Apparatus for treating substrate

The inventive concept provides a substrate treating apparatus. The substrate treating apparatus includes a housing having an inner space therein; a treating container disposed within the inner space and having a treating space; a substrate support unit supporting a substrate in the treating space; a liquid supply unit supplying a liquid to the substrate supported by the substrate support unit; an exhaust unit exhausting a fume generated in the treating space; an airflow supply unit coupled to a top side of the housing and supplying a gas to form a downward airflow to the inner space; and a perforated plate disposed between the treating container and the airflow supply unit and discharging the gas to the inner space, and wherein the perforated plate comprises: a bottom portion and a side portion, the side portion comprising a first side portion, and the first side portion extending and upwardly inclining from the bottom portion to a first sidewall of the housing, and having a first hole for discharging the gas.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

A claim for priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119 is made to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2021-0036637 filed on Mar. 22, 2021, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporated by reference.

BACKGROUND

Embodiments of the inventive concept described herein relate to a substrate treating apparatus, and more specifically to a substrate treating apparatus supplying a downward air flow to an inner space of a housing.

Various processes such as a photolithography process, a thin film deposition process, an ashing process, an etching process, and an ion implantation process are carried out to manufacture a semiconductor device. Also, a cleaning process for a cleaning treatment of remaining particles on the substrate is performed before and after each of the processes is performed. The substrate treating process is performed with various liquid at the cleaning process of the substrate.

The cleaning process includes a process of supplying a chemical to the substrate supported and rotated by a spin head, a process of removing the chemical from the substrate by supplying a cleaning liquid such as a deionized water (DIW) to the substrate, and afterwards, a process of replacing the cleaning liquid on the substrate with an organic solvent by supplying an organic solvent such as an isopropyl alcohol (IPA) solution having a lower surface tension than the cleaning solution, and a process of removing the substituted organic solvent from the substrate.

FIG.1is a cross-sectional view illustrating a conventional substrate treating apparatus. Referring toFIG.1, the substrate treating apparatus1000is provided with a treating container1200surrounding a support unit1100supporting the substrate in a housing, and treats the substrate while supplying a liquid to a rotating substrate. A fan filter unit1300is provided to provide a downward airflow to an inner space of the housing in order to easily discharge a gas generated during a substrate treating process. Particles, a fume, a gas, etc. generated when the substrate is treated with each treating liquid in the inner space are discharged to the outside together with the downward air flow through an exhaust device. Since the fan filter unit is installed at a position opposite to the treating container, the airflow is stagnated near a sidewall of the housing. As a result, an exhaust to the exhaust device is not smooth, and thus the gas generated during the substrate treatment is attached to the substrate to form particles in the substrate.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the inventive concept provide a substrate treating apparatus capable of removing an airflow congestion due to a downward airflow in an inner space of a housing when treating a substrate while providing the downward airflow to the inner space of the housing.

Embodiments of the inventive concept provide a substrate treating apparatus that prevents particles from being formed on a substrate when treating the substrate while providing the downward airflow to an inner space of a housing.

The technical objectives of the inventive concept are not limited to the above-mentioned ones, and the other unmentioned technical objects will become apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a substrate treating apparatus includes a housing having an inner space therein; a treating container disposed within the inner space and having a treating space; a substrate support unit supporting a substrate in the treating space; a liquid supply unit supplying a liquid to the substrate supported by the substrate support unit; an exhaust unit exhausting a byproduct generated in the treating space from a cleaning process using the liquid; an airflow supply unit coupled to a top side of the housing and supplying a downward airflow of a gas to the inner space; and a perforated plate disposed between the treating container and the airflow supply unit and discharging the gas to the inner space. The perforated plate comprises a bottom portion and a side portion. The side portion comprises a first side portion, and the first side portion extending in an upwardly inclined direction from the bottom portion to a first sidewall of the housing, and having a first hole for discharging the gas.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a substrate treating apparatus includes a housing having an inner space and including a first sidewall and a second sidewall; a treating container disposed within the inner space and having a treating space; a substrate support unit supporting a substrate in the treating space; a liquid supply unit supplying a liquid to the substrate supported by the substrate support unit; an exhaust unit exhausting a byproduct generated in the treating space from a cleaning process using the liquid; an airflow supply unit coupled to a top side of the housing and supplying a gas to form a downward airflow to the inner space; and a perforated plate disposed between the treating container and the airflow supply unit, and discharging the gas to the inner space, and wherein the perforated plate comprises: a bottom portion having bottom holes for discharging the gas in a direction perpendicular to a top surface of the substrate supported by the support unit; and a first side portion extending upwardly from the bottom portion to the first sidewall of the housing, and having first holes for discharging the gas toward the first sidewall of the housing.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a substrate treating apparatus comprises: a housing having an inner space and including a first sidewall, a second sidewall, a third sidewall, and a fourth sidewall; a treating container disposed within the inner space and having a treating space; a substrate support unit supporting a substrate in the treating space; a liquid supply unit supplying a liquid to the substrate supported by the substrate support unit; an exhaust unit exhausting a byproduct generated in the treating space; an airflow supply unit coupled to a top side of the housing and supplying a gas to form a downward airflow to the inner space; and a perforated plate disposed between the treating container and the airflow supply unit, and discharging the gas to the inner space. The perforated plate comprises: a bottom portion including a plurality of bottom holes for discharging the gas in a direction perpendicular to a top surface of the substrate supported by the substrate support unit; and a first side portion upwardly extending from the bottom portion to the first sidewall of the housing, and having a plurality of first holes for discharging the gas toward the first sidewall of the housing.

