WAFER TRANSFER CARRIER AND SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICE MANUFACTURING METHOD

A wafer transfer carrier includes a container and a lid portion. The container accommodates a wafer and a liquid, and is movable in a state where the wafer is in contact with the liquid. The lid portion is capable of sealing an inside of the container.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION(S)

This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2022-144067, filed Sep. 9, 2022, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

Embodiments described herein relate generally to a wafer transfer carrier and a semiconductor device manufacturing method.

BACKGROUND

As for a wafer processing apparatus, wafers are usually carried out of the apparatus in a post-processing dry state.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

At least one embodiment provides a wafer transfer carrier capable of transferring a wafer in a state where the wafer is in contact with a liquid and a semiconductor device manufacturing method.

In general, according to at least one embodiment, a wafer transfer carrier includes a container and a lid portion. The container accommodates a wafer and a liquid, and is movable in a state where the wafer is in contact with the liquid. The lid portion is capable of sealing an inside of the container.

Hereinafter, embodiments according to the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. The present embodiments do not limit the present disclosure. The drawings are schematic or conceptual and, for example, the ratio of each part is not necessarily the same as the actual one. In the specification and drawings, the same reference numerals are given to elements identical to those described in relation to the previous drawings, and detailed description thereof will be omitted as appropriate.

First Embodiment

FIG.1is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a semiconductor manufacturing system100according to a first embodiment.

The semiconductor manufacturing system100includes wafer transfer carriers10and10a, a transfer unit20, apparatuses30and40, and a placement portion50.

The wafer transfer carrier10accommodates a wafer W and a liquid L and transfers the wafer W. Details of the wafer transfer carrier10will be described later with reference toFIG.2.

The wafer transfer carrier10aaccommodates the wafer W and transfers the wafer W. The wafer transfer carrier10ais, for example, a front opening unified pod (FOUP). Details of the wafer transfer carrier10awill be described later with reference toFIG.3.

The transfer unit20transfers the wafer transfer carriers10and10a. The transfer unit20is, for example, an overhead hoist transport (OHT).

The apparatus30reloads the wafer W into the wafer transfer carrier10and supplies a chemical solution into the wafer transfer carrier10.

The apparatus40performs deionized water (DIW) rinse and drying on the wafer W in the wafer transfer carrier10. The apparatus40reloads the wafer W into the wafer transfer carrier10a.

The placement portion50is provided between the apparatus30and the apparatus40on the path of the transfer unit20. The placement portion50is, for example, a shelf where the wafer transfer carrier10is placed.

Next, the wafer transfer carrier10will be described.

FIG.2is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of a configuration of the wafer transfer carrier10according to the first embodiment.

It is noted that, as illustrated inFIG.2, X and Y directions are parallel to a bottom surface of the wafer transfer carrier10and are perpendicular to each other and a Z direction is perpendicular to the bottom surface of the wafer transfer carrier10. In this specification, a +Z direction is an upward direction and a −Z direction is a downward direction. The −Z direction may or may not coincide with the direction of gravity.

The wafer transfer carrier10has a container11and a lid portion12.

The container11accommodates the wafer W and the liquid L. The container11is movable in a state where the wafer W is in contact with the liquid L. In other words, the wafer W is immersed in the liquid L. The container11accommodates the wafer W such that a surface of the wafer W is placed vertically. As a result, the wafer W can be easily put in and taken out. In the example illustrated inFIG.2, the wafer W is disposed such that the surface of the wafer W is substantially parallel to the YZ plane.

It is preferable that the container11has high strength in order to support the weight of the liquid L. A hard resin or a metal as an example is used for the container11.

The lid portion12is capable of sealing the inside of the container11. The lid portion12is provided on the container11so that the container11accommodates the liquid L.

FIG.3is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of a configuration of the wafer transfer carrier10aaccording to the first embodiment.

The wafer transfer carrier10ahas a container11aand a lid portion12a.

