阅读说明：本技术 具有用于边缘均匀性控制的可调整调节环的工艺配件 (Process kit with adjustable tuning ring for edge uniformity control ) 是由 Y·萨罗德维舍瓦纳斯 于 2019-05-28 设计创作，主要内容包括：提供了用于处理基板的工艺配件、处理腔室和方法。所述工艺配件包括边缘环、滑环、可调整调节环、以及致动机构。所述边缘环具有第一环部件,所述第一环部件与相对于所述第一环部件可移动的第二环部件相接,在所述第一环部件和所述第二环部件之间形成间隙。所述滑环定位在所述边缘环的下方。所述可调整调节环定位在所述滑环的下方。所述致动机构与所述可调整调节环的下表面相接,并且被配置为致动所述可调整调节环从而使得所述第一环部件与所述第二环部件之间的间隙改变。在一个或多个示例中,滑环包括基质和涂层,所述基质包含导电材料,并且所述涂层包含电绝缘材料。(A process kit, a processing chamber, and a method for processing a substrate are provided. The process kit includes an edge ring, a slip ring, an adjustable adjustment ring, and an actuating mechanism. The edge ring has a first ring member that interfaces with a second ring member that is movable relative to the first ring member, forming a gap between the first and second ring members. The slip ring is positioned below the edge ring. The adjustable adjustment ring is positioned below the slip ring. The actuation mechanism interfaces with a lower surface of the adjustable adjustment ring and is configured to actuate the adjustable adjustment ring such that a gap between the first ring member and the second ring member changes. In one or more examples, a slip ring includes a substrate and a coating, the substrate including an electrically conductive material, and the coating including an electrically insulating material.)

1. A process kit for a substrate processing chamber, the process kit comprising:

An edge ring having a first ring member and a second ring member, the first ring member interfacing with the second ring member such that the second ring member is movable relative to the first ring member, a gap being formed between the first ring member and the second ring member, and the second ring member having an upper surface and a lower surface;

A slip ring positioned below the edge ring, the slip ring having an upper surface and a lower surface, and the upper surface of the slip ring being in contact with the lower surface of the second ring assembly;

An adjustable adjustment ring positioned below the slip ring, the adjustable adjustment ring having an upper surface and a lower surface, the upper surface of the adjustable adjustment ring in contact with the lower surface of the slip ring; and

An actuation mechanism interfacing with a lower surface of the adjustable adjustment ring, the actuation mechanism configured to actuate the adjustable adjustment ring such that a gap between the first ring member and the second ring member changes.

2. The process kit of claim 1, wherein the slip ring comprises a substrate and a coating.

3. The process kit of claim 2, wherein the substrate comprises aluminum or an aluminum alloy and the coating comprises a material selected from the group consisting of: yttrium oxide, hafnium oxide, silicon carbide, and any combination thereof.

4. The process kit of claim 2, wherein the substrate comprises an electrically conductive material and the coating comprises an electrically insulating material.

5. The process kit of claim 1, wherein the slip ring comprises an upper section disposed on a lower section, the upper section comprising silicon carbide and the lower section comprising aluminum or an aluminum alloy.

6. The process kit of claim 1, further comprising an electrically insulating support ring disposed between the adjustable tuning ring and the actuating mechanism.

7. The process kit of claim 6, wherein the insulating support ring comprises a polytetrafluoroethylene material.

8. The process kit of claim 6, wherein the actuation mechanism comprises a lift bar, and wherein the insulating support ring is between and in contact with the adjustable adjustment ring and the lift bar.

9. The process kit of claim 8, wherein an alignment coupling on a lower surface of the adjustable conditioning ring mates with an alignment coupling on an upper surface of the insulating support ring to form a mating profile between the alignment coupling on the lower surface of the adjustable conditioning ring and the alignment coupling on the upper surface of the insulating support ring.

10. The process kit of claim 6, wherein the insulating support ring fit comprises three or more slots extending from a lower surface of the insulating support ring fit toward an upper surface of the insulating support ring fit, and wherein each slot contains a lift pin disposed therein.

11. The process kit of claim 1, wherein the first ring member includes a stepped surface formed therein, and wherein the stepped surface of the first ring member meets a portion of a lower surface of the second ring member.

12. The process kit of claim 1, wherein the adjustable tuning ring comprises three or more slots extending from a lower surface of the adjustable tuning ring toward an upper surface of the adjustable tuning ring, and wherein each slot contains a lift rod disposed therein.

13. The process kit of claim 12, wherein the adjustable tuning ring comprises three slots disposed about the adjustable tuning ring, the three slots being separated from each other by an angle of about 110 degrees to about 130 degrees as measured from a center of the adjustable tuning ring.

14. The process kit of claim 13, wherein the adjustable tuning ring comprises four slots disposed about the adjustable tuning ring, the four slots being separated from each other by an angle of about 80 degrees to about 100 degrees, as measured from a center of the adjustable tuning ring.

15. The process kit of claim 1, wherein the actuating mechanism comprises two or more lift rods, each of the lift rods having a first end and a second end, the first ends of the lift rods being in contact with a lower surface of the adjustable adjustment ring and the second ends of the lift rods being in communication with a lift mechanism.

16. The process kit of claim 15, wherein the actuating mechanism comprises four lift rods, each of the first ends of the lift rods having a point contact with a lower surface of the adjustable adjustment ring, the points on the lower surface being separated from each other by an angle of about 80 degrees to about 100 degrees as measured from a center of the adjustable adjustment ring.

17. A processing chamber, comprising:

A substrate support member configured to support a substrate; and

A process kit supported by the substrate support member, the process kit comprising:

An edge ring having a first ring member and a second ring member, the first ring member interfacing with the second ring member such that the second ring member is movable relative to the first ring member, a gap being formed between the first ring member and the second ring member, and the second ring member having an upper surface and a lower surface;

A slip ring positioned below the edge ring, the slip ring having an upper surface and a lower surface, and the upper surface of the slip ring being in contact with the lower surface of the second ring assembly;

An adjustable adjustment ring positioned below the slip ring, the adjustable adjustment ring having an upper surface and a lower surface, the upper surface of the adjustable adjustment ring in contact with the lower surface of the slip ring; and

An actuation mechanism interfacing with a lower surface of the adjustable adjustment ring, the actuation mechanism configured to actuate the adjustable adjustment ring such that a gap between the first ring member and the second ring member changes.

18. The process chamber of claim 17, wherein the slip ring comprises a substrate and a coating, the substrate comprising an electrically conductive material, and the coating comprising an electrically insulating material.

19. The processing chamber of claim 17, wherein the substrate support member comprises:

A base;

A cooling plate supported by the base; and

An electrostatic chuck positioned on an upper surface of the cooling plate.