According to an embodiment of the inventive concept, when a substrate is treated while providing a downward airflow to an inner space of a housing, it is possible to prevent the airflow from being stagnated in an inner space of the housing.

According to an embodiment of the inventive concept, it is possible to prevent particles from being formed on a substrate when treating the substrate while providing a downward airflow to an inner space of the housing.

According to an embodiment of the inventive concept, in a structure provided with a perforated plate for providing a downward airflow, a space in which an imaging unit is installed may be provided and at the same time, the downward airflow may be provided to an entire inner space of a housing.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The inventive concept may be variously modified and may have various forms, and specific embodiments thereof will be illustrated in the drawings and described in detail. However, the embodiments according to the concept of the inventive concept are not intended to limit the specific disclosed forms, and it should be understood that the present inventive concept includes all transforms, equivalents, and replacements included in the spirit and technical scope of the inventive concept. In a description of the inventive concept, a detailed description of related known technologies may be omitted when it may make the essence of the inventive concept unclear.

In an embodiment of the inventive concept, a process of liquid-treating a substrate by supplying a liquid such as a cleaning liquid onto the substrate will be described as an example. However, the embodiment is not limited to a cleaning process, and may be applied to various processes for treating the substrate using a treating liquid such as an etching process, an ashing process, a developing process, and the like.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the inventive concept will be described in detail with reference toFIG.2toFIG.16.

FIG.2is a plan view schematically illustrating a substrate treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the inventive concept. Referring toFIG.2, the substrate treating apparatus1includes an index module10and a processing module20. The index module10has a load port120and a transfer frame140. The load port120, the transfer frame140, and the processing module20are sequentially arranged in a direction. Hereinafter, the direction in which the load port120, the transfer frame140, and the processing module20are arranged is referred to as a first direction12, a direction perpendicular to the first direction12is referred to as a second direction14, and a direction perpendicular to a plane including the first direction12and the second direction14is referred to as a third direction16.

A container130in which the substrate W is stored is seated in the load port120. A plurality of load ports120are provided and arranged along the second direction14. The number of load ports120may increase or decrease according to a process efficiency and foot print conditions of the processing module20. A plurality of slots (not shown) for holding the substrates W horizontally are formed in the container130. A front opening unified pod (FOUP) may be used as the container130.

The processing module20includes a buffer unit220, a transfer chamber240, and a process chamber300. The transfer chamber240is disposed with its lengthwise direction parallel to the first direction12. A plurality of process chambers300are disposed on both sides of the transfer chamber240, respectively. At one side and the other side of the transfer chamber240, the process chambers300are provided to be symmetrical with respect to the transfer chamber240. Some of the plurality of the process chambers300are disposed along the longitudinal direction of the transfer chamber240, i.e., along the first direction12. In addition, some of the plurality of the process chambers300are disposed to be stacked on each other, i.e., along the third direction16. That is, process chambers260may be arranged in an arrangement of AXB on one side and/or the other side of the transfer chamber240. Here, A is the number of process chambers300provided along the first direction12, and B is the number of process chambers300provided along the third direction16. When four or six process chambers300are provided on one side of the transfer chamber240, the process chambers300may be arranged in an arrangement of 2×2 or 3×2. The number of process chambers300may increase or decrease. The process chamber300may be provided only on one side of the transfer chamber240. In addition, the process chamber300may be provided in a single layer (without stacking each other along the third direction) on one side and/or both sides of the transfer chamber240.

The buffer unit220is disposed between the transfer frame140and the transfer chamber240. The buffer unit220provides a space in which the substrate W stays before the substrate W is transferred between the transfer chamber240and the transfer frame140. A slot (not shown) in which the substrate W is held thereon is provided inside the buffer unit220. A plurality of slots (not shown) are provided to be spaced apart from each other along the third direction16. A side of the buffer unit220facing the transfer frame140and a side facing the transfer chamber240are opened. The two open sides of the buffer unit220may be two opposite sides thereof.

The transfer frame140transfers the substrate W between the container130seated on the load port120and the buffer unit220. The transfer frame140is provided with an index rail142and an index robot144. The index rail142is provided such that its lengthwise direction is parallel to the second direction14. The index robot144is installed on the index rail142and is linearly moved in the second direction14along the index rail142. The index robot144has a base144a, a body144b, and an index arm144c. The base144ais installed to be movable along the index rail142. The body144bis coupled to the base144a. The body144bis provided to be movable along the third direction16on the base144a. In addition, the body144bis provided to be rotatable on the base144a. The index arm144cis coupled to the body144band is provided to be able to be forwardly and backwardly movable with respect to the body144b. A plurality of index arms144care provided to be individually driven. The index arms144care disposed to be stacked while being spaced apart from each other in the third direction16. Some of the index arms144cmay be used to transport the substrate W from the processing module20to the container130, and some of the other index arms144cmay be used to transport the substrate W from the container130to the processing module20. This may prevent particles generated from the substrate W before processing from being attached to the substrate W after processing in a process of bringing in and taking out the substrate W by the index robot144.

