Applications of RF Plasma
Plasma etching, plasma ashing and plasma cleaning applications are varied and numerous – here are some examples:
- Asbestos and man-made mineral fibre and asbestos detection using plasma ashing preparation techniques
- Plasma etching (removal) of photoresist and epi-layers
- Low temperature plasma ashing of organic materials (e.g. epoxy resins, filters, foodstuff, etc)
- Surface treatment of plastics for hydrophobic to hydrophilic conversion
- Improving painting and inking characteristics of plastics
- Plasma etching and plasma ashing of organic specimens for SEM and TEM examination
- Plasma cleaning of SEM, TEM and SPM parts
Options and accessories
- EK3176. RV3 50 L/m Fomblinised rotary pump with oil mist filter (recommended)
- EK3170. Diaphragm pump – MD1 23 L/m
- 20063. Scroll pump – NXDSi
- EK4221. Capacitance manometer (for use with CF4 and similar reactive gases)
- EK4222. Quartz chamber and door (replaces standard borosilicate chamber and door)
K1050X site requirements
Mains electricity supply
230 V/50 Hz (5 A maximum including pump) or 115 V/60 Hz (10 A maximum including pump). The K1050X is supplied for either 230 V or 110 V operation at 50/60 Hz.
Position and space requirements
The K1050X should be in a convenient position for the process gas supply and/or cylinders and needs to have safe venting of toxic process gases. There should be adequate access to the rear of the unit for gas and vent connections.
450 mm W x 350 mm D x 300 mm H. Weight: 25 kg. Additional space is required for the rotary pump, which can be located either on the floor or on the bench with the K1050X.
Vacuum pump and exhaust
The exhaust should be filtered or expelled to a safe area. All pumps supplied by Quorum are fitted with an exhaust filter.
Rotary pumps and process gases
When using RF plasma equipment the following precautions are necessary with regard to rotary pumps and exhaust gases:
- If the process gas is oxygen it is essential that Fomblin – a non-hydrocarbon oil – is used. This requires the use of a Fomblinised pump.
- For process gases that contain fluorine or chlorine, precautions must be taken for the safe removal of exhaust gases from the pump as they may contain free halogens.
- Some etching gases – such as sulphur hexafluoride – require special rotary pump oils. If in doubt please contact Quorum or the manufacturers of the rotary pump.