JP2005144376A - Substrate treatment apparatus, slit nozzle, liquid filling degree determining structure for object to be filled, and gas inclusion degree determining structure - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a slit nozzle capable of extracting the air of a manifold simply and certainly to prevent the occurrence of coating irregularity, and a coating treatment apparatus having the same. <P>SOLUTION: The slit nozzle 41 has supply ports 46a and 46b of a resist liquid provided to both side end parts thereof and the manifold 45 is formed so that the upper surface 45a thereof has an inclination between the end part 47a of an air venting hole 47 and the supply ports 46a and 46b. By this shape of the manifold 45, air bubbles included in the filled resist liquid can be easily drawn out of the air venting hole 47. Further, since the resist liquid flows to the air venting hole 47 from the supply ports 46a and 46b, the stagnation of the resist liquid is not caused and air is vented certainly for a short time at the time of filling. Furthermore, since no local difference is caused in the viscosity of the resist liquid when coating treatment, a uniform coating film can be formed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention is a substrate processing for performing a coating process mainly for applying a processing liquid on the surface of various substrates such as a glass substrate for liquid crystal, a semiconductor wafer, a flexible substrate for liquid crystal film, a substrate for photomask, and a substrate for color filter Relates to the device.

  As a coating processing device for applying a processing liquid such as a photoresist to the surface of various substrates such as a glass substrate for liquid crystal, a semiconductor wafer, a flexible substrate for film liquid crystal, a substrate for photomask, a substrate for color filter, etc., a slit-like discharge unit A slit coater that performs slit coating using a slit nozzle having a slit and a slit & spin coater that spin-coats after slit coating is known.

In the slit nozzle of such a coating processing apparatus, gas (mainly air) may be mixed as bubbles or the like in the processing liquid such as photoresist. For example, air is mixed in the following cases.
・ When it occurs from the resist itself due to pressure fluctuations inside the nozzle or pressure fluctuations when opening and closing the valve;
・ When mixing from the nozzle tip during suck-back processing to keep the film thickness constant at the end of coating;
・ When filling the nozzle with the resist during the initial setup of the system.

And mixing of air causes the following problems.
・ A gel-like substance is formed in the nozzle by the reaction of air and resist, which prevents uniform discharge from the slit and causes streaky coating unevenness;
・ Primary delay of the discharge flow rate at the start of coating occurs due to air mixing, resulting in unstable film thickness at the start of coating;
・ Once coating is completed due to air mixing, a delay in resist discharge stop occurs and the film thickness becomes unstable.
・ By mixing air, the resist dynamic pressure distribution inside the nozzle changes and causes radial unevenness.

  In order to avoid these problems, it is necessary to accurately and promptly release the air inside the nozzle. Techniques aimed at such accurate and prompt air removal are already known (see, for example, Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2).

  Also, in the coating processing apparatus, resist stagnation locally occurs inside the slit nozzle, resulting in poor resist fluidity inside the slit nozzle, and radial coating unevenness may occur depending on the type of resist used. There is. This reduces the range of choice of resist type and viscosity (resist margin) that can be used in the coating processing apparatus. In order to avoid this, a technique of applying the resist inside the slit nozzle while always flowing is already known (for example, see Patent Document 3). Alternatively, a technique for making the thickness of the coating layer uniform is already known (see, for example, Patent Documents 4 to 5).

JP 7-328510 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-253556 JP-A-10-286507 JP-A-8-182955 JP 2003-33715 A

The slit coater described in Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2 employs a method of extracting air inside the slit nozzle by discharging the resist with the slit nozzle facing upward. However, this method has the following problems.
-Since the slit nozzle is reversed to remove air, the structure of the slit nozzle mounting part becomes complicated;
-Since the reproducibility of the positioning of the slit nozzle body and the substrate surface after the air bleed is not obtained, the origin return operation for adjusting the slit nozzle is necessary;
-Even when a minute volume of air is mixed in the slit nozzle, it is necessary to reverse the slit nozzle and discharge the resist corresponding to the entire volume inside the slit nozzle;
・ Because the resist is discharged with the slit nozzle facing upwards to release air, an operation to wipe off the discharged resist occurs, but this operation is very difficult and the resist cannot be wiped cleanly. The equipment is contaminated;
Since there is no means for detecting whether or not the air inside the slit nozzle is completely removed, it is necessary to discharge more resist than necessary to sufficiently remove the air.

The apparatus described in Patent Document 3 includes a slit die whose internal volume and the like are optimized so that all of the supplied resist is used up by one application. However, such a device also has the following problems.
-It is necessary to create a slit die according to the target coating thickness and the solid content concentration of the resist to be used, and a single slit die cannot cope with various coating thicknesses;
Further, the inventions described in Patent Documents 3 to 5 are not intended to solve the above-mentioned problems with air mixing.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems, and provides a slit nozzle that can easily and reliably extract the gas inside the slit nozzle and that does not cause coating unevenness, and a coating processing apparatus having the slit nozzle. With the goal.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the invention of claim 1 is directed to a holding table for holding a substrate, a slit nozzle for discharging a predetermined processing liquid, and moving the slit nozzle in a substantially horizontal direction along the surface of the substrate. Moving means, and processing liquid supply means for supplying the predetermined processing liquid from a predetermined processing liquid supply source to the slit nozzle, and moving the slit nozzle in the substantially horizontal direction to move the slit nozzle to the slit nozzle. A substrate processing apparatus for applying the predetermined processing liquid to a substrate by discharging the predetermined processing liquid filled in the slit nozzle while scanning the surface of the substrate, wherein the slit nozzle includes: The supply port for supplying the predetermined processing liquid to the manifold of the slit nozzle is connected to the processing liquid supply means. A discharge port that is provided on at least one side end of both side ends in the direction, and discharges the gas existing inside the slit nozzle and the processing liquid mixed with the gas to the outside of the slit nozzle, It is provided in the upper end part of the said manifold, The said discharge port is provided in the position higher than the said supply port, It is characterized by the above-mentioned.

  Invention of Claim 2 is the substrate processing apparatus of Claim 1, Comprising: The said supply port is provided in the 1st side edge part of the both-sides edge part of the longitudinal direction of the said manifold, The discharge port is provided at a second side end portion of both end portions in the longitudinal direction of the manifold.

  A third aspect of the present invention is the substrate processing apparatus according to the first aspect, wherein the at least one supply port is a first supply port and a second supply port respectively provided at both end portions in the longitudinal direction of the manifold. It is characterized by that.

  A fourth aspect of the present invention is the substrate processing apparatus according to the third aspect, wherein the discharge port is provided at a substantially central position of a section connecting the first and second supply ports. .

  A fifth aspect of the present invention is the substrate processing apparatus according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein an upper surface of the manifold is inclined from the supply port toward the discharge port. And

  A sixth aspect of the present invention is the substrate processing apparatus according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the height from the lower surface to the upper surface of the manifold increases from the supply port side to the discharge port side. It is characterized by becoming larger.

  A seventh aspect of the present invention is the substrate processing apparatus according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, wherein the cross-sectional area of the manifold increases from the supply port side toward the discharge port side. Features.

  The invention according to claim 8 is the substrate processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the discharge path is connected to the discharge port, and is disposed in the middle of the discharge path. And a detecting means for detecting the filling state of the processing liquid.

