Patent ID: 6053984
Filing Date: 2000-04-25
Classification: G01N,Y10S

Abstract:
A method for rapid decomposition of a silicon oxide layer on a silicon wafer by a controlled application of a mist containing aqueous HF droplets comprising:(a) providing a silicon wafer having a silicon oxide layer;(b) providing an apparatus having:(i) a rotatable table for supporting said silicon wafer;(ii) means for cooling the surface of said silicon wafer;(iii) a cylindrical dome assembly positioned over said table;(iv) means for raising and lowering said dome assembly;(v) means for introducing a heated mist flow into said dome assembly;(vi) means for heating said mist flow;(vii) means for recovery and disposition of exhaust gases;(c) mounting said silicon wafer on said table;(d) lowering said dome assembly over said silicon wafer;(e) rotating said table;(f) cooling the surface of said wafer;(g) heating said mist flow;(h) introducing said heated mist flow containing aqueous HF into said dome assembly and directing said heated mist flow to the surface of said silicon wafer;(l) maintaining said heated mist flow for a specified time period thereby depositing a uniform liquid film of aqueous HF onto said surface of said silicon wafer;(i) maintaining said uniform liquid film by continuing said heated mist flow until the surface of said silicon wafer becomes hydrophobic;(k) halting said heated mist flow; and(l) purging said dome assembly thereby expelling residual HF.