The transfer chamber240transfers the substrate W between the buffer unit220and the process chamber300and between the process chambers300. The transfer chamber240is provided with a guide rail242and a main robot244. The guide rail242is provided such that its lengthwise direction is parallel to the first direction12. The main robot244is installed on the guide rail242and is linearly moved along the first direction12on the guide rail242. The main robot244has a base244a, a body244b, and a main arm244c. The base244ais installed to be movable along the guide rail242. The body244bis coupled to the base244a. The body244bis provided to be movable along the third direction16on the base244a. In addition, the body244bis provided to be rotatable on the base244a. The main arm244cis coupled to the body244b, which is provided to be forwardly and backwardly movable with respect to the body244b. A plurality of main arms244care provided to be individually driven. The main arms244care disposed to be stacked while being spaced apart from each other in the third direction16.

The process chamber300may be a liquid treatment chamber that supplies a liquid to the substrate W to perform a liquid treatment process. For example, the liquid treatment process may be a cleaning process of cleaning the substrate with a cleaning solution. A chemical treatment, a rinse treatment, and a drying treatment may all be performed on the substrate within the process chamber. In some embodiments, a drying chamber for drying the substrate may be provided separately from the liquid treatment chamber.

FIG.3is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating an embodiment of the process chamber ofFIG.2.FIG.4andFIG.5schematically shows the perforated plate ofFIG.3viewed from a front and from a side of the process chamber, respectively. Referring toFIG.3toFIG.5, the process chamber300includes a housing310, a treating container320, a substrate support unit340, a liquid supply unit370, an exhaust unit380, an airflow supply unit400, and a perforated plate500.

The housing310forms a space therein. The housing310has a top wall311, a bottom wall, and sidewalls defining the space. According to an embodiment, the housing310generally has a rectangular parallelepiped shape, and thus the housing may have a first sidewall312, a second sidewall313, a third sidewall314, and a fourth sidewall315. The first sidewall312and the second sidewall313are opposing each other, and the third sidewall314and the fourth sidewall315are opposing each other. A shortest distance from the first sidewall312to the substrate may be greater than a shortest distance from the second sidewall313, the third sidewall314, and the fourth sidewall315to the substrate.

The treating container320is located inside the housing310. The treating container320has a treating space for treating the substrate W. The treating container320has a guide wall321, an inner recollecting container322, a middle recollecting container324, and an outer recollecting container326. Each of the recollecting containers322,324, and326separates and recovers different treating liquids among the treating liquids used in the process. The guide wall321is provided in an annular ring shape surrounding the substrate support unit340, and the inner recollecting container322is provided in an annular ring shape surrounding the guide wall321. The middle recollecting container324is provided in an annular ring shape surrounding the inner recollecting container322, and the outer recollecting container326is provided in an annular ring shape surrounding the middle recollecting container324. A space322abetween the inner recollecting container322and the guide wall321functions as a first inlet through which the treating liquid is introduced. A space324abetween the inner recollecting container322and the middle recollecting container324functions as a second inlet through which the treating liquid is introduced. A space326abetween the middle recollecting container324and the outer recollecting container326functions as a third inlet through which the treating liquid is introduced. In addition, a space322cbetween a bottom end of the guide wall321and the inner recollecting container322functions as a first outlet through which a byproduct (e.g., a fume) and an air flow generated from the treating liquid are discharged. A space324cbetween a bottom end of the inner recollecting container322and the middle recollecting container324functions as a second outlet through which the fume and the airflow generated from the treating liquid are discharged. A space326cbetween a bottom end of the middle recollecting container324and the outer recollecting container326functions as a third outlet through which the fume and the airflow generated from the treating liquid are discharged. Different types of treating liquids may be introduced into each recollecting container. To each of the recollecting containers322,324, and326, recollecting lines322b,324b, and326bextending downwardly from the respective bottom side are connected. Each of the recollecting lines322b,324b, and326bdischarges the treating liquid, the fume, and the air flow introduced through each of the recollecting containers322,324and326. The discharged treating liquid may be reused through an outer treating liquid regeneration system (not shown).

The substrate support unit340supports the substrate W and rotates the substrate W during the process. The substrate support unit340has a body342, a support pin344, a chuck pin346, a support shaft348, and a driving unit (not shown). The body342has a top surface that is generally provided in a circular shape when viewed from above. The support shaft348is fixedly coupled to a bottom surface of the body342, and the support shaft348is provided to be rotatable by the driving unit349.

