Description
MKS RPS AX7695 R*evolution® III Integrated Remote Plasma Source
Product Description
The MKS RPS AX7695 is a compact, fully integrated remote plasma source built for advanced semiconductor and thin-film manufacturing. It combines a toroidal quartz plasma chamber, 13.56 MHz RF power supply, matching network, and control electronics within a single sealed unit. Instead of generating plasma directly inside the process chamber, this remote source creates high-purity atomic radicals remotely and delivers neutral reactive species to the wafer. This design minimizes ion bombardment and substrate damage, supporting low-damage photoresist stripping, wafer pre-cleaning, oxidation, and nitridation processes. Featuring patented low-field toroidal plasma technology, it delivers high radical flux with exceptional process repeatability and stable radical uniformity. The unit supports continuous 100% duty-cycle operation and includes built-in thermal and cooling interlocks to protect critical components in high-throughput fab environments. It is a key OEM spare for maintenance of semiconductor process tools.

RPS AX7695
Technical Specifications
| Item | Parameter |
|---|---|
| Model | RPS AX7695 |
| Brand | MKS |
| Product Family | R*evolution® III Remote Plasma Source |
| RF Frequency | 13.56 MHz, ISM band |
| Maximum RF Power | 6 kW |
| Process Gas Flow | Up to 6.0 slm (O₂ or 90% O₂ /10% N₂) |
| Ignition Gas | O₂, Ar, or 90% O₂/10% N₂ |
| Operating Pressure | 0.5 – 2.0 Torr measured at outlet, 1.0–6.0 slm |
| Electrical Input | 180–228 VAC, 3-phase, 50/60 Hz |
| Cooling Requirement | Water cooling, 1.75 gpm, inlet <30°C |
| Duty Cycle | 100% continuous operation |
| Wetted Materials | 6061-T6 Al, 316L SS, SiO₂, Kalrez®, nickel, fluorosilicone |
| Control Interface | Discrete I/O, RS‑232, DeviceNet, Ethernet (TOOLweb® compatible) |
| Interlocks | Thermal shutdown, cooling water flow interlock |
| Mounting | Direct flange mount to process chamber |
Compatibility & Installation Traps
Compatibility
- Designed for integration with compatible semiconductor process chambers and MKS tool control platforms.
- Requires matched host tool recipe software and communication driver for DeviceNet/Ethernet control.
- Gas delivery lines must be rated for ultra-high-purity (UHP) service and compatible with oxidizing radicals.
- Not interchangeable with older R*evolution II plasma sources even with similar footprint; RF tuning, interlock logic and gas manifold pinout differ.
Common Installation Traps
- Improper cooling water flow or excessive inlet temperature triggers immediate interlock shutdown and can crack the quartz plasma chamber.
- Using non-UHP tubing or incompatible elastomers for radical delivery; radical species degrade unsuitable materials and introduce particle contamination.
- Misalignment of the flange seal at the process chamber interface causes vacuum leaks, unstable ignition and poor radical transport.
- Incorrect three-phase AC wiring sequence; phase reversal leads to fan rotation fault and power supply lockout.
- Igniting plasma outside the specified pressure window; out-of-range pressure results in failed strike or unstable plasma density.
- Bypassing factory safety interlocks for troubleshooting; this removes over-temperature and low-flow protection and risks catastrophic quartz failure.
- Hot swapping the unit while RF and process gas are active; residual RF energy and pressurized gas can cause arc hazards and component damage.
- Mismatched recipe power setpoints after replacement; new unit requires RF tuning and radical rate validation before production wafers run.
Standard Operating Procedure (SOP)
- Pre-inspection: Inspect AX7695 for quartz cracks, flange damage, water fitting corrosion and connector wear. Confirm part number and revision match the original source.
- Isolation and lockout: Secure tool EMO, shut down three-phase mains, isolate UHP gas supply and cooling water. Vent the plasma source and verify zero energy state.
- ESD and PPE preparation: Wear ESD protection, heat-resistant gloves and face shield for plasma source handling.
- Disassembly: Mark gas, cooling, signal and power connectors. Release vacuum flange fasteners and carefully separate the source from the process chamber.
- Mount replacement unit: Install new AX7695 with new gasket/face seal, torque flange bolts in cross pattern per OEM torque specification.
- Reconnect utilities: Restore cooling water, UHP gas lines, discrete I/O and communication cables; verify flow direction and leak-check all vacuum and water joints.
- Power and communication checkout: Restore AC power, enable tool communication and confirm the controller recognizes the source.
- Plasma ignition and tuning: Run dry ignition test, perform RF match tuning, validate interlock response and measure radical flux or strip rate with monitor wafers.
- Final release: Save tuned recipe parameters, clear fault logs, run particle and qualification tests, and return the tool to production status.

RPS AX7695
Application Scenarios
- Semiconductor wafer photoresist ashing and stripping
- Wafer pre-clean and surface radical activation
- Oxidation and nitridation for thin-film gate processes
- Chamber remote cleaning for dielectric etch systems
- Flat-panel display and OLED manufacturing
- Solar PV thin-film surface treatment
- Advanced packaging plasma processing
- R&D low-ion-damage surface modification
Matching Components
- MKS UHP gas mass flow controllers and gas panel
- Deionized cooling water supply and temperature regulator
- Process chamber vacuum flange, copper gasket or Kalrez seal
- Shielded three-phase RF power cable and signal harness
- DeviceNet / Ethernet communication adapters and tool I/O card
- MKS TOOLweb configuration software and diagnostic toolkit
- Quartz spare chamber and field replacement consumable kit
- ESD workstation, leak detector and RF power monitoring meter
Recommended Related Models (8)
- AX7690
- AX7691
- AX7692
- AX7693
- AX7694
- AX7696
- AX7697
- AX7700

