Patent ID: 8518187
Filing Date: 2013-08-27
Classification: H01L

Abstract:
1. A transfer pick cleaning method for use in a substrate processing apparatus that includes a transfer pick provided at a leading end of a transfer arm of a transfer device for transferring a substrate, the transfer pick having: a substrate support surface to support the substrate thereon; a plurality of contact members protruding from the substrate support surface to make contact with the substrate; and a voltage applying unit for charging the contact members with electricity, the transfer pick cleaning method comprising the sequential steps of: moving the transfer pick to a position that is below a path of the transfer pick when the substrate is carried by the transfer pick and that is adjacent to an outlet of an exhaust device being used for exhausting an inside of a chamber in which the transfer pick is provided; a cleaning process of repeatedly and alternately applying a positive and a negative voltage to the contact members by using the voltage applying unit to forcibly charge the contact members such that an electric polarity thereof is repeatedly switched between a positive polarity and a negative polarity, wherein particles adhered to the contact members are removed by repulsive force of electric charges; and a neutralization process of controlling a charged state of the contact members to prevent adhering of the particles to the contact members after said cleaning process, the neutralization process comprising applying, with the voltage applying unit, a subsequent voltage having a polarity opposite to that of a previous voltage most recently applied to the contact members during said cleaning process.