A plurality of support pins344are provided. The support pins344are disposed on an edge of a top surface of the body342to be spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance and protrude upward from the body342. The support pins344are disposed to have an annular ring shape as a whole. The support pin344supports a rear edge of the substrate W so that the substrate W is spaced apart from the top surface of the body342by a predetermined distance.

A plurality of chuck pins346are provided. The chuck pin346is disposed farther from a center of the body342than the support pin344is. The chuck pin346is provided to upwardly protrude from the body342. The chuck pin346supports a side part of the substrate W so as not to be laterally deviated from a predetermined position when the substrate W is rotated. The chuck pin346is provided to be able to linearly move between a standby position and a support position along a radial direction of the body342. The standby position is a position far away from the center of the body342compared to the support position. When the substrate W loads or unloads on the substrate support unit340, the chuck pin346is located at the standby position, and when performing a process on the substrate W, the chuck pin346is located at the support position. At the support position, the chuck pin346is in contact with the side part of the substrate W.

The lifting/lowering unit360linearly moves the treating container320in an up/down direction. As the treating container320is moved up and down, a relative height of the treating container320with respect to the substrate support unit340(i.e., a spin head) is changed. The lifting/lowering unit360has a bracket362, a moving shaft364, and a driver366. The bracket362is fixedly installed on an outer wall of the treating container320, and the moving shaft364moved in the up/down direction by the driver366is fixedly coupled to the bracket362. When the substrate W is placed on the substrate support unit340or lifted from the substrate support unit340, the treating container320is lowered so that the substrate support unit340upwardly protrudes from the treating container320. In addition, for treating process, a height of the treating container320is adjusted so that the treating liquid may flow into a predetermined recollecting container according to the type of treating liquid supplied to the substrate W. In some embodiments, the lifting/lowering unit360may move the substrate support unit340in the up/down direction.

The liquid supply unit370supplies the treating liquid onto the substrate W. A plurality of liquid supply units370are provided, each supplying different types of treating liquids. According to an embodiment, the liquid supply unit370includes a first treating liquid supply member370aand a second treating liquid supply member370b.

The first treating liquid supply member370aincludes a support shaft376, an arm372, a driver378, and a nozzle374. The support shaft376is located on a side of the treating container320. The support shaft376has a rod shape extending along the third direction. The support shaft376is provided to be rotatable by the driver378. The arm372is coupled to a top end of the support shaft376. The arm372vertically extends from the support shaft376. The nozzle374is fixedly coupled to an end of the arm372. As the support shaft376is rotated, the nozzle374may swing together with the arm372. The nozzle374may swing and be moved to a process position and a standby position. Here, the process position is a position where the nozzle374faces the substrate W supported by the substrate support unit340, and the standby position is a position where the nozzle374deviates from the process position.

In some embodiments, the arm372may be provided to be able to forwardly and backwardly move in its lengthwise direction. When viewed from above, the nozzle374may swing to be located on a central axis of the substrate W.

The second treating liquid supply member370bsupplies the second treating liquid onto the substrate W supported by the substrate support unit340. The second treating liquid supply member370bis provided to have the same shape as the first treating liquid supply member370a. Accordingly, a detailed description of the second treating liquid supply member370bwill be omitted.

The first treating liquid and the second treating liquid may be any one of a chemical, a rinse liquid, and an organic solvent. The chemical may include a nitric acid, a phosphoric acid, or a sulfuric acid. The rinse liquid may contain a water. The organic solvent may include an alcohol such as an isopropyl alcohol.

The exhaust unit380exhausts the fume and the gas generated in the treating space. The exhaust unit380exhausts the fume and the gas generated during a liquid treatment of the substrate. The exhaust unit380may be coupled to a bottom surface of the treating container320.

The exhaust duct381exhausts the fume and the gas generated in the inner space of the housing310. The exhaust duct381exhausts the fume and the gas scattered from the treating space during the liquid treatment of the substrate. The exhaust duct381may be coupled to a bottom wall of the housing310.

During the liquid treatment of the substrate, the fume and the gas may be exhausted only through the exhaust unit380of the exhaust unit380and the exhaust duct381. In some embodiments, during the liquid treatment of the substrate, the fume and the gas may be simultaneously exhausted through the exhaust unit380and the exhaust duct381. In this case, the exhaust duct381may be controlled such that an exhaust pressure thereof is to be lower than an exhaust pressure of the exhaust unit380when the substrate is subjected to the liquid treatment, thereby exhausting a smaller amount as compared to the exhaust unit380. For this reason, it is possible to prevent the fume generated in the treating space from flowing back to an outside of the treating space.

The airflow supply unit400supplies a gas to form a downward airflow to the inner space of the housing310. The airflow supply unit400is coupled to the top wall311of the housing310. The gas supplied to the inner space of the housing310through the airflow supply unit400forms a downward airflow in the inner space. The gas by-products generated by the treatment process in the treating space are discharged to an outside of the housing310through the exhaust unit380by the downward airflow. The airflow supply unit400may be provided as a fan filter unit.

The perforated plate500uniformly discharges the gas supplied by the airflow supply unit400to the inner space of the housing310. The perforated plate500is disposed between the airflow supply unit400and the treating container320. The perforated plate500may be disposed at a height spaced apart from the airflow supply unit400and the treating container320.

