Chambers for microwave plasma generation

Abstract

A microwave chamber for plasma generation. The microwave chamber comprises a launch structure at a first end of the microwave chamber to accommodate a microwave source for producing microwave energy and a termination section at a second end of the microwave chamber opposite the first end. The termination section is configured to substantially block propagation of the microwave energy from the second end of the chamber. The microwave chamber further comprises an internal wall structure for guiding the microwave energy received within the microwave chamber at the first end toward the second end and defines a cavity. The internal wall structure comprises an impedance matching section intermediate the first end and the second end, and a capacitive loaded section intermediate the impedance matching section and the second end, wherein the capacitive loaded section comprises at least one ridge extending along a longitudinal axis of the chamber. The microwave chamber defines a first opening extending through a first wall of the capacitive loaded section and a second opening extending through a second wall of the capacitive loaded section. The second wall is opposite the first wall. The first opening and second opening are configured to cooperate with one another to receive a plasma torch in the capacitive loaded section along an axis extending through first opening and second opening and substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the chamber.