Substrate processing apparatus having top plate with through hole and substrate processing method

A substrate processing apparatus according to an aspect of the present disclosure includes a substrate holder, a top plate portion, a gas supply unit, and an arm. The substrate holder holds a substrate. The top plate is installed to face the substrate held on the substrate holder, and has a through hole formed therethrough at a position facing the center of the substrate. The gas supply supplies an atmosphere adjustment gas to a space between the substrate holder and the top plate. The processing liquid nozzle ejects a liquid to the substrate. The arm holds the processing liquid nozzle and moves the processing liquid nozzle between a processing position where the processing liquid is ejected from the processing liquid nozzle through the through hole and a standby position outside the substrate.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is based on and claims priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2018-093939, filed on May 15, 2018, with the Japan Patent Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a substrate processing apparatus and a substrate processing method.

BACKGROUND

In a substrate processing apparatus that processes a substrate such as, for example, a semiconductor wafer (hereinafter, referred to as a “wafer”) in the related art, the air atmosphere is cleaned with a fan filter unit (FFU) to be supplied into the housing (e.g., for example, Japanese Patent Laid-open Publication No. 2001-319845).

SUMMARY

According to an aspect of the present disclosure, a substrate processing apparatus includes a substrate holder, a top plate, a gas supply, and an arm. The substrate holder holds a substrate. The top plate is installed to face the substrate held on the substrate holder, and has a through hole formed therethrough at a position facing the center of the substrate. The gas supply supplies an atmosphere adjustment gas to a space between the substrate holder and the top plate. The processing liquid nozzle ejects a processing liquid to the substrate. The arm holds the processing liquid nozzle and moves the processing liquid nozzle between a processing position where the processing liquid is ejected from the processing liquid nozzle through the through hole and a standby position outside the substrate.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following detailed description, reference is made to the accompanying drawings, which form a part of the present disclosure. The illustrative embodiments described in the detailed description, drawing, and claims are not meant to be in any way limiting. Other embodiments may be utilized, and other changes may be made without departing from the spirit or the scope of the subject matter presented here.

Hereinafter, embodiments of a substrate processing apparatus and a substrate processing method disclosed herein will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The present disclosure is not limited by the embodiments described below. It is to be noted that the views are schematic and that the dimensional relationships and the proportions of respective elements may differ from reality. Furthermore, even between the drawings, there may be a case where the dimensional relationships and proportions differ from one another.

In the related art, in a substrate processing apparatus that processes a substrate such as, for example, a wafer, an air atmosphere cleaned using an FFU is supplied into a housing.

Meanwhile, depending on the processing, the atmosphere around the wafer may be adjusted to predetermined conditions such as, for example, low humidity and low oxygen concentration instead of the air atmosphere. However, when the atmosphere of the entire inside of the housing is adjusted with a gas for adjusting the atmosphere to a predetermined condition (hereinafter, referred to as an “atmosphere adjustment gas”), the amount of the atmosphere adjustment gas used may be increased.

Accordingly, it is expected to reduce the amount of the atmosphere adjustment gas used when processing a wafer.

<Outline of Substrate Processing System>

First, a schematic configuration of a substrate processing system1according to an embodiment will be described with reference toFIG. 1.FIG. 1is a schematic view illustrating the schematic configuration of the substrate processing system1according to the embodiment. In the following description, in order to clarify a positional relationship, an X axis, a Y axis, and a Z axis which are orthogonal to each other are defined, and the Z-axis positive direction is defined as a vertically upward direction.

As illustrated inFIG. 1, the substrate processing system1includes a carry-in/out station2and a processing station3. The carry-in/out station2and the processing station3are provided adjacent to each other.

The carry-in/out station2includes a carrier placing section11and a transport section12. A plurality of carriers C each configured to accommodate a plurality of substrates (semiconductor wafers W in the embodiments (hereinafter, referred to as “wafers W”)) in a horizontal state are placed in the carrier placing section11. The wafers W are examples of substrates.

The transport section12is provided adjacent to the carrier placing section11and includes therein a substrate transport device13and a delivery unit14. The substrate transport device13includes a wafer holding mechanism configured to hold a wafer W. Further, the substrate transport device13is capable of moving in the horizontal direction and vertical direction and rotating about the vertical axis, and transports wafers W between the carriers C and the delivery unit14using a wafer holding mechanism.

The processing station3is provided adjacent to the transport section12. The processing station3includes a transport section15and a plurality of processing units16. The plurality of processing units16are arranged side by side on the opposite sides of the transport section15. The processing units16are examples of substrate processing apparatuses.

The transport section15includes a substrate transport device13therein. The substrate transport device17includes a wafer holding mechanism configured to hold a wafer W. Further, the substrate transport device17is capable of moving in the horizontal direction and vertical direction and rotating about the vertical axis, and transports wafers W between the delivery unit14and the processing units16using a wafer holding mechanism.

The processing units16perform predetermined processings on the wafers W transported by the substrate transport device17. Details of the processing units16will be described later.

In addition, the substrate processing system1includes a control device4. The control device4is, for example, a computer, and includes a controller18and a memory19. In the memory19, a program for controlling various processings executed in the substrate processing system1is stored. The controller18controls the operation of the substrate processing system1by reading and executing the program stored in the memory19.

In addition, such a program may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium by a computer and installed in the memory19of the control device4from the storage medium. The computer-readable storage medium includes, for example, a hard disk (HD), a flexible disk (FD), a compact disk (CD), a magneto optical disk (MO), and a memory card.

