RING,FOCUS LAB 360-320-5

PART DETAILS

2L10-251708-11
RING,FOCUS LAB 360-320-5

OEM P/N: 

2L10-251708-11

ESCT P/N: 

ES7099-091

PART TYPE:

2nd Source NEW

OEM: 

TEL
MORE INFO

Focus ring 360-320-5 (OEM P/N 2L10-251708-11), plasma-confining edge consumable for TEL 300 mm etch systems

Tokyo Electron (TEL) compatible focus ring, ESCT P/N ES7099-091

The Focus Ring 360-320-5 (TEL OEM P/N 2L10-251708-11) is a circumferential chamber consumable that sits immediately around the 300 mm wafer in a Tokyo Electron plasma etch process chamber. It is one of the most safety-critical and process-critical sacrificial parts in the tool, because it occupies the narrow transition zone between the wafer edge and the grounded chamber hardware. The dimensional designation in its raw name (a nominal 360 mm outer scale, a 320 mm inner aperture and a thin radial section) describes a part engineered to encircle the wafer with a tightly controlled gap so that the plasma sheath continues smoothly across the wafer edge rather than terminating abruptly at the substrate boundary.

In a TEL etch platform the focus ring rests on the electrostatic chuck assembly, concentric with the wafer, and is exposed to the same energetic plasma and directional ion bombardment as the substrate itself. Its job is to extend the electrical and physical profile of the wafer outward by a few millimetres, so that the edge dies see the same sheath shape, ion incidence angle and etch chemistry as the centre of the wafer. Because it is consumed steadily by ion sputtering during normal operation, it is classed as a planned-replacement consumable rather than a fixed structural component.

Even though it carries no moving parts and no active electronics, the focus ring has a disproportionate influence on edge yield. As device geometries shrink and the usable edge exclusion zone narrows, the condition of this ring directly determines how many of the outermost dies on every wafer pass inspection. A worn, cracked or mis-seated ring is one of the most common root causes of edge-band etch drift and particle excursions in high-volume etch fabs.

Functional role of the focus ring in TEL etch platforms

The focus ring is the principal sheath-shaping element at the wafer perimeter. By presenting a controlled dielectric or semiconducting surface at the same height as the wafer, it manipulates the local electric field so that ions arrive perpendicular to the wafer surface right out to the edge. Its core functions in a TEL 300 mm chamber include the following.

  • Extending the plasma sheath beyond the wafer edge so that ion trajectories remain vertical and edge features do not tilt or bow.
  • Maintaining edge-to-centre etch rate uniformity by smoothing the electrical discontinuity between the wafer and the grounded chamber wall.
  • Confining the active plasma over the wafer and protecting underlying chuck and electrode hardware from direct ion attack.
  • Defining and stabilising the edge exclusion zone so that the maximum number of perimeter dies remain within process specification.
  • Acting as a sacrificial barrier that is consumed in place of the more expensive electrostatic chuck and electrode assemblies.
  • Providing a repeatable, replaceable reference surface that allows edge process windows to be re-centred at each scheduled maintenance interval.

Material and process performance

Focus rings for TEL etch chambers are manufactured from high-purity plasma-grade materials selected for predictable sputter behaviour, low particle generation and chemical compatibility with aggressive fluorine- and chlorine-based etch chemistries. The choice of material and the precision of the machined geometry together determine both the lifetime of the ring and the stability of the edge process it supports.

Material purity and plasma resistance

Edge rings of this type are typically produced from high-purity silicon, silicon carbide or quartz-class ceramics, each chosen so that erosion products are compatible with the process and do not contaminate the wafer. High material purity minimises metallic contamination, while a uniform, defect-free microstructure lets the ring erode evenly rather than spalling or generating flakes.

  • High-purity feedstock to minimise metallic and particulate contamination of the wafer edge.
  • Controlled resistivity so the ring presents the intended electrical profile to the sheath.
  • Resistance to fluorine, chlorine and bromine etch chemistries without rapid chemical attack.
  • Predictable sputter erosion rate that enables accurate lifetime and wafers-per-ring forecasting.

Dimensional precision and surface finish

The 360-320-5 designation reflects the tight inner-diameter, outer-diameter and thickness tolerances the ring must hold to maintain the correct gap and step height relative to the wafer. Flatness and surface finish are equally important, because any deviation alters the local sheath and seats the ring unevenly on the chuck.

  • Tightly toleranced inner aperture to control the wafer-to-ring gap and edge field shape.
  • Controlled thickness and step height to set the ring surface level with the wafer plane.
  • High flatness and a defined surface finish for uniform seating and stable RF coupling.
  • Concentric machining so the ring centres accurately on the chuck without lateral offset.

Impact on tool performance and yield

Because the focus ring governs the electrical and chemical environment seen by the outermost dies, its condition propagates directly into wafer-level results. As the ring erodes over its service life the edge process drifts, and the consequences accumulate across the whole production lot.

  • Edge etch rate and critical-dimension drift that pushes perimeter dies out of specification.
  • Tilted or bowed edge features as the sheath profile distorts over a worn ring surface.
  • Reduced usable wafer area and a wider edge exclusion zone, lowering die yield per wafer.
  • Particle excursions from a flaking or cracked ring, triggering defect-driven scrap.
  • Chamber-to-chamber matching errors when rings are at different points in their life cycle.
  • Unplanned downtime and process re-qualification if the ring fails between scheduled changes.

