WO2005067634A2 - Advanced multi-pressure worpiece processing - Google Patents
Advanced multi-pressure worpiece processing Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- WO2005067634A2 WO2005067634A2 PCT/US2005/000423 US2005000423W WO2005067634A2 WO 2005067634 A2 WO2005067634 A2 WO 2005067634A2 US 2005000423 W US2005000423 W US 2005000423W WO 2005067634 A2 WO2005067634 A2 WO 2005067634A2
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- WIPO (PCT)
- Prior art keywords
- pressure
- processing chamber
- chamber
- workpiece
- preheating
- Prior art date
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Classifications
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01J—ELECTRIC DISCHARGE TUBES OR DISCHARGE LAMPS
- H01J37/00—Discharge tubes with provision for introducing objects or material to be exposed to the discharge, e.g. for the purpose of examination or processing thereof
- H01J37/32—Gas-filled discharge tubes
- H01J37/32431—Constructional details of the reactor
- H01J37/32733—Means for moving the material to be treated
- H01J37/32743—Means for moving the material to be treated for introducing the material into processing chamber
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- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C23—COATING METALLIC MATERIAL; COATING MATERIAL WITH METALLIC MATERIAL; CHEMICAL SURFACE TREATMENT; DIFFUSION TREATMENT OF METALLIC MATERIAL; COATING BY VACUUM EVAPORATION, BY SPUTTERING, BY ION IMPLANTATION OR BY CHEMICAL VAPOUR DEPOSITION, IN GENERAL; INHIBITING CORROSION OF METALLIC MATERIAL OR INCRUSTATION IN GENERAL
- C23F—NON-MECHANICAL REMOVAL OF METALLIC MATERIAL FROM SURFACE; INHIBITING CORROSION OF METALLIC MATERIAL OR INCRUSTATION IN GENERAL; MULTI-STEP PROCESSES FOR SURFACE TREATMENT OF METALLIC MATERIAL INVOLVING AT LEAST ONE PROCESS PROVIDED FOR IN CLASS C23 AND AT LEAST ONE PROCESS COVERED BY SUBCLASS C21D OR C22F OR CLASS C25
- C23F1/00—Etching metallic material by chemical means
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C23—COATING METALLIC MATERIAL; COATING MATERIAL WITH METALLIC MATERIAL; CHEMICAL SURFACE TREATMENT; DIFFUSION TREATMENT OF METALLIC MATERIAL; COATING BY VACUUM EVAPORATION, BY SPUTTERING, BY ION IMPLANTATION OR BY CHEMICAL VAPOUR DEPOSITION, IN GENERAL; INHIBITING CORROSION OF METALLIC MATERIAL OR INCRUSTATION IN GENERAL
- C23C—COATING METALLIC MATERIAL; COATING MATERIAL WITH METALLIC MATERIAL; SURFACE TREATMENT OF METALLIC MATERIAL BY DIFFUSION INTO THE SURFACE, BY CHEMICAL CONVERSION OR SUBSTITUTION; COATING BY VACUUM EVAPORATION, BY SPUTTERING, BY ION IMPLANTATION OR BY CHEMICAL VAPOUR DEPOSITION, IN GENERAL
- C23C16/00—Chemical coating by decomposition of gaseous compounds, without leaving reaction products of surface material in the coating, i.e. chemical vapour deposition [CVD] processes
-
- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C23—COATING METALLIC MATERIAL; COATING MATERIAL WITH METALLIC MATERIAL; CHEMICAL SURFACE TREATMENT; DIFFUSION TREATMENT OF METALLIC MATERIAL; COATING BY VACUUM EVAPORATION, BY SPUTTERING, BY ION IMPLANTATION OR BY CHEMICAL VAPOUR DEPOSITION, IN GENERAL; INHIBITING CORROSION OF METALLIC MATERIAL OR INCRUSTATION IN GENERAL
- C23C—COATING METALLIC MATERIAL; COATING MATERIAL WITH METALLIC MATERIAL; SURFACE TREATMENT OF METALLIC MATERIAL BY DIFFUSION INTO THE SURFACE, BY CHEMICAL CONVERSION OR SUBSTITUTION; COATING BY VACUUM EVAPORATION, BY SPUTTERING, BY ION IMPLANTATION OR BY CHEMICAL VAPOUR DEPOSITION, IN GENERAL
- C23C16/00—Chemical coating by decomposition of gaseous compounds, without leaving reaction products of surface material in the coating, i.e. chemical vapour deposition [CVD] processes
- C23C16/44—Chemical coating by decomposition of gaseous compounds, without leaving reaction products of surface material in the coating, i.e. chemical vapour deposition [CVD] processes characterised by the method of coating
- C23C16/455—Chemical coating by decomposition of gaseous compounds, without leaving reaction products of surface material in the coating, i.e. chemical vapour deposition [CVD] processes characterised by the method of coating characterised by the method used for introducing gases into reaction chamber or for modifying gas flows in reaction chamber
- C23C16/45557—Pulsed pressure or control pressure
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- C—CHEMISTRY; METALLURGY
- C23—COATING METALLIC MATERIAL; COATING MATERIAL WITH METALLIC MATERIAL; CHEMICAL SURFACE TREATMENT; DIFFUSION TREATMENT OF METALLIC MATERIAL; COATING BY VACUUM EVAPORATION, BY SPUTTERING, BY ION IMPLANTATION OR BY CHEMICAL VAPOUR DEPOSITION, IN GENERAL; INHIBITING CORROSION OF METALLIC MATERIAL OR INCRUSTATION IN GENERAL
- C23C—COATING METALLIC MATERIAL; COATING MATERIAL WITH METALLIC MATERIAL; SURFACE TREATMENT OF METALLIC MATERIAL BY DIFFUSION INTO THE SURFACE, BY CHEMICAL CONVERSION OR SUBSTITUTION; COATING BY VACUUM EVAPORATION, BY SPUTTERING, BY ION IMPLANTATION OR BY CHEMICAL VAPOUR DEPOSITION, IN GENERAL
- C23C16/00—Chemical coating by decomposition of gaseous compounds, without leaving reaction products of surface material in the coating, i.e. chemical vapour deposition [CVD] processes
- C23C16/44—Chemical coating by decomposition of gaseous compounds, without leaving reaction products of surface material in the coating, i.e. chemical vapour deposition [CVD] processes characterised by the method of coating
- C23C16/54—Apparatus specially adapted for continuous coating
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01J—ELECTRIC DISCHARGE TUBES OR DISCHARGE LAMPS
- H01J37/00—Discharge tubes with provision for introducing objects or material to be exposed to the discharge, e.g. for the purpose of examination or processing thereof
- H01J37/32—Gas-filled discharge tubes
- H01J37/32917—Plasma diagnostics
- H01J37/32935—Monitoring and controlling tubes by information coming from the object and/or discharge
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01L—SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS H10
- H01L21/00—Processes or apparatus adapted for the manufacture or treatment of semiconductor or solid state devices or of parts thereof
- H01L21/67—Apparatus specially adapted for handling semiconductor or electric solid state devices during manufacture or treatment thereof; Apparatus specially adapted for handling wafers during manufacture or treatment of semiconductor or electric solid state devices or components ; Apparatus not specifically provided for elsewhere
- H01L21/67005—Apparatus not specifically provided for elsewhere
- H01L21/67011—Apparatus for manufacture or treatment
- H01L21/67017—Apparatus for fluid treatment
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01L—SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS H10
- H01L21/00—Processes or apparatus adapted for the manufacture or treatment of semiconductor or solid state devices or of parts thereof
- H01L21/67—Apparatus specially adapted for handling semiconductor or electric solid state devices during manufacture or treatment thereof; Apparatus specially adapted for handling wafers during manufacture or treatment of semiconductor or electric solid state devices or components ; Apparatus not specifically provided for elsewhere
- H01L21/67005—Apparatus not specifically provided for elsewhere
- H01L21/67011—Apparatus for manufacture or treatment
- H01L21/67155—Apparatus for manufacturing or treating in a plurality of work-stations
- H01L21/67196—Apparatus for manufacturing or treating in a plurality of work-stations characterized by the construction of the transfer chamber
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- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01L—SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES NOT COVERED BY CLASS H10
- H01L21/00—Processes or apparatus adapted for the manufacture or treatment of semiconductor or solid state devices or of parts thereof
- H01L21/67—Apparatus specially adapted for handling semiconductor or electric solid state devices during manufacture or treatment thereof; Apparatus specially adapted for handling wafers during manufacture or treatment of semiconductor or electric solid state devices or components ; Apparatus not specifically provided for elsewhere
- H01L21/677—Apparatus specially adapted for handling semiconductor or electric solid state devices during manufacture or treatment thereof; Apparatus specially adapted for handling wafers during manufacture or treatment of semiconductor or electric solid state devices or components ; Apparatus not specifically provided for elsewhere for conveying, e.g. between different workstations
- H01L21/67739—Apparatus specially adapted for handling semiconductor or electric solid state devices during manufacture or treatment thereof; Apparatus specially adapted for handling wafers during manufacture or treatment of semiconductor or electric solid state devices or components ; Apparatus not specifically provided for elsewhere for conveying, e.g. between different workstations into and out of processing chamber
- H01L21/67748—Apparatus specially adapted for handling semiconductor or electric solid state devices during manufacture or treatment thereof; Apparatus specially adapted for handling wafers during manufacture or treatment of semiconductor or electric solid state devices or components ; Apparatus not specifically provided for elsewhere for conveying, e.g. between different workstations into and out of processing chamber horizontal transfer of a single workpiece
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- G—PHYSICS
- G03—PHOTOGRAPHY; CINEMATOGRAPHY; ANALOGOUS TECHNIQUES USING WAVES OTHER THAN OPTICAL WAVES; ELECTROGRAPHY; HOLOGRAPHY
- G03F—PHOTOMECHANICAL PRODUCTION OF TEXTURED OR PATTERNED SURFACES, e.g. FOR PRINTING, FOR PROCESSING OF SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES; MATERIALS THEREFOR; ORIGINALS THEREFOR; APPARATUS SPECIALLY ADAPTED THEREFOR
- G03F7/00—Photomechanical, e.g. photolithographic, production of textured or patterned surfaces, e.g. printing surfaces; Materials therefor, e.g. comprising photoresists; Apparatus specially adapted therefor
- G03F7/26—Processing photosensitive materials; Apparatus therefor
- G03F7/42—Stripping or agents therefor
- G03F7/427—Stripping or agents therefor using plasma means only
Definitions
- the present invention is related generally to the field of processing one or more workpieces and, more particularly, to a system and method which carries out an overall procedure on workpieces by using more than one pressure.