The container11aaccommodates the wafer W. The container11aaccommodates the wafer W such that the surface of the wafer W is placed horizontally. In the example illustrated inFIG.3, the wafer W is disposed such that the surface of the wafer W is substantially parallel to the XY plane.

The lid portion12ais capable of sealing the inside of the container11a. The lid portion12ais provided on the side portion of the container11a. The wafer transfer carrier10ais filled with gas.

Next, the operation of the semiconductor manufacturing system100will be described.

FIG.4is a flowchart illustrating an example of a semiconductor device manufacturing method according to the first embodiment. In the first embodiment illustrated inFIG.4, the liquid L is, for example, the chemical solution for wet etching.

First, the transfer unit20carries the wafer transfer carrier10aaccommodating the wafer W into the apparatus30(S10). The wafer W is transferred by the wafer transfer carrier10athat does not contain the liquid L therein. Therefore, the wafer W is carried into the apparatus30in a dry state.

Next, the apparatus30reloads the wafer W into the wafer transfer carrier10and injects the chemical solution into the container11(S20).

Next, the transfer unit20carries the wafer transfer carrier10out of the apparatus30(S30). The wafer W is transferred by the wafer transfer carrier10that is filled with the chemical solution. Therefore, the wafer W is carried out of the apparatus30in a wet state. In other words, the transfer unit20moves the container11from the apparatus30in a state where the wafer W in the container11is in contact with the chemical solution.

Next, chemical solution treatment is performed outside the apparatus30(S40). The processing of the wafer W is performed while, for example, the wafer transfer carrier10is transferred.

It is noted that the transfer unit20may place the wafer transfer carrier10in the placement portion50when a processing time is long. In this case, the wafer transfer carrier10is placed in the placement portion50according to the processing time.

Next, the transfer unit20carries the wafer transfer carrier10into the apparatus40(S50). The wafer W is transferred by the wafer transfer carrier10that is filled with the chemical solution. Therefore, the wafer W is carried into the apparatus40in a wet state. In other words, the transfer unit20moves the container11to the apparatus40supplying a rinse liquid (for example, DIW).

Next, the apparatus40performs DIW rinse and drying (S60).

Subsequently, the apparatus40reloads the wafer W into the wafer transfer carrier10a.

Next, the transfer unit20carries the wafer transfer carrier10aout of the apparatus40(S70). The wafer W is transferred by the wafer transfer carrier10athat does not contain the liquid L therein. Therefore, the wafer W is carried out of the apparatus40in a dry state.

Subsequently, further processing (not illustrated) is performed on the wafer W.

As described above, according to the first embodiment, the container11is movable in a state where the wafer W is in contact with the liquid L. As a result, the wafer W can be transferred in a state where the wafer W is immersed in the liquid L. When the liquid L is the chemical solution, the wafer W can be processed outside a chemical solution treatment apparatus.

In addition, the container11and the lid portion12have fluorine-coated inner surfaces. As a result, the chemical resistance or the like of the wafer transfer carrier10can be improved even when the liquid L is the chemical solution. A fluorine resin such as poly tetra fluoro ethylene (PTFE) and perfluoroalkoxy (PFA) is used for the fluorine coating.

Comparative Example

FIG.5is a flowchart illustrating an example of a semiconductor device manufacturing method according to a comparative example. The wafer transfer carrier10is not used in the comparative example.

In the comparative example, one processing unit including, for example, a chemical solution treatment apparatus and a drying apparatus processes the wafer W.

First, the transfer unit20carries the wafer transfer carrier10aaccommodating the wafer W into the processing unit (S80). The wafer W is transferred by the wafer transfer carrier10athat does not contain the liquid L therein. Therefore, the wafer W is carried into the processing unit in a dry state.

Next, the processing unit sequentially performs chemical solution treatment, DIW rinse, and drying (S90).

Next, the transfer unit20carries the wafer transfer carrier10aout of the processing unit (S100). The wafer W is transferred by the wafer transfer carrier10athat does not contain the liquid L therein. Therefore, the wafer W is carried out of the processing unit in a dry state.

