Patent ID: 8978675
Filing Date: 2015-03-17
Classification: H01L

Abstract:
1. An apparatus for processing a microelectronic workpiece, comprising, a) a processing chamber in which the workpiece is positioned during a treatment; b) a chuck positioned in the processing chamber for holding and supporting the workpiece; c) a source of a gas; d) a source of a liquid; and e) a spraying mechanism comprising a nozzle body comprising at least a first linear array of nozzles through which a gas is dispensed and at least a second linear array of nozzles through which a liquid is dispensed, wherein the source of the gas is in fluid communication with the first linear array of nozzles, wherein the source of the liquid is in fluid communication with the second linear array of nozzles, wherein each nozzle of the first and second linear arrays comprises a nozzle channel and a nozzle outlet, wherein more than one nozzle from the first linear array is configured and directionally positioned in an angled manner relative to a corresponding nozzle of the second linear array to cause dispensed gas and liquid to atomizingly collide in an open space external to the first and second linear arrays of nozzles to provide an atomized liquid spray that contacts the workpiece, wherein the source of the gas and the source of the liquid are each at a pressure to cause gas dispensed from the first linear array of nozzles and liquid dispensed from the second linear array of nozzles to atomizingly collide in an open space external to the first and second linear arrays of nozzles to provide an atomized liquid spray that contacts the workpiece, wherein at least one of the first and second arrays of nozzles has a nozzle footprint that extends past the center of the workpiece in a manner effective to provide the atomized liquid spray with an on-workpiece footprint that spans from the workpiece center at least partially to the outer periphery of the workpiece, wherein the atomized liquid spray has a span that is less than the span of the nozzle footprint of said at least one of the first and second arrays of nozzles that correspond to the nozzles that provide the atomized liquid spray.