Patent ID: 7638168
Filing Date: 2009-12-29
Classification: C23C,H01L

Abstract:
1. A method for vaporizing particulate material and depositing it onto a surface to form a layer, comprising: (a) providing a supply of particulate material in a replenishment container under conditions that reduce oxygen moisture, the replenishment container having a seal and a sealed interface fitting; (b) mounting the replenishment container at the interface fitting to a supply hopper defining at least one feed opening under conditions that reduce oxygen and moisture, and breaking the seal to expose the material of the replenishment container to the hopper; (c) transferring particulate material under conditions that reduce oxygen and moisture from the replenishment container to the supply hopper; and (d) transferring such particulate material under conditions that reduce oxygen and moisture through the feed opening along a feeding path to a vaporization zone where at least a component portion of the particulate material is vaporized and delivered to the surface to form the layer, thereby reducing environmental contamination.