Diffuser with spiral opening pattern for electroplating reactor vessel

Abstract

In an electroplating reactor for plating a spinning wafer, a diffusion plate is supported above an anode located within a cup filled with process fluid within the reactor. The diffusion plate includes a plurality of openings which are arranged in a spiral pattern. The openings allow for an improved plating thickness distribution on the wafer surface. The openings can be elongated slots curved along the direction of the spiral path.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In the production of semiconductor integrated circuits and other semiconductor articles from semiconductor wafers, it is often necessary to provide multiple metal layers on the wafer to serve as interconnect metallization which electrically connects the various devices on the integrated circuit to one another. Traditionally, aluminum has been used for such interconnects, however, it is now recognized that copper metallization may be preferable.

The semidconductor manufacturing industry has applied copper onto semiconductor wafers by using both a “damascene” electroplating process where holes, commonly called “vias”, trenches and/or other recesses are formed onto a substrate and filled with copper and a patterned process where photoresist mask areas are not to be plated. In the damascene process, the wafer is first provided with a metallic seed layer which is used to conduct electrical current during a subsequent metal electroplating step. The seed layer is a very thin layer of metal which can be applied using one or more of several processes. For example, the seed layer of metal can be laid down using physical vapor deposition or chemical vapor deposition processes to produce a layer on the order of 1,000 angstroms thick. The seed layer can advantageously be formed of copper, gold, nickel, palladium, platinum, Pb/Sn Solders, or other metals. The seed layer is formed over a surface which is convoluted by the presence of the vias, trenches, or other recessed device features.

Wafers to be electroplated typically have an annular edge region which is free of seed layer metal. This edge region is referred to as “seed layer edge exclusion.” The seed layer edge exclusion varies in width, measured radially on a wafer, from wafer to wafer depending on the process and apparatus used to deposit the seed layer.

After the seed layer has been applied, a copper layer is then electroplated onto the seed layer in the form of a blanket layer. The blanket layer is plated to an extent which forms an overlying layer, with the goal of providing a copper layer that fills the trenches and vias and extends a certain amount above these features. Such a blanket layer will typically be formed in thicknesses on the order of 8,000 to 15,000 angstroms (1-1.5 microns).

After the blanket layer has been electroplated onto the semiconductor wafer, excess metal material present outside of the vias, trenches, or other recesses is removed. The metal is removed to provide a resulting pattern of metal layer in the semiconductor integrated circuit being formed. The excess plated material can be removed, for example, using chemical mechanical planarization. Chemical mechanical planarization is a processing step which uses the combined action of a chemical removal agent and an abrasive which grinds and polishes the exposed metal surface to remove undesired parts of the metal layer applied in the electroplating step.

The electroplating of the semiconductor wafers takes place in a reactor assembly. In such an assembly an anode electrode is disposed in a plating bath, and the wafer with the seed layer thereon is used as a cathode. Only the lower face of the wafer, with seed layer, needs to contact the surface of the plating bath. The wafer is held by a support system that also conducts the requisite cathode current to the wafer. The support system may comprise conductive fingers that secure the wafer in place and also contact the wafer in order to conduct electrical current for the plating operation, or a perimeter ring contact with seal to define the plating area.

One embodiment of a reactor assembly is disclosed in U.S. Ser. No. 08/988,333 (now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 5,985,126) filed Sep. 30, 1997 entitled “Semiconductor Plating System Workpiece Support Having Workpiece—Engaging Electrodes With Distal Contact Part and Dielectric Cover,” herein incorporated by reference. FIG. 1 illustrates such an assembly. As illustrated, the assembly 10 includes reactor vessel 11 for electroplating a metal, and processing head 12.

As shown in FIG. 1, the electroplating bowl assembly 14 includes a cup assembly 16 which is disposed within a reservoir chamber 18. Cup assembly 16 includes a fluid cup 20 holding the processing fluid for the electroplating process.

A bottom opening in the bottom wall 30 of the cup assembly 16 receives a polypropylene riser tube 34 which is adjustable in height relative thereto by a threaded connection between the bottom wall 30 and the tube 34. A fluid delivery tube 44 is disposed within the riser tube 34. A first end of the delivery tube 44 is secured by a threaded connection 45 to an anode 42. An anode shield 40 is attached to the anode 42 by screws 74. The anode shield serves to electrically isolate and physically protect the backside or the anode. It also reduces the consumption of organic plating liquid additives.