In the comparative example, for example, when the chemical solution treatment is time-consuming, the non-operating time of the drying apparatus may also increase. In other words, the throughput of the entire processing unit may be reduced by an apparatus (process) that performs throughput rate control, which is a part in the processing unit. In addition, there may be a decline in the operating rate of an apparatus that does not perform the throughput rate control, such as the drying apparatus.

In addition, the processing unit in the comparative example is one set, and thus it is difficult to, for example, partially replace the chemical solution treatment apparatus or the drying apparatus with a new apparatus. Therefore, in replacing, for example, the drying apparatus with a new apparatus, the entire processing unit needs to be replaced with a new processing unit.

On the other hand, in the first embodiment, the apparatus30is capable of continuing to supply the chemical solution even when the chemical solution treatment is time-consuming, and thus a decline in throughput can be prevented. As a result, the operating rates of the apparatuses30and40can be improved and, in the chemical solution treatment, it is possible to easily select a long-processing time chemical solution such as a low-etching rate chemical solution.

In addition, in the first embodiment, for example, each of the apparatuses30and40can be replaced individually. As a result, for example, apparatuses from different manufacturers can be used as the apparatus30and the apparatus40. As a result, it is possible to increase chemical solution treatment-drying combination options. In addition, batch-type chemical solution treatment may be combined with a sheet-type drying technique or sheet-type chemical solution treatment may be combined with a batch-type drying technique. As a result, the degree of freedom of selection can be improved.

It is noted that, in the first embodiment, the apparatus30is a dedicated apparatus for chemical solution injection and the apparatus40is a dedicated apparatus for rinse and drying. However, the apparatuses30and40are not limited thereto. The apparatuses30and40may be provided in an apparatus of one processing unit or may be apparatuses of separate processing units. In either case, chemical solution treatment is performed outside the apparatus.

First Modification of First Embodiment

FIG.6is a flowchart illustrating an example of a semiconductor device manufacturing method according to a first modification of the first embodiment. In the first modification of the first embodiment illustrated inFIG.6, the liquid L is, for example, pure water (DIW). The first modification of the first embodiment differs from the first embodiment in that the wafer transfer carrier10is carried out of the apparatus in a state where the pure water is in the wafer transfer carrier10.

In steps S110to S130illustrated inFIG.6, an apparatus30ais provided instead of the apparatus30. In steps S180to S200illustrated inFIG.6, an apparatus30bis provided instead of the apparatus30.

The apparatus30aperforms chemical solution treatment and DIW rinse on the wafer W. The apparatus30aplaces the wafer W in the wafer transfer carrier10and supplies the pure water into the wafer transfer carrier10after the chemical solution treatment.

The apparatus30bis an apparatus that performs at least cleaning of the wafer W. The apparatus30bis, for example, a chemical mechanical polishing (CMP) apparatus. After CMP, the apparatus30bplaces the wafer W in the wafer transfer carrier10and supplies the pure water into the wafer transfer carrier10.

In steps S150to S170illustrated inFIG.6, an apparatus40ais provided instead of the apparatus40. In steps S210to S240illustrated inFIG.6, an apparatus40bis provided instead of the apparatus40.

The apparatus40adries the wafer W. The apparatus40areloads the wafer W into the wafer transfer carrier10a.

The apparatus40bperforms chemical solution treatment on the wafer W. After the chemical solution treatment, the apparatus40bdries the inside of the wafer transfer carrier10and reloads the wafer W into the wafer transfer carrier10a.

First, the transfer unit20carries the wafer transfer carrier10aaccommodating the wafer W into the apparatus30a(S110). The wafer W is transferred by the wafer transfer carrier10athat does not contain the liquid L therein. Therefore, the wafer W is carried into the apparatus30ain a dry state.

Next, the apparatus30aperforms chemical solution treatment and DIW rinse (S120).