Technical Field

Embodiments described herein relate generally to substrate processing apparatuses and, more particularly, to an improved process kit for a substrate processing apparatus.

background

Disclosure of Invention

Embodiments described herein relate generally to a substrate processing apparatus. More particularly, a process kit, a processing chamber, and a method for processing a substrate are provided. In one or more embodiments, a process kit includes a process kit for a substrate processing chamber including an edge ring, a slip ring, an adjustable tuning ring, and an actuation mechanism. The edge ring includes a first ring member and a second ring member. The first ring member interfaces with a second ring member such that the second ring member is movable relative to the first ring member to form a gap therebetween. The second ring member has an upper surface and a lower surface. The slip ring is positioned below the edge ring. The slip ring has an upper surface and a lower surface, and the upper surface of the slip ring is in contact with the lower surface of the second ring member. The adjustable adjustment ring is positioned below the slip ring. The adjustable adjusting ring has an upper surface and a lower surface, and the upper surface of the adjustable adjusting ring is in contact with the lower surface of the slip ring. The actuating mechanism is connected with the lower surface of the adjustable adjusting ring. The actuation mechanism is configured to actuate the adjustable adjustment ring such that a gap between the first ring member and the second ring member changes. In one or more examples, the slip ring includes a matrix comprising one or more electrically conductive materials (e.g., aluminum) and a coating comprising one or more electrically insulating materials (e.g., silicon carbide).

In other embodiments, the process chamber may comprise: a substrate support member configured to support a substrate; and the process kit supported by the substrate support member. The substrate support member may include a base, a cooling plate supported by the base, and/or an electrostatic chuck positioned on an upper surface of the cooling plate.

In some embodiments, a method for processing a substrate may comprise: positioning the substrate on the substrate support member disposed in the process chamber having the process kit as described above. The method further comprises: forming a plasma over the substrate, and adjusting a height of the second ring component of the edge ring by actuating the adjustable tuning ring in communication with the component to change a direction of ions at an edge of the substrate. A gap is disposed between a lower alignment coupling of the adjustable adjustment ring and an upper alignment coupling of the second ring. The method further comprises the following steps: adjusting the size of the gap by moving the second ring member, thereby changing the capacitive coupling between the adjustable tuning ring and the second ring member.

Drawings

So that the manner in which the above recited features of the present disclosure can be understood in detail, a more particular description of the disclosure, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of this disclosure and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the disclosure may admit to other equally effective embodiments.

Fig. 1A depicts a cross-sectional view of a processing chamber in accordance with one or more embodiments.

fig. 1B-1D depict enlarged partial cross-sectional views of process kit parts included in the processing chamber of fig. 1A in accordance with one or more embodiments.

Fig. 2A-2J depict enlarged partial cross-sectional views of a plurality of process fittings including various edge rings including alignment couplings and adjustable tuning rings in accordance with one or more embodiments.

FIG. 3 depicts an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of a process kit including an edge ring having an inwardly angled upper surface in accordance with one or more embodiments.

Fig. 4A-4C depict enlarged partial cross-sectional views of other process fittings including an edge ring having another inwardly angled or sloped upper surface in accordance with one or more embodiments.

FIG. 5 depicts an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of another process kit including an edge ring, a slip ring, and an adjustable tuning ring in accordance with one or more embodiments.

FIG. 6 depicts an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of another process kit including an electrically insulating support ring disposed between an adjustable tuning ring and an actuating mechanism in accordance with one or more embodiments.

Fig. 7A and 7B depict bottom views of an adjustable adjustment ring showing a placement position of an actuation mechanism in accordance with one or more embodiments.

FIG. 8 depicts an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of a process kit including an adjustable tuning ring having a slot for receiving an actuation mechanism in accordance with one or more embodiments.

Fig. 9A and 9B depict bottom views of the adjustable adjustment ring shown in fig. 8 in accordance with one or more embodiments.

For purposes of clarity, the same reference numbers have been used, where applicable, to designate the same elements that are common between the figures. Additionally, elements of one embodiment may be advantageously employed in other embodiments described herein.

Detailed Description

Fig. 1A is a cross-sectional view of a process chamber 100 having an adjustable tuning ring according to one embodiment. As shown, the processing chamber 100 is an etch chamber suitable for etching a substrate, such as substrate 150. Examples of processing chambers that may be adapted to benefit from the present disclosure are processing chambers, and mesa (tm) processing chambers available from Applied Materials, Inc. It is contemplated that other process chambers, including deposition chambers and those from other manufacturers, may be adapted to benefit from the present disclosure.

The processing chamber 100 includes a chamber body 101 and a lid 103 disposed on the chamber body 101, the chamber body 101 and lid 103 together defining an interior volume 130. The chamber body 101 is typically coupled to an electrical ground 107. A substrate support member 180 (e.g., a substrate support assembly) is disposed within the internal volume 130 to support the substrate 150 on the substrate support member 180 during processing. The processing chamber 100 further comprises: an inductively coupled plasma device 102, the inductively coupled plasma device 102 being configured to generate a plasma within the processing chamber 100; and a controller 155, the controller 155 adapted to control an example of the process chamber 100.

the substrate support member 180 includes one or more electrodes 153 coupled to a bias source 119 through a matching network 120 to facilitate biasing of the substrate 150 during processing. Illustratively, the bias source 119 may be a source of RF energy up to about 1000W (but not limited to about 1000W) at a frequency of, for example, about 13.56MHz, although other frequencies and powers may be provided as desired for particular applications. The biasing source 119 may be capable of generating continuous power or pulsed power or both. In some examples, the bias source 119 may be a DC or pulsed DC source. In some examples, the bias source 119 may be capable of providing multiple frequencies. One or more electrodes 153 may be coupled to a chucking power supply 160 to facilitate chucking of the substrate 150 during processing.

An inductively coupled plasma device 102 is disposed above the lid 103 and is configured to inductively couple RF power into the chamber 100 to generate plasma within the processing chamber 100. The inductively coupled plasma device 102 includes first and second coils 110, 112 disposed above the lid 103. The relative position, diameter ratio of each coil 110, 112 and/or the number of turns in each coil 110, 112 can each be adjusted as desired to control the distribution or density of the plasma being formed. Each of the first and second coils 110, 112 is coupled to an RF power supply 108 via an RF feed structure 106 and through a matching network 114. Illustratively, the RF power supply 108 may be capable of producing up to about 4000W (but not limited to about 4000W) at an adjustable frequency in the range from 50kHz to 13.56MHz, although other frequencies and powers may be utilized as desired for particular applications. In some examples, a power divider 105 (such as a dividing capacitor) may be provided between the RF feed structure 106 and the RF power supply 108 to control the relative amount of RF power provided to the respective first and second coils. In some examples, the power splitter 105 may be incorporated into the matching network 114.

A heater element 113 may be disposed on top of the lid 103 to facilitate heating the interior of the processing chamber 100. The heater element 113 may be disposed between the cover 103 and the first and second coils 110, 112. In some examples, the heater element 113 may comprise a resistive heating element and may be coupled to a power source 115 (such as an AC power source), the power source 115 configured to provide energy sufficient to control the temperature of the heater element 113 within a desired range.