- the '932 patent takes advantage of the well-known principle that heat transfer efficiency is increased with increased gas pressure.
- the '932 patent utilizes an intermediate pressure at which the wafer is heated in a processing chamber, after reducing the processing chamber pressure from a load/unload pressure.
- the load/unload pressure is not required to be atmospheric, but is nonetheless higher than the intermediate pressure.
- the '932 patent imposes constraints and problems which serve to limit further enhancement of system throughput.
- the system includes at least a transfer chamber and a processing chamber such that a transfer chamber pressure, l of35 in the transfer chamber, and a processing chamber pressure, in the processing chamber, can each vary and the workpiece can be moved between the transfer chamber and the processing chamber.
- the system further includes a process gas regulation arrangement for providing process gas to the processing chamber at least during a plasma treatment process at a given flow rate and which is capable of providing the process gas at a maximum flow rate. 8
- the transfer chamber pressure and the processing chamber pressure are equalized to a treatment pressure at which the workpiece is to be subjected to a plasma treatment process.
- the workpiece is transferred from the transfer chamber to the processing chamber at the treatment pressure.
- the workpiece is preheated to a treatment temperature, in cooperation with raising the processing chamber pressure to a preheating pressure at a pressure rise rate resulting at least in part from using an additional process chamber gas input flow at an input flow rate which causes an overall input rate to the processing chamber to be greater than the maximum flow rate, without raising the transfer chamber pressure.
- the processing chamber pressure is reduced to the treatment pressure.
- the workpiece is exposed to the plasma treatment process at least approximately at the treatment pressure and at the treatment temperature.
- the transfer chamber pressure and the processing chamber pressure are equalized to a preheating pressure at which the workpiece is to be heated to a treatment temperature.
- the workpiece is transferred from the transfer chamber to the processing chamber.
- the workpiece is preheated to a treatment temperature at the preheating pressure in the processing chamber.
- the processing chamber pressure is reduced to the treatment pressure while the transfer chamber remains at least approximately at the preheating pressure.
- the workpiece is exposed to the plasma treatment process at least approximately at the treatment pressure and at the treatment temperature.
- a backfill reservoir arrangement is configured for selective pressure communication with the processing chamber for use in selectively backfilling the processing chamber pressure from the treatment pressure to the preheating pressure.
- the transfer chamber pressure in pressure isolation from the process chamber, is changed to a selected pressure value that is greater than a preheating pressure at which the workpiece is to be heated at least approximately to a treatment temperature.
- pressure is equalized between the transfer chamber and the processing chamber such that the selected pressure backfills the process chamber at least approximately to the preheating pressure.
- the workpiece is moved from the transfer chamber to the processing chamber.
- the workpiece is preheated at least approximately to a treatment temperature at the preheating pressure in the processing chamber.
- the processing chamber pressure is reduced to the treatment pressure in pressure isolation from the transfer chamber pressure.
- the workpiece is exposed to the plasma treatment process at least approximately at the treatment pressure and at the treatment temperature.
- At least the processing chamber pressure is manipulated and the workpiece is cooperatively moved between the transfer chamber and the processing chamber such that the workpiece is exposed to a preheating pressure in the processing chamber for use in enhancing heating of the workpiece to a treatment temperature and so that the workpiece is subjected to a treatment process in the processing chamber, at least approximately at a treatment pressure, that is lower than the preheating pressure, after having at least approximately reached the treatment temperature, in a way which produces a maximum processing chamber pressure of no more than approximately the preheating pressure, using a value of the preheating pressure that is less than atmospheric pressure, but greater than the treatment pressure and using a rate of pressure increase resulting at least in part from using an additional process chamber gas input flow at an input flow rate which causes an overall input rate to the processing chamber to be greater than the maximum flow rate, without raising the transfer chamber pressure.
- Ifl3 for processing a plurality of workpieces, at least the processing chamber pressure is manipulated and a first one of the workpieces is moved between the transfer chamber and the processing chamber such that the first workpiece is exposed to a preheating pressure in the processing chamber for use in heating the first workpiece to a treatment temperature and so that the first workpiece is subjected to a treatment process in the processing chamber, at least approximately at a treatment pressure, that is lower than the preheating pressure, after having at least approximately reached the treatment temperature, in a way which produces a maximum processing chamber pressure of no more than approximately the preheating pressure, using a value of the preheating pressure that is less than atmospheric pressure, but greater than the treatment pressure.
- Workpieces are treated by continuing to manipulate the transfer chamber pressure, the processing chamber pressure and cooperatively moving each one of the subsequent ones of the workpieces between the transfer chamber and the processing chamber and using a rate of pressure increase resulting at least in part from using an additional process chamber gas input flow at an input flow rate which causes an overall input rate to the processing chamber to be greater than the maximum flow rate, without raising the transfer chamber pressure.
- multiple workpieces can be transferred and processed simultaneously.
- a bypass arrangement for selectively providing pressure communication between the transfer chamber and the processing chamber for use in producing pressure equalization therebetween, separate from the use of an isolation valve through which the workpiece is passed between the transfer chamber and the processing chamber.
- a control arrangement causes the transfer chamber pressure to rise to a selected value, with the processing chamber at a treatment pressure, that is lower than the selected value and which is also lower than a preheating pressure at which the workpiece is to be heated to a treatment temperature.
- the processing chamber is backfilled by opening at least the bypass arrangement between the transfer chamber and the processing chamber in a way which causes the processing chamber pressure and the treatment chamber pressure to equalize at least approximately to the preheating pressure for subsequent use in heating the workpiece.
- the bypass arrangement serves to selectively provide pressure communication between the transfer chamber and the processing chamber for use in pressure equalization therebetween without a need to use the isolation valve.
- a system for treating at least one workpiece in accordance with a multi-step overall process which preheats the workpiece in a processing chamber to a treatment temperature at a preheating pressure and, thereafter, exposes the workpiece to a plasma at a treatment pressure in the processing chamber and at least approximately at the treatment temperature, the treatment pressure being less than the preheating pressure such that the processing chamber pressure must be raised from the treatment pressure at least to the preheating pressure at one or more points during the multi-step overall process.
