SEMICONDUCTOR PROCESSING APPARATUS AND SEMICONDUCTOR PROCESSING METHOD USING THE SAME

A semiconductor processing apparatus includes an outer tube, an inner tube in the outer tube and providing a process space, and a nozzle between the outer tube and the inner tube. The nozzle provides an internal passage. The inner tube provides a slit. The nozzle provides a plurality of holes. The plurality of holes are vertically spaced apart from each other. The slit vertically extends to expose at least two of the plurality of holes. The internal passage is connected to the process space through the slit and the plurality of holes.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This U.S. nonprovisional application claims priority under 35 U.S.C § 119 to Korean Patent Application No. 10-2021-0087758 filed on Jul. 5, 2021 in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND

The present inventive concepts relate to a semiconductor processing apparatus and a semiconductor processing method using the same, and more particularly, to a semiconductor processing apparatus minimizing a process variation in a semiconductor process and a semiconductor processing method using the same.

A semiconductor device may be fabricated through various processes. For example, the semiconductor device may be manufactured through a photolithography process, an etching process, a deposition process, and a plating process. In the deposition process, a vertical type semiconductor processing apparatus may be used to process a plurality of wafers at the same time. Such semiconductor processing apparatus may be called a vertical furnace. A gas may be injected in a semiconductor processing apparatus in which wafers are stacked on each other. A nozzle may be used to inject the gas. The injected gas may react with the wafers for various processes. For example, the injected gas may be used in an atomic layer deposition (ALD) process on wafers in a semiconductor processing apparatus.

SUMMARY

Some embodiments of the present inventive concepts provide a semiconductor processing apparatus configured to supply a wafer with a process gas whose amount is large even at a certain flow rate and a semiconductor processing method using the same.

Some embodiments of the present inventive concepts provide a semiconductor processing apparatus capable of minimizing a process variation at a wafer and a semiconductor processing method using the same.

Some embodiments of the present inventive concepts provide a semiconductor processing apparatus configured to uniformly supply a process gas to all of wafers disposed in upper and lower portions of a boat.

The object of the present inventive concepts is not limited to the mentioned above, and other objects which have not been mentioned above will be clearly understood to those skilled in the art from the following description.

According to some embodiments of the present inventive concepts, a semiconductor processing apparatus may comprise: an outer tube; an inner tube in the outer tube, the inner tube providing a process space; and a nozzle between the outer tube and the inner tube. The nozzle may provide an internal passage. The inner tube may provide a slit. The nozzle may provide a plurality of holes. The plurality of holes may be vertically spaced apart from each other. The slit may vertically extend to expose at least two holes of the plurality of holes. The internal passage may be connected to the process space through the slit and the plurality of holes.

According to some embodiments of the present inventive concepts, a semiconductor processing apparatus may comprise: an outer tube; an inner tube in the outer tube; and a nozzle that vertically extends between the outer tube and the inner tube. The inner tube may provide a slit that extends vertically. The nozzle may provide a hole exposed through the slit. An aspect ratio of the slit may be greater than about 1. The nozzle may be spaced apart from an outer surface of the inner tube.

According to some embodiments of the present inventive concepts, a semiconductor processing method may comprise: placing a wafer onto a boat; inserting the boat into an inner tube; supplying a process gas to a nozzle that is outside the inner tube; allowing the process gas to flow into the inner tube from the nozzle; and causing the process gas to process the wafer. The step of allowing the process gas to flow into the inner tube from the nozzle may include: allowing the process gas to escape from the nozzle through a plurality of holes formed in the nozzle; and allowing the process gas to move into the inner tube through a slit formed in the inner tube. The slit may vertically extend to horizontally overlap at least two of the plurality of holes.

Details of other example embodiments are included in the description and drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

The following will now describe some embodiments of the present inventive concepts with reference to the accompanying drawings. Like reference numerals may indicate like components throughout the description.