During operation, a substrate 150 (such as a semiconductor wafer or other substrate suitable for plasma processing) is placed on the substrate support member 180 and process gases are supplied from the gas panel 116 through the inlet port 117 into the interior volume 130 of the chamber body 101. The process gas is ignited into a plasma 118 in the processing chamber 100 by applying power from the RF power supply 108 to the first and second coils 110, 112. In some examples, power from a bias source 119 (such as an RF source or a DC source) may also be provided to the electrode 153 within the substrate support member 180 through the matching network 120. The pressure within the interior of the processing chamber 100 may be controlled using a valve 121 and a vacuum pump 122. The temperature of the chamber body 101 may be controlled using a liquid-containing conduit (not shown) passing through the chamber body 101.

The processing chamber 100 may be used for various plasma processes. In one embodiment, the processing chamber 100 may be used to perform a dry etch with one or more etchants. For example, the process chamber 100 may be used to ignite a plasma from one or more precursors or process gases, such as one or more fluorocarbons (e.g., CF4 or C2F6), O2, NF3, N2, Ar, He, or combinations thereof.

The processing chamber 100 includes a controller 155 to control the operation of the processing chamber 100 during processing. The controller 155 may include a Central Processing Unit (CPU)123, a memory 124, and support circuitry 125 for the CPU 123, and facilitates control of the components of the process chamber 100. The controller 155 may be one of any form of a general purpose computer processor that may be used in an industrial environment for controlling various chambers and sub-processors. The memory 124 stores software (source or object code) that may be executed or invoked to control the operation of the process chamber 100 in the manner described herein.

To facilitate control of the process chamber 100, the CPU 123 may be one of any form of general purpose computer processor, such as a Programmable Logic Controller (PLC), that may be used in an industrial environment for controlling various chambers and sub-processors. Memory 124 is coupled to CPU 123, and memory 124 is non-transitory and may be one or more of readily available memory, such as Random Access Memory (RAM), Read Only Memory (ROM), floppy disk drive, hard disk, or any other form of digital storage, local or remote. The support circuits 125 are coupled to the CPU 123 for supporting the processor in a conventional manner. Charged species generation, heating, and other processes are typically stored in the memory 124 as software routines. The software routines may also be stored and/or executed by a second CPU (not shown) located remotely from the processing chamber 100 that the CPU 123 is controlling.

The memory 124 is in the form of a computer readable storage medium containing instructions that, when executed by the CPU 123, facilitate operation of the processing chamber 100. The instructions in the memory 124 are in the form of a program product, such as a program, that implements the methods of the present disclosure. The program code can conform to any of a number of different programming languages. In one example, the present disclosure may be implemented as a program product stored on a computer-readable storage medium for use with a computer system. The program(s) of the program product define functions of the embodiments (including the methods described herein). Illustrative computer-readable storage media include, but are not limited to: (i) non-writable storage media (e.g., read-only memory devices within a computer such as CD-ROM disks readable by a CD-ROM drive, flash memory, ROM chips or any type of solid-state non-volatile semiconductor memory) on which information is permanently stored; and (ii) writable storage media (e.g., floppy disks within a diskette drive or hard-disk drive or any type of solid-state random-access semiconductor memory) on which alterable information is stored. Such computer-readable storage media, when carrying computer-readable instructions that direct the functions of the methods described herein, are embodiments of the present disclosure.

The processing chamber 100 also includes a process kit 200 disposed in the interior volume 130, such as on the substrate support member 180, as depicted in figure 1A. Various embodiments of the process kit 200 and other process kits are described below. The process kit 200 is used during processing operations of the substrate 150, such as during plasma processing. Fig. 1B and 1C depict enlarged partial cross-sectional views of a process kit 200 including a substrate support member 180 in a processing chamber 100.

The substrate support member 180 includes an electrostatic chuck (ESC)202, a cooling plate (or cathode) 204, a base 206, and a cathode stack 212. The cooling plate 204 is disposed on the base 206. The cooling plate 204 may include a plurality of cooling channels (not shown) for circulating a coolant therethrough. The cooling plate 204 may be bonded or adhered to the electrostatic chuck 202 by an adhesive or other suitable mechanism. One or more power supplies 208 may be coupled to the cold plate 204. The power source may be or include a source and/or feed for Radio Frequency (RF), Alternating Current (AC), and/or Direct Current (DC). The electrostatic chuck 202 may include one or more heaters (not shown). The one or more heaters may be independently controllable. One or more heaters enable the electrostatic chuck 202 to heat the substrate 150 to a desired temperature.

The process kit 200 includes an edge ring 210, the edge ring 210 including a first ring member 220 and a second ring member 230 forming an annular body. The first ring member 220 and the second ring member 230 may be independently made of or include one or more electrically insulating materials, such as silicon carbide, silicon oxide, quartz, or any combination thereof. The two ring members 220, 230 meet each other such that the second ring member 230 is movable relative to the first ring member 220.

As shown in FIG. 1C, the first ring member 220 includes an upper surface 218, a lower surface 219, an inner edge 222, and an outer edge 224. The upper surface 218 is substantially parallel to the lower surface 219. The inner edge 222 is substantially parallel to the outer edge 224 and substantially perpendicular to the lower surface 219. The first ring member 220 further includes a stepped surface 226, the stepped surface 226 being defined in the first ring member 220. In the illustrated embodiment, the stepped surface 226 is formed in the outer edge 224 such that the stepped surface 226 is substantially parallel to the lower surface 219. The stepped surface 226 defines a groove for receiving the second ring member 230. Generally, the height of the first ring member 220 is limited by the height of the electrostatic chuck 202. For example, the inner edge 222 of the first ring member 220 does not extend beyond the height of the electrostatic chuck 202. As such, the first ring member 220 protects the side of the electrostatic chuck 202. In some embodiments, the substrate 150 extends partially beyond the first ring member 220 when positioned on the electrostatic chuck 202, such as above the upper surface 218.

The second ring member 230 includes an upper surface 228, a lower surface 231, an inner edge 232, and an outer edge 234. The upper surface 228 is substantially parallel to the lower surface 231. The inner edge 232 is substantially parallel to the outer edge 234 and substantially perpendicular to the lower surface 231. In one embodiment, the second ring member 230 interfaces with the first ring member 220 via the lower surface 231. For example, the stepped surface 226 of the first ring member 220 meets at least a portion of the lower surface 231 of the second ring member 230. When joined with the first ring member 220, the inner edge 232 of the second ring member 230 is spaced from the base plate 150. For example, the inner edge 232 of the second ring member 230 may be spaced apart from the base plate 150 by between about 0.02mm and about 0.1 mm.

In other embodiments, the first ring member 220 and the second ring member 230 form a continuous lower surface and a continuous upper surface when joined, as depicted in fig. 1C. In another embodiment, the first ring member 220 and the second ring member 230 do not form a continuous lower surface or a continuous upper surface when not joined, as depicted in fig. 1D. Conversely, in some embodiments, the upper surface 218 of the first ring member 220 may be higher than the upper surface 228 of the second ring member 230. In other embodiments, the lower surface 231 of the second ring member 230 may be located below the lower surface 219 of the first ring member 220. Thus, in some embodiments, the first ring member 220 and the second ring member 230 do not form a continuous top or lower surface.

