REDUCING GLITCHING IN AN ION IMPLANTER

摘要

Methods of reducing glitch rates within an ion implanter are described. In one embodiment, a plasma-assisted conditioning is performed, wherein the bias voltage to the extraction electrodes is modified so as to inhibit the formation of an ion beam. The power supplied to the plasma generator in the ion source is increased, thereby creating a high density plasma, which is not extracted by the extraction electrodes. This plasma extends from the ion source chamber through the extraction aperture. Energetic ions then condition the extraction electrodes. In another embodiment, a plasma-assisted cleaning is performed. In this mode, the extraction electrodes are moved further from the ion source chamber, and a different source gas is used to create the plasma. In some embodiments, a combination of these modes is used to reduce glitches in the ion implanter.