The perforated plate500has a bottom portion510and a side portion. The side portion extends from the bottom portion. The side portion includes a first side portion520, a second side portion530, a third side portion540, and a fourth side portion550. The first side portion520and the second side portion530are opposite to each other, and the third side portion540and the fourth side portion550are opposing each other. The first side portion520is adjacent the first sidewall312of the housing310, and the second side portion530is adjacent the second sidewall313of the housing310. In addition, the third side portion540is adjacent the third sidewall314of the housing310, and the fourth side portion550is adjacent the fourth sidewall315of the housing310.

The first side portion520extends from a respective side of the bottom portion510toward the first sidewall312. The first side portion520may be upwardly inclined toward the first sidewall312. The second side portion530extends from a respective side of the bottom portion510toward the second sidewall313. The second side portion530may be upwardly inclined toward the second sidewall313. The third side portion540extends from a respective side of the bottom portion510toward the third sidewall314. The third side portion540may be upwardly inclined toward the third sidewall314. The fourth side portion550extends from a respective side of the bottom portion510toward the fourth sidewall315. The fourth side portion550may be upwardly inclined toward the fourth sidewall315.

At least two side portions among the first side portion520, the second side portion530, the third side portion540, and the fourth side portion550may be provided with different degree of inclination. According to an embodiment, the first side portion520is inclined less than the second side portion530, the third side portion540, and the fourth side portion550. Namely, an angle between the first side portion520of the perforated plate and the first sidewall312of the housing may be greater than a respective angle between respective second to fourth side portions of the perforated plate and respective second to fourth sidewall of the housing. According to an embodiment, the degree of inclination A1of the first side portion520may be provided smaller than the degree of inclination A2of the second side portion530. In other words, the angle between the first side portion520of the perforated plate and the first sidewall312of the housing may be greater than the angle between the second side portion530of the perforated plate and the second sidewall313of the housing

The first side portion520has a first hole521. The gas supplied from the airflow supply unit400is discharged to the inner space through the first hole521. The first hole521is provided in a downwardly inclined direction toward the first sidewall312of the housing310. Accordingly, the gas supplied from the airflow supply unit400may be directly discharged to an edge region in the inner space. A second hole531through which the gas supplied from the airflow supply unit400is discharged is formed in the second side portion530. The second hole531may be provided to directly discharge the gas supplied from the airflow supply unit400in a downwardly inclined direction toward the second sidewall313of the housing310. A third hole541through which the gas supplied from the airflow supply unit400is discharged is formed in the third side portion540. The third hole541may be provided to directly discharge the gas supplied from the airflow supply unit400in a downwardly inclined direction toward the third sidewall314of the housing310. A fourth hole551through which the gas supplied from the airflow supply unit400is discharged is formed in the fourth side portion550. The fourth hole551may be provided to directly discharge the gas supplied from the airflow supply unit400in a downwardly inclined direction toward the fourth sidewall315of the housing310. A bottom hole511through which the gas supplied from the airflow supply unit400is discharged is formed in the bottom portion510.

The first hole521, the second hole531, the third hole541, and the fourth hole551are formed in a portion of the perforated plate500, for example the holes521,531,541and551may occupy 30% or less of the top surface of the perforated plate500. The first hole521, the second hole531, the third hole541, the fourth hole551, and the bottom hole511may have a diameter of 4 mm to 12 mm. A distance between the perforated plate500and the airflow supply unit400may be 10 mm to 80 mm. The gas from the airflow supply unit400flows separately through the first hole521, the second hole531, the third hole541, and the fourth hole551and descends down along the first sidewall312, the second sidewall313, the third sidewall314, and the fourth sidewall315, respectively, thereby preventing a collision between downward airflows in the inner space of the housing310. As a result, an air flow interference in the inner space may be minimized.

The first to fourth holes521,531,541and551and the bottom hole511may be formed in the respective side portion and bottom portion to occupy different area in the top surface of the respective side portion and bottom portion, for example, the opening area of the holes per unit area of top surface of the respective side portion and bottom may be formed differently in at least two side portions and/or between side and bottom portions. For example, the opening area of the first hole521per unit area of a top surface of the first side portion520may be smaller than the opening area of the bottom hole511per unit area of a top surface of the bottom portion510. An opening area of the second hole531per unit area of a top surface of the second side portion530may be smaller than an opening area of the bottom hole511per unit area of the top surface of the bottom portion510but larger than the opening area of the first hole521per unit area of the top surface of the first side portion520. The first to fourth holes521,531,541and551may be formed in the respective side portion and bottom portion such that a distance between adjacent two holes in one side portion is different from a distance between two adjacent holes in another side portion and/or in the bottom portion. For example, a distance d1between holes of the first hole521, a distance d3between holes of the second hole531, a distance d4between holes of the third hole541, a distance d5between holes of the fourth hole551, and a distance d2between holes of the bottom hole511are differently from one another. The distance d1between holes of the first hole521may be provided smaller than the distance d2between holes of the bottom hole511. The distance d3between holes of the second hole531may be provided to be greater than the distance d1between holes of the first hole521and smaller than the distance d2between holes of the bottom hole511. The distance d4between holes of the third hole541and the distance d5between holes of the fourth hole551may be provided smaller than the distance d2between holes of the bottom hole511. Accordingly, a region having a far distance from the treating container320and the first sidewall312of the housing310may largely increase a downward airflow density compared to a region having a close distance from the treating container320and the second sidewall313of the housing310.

