JP2009054779A - Plasma processing apparatus and plasm processing method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To unify kerf loss width as much as possible in the cutting direction of a workpiece. <P>SOLUTION: The plasma processing apparatus comprises: a plurality of slice electrodes 2 that are arranged with an interval in a prescribed direction and cut a silicon ingot 100 as a workpiece; a voltage application section 6 for generating a potential difference between each slice electrode 2 and the silicon ingot 100 so that plasma is generated between each slice electrode 2 and the silicon ingot 100 when the plurality of slice electrodes 2 are arranged so that they oppose the silicon ingot 100 in a direction orthogonally crossing the prescribed direction; and a distance adjustment mechanism 10 for adjusting the distance between the plurality of slice electrodes 2 and the silicon ingot 100 so that the time-average value of the average value of the potential difference between each slice electrode 2 and the silicon ingot 100 becomes constant in the cutting process of the silicon ingot 100. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a plasma processing apparatus and a plasma processing method.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been known a plasma processing apparatus for manufacturing a silicon wafer by cutting a workpiece such as a silicon ingot by plasma etching (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

In the plasma processing apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1, a slice electrode is disposed so as to face a workpiece, and a power source is electrically connected to the slice electrode. Then, a voltage is applied to the slice electrode from the power source, and a potential difference is generated between the slice electrode and the workpiece, thereby generating a plasma between the slice electrode and the workpiece. Cut the workpiece. In this plasma processing apparatus, the workpiece is cut by plasma etching while the workpiece is gradually moved to the slice electrode side by the lifting mechanism.
JP 2006-196845 A

  By the way, in the plasma processing apparatus as described above, the kerf width, that is, the width of the cut portion formed in the workpiece by plasma etching may be non-uniform in the cutting direction of the workpiece. When the kerf width is not uniform in the cutting direction of the workpiece, irregularities are generated on the cut surface of the workpiece. Therefore, it is necessary to remove the irregularities and make the cut surface of the workpiece flat. Accordingly, the material loss of the workpiece increases as the kerf width in the cutting direction of the workpiece becomes non-uniform.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a plasma processing apparatus and a plasma processing method capable of making the kerf width uniform in the cutting direction of the workpiece. It is.

  As a result of intensive studies to achieve the above object, the inventors of the present application have responded to the difference between the potential difference between the slice electrode and the workpiece during plasma etching of the workpiece and the kerf loss width of the workpiece. Finding that there is a relationship, and adjusting the distance between the slice electrode and the workpiece so that the time average value of the potential difference between the slice electrode and the workpiece is constant in the cutting process of the workpiece The present inventors have found that the kerf width is nearly uniform in the cutting direction of the workpiece.

  That is, the plasma processing apparatus according to the present invention is a plasma processing apparatus for cutting a workpiece by plasma etching, and the slice electrode for cutting the workpiece and the slice electrode with respect to the workpiece A voltage applying section for generating a potential difference between the slice electrode and the workpiece so that plasma is generated between the slice electrode and the workpiece when arranged so as to face each other; and the workpiece A distance adjusting mechanism for adjusting a distance between the slice electrode and the workpiece so that a time average value of a potential difference between the slice electrode and the workpiece is constant in a cutting process of the workpiece; It has.

  In this plasma processing apparatus, the distance between the slice electrode and the workpiece is adjusted by the distance adjusting mechanism, so that the time average value of the potential difference between the slice electrode and the workpiece in the cutting process of the workpiece. Fluctuations can be suppressed. Then, since the fluctuation of the time average value of the potential difference between the slice electrode and the workpiece in the cutting process of the workpiece is suppressed, the kerf width in the cutting direction of the workpiece approaches uniformly, so this plasma In the processing apparatus, the kerf width can be made uniform in the cutting direction of the workpiece.

  In the plasma processing apparatus, the distance adjusting mechanism includes a moving device that moves the workpiece or the slice electrode along a cutting direction of the workpiece, and a potential difference between the slice electrode and the workpiece. And the workpiece by the moving device so that the time average value of the potential difference between the slice electrode and the workpiece is constant based on the detection result of the potential difference by the voltage detector. And a controller for controlling movement of the slice electrode.

  With this configuration, the movement of the workpiece or the slice electrode by the moving device is automatically controlled based on the potential difference between the slice electrode and the workpiece detected by the voltage detection unit, and the workpiece Variation in the time average value of the potential difference between the slice electrode and the workpiece in the cutting process is automatically suppressed. For this reason, the kerf width in the cutting direction of the workpiece can be made to be uniform without increasing the work burden on the user.