- the system further includes a process gas regulation arrangement for providing process gas to the processing chamber at least during exposing the workpiece to the plasma at a given flow rate and which is capable of providing the process gas at a maximum flow rate, an arrangement is provided for use in raising the processing chamber pressure from the treatment pressure at least to the preheating pressure at the one or more points during the multi-step overall process by providing an additional process chamber gas input flow at an input flpw rate which causes an overall input rate to the processing chamber to be greater than the maximum flow rate.
- FIGURE 1A is a diagrammatic cut-away view, in elevation, of a workpiece handling system, produced in accordance with the present invention and in which a backfill arrangement is provided to induce a rapid pressure rise in the process chamber.
- FIGURE IB is a diagrammatic cut-away view, in elevation, of another embodiment of a workpiece handling system, produced in accordance with the present invention, in which bypass arrangement is provided for use in backfilling the process chamber from the transfer chamber.
- FIGURE 2 is a flow diagram illustrating one manner in which the system of Figure 1A can be used in which the transfer chamber remains, at least approximately, at a treatment pressure to which the workpiece is to be exposed during plasma treatment in the process chamber.
- FIGURE 3 is a plot illustrating processing chamber pressure, backfill chamber pressure and workpiece temperature against time, based on the flow diagram of Figure 2.
- FIGURE 4 is a flow diagram illustrating one manner in which the system of Figure 1A can be used in which the transfer chamber remains, at least approximately, at a preheating pressure to which the workpiece is exposed in the processing chamber to enhance workpiece heating.
- FIGURE 5 is a plot illustrating processing chamber pressure, backfill chamber pressure and workpiece temperature against time, based on the flow diagrams of Figure 4.
- FIGURE 6 is a flow diagram illustrating one manner in which the system of Figure IB can be used such that the transfer chamber backfills the process chamber from the treatment pressure to the preheating pressure.
- FIGURE 7 is diagrammatic cut-away view, in elevation, of still another embodiment of a workpiece handling system, produced in accordance with the present invention, in which dual processing stations are provided along with a bypass arrangement and backfill arrangement, either or both of which can be used to backfill the process chamber.
- Figure 1 A is a diagrammatic view, in elevation, of a semiconductor workpiece processing system, generally indicated by the reference number 10, according to one embodiment of the present invention. While system 10 represents one system which is useful in the practice of the present invention, it is to be understood that the present invention may be utilized in conjunction with a variety of system configurations and the presently illustrated implementation is not intended as being limiting. As will be seen, the present invention may be practiced using any system having at least having appropriate selective and separate pressure variation capabilities at least in its processing chamber. Of course, there must be a provision for transferring workpieces between the transfer and processing chambers.
- the system may be configured to accommodate many alternative features which are compatible with the practice of the present invention and which are typically associated with high throughput platforms including, for example, the use of one or more workpiece cassettes, dual workpiece processing positions in its processing chamber, and one or more load locks.
- U.S. Patent no. 6,315,512 serves as one example in which such features are described and is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. It is considered that one of ordinary skill in the art may readily adapt a system having such features for use in the practice of the present invention in view of the overall disclosure of the present application. It is noted that like reference numbers have been applied to like items, when possible, throughout this disclosure.
- system 10 includes a transfer chamber 12, which is only partially shown, having a robot 14 positioned therein.
- Robot 14 includes an arm 18 and an end effector (paddle) 20 which is moved by arm 18.
- system 10 will be described in the context of removing a photoresist layer or pattern 22 (greatly exaggerated in thickness) from a semiconductor workpiece 30, although one of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that this system is readily useful in the application of other processes including, but not limited to various implementations of chemical vapor deposition, atomic layer deposition and plasma etch, wherein the workpiece is subjected to different pressures at different process points.
- a plasma- processing chamber 32 having a plasma source 34 such as, for example, an inductively coupled plasma (ICP) source.
- Plasma source 34 is used to generate a plasma 36 that is suitable for use in photoresist removal.
- suitable plasma sources include, but are not limited to microwave sources, surface wave plasma sources, ECR plasma sources, capacitively coupled (parallel plate) plasma sources.
- processing chamber or “process chamber” may refer to an arrangement for housing a workpiece in conjunction with a treatment source such as, for example, a plasma source.
- Plasma chamber 34 may be used to implement plasmas in an exemplary process window such as, for example: Process Pressure: 0.2 to 20 Torr (approximately 1 Torr has been found as useful) Plasma RF Power (per workpiece): 500 to 5,000 W (approximately 3,000 W has been found as useful)
- susceptor 38 is useful in heating the workpiece to the desired temperature. Due to constraints in raising the temperature of the susceptor, it has been found to be practical to maintain the susceptor at a fixed temperature throughout the entire process cycle. Alternatively, the susceptor can at least be preheated prior to a process cycle. The susceptor may be maintained or preheated to a temperature at or between 90°C and 400°C. Approximately, 300C° has been found to be useful, although lower values may be used in order to accommodate additional heating, resulting from plasma exposure and/or material/device thermal constraints. Any suitable form of susceptor may be used such as, for example, a suitable platen.
- Lift pins 50 are used in cooperation with robot 14 for purposes of moving workpiece 30 whereby the lift pins are used to position and move (not shown) the workpiece above end effector 20 and susceptor 38, as needed.
- the lift pins are shown in a retracted position and end-effector 20 is shown withdrawn into transfer chamber 12 such that workpiece 30 is supported on susceptor 38.
- a through passage 42 is defined between transfer chamber 12 and processing chamber 32 such that robot 14 can transfer workpieces therethrough.
- An isolation valve 44 such as, for example, a vacuum isolation gate valve or slit valve is used to selectively close passage 42 either completely or partially (in the instance, for example, of providing pressure communication for equalization purposes between the two chambers).
- valve 44 is opened using compound motion in directions that are indicated by an arrow 45 having a right turn in its shaft.
- An exhaust port 46 is used in producing a vacuum in the process chamber, in cooperation with an appropriate configuration.
- Exhaust gas 48 flows in a direction indicated by an arrow.
- Plasma chamber or module 34 includes a gas diffuser 50 which receives inputs from a process gas input 52 and a backfill arrangement 54. The latter provides an input to diffuser 50 at a backfill input 56. It is noted that inputs 52 can be connected to one another in a "T" configuration so as to share a single gas input in order to avoid a need for the dual input diffuser 50.
- the term "backfill” is used to describe bringing a lower pressure to a higher pressure, as a result of communication with an initially higher pressure. It is noted that the diffuser has been designed to evenly distribute the pressure in plasma source 34 and to minimize the possibility of plasma flowing back into gas diffuser 50, and the gas inlet lines 52 and 56.
- Process gases 58 generally comprise the gas mixtures that are used for plasma generation, although gases may also be introduced, via process gas input 52, for purposes of enhancing temperature ramping of workpiece 30.
- the process gases are regulated by an MFC (Mass Flow Controller) 60 which is provided for the purpose of regulating the input of process gases with a high degree of precision during actual exposure of the workpiece to plasma so as to control the characteristics of the plasma. While the MFC provides such precise control, the flow rate is quite low. Further, devices such as this MFC are characterized by a maximum flow value that is typically quite low. Hence, it is recognized that a significant limitation is imposed with respect to inflow by relying solely on the MFC.
- MFC Mass Flow Controller
- Backfill input 56 leads to a backfill valve 66 which is, in turn, connected to a backfill ballast chamber 68. Details with respect to the volume and operation of backfill arrangement 54 will be provided below. For the moment, it is sufficient to note that backfill input 56, valve 66, backfill chamber 68 and all associated piping should be configured to facilitate a rapid pressure rise in processing chamber 32, for example, from a low, plasma treatment pressure to a higher workpiece preheating pressure either alone or in cooperation with process gas input 52.
- a backfill chamber line 70 leads from a backfill supply valve 72 to backfill chamber 68.
- An appropriate supply line 74 is connected to an input of backfill supply valve 72.
- Backfill gas 76 is indicated by an arrow.
- Pressure in backfill chamber 68 is monitored using a pressure sensor 78.
- a pressure sensor 78 In this way, a specified starting pressure in the backfill chamber can be achieved prior to the initiation of process chamber backfill in cooperation with the use of supply valve 72.
- a mass flow controller (not shown) can be used to meter gas into the backfill chamber over known time periods. It is considered that one having ordinary skill in the art can readily implement this backfill arrangement in view of this overall disclosure.
- a gas diffuser 79 is positioned between plasma chamber 34 and processing chamber 32 for purposes of enhancing process uniformity, however, the gas diffuser is not a requirement.
- FIG. 1B diagrammatically illustrates a modified system implementation that is generally indicated by the reference number 80.
