Patent ID: 7361231
Filing Date: 2008-04-22
Classification: B08B,G03F,H01L,Y10S

Abstract:
1. A method for cleaning semiconductor substrates, comprising: introducing at least one semiconductor substrate into a cleaning chamber that is configured and dimensioned to withstand internal pressures up to approximately 1500 psi, said internal pressure of the cleaning chamber being maintained between about 400 and 1500 psi during said cleaning; introducing a dense-phase cleaning fluid into said cleaning chamber; controlling a temperature and pressure of said dense-phase fluid using a temperature control device; applying a localized high-pressure fluid at a pressure substantially higher than 1500 psi at the surface of said semiconductor substrate, wherein said fluid pressure is substantially higher than 1500 psi at its point of discharge near the surface of said semiconductor substrate, wherein said applying comprises applying said high-pressure fluid via one or more nozzles at a predetermined distance from said semiconductor substrate and said cleaning chamber is operated in a manner such that the high-pressure fluid contacts the substrate at a pressure higher than 1500 psi while the internal pressure of the cleaning chamber is maintained between about 400 and 1500 psi; expelling said dense-phase cleaning fluid and said high-pressure fluid from said cleaning chamber; and removing said semiconductor substrate.