The delivery tube 44 supports the anode within the cup. The fluid delivery tube 44 is secured to the riser tube 34 by a fitting 50. The fitting 50 can accommodate height adjustment of the delivery tube 44 within the riser tube. As such, the connection between the fitting 50 and the riser tube 34 facilitates vertical adjustment of the delivery tube and thus the anode vertical position. The delivery tube 44 can be made from a conductive material, such as titanium or platinum plated titanium, and is used to conduct electrical current to the anode 42 as well as to supply fluid to the cup.

Process fluid is provided to the cup through the delivery tube 44 and proceeds therefrom through fluid outlet openings 56. Plating fluid fills the cup through the openings 56, supplied from a plating fluid pump (not shown).

An upper edge of the cup side wall 60 forms a weir which limits the level of electroplating solution or process fluid within the cup. This level is chosen so that only the bottom surface of the wafer W is contacted by the electroplating solution. Excess solution pours over this top edge into the reservoir chamber 18. The level of fluid in the chamber 18 can be maintained within a desired range for stability of operation by monitoring and controlling the fluid level with sensors, one or more outlet pipes, and actuators.

The processing head 12 holds a wafer W for rotation about a vertical axis R within the processing chamber. The processing head 12 includes a rotor assembly having a plurality of wafer-engaging fingers 89 that hold the wafer against holding features of the rotor. Fingers 89 are preferably adapted to conduct current between the wafer and a plating electrical power supply and act as current thieves. Portions of the processing head 12 mate with the processing bowl assembly 14 to provide a substantially closed processing volume 13.

The processing head 12 can be manipulated by a head operator as described in the aforementioned U.S. Ser. No. 08/988,333 (now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 5,985,126). Pivotal action of the processing head using the operator allows the processing head to be placed in an open or faced-up position (not shown) for loading and unloading wafer W.

Processing exhaust gas must be removed from the volume 13 as described in the aforementioned U.S. Ser. No. 08/988,333 (now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 5,985,126).

A diffusion plate or “diffuser” 66 is provided above the anode 42 for providing a more controlled distribution of the fluid plating bath across the surface of wafer W. Fluid passages in the form of perforations are provided over all, or a portion of, the diffusion plate 66 to allow fluid communication therethrough. The height of the diffusion plate within the cup assembly is adjustable using threaded diffusion plate height adjustment mechanisms 70.

In the prior diffuser 66, the holes are arranged in an X-Y rectangular grid or in a diamond grid pattern. Some holes are then blocked off based on experimental optimization of the plating process to reduce non-uniformities in metallization thickness on the plated wafer.

One problem associated with the electroplating of wafers concerns the seed layer edge exclusion. The width of the seed layer edge exclusion is an important factor to be considered in optimizing the operating parameters and adjusting the apparatus of an electroplating reactor. Because the electroplating metal will not form on the seed layer edge exclusion, any change in width of the edge exclusion effectively changes the plating area of the wafer. This change must be compensated for in the electroplating operating parameters and components. Since the width of the edge exclusion can vary depending on the method and apparatus used to apply the seed layer, and the plating contact ring seal mechanics, the electroplating apparatus must be reset for different wafer edge exclusion. Different diffusers are typically used for wafers having different edge exclusions. For example, one diffusion plate is used for a 1 mm seed layer edge exclusion and another diffusion plate is used for a 2.5 mm seed layer edge exclusion.

As the microelectronics industry drives toward further miniaturization of microelectronic devices, it is advantageous to reduce non-uniformities to the greatest extend possible. The present inventors have recognized that it would be beneficial to arrange and configure a diffuser for an electroplating reactor to improve plating thickness distribution, to reduce non-uniformity of metallization, over the surface of a electroplated workpiece, such as a semiconductor wafer. The present inventors have recognized that it would be beneficial to configure a diffuser for an electroplating reactor which would be usable effectively with semiconductor wafers having differing seed layer edge exclusions, reducing the need to change out diffusers while still maintaining an acceptable low level of thickness non-uniformity of metal electroplated onto the seed layer.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An improved diffusion plate or “diffuser” for an electroplating reactor, which is disposed in a process fluid below a spinning workpiece, such as a semiconductor wafer, is disclosed herein. The diffuser comprises a plate member having a plurality of openings through the plate member arranged in a spiral pattern. The spiral pattern provides a more constant “% open area” along the radius of the plate, given the frame of reference of a spinning workpiece, than prior diffusers. This spiral pattern decreases metallization non-uniformities on a plated workpiece. The invention will be described operating on a semiconductor wafer, although not limited to such a workpiece.