- System 80 resembles system 10 of Figure 1 A, with the exception that backfill arrangement 54 is not required and a single input gas diffuser (not shown) is used.
- a pressure bypass arrangement 82 is illustrated for selectively providing pressure communication between transfer chamber 12 and processing chamber 32.
- Bypass arrangement 82 includes piping 84 and a bypass valve 86.
- bypass arrangement 82 can be sized so as to allow for implementing rapid pressure equalization between the two chambers at a rate of at least 15 Torr per second. Rates of 150 Torr per second or more are considered as practical. Accordingly, a transition from less than 1 Torr to 60 Torr can be executed, as a low-end performance limit, in less than 4 seconds. Of course, far shorter transition times are contemplated with less than 2 seconds having already been demonstrated for the same pressure change.
- Control of systems 10 and 80 can readily be accomplished by one having ordinary skill in the art and in view of this overall disclosure, for example, using a computer 90 and suitable pressure and/or gas flow control sensors in a way which provides for implementing all procedures contemplated herein.
- Another difference in system 80 resides in the provision of an MFC 92 having an input 94 which is connected to a suitable gas supply and an output 96 which feeds into transfer chamber 12.
- MFC 92 will be described below.
- pressure in transfer chamber 12 can be controlled in alternative ways.
- a pressure sensor can be used in combination with one of a gas flow shut-off valve or a throttle valve in pressure communication with the transfer chamber.
- Figure 2 is a flow diagram illustrating the various steps of this mode, generally indicated by the reference number 100, while Figure 3 is a plot of processing chamber pressure and workpiece temperature versus time. It is noted with respect to all of the plots described herein, including that of Figure 3, that while specific time, pressure and temperature values are illustrated, such values are in no way intended as limiting, but are exemplary in nature.
- Figure 2 as well as other figures described below, may refer to the process chamber as "PC” and the transfer chamber as "TC”. Photoresist may be referred to as
- a first plot 101a illustrates process chamber 32 pressure against time
- a second plot 101b illustrates backfill chamber 68 pressure against time
- a third plot 102 illustrates workpiece temperature against time.
- transfer chamber 12 is operated at approximately the same low pressure that is used for plasma exposure of workpiece 30 and photoresist 22 thereon.
- This pressure may be referred to herein as a treatment pressure and is indicated as P 0 in Figure 3.
- the treatment pressure may be a range from approximately 0.01 to 10 Torr and can be approximately 1 Torr. Initially, a workpiece is moved from transfer chamber 12 to processing chamber 32 and positioned on susceptor 38.
- isolation/gate valve 44 is opened (as indicated by arrow 56) between the two chambers, if not akeady opened.
- lift-pins 40 are extended above the top surface of the susceptor (if not already in the raised/extended position).
- a workpiece is inserted into the process chamber supported by end-effector 20 attached to robotic arm 18. After the workpiece comes to a desired location above the lift pins, the end-effector lowers the workpiece (z-axis control of the robotic arm connected to the end-effector) onto the lift-pins.
- the robotic arm After depositing the workpiece onto the top of the lift-pins, the robotic arm extracts end-effector 20 from the process chamber. In time relation to the end-effector being completely extracted from the process chamber, the isolation/gate valve 44 is closed. The foregoing steps should be familiar to one having ordinary skill in the art in accomplishing moving the workpiece to a treatment position.
- step 103 of mode 100 the workpiece is lowered to its treatment position onto susceptor 38 by retracting lift pins 40, as is the case in Figure 1.
- the workpiece temperature is approximately T 0 (see Figure 3), at a time t 0 , prior to heating. Since the susceptor is already hot, workpiece temperature starts to rise from T 0 as soon as the workpiece is in the proximity of the heated susceptor, with the susceptor heated to between approximately 150C° and approximately 350C°.
- the workpiece temperature rise is attributable to radiation, gas convection and conduction thermal transfer processes.
- a preheating pressure Pi which can be in a range from approximately 25 Torr to 250 Torr by the addition of gas/gases that can be optimized for rapid workpiece heat-up rate.
- a very rapid pressure rise such as depicted in Figure 3 from Po to Pi, can be produced by using backfill arrangement 54 in the interval from time t 0 to ti. It is contemplated that a preheating pressure of approximately 60 Torr is adequate and that, at this pressure, most of the benefit from improved heating rate, which could be derived from a higher pressure, is realized.
- Figure 3 illustrates a backfill equalization technique wherein the backfill pressure is previously raised or set to a selected pressure value P se ⁇ (see plot 101b at t 0 ).
- This pressure value is selected based, in part, on the volumes of the backfill chamber and process chamber such that the two chambers equalize to preheating pressure Pi at t h subsequent to opening backfill valve 66 at t 0 . That is, plots 101a and 101b merge at ti.
- Backfill valve 66 is closed following equalization and the backfill chamber pressure (plot 101b) is caused to rise to P se ⁇ from approximately t 3 to t 5 .
- P se ⁇ is shown as 65 Torr for purposes of illustrative convenience, it is to be understood that this value can be determined in a number of ways, as will be described below, and the use of this value is not intended as being limiting.
- the backfill chamber pressure can be raised to a significantly higher value than P se j such that the backfill chamber always remains higher than Pi.
- backfill valve 66 is closed. That is, once the process chamber pressure rises to the preheating pressure, backfill valve 66 is closed.
- supply valve 72 may be opened, with backfill valve 66 closed, to replenish backfill reservoir 68 to a desired pressure.
- alternative technique may produce a more rapid pressure rise.
- a rapid pressure increase in the process chamber can be produced, as needed in the overall processing scheme. It is noted that either of these techniques can be used at any time in the context of an overall processing scheme when it is desired to induce a pressure rise in process chamber 32 using backfill chamber 68. In an actual implementation, a flow rate of approximately 30 Torr/second was accomplished. Pressure rise rates from about 15 Torr to more than 150 Torr/second are considered to be useful.
- step 104 once the workpiece temperature approaches the susceptor temperature (but typically is slightly less than the susceptor temperature), the pressure in the process chamber is reduced quickly to a treatment pressure that is required for the photoresist plasma etch step.
- Figure 3 illustrates that pressure Pi is maintained from time ti to time t 2 . At time t 2 , however, the process chamber pressure is rapidly decreased so as to begin to return to P 0 .
- Treatment pressure P 0 for the plasma exposure step may be in a pressure range extending from approximately 0.01 to 10 Torr. The treatment pressure is reached at t 3 .
- plasma gas flow initiation is performed in process chamber 32.
- Plasma gas 58 then flows into diffuser 50 and into plasma chamber 34. This may take place, for example, in a time range comprising at least a portion of the interval between and including t 2 and t . It is noted that triggering of process steps, as described in terms of reaching either temperature or pressure values, may be responsive to a measured value, may utilize fixed time periods based on previous system performance determinations or may represent a combination of both.
- step 106 in relation to the processing chamber reaching the desired treatment pressure for the plasma etch step and having introduced the plasma gas supply, an RF power supply and matching network (not shown) associated with plasma chamber 34 are turned on at t 4 and the matching network starts to tune to a point at which a stable plasma will ignite and the plasma etch process begins.
- Figure 3 illustrates a ten second plasma etch which concludes at time t 5 . It can be seen that the workpiece temperature rises somewhat from t 4 to t 5 with ongoing exposure to the plasma. The workpiece temperature rise resulting from exposure to the plasma can be minimized by use of an electrostatic clamping arrangement incorporated into susceptor 38.
- the gases used for plasma generation, passing through the process chamber are discontinued.
- the pressure of the process chamber and the workpiece transfer chamber may be equalized, if needed, to the freatment pressure and isolation/gate valve 44, between the process chamber and the transfer chamber, is opened.
- the lift pins are extended and the workpiece is raised above the top surface of the susceptor.
- step 110 so long as both valve 44 is open and lift-pins 40 are extended, end-effector 20 may be extended into the process chamber and the workpiece transferred back to transfer chamber 12. 42 Step 112 then transfers another workpiece into the treatment chamber and the process repeats as described above.
- the gaseous environment used for achieving a rapid workpiece heat-up rate consist of one or more of the following gases (the exact combination and ratio will depend on the required workpiece heat-up rate: Ar, He, H 2 , D 2 , HD, HF, 0 2 , N 2 , NH 3 , N 2 0, a low molecular weight hydrocarbon gas (such as CH , C 2 H , C 2 H 6 , C 3 H 8 , C 4 Hi 0 , etc.), a halocarbon containing gas (such as CF 4 , C 2 F 6 , C 3 F 8 , C 4 F 6 , c-C 4 F 8 , CHF 3 , CH 2 F 2 , CH 3 F, C 2 HF 5 , C 2 H 2 F , C1CF 3 , C1 2 CF 2 , etc.).
