APPARATUS FOR PROCESSING SUBSTRATE

An apparatus for processing a substrate includes a support plate including a first accommodation space having a disk shape disposed therein and supporting a substrate; a first cooling means accommodated in the first accommodation space and including a phase change material; and a second cooling means disposed in the support plate and disposed to have at least a portion of the first cooling means interposed between the second cooling means and an upper surface of the support plate, and including cooling liquid flowing in the support plate.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The application claims benefit of priority to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2022-0122318 filed on Sep. 27, 2022 in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

Example embodiments of the present disclosure relate to an apparatus for processing a substrate.

2. Description of Related Art

Generally, among processes of manufacturing a semiconductor, a substrate may be cooled in a process such as photo, etching, and packaging processes if desired and subsequent processes may be performed thereafter. For example, in a process of manufacturing a semiconductor, a photo process may include a process of applying photoresist, developing, cleaning, heat treatment, and the like to a substrate in a process chamber. The substrate having gone through the processes may be discharged to the outside of the process chamber in a high temperature state, and the substrate may need to be cooled to a predetermined temperature for subsequent processing.

Generally, as a cooling means for cooling a substrate, a cooling means for cooling using a cooling liquid may be installed in a cooling plate for supporting a substrate. However, a study into implementing rapid cooling for the substrate may be necessary with respect to the cooling means.

SUMMARY

An example embodiment of the present disclosure is to provide an apparatus for processing a substrate which may improve cooling performance for a substrate.

According to an example embodiment of the present disclosure, an apparatus for processing a substrate includes a support plate including a first accommodation space having a disk shape disposed therein and supporting a substrate; a first cooling means accommodated in the first accommodation space and including a phase change material; and a second cooling means disposed in the support plate and disposed to have at least a portion of the first cooling means interposed between the second cooling means and an upper surface of the support plate, and including cooling liquid flowing in the support plate.

The second cooling means may be spaced apart from a lower portion of the first accommodation space in the support plate, and the first cooling means may include a heat transfer member disposed on an internal wall surface of the first accommodation space and in contact with the phase change material.

The heat transfer member may include a first heat transfer member disposed on an upper wall surface of the first accommodation space and a second heat transfer member disposed on a lower wall surface of the first accommodation space.

The first heat transfer member may include a plurality of first heat transfer pins spaced apart from each other with a predetermined distance therebetween on an upper wall surface of the first accommodation space; and the second heat transfer member includes a plurality of second heat transfer pins spaced apart from each other on a lower wall surface of the first accommodation space with a predetermined distance therebetween and alternately disposed with the first heat transfer pins.

The plurality of first heat transfer pins may be spaced apart from each other on an upper wall surface of the first accommodation space in a concentric shape with respect to a center of the first accommodation space, and the plurality of second heat transfer pins may be spaced apart from each other on a lower wall surface of the first accommodation space in a concentric shape with respect to a center of the first accommodation space to be alternately disposed with the plurality of first heat transfer pins.

The plurality of first heat transfer pins may extend in parallel to each other in one direction on an upper wall surface of the first accommodation space, and the plurality of second heat transfer pins may extend in parallel to the plurality of first heat transfer pins on a lower wall surface of the first accommodation space.

The first heat transfer pin and the second heat transfer pin may protrude alternately with each other in a thickness direction of the support plate, and the first heat transfer pin and the second heat transfer pin may have portions overlapping each other in the thickness direction.

A protruding end of the first heat transfer pin and a protruding end of the second heat transfer pin may overlap each other in the thickness direction.

The first accommodation space may have an area entirely covering the second cooling means when viewed from above.

The phase change material may include one of a paraffinic material and a eutectic salt material.

The support plate may include a housing forming the first accommodation space therein.

The second cooling means may include a cooling liquid flow path spaced apart from a lower portion of the first accommodation space in the support plate, and including an inlet port into which the cooling liquid flows and an outlet port through which the cooling liquid flows out to allow the cooling liquid flows therethrough.

The support plate may include a second accommodation space spaced apart from a lower portion of the first accommodation space, and the second cooling means includes a cooling liquid pipe disposed in the second accommodation space and including an inlet port through which the cooling liquid flows in and an outlet port through which the cooling liquid flows out to allow the cooling liquid flows therethrough, and the inlet port and the outlet port may be disposed adjacent to each other.

The second cooling means may include a cooling liquid pipe disposed on a lower surface of the first accommodation space and including an inlet port through which the cooling liquid flows in and an outlet port through which the cooling liquid flows out to allow the cooling liquid flows therethrough, and the phase change material is in contact with an external wall surface of the cooling liquid pipe in the first accommodation space, and the heat transfer member may be disposed on an upper wall surface of the first accommodation space and an external wall surface of the cooling liquid pipe.

According to another example embodiment of the present disclosure, an apparatus for processing a substrate includes a support plate including a first accommodation space having a disk shape disposed therein and supporting a substrate; a support pin disposed in the support plate to be partitioned from the first accommodation space, penetrating an upper surface of the support plate, and supporting the substrate to move up and down; a first cooling means accommodated in the first accommodation space and including a phase change material; and a second cooling means disposed in the support plate and disposed to have the first cooling means interposed between the second cooling means and an upper surface of the support plate, and cooling the support plate.

According to another example embodiment of the present disclosure, an apparatus for processing a substrate includes a process chamber in which the substrate is accommodated; a support plate disposed in the process chamber, including a first accommodation space having a disk shape and a cooling liquid flow path disposed vertically and spaced apart from each other therein, and supporting a substrate; a first cooling means including a phase change material accommodated in the first accommodation space, a plurality of first heat transfer pins in contact with the phase change material and spaced apart from each other and protruding downwardly from an upper wall surface of the first accommodation space, and a plurality of second heat transfer pins spaced apart from each other and protruding upwardly from a lower wall surface of the first accommodation space and disposed alternately with the first heat transfer member; and a second cooling means including cooling liquid accommodated in the cooling liquid flow path and flowing through the cooling liquid flow path.