Subsequently, the apparatus30aplaces the wafer W in the wafer transfer carrier10and supplies the pure water into the wafer transfer carrier10.

Next, the transfer unit20carries the wafer transfer carrier10out of the apparatus30a(S130). The wafer W is transferred by the wafer transfer carrier10that is filled with the pure water. Therefore, the wafer W is carried out of the apparatus30ain a wet state. In other words, the transfer unit20moves the container11from the apparatus30ain a state where the wafer W in the container11is in contact with the pure water.

Next, the transfer unit20performs transfer outside the apparatus30a(S140). The state where the wafer W is in contact with the pure water is maintained until the next process.

Next, the transfer unit20carries the wafer transfer carrier10into the apparatus40a(S150). The wafer W is transferred by the wafer transfer carrier10that is filled with the pure water. Therefore, the wafer W is carried into the apparatus40ain a wet state.

Subsequently, the apparatus40areloads the wafer W into the wafer transfer carrier10a.

Next, the transfer unit20carries the wafer transfer carrier10aout of the apparatus40a(S170). The wafer W is transferred by the wafer transfer carrier10athat does not contain the liquid L therein. Therefore, the wafer W is carried out of the apparatus40ain a dry state.

Next, a case where steps S180to S200are performed instead of steps S110to S130will be described.

First, the transfer unit20carries the wafer transfer carrier10ainto the apparatus30b(S180). The wafer W is transferred by the wafer transfer carrier10athat does not contain the liquid L therein. Therefore, the wafer W is carried into the apparatus30bin a dry state.

Next, the apparatus30bperforms CMP and cleaning (S190).

Subsequently, the apparatus30bplaces the wafer W in the wafer transfer carrier10and supplies the pure water into the wafer transfer carrier10.

Next, the transfer unit20carries the wafer transfer carrier10aaccommodating the wafer W out of the apparatus30b(S200). The wafer W is transferred by the wafer transfer carrier10that is filled with the pure water. Therefore, the wafer W is carried out of the apparatus30bin a wet state.

Next, the transfer unit20performs transfer outside the apparatus30b(S140).

Next, a case where steps S210to S230are performed instead of steps S150to S170will be described.

After the transfer by the transfer unit20in step S140, the transfer unit20carries the wafer transfer carrier10into the apparatus40b(S210). The wafer W is transferred by the wafer transfer carrier10that is filled with the pure water. Therefore, the wafer W is carried into the apparatus40bin a wet state.

Next, the apparatus40bperforms chemical solution treatment (S220).

Subsequently, the apparatus40bperforms DIW rinse and drying on the wafer W and reloads the wafer W into the wafer transfer carrier10a.

Next, the transfer unit20carries the wafer transfer carrier10aout of the apparatus40b(S230). The wafer W is transferred by the wafer transfer carrier10athat does not contain the liquid L therein. Therefore, the wafer W is carried out of the apparatus40bin a dry state.

Next, a case where step S240is performed instead of step S230will be described.

After the chemical solution treatment by the apparatus40bin step S220, the apparatus40bperforms DIW rinse. Subsequently, the apparatus40bplaces the wafer W in the wafer transfer carrier10and supplies the pure water into the wafer transfer carrier10.

Next, the transfer unit20carries the wafer transfer carrier10out of the apparatus40b(S240). The wafer W is transferred by the wafer transfer carrier10that is filled with the pure water. Therefore, the wafer W is carried out of the apparatus40bin a wet state.

In the first modification of the first embodiment, in step S140illustrated inFIG.6, the wafer transfer carrier10(container11) is movable in a state where the wafer W is in contact with the pure water. As a result, the wafer W can be transferred without being in contact with air. Contact between the wafer W and the air results in the reaction between the silicon surface of the wafer W, such as silicon oxide formation. As a result, the subsequent processes may be affected and defects may arise. In addition, there is no need to worry about the time until the next process in the presence of an air-wafer W reaction process.

