Patent ID: 6122837
Filing Date: 2000-09-26
Classification: H01L

Abstract:
An apparatus for drying semiconductor wafers comprising:a support for receiving a cassette constructed to receive a plurality of wafers to be dried;a motor for rotating the support in a manner to remove moisture from the wafers by centrifugal force;a housing enclosing the support;one or more nozzles within the housing for introducing drying gas into the housing;a source of drying vapor connected to be injected into the housing, said source comprises a supply of the liquid form of said vapor and a supply of carrier gas connected to the liquid supply to flow in communication with the liquid to produce the drying vapor;a valve connected to direct the carrier gas to the liquid source or alternatively to direct the carrier gas to bypass the liquid source and flow directly to the housing; anda controller to control the introduction of said gas and said vapor, to control said valve, and to control the timing of the introduction of the gas and the vapor and the quantities of gas in relation to the vapor during a drying cycle.