The first accommodation space may have an area entirely covering the cooling liquid flow path when viewed from above.

The first heat transfer pin and the second heat transfer pin may protrude alternately from each other in a thickness direction of the support plate, and a protruding end of the first heat transfer pin and a protruding end of the second heat transfer pin may overlap each other in the thickness direction

The plurality of first heat transfer pins may be spaced apart from each other on an upper wall surface of the first accommodation space in a concentric shape with respect to a center of the first accommodation space, and the plurality of second heat transfer pins may be spaced apart from each other on a lower wall surface of the first accommodation space in a concentric shape with respect to a center of the first accommodation space to be alternately disposed with the first heat transfer pins.

The phase change material may include one of a paraffinic material and a eutectic salt material.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Hereinafter, example embodiments of the present disclosure will be described as below with reference to the attached drawings. The present disclosure may be implemented in different forms and are not limited to the example embodiments described herein.

In the drawings, same elements will be indicated by same reference numerals. Also, redundant descriptions and detailed descriptions of known functions and elements that may unnecessarily make the gist of the present disclosure obscure will not be provided. In the drawings, same elements will be indicated by same reference numerals. The terms such as “upper,” “upper portion,” “upper side,” “upper surface,” “upper wall surface,” “lower” “lower portion,” “lower side,” “lower surface,” “lower wall surface” refer to the drawings. Also, the terms such as “internal” and “external are based on a peripheral portion of the component, and may vary depending on the direction in which the element or component may be disposed.

The terms, “include,” “comprise,” “is configured to,” or the like of the description are used to indicate the presence of features, numbers, operations, operations, elements, portions or combination thereof, and do not exclude the possibilities of combination or addition of one or more features, numbers, operations, operations, elements, portions or combination thereof.

FIG.1is a diagram illustrating an apparatus for processing a substrate according to an example embodiment, viewed from above.FIG.2is a diagram illustrating an apparatus for processing a substrate according to an example embodiment, viewed in direction A-A′.FIG.3is a diagram illustrating an apparatus for processing a substrate according to an example embodiment, viewed in direction B-B′.

Referring toFIGS.1to3, the apparatus for processing a substrate1may include a load port100, an index module200, a buffer module300, a coating and developing module400, and a purge module700. The load port100, the index module200, the buffer module300, the coating and developing module400and the interface module600may be disposed linearly in one direction. The purge module700may be provided in the interface module600. Alternatively, the purge module700may be provided in various positions, such as a position in which the exposure apparatus of the rear end of the interface module600is connected or a side unit of the interface module600.

Hereinafter, the direction in which the load port100, the index module200, the buffer module300, the coating and developing module400, and the interface module600may be disposed may be referred to as the first direction Y, the direction perpendicular to the first direction Y may be referred to as the second direction X when viewed from above, and the direction perpendicular to the first direction Y and the second direction X may be referred to as the third direction Z.

The substrate W may move in a state accommodated in the cassette20. The cassette20may have a structure sealed from the outside. For example, as the cassette20, a front open unified pod (FOUP) having a front door may be used.

In the description below, the load port100, the index module200, the buffer module300, the coating and developing module400, the interface module600and the purge module700will be described in greater detail.

The load port100may have a mounting table120on which a cassette20containing a substrate W may be disposed. A plurality of mounting tables120may be provided, and the mounting tables120may be disposed linearly in the second direction X.FIG.2illustrates an example in which four mounting tables120may be provided, but the number of the mounting tables120may be varied.

The index module200may transfer the substrate W between the cassette20disposed on the mounting table120of the load port100and the buffer module300. The index module200may include a frame210, an index robot220, and a guide rail230. The frame210may be generally provided in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped having a void therein, and may be disposed between the load port100and the buffer module300. The frame210of the index module200may be provided on a level lower than that of the frame310of the buffer module300. The index robot220and the guide rail230may be disposed within the frame210. The index robot220may be provided such that the hand221directly handling the substrate W may move and rotate in a first direction Y, a second direction X, and a third direction Z. The index robot220may include a hand221, an arm222, a support stand223, and a support224. The hand221may be fixed to the arm222. The arm222may be provided to be stretched and rotated. A length direction of the support stand223may be disposed in the third direction Z. The arm222may be coupled to the support stand223so as to move along the support stand223. The support stand223may be fixed and coupled to the support224. The guide rail230may be provided such that a length direction thereof may be disposed in the second direction X. The support224may be coupled to the guide rail230so as to linearly move along the guide rail230. Also, although not illustrated, a door opener for opening and closing the door of the cassette20may be further provided in the frame210.

The buffer module300may include a frame310, a first buffer320, a second buffer330and a cooling chamber340. The frame310may be provided in the shape of a rectangular parallelepiped with a void therein, and may be disposed between the index module200and the coating and developing module400. The first buffer320, the second buffer330and the cooling chamber340may be disposed within the frame310. The cooling chamber340, the second buffer330, and the first buffer320may be disposed in order in the third direction Z upwardly. The first buffer320may be disposed on a level corresponding to a level of the coating module401of the coating and developing module400, and the second buffer330and the cooling chamber340may be provided on a level corresponding to a level of the developing module402of the coating and developing module400.