FIG.1illustrates a perspective view showing a semiconductor processing apparatus according to some embodiments of the present inventive concepts.FIG.2illustrates a cross-sectional view showing a semiconductor processing apparatus according to some embodiments of the present inventive concepts.FIGS.3and4illustrate a cutting perspective view partially showing a semiconductor processing apparatus according to some embodiments of the present inventive concepts.

In this description below, symbols D1, D2, and D3ofFIG.1may respectively represent a first direction, a second direction that intersects the first direction D1, and a third direction that intersects each of the first direction D1and the second direction D2. The first direction D1may be called an upward direction, and a reverse direction to the first direction D1may be called a downward direction. Each of the second and third directions D2and D3may be called a horizontal direction.

Referring toFIGS.1to4, a semiconductor processing apparatus A may be provided. The semiconductor processing apparatus A may be a device for forming a thin layer on a semiconductor substrate. In some embodiments, the semiconductor processing apparatus A may be a device that performs a deposition process on a wafer WF. For example, the semiconductor processing apparatus A may include a device to execute an atomic layer deposition (ALD) process on the wafer WF. The semiconductor processing apparatus A may be configured such that a deposition process may be simultaneously performed on a plurality of wafers WF. To achieve this configuration, the semiconductor processing apparatus A may include an outer tube1, an inner tube3, an insertion moving part7, a lower tube8, a nozzle isolation member9, and a nozzle5.

Referring toFIGS.1and2, the outer tube1may have a shape that vertically extends over a certain length. The outer tube1may provide an upper space1h. For example, the upper space1hmay be defined by the outer tube1having a shape that vertically extends. The outer tube1may include quartz, but the present inventive concepts are not limited thereto.

The inner tube3may be positioned in the outer tube1. For example, the inner tube3may be placed in the upper space1h. The inner tube3may have a shape that vertically extends over a certain length. The inner tube3may provide a process space3h. The inner tube3may allow a gas injected from the nozzle (see5ofFIG.3) to concentrate on a predetermined region. For example, the inner tube3may limit a distribution area of the gas injected from the nozzle5, and thus the gas may be prevented from escaping from the wafer WF. In some embodiments, the gas injected from the nozzle into the process space3hmay be concentrated to a predetermined concentration or pressure. The inner tube3may be designed to have a diameter greater than a diameter of the wafer WF. The inner tube3may include or may be formed of quartz. The inner tube3may include a sidewall31, an upper member33, and a lower member35. The sidewall31may extend vertically. The sidewall31may limit (i.e., may define) a region into which a gas is injected from the nozzle5. The sidewall31may provide a slit3s. The slit3smay be an aperture that penetrates the sidewall31and allows a gas injected from the nozzle5to enter the process space3h. The process space3hmay be exposed through the slit3sto the nozzle5. The slit3smay vertically extend over a certain length. The slit3swill be further discussed in detail below. The upper member33may cover an upper side of the sidewall31. The lower member35may separate the upper space1hfrom a lower space8h.

The insertion moving part7may accommodate the wafer WF. For example, the wafer WF may be disposed in the insertion moving part7. The insertion moving part7may move vertically. In the case of upward movement of the insertion moving part7in which the wafer WF is accommodated, the wafer WF may be positioned in the process space3h. In the case of downward movement of the insertion moving part7, the wafer WF may be positioned in the lower space8h. The insertion moving part7may include a boat71, a rotatable member73, a support member75, a closing member77, and a connection member79. The wafer WF may be located in the boat71. The boat71may provide a plurality of insertion grooves (not designated by a reference numeral). The plurality of insertion grooves may be vertically spaced apart from each other. A single insertion groove may receive a single wafer WF. The rotatable member73may rotate the boat71. To achieve the rotation of the boat71, the rotatable member73may include an actuator such as a motor. The support member75may support the boat71. The closing member77may be disposed on the support member75. When the insertion moving part7rises to place the boat71into the inner tube3, the closing member77may contact a bottom surface of the lower member35of the inner tube3. The closing member77may allow the process space3hand the lower space8hto separate from each other. The closing member77may include an O-ring. The connection member79may connect the support member75to a drive motor externally provided. The connection member79may cause the entirety of the insertion moving part7to move vertically. It will be understood that when an element is referred to as being “connected” or “coupled” to or “on” another element, it can be directly connected or coupled to or on the other element or intervening elements may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly connected” or “directly coupled” to another element, or as “contacting” or “in contact with” another element, there are no intervening elements present. Other words used to describe the relationship between elements should be interpreted in a like fashion (e.g., “between” versus “directly between,” “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent,” etc.).