- gases such as CH , C 2 H , C 2 H 6 , C 3 H 8 , C 4 Hi 0 , etc.
- the specific gaseous environment can be optimized for rapid workpiece heat-up and/or cooling rate.
- This gas mixture may be referred to herein as "preheating gas.”
- preheating gas One benefit of this processing scheme is to decrease the time required to process workpieces and thereby increase the number of workpieces per hour that can be processed. It should be appreciated that the use of the preheating gas is intended to shorten time intervals shown in the drawings with respect to heating of the workpiece and may be used to enhance cooling intervals, as will be described below.
- Figure 4 is a flow diagram illustrating the various steps of this mode, generally indicated by the reference number 200, while Figure 3 is a plot of processing chamber pressure, backfill chamber pressure and workpiece temperature versus time.
- a plot 202a illustrates process chamber 32 pressure against time
- a plot 202b illustrates backfill chamber 68 pressure against time
- a plot 204 illustrates workpiece temperature against time.
- transfer chamber 12 is operated essentially continuously at approximately preheating pressure Pi, which is used in the processing chamber during workpiece heating prior to plasma exposure at pressure P 0 .
- step 206 moves a workpiece 30 from fransfer chamber 12 to processing chamber 32 and positions the workpiece on susceptor 38.
- step 208 in relation to the workpiece reaching the treatment temperature, T 2 , at time t 2 , pressure is reduced in processing chamber 32 from Pj to treatment pressure P 0 , which is achieved, in the present example, at t 3 .
- preheating gas mixture if employed, may be used in both the transfer chamber and in the processing chamber, for convenience as well as for reasons yet to be described. Otherwise, these gases are appropriately introduced, via diffuser 50, into the processing chamber for purposes of accomplishing preheating of the workpiece so as to enhance the rate of temperature rise from t 0 to t 2 _ in a way which shortens this time interval.
- Plasma exposure is initiated at t 4 , in step 210, after the introduction of plasma gases into the process chamber and plasma ignition, with processing chamber 32 at P 0 . Plasma exposure continues to time t 5 . Plasma gas introduction is then terminated.
- Step 212 accomplishes raising process chamber pressure to P ]; which may be performed using the preheating gas mixture, and lifting the workpiece from susceptor 38.
- a rapid pressure increase can be accomplished using backfill arrangement 54, as described above. It is noted that a pressure rise from P 0 to Pi is induced from t 5 to t 6 in process chamber pressure plot 202a with a resultant drop in backfill chamber pressure plot 202b over this time period. Following this drop in backfill chamber pressure, with backfill valve 66 closed, P sd or a higher desired pressure can be restored in the backfill chamber as shown by plot 202b prior to t 5 .
- the backfill chamber pressure can be raised to a significantly higher value than P se ⁇ such that the backfill chamber always remains higher than Pi.
- the primary differences in backfill chamber pressure plot 202b reside in raising the high pressure above P se ⁇ as well as providing a steeper, more linear pressure rise from P 0 to Pi, as well as a steeper more linear drop in plot 202b from P se ⁇ to Pi.
- plots 202a and 202b will not merge asymptotically, but will more closely resemble linear sloped functions.
- the backfill arrangement can be used to introduce the preheating gas mixture or can be customized to mix with other gases in the process chamber so as to produce a desired gas mixture.
- the workpiece is then transferred by step 214 from processing chamber 32 to fransfer chamber 12 at approximately the preheating pressure. It is noted that cooling of the workpiece will be enhanced as a result of its exposure to the preheating pressure, subsequent to plasma exposure and during its return trip to the transfer chamber. It is estimated that the workpiece may cool, in this manner, by as much as at least 30 additional degrees centigrade, prior to exiting transfer chamber 12. This cooling effect may be enhanced even further with the use of the preheating gas mixture in one or both of the transfer and process chambers.
- the "preheating" gas pressure and mixture are each seen to be advantageous in cooling the workpiece as well as in heating it. It should be appreciated that a great degree of flexibility is provided with respect to workpiece cooling.
- the rate of cooling of the workpiece can be customized such that the workpiece cools in a desired way as it travels through and exits the transfer chamber. Further, selection of cooling gas mixture provides an opportunity for even greater customization of the cooling parameters. 50 With both transfer chamber 12 and processing chamber 32 at the preheating pressure, another workpiece can be transferred (step 216) into the process chamber and the foregoing sequence repeated.
- transfer chamber 12 is pressurized, in isolation from process chamber 32, so as to reach a selected pressure value, P se ⁇ , that is higher than preheating pressure Pi at certain points in the overall operation.
- MFC 92 is provided for raising the transfer chamber pressure to the selected pressure value.
- the pressure profiles of the third mode, with respect to the process chamber are essentially identical in appearance to that of the second mode and, hence, to the appearance of plots 202a and 202b of Figure 5. That is, the process chamber pressure is represented by plot 202a, while the fransfer chamber pressure is represented by plot 202b, as will be further described.
- Figure 6 illustrates the various steps which make up the third mode, generally indicated by the reference number 300. It is again noted that certain aspects of the modes, already described above such as, for example, the use of lift pins 40 in concert with effector-arm 20 and isolation valve 44 may not be repeated for purposes of brevity.
- this third mode is to use the selected pressure value in the transfer chamber in a way which backfills process chamber 32 so as to cause the process chamber and the transfer chamber to equalize, at least approximately, to the preheating pressure. That is, the process chamber pressure rises from treatment pressure P 0 to preheating pressure Pi while transfer chamber 12 pressure drops from selected pressure P se ⁇ to preheating pressure Pi. Because backfill chamber 68 of Figure 1A can be used in this manner, as is described above, determinations of selected pressure values with respect to the transfer chamber are equally applicable to determinations of backfill chamber selected pressure when used in the aforedescribed backfill technique.
- An appropriate value for the selected pressure can be determined at least to a useful approximation, if the pressure used for preheating is much higher than the pressure used for plasma treatment (i.e., P ⁇ »P 0 ), for example, based on Boyle's Law for an idealized gas, written as:
- the transfer chamber can be maintained at a pressure from approximately 25 to 250 Torr with approximately 65 Torr as a potential selected pressure.
- the process chamber is maintained at the treatment pressure required for the desired plasma process in the range of 0.01 to 10 Torr with 1 Torr as a typical pressure.
- the difference in the respective pressures is such that, for example, to raise the pressure in the process chamber, during the rapid heating process, to approximately 60 Torr and if the ratio of the volume of the gaseous environments is such that the transfer chamber is approximately lOx that of the process chamber, one can set the pressure of the transfer chamber to approximately 65 Torr, so that when the isolation/gate valve between the transfer chamber and the process chamber is opened, the pressure in both chambers equalizes at a pressure of approximately 60 Torr.
- step 304 transfer chamber 12 and processing chamber 32 are equalized to preheating pressure Pi and that a workpiece is in the treatment position in the processing chamber. Accordingly, isolation valve 44 and bypass valve 86 can both be closed and workpiece 30 heats from To at time t 0 to preheating temperature T 2 at time t 2 .
- step 306 treatment chamber 12 is returned to selected pressure P se ⁇ .
- a plot of fransfer chamber pressure may resemble the appearance of backfill chamber plot 202b of Figure 5. It is considered that these plots will be identical, at least from a practical standpoint, if the backfill chamber volume and transfer chamber volume and flow rates are approximately identical, although this is not required and many modifications may be made by one having ordinary skill in the art in view of this overall disclosure.
- plot 202b of Figure 5 represents the variation of fransfer chamber pressure over time. Accordingly, beginning shortly after t 0 and using MFC 92, transfer chamber pressure rises to P se ⁇ . It should be appreciated that this re-pressurization may be performed at any suitable rate and starting at any appropriate time, so long as the transfer chamber reaches the selected pressure value prior to a subsequent need to raise process chamber from the freatment pressure to the preheating pressure.
- plot 202a of Figure 5 illustrates a reduction in process chamber pressure (step 308) from Pi at t 2 to P 0 at t 3 .
- This reduction in pressure is accomplished by evacuation, responsive to vacuum pumping, at an appropriate port which is not illustrated in the present figure, but can be represented by exhaust port 46 of Figure 1 A.
- photoresist strip can be initiated in step 310 with an introduction of plasma gases and striking the plasma, as described above.