Each of the first buffer320and the second buffer330may temporarily store a plurality of substrates W. The first buffer320may have a housing321and a plurality of support stands322. In the first buffer320, the support stands322may be disposed within the housing321and may be spaced apart from each other in the third direction Z. The second buffer330may have a housing331and a plurality of support stands332. In the second buffer330, the support stands332may be disposed within the housing331and may be spaced apart from each other in the third direction Z. The substrate W may be disposed on a support stand322of the first buffer320and a support stand332of the second buffer330. The housing331may have an opening in the direction in which the index robot220may be provided such that the index robot220may carry in or may take out the substrate W from the support stand332in the housing331. The first buffer320may have a structure substantially similar to that of the second buffer330. However, the housing321of the first buffer320may have an opening in the direction in which the first buffer robot360is provided and in the direction in which the coating portion robot421disposed on the coating module401is provided. The number of support stands322provided in the first buffer320and the number of support stands332provided in the second buffer330may be the same or different. According to an example, the number of support stands332provided to the second buffer330may be greater than the number of support stands322provided to the first buffer320.

The cooling chamber340may cool the substrate W. The cooling chamber340may include a housing341and a cooling plate342. The cooling plate342may have an upper surface on which the substrate W is disposed and the cooling means343for cooling the substrate W. As the cooling means343, various methods such as cooling by cooling water or cooling using a thermoelectric element may be used. Also, a lift pin assembly for positioning the substrate W on the cooling plate342may be provided in the cooling chamber340. The housing341may have an opening in the direction in which the index robot220is provided and the direction in which the developing portion robot is provided such that the developing portion robot provided in the index robot220and developing module402may carry in or take out the substrate W to the cooling plate342. Also, doors for opening and closing the aforementioned opening may be provided in the cooling chamber340.

In the above description, the buffer module300may include components of the cooling chamber340, but an example embodiment thereof is not limited thereto, and components of the cooling chamber340may not be provided if desired.

The coating module401may include a process of applying a photoresist such as photoresist to the substrate W and a heat treatment process such as heating and cooling the substrate W before and after a resist application process. The coating module401may have a coating chamber410, a heat treatment chamber unit500, and a transfer chamber420. The coating chamber410, the transfer chamber420, and the heat treatment chamber unit500may be disposed in order in the second direction X. That is, with respect to the transfer chamber420, the coating chamber410may be provided on one side of the transfer chamber420, and the heat treatment chamber unit500may be provided on the other side of the transfer chamber420.

A plurality of coating chambers410may be provided in the third direction Z. Also, as illustrated inFIG.1, a plurality of coating chambers410may be provided in the first direction Y, or a coating chamber410may be provided in the first direction Y. The heat treatment chamber unit500may include a baking chamber510and a cooling chamber520, and the plurality of baking chambers510and the plurality of cooling chambers520may be provided in the third direction Z. The transfer chamber420may be disposed parallel to the first buffer320of the first buffer module300in the first direction12. In the transfer chamber420, a coating portion robot421and a guide rail422may be disposed. The transfer chamber420may have a substantially rectangular shape. The coating portion robot421may transfer the substrate W between the baking chamber510, the cooling chamber520, the coating chamber410, and the first buffer320of the first buffer module300.

The guide rail422may be disposed such that a length direction thereof may be parallel to the first direction Y. The guide rail422may guide the coating portion robot421to linearly move in the first direction Y. The coating portion robot421may have a hand423, an arm424, a support stand425, and a support426. The hand423may be fixed to the arm424. The arm424may be configured to be stretched such that the hand423may move in the horizontal direction. The support stand425may be provided such that a length direction thereof may be disposed in the third direction Z. The arm424may be coupled to the support stand425so as to linearly move in the third direction Z along the support stand425. The support stand425may be fixed and coupled to the support426, and the support426may be coupled to the guide rail422so as to move along the guide rail422.

The coating chambers410may have the same structure, but types of processing liquid used in each coating chamber410may be different. As the processing liquid, a processing liquid for forming a photoresist film or an anti-reflective film may be used.

The coating chamber410may apply processing liquid on the substrate W. A processing unit including a processing vessel411, a support portion412and a nozzle portion413may be provided in the coating chamber410.

For example, in the coating chamber410, a processing unit may be disposed in the first direction Y, but an example embodiment thereof is not limited thereto, and two or more processing units may be disposed in the coating chamber410. The processing units may have the same structure. However, the type of processing liquid used in the processing units may be different.

The processing vessel411of the coating chamber410may have an open upper portion shape. The support portion412may be disposed within the processing vessel411and may support the substrate W. The support portion412may be provided to rotate. The nozzle portion413may supply processing liquid to the substrate W disposed on the support portion412. The processing liquid may be applied to the substrate W by a spin coat method. Also, in the coating chamber410, a nozzle (not illustrated) for supplying a cleaning liquid such as deionized water (DIW) to clean the surface of the substrate W coated with processing liquid and a bag rinse nozzle (not illustrated) for cleaning the lower surface of the substrate W may be optionally further provided.

In the baking chamber510, when the substrate W is seated by the coating portion robot421, the substrate W may be heat-treated.

In the baking chamber510, a prebake process of heating the substrate W to a predetermined temperature to remove organic matter or moisture from the surface of the substrate W before applying the processing liquid or processing liquid to the wafer W, or a soft bake process performed after applying the processing liquid on the wafer W may be performed, and a cooling process for cooling the substrate W may be performed after each heating process.

The baking chamber510may include a heating plate511and a cooling plate512. The cooling plate512may be provided with a cooling means such as cooling water or a thermoelectric element.

In the cooling chamber520, a cooling process of cooling the substrate W may be performed before coating the processing liquid. A cooling plate may be provided in the cooling chamber520. The cooling plate may include a cooling means to which various methods such as cooling by cooling water or cooling using a thermoelectric element may be used to cool the substrate W.