The lower tube8may be positioned below the outer tube1. The lower tube8may have a shape that vertically extends over a certain length. The lower tube8may provide the lower space8h. For example, the lower space8hmay be defined by the lower tube8having a shape that extends vertically. The lower tube8may include or may be formed of quartz. The lower tube8and the outer tube1may be integrally formed into a single unitary piece, but the present inventive concepts are not limited thereto. When the insertion moving part7moves downwards, the insertion moving part7may be positioned in the lower tube8. For example, the insertion moving part7may descend to enter the lower tube8or may ascend to enter the outer tube1.

Referring toFIGS.3and4, the nozzle isolation member9may be associated with an outer surface of the inner tube3. The nozzle isolation member9may extend vertically. The nozzle isolation member9may provide a nozzle placement space9h. The nozzle placement space9hmay extend vertically. The nozzle placement space9hmay be spatially connected through the slit3sto the process space3h. The nozzle5may be placed in the nozzle placement space9h. The nozzle isolation member9and the inner tube3may be integrally formed into a single unitary piece, but the present inventive concepts are not limited thereto.

The nozzle5may be positioned between the outer tube1and the inner tube3. For example, the nozzle5may be inserted into the nozzle isolation member9selected from an outer space of the inner tube3. Accordingly, the nozzle5may be disposed in the nozzle placement space9h. The nozzle5may be spaced apart from the inner tube3. For example, the nozzle5may be outwardly spaced apart from an outer surface (see3ES ofFIG.11) of the inner tube3. The nozzle5may extends vertically. The nozzle5may provide an internal passage5pand a hole5h. The internal passage5pmay be a space that vertically extends within the nozzle5. A process gas may move through the internal passage5p. The hole5hmay be an aperture that penetrates a sidewall of the nozzle5and faces the slit3s. The internal passage5pmay be spatially connected to the process space3hthrough the hole5hand the slit3s. The hole5hmay be provided in plural. The plurality of holes5hmay be disposed vertically spaced apart from each other.

The slit3smay vertically extend to horizontally overlap (i.e., to expose) at least two of the plurality of holes5h. Therefore, the slit3smay have an aspect ratio of greater than about 1. For example, the slit3smay have a top end at a higher level than that of an uppermost one of at least two neighboring holes5h. In addition, the slit3smay have a bottom end at a lower level than that of a lowermost one of at least two neighboring holes5h. Therefore, the slit3smay expose at least two neighboring holes5h. In some embodiments, the slit3smay vertically extend to horizontally overlap (i.e., to expose) all of the holes5hthat are included in a single nozzle5. Accordingly, a process gas injected from all of the holes5hincluded in a single nozzle5may be introduced through a single slit3sinto the process space3h. A detailed description thereof will be further discussed below. In this description below, unless otherwise stated, a single hole5hwill be discussed in the interest of convenience.

FIG.5illustrates a perspective view showing nozzles according to some embodiments of the present inventive concepts.

Referring toFIG.5, the nozzle5may be provided in plural. The plurality of nozzles5may be horizontally spaced apart from each other. The nozzles5may include a first nozzle51, a second nozzle53, and a third nozzle55. It will be understood that, although the terms first, second, third etc. may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. Unless the context indicates otherwise, these terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another element, component, region, layer or section, for example as a naming convention. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below in one section of the specification could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section in another section of the specification or in the claims without departing from the teachings of the present invention. In addition, in certain cases, even if a term is not described using “first,” “second,” etc., in the specification, it may still be referred to as “first” or “second” in a claim in order to distinguish different claimed elements from each other.