  The plasma processing apparatus according to the present invention is a plasma processing apparatus for cutting a workpiece by plasma etching, and is arranged at intervals in a predetermined direction, and a plurality of slice electrodes for cutting the workpiece. The plasma is generated between each slice electrode and the workpiece when the plurality of slice electrodes are arranged so as to face the workpiece in a direction orthogonal to the predetermined direction. A voltage application unit that generates a potential difference between each slice electrode and the workpiece, and a time average value of an average value of the potential difference between each slice electrode and the workpiece in the cutting process of the workpiece And a distance adjusting mechanism for adjusting the distance between the plurality of slice electrodes and the workpiece.

  In this plasma processing apparatus, since the workpiece can be cut simultaneously at locations corresponding to the slice electrodes, the work efficiency of cutting the workpiece can be improved. Further, in this plasma processing apparatus, the distance between the plurality of slice electrodes and the workpiece is adjusted by the distance adjusting mechanism, so that each slice electrode and the workpiece in the cutting process of the workpiece are adjusted. Variations in the time average value of the average value of the potential difference are suppressed. Therefore, according to the same principle as the plasma processing apparatus that adjusts the distance between the slice electrode and the workpiece so that the time average value of the potential difference between the slice electrode and the workpiece is constant, the workpiece is processed. The kerf width can be made close to uniform in the cutting direction of the object.

  In this case, the distance adjusting mechanism includes a moving device that moves the workpiece or the plurality of slice electrodes along a cutting direction of the workpiece, and between each slice electrode and the workpiece. A voltage detector for detecting a potential difference; and a time average value of an average value of a potential difference between each slice electrode and the workpiece based on a detection result of the potential difference by the voltage detector. And a control unit that controls movement of the workpiece or the plurality of slice electrodes by a moving device.

  With this configuration, the movement of the workpiece or the plurality of slice electrodes by the moving device is automatically controlled based on the potential difference between each slice electrode and the workpiece detected by the voltage detector, and the workpiece is The variation of the time average value of the average value of the potential difference between each slice electrode and the workpiece in the cutting process of the workpiece is automatically suppressed. For this reason, the kerf width in the cutting direction of the workpiece can be made to be uniform without increasing the work burden on the user.

  A plasma processing method according to the present invention is a plasma processing method for cutting a workpiece by plasma etching using the plasma processing apparatus, wherein the slice electrode is disposed so as to face the workpiece. By applying a voltage to the slice electrode from the voltage application unit, a potential difference is generated between the slice electrode and the workpiece so that plasma is generated between the slice electrode and the workpiece. And the distance adjusting mechanism between the slice electrode and the workpiece so that the time average value of the potential difference between the slice electrode and the workpiece is constant in the cutting process of the workpiece. Adjusting the distance.

  In this plasma processing method, by adjusting the distance between the slice electrode and the workpiece by the distance adjusting mechanism, the time average value of the potential difference between the slice electrode and the workpiece in the cutting process of the workpiece is obtained. Since fluctuations can be suppressed, the kerf width can be made close to uniform in the cutting direction of the workpiece as in the plasma processing apparatus.

  A plasma processing method according to the present invention is a plasma processing method for cutting a workpiece by plasma etching using the plasma processing apparatus having the plurality of slice electrodes, wherein the plurality of slice electrodes are arranged in the predetermined direction. Arranging the plurality of slice electrodes so as to face the workpiece in a direction orthogonal to the predetermined direction, and applying a voltage from the voltage application unit to each slice electrode. Applying a potential difference between each slice electrode and the workpiece so that plasma is generated between each slice electrode and the workpiece, and applying the distance adjustment mechanism to the workpiece. In the cutting process of the workpiece, the plurality of time average values of the average value of the potential difference between each slice electrode and the workpiece are constant. The Rice electrode and a step of adjusting the distance between the workpiece.

  In this plasma processing method, the distance between a plurality of slice electrodes and the workpiece is adjusted by a distance adjusting mechanism, thereby averaging the potential difference between each slice electrode and the workpiece in the cutting process of the workpiece. Since the fluctuation of the time average value of the values can be suppressed, the kerf width can be made close to uniform in the cutting direction of the workpiece as in the plasma processing apparatus provided with the plurality of slice electrodes.

  As described above, according to the present invention, the kerf width can be made to be uniform in the cutting direction of the workpiece.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a plasma processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. First, the configuration of a plasma processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.