The interface module600may connect the coating and developing module400to the external exposure apparatus800. The interface module600may include an interface frame610, a first interface buffer620, a second interface buffer630and a transfer robot640, and the transfer robot640may transfer the substrate transferred to the first and second interface buffers620and630after the coating and developing module400is finished to the exposure apparatus800. The first and second interface buffer620may include a housing621and a support stand622, and the transfer robot640and the coating portion robot421may carry in/out the substrate W to the support stand622.

The apparatus for processing a substrate having such the components may perform a photo processing process by spraying various types of processing liquid to the substrate. Here, since the substrate processed before or after application of the processing liquid on the substrate is discharged out of the chamber in a high temperature state, the substrate may be cooled to perform the subsequent process. To cool such a substrate, the configurations of the apparatus for processing a substrate according to various embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings.

FIGS.4to8are diagrams illustrating the apparatus for processing a substrate according to embodiment 1.FIG.4is a diagram illustrating components of an apparatus for processing a substrate according to embodiment 1.FIG.5is a diagram illustrating a first cooling means, viewed in a direction C-C′ inFIG.4.FIG.6is a diagram illustrating an apparatus for processing a substrate including a first cooling means and a second cooling means including components of a heat transfer member according to an example embodiment.FIG.7is a diagram illustrating a first cooling means viewed in a direction D-D′ inFIG.6.FIG.8is a diagram illustrating a second cooling means viewed in an E-E′ direction inFIG.6.

Referring toFIGS.4and5, the apparatus1000for processing a substrate according to embodiment 1 may be an apparatus for cooling the substrate, and may include a support plate1100disposed in the process chamber C, a first cooling means1200and a second cooling means1300. Here, the process chamber C of the apparatus1000for processing a substrate may be one of the cooling chamber340, the baking chamber510and the cooling chamber520included in the buffer module300described above. Here, as an example, when the process chamber C is the baking chamber510, the support plate1100may be applied as a cooling plate512within the baking chamber510.

However, an example embodiment thereof is not limited thereto, and any apparatus for cooling the substrate may be included in the example of the apparatus1for processing a substrate.

As illustrated inFIGS.4and5, in the apparatus1000for processing a substrate in the embodiment, the support plate1100may be configured to support the substrate and may include a first accommodation space1110of a disk shape therein. The support plate1100may be formed of a material having a high heat transfer rate, but an example embodiment thereof is not limited thereto. For example, the support plate1100may be formed of a material such as aluminum.

Here, the disk shape of the first accommodation space1110may indicate that the first accommodation space1110may form a disk shape when viewed from the upper portion of the support plate1100. In other words, when viewed from the planar structure of the support plate1100, the first accommodation space1110may have a circular shape.

The first cooling means1200may be accommodated in the first accommodation space1110of the disk shape of the support plate1100and may include a phase change material P.

Here, a phase change material (PCM) P may refer to a material repeatedly exhibiting heat absorption and heat dissipation according to phase change according to external temperature change. In the embodiment, the phase change material may include one of a paraffinic material and a eutectic salt material, and may be accommodated in a manner of being applied into the first accommodation space1110of the support plate1100. The first cooling means1200including the phase change material P may cool the substrate W using latent heat energy generated when the phase change material P reaches a predetermined temperature by thermal energy emitted from the substrate W and phase change occurs. Accordingly, even when the substrate W at high temperature is seated on the upper surface of the support plate1100, the temperature of the support plate P may be maintained to be lower by the phase change material P of the first cooling means1200accommodated in the first accommodation space1110of the disk shape of the support plate1100and the cooling rate of the substrate W may be shortened.

Here, in the first cooling means1200, the phase change material P accommodated in the first accommodation space1110of the disk shape may have a large specific heat capacity and latent heat, but may have low thermal conductivity, and accordingly, the first cooling means1200may further include a heat transfer member1210to increase thermal conductivity. The heat transfer member1210may be disposed on the internal wall surface of the first accommodation space1110of the support plate1100, may be in contact with the phase change material P accommodated in the first accommodation space1110, and may effectively transfer the thermal energy due to the phase change of the phase change material P to the support plate1100and second cooling means1300. The heat transfer member1210may be formed of a material having high thermal conductivity, and is not limited to any particular example. The heat transfer member1210may be formed of the same material as that of the support plate1100. For example, when the support plate1100is formed of an aluminum material, the heat transfer member1210may also be formed of an aluminum material, but an example embodiment thereof is not limited thereto. As another example, the heat transfer member1210may be formed of a material having a high heat transfer rate, such as nickel or titanium. By disposing the components of the heat transfer member1210, the heat transfer area of the phase change material P may be increased such that heat transfer performance of the first cooling means1200may improve.

Referring toFIGS.6and7, the heat transfer member1210of the first cooling means1200may include a first heat transfer member1211and a second heat transfer member1212.

The first heat transfer member1211may be disposed on the upper wall surface of the first accommodation space1110of the support plate1100. Specifically, the first heat transfer member1211may include a plurality of first heat transfer pins1211aspaced apart from each other with a predetermined distance therebetween on the upper wall surface of the first accommodation space1110. That is, the plurality of first heat transfer pins1211amay be spaced apart from each other and may protrude downwardly from the upper wall surface of the first accommodation space1110of the support plate1100.

The second heat transfer member1212may be disposed on the lower wall surface of the first accommodation space1110of the support plate1100. Specifically, the second heat transfer member1212may include a plurality of second heat transfer pins1212aspaced apart from each other with a predetermined distance therebetween on the lower wall surface of the first accommodation space1110. That is, the plurality of second heat transfer pins1212amay be spaced apart from each other and may protrude upwardly from the lower wall surface of the first accommodation space1110of the support plate1100. In this case, the plurality of second heat transfer pins1212amay be alternately disposed with the plurality of first heat transfer pins1211a.