In the preferred embodiment of the diffuser, or “spiral diffuser,” the openings are in the form of elongated and curved slots, curved along a spiral path. The spiral path of the embodiment preferably includes a plurality of continuous 360 degree turns around a center of the diffusion plate.

The spiral diffuser has the ability to improve the metallization thickness uniformity across the wafer, when compared with the x-y or diamond grid type diffuser. Additionally, the spiral diffuser is adaptable to be effectively used for wafers having a differing seed layer edge exclusion.

An improved reactor vessel is disclosed herein. The improved reactor vessel includes a reservoir container having a base with a surrounding container sidewall upstanding from the base. A cup is arranged within the container above the base, the cup having a bottom wall and a surrounding cup sidewall upstanding from the bottom wall, the cup sidewall defining a level of process fluid held within the cup. An anode is supported within the cup sidewall. A spiral diffuser is supported within the cup above the anode. The diffuser has a spiral pattern of openings. A reactor head holds and spins a wafer as a cathode within the container, above the diffuser.

The reactor vessel includes bayonet style connections between an anode assembly and the diffusion plate. The anode assembly includes an anode shield that carries the anode. A plurality of brackets, preferably formed as a unitary structure with the anode shield, extend upwardly from the anode. The diffusion plate is connected to the plurality of brackets by a bayonet connection at each bracket.

Alternatively, a mounting ring can be connected by bayonet connections to the brackets and the diffusion plate held at a position within the mounting ring. The position can be a selectable one of a plurality of positions at varying elevations. The elevation of the diffusion plate relative to the top of the cup and the top of the anode is an important process parameter. The selectable positioning of the diffusion plate within the mounting ring allows easier diffuser position adjustment within the reactor vessel.

Numerous other advantages and features of the present invention will become readily apparent from the following detailed description of the invention and the embodiments thereof, from the claims and from the accompanying drawings in which details of the invention are fully and completely disclosed as part of this specification.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exploded partially sectional view of a reactor vessel and processing head;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a reactor vessel with a diffusion plate;

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the reactor vessel of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a sectional view of the reactor vessel of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is an exploded perspective view of one embodiment of a diffusion plate as used in the reactor vessel of FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the diffusion plate of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a bottom perspective view of one embodiment of a bottom ring portion of the diffusion plate of FIG. 5;

FIG. 8 is a plan view of an alternate embodiment diffusion plate of the invention;

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of a cup assembly, and anode assembly of FIG. 2 which also incorporates the diffusion plate of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a simplified sectional view of the cup assembly, the anode assembly and the diffusion plate of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 is an enlarged view taken from FIG. 10;

FIG. 11A is an enlarged view taken from FIG. 11;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there are shown in the drawings and will be described herein in detail specific embodiments thereof with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the specific embodiments illustrated.

FIGS. 2-4 illustrate a reactor vessel 100 which is to be used in cooperation with a processing head 12 (as shown in FIG. 1). The reactor vessel 100 is described in U.S. Ser. No. 09/112,300 (now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,228,232), filed Jul. 9, 1998, titled “Reactor Vessel Having Improved Cup, Anode and Conductor Assembly”, and herein incorporated by reference. The processing head 12 may, for example, be of the type disclosed in U.S. Ser. No. 08/988,333 (now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 5,985,126). filed Sep. 30, 1997 entitled: “Semiconductor Plating System Workpiece Support Having Workpiece—Engaging Electrodes With Distal Contact Part and Dielectric Cover” herein incorporated by reference. The processing head holds a wafer to be processed within a substantially closed processing volume 103 of the reactor vessel 100, and rotates the wafer during processing. The vessel 100 is shown without a vessel exhaust ring assembly for clarity to illustrate the underlying parts. It is to be understood that the outer vessel exhaust ring assembly 80 and exhaust nozzle 83 as shown for example in FIG. 1 would be mounted around the vessel 100.