  The plasma processing apparatus according to the present embodiment is for manufacturing a silicon wafer by slicing a silicon ingot 100 as a workpiece by plasma etching. The plasma processing apparatus includes an unillustrated chamber, a plurality of slice electrodes 2, a workpiece-side electrode 4, a voltage application unit 6, a plurality of protective resistors 8, and a distance adjusting mechanism 10.

The chamber not shown forms a reaction chamber in which plasma etching is performed. An exhaust pipe (not shown) and a gas introduction pipe are connected to the chamber. After the inside of the chamber is evacuated through the exhaust pipe, nitrogen trifluoride (NF ₃ ) as an etching gas is passed through the gas introduction pipe. The inside can be filled.

  The plurality of slice electrodes 2 are used for cutting the silicon ingot 100. Plasma is generated between each slice electrode 2 and the silicon ingot 100, and the silicon ingot 100 is sliced by the etching action of the plasma.

  Specifically, the plurality of slice electrodes 2 are fixedly installed in a space in the chamber. Each slice electrode 2 is formed in a strip-shaped thin film, and is arranged so that the direction in which the short side extends is the vertical direction. The slice electrodes 2 are arranged in parallel to each other at equal intervals in the horizontal direction, and are also arranged on the upper surface of the silicon ingot 100 set on a mounting table 12a of an elevating mechanism 12 (to be described later) of the distance adjusting mechanism 10. It arrange | positions so that it may oppose to a perpendicular direction.

  Each slice electrode 2 is formed by sandwiching a metal foil such as a copper foil with an insulating film made of a resin material and performing hot pressing. A voltage is applied to each slice electrode 2 from the voltage application unit 6 on the metal foil. Thereby, plasma is generated between the lower end of the metal foil and the surface of the silicon ingot 100 facing the metal foil, and plasma is not generated on the side surface side of the slice electrode 2 covered with the insulating film.

Then, when plasma is generated between each slice electrode 2 and the silicon ingot 100, NF ₃ as an etching gas is dissociated, and fluorine atoms (F ⁰ ) and fluorine ions (F ⁻ ) are generated. As the fluorine atoms (F ⁰ ) and fluorine ions (F ⁻ ) react with the silicon atoms (Si) of the silicon ingot 100 to generate SiF ₄ gas, slicing by etching of the silicon ingot 100 proceeds.

  The workpiece-side electrode 4 is electrically connected to the silicon ingot 100 and is attached to the bottom surface of the silicon ingot 100. The workpiece side electrode 4 is electrically connected to the voltage application unit 6 and grounded. Thereby, the potential of the silicon ingot 100 is the ground potential (0 V).

  The voltage application unit 6 generates a potential difference between each slice electrode 2 and the silicon ingot 100 so that plasma is generated between each slice electrode 2 and the silicon ingot 100.

  Specifically, the voltage application unit 6 is configured to be able to apply a voltage to each slice electrode 2 and is electrically connected to the workpiece-side electrode 4. When a voltage is applied from the voltage application unit 6 to each slice electrode 2, a potential difference is generated between the silicon ingot 100 that is at the ground potential and each slice electrode 2.

  The plurality of protective resistors 8 limit the maximum value of the current flowing through the protective resistor 8 to a certain value or less. Each protective resistor 8 is interposed between the voltage applying unit 6 and each slice electrode 2.

  The distance adjusting mechanism 10 includes the plurality of slice electrodes 2 and the silicon ingot 100 so that the time average value of the average value of the potential difference between each slice electrode 2 and the silicon ingot 100 is constant in the cutting process of the silicon ingot 100. It adjusts the distance between.

  Specifically, the distance adjusting mechanism 10 includes a lifting device 12, a plurality of voltmeters 14, and a control unit 16.

  The lifting device 12 moves the silicon ingot 100 along the cutting direction, that is, the vertical direction. The lifting device 12 is included in the concept of the moving device of the present invention. The lifting device 12 includes a mounting table 12a, a rack 12b, a pinion 12c, a gear box 12d, a motor 12e, and a motor control unit 12f.

  The mounting table 12a is for mounting the silicon ingot 100 on the top thereof.

  The rack 12b is arranged to extend in the vertical direction, and its upper end is attached to the lower surface of the mounting table 12a.

  The pinion 12c meshes with the rack 12b and is connected to the drive shaft of the motor 12e via the gear box 12d. Thereby, the pinion 12c rotates according to the drive of the motor 12e, and the mounting table 12a moves in the vertical direction together with the rack 12b.