The process kit 200 further includes an adjustable adjustment ring 250 having an upper surface 254 and a lower surface 256. Adjustable adjustment ring 250 may be formed from or otherwise include one or more electrically conductive materials. For example, the conductive material may be or include aluminum or one or more aluminum alloys. The adjustable adjustment ring 250 is disposed below the edge ring 210. For example, an adjustable adjustment ring 250 is disposed below the second ring member 230. The adjustable adjustment ring 250 contacts the lower surface 231 of the second ring member 230. In one embodiment, the adjustable adjustment ring 250 extends the length of the electrostatic chuck 202 and the cooling plate 204 downward such that the adjustable adjustment ring 250 has a height that is substantially equal to the combined height of the electrostatic chuck 202 and the cooling plate 204. As such, adjustable adjustment ring 250 is capable of coupling power from cold plate 204 to edge ring 210.

Adjustable adjustment ring 250 may surround cooling plate 204 such that a laterally spaced gap 258 is formed between adjustable adjustment ring 250 and cooling plate 204. In one example, the laterally spaced gaps 258 have a width greater than 0 inches and less than or equal to 0.03 inches. In other examples, the width of the laterally spaced gaps 258 is about 0.005 inches, about 0.007 inches, or about 0.009 inches to about 0.0010 inches, about 0.0013 inches, about 0.0015 inches, or about 0.0019 inches. For example, the laterally spaced gaps 258 have a width of about 0.007 inches to about 0.0015 inches. The adjustable adjustment ring 250 is connected to a lifter bar 260. For example, the lift pins 260 may be operably coupled with the adjustable adjustment ring 250.

In one or more embodiments, the plasma sheath 201 at the edge of the substrate 150 may be adjusted by adjusting the power coupled to the second ring member 230 via the adjustable tuning ring 250 (the adjustable tuning ring 250 is disposed below the second ring member 230 and alongside the cooling plate 204 with a laterally spaced gap 258), and additional RF power is delivered to the adjustable tuning ring 250 by forming a capacitive coupling with the cooling plate 204.

The lift pins 260 are driven by a lift or actuator mechanism 280. The actuation mechanism 280 may include one or more lift mechanisms 282, one or more sealed bellows 284, one or more actuators, one or more controllers, and other components. The lift mechanism 282 may be or include one or more servo drives, servo motors, electric motors, gears, or combinations thereof. In one or more configurations, the actuation mechanism 280 includes a servo drive motor and actuator assembly mounted outside the process chamber 100 or on the atmospheric side of the process chamber 100 and connected to an actuator or lift mechanism 282 using bellows to seal the vacuum within the internal volume 130.

In one or more embodiments, the actuation mechanism 280 includes two, three, four, or more lift rods 260, each of the lift rods 260 having a first end and a second end, the first end of the lift rod 260 contacting the lower surface 256 of the adjustable adjustment ring 250, and the second end of the lift rod 260 communicating with the lift mechanism 282. The actuation mechanism 280 allows the adjustable tuning ring 250 to move vertically within the processing chamber 100. As a result of the vertical movement of the adjustment ring 250, the actuation mechanism 280 raises, lowers, or otherwise moves the second ring member 230

As depicted in fig. 1D, the second ring member 230 may be raised above the first ring member 220, forming a gap 237 between the stepped surface 226 of the first ring member 220 and the lower surface 231 of the second ring member 230. The gap 237 may be from about 0mm, about 1mm, about 2mm, or about 3mm to about 5mm, about 7mm, about 10mm, or about 12 mm. An actuation mechanism 280 interfaces with the lower surface 256 of the adjustable adjustment ring 250, the actuation mechanism 280 being configured to actuate the adjustable adjustment ring 250 such that the gap 237 between the first ring member 220 and the second ring member 230 changes.

In one embodiment, the adjustable adjustment ring 250 may include a coating formed on an upper surface 254 of the adjustable adjustment ring 250 or otherwise disposed on the upper surface 254 of the adjustable adjustment ring 250. For example, the coating may be or include an yttria coating or a gel-like coating. The coating serves to limit the chemical reaction between the plasma and the adjustable tuning ring 250 and thus limit particle generation and ring damage. In another embodiment, one or more dielectric pads (e.g., pads comprising polytetrafluoroethylene) are positioned between the edge ring 210 and the electrostatic chuck 202.

The process kit 200 further includes a cover ring assembly 270, an annular body 276, and a plasma shield 278 disposed between the cover ring assembly 270 and the annular body 276. The cover ring assembly 270 has an annular shape and includes a cover ring 272 and a sleeve 274. The cover ring 272 and the sleeve 274 may be independently made of or include a quartz material or other plasma resistant material. For example, the cover ring 272 may be a quartz ring and the sleeve 274 may be a quartz tube.

In one or more embodiments, as depicted in fig. 1C and 1D, a plasma sheath 201 is formed over portions of the substrate 150 and the edge ring 210 within the process kit 200 in the processing chamber 100. The voltage VDC may be used to control the plasma sheath 201 profile at the edge of the substrate 150 to compensate for critical dimension uniformity at the edge of the substrate 150. The plasma sheath 201 is a thin region of strong electric field formed by space charge connecting the plasma body and the boundary of the plasma material. Mathematically, the sheath thickness d is represented by the zeild-Langmuir equation:

Where i is the ion current density, ε is the vacuum permittivity, e is the elementary charge, Vp is the plasma potential, and VDC is the DC voltage.

In the case of an etch reactor, a plasma sheath 201 is formed between the plasma and the substrate 150 being etched, and the chamber body 101, and every other part of the process kit 200, and the process chamber 100, are in contact with the plasma. Ions generated in the plasma are accelerated in the plasma sheath and move perpendicular to the plasma sheath. The control VDC (i.e., the control voltage applied to the edge ring 210) affects the thickness d of the plasma sheath 201. The sheath thickness d of the plasma sheath 201 can be measured relative to the edge ring 210. For example, the thickness D is depicted in fig. 1C and 1D. In the illustrated embodiment, actuating the adjustable adjustment ring 250 raises the second ring member 230. Because VDC remains constant, the sheath thickness above the edge ring 210 remains constant. Thus, actuating adjustable tuning ring 250 causes plasma sheath 210 to rise vertically without affecting the sheath thickness. Thus, moving the adjustable tuning ring 250 affects the shape of the plasma sheath 201 at the edge of the substrate 150, which in turn controls the direction of the plasma ions.

FIG. 1D illustrates the portion of the process kit 200 in the processing chamber 100 of FIG. 1C with the second ring member 230 in a raised position. As shown and discussed in fig. 1C, the adjustable adjustment ring 250 is raised to raise the second ring member 230, which in turn raises the plasma sheath 201. Since the potential VDC remains nearly constant due to the nearly fixed capacitance, the plasma 201 thickness d remains constant throughout.