Unlike the aforementioned embodiment, the degree of inclination of the first side portion520bmay be provided to be equal to the degree of inclination of the second side portion530b, as shown inFIG.6, which shows a modified example of the perforated plate ofFIG.3. In some embodiments, the degree of inclinations of the first side portion520b, the second side portion530b, the third side portion540b, and the fourth side portion550bcan be provided to be equal. In some embodiments, the degree of inclinations of the first side portion520band the second side portion530bmay be equal, and the degree of inclinations of the third side portion540band the fourth side portion550bmay be different from those of the first side portion520b.

The first to fourth holes521b,531b,541band551bmay be formed in the respective side portion to occupy the same area in the top surface of the respective side portion, for example, the opening area of the holes per unit area of top surface of the respective side portion and bottom portion may be formed equally in the side portions. The opening area of the holes in all side portions may be provided to be smaller than an opening area of a bottom hole511bper unit area of the top surface of the bottom portion510b. The first to fourth holes521b,531b,541band551bmay be formed in the respective side portion and bottom portion such that a distance between adjacent two holes in one side portion is equal to a distance between two adjacent holes in another side portion. A distance between adjacent two hole in a given side portion may be different from a distance between adjacent two holes of the bottom hole511b.

The degree of inclination of the first side portion520cmay be provided to be equal to the degree of inclination of the second side portion530c, as shown inFIG.7, unlike the aforementioned embodiment, which shows a modified example of the perforated plate ofFIG.3. In some embodiments, the degree of inclinations of the first side portion520c, the second side portion530c, the third side portion540c, and the fourth side portion550cmay be provided to be equal. In some embodiments, the degree of inclinations of the first side portion520cand the second side portion530cmay be equal, and the degree of inclinations of the third side portion540cand the fourth side portion550cmay be differently from those of the first side portion520c.

The opening areas of each hole per unit area of the top surface of first side portion520c, the second side portion530c, the third side portion540c, the fourth side portion550c, and the bottom portion510cmay be provided differently. In an embodiment, an opening area of the first hole521cper unit area of the top surface of first side portion520cmay be provided smaller than an opening area of the bottom hole511cper unit area of the top surface of bottom portion510c. The opening areas of the second hole531c, the third hole541c, and the fourth hole551cper unit area of the top surface of second side portion530c, the third side portion540c, and the fourth side portion550care smaller than the opening area of the bottom hole511cper unit area of top surface of the bottom portion510c, and larger than the opening area of the first hole521cper unit area of the top surface of the first side portion520c. In some embodiments, the opening area of the second hole531cper unit area of the top surface of the second side portion530cis larger than the opening area of the first hole521cper unit area of the top surface of the first side portion520c, and smaller than the opening area of top surface of the bottom hole511cper unit area of the bottom portion510c, the opening area of the third hole541cper unit area of the top surface of the third side portion540c, and the opening area of the fourth hold551cper unit area of the top surface of the fourth side portion550c.

The distances between the first hole521c, the second hole531c, the third hole541c, the fourth hole551c, and the bottom hole511ccan be provided differently. In an embodiment, a distance between holes of the first hole521cmay be smaller than a distance between holes of the bottom hole511c. A distance between holes of the second hole531cmay be greater than a distance between the holes of the first hole521cand smaller than a distance between the holes of the bottom hole511c. A distance between the holes of the third hole541cand a distance between holes of the fourth hole551cmay be smaller than a distance between holes of the bottom hole511c.

Unlike the above-described embodiment, the degree of inclinations of the first side portion520d, the second side portion530d, the third side portion540d, and the fourth side portion550dmay be provided differently as shown inFIG.8showing a modified example of the perforated plate ofFIG.3. In an embodiment, the degree of inclination of the first side portion520dmay be provided smaller than the degree of inclination of the second side portion530d, the third side portion540d, and the fourth side portion550d.

An opening area of the first hole521dper unit area of the top surface of the first side portion520d, an opening area of the second hole531dper unit area of the top surface of the second side portion530d, an opening area of the third hole541dper unit area of the top surface of the third side portion540d, and an opening area of the fourth hole551dper unit area of the top surface of the fourth side portion550dare the same, but smaller than an opening area of the bottom hole511dper unit area of the top surface of the bottom portion510d. A distance between the holes of the first hole521d, the second hole531d, the third hole541d, and the fourth hole551dmay be provided to be the same, and may be different from a distance between the holes of the bottom hole511d.