The first nozzle51may provide a first hole51h. The first nozzle51may be a straight type nozzle. The first nozzle51may receive a process gas that is introduced along a connection tube connected to a bottom end of the first nozzle51. The process gas may rise along the first nozzle51and may be injected through the first hole51h. A first process gas may refer to the process gas that is sprayed while moving along the first nozzle51. A detailed description thereof will be further discussed below. The first nozzle51may be provided in two pieces. The two first nozzles51may be spaced apart from each other in a horizontal direction. In this description below, a single first nozzle51will be discussed for convenience.

The second nozzle53may be adjacent to a side of the first nozzle51. For example, the second nozzle53may be horizontally spaced apart from the first nozzle51such that the second nozzle53may neighbor the first nozzle51. The second nozzle53may be a straight type nozzle. The second nozzle53may provide a second hole53h. The second nozzle53may inject a process gas through the second hole53h. A second process gas may refer to the process gas that is sprayed while moving along the second nozzle53. The second process gas may be different from the first process gas. A detailed description thereof will be further discussed below. The second nozzles53may be provided in two pieces. The two second nozzles53may be positioned in opposite directions across the first nozzle51. In this description below, a single second nozzle53will be discussed for convenience.

The third nozzle55may be adjacent to a side of the second nozzle53. For example, the third nozzle55may be horizontally spaced apart from the second nozzle53such that the third nozzle55may neighbor the second nozzle53. The third nozzle55may be a straight type nozzle. The third nozzle55may provide a third hole55h. The third nozzle55may inject a process gas through the third hole55h. A third process gas may refer to the process gas that is sprayed while moving along the third nozzle55. The third process gas may be different from each of the first process gas and the second process gas. A detailed description thereof will be further discussed below. The third nozzles55may be provided in two pieces. In this description below, a single third nozzle55will be discussed for convenience.

FIG.6illustrates a cross-sectional view showing a semiconductor processing apparatus according to some embodiments of the present inventive concepts.FIG.7illustrates a top view showing a semiconductor processing apparatus according to some embodiments of the present inventive concepts.

Referring toFIG.7, the nozzle isolation member9may be provided in plural. The plurality of nozzle isolation members9may be horizontally spaced apart from each other. The nozzle isolation members9may include a first nozzle isolation member91and a second nozzle isolation member93. The first nozzle isolation member91may provide a first nozzle placement space91h. The first nozzle51may be positioned in the first nozzle placement space91h. The second nozzle isolation member93may provide a second nozzle placement space93h. One of each of the second and third nozzles53and55may be positioned in the second nozzle placement space93h. The second nozzle isolation member93may be provided in two pieces. The two second nozzle isolation members93may be positioned in opposite directions across the first nozzle isolation member91. For example, the first nozzle isolation member91may be disposed between the two second nozzle isolation members93. One of the two second nozzle isolation members93may be adjacent to a first side of the first nozzle isolation member91, and the other of the two second nozzle isolation members93may be adjacent to a second side, opposite to the first side, of the first nozzle isolation member91. Each of the two second nozzle isolation members93may accommodate one of the two second nozzles53and one of the two third nozzles55. For example, the first nozzle isolation member91may accommodate the first nozzle51spraying the first process gas, and the second isolation member93may accommodate the second and third nozzles spraying the second and third process gases different from each other, respectively.