Fig. 2A-2J depict enlarged partial cross-sectional views of process fittings 200a-200J including alignment couplings disposed between an edge ring 210 and an adjustable adjustment ring 250 in accordance with one or more embodiments. Each of the process kits 200a-200j may be used in the processing chamber 100 by replacing, in whole or in part, the process kit 200 with any of the process kits 200a-200 j.

Each of the process kit parts 200a-200j includes an edge ring 210 having a first ring member 220 and a second ring member 230. The first ring member 220 may interface with the second ring member 230 such that the second ring member 230 is movable relative to the first ring member 220 to form a gap 237 (as depicted in FIG. 1D) between the first ring member 220 and the second ring member 230. For example, a gap 237 may be formed between the stepped surface 226 of the first ring member 220 and the lower surface 231 of the second ring member 230. The upper surface 254 of the adjustable adjustment ring 250 and the lower surface 231 of the second ring member 230 may engage or otherwise contact each other.

The lower surface 231 of the second ring member 230 includes upper alignment couplings 236 and the upper surface 254 of the adjustable adjustment ring 250 includes lower alignment couplings 252. The lower alignment coupling 252 of the adjustable adjustment ring 250 may mate with the upper alignment coupling 236 of the second ring member 230 to form an interface having a mutual or mating profile.

The upper alignment coupler 236 can be a male or female coupler and the lower alignment coupler 252 is an opposite type of coupler from the upper alignment coupler 236. For example, if the upper alignment coupling 236 is a male coupling, the lower alignment coupling 252 is a female coupling. Alternatively, if the upper alignment coupler 236 is a female coupler, the lower alignment coupler 252 is a male coupler. The reciprocal or mating profiles formed between the upper alignment coupling 236 and the lower alignment coupling 252 can have dovetail, spline, finned, triangular, rectangular, square, trapezoidal, arcuate, circular geometries, combinations of such geometries, and other geometries.

In the process kit 200a, as depicted in fig. 2A, the upper alignment coupling 236 is a male coupling having a dovetail or trapezoidal geometry extending from the lower surface 231 of the second ring member 230. The lower alignment coupler 252 is a female coupler having a dovetail or trapezoidal geometry formed into the upper surface 254 of the adjustable adjustment ring 250.

In process fitting 200B, as depicted in fig. 2B, the upper alignment coupling 236 is a female coupling having a dovetail or trapezoidal geometry formed into the lower surface 231 of the second ring component 230. The lower alignment coupling 252 is a male coupling having a dovetail or trapezoidal geometry extending from an upper surface 254 of the adjustable adjusting ring 250.

In the process kit 200C, as depicted in fig. 2C, the upper alignment coupling 236 is a male coupling having a triangular geometry extending from the lower surface 231 of the second ring member 230. The lower alignment coupler 252 is a female coupler having a triangular geometry formed into an upper surface 254 of the adjustable adjustment ring 250.

in process fitting 200D, as depicted in fig. 2D, the upper alignment coupling 236 is a female coupling having a triangular geometry formed into the lower surface 231 of the second ring component 230. The lower alignment coupling 252 is a male coupling having a triangular geometry extending from an upper surface 254 of the adjustable adjusting ring 250.

In the process kit 200E, as depicted in fig. 2E, the upper alignment coupling 236 is a male coupling having a square or rectangular geometry extending from the lower surface 231 of the second ring member 230. The lower alignment coupler 252 is a female coupler having a square or rectangular geometry formed into the upper surface 254 of the adjustable adjustment ring 250.

In process fitting 200F, as depicted in fig. 2F, the upper alignment coupling 236 is a female coupling having a square or rectangular geometry formed into the lower surface 231 of the second ring component 230. The lower alignment coupling 252 is a male coupling having a square or rectangular geometry extending from an upper surface 254 of the adjustable adjusting ring 250.

In the process kit 200G, as depicted in fig. 2G, the upper alignment coupling 236 is a male coupling having an arcuate or rounded geometry extending from the lower surface 231 of the second ring member 230. The lower alignment coupler 252 is a female coupler having an arcuate or circular geometry formed into the upper surface 254 of the adjustable adjustment ring 250.

In process fitting 200H, as depicted in fig. 2H, upper alignment coupling 236 is a female coupling having an arcuate or circular geometry formed into lower surface 231 of second ring component 230. The lower alignment coupling 252 is a male coupling having an arcuate or circular geometry extending from an upper surface 254 of the adjustable adjusting ring 250.

In the process kit 200I, as depicted in fig. 2I, the upper alignment coupling 236 is a male coupling having a finned geometry extending from the lower surface 231 of the second ring member 230. The lower alignment coupler 252 is a female coupler having a finned geometry formed into an upper surface 254 of the adjustable adjustment ring 250.

In process fitting 200J, as depicted in fig. 2J, the upper alignment coupling 236 is a female coupling having a finned geometry formed into the lower surface 231 of the second ring component 230. The lower alignment coupling 252 is a male coupling having a finned geometry extending from an upper surface 254 of the adjustable adjusting ring 250.

The finned geometry can have two, three or more shapes of profiles (same or different geometries) as a male and/or female coupling. The finned geometry may be any of the couplings shown in fig. 2A-2J, as well as other geometries. For example, the finned geometry may include two rectangular geometries (as shown in fig. 2I and 2J). Alternatively, the finned geometry may include two triangular geometries, a combination of a rectangular geometry and a triangular geometry, a combination of a rectangular geometry and a dovetail geometry, or any other combination.

As depicted in fig. 2A-2J, a gap 253 may be disposed between the upper surface 254 of the adjustable adjustment ring 250 and the lower surface 231 of the second ring member 230. More specifically, the gap 253 is disposed between the lower alignment coupling 252 of the adjustable adjustment ring 250 and the upper alignment coupling 236 of the second ring. The adjustable adjustment ring 250 is actuated, adjusted, or otherwise moved to adjust the size of the gap 253 and change the capacitive coupling between the adjustable adjustment ring 250 and the second ring member 230. Thus, by changing the distance between the adjustable adjustment ring 250 and the second ring member 230 (e.g., the size of the gap 253), the capacitive coupling between the adjustable adjustment ring 250 and the second ring member 230 changes proportionally.

in one or more embodiments, there may be two different methods for adjusting the plasma sheath 201. In one example, the size of the gap 253 between the adjustable adjustment ring 250 and the second ring member 230 may be variably maintained or adjusted. In another example, the adjustable adjustment ring 250 and the second ring member 230 are touching or contacting each other, and thus the gap 253 therebetween is not present.

FIG. 3 depicts an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of a process kit 300 including an edge ring 210 having an inwardly angled upper surface 228 in accordance with one or more embodiments. Fig. 4A depicts an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of a process kit 400a including an edge ring 210 having an inwardly sloped upper surface 228 in accordance with one or more embodiments. Fig. 4B and 4C depict enlarged partial cross-sectional views of process kit parts 400B, 400C, respectively, including an edge ring 210 having an inwardly sloped upper surface 228. For the process kit 300 and 400a-400c, the first ring member 220 is interfaced with the second ring member 230 such that the second ring member 230 is movable relative to the first ring member 220, forming a gap 253 between the first ring member 220 and the second ring member 230. Any of the process kit parts 300 and 400a-400c may be used in the processing chamber 100 by replacing, in whole or in part, the process kit part 200 or any of the process kit parts 200a-200j with any of the process kit parts 300 or 400a-400 c.