The reactor vessel 100 includes a rotor supporting ring or rim 110 mounted on an inner exhaust ring 124 which is carried on a reservoir container 120. A diffusion plate 112 is carried by an anode shield 116. An anode 114 is carried on the anode shield 116. The anode 114 is preferably a consumable anode composed of copper or other plating material. The anode 114 and the anode shield 116 are fastened together forming an anode assembly 117. A reactor cup assembly 118 is supported on, and partially held within, a reservoir container assembly 120. An anode electrical conductor assembly 122 extends vertically through the reservoir container 120 and includes a sealed conductor 125 (shown schematically as a line) that makes electrical connection with the anode 114.

FIG. 4 illustrates the rotor support ring 110 nesting into the exhaust ring 124 of the reservoir container assembly 120. The cup assembly 118 includes a cup inner sidewall 130 defining at its upper edge 130a an overflow weir, and a cup outer sidewall 131 which extends upward to a bottom 110a of the rotor support ring 110. The inner and outer sidewalls 130, 131 are radially connected by intermittent webs 132 formed integrally with the sidewalls 130, 131. A container or “cup” 139 for holding process fluid is formed by a cup bottom wall 138 and the inner sidewall 130.

The reservoir container assembly 120 includes a surrounding reservoir sidewall 140 that is sealed to a base plate 142 and supports the exhaust ring 124 at a top thereof. The cup assembly 118 is supported by an outer edge 131b of the outer sidewall 131 resting on a ledge 124a of the exhaust ring 124 which, in turn, supports the top edge 140a of the vessel sidewall 140. The entire assembly 100 is supported on a bowl base plate (not shown) by surface 124b.

The anode 114 is connected by fasteners (as shown for example in FIG. 1) to the anode shield 116. The anode 114 is supported within the cup sidewall 130 by an anode support structure such as a fluid delivery tube or “anode post” 134. The anode post 134 is in the form of a cylindrical tube having top and bottom ends substantially closed as described below. The anode post 134 extends through an opening 143 through the reservoir base plate 142 and through an opening 136 in the cup bottom wall 138. The anode post 134 is sealed to the cup bottom wall 138 around the opening 136 with an O-ring 137. Further, the anode post is sealed to the base plate 142 around the opening 143 by plastic welding or other sealing technique.

The anode post 134 includes an internal volume 204 in fluid communication with outlet openings 206, and with a bottom supply nozzle 208, for delivering process fluid into the cup 139, from an outside source of process fluid. The anode post 134 is closed at a top end by the bottom surface 264b of the anode electrode conductor assembly 122.

The diffusion plate 112 is connected to intermittently arranged upstanding bracket members 274 using bayonet connections. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 7, a connector ring 278 of the diffusion plate 112 has a C-shaped cross-section forming a channel 279. Each bracket 274 includes a vertical leg 275 and a radially, outwardly extending tab member 280. During installation, each tab member 280 enters a wide slot or recess 281 through the bottom leg 279a of the C-shaped cross-section. Upon relative turning between the ring 278 and the bracket 274, each vertical leg 275 of each bracket 274 resiliently passes a detent 282 and enters a more narrow slot or recess 283. Each detent 282 thus resiliently locks a bracket member 274 to the connector ring 278. To remove the diffusion plate 112 from the anode assembly 117, the plate is rotated in an opposite direction. The legs 275 resiliently deflect radially inwardly a sufficient amount to pass the detents 282. Finally, the tab members 280 are withdrawn through the recesses 281.

The diffusion plate 12 can be engaged and removed by a tool described in the aforementioned U.S. Ser. No. 09/112,300 (now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,228,232) filed Jul. 9, 1998, and herein incorporated by reference. The tool hook arms are configured and arranged to engage bayonet recesses 330 formed through an outside of a top perforated plate 112a of the diffusion plate 112 as illustrated in FIGS. 5. Each recess 330 includes a wide region 332 for receiving a hook portion, and two narrow regions 334 for snugly receiving a leg of the tool hook arm into a locked position (in either direction depending on whether removal or installation is taking place). When the leg moves in this position, the hook portion is located below the top perforated plate 112a. The tool can be turned to rotate the diffusion plate for its removal or installation.