In the substrate processing system1configured as described above, first, the substrate transport device13of the carry-in/out station2takes out a wafer W from a carrier C placed on the carrier placing section11and places the taken-out wafer W on the delivery unit14. The wafer W placed on the delivery unit14is taken out from the delivery unit14by the substrate transport device17in the processing station3and is carried into a processing unit16.

The wafer W carried into the processing unit16is processed by the cleaning processing unit16, and then carried out from the processing unit16and placed on the delivery unit14by the substrate transport device17. Then, the processed wafer W placed on the deliver unit14is returned to a carrier C in the carrier placing section11by the substrate transport device13.

<Outline of Processing Unit>

Next, the outline of a processing unit16will be described with reference toFIGS. 2 and 3.FIG. 2is a cross-sectional view illustrating the configuration of the processing unit16according to the embodiment, andFIG. 3is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A inFIG. 2. For easy understanding,FIG. 3illustrates a state in which a wafer W is carried in, and the illustration of a lead screw54is omitted.

As illustrated inFIG. 2, the processing unit16includes a housing20, a substrate processing unit30, a partition unit40, and a liquid supply unit50. The housing20accommodates the substrate processing unit30, the partition unit40, and the liquid supply unit50.

The housing20has a carry-in/out port21at a position where the housing20is in contact with the transport section15. Then, the wafer W transferred by the substrate transport device17of the transport section15is carried into the inside of the housing20from the carry-in/out port21. In addition, the housing20has a shutter22configured to be able to open and close the carry-in/out port21.

As illustrated inFIG. 3, an FFU23is provided on the ceiling portion of the housing20. The FFU23forms a down flow of the clean air atmosphere supplied into the housing20. In addition, in the bottom portion of the housing20, an exhaust port24is formed to discharge the air atmosphere supplied from the FFU23to the outside of the processing unit16.

The substrate processing unit30performs a predetermined liquid processing on the wafer W. As illustrated inFIG. 3, the substrate processing unit30includes a substrate holding unit31, a column portion32, a liquid receiving cup33, a recovery cup34, and a drainage port35. The substrate holding unit31holds the wafer W horizontally. The substrate holding unit31holds, for example, the outer edge portion of the wafer W from the lateral side.

The column portion32is a member extending in the vertical direction, and the lower end of the column portion32is rotatably supported by a drive unit (not illustrated). In addition, although not illustrated inFIG. 3, the column portion32may horizontally support the substrate holding unit31at the upper end portion thereof.

Then, the substrate processing unit30rotates the substrate holding unit31supported by the column portion32by rotating the column portion32using the driving unit. Thus, the substrate processing unit30rotates the wafer W held by the substrate holding unit31. In addition, the column portion32is configured to be vertically movable, and is capable of moving toward the wafer W carried into the upper side of the substrate processing unit30to receive the wafer W.

The liquid receiving cup33has a substantially annular shape and has a curved shape that is recessed downward. The liquid receiving cup33is disposed so as to surround the outer edge portion of the substrate holding unit31, and collects a processing liquid L (seeFIG. 4C) scattered from the wafer W by the rotation of the substrate holding unit31. For example, the liquid receiving cup33is disposed to surround the outer edge portion of substrate holding unit31at least above the plane which is the same as the wafer W held by substrate holder31. In addition, the liquid receiving cup33may rotate together with the substrate holding unit31.

The recovery cup34is disposed to surround the substrate holding unit31, and collects the processing liquid L scattered from the wafer W by the rotation of the substrate holding unit31. Although not illustrated inFIG. 3, the recovery cup34may be a multi-cup capable of respectively collecting a plurality of processing liquids L.

A drainage port35is formed in the bottom portion of the recovery cup34. Then, the processing liquid L collected by the liquid receiving cup33or the recovery cup34is discharged from the drainage port35to the outside of the processing unit16.

In the inside of the housing20, the partition unit40partitions a first space A1from the above-mentioned carry-in/out port21to the substrate processing unit30and a second space A2other than the first space A1. In addition, the partition unit40is configured to adjust the atmosphere in the partitioned first space to a predetermined condition.

As illustrated inFIG. 3, the partition unit40includes a top plate portion41, a side wall portion42, a gap filling portion43, and a gas supply portion44. The top plate portion41having a substantially disk-like shape is provided substantially parallel to the wafer W held by the substrate holder31, and is disposed to cover the upper side of the wafer W.

In addition, the top plate portion41is configured to be vertically movable in the housing20, and when the wafer W is carried in/out from the carry-in/out port21, the top plate portion41moves upward so as not to interfere with the transport path of the wafer W. Meanwhile, when the wafer W is processed by the substrate processing unit30, the top plate portion41moves to a lower position adjacent to the wafer W.

A through hole41ais formed in the top plate portion41vertically through the top plate portion41. For example, as illustrated inFIG. 2, the through hole41ahas a slit shape, and is formed to face at least the central portion of the wafer W held by the substrate holding unit31. In addition, the through hole41ais formed such that a processing liquid nozzle51described later is capable of being inserted thereinto.

In addition, as illustrated inFIG. 3, the top plate portion41has a convex portion41bprotruding toward the wafer W. The convex portion41bprotrudes, for example, in a substantially cylindrical shape. In addition, the outer diameter of the convex portion41bis larger than the outer diameter of the wafer W facing the convex portion41band smaller than the inner diameter of the liquid receiving cup33adjacent to the convex portion41b.