In addition, the drying apparatus (apparatus40a) can be shared by a plurality of units such as the wet etching apparatus (apparatus30a) and the CMP apparatus (apparatus30b), and overall optimization is possible.

In addition, drying may be omitted when a process in which the liquid L is used is continuous. In the example illustrated inFIG.6, drying is not performed after the chemical solution treatment in step S120or the CMP and cleaning in step S190when chemical solution treatment is performed in step S220.

The wafer transfer carrier10may be transferred out of the apparatus with pure water in the wafer transfer carrier10as in the first modification of the first embodiment. The wafer transfer carrier10and the semiconductor device manufacturing method according to the first modification of the first embodiment can be identical in effect to the first embodiment.

Second Modification of First Embodiment

FIG.7is a flowchart illustrating an example of a semiconductor device manufacturing method according to a second modification of the first embodiment. The second modification of the first embodiment differs from the first modification of the first embodiment in that no liquid is used in the apparatus (process) prior to the transfer out of the apparatus (step S140).

In steps S310to S330illustrated inFIG.7, an apparatus30cis provided instead of the apparatus30aor the apparatus30b.

The apparatus30cperforms reactive ion etching (RIE) on the wafer W. It is noted that the apparatus30cperforms processing in which no liquid is used without being limited to the RIE. After the RIE, the apparatus30cplaces the wafer W in the wafer transfer carrier10and supplies pure water into the wafer transfer carrier10.

First, the transfer unit20carries the wafer transfer carrier10aaccommodating the wafer W into the apparatus30a(S310). The wafer W is transferred by the wafer transfer carrier10athat does not contain the liquid L therein. Therefore, the wafer W is carried into the apparatus30cin a dry state.

Next, the apparatus30cperforms RIE, places the wafer W in the wafer transfer carrier10, and performs DIW purge (S320).

Next, the transfer unit20carries the wafer transfer carrier10out of the apparatus30c(S330).

Subsequently, processes identical to those starting from step S140illustrated inFIG.6are performed.

In the second modification of the first embodiment, the wafer W is carried out in a state of being immersed in the pure water even after processing in which no liquid is used, such as RIE. In addition, for example, residual gas from RIE that remains in the wafer W is dissolved in the pure water. As a result, it is possible to prevent the residual gas from affecting the subsequent processing apparatus. For example, it is possible to prevent wet etching apparatus corrosion attributable to the residual gas.

No liquid may be used in the apparatus (process) prior to the transfer out of the apparatus as in the second modification of the first embodiment. The wafer transfer carrier10and the semiconductor device manufacturing method according to the second modification of the first embodiment can be identical in effect to the first modification of the first embodiment.

Second Embodiment

FIGS.8A to8Eare cross-sectional views illustrating an example of a liquid supply-drainage sequence according to a second embodiment. It is noted thatFIGS.8A to8Eillustrate examples when the apparatus30supplies the liquid L into the wafer transfer carrier10and the apparatus40discharges the liquid L out of the wafer transfer carrier10.

The apparatus30has a supply pipe31, a drain pipe32, and a liquid level sensor33.

The supply pipe31supplies the liquid L into the container11.

The drain pipe32discharges the liquid L out of the container11.

The liquid level sensor33is provided at the supply pipe31and measures a height of a liquid level of the liquid L.

The apparatus40has a drain pipe41and a liquid level sensor42.

The drain pipe41discharges the liquid L out of the container11.

The liquid level sensor42is provided at the drain pipe41and measures the height of the liquid level of the liquid L.

First, as illustrated inFIG.8A, the apparatus30supplies the liquid L into the container11through the supply pipe31. The apparatus30supplies the liquid L until the liquid level of the liquid L reaches a height of the liquid level sensor33.

Next, as illustrated inFIG.8B, the apparatus30puts the wafer W into the container11. The apparatus30discharges the liquid L that overflows through the drain pipe32.

Next, as illustrated inFIG.8C, the apparatus30attaches the lid portion12.

Next, as illustrated inFIG.8D, the apparatus40detaches the lid portion12and takes the wafer W out of the container11.