The first heat transfer member1211of the first cooling means1200may mainly transfer heat such that heat exchange may occur between the support plate1100and the phase change material P, and the first heat transfer member1211transfer the heat transferred from the substrate W to the support plate1100to the phase change material P, and the second heat transfer member1212of the first cooling means1200may mainly transfer heat such that heat exchange occur between the phase change material P and the cooling medium (cooling liquid to be described later) of the second cooling means1300, and accordingly, the phase change material P may be effectively cooled by the cooling medium of the second cooling means1300.

Here, the first heat transfer pin1211aand the second heat transfer pin1212amay protrude alternately in the thickness direction T of the support plate1100, and portions of the first heat transfer pin1211aand the second heat transfer pin1212amay overlap each other in the thickness direction T. Specifically, the protruding end of the first heat transfer pin1211aand the protruding end of the second heat transfer pin1212amay overlap each other in the thickness direction T, such that heat transfer efficiency may be further improved.

In the embodiment, as illustrated inFIG.7, the plurality of first heat transfer pins1211aof the first heat transfer member1211may be disposed in a concentric shape with respect to a center of the first accommodation space1110on an upper wall surface of the first accommodation space1110of the support plate1100. Also, the plurality of second heat transfer pins1212aof the second heat transfer member1212may be disposed in a concentric shape with respect to a center of the first accommodation space1110on a lower wall surface of the first accommodation space1110of the support plate1100.

By the configuration of the heat transfer member1210including the first heat transfer member1211and the second heat transfer member1212, the heat transfer area of the first cooling means1200may be increased and the thickness of the thermal interface layer may be decreased such that heat resistance may be effectively lowered, and accordingly, heat transfer performance of the first cooling means1200may be effectively improved.

The second cooling means1300may include cooling liquid flowing in the support plate1100. Here, the cooling liquid may be water, but an example embodiment thereof is not limited thereto. The second cooling means1300may be disposed in the support plate1100and may be disposed to have at least a portion of the first cooling means1200interposed between the second cooling means1300and an upper surface of the support plate1100. For example, the second cooling means1300may be disposed in the support plate1100and may be disposed to have the entire first cooling means1200interposed between the second cooling means1300and an upper surface of the support plate1100. That is, the second cooling means1300may be spaced apart from each other below the first accommodation space1110in the support plate1100. Specifically, referring toFIG.8, the second cooling means1300may include a cooling liquid flow path1310formed in the support plate1100and through which cooling liquid flows. That is, the cooling liquid flow path1310of the second cooling means1300may be formed directly in the support plate1100as a component thereof. Accordingly, the structure of the apparatus1000for processing a substrate may be simplified and the apparatus1000may be easily manufactured, and since the cooling liquid directly flows through the cooling liquid flow path1310formed in the support plate1100, cooling performance of the support plate1100may be improved.

The cooling liquid flow path1310may be spaced apart from the lower portion of the first accommodation space1110of the support plate1100, and may include an inlet port1311through which cooling liquid flows in on one end and an outlet port1312through which cooling liquid flows out on the other end. The inlet port1311of the cooling liquid flow path1310may be connected to an external cooling liquid supply line, and the outlet port1312may be connected to an external cooling liquid discharge line such that cooling liquid may be supplied from the cooling liquid supply line through the inlet port1311, may flow through the cooling liquid flow path1310and may be discharged to the cooling liquid discharge line through the outlet port1312. Accordingly, the cooling liquid may circulate through the cooling liquid flow path1310and may continuously cool the support plate1100.

The cooling liquid flow path1310of the second cooling means1300may be implemented in various arrangement structures in the support plate1100. In the embodiment, as illustrated inFIG.8, the cooling liquid flow path1310of the second cooling means1300may be configured to be bent multiple times throughout the entire area of the support plate1100. Here, the inlet port1311and outlet port1312of the cooling liquid flow path1310may be disposed adjacent to each other. Accordingly, by offsetting the temperature difference between the cooling liquid flowing into the inlet port1311of the cooling liquid flow path1310and the cooling liquid flowing out of the outlet port1312of the cooling liquid flow path1310, the temperature distribution of the support plate1100may be maintained uniformly, such that overall cooling efficiency may be increased.

Also, to increase the uniform cooling effect and cooling performance of the substrate W, the first accommodation space1110of the support plate1100may have an area covering the entire second cooling means1300when viewed from above. That is, the first accommodation space1110of the support plate1100may have an area covering the entire cooling liquid flow path1310of the second cooling means1300when viewed from above.

According to the configuration described above, the substrate W supported by the upper surface of the support plate1100and the phase change material of the first cooling means1200disposed in the first accommodation space1110of the support plate1100P may be disposed to exchange heat therebetween, and the phase change material P and heat transfer member1210of the first cooling means1200may be disposed to exchange heat with the cooling liquid of the second cooling means1300circulating in the inside of the support plate1100, such that when the phase change material P of the first cooling means1200is heated by the heat transferred from the substrate W on the support plate1100, the phase change material P of the first cooling means1200may be cooled by heat absorption of the cooling liquid of the second cooling means1300. Accordingly, the phase change material P of the first cooling means1200may cause a continuous phase change while being heated by the heat transferred from the substrate W and the support plate1100, and may effectively cool the substrate W using the latent heat resulting from the phase change from solid to liquid, such that cooling performance of the substrate W may be effectively improved. Also, the phase change material P, which may have undergone a phase change from solid to liquid, may undergo a phase change again by absorption of heat from the cooling liquid of the second cooling means1300and may be recovered from a liquid to a solid phase, such that, in the process of cooling the substrate W, the cooling performance of the phase change material P of the first cooling means1200may be maintained, and continuous cooling of the substrate W may be implemented. Also, the heat transfer member1210of the first cooling means1200may expand the heat transfer area of the first cooling means1200such that the heat transfer efficiency between the support plate1100, the phase change material P of the first cooling means1200and the cooling liquid of the second cooling means1300may effectively improve, and cooling time may be further shortened.