The side wall portion42surrounds the sides of, for example, the substrate holding unit31which holds the wafer W, the liquid receiving cup33, and the top plate portion41. For example, as illustrated inFIG. 2, in a top view, the side wall portion42has a linear shape on the front side where the carry-in/out port21is located, and a semicircular shape on the rear side where the wafer W is subjected to a liquid processing.

In the embodiment, the side wall portion42is movable up and down integrally with the top plate portion41. Meanwhile, the side wall portion42does not have to move up and down together with the top plate portion41, and may be fixed in the housing20. In this case, the top plate portion41may be configured to be movable up and down along the fixed side wall portion42.

When the wafer W is processed by the substrate processing unit30, the gap filling portion43fills a gap (e.g., the periphery of the carry-in/out port21) other than the substrate processing unit30in the first space A1. In addition, the gap filling portion43is configured to be movable in the housing20, and when the wafer W is carried in/out from the carry-in/out port21, the top plate portion41moves to a position so as not to interfere with the transport path of the wafer W. For example, as illustrated inFIG. 2, in a plan view, the gap filling portion43has a substantially U shape having an arc shape on the inner side and a rectangular shape on the outer side.

The gas supply unit44is connected to the first space A1, and supplies the atmosphere adjustment gas to the first space A1. For example, an ejection nozzle of the atmosphere adjustment gas in the gas supply unit44is provided in the top plate portion41between the carry-in/out port21and the substrate processing unit30.

In addition, the atmosphere adjustment gas in the embodiment is, for example, an inert gas having an oxygen concentration lower than that of the air atmosphere, such as, for example, nitrogen gas or Ar gas, or a gas having a humidity lower than that of the air atmosphere, such as, for example, dry gas.

The liquid supply unit50illustrated inFIG. 2supplies the processing liquid L to the wafer W held in the first space A1. The liquid supply unit50includes a processing liquid nozzle51, a nozzle bus52, an arm53, and a lead screw54, and is disposed in the second space A2.

The processing liquid nozzle51is connected to a processing liquid supply source via a valve and a flow rate controller (not illustrated), and ejects the processing liquid L onto the wafer W using the through holes41aformed in the top plate portion41.

The processing liquid L ejected from the processing liquid nozzle51includes, for example, various liquids used for various liquid processings of the wafer W, such as, for example, an acid-based processing liquid, an alkali-based processing liquid, an organic processing liquid, and a rinse liquid. The acid-based processing liquid is, for example, diluted hydrofluoric (DHF). The alkali-based processing liquid is, for example, SC1 (a mixed solution of ammonia, hydrogen peroxide, and water). The organic processing liquid is, for example, isopropyl alcohol (IPA). The rinse liquid is, for example, deionized water (DIW).

The nozzle bus52is a container configured to cause the processing liquid nozzle51to stand by at a standby position and perform dummy dispensing of the processing liquid L from the processing liquid nozzle51. The arm53supports the processing liquid nozzle51.

The lead screw54is formed with a spiral groove. In addition, the lead screw54is pivotally supported so as to rotate in a predetermined rotation direction about a rotation axis by transmitting a driving force from a driving unit (not illustrated).

Then, by rotating the lead screw54in the predetermined rotation direction, the arm53connected to the spiral groove of the lead screw54slides along the rotation axis of the lead screw54together with the processing liquid nozzle51. This makes it possible to move the processing liquid nozzle51slide to a predetermined position in the housing20.

In addition, the arm53is provided with a lifting mechanism (not illustrated). The liquid supply unit50is capable of raising and lowering the processing liquid nozzle51by operating the lifting mechanism.

As described above, the liquid supply unit50is capable of moving the processing liquid nozzle51to the position of the through hole41aand inserting the liquid nozzle51into the through hole41aby operating the lead screw54and the lifting mechanism. That is, the arm53moves the processing liquid nozzle51between a processing position at which the processing liquid L is ejected from the processing liquid nozzle51via the through hole41aand a standby position outside the wafer W.

In the embodiment, since the through hole41ais in the form of a slit, and the axial direction of the lead screw54and the extension direction of the through hole41aare substantially parallel to each other, the processing liquid nozzle51is capable of being scan-shifted.

Although the example illustrated inFIG. 2illustrates the case where the processing liquid nozzle51, the nozzle bus52, and the arm53are provided in two sets, a predetermined number of processing liquid nozzles51, nozzle buses52, and arms53may be provided in the processing unit16without being limited to the two sets.

In addition, although the example illustrated inFIG. 2illustrates the case where the processing liquid nozzle51is fixed to the arm53, the processing liquid nozzle51may be, for example, a pickup nozzle without being limited to the case where the processing liquid nozzle51is fixed to the arm53. In addition, the mechanism for sliding the arm53is not limited to the lead screw54, and various known mechanisms may be used.

Subsequently, details of the liquid processing according to the embodiment will be described with reference toFIGS. 4A to 4D.FIGS. 4A to 4Dare schematic views (1) to (4) illustrating steps of a liquid processing according to the embodiment.

As illustrated inFIG. 4A, in the processing unit16, prior to carrying the wafer W into the substrate processing unit30, the transport path of the wafer W in the first space A1is secured. Specifically, the processing unit16causes the top plate portion41to retreat upward from the transport path of the wafer W, and causes the gap filling portion43to retreat downward.

