or a first cathode, and the second processing chamber can have a second electrically powered device, such as a second anode and/or a second cathode. A first power supply is electrically coupled to the first processing chamber to provide electrical power to at least one of a first anode and a first cathode, and a second power supply is electrically coupled to the second processing chamber to provide electrical power to at least one of the second anode and the second cathode. A first conductive link between the first power supply and the first processing chamber can be electrically decoupled from a second conductive link between the second power supply and the second processing chamber. The conductive links can have the same impedance, resistance, and/or length.

Distributed power supplies for microelectronic workpiece processing tools

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Kalispell, MT, United States of America

Tim McGlenn