Patent ID: 7642205
Filing Date: 2010-01-05
Classification: H01L

Abstract:
1. In an overall multi-step technique for processing a semiconductor wafer, a method that is performed for annealing said wafer in a process chamber as an intermediate part of the overall multi-step technique, said method comprising: applying an energy transfer layer to at least a portion of said wafer; exposing said wafer to an energy source in said process chamber through the energy transfer layer to anneal the wafer in order to change at least one characteristic of the wafer to a modified characteristic, and where said exposing subjects the wafer to a thermal profile having at least a first elevated temperature event and such that said energy transfer layer influences at least one part of the thermal profile during the anneal and an initial portion of said exposing subjects said wafer to an inert gas ambient; and removing said energy transfer layer, while said wafer remains in said process chamber, at least sufficiently for subjecting the wafer to a subsequent step and initiating said removing during said exposing by introducing a reactive gas ambient into said process chamber.