  A ninth aspect of the present invention is the substrate processing apparatus according to the eighth aspect, further comprising determination means for determining a filling degree of the predetermined processing liquid with respect to the slit nozzle, wherein the discharge path is optically It is transparent and has a bent portion bent in a U-shape, and the bent portion is directed upward, and the detecting means is disposed in the vicinity of the bent portion, and is placed at a predetermined position of the bent portion. The first light beam is emitted, and the second light beam obtained from the predetermined position with the irradiation of the first light beam is received. The determination means is received by the detection means. The filling degree is determined based on a variation in light intensity of the second light beam.

  A tenth aspect of the present invention is the substrate processing apparatus according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, wherein the discharge path is connected to the discharge port, arranged in the middle of the discharge path, and the discharge path. And a detecting means for detecting a gas mixing state of the processing liquid inside.

  The invention according to claim 11 is the substrate processing apparatus according to claim 10, further comprising determination means for determining gas mixing into the predetermined processing liquid with respect to the slit nozzle, and the discharge path is optical The bent portion is bent in a U-shape, the bent portion is directed upward, and the detecting means is disposed in the vicinity of the bent portion, and a predetermined portion of the bent portion is provided. A first light beam is emitted to a position, and a second light beam obtained from the predetermined position is received along with the irradiation of the first light beam, and the determination means is detected by the detection means. The mixing of the gas is determined based on a change in light intensity of the second light beam received.

  A twelfth aspect of the invention is the substrate processing apparatus according to any one of the third to eleventh aspects, wherein the processing liquid supply means is obtained from the predetermined processing liquid and a predetermined cleaning liquid supply source. A cleaning liquid for cleaning the inside of the slit nozzle can be selectively supplied.

  A thirteenth aspect of the present invention is the substrate processing apparatus according to any one of the third to eleventh aspects, wherein the processing liquid supply means converts the predetermined processing liquid into a cleaning liquid for cleaning the inside of the slit nozzle. The cleaning liquid can be supplied after replacement.

  According to the fourteenth aspect of the present invention, the predetermined processing liquid supplied by the predetermined processing liquid supply means is discharged while the surface of the target object is scanned by being moved by the predetermined moving means, thereby the processing target. A slit nozzle for applying the predetermined processing liquid to a body, wherein the processing liquid supply means is connected, and a supply port for supplying the predetermined processing liquid to the manifold of the slit nozzle is provided in a longitudinal direction of the manifold. An exhaust port that is provided at at least one side end of both side ends, and that discharges the gas present inside the slit nozzle and the processing liquid mixed with the gas to the outside of the slit nozzle, The discharge port is provided at a position higher than the supply port.

  A fifteenth aspect of the invention is the slit nozzle according to the fourteenth aspect, wherein the supply port is provided at a first side end portion of both side end portions in the longitudinal direction of the manifold. The outlet is provided at a second side end portion of both end portions in the longitudinal direction of the manifold.

  A sixteenth aspect of the invention is the slit nozzle according to the fourteenth aspect, wherein the at least one supply port is a first supply port and a second supply port respectively provided at both end portions in the longitudinal direction of the manifold. It is characterized by that.

  A seventeenth aspect of the invention is the slit nozzle according to the sixteenth aspect, wherein the discharge port is provided at a substantially central position of a section connecting the first and second supply ports.

  The invention of claim 18 is the slit nozzle according to any one of claims 14 to 17, wherein the upper surface of the manifold is inclined from the supply port toward the discharge port. To do.

  The invention of claim 19 is the slit nozzle according to any one of claims 14 to 17, wherein the height from the lower surface to the upper surface of the manifold increases as it goes from the supply port side to the discharge port side. It is characterized by.

  A twentieth aspect of the invention is the slit nozzle according to any one of the fourteenth to seventeenth aspects, wherein a cross-sectional area of the manifold increases from the supply port side toward the discharge port side. And

  The invention according to claim 21 is a structure for determining a filling degree of the predetermined liquid in an object to be filled which is filled with the predetermined liquid by being supplied with the predetermined liquid by a predetermined supply means. A discharge port for discharging the gas and filler inside the filled body to the outside of the filled body, and a bent portion connected to the discharge port and optically transparent and bent into a U-shape. And a discharge path in which the bent portion is directed upward, and is disposed in the vicinity of the bent portion, and emits a first light beam to a predetermined position of the bent portion, and the first light beam Detecting means for receiving the second light beam obtained from the predetermined position in accordance with the irradiation of the light, and based on fluctuations in light intensity of the second light beam received by the detecting means, Filling degree of a given liquid A determination unit, characterized in that it comprises a.

  According to a twenty-second aspect of the present invention, a predetermined liquid is supplied by a predetermined supply means to determine the degree of gas mixture with respect to the predetermined liquid filled in the object to be filled with the predetermined liquid. A discharge port for discharging the gas and filler inside the filled body to the outside of the filled body, and connected to the discharge port, optically transparent and bent into a U-shape. The bent portion, and the bent portion is disposed in the vicinity of the bent portion, emits a first light beam to a predetermined position of the bent portion, and Detecting means for receiving a second light beam obtained from the predetermined position with the irradiation of the first light beam; and based on fluctuations in light intensity of the second light beam received by the detecting means. Gas for a given liquid Characterized by comprising determination means for mixing degree, the.

  According to the first to twentieth aspects of the present invention, the processing liquid is supplied from the side end in the longitudinal direction of the manifold and the processing liquid mixed with gas is discharged from the upper end, so that the slit nozzle is reversed. Even without a mechanism, the gas can be reliably removed.

  In particular, according to the invention of claim 2, claim 3, claim 15, and claim 16, since the resist solution flows in the whole manifold, there is a place where the processing solution supplied inside the slit nozzle stays. It does not occur, and the treatment liquid can be reliably filled in the slit nozzle in a short time.

  In particular, according to the invention of claim 3 and claim 16, the processing liquid is supplied from both end portions in the longitudinal direction of the manifold, and the processing liquid mixed with gas and gas is discharged from the central portion in the same direction. Since it can do, the fluidity | liquidity of the process liquid inside a slit nozzle can be improved more. In addition, since the processing liquid can be supplied by alternately using the respective supply ports, the supply port to be used can be selected according to the nature of the processing liquid and the processing status.

  In particular, according to the inventions of claims 5 to 7 and claims 18 to 20, even when the manifold is mixed with gas in the filled processing liquid, the gas is discharged to the outlet. Therefore, it is easy to discharge the gas to the outside of the slit nozzle.

  In particular, according to the eighth to eleventh aspects of the present invention, the predetermined processing liquid supplied to the slit nozzle sequentially detects the filling degree of the processing liquid in the discharge path or the state of gas mixture from the discharge port. These can be reliably detected not only during the filling of the treatment liquid prior to the coating treatment but also during the coating treatment operation.

  In particular, according to the ninth and eleventh aspects of the present invention, the predetermined processing liquid supplied to the slit nozzle is sequentially discharged from the discharge port to the discharge path, and the degree of filling of the processing liquid in the bent portion. By using the fact that there is a correlation between the presence or absence of gas mixture and the light intensity of the second light beam, by determining the degree of filling of the processing liquid or gas mixture, Whether the slit nozzle is filled with processing liquid, or whether gas is mixed in the processing liquid, not only during processing liquid filling prior to coating processing, but also during coating processing operation. Can be judged.