FIGS. 5-7 illustrate the diffusion plate 112 in detail. The diffusion plate includes the top perforated plate member 112a which is attached by fasteners (not shown) through four fastener hole pairs 297a, 297b to the connector ring 278, capturing a spacer ring 298 therebetween. The holes 297b are threaded to engage the fasteners. The spacer ring 298 has a smaller outside diameter D1 than an inside diameter D2 between diametrically opposing wide recesses 332 to ensure noninterference of the spacer ring 298 with the hook arms of the removal tool during installation or removal of the diffusion plate. The thickness of the spacer ring 298 provides a vertical space below the perforated plate 112a, particularly below the bayonet recesses 330, for a hook portion of the removal tool to be received.

In the disclosed embodiment, the diffusion plate 112 is preferably composed of dielectric materials such as natural polypropylene or polyvinylidene fluoride.

A spiral diffuser 500 having an opening pattern according to the invention is illustrated in FIG. 8. According to this embodiment, the diffuser 500 includes a plate member 501. The plate member 501 includes a spiral opening pattern 502 which “winds” around from an outer circumference to a central area of the plate. The opening pattern 502 is formed by elongated curved slots 504 through the plate member 501. Adjacent slots 504 are separated by a bridge portion 508. The bridge portions 508 throughout the plate member 501 are oriented and aligned radially from the central area to the outer radius of the pattern 502.

The spiral pattern 502 enhances plating fluid flow and current distribution to the wafer face. The diffuser improves plating thickness distribution. The spiral diffuser enables a single diffuser/chamber setup to be used to electroplate wafers having different seed layer edge exclusions.

The spiral pattern diffuser 500 defines a more evenly distributed “% open area” than previous diffusers. The % open area is calculated at radial positions from the plate center outwardly and relates to the open area of the slots compared to the total area of the plate within an infinitesimally thin annular band around the plate, at each radial position. The % open area being calculated in bands around the center of the plate member is important because the wafer is rotated relative to the diffusion plate member, about the center of the plate member. Each open area on the plate member is “swept by” a 360 degree portion of the wafer. The grid type hole patterns, such as shown in FIG. 5 produce a more variable % open area taken across the radius of the plate. This spiral pattern (slot or hole) results in a more uniform distribution of current density. The improved open area distribution of the spiral diffuser results in improved overall plating thickness uniformity, as well as decreasing the thickness range.

FIG. 9 illustrates the cup assembly 118 which could be used in the reactor vessel shown in FIG. 2. The spiral diffuser 500 as shown in FIG. 8 is mounted into the cup assembly 118. The spiral diffuser 500 is carried by a mounting assembly 902.

FIGS. 10 and 11 illustrate the spiral diffuser 500 carried by the mounting assembly 902. The assembly 902 includes a top annular shield 906 having a central opening 908. The shield 908 is fastened by fasteners 910 (shown in FIG. 9) to a mounting ring 914. The mounting ring 914 is connected by a plurality of bayonet style engagements to the brackets 274 of the anode shield 116 in an identical fashion to the engagement of the connector ring 278 to the brackets 274 shown in FIGS. 4-7.

As shown in FIGS. 9 and 11A, the top shield 906 includes edge recesses 912 identical to those shown in FIG. 5, and described above, as bayonet recesses 330. Below the shield 906, the mounting ring has a step 915 which provides a space 917 for the insertion of the hook portions of the removal tool described above and in the aforementioned U.S. Ser. No. 09/112,300 (now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,228,232), filed Jul. 9, 1998, and herein incorporated by reference.

As shown in FIGS. 11 and 11A, the diffuser 500 has a rounded edge 520 which can be resiliently engaged to one of a plurality of selectable vertical positions defined by grooves 920, 922, 924. The mounting ring is composed of a relatively resilient material to allow snap-fitting of the diffuser into a selected groove 920, 922, 924. The elevation of the diffusion plate member 501 relative to the top of the cup and the top of the anode is an important process parameter. Thus, by use of the selectable grooves, the height of the plate member can be easily selected corresponding to the selected process parameters.

The diffuser shown in FIG. 5 could likewise be configured to be mounted in accordance with FIGS. 9 through 11A. Alternatively, the diffuser shown in FIG. 8 could be configured to be mounted in an assembly as shown in FIGS. 4 through 7.

The diffuser shown in FIG. 8 can be configured to have tool engagement bayonet recesses 330 such as shown in FIGS. 5 through 6 to be tool engageable for removal and installation. The diffuser shown in FIG. 8 can also be configured to be fastened to the connector ring 278 such as shown in FIGS. 5 through 6 which can then be identically connected to the brackets 274 as described above.