  The motor control unit 12f receives a control signal from the control unit 16, and controls driving of the motor 12e according to the control signal. The rotation of the pinion 12c is controlled by the drive control of the motor 12e by the motor control unit 12f, thereby moving the rack 12b and the mounting table 12a, that is, the silicon ingot set on the mounting table 12a. The amount of movement in the vertical direction of 100 is controlled. With this configuration, the distance between the plurality of slice electrodes 2 and the silicon ingot 100 can be adjusted. Further, in the cutting process of the silicon ingot 100, the rack 12b and the mounting table 12a are gradually raised by the drive control of the motor 12e by the motor control unit 12f, and the slice of the silicon ingot 100 by plasma etching is gradually lowered from the upper surface toward the lower side. Proceed to.

  The plurality of voltmeters 14 each detect a potential difference between each slice electrode 2 and the silicon ingot 100. The voltmeter 14 is included in the concept of the voltage detection unit of the present invention. Each voltmeter 14 is provided corresponding to each slice electrode 2. And each voltmeter 14 is provided so that the potential difference between the site | part between each slice electrode 2 and the said protection resistance 8 connected to it directly and the said workpiece side electrode 4 may be detected. Yes. The potential of the portion between the slice electrode 2 and the protective resistor 8 is the same as the potential of the slice electrode 2, and the potential of the workpiece side electrode 4 is the same ground potential as the potential of the silicon ingot 100. The potential difference detected by each voltmeter 14 corresponds to the potential difference between each slice electrode 2 and the silicon ingot 100. The data of the potential difference between each slice electrode 2 and the silicon ingot 100 detected by each voltmeter 14 is sent to the controller 16 in real time.

  Based on the potential difference data between each slice electrode 2 and the silicon ingot 100 sent from each voltmeter 14, the control unit 16 calculates the average value of the potential difference between each slice electrode 2 and the silicon ingot 100. The movement of the silicon ingot 100 by the elevating device 12 is controlled so that the time average value becomes constant.

  Specifically, the control unit 16 has a calculation unit (not shown), and the average value of the potential difference between each slice electrode 2 and the silicon ingot 100 sent from each voltmeter 14 in this calculation unit. A time average value is calculated. The control unit 16 monitors the time average value of the average value of the potential difference calculated by the calculation unit.

  The time average value of the potential difference between the slice electrode 2 and the silicon ingot 100 and the distance between the slice electrode 2 and the silicon ingot 100 are in a correspondence relationship. That is, as the distance between the slice electrode 2 and the silicon ingot 100 increases, the time average value of the potential difference between the slice electrode 2 and the silicon ingot 100 also increases, while the distance between the slice electrode 2 and the silicon ingot 100 increases. As the distance decreases, the time average value of the potential difference between the slice electrode 2 and the silicon ingot 100 also decreases.

  Based on this correspondence, the control unit 16 outputs a control signal to the motor control unit 12f of the elevating device 12 to change the average value of the potential difference when the time average value of the monitored average value of the potential difference fluctuates. The rising speed of the silicon ingot 100 by the lifting device 12 is adjusted so as to suppress the fluctuation of the time average value. That is, when the time average value of the average value of the potential difference increases, the control unit 16 controls to increase the rising speed of the silicon ingot 100 by the elevating device 12, so that all the slice electrodes 2 and the silicon ingot 100 The increase in the time average value of the average value of the potential difference is suppressed by decreasing the distance between them. On the other hand, when the time average value of the average value of the potential difference is decreased, the control unit 16 controls to lower the rising speed of the silicon ingot 100 by the lifting device 12, so that all the slice electrodes 2 and the silicon ingot 100 The decrease in the time average value of the average value of the potential difference is suppressed by increasing the distance between them.

  Next, a plasma processing method for the silicon ingot 100 using the plasma processing apparatus of the present embodiment will be described.

  First, the silicon ingot 100 is set on the mounting table 12a of the lifting device 12 in the chamber (not shown), and the workpiece side electrode 4 is attached to the bottom surface of the silicon ingot 100 and the workpiece side electrode 4 The silicon ingot 100 is electrically connected. Then, the plurality of slice electrodes 2 are installed at intervals on the upper side in the vertical direction of the silicon ingot 100 so as to face the upper surface of the silicon ingot 100.

Next, the inside of the chamber is evacuated, and then the chamber is filled with NF ₃ as an etching gas.

  Next, a potential difference is generated between each slice electrode 2 and the silicon ingot 100 by applying a voltage from the voltage application unit 6 to each slice electrode 2 via each protective resistor 8.

