Patent ID: 7180036
Filing Date: 2007-02-20
Classification: G05D,H01L

Abstract:
1. A method of etching a semiconductor wafer, comprising: etching a semiconductor wafer in a vessel having a first temperature; adjusting the temperature of the vessel from the first temperature to a second temperature according to a predetermined temperature profile while continuing to etch the semiconductor wafer, wherein adjusting the temperature of the vessel includes: selectively producing cooling control signals and heating control signals using a controller, circulating a temperature control fluid through a pump in a re-circulation loop, selectively enabling part of said temperature control fluid to circulate through a cooling heat exchanger in said re-circulation loop in response to said cooling control signals, and selectively enabling part of said temperature control fluid to circulate through a heating heat exchanger in said re-circulation loop in response to said heating control signals; and continuing to etch the semiconductor wafer in the vessel at the second temperature.