Patent ID: 7629234
Filing Date: 2009-12-08
Classification: B23K,G11C,H01L

Abstract:
1. A method for processing structures on or within a semiconductor substrate using N series of laser pulses to obtain a throughput benefit, wherein N≧2, the structures being arranged in a plurality of substantially parallel rows extending in a generally lengthwise direction, the N series of laser pulses propagating along N respective beam axes until incident upon selected structures in N respective distinct rows, the method comprising: determining a joint velocity profile for simultaneously moving in the lengthwise direction the N laser beam axes substantially in unison relative to the semiconductor substrate so as to process structures in the N rows with the respective N series of laser pulses, whereby the joint velocity profile is such that the throughput benefit is achieved while ensuring that the joint velocity profile represents feasible velocities for each of the N series of laser pulses and for each of the respective N rows of structures processed with the N series of laser pulses; generating the N series of laser pulses; and moving in the lengthwise direction the N laser beam axes in unison relative to the semiconductor substrate, in accordance with the joint velocity profile, so as to selectively irradiate structures in the N rows with the respective N series of laser pulses.