Patent ID: 6331212
Filing Date: 2001-12-18
Classification: H01L

Abstract:
An apparatus for thermally processing a semiconductor wafer, the apparatus comprising:a housing, the housing having a port for loading and unloading the wafer, the housing having a purge gas inlet port and a purge gas exit port for flowing a purge gas through the housing;a process chamber contained in the housing, the process chamber having a port for loading and unloading the wafer, the process chamber comprising a wafer support for holding the wafer;a plurality of heating elements disposed within the housing, the heating elements being arranged so as to apply heat to the exterior of the process chamber;at least one heat shield disposed between at least one of the heating elements and the housing;a temperature control system for controlling the heating elements to substantially maintain the wafer at a thermal processing temperature; andwherein the process chamber includes a preprocess zone and a process zone, the temperature control system being capable of independently controlling preselected temperatures for the preprocess zone and the process zone so that each zone can be maintained at an independent temperature.