In addition, the processing unit16supplies a predetermined atmosphere adjustment gas to the first space A1using the gas supply unit44from a predetermined timing prior to carrying the wafer W into the substrate processing unit30(step S1). Thus, the processing unit16may replace the atmosphere in the first space A1with the atmosphere adjustment gas in advance.

Meanwhile, the second space A2of the processing unit16is an air atmosphere cleaned using the FFU23. In addition, the atmosphere adjustment gas supplied to the first space A1and the air atmosphere supplied to the second space A2are commonly exhausted at the exhaust port24.

Next, the processing unit16moves the shutter22to open the carry-in/out port21. Then, the substrate transport device17carries the wafer W into the processing unit16(step S2). Then, the processing unit16receives the wafer W, which has been carried into the upper side of the substrate holding unit31, with the column portion32, which has moved upward, moves the wafer W downward, and holds the wafer W by the substrate holding unit31(step S3).

Next, as illustrated inFIG. 4B, the processing unit16moves the shutter22to close the carry-in/out port21(step S4). In addition, the processing unit16moves the top plate portion41downward to approach the wafer W (step S5). For example, in step S5, the top plate portion41is brought close to a position where the gap between the top plate portion41and the wafer W is about 1 to 4 mm.

In addition, the processing unit16moves the gap filling portion43upward to fill the gap other than the substrate processing unit30in the first space A1(step S6). The order of steps S4to S6illustrated inFIG. 4Bis arbitrary, and for example, all of steps S4to S6may be performed simultaneously.

In the embodiment, during steps S4to S6, the processing unit16operates the gas supply unit44to continuously supply the predetermined atmosphere adjustment gas to the first space A1. This makes it possible to continuously adjust the atmosphere of the first space A1in which the wafer W is disposed to a predetermined condition.

Next, as illustrated inFIG. 4C, the processing unit16moves the processing liquid nozzle51to a predetermined position on the wafer W and inserts the processing liquid nozzle51into the through hole41aby operating the liquid supply unit50(step S7). Then, the processing unit16operates the processing liquid nozzle51to supply a predetermined processing liquid L to the wafer W (step S8). The operation of inserting the processing liquid nozzle51into the through hole41amay be performed before supplying the atmosphere adjustment gas (e.g., before step S4).

Further, in step S8, the processing unit16may rotate or stop the wafer W. In step S8, the liquid supply unit50may scan the processing liquid nozzle51on the wafer W by a predetermined operation.

Next, as illustrated inFIG. 4D, the processing unit16rotates the wafer W by operating the substrate processing unit30(step S9). Thus, the processing liquid L moves to the outer peripheral side of the wafer W, and the wafer W is liquid-processed (step S10). In addition, a specific example of this liquid process will be described later.

In the embodiment, during steps S7to S10, the processing unit16operates the gas supply unit44to continuously supply the predetermined atmosphere adjustment gas to the first space A1. This makes it possible to continuously adjust the atmosphere around the wafer W subjected to the liquid processing to a predetermined condition.

Here, in the embodiment, an air atmosphere is supplied to the second space A2in the housing20, and the atmosphere adjustment gas is supplied only to the first space A1partitioned by the partition unit40. Therefore, according to the embodiment, it is possible to reduce the amount of use of the atmosphere adjustment gas during the liquid processing on the wafer W.

In addition, in the embodiment, the top plate portion41is brought close to the wafer W, and the gap filling portion43fills the gap of the first space A1, whereby the first space A1is capable of being narrowed. Therefore, according to the embodiment, it is possible to further reduce the amount of use of the atmosphere adjustment gas.

In the embodiment, the inner diameter of the liquid receiving cup33may be larger than the outer diameter of the convex portion41bof the top plate portion41. This makes it possible to bring the top plate portion41close to the wafer W without interfering with the liquid receiving cup33, as illustrated in, for example,FIG. 4B. Therefore, according to the embodiment, it is possible to further reduce the amount of use of the atmosphere adjustment gas.

In the embodiment, as illustrated inFIGS. 4C and 4D, when the wafer W is subjected to the liquid processing, the space between the top plate portion41and the wafer W may be filled with the processing liquid L. This makes it possible to make the film thickness of the processing liquid L on the wafer W during the liquid processing uniform. Therefore, according to the embodiment, it is possible to perform the liquid processing of the wafer W in a good state.

In the embodiment, by filling the space between the top plate portion41and the wafer W with the processing liquid L, it is possible to suppress the processing liquid L evaporated during a high temperature processing from adhering to the top plate portion41. In addition, in the embodiment, by filling the space between the top plate portion41and the wafer W with the processing liquid L, it may be easy to increase the temperature of the processing liquid L by a heating unit (e.g., a heater) separately added to the top plate portion41.

In the embodiment, even when the space between the top plate portion41and the wafer W is filled with the processing liquid L, the processing liquid L on the surface of the top plate portion41may be moved to the outer peripheral side together with the processing liquid L on the surface of the wafer W by initiating the rotation of the wafer W at a relatively low speed and gradually increasing the rotating speed. In the embodiment, this makes it possible to suppress the processing liquid L from remaining on the surface of the top plate portion41after the liquid processing.

In the embodiment, for example, as illustrated inFIG. 4D, the outer diameter of the convex portion41bof the top plate portion41may be larger than the outer diameter of the wafer W. Therefore, even if the processing liquid L remains at the outer edge of the convex portion41bafter the liquid processing, it is possible to suppress the remaining processing liquid L from adhering to the wafer W.