  In particular, according to the invention of claim 12 and claim 13, the inside of the slit nozzle can be cleaned without removing the slit nozzle. Further, in the inside of the slit nozzle, the cleaning liquid is supplied from the both end portions in the longitudinal direction of the slit nozzle toward the central portion, so that the inside of the slit nozzle can be reliably cleaned with a small amount of cleaning liquid.

  According to the invention of claim 21 and claim 22, the predetermined liquid supplied to the filling body is sequentially discharged from the discharge port to the discharge path, and the filling degree of the predetermined liquid in the bent portion is also obtained. By using the fact that there is a correlation between the presence / absence of mixed gas and the light intensity of the second light beam, the degree of filling of the liquid in the filled body or the mixing of gas can be determined in a simple manner. Depending on the configuration, it is possible to reliably determine whether or not the liquid to be filled is filled with the liquid, or whether or not gas is mixed in the liquid.

<First Embodiment>
<Overall configuration>
FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing an outline of a substrate processing apparatus 1 according to a first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a view showing a side cross section of the main body 2 of the substrate processing apparatus 1 and showing main components related to the application operation of the resist solution.

  The substrate processing apparatus 1 is roughly divided into a main body 2 and a control system 6, and a square glass substrate for manufacturing a screen panel of a liquid crystal display device is a substrate to be processed (hereinafter simply referred to as “substrate”) 90. In a process of selectively etching an electrode layer or the like formed on the surface of the substrate 90, the coating apparatus is configured to apply a resist solution as a processing solution to the surface of the substrate 90. Therefore, in this embodiment, the slit nozzle 41 discharges the resist solution. In addition, the substrate processing apparatus 1 can be modified and used not only as a glass substrate for a liquid crystal display device but also as a device for applying a processing liquid (chemical solution) to various substrates for a flat panel display.

  The main body 2 includes a stage 3 that functions as a holding table for mounting and holding the substrate 90 and also functions as a base for each attached mechanism. The stage 3 is made of, for example, an integral stone having a rectangular parallelepiped shape, and its upper surface (holding surface 30) and side surfaces are processed into flat surfaces.

  The upper surface of the stage 3 is a horizontal plane and serves as a holding surface 30 for the substrate 90. A number of vacuum suction ports (not shown) are formed on the holding surface 30 in a distributed manner, and the substrate 90 is held in a predetermined horizontal position by sucking the substrate 90 while the substrate processing apparatus 1 processes the substrate 90. To do. The holding surface 30 is provided with a plurality of lift pins LP that can be moved up and down by driving means (not shown) at appropriate intervals. The lift pins LP are used to push up the substrate 90 when the substrate 90 is removed.

  A pair of running rails 31 extending in parallel in a substantially horizontal direction are fixed to both ends of the holding surface 30 across the holding area of the substrate 90 (region where the substrate 90 is held). The traveling rail 31 guides the movement of the bridging structure 4 together with a support block (not shown) fixed at the lowermost part of both ends of the bridging structure 4 (the moving direction is defined in a predetermined direction), and holds the bridging structure 4. A linear guide supported above the surface 30 is configured.

  Above the stage 3, a bridging structure 4 is provided that extends substantially horizontally from both sides of the stage 3. The bridging structure 4 is mainly composed of, for example, a nozzle support portion 40 that uses carbon fiber reinforced resin as an aggregate, and lifting mechanisms 43 and 44 that support both ends thereof.

  A slit nozzle 41 and a gap sensor 42 are attached to the nozzle support portion 40.

  1, a supply mechanism 9 (FIG. 2) including a pipe for supplying a resist solution to the slit nozzle 41 and a resist pump is connected to the slit nozzle 41 having a longitudinal direction in the Y-axis direction. Has been. By scanning the surface of the substrate 90 and discharging the resist solution supplied by the resist pump to a predetermined region on the surface of the substrate 90 (hereinafter referred to as “resist application region”), the slit nozzle 41 is A resist solution is applied to the substrate 90. Here, the resist application region is a region in the surface of the substrate 90 where the resist solution is to be applied, and is usually a region obtained by excluding a region having a predetermined width along the edge from the entire area of the substrate 90. It is. Details of the slit nozzle 41 and the supply mechanism 9 will be described later.

  The gap sensor 42 is attached to the nozzle support portion 40 so as to be in the vicinity of the slit nozzle 41, and the height difference (gap) between the lower presence object (for example, the surface of the substrate 90 or the surface of the resist film) is determined. The measurement result is transmitted to the control system 6. Thereby, the control system 6 can control the distance between the existence object and the slit nozzle 41 based on the measurement result of the gap sensor 42.

  The elevating mechanisms 43 and 44 are divided on both sides of the slit nozzle 41 and connected to the slit nozzle 41 by the nozzle support portion 40. The elevating mechanisms 43 and 44 are mainly composed of AC servomotors 43 a and 44 a and a ball screw (not shown), and generate elevating driving force for the bridge structure 4 based on a control signal from the control system 6. Thereby, the raising / lowering mechanisms 43 and 44 raise / lower the slit nozzle 41 in translation. The lifting mechanisms 43 and 44 are also used to adjust the posture of the slit nozzle 41 in the YZ plane.

  A pair of AC coreless linear motors (hereinafter simply referred to as “stator”) and a “moving element 50b” and “stator 51a” and “moving element 51b” are provided at both ends of the bridging structure 4 along the edges on both sides of the stage 3, respectively. , Abbreviated as “linear motor”.) 50 and 51 are fixed. In addition, linear encoders 52 and 53 each having a scale portion and a detector are fixed to both ends of the bridging structure 4. The linear encoders 52 and 53 detect the positions of the linear motors 50 and 51. The linear motors 50 and 51 and the linear encoders 52 and 53 mainly constitute the traveling mechanism 5 for moving the bridge structure 4 on the stage 3 while being guided by the traveling rail 31. That is, the traveling mechanism 5 acts as a moving unit that moves the bridging structure in a substantially horizontal direction along the surface of the substrate 90. Based on the detection results from the linear encoders 52 and 53, the control system 6 controls the operation of the linear motor 50, thereby controlling the movement of the bridging structure 4 on the stage 3, that is, the scanning of the substrate 90 by the slit nozzle 41. Is done.

  On the holding surface 30 of the main body 2, an opening 32 is provided on the (−X) direction side of the holding area. The opening 32 has a longitudinal direction in the Y-axis direction similar to the slit nozzle 41, and the longitudinal length is substantially the same as the longitudinal direction length of the slit nozzle 41. A standby pot PT, a nozzle cleaning mechanism 7 and a pre-coating mechanism 13 are provided inside the main body 2 below the opening 32. All of these are used in a preliminary process such as a resist liquid supply process, an air bleeding process, or a pre-dispensing process, which is performed prior to the application of the resist liquid to the substrate 90.

  The standby pot PT is provided as a standby place when the slit nozzle 41 waits without performing the scanning process. The standby pot PT serves as a tray for receiving a resist solution dropped from the slit nozzle 41 in a resist solution filling operation, which will be described later, so that the staying material can be appropriately discarded and collected. The slit nozzle 41 stands by in a state of being lowered to just above the standby pot PT until a predetermined scanning instruction is given. Hereinafter, when the slit nozzle 41 is directly above the standby pot PT, the slit nozzle 41 is referred to as “at the standby position” or the like. The process of supplying the resist solution to the slit nozzle is also performed at the standby position.