  Thereafter, the silicon ingot 100 is gradually raised by the lifting device 12, and the upper surface of the silicon ingot 100 is gradually brought closer to the lower end of each slice electrode 2. Then, when the lower end of each slice electrode 2 and the upper surface of the silicon ingot 100 approach each other, a plasma is generated between the lower end of each slice electrode 2 and the upper surface of the silicon ingot 100, and the silicon ingot 100 is etched. Slice progresses.

  In the process of slicing the silicon ingot 100, the average of the potential difference between each slice electrode 2 and the silicon ingot 100 is adjusted by adjusting the rising speed of the silicon ingot 100 by the lifting device 12 according to a control signal from the control unit 16. The distances between all the slice electrodes 2 and the silicon ingot 100 are adjusted so that the time average value is constant.

  Specifically, a potential difference between each slice electrode 2 and the silicon ingot 100 is detected by each voltmeter 14, and data on this potential difference is input to the calculation unit of the control unit 16. This computing unit calculates a time average value of an average value of potential differences between each slice electrode 2 and the silicon ingot 100 based on the inputted potential difference data. The control unit 16 monitors the time average value of the average value of the potential difference calculated by the calculation unit. Then, when the time average value of the average value of the potential difference fluctuates, the control unit 16 sends a control signal for adjusting the distance between the plurality of slice electrodes 2 and the silicon ingot 100 to the lifting device 12. Output to the motor controller 12f. Upon receiving this control signal, the motor control unit 12f adjusts the rising speed of the silicon ingot 100 by changing the driving amount of the motor 12e.

  That is, when the time average value of the average value of the potential difference increases, the control unit 16 sends a control signal for increasing the drive amount of the motor 12e to the motor control unit 12f, and the motor control unit 12f In response, the drive amount of the motor 12e is increased, and the rising speed of the silicon ingot 100 is increased. Thereby, the distance between each slice electrode 2 and the silicon ingot 100 becomes small, and the increase in the time average value of the average value of the potential difference is suppressed.

  On the other hand, when the time average value of the average value of the potential difference decreases, the control unit 16 sends a control signal for reducing the drive amount of the motor 12e to the motor control unit 12f, and the motor control unit 12f controls the control signal. In response to the signal, the driving amount of the motor 12e is reduced, and the rising speed of the silicon ingot 100 is reduced. Thereby, the distance between each slice electrode 2 and the silicon ingot 100 becomes large, and the reduction | decrease of the time average value of the average value of the said electrical potential difference is suppressed. In this way, in the process of slicing the silicon ingot 100, the variation of the time average value of the average value of the potential difference between each slice electrode 2 and the silicon ingot 100 is suppressed.

  As a result of intensive studies by the inventors of the present application, the time average value of the potential difference between the slice electrode 2 and the silicon ingot 100 and the kerf width of the silicon ingot 100, that is, the cut portion formed in the silicon ingot 100 by plasma etching. It was found that there is a corresponding relationship with the width of.

  FIG. 2 shows the results of an experiment conducted by the inventors to examine the correlation between the time average value of the potential difference between the slice electrode 2 and the silicon ingot 100 and the kerf loss width of the silicon ingot 100.

  From the result of FIG. 2, when the time average value of the potential difference between the slice electrode 2 and the silicon ingot 100 increases, the kerf loss width decreases, while the time average value of the potential difference between the slice electrode 2 and the silicon ingot 100 decreases. It can be seen that the kerf width increases. That is, the fluctuation of the time average value of the average value of the potential difference between each slice electrode 2 and the silicon ingot 100 is suppressed as described above, whereby the fluctuation of the kerf loss width in the cutting process of the silicon ingot 100 is suppressed. .

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the distance adjustment mechanism 10 adjusts the distances between all the slice electrodes 2 and the silicon ingot 100, so that each slice electrode 2 and silicon in the cutting process of the silicon ingot 100 are adjusted. Variations in the time average value of the average value of the potential difference with the ingot 100 can be suppressed. Thereby, since the fluctuation | variation of the kerf width in the cutting | disconnection process of the silicon ingot 100 can be suppressed, the kerf width can be approached uniformly in the cutting direction of the silicon ingot 100.

  Moreover, in this embodiment, since the silicon ingot 100 can be cut | disconnected simultaneously in the location corresponding to each slice electrode 2, the working efficiency of the slice of the silicon ingot 100 can be improved.

