Patent ID: 7799141
Filing Date: 2010-09-21
Classification: B05D,B08B,C11D,C23G,G03F,H01L

Abstract:
1. A method for removing particulate contaminants from a semiconductor substrate, comprising: dispensing a cleaning compound having a viscous liquid with solid components dispersed therein on a surface of a substrate upon which particulate contaminants are present, wherein the solid components are carboxylic acids having a carbon number greater than or equal to four; applying a mechanical force having a downward component to the cleaning compound to bring at least one of the solid components within proximity of a particulate contaminant present on the surface of the substrate, wherein applying the mechanical force to the cleaning compound is performed separately from dispensing the cleaning compound on the surface of the substrate, wherein an interaction is established between the at least one of the solid components and the particulate contaminant, and wherein the interaction is sufficient to overcome an adhesive force between the particulate contaminant and the surface of the substrate such that the particulate component is dislodged from the surface of the substrate; and removing the at least one of the solid components and the particulate contaminant away from the surface of the substrate, wherein the method is performed without causing damage to physical features present on the surface of the substrate.