Next, as illustrated inFIG.8E, the apparatus40discharges the liquid L out of the container11through the drain pipe41. The apparatus40discharges the liquid L until the liquid level of the liquid L reaches a height of the liquid level sensor42.

In the second embodiment, the liquid L is supplied into the container11before the wafer W is put in. In this case, the time during which the wafer W is immersed in the liquid L can be increased.

It is noted that the wafer W may be put in and taken out sheet by sheet or batch by batch. In the case of sheet-type processing, one wafer W at a time is put into and taken out of the container11. In the case of batch-type processing, a plurality of the wafers W are collectively put into and taken out of the container11. It is noted that the apparatuses30and40may put the wafer W into the container11batch by batch and take the wafer W out of the container11sheet by sheet. In addition, the apparatuses30and40may put the wafer W into the container11sheet by sheet and take the wafer W out of the container11batch by batch.

In addition, the amount of supply of the liquid L inFIG.8Amay be adjusted such that the liquid L does not overflow inFIG.8B. As a result, waste of the liquid L can be prevented and the drain pipe32may be omitted.

The wafer transfer carrier10and the semiconductor device manufacturing method according to the second embodiment can be identical in effect to the first embodiment.

First Modification of Second Embodiment

FIGS.9A to9Eare cross-sectional views illustrating an example of a liquid supply-drainage sequence according to a first modification of the second embodiment. The first modification of the second embodiment differs from the second embodiment in the order of putting in and taking out the wafer W and supplying and discharging the liquid L.

First, as illustrated inFIG.9A, the apparatus30puts the wafer W into the container11.

Next, as illustrated inFIG.9B, the apparatus30supplies the liquid L into the container11through the supply pipe31. The apparatus30supplies the liquid L until a liquid level of the liquid L reaches the height of the liquid level sensor33.

Next, as illustrated inFIG.9C, the apparatus30attaches the lid portion12.

Next, as illustrated inFIG.9D, the apparatus40detaches the lid portion12and discharges the liquid L out of the container11through the drain pipe41. The apparatus40discharges the liquid L until the liquid level of the liquid L reaches the height of the liquid level sensor42.

Next, as illustrated inFIG.9E, the wafer W is taken out of the container11.

In the first modification of the second embodiment, the liquid L is supplied into the container11after the wafer W is put in. In this case, it is possible to prevent the liquid L illustrated inFIG.8Bfrom overflowing. As a result, waste of the liquid L can be prevented and the drain pipe32may be omitted.

The order of putting in and taking out the wafer W and supplying and discharging the liquid L may be changed as in the first modification of the second embodiment. The wafer transfer carrier10and the semiconductor device manufacturing method according to the first modification of the second embodiment can be identical in effect to the second embodiment.

Second Modification of Second Embodiment

FIGS.10A to10Eare cross-sectional views illustrating an example of a liquid supply-drainage sequence according to a second modification of the second embodiment. The second modification differs from the first modification of the second embodiment in how the liquid L is supplied and discharged.

The wafer transfer carrier10has a lid portion12b.

The supply pipe31and the drain pipe41are capable of penetrating the lid portion12b. The lid portion12bhas, for example, an openable through via hole. In other words, the supply pipe31is capable of supplying the liquid L and the drain pipe41is capable of discharging the liquid L with the lid portion12battached.

First, as illustrated inFIG.10A, the apparatus30puts the wafer W into the container11.

Next, as illustrated inFIG.10B, the apparatus30attaches the lid portion12band puts the supply pipe31into the container11so as to penetrate the lid portion12b. Subsequently, the apparatus30supplies the liquid L into the container11through the supply pipe31. The apparatus30supplies the liquid L until a liquid level of the liquid L reaches the height of the liquid level sensor33.

Next, as illustrated inFIG.10C, the apparatus30takes out the supply pipe31.

