Patent ID: 6221791
Filing Date: 2001-04-24
Classification: H01L

Abstract:
An apparatus for oxidizing silicon substrates comprising:an oxidation chamber for conducting an oxidation reaction on silicon substrates contained therein,a first conduit for feeding H.sub.2 into an external torch,a second conduit for feeding O.sub.2 into said external torch,a third conduit for feeding H.sub.2 O vapor generated in said external torch into said oxidation chamber, said third conduit further comprises a first valve mounted between said external torch and said oxidation chamber,a fourth conduit for feeding an inert gas into said third conduit at a location between said first valve and said oxidation chamber, said fourth conduit further comprises a second valve, anda fifth conduit controlled by a third valve having a first end in fluid communication with said third conduit upstream of said first valve and a second end in fluid communication with an exhaust from said oxidation chamber such that residual H.sub.2 O vapor in said third conduit after a wet oxidation process is purged out.