In one or more embodiments, at least a portion of the upper surface 228 of the second ring member 230 is angled inwardly toward the first ring member 220. In one embodiment, the upper surface 228 of the second ring member 230 is angled inwardly from the outer edge 234 to the inner edge 232, as depicted in fig. 3. In another embodiment, as depicted in fig. 4A, a portion or section of the upper surface 228 of the second ring member 230 is angled inwardly away from the outer edge 234 and toward the inner edge 232. The upper surface 228 of the second ring member 230 may have an inclined upper surface 229b, the inclined upper surface 229b being disposed between the inner upper surface 229a and the outer upper surface 229 c. The sloped upper surface 229b angles inward toward the inner edge 232, such as toward the first ring member 220 and/or the base plate 150. The inner upper surface 229a and the outer upper surface 229c may be parallel or substantially parallel to each other, as depicted in fig. 4A. Alternatively, the inner upper surface 229a and the outer upper surface 229c are not parallel to each other (not shown).

In another embodiment, as depicted in fig. 4B, a portion or section of the upper surface 228 of the second ring member 230 is angled inwardly away from the outer edge 234 and toward the inner edge 232. The upper surface 228 of the second ring member 230 may have an inwardly angled or sloped upper surface 229b, with the inwardly angled or sloped upper surface 229b disposed adjacent to the outer upper surface 229 c. In another embodiment, as depicted in fig. 4C, two or more portions or sections of the upper surface 228 of the second ring member 230 are angled inwardly from the outer edge 234 to the inner edge 232. The upper surface 228 of the second ring member 230 may have an inner upper surface 229a proximate a first inwardly angled or sloped upper surface 229b, the first inwardly angled or sloped upper surface 229b proximate a first outer upper surface 229c, the first outer upper surface 229c proximate a second inwardly angled or sloped upper surface 229b, and the second inwardly angled or sloped upper surface 229b proximate a second outer upper surface 229 c. As shown in fig. 2B and 2C, the sloped upper surface 229B angles inward toward the inner edge 232, such as toward the first ring member 220 and/or the base plate 150.

During processing, the inwardly angled upper surface 228 (fig. 3) and the inner upper surface 229a (fig. 4A-4C) funnel or otherwise direct plasma toward the inner edge 232 of the second ring member 230, the upper surface 218 of the first ring member 220, and the substrate 150. As such, the inwardly angled upper surface 228 (fig. 3) and the inner upper surface 229a (fig. 4A-4C) direct plasma away from the outer edge 224 of the second ring member 230 and the cover ring 272.

The second ring member 230 has an inner thickness D1 and an outer thickness D2 as measured between the upper surface 228 and the lower surface 231. For the second ring member 230 depicted in fig. 4A-4C, the inner thickness D1 is measured between the inner upper surface 229a and the lower surface 231, and the outer thickness D2 is measured between the outer upper surface 229C and the lower surface 231. The inner thickness D1 is less than the outer thickness D2, as shown in fig. 3 and 4A-4C. The inner thickness D1 of the second ring member 230 is about 1mm, about 1.8mm, about 2mm, or about 2.5mm to about 3mm, about 4mm, about 5mm, or about 6 mm. The outer thickness D2 of the second ring member 230 is about 1mm, about 2mm, or about 3mm to about 5mm, about 7mm, about 10mm, about 12mm, or about 15 mm.

FIG. 5 depicts an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of a process kit 500 including an edge ring 210, a slip ring 520, and an adjustable tuning ring 250 in accordance with one or more embodiments. Slip ring 520 is positioned below edge ring 210. Slip ring 520 has an upper surface 512 and a lower surface 514. The lower surface 512 of the slip ring 520 is in contact with the lower surface 231 of the second ring member 230. Adjustable adjustment ring 250 is positioned below slip ring 520. Lower surface 254 of slip ring 250 is in contact with lower surface 514 of slip ring 520.

in one or more embodiments, in the absence of the slip ring 520, the plasma may erode portions of the adjustable tuning ring 250 during processing. Once the slip ring 520 is placed between the second ring member 230 and the adjustable adjustment ring 250, the slip ring 520 reduces the amount of particles (eroded by the plasma) that form and collect between the second ring member 230 and the adjustable adjustment ring 250 as opposed to not including the slip ring 520 and having the second ring member 230 directly contact the adjustable adjustment ring 250.

The first ring member 220 of the edge ring 210 interfaces with the second ring member 230 of the edge ring 210 such that the second ring member 230 is movable relative to the first ring member 220, forming a gap (not shown in FIG. 5) between the first ring member 220 and the second ring member 230. The actuating mechanism 280 is attached to the lower surface 256 of the adjustable adjustment ring 250. The actuation mechanism 280 moves or actuates the adjustable adjustment ring 250 and the slide ring 520 such that the gap 253 between the upper surface 512 of the slide ring 520 and the lower surface 231 of the second ring member 230 changes. Similarly, the actuation mechanism 280 moves or actuates the adjustable adjustment ring 250 and the slip ring 520 in contact with the second ring member 230, changing the size of the gap between the second ring member 230.

In one or more embodiments, slip ring 520 may include a body or matrix made of or including aluminum or an aluminum alloy. The body or substrate of the slip ring 520 may be completely or partially coated with a plasma resistant coating or film comprising an anodized oxide (e.g., an aluminum oxide layer formed by any anodization process), yttrium oxide, hafnium oxide, silicon oxide, oxides thereof, or any combination thereof. In other embodiments, slip ring 520 may comprise two or more sections or portions of different materials, such as a split structure comprising two or more rings. For example, the slip ring 520 may include: an upper section comprising a ring made of or comprising one or more plasma resistant materials (e.g., silicon carbide); and a lower section comprising a ring made of or comprising one or more electrically conductive materials (e.g., aluminum or aluminum alloy). The lower section of the slip ring 520 provides RF coupling with the electrostatic chuck 202. Two or more sections forming the slip ring 520 may be bonded together or held together by gravity. In one or more examples, an upper section (e.g., silicon carbide) and a lower section (e.g., aluminum or aluminum alloy) of slip ring 520 may be bonded or otherwise joined together by diffusion aluminum bonding to form slip ring 520 that may be RF coupled with cooling plate 204.