For 200 millimeter wafers, the diffuser plate member 501 shown in FIG. 8 is preferably 8.5 inches in diameter and nominally 0.125 inches thick. Other sizes and thicknesses of diffusers are also encompassed by the present invention.

Numerous modifications may be made to the foregoing system without departing from the basic teachings thereof. Although the present invention has been described in substantial detail with reference to one or more specific embodiments, those of skill in the art will recognize that changes may be made thereto without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as set forth in the appended claims.

Claims

1. An apparatus for processing a microelectronic workpiece in a process chamber configured to contain a process fluid, the process chamber having an electrode support configured to support an electrode at a first position within the process chamber, the process chamber further having a microelectronic workpiece support configured to support a microelectronic workpiece at a second position spaced apart from the first position, the apparatus comprising: a diffusion plate member configured to be positioned between the first position and the second position, the diffusion plate member having a first surface facing toward the first position, a second surface facing toward the second position, and a plurality of openings extending through the diffusion plate member from the first surface to the second surface, the openings being arranged in at least one spiral pattern, wherein the apparatus is configured for relative rotational motion between the diffusion plate member and the microelectronic workpiece support.

2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the plurality of openings includes a plurality of elongated curved slots spaced apart from each other along a spiral path.

3. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the plurality of openings are aligned along a single spiral path extending radially and circumferentially from a central portion of the diffusion plate member toward an outer portion of the diffusion plate member.

4. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a diffusion plate support configured to support the diffusion plate member in the process chamber, and wherein the diffusion plate support has a plurality of mounting locations, each configured to support the diffusion plate member at a different position between the first position and the second position.

5. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the diffusion plate member has an edge surface between the first surface and the second surface, and wherein the apparatus further comprises a diffusion plate support configured to support the diffusion plate member in the process chamber, and wherein the diffusion plate support has a plurality of grooves with each groove configured to support the diffusion plate member at a different position between the first position and the second position.

6. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the diffusion plate member has generally circular first and second surfaces, and an edge surface between the first surface and the second surface, the edge surface being rounded convexly outwardly away from the first and second surfaces, and wherein the apparatus further comprises a diffusion plate support configured to support the diffusion plate member in the process chamber, and further wherein the diffusion plate support has a plurality of grooves with each groove being rounded concavely to receive and support the diffusion plate member at a different position between the first position and the second position.

7. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a diffusion plate support configured to support the diffusion plate member in the process chamber, and wherein the diffusion plate support has a first rim portion extending upwardly from the diffusion plate member, the diffusion plate support further having a second rim portion extending radially inwardly from the first rim portion above the diffusion plate member, the second rim portion having a plurality of recesses configured to receive corresponding hook portions of a tool to remove the diffusion plate support from the process chamber.

8. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: the electrode support configured to support the electrode in the first position, the electrode support having a shield portion configured to be adjacent to a lower surface of the electrode, the electrode support further having brackets extending upwardly from the shield portion, the brackets having first interengaging parts; and a diffusion plate support configured to support the diffusion plate member in the process chamber, and wherein the diffusion plate support has second interengaging parts configured to releasably engage the first interengaging parts upon relative rotation of at least one of the diffusion plate support and the electrode support relative to the other through an angle of less than 360 degrees.

9. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: the electrode support configured to support the electrode in the first position, the electrode support having a shield portion configured to be adjacent to a lower surface of the electrode, the electrode support further having a plurality of brackets extending upwardly from the shield portion, with each bracket having a radially extending tab; and a diffusion plate support configured to support the diffusion plate member in the process chamber, and wherein the diffusion plate support has a plurality of circumferentially extending channel portions, each channel portion having an axial opening configured to receive one of the tabs of the electrode support, each channel portion being configured to at least restrict relative axial motion of the diffusion plate support relative to the electrode support upon relative rotation of at least one of the diffusion plate support and the electrode support relative to the other through an angle of less than 360 degrees while the tabs are received in the channel portions.