- the strip interval runs until time t 5 in Figure 5.
- step 312 in time relation to termination of the PR sfrip interval, accompanied by termination of plasma gas flow, processing chamber 32 is backfilled from transfer chamber 12 so as to produce a rapid increase in process chamber pressure plot 202a from the treatment pressure to the preheating pressure. This pressure rise starts at time t 5 and the preheating pressure is achieved at t 6 .
- the pressure rise in process chamber pressure plot 202a is produced responsive to a drop in transfer chamber pressure plot 202b from P se ⁇ to Pi which occurs from t 5 to t 6 , respectively.
- bypass arrangement 82 of Figure IB, is specifically configured for this purpose. That is, ports, piping 84 and bypass valve 86 are all sized to cooperatively provide for this rate of flow.
- a large diameter pipe should be used, while ensuring that the pipe length, including any valves in between, do not present any constrictions that can choke gas flow. It is considered that one of ordinary skill in the art is capable of implementing the bypass arrangement in terms of porting and piping with this disclosure in hand. Specific values of flow rates will depend, of course, on the relative volumes of the fransfer chamber and process chamber.
- bypass arrangement port locations as well as vacuum pumping port locations that are shown in the various figures are diagrammatic in nature and are not intended as being limiting.
- the bypass arrangement may be considered as optional. That is, isolation valve 44 can be configured to accommodate the contemplated flow rates.
- the bypass arrangement and isolation valve can be used in combination to provide a distribution of the backfill flow.
- preheating can be accomplished with the lift-pins up, down or in a suitable combination.
- Such combinations include, for example, (i) a combination of first pins-up followed by pins-down, (ii) a combination of pins-up followed by pins-down followed by pins-up for subsequent processing steps, (iii) a combination of pins-up followed by pins-down for subsequent processing steps, or (iv) a combination of pins-down followed by pins-up followed by pins-down for subsequent processing steps.
- the lift-pins can be determined by the requirements of the desired process results. Different options will allow the process to be optimized to achieve different desired process results. It should be appreciated that having the lift-pins up (supporting the workpiece) can reduce the chance that the workpiece may move (shift its location) on the workpiece support structure during a rapid change in pressure.
- the pins-up/pins-down combinations apply to both a single workpiece located in a process chamber designed to process a single workpiece or to a process chamber designed to process two or more work pieces in parallel and/or serial combination.
- FIG. 7 illustrates a system produced in accordance with the present invention and generally indicated by the reference number 400.
- System 400 is similar to previously described systems with the exception that it employs dual workpiece processing stations. Accordingly, an "a" has been appended to item reference numbers that are associated with a first one of the processing stations while a “b” has been appended to item reference numbers that are associated with a second one of the processing stations.
- Processing stations a and b are located within a shared processing chamber 32' such that both workpieces are exposed to the same pressure environment. Accordingly, the descriptions provided above, with respect to systems 10 and 80 are considered to be equally applicable with respect to system 400 except that the workpieces can be processed in pairs so as to enhance system throughput.
- Bypass valve arrangement 82 is also illustrated, although there is no requirement to provide both the backfill and bypass arrangements.
- backfill from a backfill reservoir and from the transfer chamber may be used in any desired combination, either with serial or parallel use of the respective backfill sources.
- a system for treating at least one workpiece using a freatment process said system having at least a transfer chamber and a processing chamber such that a transfer chamber pressure, in the transfer chamber, and a processing chamber pressure, in the processing chamber, can each vary and the workpiece can be moved between the transfer chamber and the processing chamber, said system further including a process gas regulation arrangement for providing process gas to said processing chamber at least during a plasma treatment process at a given flow rate and which is capable of providing said process gas at a maximum flow rate, a method comprising: a) equalizing the transfer chamber pressure and the processing chamber pressure to a treatment pressure at which the workpiece is to be subjected to a plasma treatment process; b) transferring the workpiece from the transfer chamber to the processing chamber at the treatment pressure; c) preheating the workpiece to a treatment temperature, in cooperation with raising the processing chamber pressure to a preheating pressure at a pressure rise rate resulting at least in part from using an additional process chamber gas input flow at an input flow rate which causes an overall input
- If70 4 The method of claim 3 wherein said plasma treatment process produces a plasma which is customized for removing said photoresist layer from the substrate at said freatment temperature.
- heating includes heating the susceptor to an at least approximately fixed temperature. 13 7.
- said treatment pressure is in a range from approximately 0.01 to 10 Torr. f 74
- said freatment pressure is approximately 1 Torr.
- preheating pressure is at least approximately 60 Torr.
- preheating includes introducing a preheating gas mixture into the processing chamber for enhancing a rate of temperature increase of the workpiece.
- preheating includes introducing a preheating gas mixture into the processing chamber for enhancing a rate of temperature increase of the workpiece.
- 78 12.
- the method of claim 11 including using helium gas as at least a portion of the preheating gas mixture.
- the method of claim 1 including configuring a backfill reservoir arrangement for selective pressure communication with said processing chamber for use in selectively producing a pressure increase in said processing chamber by causing said additional process chamber input flow, and preheating the workpiece in cooperation with raising the processing chamber pressure includes backfilling the processing chamber to said preheating pressure using the additional process chamber gas input flow from the backfill reservoir arrangement.
- backfilling includes using a gas diffuser for introducing the additional process chamber gas input flow into the processing chamber from said backfill reservoir arrangement.
- backfilling includes using a gas diffuser for introducing the additional process chamber gas input flow into the processing chamber from said backfill reservoir arrangement.
- the method of claim 14 including generating a plasma, as part of said plasma treatment process, using the process gas, and the gas diffuser is further used for introducing the process gas into the processing chamber.
- said backfill reservoir arrangement is configured to include a backfill reservoir and storing a backfill gas in the backfill reservoir at a pressure that is greater than a target pressure to which the processing chamber is to be backfilled.
- the target pressure is selected as the preheating pressure for use during heating the workpiece and heating the workpiece to a treatment temperature for subsequent use during treating the workpiece.
- If 84 18 The method of claim 13 including causing a backfill pressure in the backfill reservoir to rise to a selected value, with the processing chamber at a treatment pressure that is lower than the selected value and which freatment pressure is also lower than a preheating pressure at which the workpiece is to be heated to a treatment temperature and, thereafter, backfilling includes placing the backfill reservoir in pressure communication with the processing chamber in a way which causes the backfill pressure and the freatment chamber pressure to equalize at least approximately to the preheating pressure for subsequent use in enhancing a heating rate of the workpiece.
- said process gas regulation arrangement provides at least approximately no process gas during said backfilling.
- backfilling includes inducing said pressure rise rate in the processing chamber at approximately 30 Torr per second.
- a system for treating at least one workpiece said system having at least a transfer chamber and a processing chamber such that a transfer chamber pressure, in the transfer chamber, and a processing chamber pressure, in the processing chamber, can each vary and the workpiece can be moved between the fransfer chamber and the processing chamber, said system further including a process gas regulation arrangement for providing process gas to said processing chamber at least during a plasma treatment process at a given flow rate and which is capable of providing said process gas at a maximum flow rate
- an apparatus comprising: a first arrangement at least for controlling the processing chamber pressure to reduce the processing chamber pressure to a freatment pressure at which the workpiece is to be subjected to a plasma treatment process and for selectively raising the processing chamber pressure, in cooperation with said process gas regulation arrangement, to a preheating
- ⁇ f92 26 The apparatus of claim 24 wherein said treatment pressure is in a range from approximately 0.01 to 10 Torr.
- said first arrangement includes a backfill reservoir arrangement for selective pressure communication with said processing chamber for use in selectively backfilling, as said additional process chamber gas input flow, the processing chamber pressure from the treatment pressure to the preheating pressure.
- the backfill arrangement includes a gas diffuser for introducing the additional process chamber gas input flow into the processing chamber.
- processing chamber includes a plasma generator for generating a plasma, as part of said plasma treatment process, using the process gas and the gas diffuser is configured for introducing the process gas into the processing chamber.
- said backfill reservoir arrangement includes a backfill reservoir for storing a backfill gas at a backfill pressure that is greater than the preheating pressure to which the processing chamber is to be backfilled.
- IflOl 35 The apparatus of claim 34 including a control arrangement for causing the backfill pressure in the backfill reservoir to rise to a selected value, with the processing chamber at a treatment pressure that is lower than the selected value and which treatment pressure is also lower than a preheating pressure at which the workpiece is to be heated to a freatment temperature and, thereafter, to backfill the processing chamber by placing the backfill reservoir in pressure communication with the processing chamber in a way which causes the backfill pressure and the treatment chamber pressure to equalize at least approximately to the preheating pressure for subsequent use in enhancing a heating rate of the workpiece.
