Patent ID: 6216708
Filing Date: 2001-04-17
Classification: C23C

Abstract:
A process for the on-line cleaning of a direct liquid injection system comprising the steps of:providing at least one metalorganic precursor to a first vaporizer to produce a vapor containing said at least one precursor;transporting said vapor to a deposition chamber;monitoring the build up of deposits in said first vaporizer by measuring the flow rate of said vapor from said first vaporizer and interrupting the supply of said metalorganic precursor to said first vaporizer when such buildup reaches a predetermined level;providing said at least one metalorganic precursor to a second vaporizer to produce a vapor containing said at least one precursor and transporting said vapor to said deposition chamber; andduring at least a portion of the time when said supply of said metalorganic precursor is interrupted to said first vaporizer, providing a cleaning fluid to said first vaporizer, which fluid is effective to at least partially remove deposits of said metalorganic precursor.