Common wear and failure modes

Sputter erosion and thinning

The dominant wear mechanism is steady ion sputtering of the inner edge and upper surface. As the ring thins and its inner profile recedes, the step height relative to the wafer changes, the sheath flattens at the edge, and edge etch performance gradually drifts until the ring reaches its end-of-life threshold and must be replaced.

Cracking and thermal stress

Repeated thermal cycling, RF stress and mechanical handling can initiate hairline cracks, particularly once the ring has thinned through use. A cracked ring is a serious risk because it can shed large particles, distort the local plasma, or fracture during a process step and contaminate the chamber.

Mis-seating and particle build-up

If the ring is not seated flat and concentric, or if etch by-product polymer accumulates beneath or around it, the gap and electrical coupling shift asymmetrically. This produces directional edge non-uniformity and can release flakes of redeposited material as particles onto subsequent wafers.

Installation and replacement guidance

The focus ring is replaced during scheduled preventive maintenance, and correct handling protects both the new ring and the underlying chuck. The following sequence reflects good practice for TEL 300 mm etch chambers; always defer to the tool owner’s qualified maintenance procedure.

  • Vent the chamber, confirm the tool is in a safe maintenance state and follow lockout and ESD precautions.
  • Remove the worn ring carefully and inspect the electrostatic chuck and seating surface for residue or damage.
  • Clean the seating area to remove polymer and particulate, leaving a flat, contaminant-free contact surface.
  • Unpack the new ring with clean gloves, handling only by approved edges to avoid contamination and chipping.
  • Seat the ring flat and concentric with the wafer position, verifying it rests fully without rocking or gaps.
  • Reassemble the chamber, pump down and run leak, pressure and plasma stabilisation checks.
  • Re-qualify the edge process with monitor wafers and reset the consumable life counter before returning to production.

Spare parts strategy for TEL etch consumables

Focus rings are recurring, high-frequency consumables, so a dependable second-source supply is central to controlling cost of ownership and avoiding consumable-driven downtime. ESCT Fab Support offers this ring as a verified, form-fit-and-function compatible part to keep TEL etch chambers running predictably.

  • Second-source, brand-new parts that reduce reliance on a single OEM supply channel.
  • Verified to the original form, fit and function so it drops into existing maintenance routines.
  • Cross-referenced to TEL OEM P/N 2L10-251708-11 and tracked under ESCT P/N ES7099-091.
  • Cost-competitive consumable supply that lowers overall cost of ownership per wafer.
  • Indicative lead time of 4-5 weeks, supporting planned preventive-maintenance scheduling.
  • Backed by ESCT’s parts identification and fab-support expertise for etch consumables.

Frequently asked questions

What does this focus ring actually do in the chamber?

It encircles the 300 mm wafer on the electrostatic chuck and extends the plasma sheath beyond the wafer edge, keeping ion trajectories vertical and edge etch uniformity stable. Without a sound ring, the outermost dies see a distorted field and drift out of specification.

Is this an original OEM TEL part?

No. This ring is supplied as a brand-new, second-source part that is OEM-compatible. It is verified to the form, fit and function of TEL OEM P/N 2L10-251708-11 but it is not an original Tokyo Electron branded component.

How do I know when the ring needs replacing?

Replacement is normally driven by the consumable life counter, by edge process drift seen on monitor wafers, or by visual inspection showing thinning, recession of the inner edge, cracking or particle build-up. Most fabs replace the ring at a set wafer count during scheduled preventive maintenance.

What is the typical lead time?

The indicative lead time is 4-5 weeks. Because focus rings are high-frequency consumables, many customers hold buffer stock and order against forecast so that fresh rings are always on hand for each maintenance cycle.

Why does a worn ring hurt yield so much?

As the ring erodes, the step height and sheath shape at the wafer edge change, so edge critical dimensions and etch rates drift. This shrinks the usable wafer area and can introduce tilted features and particles, all of which reduce the number of good dies per wafer at the perimeter.

How should the ring be handled and stored?

Handle the ring with clean gloves, touch only approved edges, and keep it in its protective packaging until installation. These ceramics and silicon parts are brittle, so avoid impact and edge loading, and observe ESD and cleanliness controls throughout to prevent chipping and contamination.

Summary

The Focus Ring 360-320-5 (TEL OEM P/N 2L10-251708-11, ESCT P/N ES7099-091) is a precision sacrificial consumable that surrounds the wafer in a Tokyo Electron 300 mm plasma etch chamber and shapes the plasma sheath at the wafer edge. Made from high-purity plasma-grade material and machined to tight dimensional tolerances, it governs edge etch uniformity, plasma confinement and particle performance, and it erodes predictably so that it can be replaced on a planned schedule. Supplied as a brand-new, second-source, form-fit-and-function compatible part with an indicative 4-5 week lead time, it helps TEL etch fabs maintain stable edge yield while controlling consumable cost of ownership.

Disclaimer: This part is supplied by ESCT Fab Support as a new, OEM-compatible second-source component, verified to the form, fit and function of Tokyo Electron part number 2L10-251708-11. It is not an original OEM part and is not sold as one. It is not manufactured by, endorsed by, or affiliated with Tokyo Electron, and all manufacturer names and part numbers are quoted for identification and compatibility purposes only.

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