  In the present embodiment, the distance adjusting mechanism 10 automatically increases the rising speed of the silicon ingot 100 by the lifting device 12 based on the potential difference between each slice electrode 2 and the silicon ingot 100 detected by the voltmeter 14. Controlled, the fluctuation of the time average value of the average value of the potential difference between each slice electrode 2 and the silicon ingot 100 in the cutting process of the silicon ingot 100 is automatically suppressed. For this reason, the kerf width in the cutting direction of the silicon ingot 100 can be made uniform without increasing the work burden on the user.

  The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is shown not by the above description of the embodiments but by the scope of claims for patent, and all modifications within the meaning and scope equivalent to the scope of claims for patent are further included.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, the configuration in which the silicon ingot 100 is sliced using the plurality of slice electrodes 2 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. That is, the present invention can also be applied to a plasma processing apparatus that cuts the silicon ingot 100 using a single slice electrode 2 as in the first modification of the embodiment shown in FIG.

  Specifically, in the plasma processing apparatus according to the first modification, a voltage is applied to the single slice electrode 2 from the voltage application unit 6 via the protective resistor 8, and only at one location corresponding to the slice electrode 2. The silicon ingot 100 is cut by plasma etching. Only one voltmeter 14 is provided corresponding to the slice electrode 2, and potential difference data detected by the voltmeter 14 between the slice electrode 2 and the silicon ingot 100 is input to the controller 16. The The control unit 16 monitors the time average value of the potential difference, and controls the elevation of the silicon ingot 100 by the elevating device 12 so that the time average value of the potential difference becomes constant during the cutting process of the silicon ingot 100. That is, the control of the lifting device 12 in the distance adjusting mechanism 10 of the first modification is performed by using the slice electrode 2 instead of the time average value of the average value of the potential difference between each slice electrode 2 and the silicon ingot 100 of the above embodiment. This is the same as the control of the lifting device 12 in the above embodiment except that the time average value of the potential difference between the silicon ingot 100 and the silicon ingot 100 is used.

  Also in this first modified example, since the variation of the time average value of the potential difference between the slice electrode 2 and the silicon ingot 100 is suppressed in the cutting process of the silicon ingot 100, the kerf width is uniform in the cutting direction of the silicon ingot 100. It is possible to obtain the same effect as in the above embodiment that approaches

  In the plasma processing apparatus configured to apply a voltage that causes a potential difference between adjacent slice electrodes 2 from the voltage application unit 6 to each slice electrode 2 as in the second modification of the above-described embodiment shown in FIG. The present invention can also be applied.

  Specifically, in the plasma processing apparatus according to the second modification, each slice electrode 2 is electrically connected to the voltage application unit 6 via the protective resistor 8. The voltage application unit 6 is configured to output two types of pulse voltages with opposite signs and the same magnitude, and alternately applies the two types of pulse voltages to the slice electrodes 2 arranged in the horizontal direction. Apply. That is, pulse voltages having the same sign and the same magnitude are applied to adjacent slice electrodes 2.

  When plasma is generated between each slice electrode 2 and the silicon ingot 100, a current flows through the surface layer portion of the silicon ingot 100 between the slice electrodes 2 where a potential difference is generated. In the above embodiment, when plasma is generated between each slice electrode 2 and the silicon ingot 100, a current flows through the silicon ingot 100 between each slice electrode 2 and the workpiece-side electrode 4. However, in the second modification, such a through current hardly flows. Thereby, in this 2nd modification, generation | occurrence | production of the Joule heat of the silicon ingot 100 is suppressed, and the raise of the temperature of the silicon ingot 100 by the Joule heat is suppressed.

And unlike the said embodiment, the voltage application part 6 is not connected to the workpiece side electrode 4, but the DC power supply 20 is connected instead. Thereby, a positive DC voltage is applied to the silicon ingot 100 from the DC power source 20 through the workpiece side electrode 4. This DC voltage is smaller than the peak value of the pulse voltage applied to the slice electrode 2, and when the pulse voltage falls, a plasma is generated between the slice electrode 2 and the silicon ingot 100 to which the DC voltage is applied. Is set to such a low voltage value that does not occur. Due to the weak positive DC voltage, the etching gas ions (F ⁻ ) are electrostatically collected in the silicon ingot 100 even during a period when the pulse voltage falls and no plasma is generated between the slice electrode 2 and the silicon ingot 100. The slicing of the silicon ingot 100 proceeds.