FIG. 6 depicts an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of a process kit 600 including an electrically insulating support ring 620 disposed between the adjustable adjustment ring 250 and the actuation mechanism 280 in accordance with one or more embodiments. Each actuation mechanism 280 includes a lift rod 260. For example, the insulating support ring 620 is positioned or otherwise disposed between and in contact with the adjustable adjustment ring 250 and the lift rod 260. Once the insulating support ring 620 is placed between the adjustable adjustment ring 250 and the actuation mechanism 280, the insulating support ring 620 reduces the amount of particulates that form and collect between the adjustable adjustment ring 250 and the actuation mechanism 280 relative to when the insulating support ring 620 is not used and instead the lift rod 260 is in direct contact or connection with the adjustable adjustment ring 250.

The insulating support ring 620 has an upper surface 622 and a lower surface 624. In one or more embodiments, as shown in fig. 6, each of the upper and lower surfaces 622 and 624 independently include one or more alignment couplings 632 and 634. The alignment coupler 632 is a male coupler disposed on the upper surface 622 and the alignment coupler 634 is a female coupler disposed on the lower surface 624. Alternatively, although not shown, the alignment coupler 632 may be a female coupler and the alignment coupler 634 may be a male coupler. As shown on fig. 6, alignment couplers 257 (shown as female couplers) are on the lower surface 256 of the adjustable tuning ring 250, and alignment couplers 632 are provided on the upper surface 622 of the insulating support ring 620, the alignment couplers 257 and the alignment couplers 632 cooperating to form a mutual or mating profile therebetween. In another embodiment, although not shown, neither the adjustable tuning ring 250 nor the insulating support ring 620 have alignment couplings and the upper surface 622 of the insulating support ring 620 is in contact with the lower surface 256 of the adjustable tuning ring 250.

In another embodiment, the alignment coupler 634 may be or include one, two, three, four, or more female couplers, such as slots or holes, formed in the lower surface 624 of the insulating support ring 620. The female alignment coupler 634 may mate with the lifter bar 260. Thus, in some examples, there are the same number of female alignment couplers 634 as there are lifter bars 260. In one or more examples, the insulating support ring 620 has two, three, four, or more alignment couplers 634, the two, three, four, or more alignment couplers 634 being slots extending from the lower surface 624 of the insulating support ring 620 toward the upper surface 622 of the insulating support ring 620, and each slot containing a lift rod 260 disposed therein. In another embodiment, although not shown, the insulating support ring 620 does not have alignment couplings such that the lift pins 260 directly contact the lower surface 624 of the insulating support ring 620 when the insulating support ring 620 and the adjustable adjustment ring 250 are raised and lowered.

The insulating support ring 620 comprises one or more polymeric materials that may be or include one or more fluorinated carbons, fluorinated hydrocarbons, thermoset cross-linked polystyrene copolymers (e.g., polymers), ceramics, or any combination thereof. In one or more examples, the insulating support ring 620 comprises a Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) material.

Although fig. 6 depicts an upper alignment coupling (which is a male coupling on the lower surface 231 of the second ring component 230) and a lower alignment coupling (which is a female coupling on the upper surface 254 of the adjustable adjustment ring 250), each of the lower surface 231 and the upper surface 254 may independently have any type of male or female coupling (as shown in fig. 2A-2J) and no coupling (as shown in fig. 1C and 1D) such that the lower surface 231 of the second ring component 230 and the upper surface 254 of the adjustable adjustment ring 250 contact each other without a coupling.

Fig. 7A and 7B depict bottom views of the adjustable adjustment ring 250 showing the placement position of the actuation mechanism 280 in accordance with one or more embodiments. Fig. 7A depicts three positions 702 disposed on the lower surface 256 of the adjustable adjustment ring 250. In one example, these locations 702 are at locations where the upper end of the actuation mechanism 280 (such as the lift pins 260) contacts the lower surface 256. The three positions 702 are separated from each other by an angle α 1, measured from the center of the adjustable adjustment ring 250, of about 110 degrees to about 130 degrees, about 115 degrees to about 125 degrees, or about 118 degrees to about 122 degrees, such as about 120 degrees.

fig. 7B depicts four locations 702 disposed on the lower surface 256 of the adjustable adjustment ring 250. In another example, each of these locations 702 is at a location where an upper end of the actuation mechanism 280 (such as the lift pins 260) contacts the lower surface 256. The four locations 702 are separated from each other by an angle α 2, the angle α 2 being about 80 degrees to about 100 degrees, about 85 degrees to about 95 degrees, or about 88 degrees to about 92 degrees, such as about 90 degrees, measured from the center of the adjustable adjustment ring 250.

FIG. 8 depicts an enlarged partial cross-sectional view of a process kit 800 including an adjustable adjustment ring 250 having an alignment coupling 259 for receiving at least a portion of the actuation mechanism 280 in accordance with one or more embodiments. The alignment coupling 259 may be or include one, two, three, four, or more female couplings, such as slots or holes, formed within the lower surface 256 of the adjustable adjustment ring 250.

The female alignment coupling 259 can mate with the lifter bar 260, as shown in fig. 8. Thus, in some examples, there are the same number of female alignment couplers 259 as there are lifter bars 260. In one or more examples, the adjustable adjustment ring 250 has two, three, four, or more alignment coupling pieces 259, the two, three, four, or more alignment coupling pieces 259 being slots extending from the lower surface 256 of the adjustable adjustment ring 250 toward the upper surface 254 of the adjustable adjustment ring 250, and each slot containing a lift rod 260 disposed therein. The alignment coupling 259 may extend a distance D3 into the adjustable adjustment ring 250 from the lower surface 256, for example, the distance D3 may be about 1mm, about 2mm, about 3mm, or about 4mm to about 5mm, about 7mm, about 10mm, about 12mm, or about 15 mm.

although fig. 8 depicts an upper alignment coupling (which is a female coupling on the lower surface 231 of the second ring component 230) and a lower alignment coupling (which is a male coupling on the upper surface 254 of the adjustable adjustment ring 250), each of the lower surface 231 and the upper surface 254 may independently have any type of male or female coupling (as shown in fig. 2A-2J) and no coupling (as shown in fig. 1C and 1D) such that the lower surface 231 of the second ring component 230 and the upper surface 254 of the adjustable adjustment ring 250 contact each other without a coupling.

fig. 9A and 9B depict bottom views of the adjustable adjustment ring 250 shown in fig. 8 in accordance with one or more embodiments. Fig. 9A depicts three of the slots or female alignment couplings 259 formed in the adjustable adjustment ring 250 and including points 902 therein. In one example, these points 902 are at locations where the actuation mechanism 280 (such as the lift bar 260) is inserted or otherwise disposed in the female alignment coupler 259. The three slot or female alignment couplings 259 are separated from each other by an angle a 3, the angle a 3 being about 110 degrees to about 130 degrees, about 115 degrees to about 125 degrees, or about 118 degrees to about 122 degrees, such as about 120 degrees, measured from the center of the adjustable adjustment ring 250.

Fig. 9B depicts four of the slots or female alignment couplings 259 formed in the adjustable adjustment ring 250 and including the points 902 therein. In another example, these points 902 are at locations where the actuation mechanism 280 (such as the lift bar 260) is inserted or otherwise disposed in the female alignment coupling 259. The four slot or female alignment couplings 259 are separated from each other by an angle α 4, the angle α 4 being about 80 degrees to about 100 degrees, about 85 degrees to about 95 degrees, or about 88 degrees to about 92 degrees, such as about 90 degrees, measured from the center of the adjustable adjustment ring 250.

