Patent ID: 7400383
Filing Date: 2008-07-15
Classification: H01L

Abstract:
1. A reticle SMIF pod configured to support a reticle within a controlled environment maintained substantially free of crystal growth causing contaminants, the reticle being characterized by a patterned surface having a shape and a patterned area, the reticle SMIF pod comprising: a pod base portion and a pod shell portion cooperating to form the controlled environment, the pod base portion including a first surface configured to lie interiorly of the controlled environment, a second surface configured to lie exteriorily of the controlled environment, and a central hole surrounded by and defining a gas flow path between first and second surfaces; a plurality of reticle supports and guides mounted on the first surface to support a reticle thereon, the reticle supports and guides defining a reticle receiving region having a receiving surface, the receiving surface being substantially coextensive with the patterned surface when the reticle is received on the pod base; a filter frame having an open end, a perforated bottom end, and a lateral wall connecting the open end to the perforated bottom end to define a longitudinal gas flow passage therebetween, the filter frame shaped to be closely received within the central hole in gas-tight engagement with the pod with the open end proximate the first surface and the perforated bottom end recessed from the first surface; and a layered filter having an extent defining a filter shape having a filter area, the layered fitter disposed within the gas flow passage in sealed engagement with the open end and so that substantially all the gas entering or leaving the filter passes through the filter area, the filter area being a substantial fraction of the patterned area.