When the processing liquid L is left at the outer edge of the convex portion41bafter the liquid processing, the processing liquid L left at the outer edge may be purged with, for example, the atmosphere adjustment gas.

In the embodiment, the through hole41amay be formed to face at least the central portion of the wafer W held by the substrate holding unit31. Thus, since it is possible to dispose the processing liquid nozzle51above the central portion of the wafer W, it is possible to eject the processing liquid L to the central portion of the wafer W. Therefore, according to the embodiment, it is possible to uniformly supply the processing liquid L to the entire surface of the wafer W.

The continuation of the processing in the processing unit16will be described. After completing the liquid processing, the processing unit16causes the top plate portion41to retreat upward from the transfer path of the wafer W and the gap filling portion43to retreat downward to secure the transport path of the wafer W in the first space A1.

Then, the shutter22is moved to open the carry-in/out port21, and the wafer W is carried out from the processing unit16using the substrate transport device17. Finally, the processing unit16closes the shutter22and stops the supply of the atmosphere adjustment gas by the gas supply unit44.

As described above, by stopping the supply of the atmosphere adjustment gas to the first space A1from which the wafer W has been carried out, it is possible to further reduce the amount of use of the atmosphere adjustment gas.

In the embodiment, as described above, the supply of the atmosphere adjustment gas by the gas supply unit44may be started before the wafer W is carried into the first space A1, and the first space A1may be replaced with the atmosphere adjustment gas in advance. This makes it possible to carry the wafer W into the first space A1in which the atmosphere is adjusted.

In the embodiment, the substrate holding unit31may be rotated in the first space A1when replacing the first space A1with the atmosphere adjustment gas in advance. This makes it possible to suppress the atmosphere other than the atmosphere adjustment gas from remaining in the first space A1, and thus it is possible to efficiently replace the first space A1with the atmosphere adjustment gas.

In the embodiment, since the first space A1and the second space A2communicate with each other through the through hole41a, the air atmosphere of the second space A2may flow into the first space A1through the through hole41a.

Accordingly, in the embodiment, the inflow suppressing portion45(seeFIG. 5A) is provided to suppress the inflow of the air atmosphere into the first space A1. Subsequently, details of the inflow suppressing portion45will be described with reference toFIGS. 5A to 5C. In addition, the operation of suppressing the inflow of the air atmosphere by the inflow suppression unit45is performed during the supply of the atmosphere adjustment gas.

FIG. 5Ais a schematic view for describing an example of the inflow suppressing portion45according to the embodiment, and is a view schematically illustrating a cross section of a portion including the through hole41aof the top plate portion41. As illustrated inFIG. 5A, the inflow suppressing portion45includes a first piping portion45aand a second piping portion45b.

The first piping portion45aand the second piping portion45bare connected to mutually facing positions in the inner wall of the through hole41a. The first piping portion45ais connected to a gas supply mechanism (not illustrated) for supplying, for example, the atmosphere adjustment gas, and ejects the gas supplied from the gas supply mechanism into the through hole41a.

In addition, the second piping portion45bis connected to an exhaust mechanism (not illustrated), and exhausts the atmosphere in the through hole41aby the exhaust mechanism. Thus, the inflow suppressing portion45is able to form a so-called gas curtain in the through hole41aby exhausting the gas ejected from the first piping portion45ainto the second piping portion45bfacing the first piping portion45a.

This makes it possible to suppress the air atmosphere of the second space A2from flowing into the first space A1. Therefore, according to the embodiment, it is possible to favorably maintain the first space A1in the atmosphere adjusted to the predetermined condition. In the example illustrated inFIG. 5A, the gas ejected from the second piping portion45bmay be exhausted from the first piping portion45afacing the second piping portion45b.

FIG. 5Bis a schematic view for explaining another example of the inflow suppressing portion45according to the embodiment. In the example ofFIG. 5B, for example, the atmosphere adjustment gas is ejected from both the first piping portion45aand the second piping portion45b. This also makes it possible to form a gas curtain in the through hole41a.

Therefore, also in the example ofFIG. 5B, since it is possible to suppress the air atmosphere of the second space A2from flowing into the first space A1, it is possible to favorably maintain the first space A1in the atmosphere adjusted to the predetermined condition.

In the case where, for example, the atmosphere adjustment gas is ejected from both the first piping portion45aand the second piping portion45b, as illustrated inFIG. 5B, the ejection directions of the first piping portion45aand the second piping portion45bmay face each other toward the upwardly inclined side (i.e., the second space A2side). Since this makes it possible to efficiently suppress the atmosphere in the second space A2from flowing into the first space A1, it is possible to more favorably maintain the first space A1in the atmosphere adjusted to a predetermined condition.

FIG. 5Cis a schematic view for explaining another example of the inflow suppressing portion45according to the embodiment. In the example ofFIG. 5C, the exhaust is performed from both the first piping portion45aand the second piping portion45b. This makes it possible to exhaust the air atmosphere flowing into the through hole41afrom the second space A2to the outside using the first piping portion45aand the second piping portion45b.

Therefore, also in the example ofFIG. 5C, since it is possible to suppress the air atmosphere of the second space A2from flowing into the first space A1, it is possible to favorably maintain the first space A1in the atmosphere adjusted to the predetermined condition.

In addition, the embodiment illustrates an example in which the processing liquid L is supplied to the wafer W in the state where the processing liquid nozzle51is inserted into the through hole41a. Meanwhile, the processing liquid L may be allowed to flow into the through hole41aand supplied to the wafer W from the processing liquid nozzle51disposed above the through hole41awithout inserting the processing liquid nozzle51into the through hole41a.