10. An apparatus for processing a microelectronic workpiece, comprising: a process chamber configured to contain a process fluid, the process chamber having an electrode support configured to support an electrode at a first position within the process chamber, the process chamber further having a microelectronic workpiece support configured to support a microelectronic workpiece at a second position spaced apart from the first position; and a diffusion plate member configured to be positioned between the first position and the second position, the diffusion plate member having a first surface facing toward the first position, a second surface facing toward the second position, and a plurality of openings extending through the diffusion plate member from the first surface to the second surface, the openings being arranged in at least one spiral pattern, wherein the apparatus is configured for relative rotational motion between the diffusion plate member and the microelectronic workpiece support.

11. The apparatus of claim 10 wherein the process chamber includes a second vessel disposed inwardly from a first vessel, the second vessel having an upper edge defining a weir over which the process fluid flows into the first vessel, further wherein the electrode is disposed within the first vessel.

12. A process chamber for processing a microelectronic workpiece, comprising: a first vessel; a second vessel disposed inwardly from the first vessel and configured to hold a process fluid, the second vessel having an upper edge defining a weir over which the process fluid can flow into the first vessel; an electrode support configured to support an electrode at a first position within the second vessel; a microelectronic workpiece support positioned proximate to the second vessel to support a microelectronic workpiece at a second position spaced apart from the first position; and a diffusion plate member positioned between the first position and the second position, the diffusion plate member having a first surface facing toward the first position, a second surface facing toward the second position, and a plurality of openings extending through the diffusion plate member from the first surface to the second surface, the openings being arranged in at least one spiral pattern, wherein the apparatus is configured for relative motion between the diffusion plate member and the microelectronic workpiece support.

13. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein the plurality of openings includes a plurality of elongated curved slots spaced apart from each other along a spiral path.

14. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein the openings are aligned along a single spiral path extending radially and circumferentially from a central portion of the diffusion plate member toward an outer portion of the diffusion plate member.

15. The apparatus of claim 12, further comprising a diffusion plate support configured to support the diffusion plate member in the cup, and wherein the diffusion plate support has a plurality of mounting locations, each configured to support the diffusion plate member at a different position between the first position and the second position.

16. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein the diffusion plate member has an edge surface between the first surface and the second surface, and wherein the apparatus further comprises a diffusion plate support configured to support the diffusion plate member in the second vessel, and wherein the diffusion plate support has a plurality of grooves with each groove configured to support the diffusion plate member at a different position between the first position and the second position.

17. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein the diffusion plate member has generally circular first and second surfaces, and an edge surface between the first and second surfaces, the edge surface being rounded convexly outwardly away from the first and second surfaces, and wherein the apparatus further comprises a diffusion plate support configured to support the diffusion plate member in the second vessel, and further wherein the diffusion plate support has a plurality of grooves with each groove being rounded concavely to receive and support the diffusion plate member at a different position between the first position and the second position.

18. The apparatus of claim 12, further comprising a diffusion plate support configured to support the diffusion plate member in the second vessel, and wherein the diffusion plate support has a first rim portion extending upwardly from the diffusion plate member, the diffusion plate support further having a second rim portion extending radially inwardly from the first rim portion above the diffusion plate member, the second rim portion having a plurality of recesses configured to receive corresponding hook portions of a tool to remove the diffusion plate support from the process chamber.

19. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein the electrode support has a shield portion configured to be adjacent to a lower surface of the electrode, the electrode support further having brackets extending upwardly from the shield portion, the brackets having first interengaging parts, and wherein the apparatus further comprises a diffusion plate support configured to support the diffusion plate member in the second vessel, and wherein the diffusion plate support has second interengaging parts configured to releasably engage the first interengaging parts upon relative rotation of at least one of the diffusion plate support and the electrode support relative to the other through an angle of less than 360 degrees.

20. The apparatus of claim 12 wherein the electrode support has a shield portion configured to be adjacent to a lower surface of the electrode, the electrode support further having a plurality of brackets extending upwardly from the shield portion, with each bracket having a radially extending tab, and wherein the apparatus further comprises a diffusion plate support configured to support the diffusion plate member in the process chamber, and wherein the diffusion plate support has a plurality of circumferentially extending channel portions, each channel portion having an axial opening configured to receive one of the tabs of the electrode support, each channel portion being configured to at least restrict relative axial motion of the diffusion plate support relative to the electrode support upon relative rotation of at least one of the diffusion plate support and the electrode support relative to the other through an angle of less than 360 degrees while the tabs are received in the channel portions.