Embodiments of the present disclosure further relate to any one or more of paragraphs 1-24 below:

1. A process kit for a substrate processing chamber, the process kit comprising: an edge ring having a first ring member and a second ring member, the first ring member interfacing with the second ring member such that the second ring member is movable relative to the first ring member, a gap being formed between the first ring member and the second ring member, and the second ring member having an upper surface and a lower surface; a slip ring positioned below the edge ring, the slip ring having an upper surface and a lower surface, and the upper surface of the slip ring being in contact with the lower surface of the second ring assembly; an adjustable adjustment ring positioned below the slip ring, the adjustable adjustment ring having an upper surface and a lower surface, the upper surface of the adjustable adjustment ring in contact with the lower surface of the slip ring; and an actuation mechanism interfacing with a lower surface of the adjustable adjustment ring, the actuation mechanism configured to actuate the adjustable adjustment ring such that a gap between the first ring member and the second ring member changes.

2. A processing chamber, comprising: a substrate support member configured to support a substrate; and a process kit supported by the substrate support member, the process kit comprising: an edge ring having a first ring member and a second ring member, the first ring member interfacing with the second ring member such that the second ring member is movable relative to the first ring member, a gap being formed between the first ring member and the second ring member, and the second ring member having an upper surface and a lower surface; a slip ring positioned below the edge ring, the slip ring having an upper surface and a lower surface, and the upper surface of the slip ring being in contact with the lower surface of the second ring assembly; an adjustable adjustment ring positioned below the slip ring, the adjustable adjustment ring having an upper surface and a lower surface, the upper surface of the adjustable adjustment ring in contact with the lower surface of the slip ring; and an actuation mechanism in communication with a lower surface of the adjustable adjustment ring, the actuation mechanism configured to actuate the adjustable adjustment ring such that a gap between the first ring member and the second ring member changes.

3. The processing chamber of paragraph 2, wherein the substrate support member comprises: a base; a cooling plate supported by the base; and an electrostatic chuck positioned on an upper surface of the cooling plate.

4. The process kit or processing chamber of any of paragraphs 1 to 3, wherein the slip ring comprises a substrate and a coating.

5. The process kit or processing chamber of any of paragraphs 1 to 4, wherein the substrate comprises aluminum or an aluminum alloy.

6. The process kit or processing chamber of any of paragraphs 1 to 5, wherein the coating comprises a material selected from the group consisting of: yttrium oxide, hafnium oxide, silicon carbide, and any combination thereof.

7. The process kit or processing chamber of any of paragraphs 1 to 6, wherein the substrate comprises an electrically conductive material and the coating comprises an electrically insulating material.

8. the process kit or processing chamber of any of paragraphs 1 to 7, wherein the slip ring comprises an upper section disposed on a lower section, the upper section comprising silicon carbide and the lower section comprising aluminum or an aluminum alloy.

9. The process kit or processing chamber of any of paragraphs 1 to 8, further comprising an electrically insulating support ring disposed between the adjustable tuning ring and the actuating mechanism.

10. The process kit or processing chamber of paragraph 9, wherein the insulating support ring comprises a polytetrafluoroethylene material.

11. The process kit or processing chamber of paragraph 9, wherein the actuation mechanism comprises a lift bar, and wherein the insulating support ring is between and in contact with the adjustable adjustment ring and the lift bar.

12. The process kit or processing chamber of paragraph 8, wherein the alignment coupling on the lower surface of the adjustable conditioning ring and the alignment coupling on the upper surface of the insulating support ring mate to form a mating profile between the alignment coupling on the lower surface of the adjustable conditioning ring and the alignment coupling on the upper surface of the insulating support ring.

13. The process kit or processing chamber of paragraph 12, wherein the insulating support ring fit comprises three or more slots extending from a lower surface of the insulating support ring fit toward an upper surface of the insulating ring fit, and wherein each slot contains a lift pin disposed therein.

14. The process kit or processing chamber of any of paragraphs 1 to 13, wherein the adjustable tuning ring comprises an electrically conductive material.

15. The process kit or processing chamber of paragraph 14, wherein the conductive material comprises aluminum or an aluminum alloy.

16. The process kit or processing chamber of any of paragraphs 1 to 15, wherein the second ring member comprises silicon carbide.

17. The process kit or processing chamber of any of paragraphs 1 to 16, wherein the first ring member comprises a stepped surface formed therein, and wherein the stepped surface of the first ring member meets a portion of a lower surface of the second ring member.

18. The process kit or processing chamber of any of paragraphs 1 to 17, wherein the adjustable tuning ring comprises three or more slots extending from a lower surface of the adjustable tuning ring towards an upper surface of the adjustable tuning ring, and wherein each slot contains a lift pin disposed therein.

19. The process kit or processing chamber of paragraph 18, wherein the adjustable tuning ring comprises three slots disposed around the adjustable tuning ring, the three slots being separated from each other by an angle of about 110 degrees to about 130 degrees as measured from a center of the adjustable tuning ring.

20. The process kit or processing chamber of paragraph 18, wherein the adjustable tuning ring comprises four slots disposed around the adjustable tuning ring, the four slots being separated from each other by an angle of about 80 degrees to about 100 degrees as measured from a center of the adjustable tuning ring.

21. The process kit or processing chamber of any of paragraphs 1 to 20, wherein the actuation mechanism comprises two or more lift pins, each of the lift pins having a first end and a second end, the first ends of the lift pins being in contact with a lower surface of the adjustable adjustment ring and the second ends of the lift pins being in communication with a lift mechanism.

22. The process kit of paragraph 21, wherein the actuation mechanism comprises four lift pins, each of the first ends of the lift pins contacting a point on a lower surface of the adjustable adjustment ring, the points on the lower surface being separated from each other by an angle of about 80 degrees to about 100 degrees as measured from the center of the adjustable adjustment ring.

23. A method for processing a substrate, wherein the method is performed with a process kit or processing chamber according to any of paragraphs 1 to 22.

24. A method for processing a substrate, the method comprising: positioning the substrate on the substrate support member disposed in the process kit or processing chamber of any of paragraphs 1 to 22; forming a plasma over the substrate; and adjusting a height of the second ring component of the edge ring by actuating the adjustable tuning ring in communication with the component to change a direction of ions at an edge of the substrate.

while the foregoing is directed to particular embodiments of the present disclosure, other and further embodiments of the disclosure may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof, and the scope thereof is determined by the claims that follow.

particular embodiments and features have been described using a set of numerical upper limits and a set of numerical lower limits. It should be understood that unless otherwise indicated, ranges are contemplated to include any combination of two values, e.g., any combination of a lower value and a higher value, any combination of two lower values, and/or any combination of two higher values. Certain lower limits, upper limits and ranges appear in the appended claim or claims.