Meanwhile, by supplying the processing liquid L to the wafer W in the state where the processing liquid nozzle51is inserted into the through hole41a, the processing liquid L may be ejected in the first space A1by the inflow suppressing portion45. That is, the inflow suppressing portion45may be caused to function more sufficiently than in the case where the processing liquid L is caused to flow into the through hole41a.

Therefore, according to the embodiment, by supplying the processing liquid L to the wafer W in the state where the processing liquid nozzle51is inserted into the through hole41a, it is possible to favorably maintain the first space A1in the atmosphere adjusted to the predetermined condition.

Subsequently, various modifications of the processing unit16according to the embodiment will be described with reference toFIGS. 6 to 9C.FIG. 6is a top plan view illustrating the configuration of a processing unit16according to Modification 1 of the embodiment.

In Modification 1 illustrated inFIG. 6, the through hole41ais not in the form of a slit, but in the same shape as the processing liquid nozzle51to be inserted (e.g., a substantially circular shape). In Modification 1 as well, it is possible to uniformly supply the processing liquid L to the entire surface of the wafer W by disposing the through holes41aso as to face the central portion of the wafer W held by the substrate holding unit31.

FIG. 7is a top plan view illustrating the configuration of a processing unit16according to Modification 2 of the embodiment. In Modification 2 illustrated inFIG. 7, the through hole41ais not a linear slit, but an arcuate slit.

In Modification 2, the liquid supply unit50is configured such that the processing liquid nozzle51rotates along the through hole41a, thereby scan-shifting the processing liquid nozzle51in the through hole41aas in the embodiment.

In Modification 2 as well, it is possible to uniformly supply the processing liquid L to the entire surface of the wafer W by disposing the through holes41aso as to at least face the central portion of the wafer W held by the substrate holding unit31.

Next, Modification 3 of the processing unit16will be described with reference toFIGS. 8A to 8D.FIGS. 8A to 8Dare schematic views (1) to (4) illustrating steps of a liquid processing by the processing unit16according to Modification 3 of the embodiment. In addition,FIGS. 8A to 8Dshow schematic perspective views of the processing unit16.

As illustrated inFIG. 8A, in the processing unit16according to Modification 3, a slit-shaped through hole41ais formed in the top plate portion41in the form of a straight line from the center to the outer edge of the wafer W. In addition, a scan top plate55is disposed so as to cover the through hole41aand to extend from the outer edge of the wafer W at one side to the outer edge of the wafer W at the other side. The scan top plate55is configured to be movable along the through hole41a.

In addition, in the processing unit16of Modification 3, a plurality of processing liquid nozzles51are provided as pickup nozzles. Then, a plurality of through holes55ainto which the plurality of processing liquid nozzles51are insertable are formed in the scan top plate55.

In the processing unit16of Modification 3, first, dummy dispensing of the processing liquid L is performed from the processing liquid nozzle51(step S21).

Next, as illustrated inFIG. 8B, the processing unit16picks up the processing liquid nozzle51in a transport unit (not illustrated), and transports the processing liquid nozzle51to the upper side of the central portion of the wafer W (step S22). In addition, in step S22, the through hole55ain the scan top plate55is disposed above the central portion of the wafer W.

Next, as illustrated inFIG. 8C, the processing unit16inserts the processing liquid nozzle51into the through hole41ain the top plate portion41through the through hole55aof the scan top plate55(step S23). Then, the processing unit16supplies the processing liquid L to the wafer W from the processing liquid nozzle51inserted into the through hole41a(step S24).

Next, as illustrated inFIG. 8D, the processing unit16causes the processing liquid nozzle51from which the processing liquid L is ejected to perform scan on the wafer W while shifting the processing liquid nozzle51in synchronization with the scan top plate55(Step S25). In step S25, the processing liquid nozzle51may be shifted by the transport unit that picks up the processing liquid nozzle51, or the processing liquid nozzle51may be shifted by the scan top plate55.

As described above, in Modification 3, by covering the through hole41awith the scan top plate55moving in synchronization with the processing liquid nozzle51, it is possible to suppress the air atmosphere of the second space A2from flowing into the first space A1via the through hole41a. Therefore, according to Modification 3, it is possible to favorably maintain the first space A1in the atmosphere adjusted to a predetermined condition.

Next, Modification 4 of the processing unit16will be described with reference toFIGS. 9A to 9C.FIGS. 9A to 9Care schematic views (1) to (3) illustrating steps of a liquid processing by the processing unit16according to Modification 4 of the embodiment. In addition,FIGS. 9A to 9Cillustrate schematic top plan views of the processing unit16.

In Modification 4, a plurality of (e.g., two) substrate processing units30are provided in one processing unit16, and a plurality of wafers W may be collectively processed in the one processing unit16. In addition, the top plate portion41of Modification 4 is disposed so as to cover all of the plurality of substrate processing units30, and is configured to be rotatable above the substrate processing units30.

In addition, in Modification 4, processing liquid nozzles51are provided in the top plate portion41, and nozzle buses52are provided in the first space A1partitioned by, for example, the top plate portion41. In the example illustratedFIG. 9A, two sets of three processing liquid nozzles51and one nozzle bus52are provided.

