Patent ID: 7257494
Filing Date: 2007-08-14
Classification: H01L

Abstract:
1. A method for monitoring a microelectronic manufacturing process on a processing apparatus, the apparatus including at least one processing chamber a transfer chamber interconnected to said at least one processing chamber and a first valve connecting said at least one processing chamber and said transfer chamber, said first valve being opened when transfer to and from said at least one processing chamber is taking place, the method comprising the steps of: providing a monitoring sensor in relation to, but not directly within the at least one processing chamber; detecting whether said first valve is opened or closed; permitting the monitoring sensor to access the interior of said at least one processing chamber only if it has been detected that said first valve is opened; and monitoring the interior of said at least one processing chamber for at least one process related parameter wherein said apparatus further includes a sensor protection mechanism interconnecting said monitoring sensor to said first valve to selectively protect the monitoring sensor from the environment of the interior of said at least one processing chamber to indicate an outcome based on interprocess activity on a substrate.