Patent ID: 7479621
Filing Date: 2009-01-20
Classification: H01L

Abstract:
1. A process of annealing a predetermined number of workpieces in a magnetic annealing tool, comprising: (a) loading the workpieces into a process chamber of the magnetic annealing tool; (b) sealing the process chamber and separately sealing an element chamber partly surrounding the periphery of the process chamber and optionally pulling a vacuum from one or both chambers; (c) energizing one or more arrays of electrical resistance heating elements disposed in the element chamber before, during or following step (b) to rapidly heat the workpieces from ambient temperature to the annealing temperature; (d) maintaining the annealing temperature for a predetermined period of time; (e) raising the pressure in the element chamber to a soft or rough vacuum upon the expiration of the predetermined period of time in step (d) so as to facilitate cooling of workpieces by heat transfer to a cooling fluid; and (f) re-pressurizing the process chamber and unloading the workpieces from the process chamber.