  The nozzle cleaning mechanism 7 is provided to be movable along the longitudinal direction of the slit nozzle 41 (the vertical direction in FIG. 2) by the drive mechanism 71 when the slit nozzle 41 is in the standby position. The scraper 72 having a substantially V-shaped notch in the center in accordance with the shape of the slit nozzle 41 scrapes off the resist solution adhering to the slit nozzle 41 and slits it with a predetermined solvent supplied by a solvent supply mechanism (not shown). The vicinity of the slit 41b at the lower end of the nozzle 41 is cleaned.

  The pre-coating mechanism 13 is a mechanism for performing pre-coating in which a small amount of resist liquid is applied prior to the main application in order to remove the resist liquid adhering to the slit 41b. The pre-coating is performed immediately before the actual coating process (hereinafter referred to as “main coating process”) on the substrate or the like. At the time of pre-coating, the pre-coating mechanism 13 has a regular polygonal shape (a regular octagon in FIG. 2) in a state where the slit nozzle 41 is in a position immediately above the pre-coating mechanism 13 (hereinafter referred to as “pre-coating position”). While the polygonal column-shaped dispense roll 14 having a rectangular shape is rotated about the center 14a of the regular polygon by the drive mechanism 15 as a rotation axis, the polygonal column-shaped dispense roll 14 is synchronized with the rotation operation on each side of the regular polygon. A small amount of resist solution is discharged from the slit nozzle 41 onto the corresponding coated surface 14s. This corresponds to a process of applying the resist solution to the application surface while relatively scanning the application surface 14s with the slit nozzle 41. By performing the pre-coating immediately before the main coating process, the resist solution adhering to the slit nozzle 41 is efficiently removed. Therefore, in the main coating process, the film thickness is non-uniform due to the resist liquid adhering to the slit nozzle 41 ( And so on).

  The resist solution applied to the coated surface 14s is formed of a material having a lower hardness than the coated surface 14s, specifically, resin or rubber while the pre-coating is completed and the main coating process is being performed. It is scraped off by the dispensed roll scraper 16. The coated surface 14s is further cleaned with a dispensing spot 17 filled with a predetermined solvent.

  The control system 6 includes an arithmetic unit 60 that processes various data according to a program and a storage unit 61 that stores the program and various data. In addition, an operation unit 62 for an operator to input necessary instructions to the substrate processing apparatus 1 and a display unit 63 for displaying various data are provided on the front surface.

  The control system 6 is electrically connected to each mechanism attached to the main body 2 by a cable (not shown) in FIG. The control system 6 is based on input signals from the operation unit 62, signals from the gap sensor 42 and other various sensors (not shown), and the like. 9 controls the operation of the resist solution supplying operation by the nozzle 9 and the operation of each drive mechanism, each rotation mechanism, each valve, etc. associated with the nozzle cleaning mechanism 7 and the pre-coating mechanism 13 described later.

  Specifically, a RAM that temporarily stores data, a read-only ROM, a magnetic disk device, and the like correspond to the storage unit 61. Alternatively, it may be a storage medium such as a portable magneto-optical disk or a memory card, and a reading device thereof. The operation unit 62 corresponds to buttons and switches (including a keyboard and a mouse). Or what has the function of the display part 63 like a touchscreen display may be used. The display unit 63 corresponds to a liquid crystal display or various lamps.

<Slit nozzle and supply mechanism>
FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing the slit nozzle 41 and the supply mechanism 9 for supplying a resist solution to the slit nozzle 41. In FIG. 3, the slit nozzle 41 is shown as a cross-sectional view parallel to the longitudinal direction. 4 is a view showing a cross section taken along the line AA ′ in FIG. 3 of the slit nozzle 41 (a plane parallel to the ZX plane in FIG. 1).

  As shown in FIG. 4, the lower half of the slit nozzle 41 has a substantially V-shaped outer shape in which a cross section in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal direction becomes narrower downward. As shown in FIG. 3 and FIG. 4, a resist solution to be applied to the substrate is temporarily stored in the slit nozzle 41 between both end portions in the longitudinal direction and above the center of the cross section. A manifold 45 (shown in cross section by hatching in FIG. 4) is provided. Further, an air vent hole 47 extending from the upper end portion of the manifold 45 to the upper end portion of the slit nozzle 41 is provided inside the slit nozzle 41. The air vent hole 47 functions as a discharge port for discharging air and a resist solution (mainly mixed with air) from the manifold 45. The air vent hole 47 is preferably provided at a position where the minimum value of the distance between the supply ports 46a, 46b and the air vent hole 47 in the longitudinal direction of the slit nozzle 41 is maximum. Specifically, it is preferably provided at a position as far as possible from both the supply ports 46a and 46b. In the present embodiment, the slit nozzle 41 is provided at the center in the longitudinal direction.

  Further, supply ports 46 a and 46 b for supplying a resist solution to the manifold 45 are provided at both end portions of the manifold 45. Further, a gap 41a with a constant interval is formed between the lower end of the manifold 45 and the front end (lowermost end) of the slit nozzle 41 corresponding to a substantially V-shaped apex portion. It is provided over. The interval of the gap 41a is preferably about 50 μm to 250 μm. The lowermost end of the gap 41a is a slit 41b for discharging the resist solution. When a predetermined discharge pressure is applied to the resist solution supplied to the manifold 45 by the action of the supply mechanism 9 described below, the resist solution is discharged from the slit 41b through the gap 41a and applied to the substrate 90.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the manifold 45 is provided so as to be inclined from the air vent hole 47 side toward the gap 41 a side in the A-A ′ cross section. As shown in FIG. 3, the air vent hole 47 is provided so that the end portion 47a on the manifold 45 side is positioned higher than the supply ports 46a and 46b. That is, the manifold 45 is formed such that the upper surface 45a thereof is inclined between the end 47a of the air vent hole 47 and the supply ports 46a and 46b in the longitudinal direction. On the other hand, since the lower surface 45b of the manifold 45 is formed so as to be substantially parallel to the upper and lower ends of the slit nozzle 41, the manifold 45 moves from the supply ports 46a, 46b to the center in the longitudinal direction. The distance h between the upper and lower surfaces is gradually increased. Alternatively, it can be said that the cross-sectional area is gradually increased.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the supply mechanism 9 includes a resist solution supply source 91 for storing the resist solution R, and a resist solution supply path L1 for supplying the resist solution R from the resist solution supply source 91 to the slit nozzle 41. The air vent path L2 for removing air mixed in the resist solution in the slit nozzle 41 is mainly provided. The air vent path L2 functions as a discharge path for discharging air and a resist solution (mainly mixed with air).

  In the resist solution supply path L1, a valve V2, a supply pump 92, a valve V3, and a pressure gauge 93 are sequentially connected from a resist solution supply source 91 side through a predetermined pipe. The resist solution R stored in the resist solution supply source 91 is pressurized and supplied by compressed air (pressure air). Alternatively, the resist solution R stored in the resist solution supply source 91 is pumped up by the supply pump 92 and is quantitatively fed. The pressure gauge 93 is provided for monitoring the supply pressure of the resist solution.

  The resist solution supply path L1 branches in two directions between the pressure gauge 93 and the slit nozzle 41, and the branch supply paths L1a and L1b are respectively at both end portions in the longitudinal direction of the slit nozzle 41. The supply ports 46a and 46b are connected respectively. That is, the slit nozzle 41 according to the present embodiment is configured such that the resist solution is supplied from the side end portion side in the longitudinal direction. Further, the branch supply paths L1a and L1b are provided with a valve V4 and a valve V5, respectively.