As illustrated inFIG. 9A, first, the processing unit16of Modification 4 performs dummy dispensing of the processing liquid L from the processing liquid nozzles51disposed above the nozzle buses52. Next, as illustrated inFIG. 9B, the processing unit16rotates the top plate portion41to move the processing liquid nozzles51to the upper sides of wafers W.

Then, the processing unit16supplies the processing liquid L to the wafers W by the processing liquid nozzles51while rotating the wafers W by the substrate processing units30.

In addition, as illustrated inFIG. 9C, the processing unit16further rotates the top plate portion41while supplying the processing liquid L by the processing liquid nozzles51, and causes the processing liquid nozzle51to perform scan above the wafers W.

As described above, in Modification 4, it is possible to supply the processing liquid L to the plurality of wafers W in the first space A1which is partitioned by, for example, the top plate portion41and has an atmosphere which is adjusted by the atmosphere adjustment gas.

In Modification 4, as illustrated in, for example,FIG. 9A, the processing liquid nozzles51may be provided by the number which corresponds to the number of substrate processing units30. Thus, in Modification 4, it is possible to perform a liquid processing simultaneously on the plurality of wafers W accommodated in the processing unit16.

In Modification 4, the processing liquid nozzles51may be disposed so as to pass at least the central portions of the wafers W when the top plate portion41is rotated. This makes it possible to uniformly supply the processing liquid L to the entire surfaces of the wafers W.

The substrate processing apparatus (processing unit16) according to the embodiment includes a substrate holding unit31, a top plate41, a gas supply unit44, a processing liquid nozzle51, and an arm53. The substrate holding unit31holds a substrate (wafer W). The top plate portion41is provided to face the substrate (wafer W) held by the substrate holding unit31, and a through hole41ais formed at a position facing at least the center of the substrate (wafer W). The gas supply unit44supplies an atmosphere adjustment gas for adjusting the atmosphere to the space (the first space A1) between the substrate holding unit31and the top plate portion41. The processing liquid nozzle51ejects the processing liquid L for processing the substrate (wafer W) onto the substrate (wafer W). The arm53holds the processing liquid nozzle51and moves the processing liquid nozzle51between a processing position at which the processing liquid L is ejected from the processing liquid nozzle51via the through hole41aand a standby position outside the wafer W. This makes it possible to reduce the amount of use of the atmosphere adjustment gas when performing the liquid processing on the wafer W.

Further, in the substrate processing apparatus (processing unit16) according to the embodiment, the top plate portion41includes the inflow suppressing portion45that suppresses a gas, which is different from the atmosphere adjustment gas, from flowing into the space (first space A1) between the substrate (wafer W) and the top plate portion41via the through hole41a. This makes it possible to favorably maintain the first space A1in the atmosphere adjusted to the predetermined condition.

In addition, in the substrate processing apparatus (processing unit16) according to the embodiment, the through hole41ais in the form of a slit. This makes it possible to scan-shift the processing liquid nozzle51in the through hole41a.

Further, the substrate processing apparatus (processing unit16) according to Modification 3 further includes a scan top plate55disposed to cover the slit-shaped through hole41aand is scanned on the substrate (wafer W) in synchronization with the processing liquid nozzle51. This makes it possible to favorably maintain the first space A1in the atmosphere adjusted to the predetermined condition.

In addition, in the substrate processing apparatus (processing unit16) according to Modification 4, a plurality of substrate holding units31are provided side by side. In addition, the top plate portion41is disposed so as to cover the plurality of substrate holding units31and is rotatable on the plurality of substrate holding units31. Therefore, it is possible to supply the processing liquid L to the plurality of wafers W in the first space A1which is partitioned by, for example, the top plate portion41and has an atmosphere which is adjusted by the atmosphere adjustment gas.

Further, in the substrate processing apparatus (processing unit16) according to the embodiment, the top plate portion41has the convex portion41bprotruding toward the substrate (wafer W), and the outer diameter of the convex portion41bis larger than the outer diameter of the substrate (wafer W). Therefore, even if the processing liquid L remains at the outer edge of the convex portion41bafter the liquid processing, it is possible to suppress the remaining processing liquid L from adhering to the wafer W.

In addition, the substrate processing apparatus (processing unit16) according to the embodiment further includes a liquid receiving portion33disposed to surround the outer edge of the substrate holding unit31and configured to receive the processing liquid L by which a liquid processing was performed. In addition, the inner diameter of the liquid receiving cup33is larger than the outer diameter of the convex portion41b. This makes it possible to bring the top plate portion41close to the wafer W without interfering with the liquid receiving cup33.

Subsequently, details of a liquid processing according to an embodiment will be described with reference toFIGS. 10 and 11.FIG. 10is a flowchart illustrating the processing procedure of the entire liquid processing according to the embodiment.

The controller18reads a program installed in the memory19from the storage medium according to an embodiment, and the controller18controls, for example, the transport section12, the transport section15and a processing unit16performs the conveyance unit12on the basis of a read instruction, whereby the liquid processing illustrated inFIGS. 10 and 11is executed.

First, the controller18controls the gas supply unit44of the processing unit16to supply the atmosphere adjustment gas to the first space A1partitioned by the partition unit40(step S101). Subsequently, the controller18controls the substrate transport device13and the substrate transport device17so as to carry a wafer W from a carrier C into a processing unit16via the substrate transport device13, the delivery unit14, and the substrate transport device17(step S102).