- Ifl02 36 The apparatus of claim 35 wherein said process gas regulation arrangement provides at least approximately no process gas during said backfilling.
- a system for treating at least one workpiece said system having at least a transfer chamber and a processing chamber such that a transfer chamber pressure, in the transfer chamber, and a processing chamber pressure, in the processing chamber, can each be controlled and the workpiece can be moved between the fransfer chamber and the processing chamber, said system further including a process gas regulation arrangement for providing process gas to said processing chamber at least during a plasma treatment process at a given flow rate and which is otherwise capable of providing said process gas at a maximum flow rate, a method comprising: manipulating at least the processing chamber pressure and cooperatively moving the workpiece between the transfer chamber and the processing chamber such that the workpiece is exposed to a preheating pressure in the processing chamber for use in heating the workpiece to a freatment temperature and so that the workpiece is subjected to a treatment process in the processing chamber, at least approximately at a freatment pressure that is lower than the preheating pressure, after having at least approximately reached the treatment temperature, in a way which produces a maximum processing chamber pressure of no more
- manipulating includes maintaining the fransfer chamber pressure at least approximately at the treatment pressure.
- manipulating includes maintaining the fransfer chamber pressure at least approximately at the preheating pressure.
- a system for treating at least one workpiece in accordance with a multi-step overall process which preheats said workpiece in a processing chamber to a treatment temperature at a preheating pressure and, thereafter, exposes said workpiece to a plasma at a treatment pressure in the processing chamber and at least approximately at said freatment temperature, said treatment pressure being less than said preheating pressure such that the processing chamber pressure must be raised from the freatment pressure at least to the preheating pressure at one or more points during the multi-step overall process
- said system further including a process gas regulation arrangement for providing process gas to said processing chamber at least during exposing the workpiece to said plasma at a given flow rate and which is capable of providing said process gas at a maximum flow rate, a configuration forming part of said system, said configuration comprising: an arrangement for use in raising the processing chamber pressure from the freatment pressure at least to the preheating pressure at said one or more points during the multi-step overall process by providing an additional process chamber gas input flow at an input flow rate which causes an overall input
- a transfer chamber pressure, in the transfer chamber, and a processing chamber pressure, in the processing chamber can each vary and the workpiece can be moved between the transfer chamber and the processing chamber, and said workpiece is heated to a treatment temperature at a preheating pressure and exposed to a treatment process at a freatment pressure that is less than the preheating pressure
- an apparatus comprising: a backfill reservoir arrangement for selective pressure communication with said processing chamber for use in selectively backfilling the processing chamber pressure from the freatment pressure at least to the preheating pressure.
- the backfill arrangement includes a gas diffuser for introducing a backfill gas into the processing chamber.
- said processing chamber includes a plasma generator for generating a plasma, as part of said freatment process, using a plasma gas and the gas diffuser is configured for introducing the plasma gas into the processing chamber.
- said backfill reservoir arrangement includes a backfill reservoir for storing a backfill gas at a backfill pressure that is greater than the preheating pressure to which the processing chamber is to be backfilled.
- the apparatus of claim 45 including a control arrangement for causing the backfill pressure in the backfill reservoir to rise to a selected value, with the processing chamber at the treatment pressure that is lower than the selected value and, thereafter, to backfill the processing chamber by placing the backfill reservoir in pressure communication with the processing chamber in a way which causes the backfill pressure and the freatment chamber pressure to equalize at least approximately to the preheating pressure for subsequent use in enhancing a heating rate of the workpiece.
- a system for treating at least one workpiece said system having at least a transfer chamber and a processing chamber such that a transfer chamber pressure, in the transfer chamber, and a processing chamber pressure, in the processing chamber, can each vary and the workpiece can be moved between the transfer chamber and the processing chamber, said system further including a process gas regulation arrangement for providing process gas to said processing chamber at least during a plasma treatment process at a given flow rate and which is capable of providing said process gas at a maximum flow rate, a method comprising: a) equalizing the transfer chamber pressure and the processing chamber pressure to a preheating pressure at which the workpiece is to be heated to a treatment temperature; b) in cooperation with equalizing the transfer chamber pressure and the processing chamber pressure, transferring the workpiece from the transfer chamber to the processing chamber; c) preheating the workpiece to a freatment temperature at the preheating pressure in the processing chamber; d) reducing the processing chamber pressure to the treatment pressure while the transfer chamber remains at least approximately at the preheating pressure; e) exposing the workpiece
- backfilling causes a backfill pressure in the backfill reservoir to rise to a selected value, with the processing chamber at the treatment pressure, which treatment pressure is lower than the selected value and which is also lower than the preheating pressure at which the workpiece is to be heated to the treatment temperature and, thereafter, placing the backfill reservoir in pressure communication with the processing chamber in a way which causes the backfill pressure and the treatment chamber pressure to equalize at least approximately to the preheating pressure for subsequent use in enhancing a heating rate of the workpiece.
- preheating pressure is at least approximately 60 Torr.
- preheating includes introducing a preheating gas mixture into the processing chamber for enhancing a rate of temperature increase of the workpiece.
- the method of claim 59 including using helium gas as at least a portion of the preheating gas mixture.
- the method of claim 47 including simultaneously treating a pair of workpieces according to steps (a) through (g).
- a method comprising: a) in pressure isolation from the process chamber, changing the fransfer chamber pressure to a selected pressure value that is greater than a preheating pressure at which the workpiece is to be heated at least approximately to a treatment temperature; b) with the processing chamber initially at least approximately at a freatment pressure, which is lower than the preheating pressure, equalizing pressure between the transfer chamber and the processing chamber such that the selected pressure backfills the process chamber at least approximately to the preheating pressure; c) in cooperation with equalizing pressure to the preheating pressure, moving the workpiece from the transfer chamber to the processing chamber; d) preheating the workpiece, at least approximately, to a treatment temperature at the prehe
- the method of claim 63 further comprising: g) after equalizing pressure between the fransfer chamber and processing chamber and in pressure isolation from the processing chamber, raising the transfer chamber pressure from the preheating pressure to the selected pressure value; h) with the processing chamber at least approximately at the treatment pressure after exposing the workpiece to the plasma treatment process and with the transfer chamber at the selected pressure value, re- equalizing pressure between the transfer chamber and the processing chamber such that the selected pressure value causes the processing chamber to backfill at least approximately to the preheating pressure; i) transferring the workpiece from the treatment chamber to the transfer chamber in cooperation with re-equalizing the transfer chamber pressure and the freatment chamber pressure.
- an isolation valve selectively provides pressure communication between the fransfer chamber and the processing chamber and wherein said equalizing includes opening the isolation valve and said workpiece is movable through the isolation valve.
- a bypass arrangement selectively provides pressure communication between the fransfer chamber and the processing chamber for use in said equalizing and an isolation valve between the transfer chamber and the processing chamber provides at least for movement of the workpiece therethrough between the transfer chamber and the processing chamber.
- the method of claim 63 including choosing the selected pressure based, at least in part, on a processing chamber volume of the processing chamber and a transfer chamber volume of the fransfer chamber.
- an apparatus comprising: a first arrangement for changing the fransfer chamber pressure, in pressure isolation from the process chamber, to a selected pressure value that is greater than a preheating pressure at which the workpiece is to be heated at least approximately to a treatment temperature; and a second arrangement for equalizing pressure between the transfer chamber and the processing chamber with the processing chamber initially at least approximately at a treatment pressure, which is lower than the preheating pressure, such that the selected pressure backfills the process chamber at least approximately to the preheating pressure.
- the apparatus of claim 69 including an isolation valve through which said workpiece is moved between the fransfer chamber and the process chamber and which is configured to selectively provide pressure communication between the transfer chamber and the processing chamber for pressure equalization.
- a bypass arrangement selectively provides pressure communication between the transfer chamber and the processing chamber for use in said equalizing and an isolation valve between the transfer chamber and the processing chamber provides at least for movement of the workpiece therethrough between the transfer chamber and the processing chamber.