Next, as illustrated inFIG.10D, the apparatus40puts the drain pipe41into the container11so as to penetrate the lid portion12b. Subsequently, the apparatus40discharges the liquid L out of the container11through the drain pipe41. The apparatus40discharges the liquid L until the liquid level of the liquid L reaches the height of the liquid level sensor42.

Next, as illustrated inFIG.10E, the apparatus40detaches the lid portion12band takes out the wafer W.

How the liquid L is supplied and discharged may be changed as in the second modification of the second embodiment. The wafer transfer carrier10and the semiconductor device manufacturing method according to the second modification of the second embodiment can be identical in effect to the first modification of the second embodiment.

Third Embodiment

FIG.11is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of a configuration of the wafer transfer carrier10according to a third embodiment. The third embodiment differs in the configuration of the wafer transfer carrier10. It is noted that, in the third embodiment, the liquid L is, for example, a chemical solution for wet etching.

The wafer transfer carrier10further has a temperature control unit (temperature controller)13and a stirrer14.

The temperature control unit13controls a temperature of the liquid L accommodated in the container11. The temperature control unit13has, for example, a temperature sensor and a heater. The temperature control unit13keeps the temperature of the liquid L in the container11at, for example, a predetermined temperature.

The stirrer (stirring unit)14stirs the liquid L accommodated in the container11. As a result, stagnation of the chemical solution can be prevented.

In addition, the wafer transfer carrier10further has a power receiving unit (power receiver). In other words, the wafer transfer carrier10is supplied with electric power from the outside. As a result, the internal configurations of the wafer transfer carrier10, such as the temperature control unit13and the stirrer14, can be driven. The power receiving unit is supplied with electric power from the transfer unit20while, for example, the wafer transfer carrier10is transferred. Alternatively, the power receiving unit is supplied with electric power while the wafer transfer carrier10is placed in the placement portion50.

By the temperature control unit13and the stirrer14, a normal chemical solution treatment apparatus can be reproduced in the wafer transfer carrier10. In other words, the inside of the wafer transfer carrier10can be brought closer to a chemical solution treatment apparatus. As a result, chemical solution treatment can be more appropriately performed in the wafer transfer carrier10.

The configuration of the wafer transfer carrier10may be changed as in the third embodiment. The wafer transfer carrier10and the semiconductor device manufacturing method according to the third embodiment can be identical in effect to the first embodiment.

Fourth Embodiment

FIG.12is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of a configuration of the wafer transfer carrier10according to a fourth embodiment. The fourth embodiment differs in the configuration of the wafer transfer carrier10. It is noted that, in the fourth embodiment, the liquid L is, for example, a chemical solution for wet etching.

The wafer transfer carrier10further has circulation piping15, a pump16, a temperature control unit (temperature controller)17, and a filter18.

The circulation piping (circulation path)15is connected to two different positions in the container11. In the example illustrated inFIG.12, one end of the circulation piping15is connected to the lower portion of an inner wall of the container11, and the other end of the circulation piping15is connected to the upper portion of the inner wall of the container11.

The pump16is provided on a path of the circulation piping15. The pump16suctions the liquid L from the one end of the circulation piping15and circulates the liquid L to the other end of the circulation piping15. In other words, the pump16sends the liquid L from one position in the container11where the circulation piping15is connected to the other position.

The temperature control unit17controls a temperature of the liquid L. The temperature control unit17has, for example, a temperature sensor and a heater. The temperature control unit17is provided on the path of the circulation piping15. In other words, the temperature control unit17controls the temperature of the circulating liquid L. The temperature control unit17keeps the temperature of the liquid L in the container11at, for example, a predetermined temperature.

The filter18is provided on the path of the circulation piping15. The filter18filters the circulating liquid L. As a result, particles, residual elements, and the like can be captured.

By the circulation piping15, the pump16, the temperature control unit17, and the filter18, a normal chemical solution treatment apparatus can be reproduced in the wafer transfer carrier10. In other words, the inside of the wafer transfer carrier10can be brought closer to a chemical solution treatment apparatus. As a result, chemical solution treatment can be more appropriately performed in the wafer transfer carrier10.