Next, the controller18controls the substrate processing unit30of the processing unit16such that the substrate holding unit31holds the wafer W (step S103). Step S103is performed, for example, by moving the wafer W carried to the upper side of the substrate holding unit31with the column portion32, which has been moved upward, then moving the wafer W downward, and holding the wafer W by the substrate holding unit31.

Next, the controller18controls the partition unit40of the processing unit16to bring the top plate portion41close to the wafer W (step S104). In addition, in parallel to the processing of step S104, the controller18controls the partition unit40to fill the gap of the first space A1with the gap filling portion43(step S105).

Next, the controller18controls the liquid supply unit50of the processing unit16to insert the processing liquid nozzle51into the through hole41ain the top plate41(step S106). Then, the controller18controls the liquid supply unit50to supply the processing liquid L to the wafer W from the processing liquid nozzle51(step S107).

Next, the controller18controls the substrate processing unit30to perform a liquid processing on the wafer W (step S108). Step S108is performed, for example, by rotating the substrate holding unit31to rotate the wafer W to move the processing liquid L supplied to the wafer W to the outer peripheral side. In addition, steps S107and S108described above are performed so as to fill the space between the top plate portion41and the wafer W with the processing liquid L.

Next, the controller18controls the partition unit40to secure the transport path of the wafer W in the first space A1(step S109). Step S109is performed, for example, by causing the top plate portion41to retreat upward from the transport path of the wafer W and the gap filling portion43to retreat downward.

Next, the controller18controls the substrate processing unit30, the substrate transport device17, and the substrate transport device13such that the wafer W is carried out from the inside of the processing unit16to the carrier C via the substrate transport device17, the delivery unit14, and the substrate transport device13(step S110).

Finally, the controller18controls the gas supply unit44to stop the supply of the atmosphere adjustment gas to the first space A1partitioned by the partition unit40(step S111), and the processing is completed.

FIG. 11is a flowchart illustrating a detailed processing procedure of the liquid processing (the above-described step S108) according to the embodiment.

In the liquid processing of the embodiment, first, a first liquid processing is performed with a predetermined first processing liquid (step S201). The first liquid processing is performed, for example, by supplying the first processing liquid such as, for example, an acid-based processing liquid such as, for example, DHF, or an alkali-based processing liquid such as, for example, SC1, to the wafer W from the processing liquid nozzle51.

Next, a rinse processing is performed with a predetermined rinse liquid (step S202). The rinse processing is performed, for example, by supplying a rinse liquid such as, for example, DIW, to the wafer W from the processing liquid nozzle51. In addition, the first processing liquid adhering to the top plate portion41from the surface may also be removed by this rinse processing.

Next, a predetermined second processing liquid is performed with a predetermined second processing liquid (step S203). The second liquid processing is performed, for example, by supplying the second processing liquid such as, for example, an acid-based processing liquid such as, for example, DHF, or an alkali-based processing liquid such as, for example, SC1, to the wafer W from the processing liquid nozzle51.

Next, a rinse processing is performed with a predetermined rinse liquid (step S204). The rinse processing is the same processing as step S202. In addition, the second processing liquid adhering to the top plate portion41may also be removed from the surface by this rinse processing.

Next, IPA is supplied to the wafer W using the processing liquid nozzle51(step S205). Finally, the wafer W is spin-dried by spinning the wafer W supplied with the IPA (step S206), and the processing is completed.

The substrate processing method according to the embodiment includes a step of supplying an atmosphere adjustment gas, a step of holding a substrate by the substrate holding unit31, and a step of performing a liquid processing. In the step of supplying the atmosphere adjustment gas, an atmosphere adjustment gas for adjusting the atmosphere is supplied to the space (first space A1) between the substrate holding unit31holding the substrate (wafer W) and the top plate portion41provided facing the substrate holding unit31. In the liquid processing step, the processing liquid L is supplied to the substrate (wafer W) using the through hole41aformed in the top plate portion41to perform the liquid processing. This makes it possible to reduce the amount of use of the atmosphere adjustment gas when performing the liquid processing on the wafer W.

In addition, the substrate processing method according to the embodiment further includes a step of inserting the processing liquid nozzle51into the through hole41ato eject discharge the processing liquid L. This makes it possible to favorably maintain the first space A1in the atmosphere adjusted to the predetermined condition.

In addition, the substrate processing method according to the embodiment further includes a step of bringing the top plate portion41close to the substrate (wafer W) held by the substrate holding unit31. As a result, since it is possible to narrow the first space A1, it is possible to further reduce the amount of use of the atmosphere adjustment gas.

In addition, in the substrate processing method according to the embodiment, in the liquid processing step, the space between the top plate portion41and the substrate (wafer W) is filled with the processing liquid L. Therefore, it is possible to perform the liquid processing of the wafer W in a favorable state.

In addition, the storage medium according to the embodiment stores a program that causes a computer to execute the substrate processing method described above. This makes it possible to reduce the amount of use of the atmosphere adjustment gas when performing the liquid processing on the wafer W.

Although the embodiments of the present disclosure have been described above, the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and various modifications can be made without departing from the gist thereof. For example, in the above-described embodiments, the case where the space between the top plate portion41and the wafer W is filled with the processing liquid L has been described, but when the atmosphere adjustment gas is supplied between the top plate portion41and the wafer W, it is not necessary to fill the space between the top plate41and the wafer W with the processing liquid L. Further, the supply amount of the atmosphere adjustment gas may be changed during the processing.

According to the present disclosure, it is possible to reduce the amount of use of an atmosphere adjustment gas when processing a substrate.