Patent ID: 6672864
Filing Date: 2004-01-06
Classification: H01L

Abstract:
A method of processing a semiconductor substrate in a heating chamber having a valve through which a substrate may be selectively loaded into and unloaded from said heating chamber, comprising:pressurizing the interior of said heating chamber containing a processed substrate with a purge gas to a pressure greater than the pressure external to said valve to provide a positive pressure differential between said chamber interior and said valve external pressure; opening said chamber valve; admitting said purge gas into said chamber interior while said chamber valve is open to maintain a positive pressure differential while said chamber valve is open; removing a said processed substrate from said chamber interior through said opened chamber valve; loading an unprocessed substrate into said chamber interior through said opened chamber valve; closing said chamber valve; pumping gas from said chamber interior to lower the chamber interior pressure; and heating said unprocessed substrate while pumping said chamber.