The configuration of the wafer transfer carrier10may be changed as in the fourth embodiment. The wafer transfer carrier10and the semiconductor device manufacturing method according to the fourth embodiment can be identical in effect to the first embodiment.

Fifth Embodiment

FIG.13is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of a configuration of the wafer transfer carrier10according to a fifth embodiment.

The transfer unit20has a grip portion21gripping the wafer transfer carrier10.

The wafer transfer carrier10further includes a protrusion portion19a.

The protrusion portion19ais provided on the lid portion12. The wafer transfer carrier10can be transferred by the grip portion21gripping the protrusion portion19a.

The wafer transfer carrier10and the semiconductor device manufacturing method according to the fifth embodiment can be identical in effect to the first embodiment.

Sixth Embodiment

FIG.14is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of a configuration of the wafer transfer carrier10according to a sixth embodiment. The sixth embodiment differs from the fifth embodiment in the configuration of the wafer transfer carrier10.

The wafer transfer carrier10further includes a protrusion portion19b.

The protrusion portion19bis provided on the container11. The protrusion portion19bcomes into contact with the grip portion21when the wafer transfer carrier10is transferred. The wafer transfer carrier10can be transferred by the grip portion21gripping the protrusion portion19b. In the example illustrated inFIG.14, the grip portion21supports the protrusion portion19bfrom below.

In the fifth embodiment described with reference toFIG.13, the protrusion portion19ais provided on the lid portion12. In this case, force is applied to the lid portion12during the transfer. When the strength of the lid portion12is insufficient, it may be impossible to appropriately transfer the wafer transfer carrier10.

On the other hand, in the sixth embodiment, the container11is provided with the protrusion portion19bgripped by the transfer unit20. As a result, the wafer transfer carrier10can be transferred more appropriately.

The configuration of the wafer transfer carrier10may be changed as in the sixth embodiment. The wafer transfer carrier10and the semiconductor device manufacturing method according to the sixth embodiment can be identical in effect to the fifth embodiment.

Seventh Embodiment

FIG.15is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of a configuration of the wafer transfer carrier10according to a seventh embodiment. The seventh embodiment differs in the configuration of the wafer transfer carrier10.

The shaft121is provided along an edge of the container11. In the example illustrated inFIG.15, the shaft121is parallel to the Y direction.

The plate-shaped member122opens and closes the container11by rotating about the shaft121provided along the edge of the container11. In other words, the lid portion12is a double door-type lid portion. As a result, a space for placing the detached lid portion12is unnecessary and space can be saved.

In addition, two shafts121and two plate-shaped members122are provided in the example illustrated inFIG.15. The two plate-shaped members122rotate in directions opposite to each other.

In the example illustrated inFIG.15, the container11is provided with the protrusion portion19bin the sixth embodiment described with reference toFIG.14.

The configuration of the wafer transfer carrier10may be changed as in the seventh embodiment. The wafer transfer carrier10and the semiconductor device manufacturing method according to the seventh embodiment can be identical in effect to the first embodiment.

Eighth Embodiment

FIG.16is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example of a configuration of the wafer transfer carrier10according to an eighth embodiment. The eighth embodiment differs in the configuration of the wafer transfer carrier10.

A size of the wafer transfer carrier10in the X direction is smaller in the example illustrated inFIG.16than in the first embodiment described with reference toFIG.2. A pitch between the wafers W is, for example, 5 mm. The size of the wafer transfer carrier10can be reduced by reducing the pitch between the wafers W. As a result, space can be saved. In addition, an amount of the liquid L in the container11can be reduced. As a result, weight reduction is possible and the amount of the liquid L that is required can be reduced.

The configuration of the wafer transfer carrier10may be changed as in the eighth embodiment. The wafer transfer carrier10and the semiconductor device manufacturing method according to the eighth embodiment can be identical in effect to the first embodiment.