- a method comprising: manipulating at least the processing chamber pressure and cooperatively moving the workpiece between the fransfer chamber and the processing chamber such that the workpiece is exposed to a preheating pressure in the processing chamber for use in heating the workpiece to a freatment temperature and so that the workpiece is subjected to a treatment process in the processing chamber, at least approximately at a treatment pressure that is lower than the preheating pressure, after having at least approximately reached the treatment temperature, in a way which produces a maximum processing chamber pressure of no more than approximately the preheating pressure using a value of the preheating pressure that is less than atmospheric pressure, but greater than the treatment pressure and manipulating includes raising the transfer chamber pressure to a selected value and, thereafter,
- the method of claim 72 including initiating movement of the workpiece between the transfer chamber and the processing chamber in timed relation to the fransfer chamber pressure decrease in said range between the selected value and the preheating pressure.
- a bypass arrangement selectively provides pressure communication between the transfer chamber and the processing chamber for use in said equalizing and an isolation valve between the transfer chamber and the processing chamber provides at least for movement of the workpiece therethrough between the fransfer chamber and the processing chamber.
- a method comprising: manipulating at least the processing chamber pressure and cooperatively moving a first one of the workpieces between the transfer chamber and the processing chamber such that the first workpiece is exposed to a preheating pressure in the processing chamber for use in heating the first workpiece to a freatment temperature and so that the first workpiece is subjected to a treatment process in the processing chamber, at least approximately at a treatment pressure, that is lower than the preheating pressure, after having at least approximately reached the treatment temperature, in a
- Ifl42 76 The method of claim 75 further comprising: treating subsequent ones of the plurality of workpieces by continuing to manipulate the transfer chamber pressure, the processing chamber pressure and cooperatively moving each one of the subsequent ones of the workpieces between the transfer chamber and the processing chamber such that the subsequent ones of the workpieces are exposed to the preheating pressure in the processing chamber for use in heating each of the subsequent ones of the workpieces to the treatment temperature and so that the subsequent ones of the workpieces are subjected to the treatment process in the processing chamber, at least approximately at the freatment pressure, after having at least approximately reached the treatment temperature in said way which produces the maximum processing chamber pressure of no more than approximately the preheating pressure, using a value of the preheating pressure that is less than atmospheric pressure.
- manipulating includes maintaining the transfer chamber pressure at least approximately at the treatment pressure while treating said plurality of workpieces.
- manipulating includes maintaining the fransfer chamber pressure at least approximately at the preheating pressure while treating said plurality of workpieces.
- a method comprising: manipulating the transfer chamber pressure and the processing chamber pressure and cooperatively moving each of the workpieces between the transfer chamber and the processing chamber such that the each workpiece is exposed to a preheating pressure in the processing chamber for use in heating each workpiece to a treatment temperature and so that each workpiece is subjected to a treatment process in the processing chamber, at least approximately at a treatment pressure, that is lower than the preheating pressure, after having at least approximately reached the treatment temperature, in a way which produces a maximum processing chamber pressure of no more than approximately the preheating pressure,
- Tfl48 82 In a system for treating at least one workpiece, said system having at least a transfer chamber and a processing chamber such that a transfer chamber pressure, in the fransfer chamber, and a processing chamber pressure, in the processing chamber, can each vary and the workpiece can be moved between the fransfer chamber and the processing chamber through an isolation valve, a configuration, comprising: a bypass arrangement for selectively providing pressure communication between the fransfer chamber and the processing chamber for use in pressure equalization tlierebetween without a need to use said isolation valve.
- bypass arrangement includes a bypass valve for selectively controlling the pressure communication between the transfer chamber and the processing chamber.
- bypass arrangement is configured to induce a pressure increase in said processing chamber at a rate of at least 15 Torr per second.
- the configuration of claim 82 including a control arrangement for causing the transfer chamber pressure to rise to a selected value, with the processing chamber at a freatment pressure, that is lower than the selected value and which is also lower than a preheating pressure at which the workpiece is to be heated to a treatment temperature and, thereafter, to backfill the processing chamber by opening at least the bypass arrangement between the transfer chamber and the processing chamber in a way which causes the processing chamber pressure and the freatment chamber pressure to equalize at least approximately to the preheating pressure for subsequent use in heating the workpiece.
- Ifl53 87 In a system for treating at least one workpiece, said system having at least a fransfer chamber and a processing chamber such that a transfer chamber pressure, in the transfer chamber, and a processing chamber pressure, in the processing chamber, can each vary and the workpiece can be moved between the fransfer chamber and the processing chamber through an isolation valve, a configuration, comprising: said isolation valve configured for selectively providing pressure communication between the fransfer chamber and the processing chamber for use in pressure equalization therebetween to induce a rate of pressure increase in the processing chamber of at least 15 Torr per second.
- 1fl54 88 The configuration of claim 87 including a control arrangement for causing the transfer chamber pressure to rise to a selected value, with the processing chamber at a freatment pressure, that is lower than the selected value and which is also lower than a preheating pressure at which the workpiece is to be heated to a treatment temperature and, thereafter, to backfill the processing chamber by opening the isolation valve in a way which causes the processing chamber pressure and the treatment chamber pressure to equalize at least approximately to the preheating pressure for subsequent use in heating the workpiece.
- 155 89 The configuration of claim 87 including a control arrangement for causing the transfer chamber pressure to rise to a selected value, with the processing chamber at a freatment pressure, that is lower than the selected value and which is also lower than a preheating pressure at which the workpiece is to be heated to a treatment temperature and, thereafter, to backfill the processing chamber by opening the isolation valve in a way which causes the processing chamber pressure and the treatment chamber pressure to equalize at least approximately to the preheating pressure for subsequent use in heating the work
- a configuration comprising: a backfill arrangement in selective pressure communication with said processing chamber for use in inducing a pressure increase in said processing chamber.
- said processing chamber includes a gas diffuser that is configured for introducing a backfill gas from said backfill arrangement.
- said backfill arrangement includes a backfill reservoir for storing a backfill gas at a pressure that is greater than a target pressure to which the processing chamber is to be backfilled.
- the target pressure is a preheating pressure at which said workpiece is heated, at least approximately, to a freatment temperature for subsequent use in treating the workpiece.
- the backfill arrangement includes a backfill valve for controlling pressure communication between the fransfer chamber and the processing chamber.
- Tfl60 94 The configuration of claim 91 including a control arrangement for causing a backfill pressure in the backfill reservoir rise to a selected value, with the processing chamber at a treatment pressure, that is lower than the selected value and which is also lower than a preheating pressure at which the workpiece is to be heated to a freatment temperature and, thereafter, to backfill the processing chamber by placing the backfill reservoir in pressure communication with the processing chamber in a way which causes the backfill pressure and the treatment chamber pressure to equalize at least approximately to the preheating pressure for subsequent use in enhancing a heating rate of the workpiece.
- any action taken responsive to or in timed relation to a particular event may occur at any point within an interval centered on that particular event, which interval may be defined in terms of any of time, pressure or temperature.
- two or more transfer chambers can be operated when connected to a common fransfer chamber, consistent with the teachings herein.
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Abstract
Description
Claims
Priority Applications (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
DE112005000153T DE112005000153T5 (en) | 2004-01-06 | 2005-01-06 | Advanced multi-pressure workpiece processing |
JP2006549413A JP2007518278A (en) | 2004-01-06 | 2005-01-06 | Advanced multi-pressure workpiece machining |
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US53449504P | 2004-01-06 | 2004-01-06 | |
US60/534,495 | 2004-01-06 |
Publications (2)
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WO2005067634A2 true WO2005067634A2 (en) | 2005-07-28 |
WO2005067634A3 WO2005067634A3 (en) | 2005-09-15 |
Family
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Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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PCT/US2005/000423 WO2005067634A2 (en) | 2004-01-06 | 2005-01-06 | Advanced multi-pressure worpiece processing |
Country Status (7)
Country | Link |
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US (1) | US20050205210A1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP2007518278A (en) |
KR (1) | KR20060127019A (en) |
CN (1) | CN1910308A (en) |
DE (1) | DE112005000153T5 (en) |
TW (1) | TWI257647B (en) |
WO (1) | WO2005067634A2 (en) |
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WO2023043043A1 (en) * | 2021-09-17 | 2023-03-23 | 주식회사 플라즈맵 | Plasma processing apparatus |
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Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
TWI257647B (en) | 2006-07-01 |
US20050205210A1 (en) | 2005-09-22 |
TW200535928A (en) | 2005-11-01 |
WO2005067634A3 (en) | 2005-09-15 |
DE112005000153T5 (en) | 2006-11-16 |
CN1910308A (en) | 2007-02-07 |
JP2007518278A (en) | 2007-07-05 |
KR20060127019A (en) | 2006-12-11 |
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