  The valves V2 to V5 are all electromagnetic valves whose opening / closing operations are controlled by the control system 6.

  The air vent path L2 is formed by connecting a predetermined pipe to an air vent hole 47 provided on the upper surface side of the slit nozzle 41. In the middle of the air vent path L2, an air vent valve V1 is provided. The air vent valve V <b> 1 is also an electromagnetic valve whose opening / closing operation is controlled by the control system 6. Further, a sensing unit 94 is provided between the slit nozzle 41 and the air vent valve V1. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining the sensing unit 94. As shown in FIG. 5 (a), in the sensing unit 94, the pipe 96 from the air vent hole 47 is bent in a U shape so that the bent portion becomes the upper end portion, and the air sensor 95 is disposed immediately above. Is provided. Preferably, the pipe 96 is positioned so that the apex portion (U-shaped bottom portion) 96a of the pipe 96 is located at the highest position in the air vent path L2 from the slit nozzle 41 to the sensing unit 94. Provided. The sensing unit 94 is responsible for determining whether the pipe 96 constituting the air vent path L2 is filled with a resist solution, or whether air is not mixed (presence of air biting). The air sensor 95 is a so-called optical sensor, which emits a light beam, receives a reflected beam corresponding thereto, and gives the light intensity to the control system 6. Therefore, the apex portion 96a of the pipe 96 is optically transparent, and the portion 96b facing the apex portion 96a is provided so as to reflect the light beam. Processing using the sensing unit 94 will be described later.

  The air vent valve V1 is connected to a drain (not shown) before the air vent valve V1. As will be described later, the air mixed in the resist solution supplied to the manifold 45 or the resist solution containing air is discharged from the air vent path L2.

<Resist liquid filling>
Next, filling of the resist solution into the slit nozzle 41 will be described. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a cross section parallel to the longitudinal direction of the slit nozzle 41 during supply of the resist solution, and FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of the AA ′ cross section of FIG. 3 at that time. FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a cross section parallel to the longitudinal direction of the slit nozzle 41 when bubbles are mixed in the resist solution, and FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram in the AA ′ cross section of FIG. It is.

  When supplying the resist solution to the slit nozzle 41 that is completely unfilled with the resist solution, first, the slit nozzle 41 is positioned at the standby position. Then, in a state where the valves V4 and V5 and the air vent valve V1 at both ends of the slit nozzle 41 are all “open”, the resist solution is supplied by the fixed liquid supply by the supply pump 92 or the pressurized supply from the resist solution supply source 91. I do. As a result, the resist solution that has passed through the resist solution supply path L1 and the branch supply paths L1a and L1b continues from the supply ports 46a and 46b at the longitudinal end of the slit nozzle 41 to the inside of the slit nozzle 41 and the manifold 45. Will be injected.

  As described above, in the slit nozzle 41, the gap 41a (indicated by hatching in FIG. 6) is formed below the manifold 45. Therefore, the resist solution that has flowed into the manifold 45 flows into the gap 41a. However, since the gap 41a is as narrow as about 50 to 250 μm and the viscosity of the resist solution is relatively high, the resist solution in the gap 41a. This fluidity is kept sufficiently lower than the fluidity inside the manifold 45. Accordingly, a very small amount of the resist solution flowing into the manifold 45 flows out from the slit 41b at the lower end of the slit nozzle 41 and drops into the standby pot PT or adheres to the vicinity of the slit 41b, but the gap 41a is almost filled. In this case, as shown by the arrow AR2 in FIG. 6 or the arrow AR3 in FIG. 7, the liquid level of the resist solution (the portion painted in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7) rises, and the manifold 45, air vent hole 47, Will sequentially fill the air vent path L2 (FIG. 3).

  In other words, when filling the resist solution, in the manifold 45, the resist is mainly directed from the supply ports 46a and 46b provided at both end portions toward the air vent hole 47 provided at the central upper end portion. The liquid will flow. As the resist solution flows in, the air in the manifold 45 is exhausted through the air vent hole 47 and the air vent path L2. In addition, since the resist solution flows from both side end portions to the central portion of the slit nozzle 41, that is, in the entire manifold 45 as described above, there is no portion where the resist solution stays in the manifold 45 during filling. As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, even when air is mixed into the manifold 45 as bubbles BL4 and BL5, the bubbles BL4 and BL5 are also retained in the resist flow without staying in the arrows AR4 and AR5. As in AR5, it is discharged sequentially. Alternatively, since the air vent hole 47 is provided above the manifold 45, the bubbles BL4 and BL5 themselves can easily escape to the outside of the slit nozzle 41. That is, in the substrate processing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, bubbles can be reliably removed from the slit nozzle 41 in a short time.

  The determination of whether or not the manifold 45 is filled with the resist solution, that is, whether or not the air in the manifold 45 is replaced with the resist solution is realized by the action of the air sensor 95 and the control system 6. As shown in FIG. 5A, when no resist solution is present inside the pipe 96, the air sensor 95 receives the reflected beam BM2 having a predetermined light intensity corresponding to the emitted incident beam BM1. On the other hand, when the resist solution is present in the pipe 96 as shown in FIG. 5B, the light intensity of the reflected beam BM2 received by the air sensor 95 decreases due to light scattered by the resist solution. Even if the incident beam BM1 having the same light intensity as that in FIG. 5A is given, no reflection occurs and the air sensor 95 cannot receive the reflected beam BM2, or as compared with the case of FIG. 5A. Therefore, only the reflected beam BM2 having a sufficiently small light intensity is received. Thus, there is a correlation between the change in the filling degree of the resist solution inside the pipe 96 and the change in the light intensity of the reflected beam BM2 received by the air sensor 95. In the control system 6, based on a signal indicating the light intensity sent from the air sensor 95, the filling degree of the resist solution, and, if viewed from another viewpoint, the air mixing degree (or presence degree) is determined. Specifically, when a certain light intensity is set as a threshold and the received light intensity is smaller than that, the sensing unit 94 is filled with the resist solution, that is, the manifold is filled with the resist solution. An aspect such as determination is conceivable.

  Thus, with a simple configuration, whether or not the slit nozzle is filled with a processing solution or whether or not air is mixed in the resist solution is applied not only at the time of filling the resist solution prior to the coating process. Even during the processing operation, it can be determined reliably.

  When the sensing unit 94 determines that the pipe 96 is sufficiently filled with the resist solution, the filling of the resist solution is terminated. That is, the supply of the resist solution from the resist solution supply source 91 is stopped, and the air vent valve V1 is set to the “closed” state.

  It should be noted that after the interior of the manifold 45 and further the pipe 96 is filled with the resist solution, the resist solution containing air bubbles can sufficiently flow in. However, in the present embodiment, since the upper surface 45a of the manifold 45 of the slit nozzle 41 has the inclination as described above, the mixed bubbles are relatively easily ventilated without the flow of the resist solution. It will move toward the hole 47. As a result, as shown by an arrow AR1 in FIG. 5C, the bubble BL1 in the resist solution is bent up to the vicinity of the apex portion (U-shaped bottom portion) of the pipe 96 provided in a U-shape. As a result, the air reservoir P1 may be formed. In the state where the air reservoir P1 is present, the light intensity of the reflected beam BM2 is larger than that in the state where the resist solution is completely filled. Therefore, whether or not such an air reservoir P1 is formed is monitored by monitoring the fluctuation of the light intensity. Can be determined. For example, once the resist filling operation is finished, the fluctuation of the light intensity is monitored for a predetermined time, and if the light intensity is substantially constant below the threshold value, air is not mixed into the manifold 45 and the air is not mixed. It can be considered that it is determined that the pool P1 is not formed. At that time, if necessary, the once filled filling operation may be repeated to sufficiently remove air. This filling operation is hereinafter referred to as “air bleeding operation”. In the air venting operation, the air vent valve V1 is again set to the “open” state, and the resist solution is supplied from the resist solution supply source 91 in the same manner as described above.