  In the second modified example, the slice electrodes 2 to which pulse voltages having opposite signs are applied are alternately arranged. However, the slice electrodes 2 to which pulse voltages having the same sign are applied are arranged adjacent to each other and the slice electrodes 2 are applied. The slice electrodes 2 to which a pulse voltage having an opposite sign to the electrode 2 is applied may be arranged adjacent to each other. Further, it is not necessary to provide the same number of slice electrodes 2 to which pulse voltages with opposite signs are applied, and any number of slice electrodes 2 may be provided.

  Further, in the second modification, the voltage applied to each slice electrode 2 can generate plasma between each slice electrode 2 and the silicon ingot 100, and generates a predetermined potential difference between each slice electrode 2. It may be a voltage of a form other than the pulse voltage that can be generated.

  Further, as in the third modification of the embodiment shown in FIG. 5, the potential difference between each slice electrode 2 and the silicon ingot 100 is individually determined using the variable resistor 22 instead of the protective resistor 8 of the embodiment. The current flowing between the voltage application unit 6 and each slice electrode 2 may be individually controlled.

  Specifically, each variable resistor 22 is interposed between the voltage application unit 6 and each slice electrode 2, and is configured such that its resistance value can be adjusted. Each variable resistor 22 receives a control signal from the control unit 16 and changes the resistance value of the variable resistor 22 itself according to the control signal.

  The control unit 16 changes the resistance value of each variable resistor 22 based on the potential difference data between each slice electrode 2 and the silicon ingot 100 sent from each voltmeter 14. The control unit 16 adjusts the resistance value of each variable resistor 22, thereby adjusting the voltage applied to each slice electrode 2 and individually adjusting the potential difference between each slice electrode 2 and the silicon ingot 100. The Further, by adjusting the resistance value of each variable resistor 22 by the control unit 16, the current flowing between the voltage applying unit 6 and each slice electrode 2 through each variable resistor 22 is individually adjusted. .

  Moreover, in the said embodiment and its modification, although demonstrated taking the example of the structure which cut | disconnects the silicon ingot 100 as a to-be-processed object, not only a silicon ingot but a thing of various materials is applicable as a to-be-processed object. . For example, a workpiece such as silicon carbide (SiC) or germanium (Ge) may be cut using the plasma processing apparatus and the plasma processing method according to the present invention.

In the above embodiment and its modifications, it was used NF ₃ as the etching gas may be used etchable suitable type of etching gas according to the type of workpiece. For example, SF ₆ or Cl ₂ may be used as an etching gas for the silicon ingot 100. Further, when cutting a workpiece made of SiC, in addition to NF ₃ gas, SF ₆ gas, a mixed gas of NF ₃ and O ₂ , or a mixed gas of SF ₆ and O ₂ is used as an etching gas. Can be used. Further, when cutting a workpiece made of Ge, NF ₃ , SF _6, or the like can be used as an etching gas.

  Further, the above-described workpiece and each slice electrode 2 do not need to be relatively arranged in the vertical direction, and may be arranged in any direction. The arrangement direction of the slice electrodes 2 may be any direction other than the horizontal direction, and the cutting direction of the workpiece may be a direction corresponding to the arrangement direction of the workpiece and the slice electrodes 2. Good. For example, the work piece is placed on the top and each slice electrode 2 is placed below the work piece, the work piece is cut from the bottom to the top, and the work piece is placed side by side. The slice electrode 2 may be arranged on the side of the workpiece and the workpiece may be cut in the lateral direction. In these configurations, it is preferable to use a moving mechanism capable of moving the workpiece in the cutting direction instead of the lifting mechanism 12 and fix the workpiece on the mounting table of the moving mechanism so as not to fall. .

  When an AC power supply is used for the voltage application unit 6, a reactor may be used instead of the protective resistor 8, and a variable reactor capable of changing reactance may be used instead of the variable resistor 22.

  Various configurations other than these can be applied as a configuration for limiting the overcurrent flowing through the slice electrode 2. For example, a variable resistor is used in place of the protective resistor 8 and a current detection unit and a control unit are added to the variable resistor. May be limited from 0Ω to a finite value to limit the overcurrent flowing through the slice electrode 2.

  Further, instead of the protective resistor 8, an overcurrent flowing through the slice electrode 2 is detected using a circuit in which a current detection unit, a control unit, a switching circuit, and a current control device such as an FET (field effect transistor) are combined. You may restrict. In other words, when no overcurrent flows through the slice electrode 2, current flows through the slice electrode 2 through a path that does not pass through the FET by the switching circuit, while when the current detection unit detects overcurrent, the control unit The switching circuit is switched so that current flows through the FET, and the current value flowing to the slice electrode 2 is controlled by controlling the gate voltage of the FET, thereby limiting the overcurrent. Also good.