FIG.9is a cross-sectional view schematically illustrating another embodiment of the process chamber ofFIG.3.FIG.9may further include an imaging unit700that provides the same process chamber300of an embodiment ofFIG.3and acquires an image of an object. Referring toFIG.9, the imaging unit700may image an object to be imaged in a downwardly inclined direction, i.e., an optical axis thereof forms an acute angle with respect to a horizontal plane, for example with respect to a plane defined by a top surface of the support unit or a plane defined by a top surface of a substrate supported by the support unit. In an embodiment, the object to be imaged may be a substrate supported by the substrate support unit340or a nozzle374of the liquid supply unit370. The imaging unit700may be installed at the first sidewall312of the housing310. The imaging unit700may be installed at the first sidewall of the housing adjacent a first end of the first side portion opposite a second end of the first side portion connected to the bottom portion. The first side portion520of the perforated plate500is provided as an inclined surface. The imaging unit700is installed at a position adjacent to the first side portion520of the perforated plate500. The imaging unit700may be provided at a height corresponding to that of the first side portion520. Accordingly, in a structure provided with a perforated plate for providing the downward airflow, an installation space of the imaging unit700may be ensured, an angle of view of the imaging unit700may be preserved, and at the same time, the downward airflow may be provided to the entire inner space.

FIG.10andFIG.11schematically shows a flow of an airflow in the process chamber in the case that the perforated plate does not include an inclined side portion and has only a bottom portion, and in the case that the perforated plate has a bottom portion and an inclined side portion. The perforated plate500of the above-described embodiments is described as having an inclined side portion. When the perforated plate500has only the bottom portion without an inclined side portion, as shown inFIG.10, the airflow is stagnated due to a collision between a downward airflow and an upward airflow coming after the downward airflow in an outer region of the treating container320in the inner space.

However, in the case that the perforated plate500has the bottom portion510and the inclined side portion according to exemplary embodiments of the inventive concept, a gas is discharged through the inclined side portion as shown inFIG.11, thereby minimizing a collision between the downward air flow in the outer region of the treating container320and the upward air flow coming after the downward airflow. Therefore, the amount of downward airflow that may interfere with the upward airflow coming after the downward airflow in the outer region of the treating container320is small, and a stagnation of the airflow does not occur.

FIG.12schematically shows another embodiment of the process chamber ofFIG.2. Referring toFIG.12, the perforated plate500ehas a bottom portion510eand a side portion. The side portion has a first side portion520eadjacent the first sidewall312of the housing310. The first side portion520eextends from a respective side of the bottom portion510etoward the first sidewall312. The first side portion520eis provided to be upwardly inclining toward the first sidewall312as it faces upward.

A first hole521is formed at the first side portion520e. The gas supplied from the airflow supply unit400is discharged to the inner space through the first hole521e. The first hole521eis provided in a downwardly inclined direction toward the first sidewall312of the housing310. Accordingly, the gas supplied from the airflow supply unit400may be directly discharged to the edge area within the inner space. A bottom hole511eis formed at the bottom portion510e. The gas supplied from the airflow supply unit400may be directly discharged toward the treating space through the bottom hole511e.

An opening area of the first hole521eper unit area of a top surface of the first side portion520eis provided differently from an opening area of the bottom hole511eper unit area of a top surface of the bottom portion510e. The bottom hole511eand the first hole521eare formed in respective bottom and side portion to occupy in a portion of the perforated plate500, for example the holes511eand521emay occupy 30% or less of the top surface of the perforated plate500e. A distance between the perforated plate500eand the airflow supply unit400may be 10 mm to 80 mm. The first hole521eand the bottom hole511emay have diameters ranging from 4 mm to 12 mm. A gas discharged by the first hole521eformed at the inclined first side portion520edownwardly flows along the first sidewall312, thereby minimizing an airflow interference due to the downward airflow in the inner space of the housing310.

FIG.13schematically shows the perforated plate ofFIG.12. Referring toFIG.13, the opening area of the first hole521eper unit area of the top surface of the first side portion520emay be provided smaller than the opening area of the bottom hole511eper unit area of the top surface of the bottom portion510e. A distance d1between holes of the first hole521eis provided to be smaller than a distance d2between holes of the bottom hole511e. Accordingly, a downward airflow density may be relatively large in a region adjacent to the first sidewall312having a relatively large inner space. In some embodiments, the opening area of the first hole521eper unit area of the top surface of the first side portion520emay be provided equal to the opening area of the bottom hole511eper unit area of the top surface of the bottom portion510e. In some embodiments, the distance d1between holes of the first hole521eand the distance d2between holes of the bottom hole511emay be provided to be the same.

FIG.14schematically shows another embodiment of the process chamber ofFIG.2. Referring toFIG.14, the perforated plate500funiformly discharges the gas supplied by the airflow supply unit400to the inner space of the housing310. The perforated plate500fis spaced downward from the airflow supply unit400and is disposed above the treating container320. The perforated plate500fhas a bottom portion510fand a side portion. The side portion has a first side portion520fadjacent the first sidewall312of the housing310. The first side portion520fextends from a respective side of the bottom portion510ftoward the first sidewall312. The first side portion520fis provided to be upwardly inclining toward the first sidewall312. The remainder sides of the bottom portion510fexcept the side connected to the first side portion520fare in contact with the second sidewall313, the third sidewall314, and the fourth sidewall315of the housing310.