<Application operation>
Next, the resist liquid application operation by the slit nozzle 41 will be outlined. First, the substrate 90 is transported to a predetermined position of the stage 3 by an operator or a transport mechanism (not shown), and is sucked and held on the holding surface 30.

  Further, the vicinity of the slit 41 b at the tip of the slit nozzle 41 is cleaned by the nozzle cleaning mechanism 7. After performing a predetermined cleaning process, the nozzle cleaning mechanism 7 retreats to a retreat position (not shown).

  When cleaning is performed, the traveling mechanism 5 moves the bridging structure 4 including the slit nozzle 41 to the pre-coating position. Then, the position of the slit nozzle 41 in the height direction is adjusted by the lifting mechanisms 43 and 44. Thereafter, in synchronization with the rotation of the dispense roll 14 by the drive mechanism 15, the supply pump 92 presses the resist liquid at a predetermined pressure for a predetermined time, whereby the resist liquid on the coated surface on which the dispense roll 14 is provided. Is applied, that is, a pre-coating process is performed.

  When the pre-coating process is completed, the traveling mechanism 5 moves the bridging structure 4 to a position on the substrate 90 where the main coating process is performed, and the elevating mechanisms 43 and 44 adjust the height of the slit nozzle 41 to a predetermined height. To do. Preferably, the height of the slit nozzle 41 is set so that the bridge structure 4 is scanned over the substrate held on the holding surface 30 and the thickness of the substrate 90 is measured by the gap sensor 42 before the coating process. Set based on the result. The thickness may be measured each time the coating process is performed, or if the substrate 90 having the same shape and high dimensional accuracy is continuously processed, the thickness of the first sheet is measured. In the subsequent processing of the substrate 90, the result may be used.

  As soon as these position adjustments are completed, the traveling mechanism 5 moves the bridging structure 4 at a predetermined speed, and presses the resist liquid at a predetermined pressure by the supply pump 92, thereby applying the resist liquid to the substrate 90. That is, the main coating process is performed.

  When the main coating process is completed, the traveling mechanism 5 moves the bridging structure 4 so that the slit nozzle 41 returns to the standby position.

  For example, if the resist solution is supplied from one central portion of the slit nozzle as described in Patent Document 3, the fluidity of the resist in the manifold, in other words, the central portion with the supply port There is a difference in the substituting property of the resist solution between the end portions. Therefore, there is a difference between the viscosity of the resist solution discharged from the central portion and the viscosity of the resist solution discharged from the end portion, and radial unevenness due to this can occur. On the other hand, in the slit nozzle 41 according to the present embodiment, the coating process is performed while supplying the resist solution from the supply ports 46a and 46b provided at both ends of the slit nozzle 41. Pressure distribution) is made uniform. That is, there is no local difference in the response of the resist solution to the pressure from the supply pump 92. Therefore, a uniform coating film can be formed. This also means that there is a wide range of choices of resist types and viscosities that can be used.

  Also, during the pre-coating process and the main coating process, air may be mixed into the resist solution as bubbles. In this case, however, the mixed bubbles are directed toward the air vent hole 47 as described above. It will come out. As a result, the air reservoir P1 as described above may be formed during the coating process. However, depending on the degree of air bubble mixing, not all air bubbles go to the air vent hole 47, and it is possible that the air may come out of the gap 41a during the coating process. This is not preferable because the uniformity of the coating film is disturbed. Therefore, in order to avoid this, the air sensor 95 constantly monitors the light intensity of the reflected beam BM2 in the sensing unit 94, so that when the light intensity fluctuates beyond a predetermined threshold, the coating process is interrupted. A mode of performing the air bleeding operation again may be employed. At that time, if the air venting operation is performed while performing the pre-coating process on the dispense roll 14, the air venting operation can be performed without contaminating the vicinity of the slit 41b with the resist solution. Can resume.

  As described above, in the substrate processing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, the slit nozzle 41 includes the resist solution supply ports 46a and 46b at both ends, and is higher than the supply ports 46a and 46b. The air vent hole 47 is provided so that the end portion 47a on the manifold 45 side is located at the position. That is, in the slit nozzle 41, the manifold 45 is formed so that the upper surface 45a thereof is inclined between the end 47a of the air vent hole 47 and the supply ports 46a and 46b in the longitudinal direction. Even when air bubbles or the like are mixed in the filled resist solution, the air bubbles are easily led out of the slit nozzle 41 through the air vent hole 47 and discharged. Therefore, air can be reliably removed without providing a mechanism for reversing the slit nozzle 41. Further, when filling the slit nozzle 41 with the resist solution, the resist solution flows from the supply ports 46 a and 46 b toward the air vent hole 47, that is, in the entire manifold 45. In the coating process, the resist flow rate (or dynamic pressure distribution) is made uniform in the manifold 45. Therefore, a uniform coating film can be formed without causing a local difference in the viscosity of the resist solution.

<Second Embodiment>
Next, a mode in which the substrate processing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment additionally includes a component for cleaning the slit nozzle 41 will be described as a second embodiment. In the following description, the same components as those of the substrate processing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted. FIG. 10 is a diagram schematically illustrating the slit nozzle 41 and the supply mechanism 9 according to the second embodiment.

  The supply mechanism 9 shown in FIG. 10 is substantially the same as that shown in FIG. 3, but the cleaning liquid supply source 97 storing a predetermined cleaning liquid W for cleaning the manifold 45 and the gap 41a, and the cleaning liquid The difference is that a switching valve V6 that can selectively switch between the supply of the cleaning liquid from the supply source 97 and the supply of the resist liquid from the resist liquid supply source 91 is provided. The substrate processing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment selectively executes a normal coating processing operation for supplying the resist solution R and a cleaning operation for supplying the cleaning solution W by appropriately switching the switching valve V6. Can do. Since the coating processing operation is the same as that in the first embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted, and the cleaning operation will be described below.

  As described in the first embodiment, when the coating processing operation is completed, the slit nozzle 41 returns to the standby position. Note that the cleaning position for cleaning may be defined, and a dedicated pot for receiving the cleaning liquid W may be provided at the cleaning position. When performing the cleaning operation, the switching valve V6 is switched to supply the cleaning liquid W at this time. Thereafter, when the supply pump 92 is operated, the cleaning liquid W is pumped up from the cleaning liquid supply source 97 and supplied to the manifold 45 from the supply ports 46a and 46b through the resist liquid supply path L1. As a result, the resist solution R remaining in the resist solution supply path L1, the manifold 45, and the gap 41a is pushed out to the cleaning solution W and discharged to the outside of the slit nozzle 41.