  The protective resistor 8 is omitted, the voltage application unit 6 is configured to be voltage-controllable, and a current detection unit and a control unit are provided. When the current detection unit detects an overcurrent, the control is performed based on the current detection unit. The unit may limit the overcurrent flowing through the slice electrode 2 by reducing the voltage output from the voltage application unit 6.

It is the schematic of the plasma processing apparatus by one Embodiment of this invention. It is the schematic of the plasma processing apparatus by one Embodiment of this invention. It is the schematic of the plasma processing apparatus by the 1st modification of one Embodiment of this invention. It is the schematic of the plasma processing apparatus by the 2nd modification of one Embodiment of this invention. It is the schematic of the plasma processing apparatus by the 3rd modification of one Embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

2 Slice electrode 6 Voltage application unit 10 Distance adjustment mechanism 12 Lifting device (moving device)
14 Voltmeter (Voltage detector)
16 Control unit 100 Silicon ingot (workpiece)

Claims (6)

A plasma processing apparatus for cutting a workpiece by plasma etching,
A slice electrode for cutting the workpiece;
A potential difference between the slice electrode and the workpiece so that a plasma is generated between the slice electrode and the workpiece when the slice electrode is arranged to face the workpiece. A voltage application unit for generating
A distance for adjusting the distance between the slice electrode and the workpiece so that the time average value of the potential difference between the slice electrode and the workpiece is constant in the cutting process of the workpiece. A plasma processing apparatus comprising an adjustment mechanism. The distance adjusting mechanism includes a moving device that moves the workpiece or the slice electrode along a cutting direction of the workpiece;
A voltage detector for detecting a potential difference between the slice electrode and the workpiece;
Based on the detection result of the potential difference by the voltage detection unit, the workpiece or the slice electrode is moved by the moving device so that the time average value of the potential difference between the slice electrode and the workpiece is constant. The plasma processing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a control unit that controls the plasma processing apparatus. A plasma processing apparatus for cutting a workpiece by plasma etching,
A plurality of slice electrodes arranged at intervals in a predetermined direction for cutting the workpiece;
The plasma is generated between each slice electrode and the workpiece when the plurality of slice electrodes are arranged to face the workpiece in a direction orthogonal to the predetermined direction. A voltage application unit that generates a potential difference between each slice electrode and the workpiece;
The distance between the plurality of slice electrodes and the workpiece so that the time average value of the average value of the potential difference between each slice electrode and the workpiece is constant in the cutting process of the workpiece. A plasma processing apparatus comprising a distance adjustment mechanism for adjusting the distance. The distance adjustment mechanism includes a moving device that moves the workpiece or the plurality of slice electrodes along a cutting direction of the workpiece;
A voltage detector for detecting a potential difference between each slice electrode and the workpiece;
Based on the detection result of the potential difference by the voltage detection unit, the workpiece or the plurality of workpieces by the moving device so that the time average value of the average value of the potential difference between each slice electrode and the workpiece is constant. The plasma processing apparatus of Claim 3 containing the control part which controls the movement of the slice electrode of this. A plasma processing method for cutting a workpiece by plasma etching using the plasma processing apparatus according to claim 1,
Arranging the slice electrode so as to face the workpiece;
A step of generating a potential difference between the slice electrode and the workpiece so that plasma is generated between the slice electrode and the workpiece by applying a voltage to the slice electrode from the voltage application unit. When,
The distance adjustment mechanism adjusts the distance between the slice electrode and the workpiece so that the time average value of the potential difference between the slice electrode and the workpiece is constant in the cutting process of the workpiece. A plasma processing method comprising the step of adjusting. A plasma processing method for cutting a workpiece by plasma etching using the plasma processing apparatus according to claim 3,
Disposing the plurality of slice electrodes at intervals in the predetermined direction, and disposing the plurality of slice electrodes so as to face the workpiece in a direction orthogonal to the predetermined direction;
By applying a voltage from the voltage application unit to each slice electrode, a potential difference is generated between each slice electrode and the workpiece so that plasma is generated between each slice electrode and the workpiece. A process of generating;
The plurality of slice electrodes and the workpiece so that the time average value of the average value of the potential difference between each slice electrode and the workpiece is constant in the cutting process of the workpiece by the distance adjusting mechanism. And a step of adjusting a distance between the plasma processing method and the plasma processing method.

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