FIG.9is a diagram illustrating a first cooling means viewed in direction D-D′ inFIG.6according to embodiment 2.

An apparatus for processing a substrate according to embodiment 2 will be described with reference toFIG.9.

Referring toFIG.9, an apparatus2000for processing a substrate according to embodiment 2 may include a support plate2100, a first cooling means2200and a second cooling means.

In the embodiment, the components other than the components of the first cooling means2200may be the same as the components in the above embodiment 1, and detailed descriptions of the same components will not be provided to avoid overlapping.

Referring toFIG.9, the heat transfer member2210of the first cooling means2200may include a first heat transfer member2211and a second heat transfer member2212.

The first heat transfer member2211may be disposed on the upper wall surface of the first accommodation space2110of the support plate2100. Specifically, the first heat transfer member2211may include a plurality of first heat transfer pins2211aspaced apart from each other with a predetermined distance therebetween on the upper wall surface of the first accommodation space2110.

The second heat transfer member2212may be disposed on the lower wall surface of the first accommodation space2110of the support plate2100. Specifically, the second heat transfer member2212may include a plurality of second heat transfer pins2212aspaced apart from with a predetermined distance therebetween on the lower wall surface of the first accommodation space2110. In this case, the plurality of second heat transfer pins2212amay be alternately disposed with the plurality of first heat transfer pins2211a.

Here, the first heat transfer pin2211aand the second heat transfer pin2212amay protrude alternately in the thickness direction T of the support plate2100, and portions of the first heat transfer pin2211aand the second heat transfer pin2212amay overlap each other in the thickness direction T. Specifically, the protruding end of the first heat transfer pin2211aand the protruding end of the second heat transfer pin2212amay overlap each other in the thickness direction T, such that heat transfer efficiency may be further improved.

In the embodiment, referring toFIG.9, the plurality of first heat transfer pins2211aof the first heat transfer member2211may extend parallel to each other in one direction on the upper wall surface of the first accommodation space2110. Also, the plurality of second heat transfer pins2212aof the second heat transfer member2212may extend parallel to the plurality of first heat transfer pins2211aon the lower wall surface of the first accommodation space2110.

By the configuration of the heat transfer member2210including the first heat transfer member2211and the second heat transfer member2212, the heat transfer area of the first cooling means2200may be increased and the thickness of the thermal interface layer may be reduced, such that heat resistance may be effectively lowered, such that heat transfer performance of the first cooling means2200may be effectively improved.

FIG.10is a diagram illustrating components of an apparatus for processing a substrate according to embodiment 3.

An apparatus for processing a substrate according to embodiment 3 will be described with reference toFIG.10.

Referring toFIG.10, an apparatus for processing a substrate3000according to embodiment 3 may include a support plate3100, a first cooling means3200and a second cooling means3300.

In the embodiment, components other than the components of the support plate3100may be the same as the components of embodiments 1 and 2 above, and detailed descriptions of the same components will not be provided to avoid overlapping.

In the embodiment, the support plate3100may not directly from a first accommodation space therein, and the first cooling means3200may be accommodated in the first accommodation space3410formed through a different component.

Specifically, referring toFIG.10, the support plate3100may further include a housing3400included in a first accommodation space3410therein.

In this case, an arrangement space3110accommodating the housing3400may be formed in the support plate3100.

The first cooling means3200may be disposed in the first accommodation space3410of the housing3400. That is, the phase change material P of the first cooling means3200may be accommodated in the first accommodation space3410of the housing3400, and the heat transfer member3210of the first accommodation space3410of the housing3400may be disposed on internal wall surfaces. The configuration of the first accommodation space3410of the housing3400may be the same as the configuration of the first accommodation space of embodiments 1 to 2 above, and a detailed description thereof will not be provided.

The housing3400may be formed of the same material as that of the heat transfer member3210of the support plate3100or the first cooling means3200, but an example embodiment thereof is not limited thereto, and various materials may be used as long as the heat transfer rate is high.

Accordingly, by disposing the housing3400having the first accommodation space3410in which the first cooling means3200is accommodated in the arrangement space3110of the support plate3100, the design precision of the apparatus3000for processing a substrate may improve, and deformation due to the influence of thermal energy of the support plate3100may be effectively prevented, such that durability may be improved.

In the embodiment, the support plate may include a housing, but an example embodiment thereof is not limited thereto, and the housing may be implemented to be included in the first cooling means. That is, the first cooling means may be manufactured separately from the support plate, and may be implemented as an embodiment comprising a housing and a phase change material and a heat transfer member accommodated in the housing, which is also included in the scope of the present disclosure.

FIG.11is a diagram illustrating components of an apparatus for processing a substrate according to embodiment 4.

An apparatus for processing a substrate according to embodiment 4 will be described with reference toFIG.11.

Referring toFIG.11, an apparatus4000for processing a substrate according to embodiment 4 may include a support plate4100, a first cooling means4200and a second cooling means4300.

In the embodiment, components other than the components of the first accommodation space4110of the support plate4100may be the same as the components of embodiments 1 to 3 described above, and detailed descriptions of the same components will not be provided to avoid overlapping.