  Since a solvent having a lower viscosity than that of the resist solution R is usually used as the cleaning solution W, the fluidity is higher than that of the resist solution. Therefore, the cleaning solution W easily penetrates into the gap 41a, and the slit nozzle The entire interior of 41 is easily distributed. For example, as described in Patent Document 3, when the supply port is provided only at one central portion of the slit nozzle, even if a low-viscosity cleaning liquid is supplied from the central supply port, the end is sufficient. Therefore, even if a large amount of cleaning liquid is used, it is not always possible to perform cleaning reliably. However, in the case of the present embodiment, by taking the above-described aspect, a smaller amount of cleaning liquid can be used. The interior of the slit nozzle 41 can be reliably cleaned.

<Third Embodiment>
In order to increase the fluidity of the resist solution in the manifold and to make it easier for air to escape, it is indispensable to supply the resist solution from “both ends” of the slit nozzle as in the above-described embodiment. is not. The slit nozzle having the above-described embodiment will be described. FIG. 11 is a diagram schematically illustrating the slit nozzle 141 and a supply mechanism 190 configured to correspond thereto. In the present embodiment, the constituent elements of other parts of the substrate processing apparatus are the same as those in the above-described embodiment, and thus illustration and description thereof are omitted.

  The slit nozzle 141 has a resist solution supply port 146 only at one end portion in the longitudinal direction, an air vent hole 147 above the other end, and an end of the air vent hole 147 on the manifold 145 side. This is a slit nozzle in which the manifold 145 is formed so that the portion 147a is located higher than the supply port 146, that is, the upper surface 145a is inclined in the longitudinal direction. The supply mechanism 190 is different from the above-described embodiment in that the resist solution supply path L1 is connected to the supply port 146 without branching, and the air vent path L2 is connected to the air vent hole 147. Since the operation of the components provided in is the same, the same reference numerals are given and description thereof is omitted.

  Also in the slit nozzle 141 according to the present embodiment, during the resist liquid filling operation, the resist nozzle is provided from the supply port 146 at one end of the slit nozzle 41 to the air vent hole 147 at the other end, that is, the entire manifold 145. Since the liquid flows, there is no portion where the resist liquid stays in the manifold 145, and the air can be surely removed in a short time. Further, since the upper surface 145a of the manifold 145 is formed so as to be inclined between the end 47a of the air vent hole 147 and the supply port 146, bubbles due to air or the like are mixed into the filled resist solution. Even if it is, it is easily guided out of the slit nozzle 141 from the air vent hole 147 and discharged.

<Modification>
When the resist solution is supplied from both side ends of the slit nozzle 41 during the main coating process as in the first embodiment, depending on the type of resist solution, the discharge conditions, etc. Due to the collision between the resist solutions supplied from the supply ports 46a and 46b, streaky unevenness may occur in the coating film formed on the substrate 90. Therefore, in order to avoid this, only the valve V4 is opened in the first application and the resist solution is supplied only from the supply port 46a side. In the next application, only the valve V5 is opened and the resist solution is supplied only from the supply port 46b side. For example, the supply port to be used may be switched every time this coating treatment operation is performed. Even in this case, the resist solution does not stay locally in the manifold 45, but rather the flow direction of the resist solution frequently changes, so that the viscosity of the resist solution in the manifold is made more uniform. The effect that it is done is acquired. Even in this case, bubbles due to air or the like mixed in the resist solution are guided from the air vent hole 47 to the air vent path L2.

  Alternatively, a mode may be adopted in which the resist is caused to flow only from the supply port 46a side during the main coating process, and the resist solution is allowed to flow from the supply port 46b side during the pre-coating process in the dispense roll 14 or during other ejections. .

  However, even in such a case, in the air venting operation, the valves V4 and V5 are both opened and the resist solution is supplied.

  In the second embodiment, the cleaning liquid supply source is provided separately from the resist liquid supply source, and the cleaning operation and the normal coating processing operation are switched in a mode in which the supply from both is switched by the switching valve. However, instead of this, in the cleaning operation, the content itself of the resist solution supply source 91 is replaced with the cleaning solution from the resist solution, and the cleaning process is performed by supplying the cleaning solution from the resist solution supply source 91. Also good.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where the upper surface of the manifold has a linear inclination has been described as an example, but the shape of the manifold is not limited to this. FIG. 12 is a view showing a modification of the shape of the slit nozzle, particularly the manifold. For example, like the slit nozzle 241 or 341 shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B, the upper surface 245a or 345a of the manifold 245 or 345 may have a curved slope, or FIG. As in a manifold 445 provided in the slit nozzle 441 shown in FIG. Even when slit nozzles having these shapes are used, the same effects as those of the above-described embodiment can be obtained.

  The filling state of the resist solution or the mixed state of air may be determined by a mode different from the above-described embodiment. For example, as shown in FIG. 13, an air sensor 95 is provided so that the pipe 96 is sandwiched between the light beam irradiation part 95a and the light receiving part 95b, and further, the pipe 96 is in any part 96b facing the apex part 96a. Alternatively, it may be configured to be optically transparent and to make a determination based on the degree of light intensity of the light beam BM12 received by the light receiving unit 95b as transmitted light when the light beam BM11 is irradiated from the irradiation unit 95a. Even in this case, the same effects as those of the above-described embodiment can be obtained.

1 is a perspective view showing an outline of a substrate processing apparatus 1 according to a first embodiment. It is a figure which shows the main components which concern on the side cross section of the main body 2 of the substrate processing apparatus 1, and the application | coating operation | movement of a resist liquid. 2 is a diagram schematically showing a slit nozzle 41 and a supply mechanism 9 for supplying a resist solution to the slit nozzle 41. FIG. It is a figure which shows the A-A 'cross section (FIG. 3) of the slit nozzle 41. FIG. It is a figure explaining the sensing part 94. FIG. It is a schematic diagram of the cross section parallel to the longitudinal direction of the slit nozzle 41 which is supplying the resist liquid. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram of an A-A ′ cross section (FIG. 3) of the slit nozzle 41 during supply of a resist solution. It is a schematic diagram of a cross section parallel to the longitudinal direction of the slit nozzle 41 when bubbles are mixed in the resist solution. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of an A-A ′ cross section (FIG. 3) of the slit nozzle 41 when bubbles are mixed in the resist solution. It is a figure which shows typically the slit nozzle 41 and supply mechanism 9 which concern on 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows typically the slit nozzle 141 and supply mechanism 190 which concern on 3rd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the modification of the shape of a manifold. It is a figure which shows the modification of a detection of a filling degree and a gas mixing degree.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Substrate processing apparatus 3 Stage 4 Bridging structure 7 Nozzle cleaning mechanism 9,190 (resist liquid) supply mechanism 13 Pre-coating mechanism 14 Dispense roll 14s Surface to be coated 15 (Dispense roll) drive mechanism 16 Dispense roll scraper 17 Dispense spot 30 Holding surface 31 Traveling rail 32 Opening 40 Nozzle support 41, 141, 241, 341, 441 Slit nozzle 41a Gap 41b Slit 42 Gap sensor 43, 44 Lifting mechanism 45, 145, 245, 345, 445 Manifold 45a, 145a, 245 345, 445 (manifold) upper surface 45b (manifold) lower surface 46a, 46b, 146 (resist solution) supply port 47, 147 Air vent holes 46a, 46b (resist solution) supply port 5 0, 51 Linear motor 71 (Nozzle cleaning mechanism) drive mechanism 72 Scraper 90 Substrate 91 Resist liquid supply source 92 Supply pump 94 Sensing unit 95 Air sensor 96 Pipe 97 Cleaning liquid supply source BL1, BL4, BL5 Bubble BM1 Incident beam BM2 Reflected beam L1 Resist liquid supply path L2 Air vent path PT Standby pot V1 Air vent valve V6 Switching valve W Cleaning liquid