A first hole521fthrough which the gas supplied from the airflow supply unit400is discharged is formed in the first side portion520f. The first hole521fmay be provided to directly discharge the gas supplied from the airflow supply unit400in a downwardly inclined direction toward the first sidewall312of the housing310. A bottom hole511fthrough which the gas supplied from the airflow supply unit400is discharged is formed in the bottom portion510f. The bottom hole511fand the first hole521fare formed in respective bottom and side portion to occupy in a portion of the perforated plate500f, for example the holes511fand521fmay occupy 30% or less of the top surface of the perforated plate500f. The first hole521fand the bottom hole511fmay have diameters ranging from 4 mm to 12 mm. A distance between the perforated plate500fand the airflow supply unit400may be formed to be 10 mm to 80 mm. By the discharged gas from the first hold52going downward along the first sidewall312, an air flow interference due to downward airflow in the inner space of the housing310may be minimized.

The opening area of the first hole521fper unit area of the top surface of the first side portion520fis provided differently from the opening area of the bottom hole511fper unit area of the top surface of the bottom portion510f. In an embodiment, the opening area of the first hole521fper unit area of the top surface of the first side portion520fmay be provided smaller than the opening area of the bottom hole511fper unit area of the top surface of the bottom portion510f. The distance between holes of the first hole521fis provided smaller than the distance between holes of the bottom hole511f. The downward airflow density may be relatively large in an area adjacent to the first sidewall312having a relatively large inner space.

In the above-described embodiment, a case in which the perforated plate has the first side portion and a case in which the perforated plate has the first side portion, the second side portion, the third side portion, and the fourth side portion are all provided as examples. However, unlike this, the side portions of the perforated plate may have two or three side portions. In the above-described embodiment, the opening area and the distance of the hole formed in the perforated plate have been described in various embodiments, but the embodiment of the inventive concept is not limited thereto and may be variously modified.

FIG.15schematically shows another embodiment of the process chamber ofFIG.12.FIG.15may further include an imaging unit700that provides the same process chamber300of an embodiment ofFIG.12and acquires an image of an object to be imaged through imaging. Referring toFIG.15, the imaging unit700may image an object to be imaged in a downwardly inclined direction, i.e., an optical axis thereof forms an acute angle with respect to a horizontal plane, for example with respect to a plane defined by a top surface of the support unit or a plane defined by a top surface of a substrate supported by the support unit. In an embodiment, the imaging unit700may image a substrate supported by the substrate support unit340or a nozzle374of the liquid supply unit370as an object to be imaged. The imaging unit700may be installed on the first sidewall312of the housing310. The imaging unit700may be installed at the first sidewall of the housing adjacent a first end of the first side portion opposite a second end of the first side portion connected to the bottom portion. The imaging unit700may be provided at a height corresponding to an inclined surface of the first side portion520eat a position adjacent to the first side portion520eof the perforated plate500e. Accordingly, in a structure provided with the perforated plate for providing the downward airflow, an installation space of the imaging unit700may be ensured, an angle of view of the imaging unit700may be preserved, and at the same time, the downward airflow may be provided to the entire inner space.

FIG.16schematically shows another embodiment of the process chamber ofFIG.14.FIG.16may further include an imaging unit700that provides the same process chamber300of an embodiment ofFIG.14and acquires an image of an object to be imaged through imaging. Referring toFIG.16, the imaging unit700may image an object to be imaged in a downwardly inclined direction, i.e., an optical axis thereof forms an acute angle with respect to a horizontal plane, for example with respect to a plane defined by a top surface of the support unit or a plane defined by a top surface of a substrate supported by the support unit. In an embodiment, the imaging unit700may image a substrate supported by the substrate support unit340or a nozzle374of the liquid supply unit370as an object to be imaged. The imaging unit700may be installed at the first sidewall312of the housing310. The imaging unit700may be installed at the first sidewall of the housing adjacent a first end of the first side portion opposite a second end of the first side portion connected to the bottom portion. The imaging unit700may be provided at a height corresponding to an inclined surface of the first side portion520fat a position adjacent to the first side portion520fof the perforated plate500f. Accordingly, in a structure provided with the perforated plate for providing the downward airflow, an installation space of the imaging unit700may be ensured, an angle of view of the imaging unit700may be preserved, and at the same time, the downward airflow may be provided to the entire inner space.

The effects of the inventive concept are not limited to the above-mentioned effects, and the unmentioned effects can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the inventive concept pertains from the specification and the accompanying drawings. Although the preferred embodiment of the inventive concept has been illustrated and described until now, the inventive concept is not limited to the above-described specific embodiment, and it is noted that an ordinary person in the art, to which the inventive concept pertains, may be variously carry out the inventive concept without departing from the essence of the inventive concept claimed in the claims and the modifications should not be a downward airflow density construed separately from the technical spirit or prospect of the inventive concept.