A plurality of grooves4111aand4112amay be alternately disposed on an upper wall surface4111and a lower wall surface4112of the first accommodation space4110of the support plate4100to form a meandering shape, instead of the component of the heat transfer member1210of the first cooling means1200of embodiment 1. Here, the lowermost end surface4111bof the upper wall surface4111of the first accommodation space4110may be alternately disposed with the uppermost end surface4112bof the lower wall surface4112of the first accommodation space4110and may be disposed in a linear line. In another embodiment, the lowermost end surface of the upper wall surface of the first accommodation space may be alternately disposed with the uppermost end surface of the lower wall surface of the first accommodation space, and the lowermost end surface of the upper wall surface of the first accommodation space may be disposed below the uppermost end surface of the lower wall surface of the first accommodation space in the thickness direction of the support plate. According to this configuration, the heat transfer area of the phase change material P of the first cooling means4200accommodated in the meandering first accommodation space4110may be enlarged and the thickness of the thermal interface layer may be reduced such that thermal resistance may be effectively lowered. Accordingly, heat transfer performance of the first cooling means4200may be effectively improved.

FIG.12Ais a diagram illustrating components of an apparatus for processing a substrate according to embodiment 5.FIG.12Bis a diagram illustrating a second cooling means viewed in direction F-F′ inFIG.12A.

An apparatus for processing a substrate according to embodiment 5 will be described with reference toFIGS.12A and12B.

Referring toFIGS.12A and12B, an apparatus5000for processing a substrate according to embodiment 5 may include a support plate5100, a first cooling means5200and a second cooling means5300.

In the embodiment, the components other than the components of the first accommodation space5110and the second cooling means5300of the support plate5100may be the same as the components of embodiments 1 to 4 above, and detailed descriptions of the same components will not be provided to avoid overlapping.

The first cooling means5200may include, for example, a heat transfer member5210and a phase change material P in the first accommodation space5110as in embodiment 1.

The second cooling means5300may be disposed in the support plate5100and may be disposed to have the entire first cooling means5200interposed between the second cooling means5300and an upper surface of the support plate5100. That is, the second cooling means5300may be spaced apart from each other below the first accommodation space5110in the support plate5100. The second cooling means5300may include a cooling liquid flow path5310formed in the support plate5100and through which cooling liquid flows.

The cooling liquid flow path5310may be spaced apart from the lower portion of the first accommodation space5110of the support plate5100, and may include an inlet port5311through which cooling liquid flows in on one end and an outlet port5312through which cooling liquid flows out on the other end. The inlet port5311of the cooling liquid flow path5310may be connected to an external cooling liquid supply line, and the outlet port5312may be connected to an external cooling liquid discharge line such that the cooling liquid may be supplied from the cooling liquid supply line through the inlet port5311, may flow through the cooling liquid flow path5310, and may be discharged to the cooling liquid discharge line through the outlet port5312, and accordingly, the cooling liquid may circulate through the cooling liquid flow path5310and may continuously cool the support plate5100.

The cooling liquid flow path5310of the second cooling means5300may be implemented in various arrangement structures in the support plate5100. In the embodiment, as illustrated inFIGS.12A and12B, the cooling liquid flow path5310of the second cooling means5300may extend in a zigzag pattern in one direction in the support plate5100, and an inlet port5311and an outlet port5312of the cooling liquid flow path5310may be disposed adjacent to each other. Accordingly, the temperature difference between the cooling liquid flowing into the inlet port5311of the cooling liquid flow path5310and the cooling liquid flowing out through the outlet port5312of the cooling liquid flow path5310may be significantly offset, such that the temperature distribution of the support plate5100may be maintained uniformly, and overall cooling efficiency may be increased.

Also, to increase the uniform cooling effect and cooling performance of the substrate W, the first accommodation space5110of the support plate5100may have an area covering the entirety of the second cooling means5300when viewed from above. That is, the first accommodation space5110of the support plate5100may have an area covering the entire cooling liquid flow path5310of the second cooling means5300when viewed from above.

Here, the cooling liquid flow path of the second cooling means may extend in a zigzag pattern, but an example embodiment thereof is not limited thereto, and may be bent more than once over the entire area of the support plate and may be disposed in a spiral shape.

FIG.13is a diagram illustrating components of an apparatus for processing a substrate according to embodiment 6.

An apparatus for processing a substrate according to embodiment 6 will be described with reference toFIG.13.

Referring toFIG.13, an apparatus for processing a substrate6000according to embodiment 6 may include a support plate6100, a first cooling means6200and a second cooling means6300.

In the embodiment, the components other than the components of the support plate6100and the second cooling means6300may be the same as the components of the above embodiments 1 to 5, and detailed descriptions of the same components will not be provided to avoid overlapping.

The first cooling means6200may include, for example, a heat transfer member6210and a phase change material P in the first accommodation space6110as in embodiment 1.

The support plate6100may replace the cooling liquid flow path1310of embodiment 1 and may further include a second accommodation space6120spaced apart from the first accommodation space6110.

In this case, the second cooling means6300may be disposed in the second accommodation space6120of the support plate6100and may include a cooling liquid pipe6310through which cooling liquid flows. That is, the cooling liquid pipe6310may be disposed in the second accommodation space6120of the support plate6100and may be disposed to have the entire first cooling means6200interposed between the cooling liquid pipe6310and an upper surface of the support plate6100. Here, the second accommodation space6120of the support plate6100may be configured in a form corresponding to that of the cooling liquid pipe6310of the second cooling means6300. The cooling liquid pipe6310may have an inlet port (not illustrated) through which cooling liquid flows in on one end and an outlet port (not illustrated) through which cooling liquid flows out on the other end. The inlet port of the cooling liquid pipe6310may be connected to an external cooling liquid supply line, and the outlet port may be connected to an external cooling liquid discharge line such that cooling liquid may be supplied from the cooling liquid supply line through the inlet port to the cooling liquid pipe6310, may flow through the cooling liquid pipe6310, and may be discharged through the outlet port to the cooling liquid discharge line, and accordingly, the cooling liquid may circulate through the cooling liquid pipe6310and may continuously cool the support plate6100.