Claims (22)

A holding table for holding a substrate;
A slit nozzle for discharging a predetermined treatment liquid;
Moving means for moving the slit nozzle in a substantially horizontal direction along the surface of the substrate;
Processing liquid supply means for supplying the predetermined processing liquid from the predetermined processing liquid supply source to the slit nozzle;
With
By moving the slit nozzle in the substantially horizontal direction to cause the slit nozzle to scan the surface of the substrate, the predetermined processing liquid filled in the slit nozzle is ejected to thereby perform the predetermined processing. A substrate processing apparatus for applying a liquid to a substrate,
In the slit nozzle,
The processing liquid supply means is connected, and a supply port for supplying the predetermined processing liquid to the manifold of the slit nozzle is provided at at least one side end of both end portions in the longitudinal direction of the manifold. And
A discharge port for discharging the gas present inside the slit nozzle and the processing liquid mixed with the gas to the outside of the slit nozzle is provided at the upper end of the manifold,
The discharge port is provided at a position higher than the supply port,
A substrate processing apparatus. The substrate processing apparatus according to claim 1,
The supply port is provided at a first side end of both longitudinal ends of the manifold;
The discharge port is provided at a second side end portion of both end portions in the longitudinal direction of the manifold.
A substrate processing apparatus. The substrate processing apparatus according to claim 1,
The at least one supply port is a first supply port and a second supply port respectively provided at both end portions in the longitudinal direction of the manifold;
A substrate processing apparatus. The substrate processing apparatus according to claim 3, wherein
The discharge port is provided at a substantially central position of a section connecting the first and second supply ports.
A substrate processing apparatus. The substrate processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:
An upper surface of the manifold is inclined from the supply port toward the discharge port,
A substrate processing apparatus. The substrate processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:
The height from the lower surface to the upper surface of the manifold increases as it goes from the supply port side to the discharge port side,
A substrate processing apparatus. The substrate processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein:
The cross-sectional area of the manifold increases from the supply port side toward the discharge port side.
A substrate processing apparatus. A substrate processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
A discharge path connected to the discharge port;
A detecting means disposed in the middle of the discharge path for detecting a state of filling of the processing liquid in the discharge path;
A substrate processing apparatus comprising: The substrate processing apparatus according to claim 8, comprising:
Determination means for determining the degree of filling of the predetermined processing liquid into the slit nozzle;
Further comprising
The discharge path has a bent portion that is optically transparent and bent in a U-shape, and the bent portion is directed upward.
The detection means is disposed in the vicinity of the bent portion, emits a first light beam to a predetermined position of the bent portion, and is obtained from the predetermined position with the irradiation of the first light beam. Receiving the light beam of
The determination means includes
Determining the degree of filling based on fluctuations in light intensity of the second light beam received by the detection means;
A substrate processing apparatus. A substrate processing apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
A discharge path connected to the discharge port;
A detecting means arranged in the middle of the discharge path for detecting a gas mixing state of the processing liquid in the discharge path;
A substrate processing apparatus comprising: The substrate processing apparatus according to claim 10, comprising:
Determination means for determining mixing of gas into the predetermined processing liquid with respect to the slit nozzle,
Further comprising
The discharge path has a bent portion that is optically transparent and bent in a U-shape, and the bent portion is directed upward.
The detection means is disposed in the vicinity of the bent portion, emits a first light beam to a predetermined position of the bent portion, and is obtained from the predetermined position with the irradiation of the first light beam. Receiving the light beam of
The determination means includes
Determining mixing of the gas based on a variation in light intensity of the second light beam received by the detection means;
A substrate processing apparatus. A substrate processing apparatus according to any one of claims 3 to 11,
The processing liquid supply means can selectively supply the predetermined processing liquid and a cleaning liquid for cleaning the inside of the slit nozzle obtained from a predetermined cleaning liquid supply source.
A substrate processing apparatus. A substrate processing apparatus according to any one of claims 3 to 11,
The processing liquid supply means can supply the cleaning liquid after replacing the predetermined processing liquid with a cleaning liquid for cleaning the inside of the slit nozzle.
A substrate processing apparatus. The predetermined processing liquid is discharged onto the target object by discharging the predetermined processing liquid supplied by the predetermined processing liquid supply unit while scanning the surface of the target object by being moved by the predetermined moving unit. A slit nozzle that provides
The processing liquid supply means is connected, and a supply port for supplying the predetermined processing liquid to the manifold of the slit nozzle is provided at at least one side end of both end portions in the longitudinal direction of the manifold. And
A discharge port for discharging the gas present inside the slit nozzle and the processing liquid mixed with the gas to the outside of the slit nozzle is provided at the upper end of the manifold,
The discharge port is provided at a position higher than the supply port,
A slit nozzle characterized by that. The slit nozzle according to claim 14,
The supply port is provided at a first side end of both longitudinal ends of the manifold;
The discharge port is provided at a second side end portion of both end portions in the longitudinal direction of the manifold.
A slit nozzle characterized by that. The slit nozzle according to claim 14,
The at least one supply port is a first supply port and a second supply port respectively provided at both end portions in the longitudinal direction of the manifold;
A slit nozzle characterized by that. The slit nozzle according to claim 16,
The discharge port is provided at a substantially central position of a section connecting the first and second supply ports.
A slit nozzle characterized by that. A slit nozzle according to any one of claims 14 to 17,
An upper surface of the manifold is inclined from the supply port toward the discharge port,
A slit nozzle characterized by that. A slit nozzle according to any one of claims 14 to 17,
The height from the lower surface to the upper surface of the manifold increases as it goes from the supply port side to the discharge port side,
A slit nozzle characterized by that. A slit nozzle according to any one of claims 14 to 17,
The cross-sectional area of the manifold increases from the supply port side toward the discharge port side.
A slit nozzle characterized by that. A structure for determining a filling degree of the predetermined liquid in an object to be filled which is filled with the predetermined liquid by being supplied with the predetermined liquid by a predetermined supply means;
A discharge port for discharging the gas and the filling inside the filling body to the outside of the filling body;
A discharge path connected to the discharge port, having a bent portion that is optically transparent and bent in a U-shape, and the bent portion is directed upward;
Arranged in the vicinity of the bent portion, emits a first light beam to a predetermined position of the bent portion, and receives a second light beam obtained from the predetermined position with irradiation of the first light beam. Detecting means for
Determination means for determining a filling degree of the predetermined liquid with respect to the filling object based on a change in light intensity of the second light beam received by the detection means;
A liquid filling degree determination structure in an object to be filled, comprising: A structure for determining the degree of gas mixture with respect to the predetermined liquid filled in the predetermined liquid filled with the predetermined liquid by supplying the predetermined liquid by the predetermined supply means;
A discharge port for discharging the gas and the filling inside the filling body to the outside of the filling body;
A discharge path connected to the discharge port, having a bent portion that is optically transparent and bent in a U-shape, and the bent portion is directed upward;
Arranged in the vicinity of the bent portion, emits a first light beam to a predetermined position of the bent portion, and receives a second light beam obtained from the predetermined position with irradiation of the first light beam. Detecting means for
Determination means for determining a gas mixing degree with respect to the predetermined liquid based on a variation in light intensity of the second light beam received by the detection means;
A gas contamination degree determination structure in an object to be filled, comprising:

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