Patent ID: 6933464
Filing Date: 2005-08-23
Classification: B08B,H01L

Abstract:
1. Apparatus for removing contaminants from the surface of a substrate, comprising: a chamber, adapted to receive the substrate and having an inlet for introduction therethrough of an explosive medium comprising ozone into a vicinity of the substrate and an outlet for removal of the contaminants; and a source of electromagnetic energy, configured to direct a beam of the electromagnetic energy into the chamber, such that absorption of the electromagnetic energy in the chamber causes the explosive medium both to generate a blast wave and to form reactive species, the blast wave and the reactive species cooperating to remove the contaminants from the surface substantially without damage to the surface itself, wherein the beam of the electromagnetic energy has a wavelength and energy flux selected so as to cause explosive decomposition of the explosive medium, substantially without dependence on photoionization due to the beam.