Also, to realize a uniform cooling effect and improved cooling performance for the substrate W, the first accommodation space6110of the support plate6100may have an area covering the entire second cooling means6300when viewed from above. That is, the first accommodation space6110of the support plate6100may have an area covering the entire cooling liquid pipe6310of the second cooling means6300when viewed from above.

The cooling liquid pipe6310of the second cooling means6300may be implemented in various arrangement structures. As for the arrangement structure of the cooling liquid pipe6310of the second cooling means6300of the embodiment, the curved arrangement structure of the cooling liquid flow path1310of the second cooling means1300of embodiment 1 and the zigzag arrangement structure of the cooling liquid flow path5310of the second cooling means5300of embodiment 5 may be applied, but an example embodiment thereof is not limited thereto, and the arrangement structure may be configured in various forms.

FIG.14is a diagram illustrating components of an apparatus for processing a substrate according to embodiment 7.

An apparatus for processing a substrate according to embodiment 7 will be described with reference toFIG.14.

Referring toFIG.14, an apparatus for processing a substrate7000according to embodiment 7 may include a support plate7100, first cooling means7200and second cooling means7300.

The support plate7100may include a first accommodation space7110having a disk shape therein. In this case, both the first cooling means7200and the second cooling means7300may be disposed in the first accommodation space7110.

Specifically, the first cooling means7200may include a phase change material P accommodated in the first accommodation space7110and a heat transfer member7210disposed in the first accommodation space7110and the second cooling means7300. In this case, the second cooling means7300may include a cooling liquid pipe7310through which cooling liquid flows.

The cooling liquid pipe7310of the second cooling means7300may include an inlet port (not illustrated) through which the cooling liquid flows and an outlet port (not illustrated) through which the cooling liquid flows out, the inlet port and the outlet port disposed on the lower surface of the first accommodation space7110of the support plate7100. The inlet port and outlet port may be disposed adjacent to each other. The configuration of the cooling liquid pipe7310of the second cooling means7300may be the same as the configuration of the cooling liquid pipe6310through which the cooling liquid flows, as described in embodiment 6 above, and a description thereof will not be provided.

The phase change material P of the first cooling means7200may be in contact with the external wall surface of the cooling liquid pipe7310of the second cooling means7300in the first accommodation space7110of the support plate7100. The heat transfer member7210may include a first heat transfer member7211disposed on the upper wall surface of the first accommodation space7110of the support plate7100and a second heat transfer member7212disposed on the external wall surface of the cooling liquid pipe7310of the second cooling means7300. The first heat transfer member7211may include a plurality of first heat transfer pins7211aprotruding from the upper wall surface of the first accommodation space7110of the support plate7100to be spaced apart from each other toward the cooling liquid pipe7310of the second cooling means7300. The second heat transfer member7212may include a plurality of second heat transfer pins7212aprotruding and spaced apart from each other on the external wall surface of the cooling liquid pipe7310of the second cooling means7300in the circumferential direction.

By including the configuration of the apparatus for processing a substrate7000having a structure in which the first cooling means7200and the second cooling means7300are disposed in the first accommodation space7110of the support plate7100, the entire heat transfer area of the apparatus7000for processing a substrate may be enlarged and cooling performance may be effectively improved.

FIG.15is a diagram illustrating components of an apparatus for processing a substrate according to embodiment 8.

An apparatus for processing a substrate according to embodiment 8 will be described with reference toFIG.15.

Referring toFIG.15, an apparatus for processing a substrate8000according to embodiment 8 may include a support plate8100, a first cooling means8200, a second cooling means8300and a support pin8400.

The support plate8100may have a first accommodation space8110having a disk shape disposed therein and may support the substrate W.

The first cooling means8200may be accommodated in the first accommodation space8110of the support plate8100and may include a phase change material.

The second cooling means8300may be disposed in the support plate8100and may be disposed to have the first cooling means8200interposed between the second cooling means8300and an upper surface of the support plate8100, and may cool the support plate8100.

In the embodiment, the components other than the components additionally including the support pin8400may be the same as in embodiments 1 to 7 above, and detailed descriptions of the same components will not be provided to avoid overlapping.

The support pin8400may be disposed to be partitioned from the first accommodation space8110in the support plate8100, may penetrate the upper surface of the support plate8100and may support the substrate W to move up and down.

Specifically, a support pin penetration hole8120through which the support pin8400passes may be disposed in the support plate8100. In this case, the first accommodation space8110of the support plate8100may be configured to have a disc shape as an alternative chuck by avoiding the position of the support pin penetration hole8120.

Accordingly, according to the configuration of the above embodiments, the substrate supported on the upper surface of the support plate and the phase change material of the first cooling means disposed in the first accommodation space of the support plate may be disposed such that heat may be exchanged therebetween, and the phase change material and the heat transfer member of the first cooling means may be disposed to exchange heat with the cooling liquid of the second cooling means circulating in the support plate, such that, when the phase change material of the first cooling means is heated by the heat transferred from the substrate on the support plate, the phase change material of the first cooling means may be cooled by the heat absorption of the cooling liquid of the second cooling means. Accordingly, the phase change material of the first cooling means may cause a continuous phase change while being heated by the heat transferred from the substrate and support plate, and may effectively cool the substrate using the latent heat from the phase change from solid to liquid, and accordingly, cooling performance of the substrate may be effectively improved. Also, the phase change material, which may have undergone phase change from solid to liquid, may undergo phase change again by the absorption of heat by the cooling liquid of the second cooling means and may be recovered from the liquid to the solid phase. Accordingly, cooling performance of the phase change material of the first cooling means may be implemented such that continuous cooling of the substrate W may be implemented. Also, since the heat transfer member of the first cooling means may effectively improve the heat transfer efficiency between the support plate, the phase change material of the first cooling means and the cooling liquid of the second cooling means by expanding the heat transfer area of the first cooling means, the cooling time may be further shortened.