Patent ID: 8237264
Filing Date: 2012-08-07
Classification: H01L

Abstract:
1. A thermal annealing apparatus, comprising: a thermal annealing chamber allowing a sample to be inserted thereinto and being depressurizable; a vent arranged on the thermal annealing chamber for introducing a gas including an oxygen gas and an inert gas therethrough into and discharging the gas therethrough out of the thermal annealing chamber; a detector for detecting a pressure of the gas in the thermal annealing chamber and outputting detection information relating to the pressure of the gas; a heater for heating the sample in the thermal annealing chamber; and a controller for controlling, in response to the detection information, a control operation for discharging the gas via the vent from the thermal annealing chamber, controlling a sealing operation for sealing the thermal annealing chamber, controlling an introducing operation for introducing the gas via the vent into the thermal annealing chamber, and controlling a heating operation for heating the sample with the heater.