Referring toFIGS.6and7, the slit3smay be provided in plural. The plurality of slits3smay be horizontally spaced apart from each other. The slits3smay include a first slit3s1, a second slit3s2, a third slit3s23, and a fourth slit3s4. The first slit3s1may be opened to (i.e., may expose) the first nozzle51. For example, the first slit3s1may be opened to one of the two first nozzles51(seeFIG.5). The second slit3s2may be opened to the first nozzle51. For example, the second slit3s2may be opened to the other (e.g., a right first nozzle) of the two first nozzles51(seeFIG.5). Each of the first and second slits3s1and3s2may be spatially connected to the first nozzle placement space91h. The third slit3s3may be opened to the second nozzle53. The third slit3s3may be spatially connected to the second nozzle placement space93h. When the second nozzle53is provided in two pieces, the third slit3s3may also be provided in two pieces. The fourth slit3s4may be opened to the third nozzle55. The fourth slit3s4may be spatially connected to the second nozzle placement space93h. When the third nozzle55is provided in two pieces, the fourth slit3s4may also be provided in two pieces.

Referring back toFIG.6, the slit3smay have an aspect ratio of greater than about 1. For example, because the slit3svertically extends to horizontally overlap (i.e., to expose) two or more of the plurality of holes (see5hofFIG.5), the slit3smay have a height greater than a width thereof. With regard to the first slit3s1, the first slit3s1may have a height h greater than a width w of the first slit3s1. The width w of the first slit3s1may range from about 5 mm to about 60 mm. The height h of the first slit3s1may be greater than about 60 mm Similar to the first slit3s1, each of the second and third slits3s2and3s3may have an aspect ratio of greater than about 1. The aspect ratio of the slit3smay refer to a ratio of the height h to the width w. Terms such as “about” or “approximately” may reflect amounts, sizes, orientations, or layouts that vary only in a small relative manner, and/or in a way that does not significantly alter the operation, functionality, or structure of certain elements. For example, a range from “about 0.1 to about 1” may encompass a range such as a 0%-5% deviation around 0.1 and a 0% to 5% deviation around 1, especially if such deviation maintains the same effect as the listed range.

In this description below, unless otherwise stated, a single slit3sand a single nozzle isolation member9will be discussed in the interest of convenience.

FIG.8illustrates a flow chart showing a semiconductor processing method according to some embodiments of the present inventive concepts.

Referring toFIG.8, a semiconductor processing method S may be provided. The semiconductor processing method S may be a wafer processing method that uses the semiconductor processing apparatus A discussed with reference toFIGS.1to7. The semiconductor processing method S may include a step S1of placing a wafer on a boat, a step S2of inserting the boat into an inner tube, a step S3of supplying a nozzle with a process gas, a step S4of allowing the process gas to move into the inner tube, and a step S5of performing a treatment process on the wafer.

The following will describe in detail the semiconductor processing method S ofFIG.8with reference toFIGS.9to13.

FIGS.9to13illustrate cross-sectional and top views showing a semiconductor processing method discussed with reference to the flow chart ofFIG.8.

Referring toFIGS.8and9, the wafer placement step S1may include a process step in which the wafer WF is placed on the boat71under a condition where the insertion moving part7is present at a lower position (i.e., at the lower space8h). For example, the wafer WF may be disposed in the insertion groove of the boat71under a condition where the insertion moving part7is positioned in the lower tube8. Because the boat71is provided with a plurality of insertion grooves, a plurality of wafers WF may be placed in the boat71. The plurality of wafers WF may be disposed vertically spaced apart from each other. The first slit3s1vertically extends to horizontally overlap (i.e., to expose) all of the first holes51hof the first nozzle51, and the first slit3s1may have a top end3s1xat a higher level than a level of an uppermost first hole of the plurality of first holes51hincluded in the first nozzle51. In addition, the first slit3s1may have a bottom end3s1yat a lower level than a level of a lowermost first hole of the plurality of first holes51hincluded in the first nozzle51. The present inventive concepts, however, are not limited thereto, and the slit3smay horizontally overlap (i.e., may expose) only two holes5hwithout exposing all of the holes5hincluded in the nozzle5.

Referring toFIGS.8and10, the boat insertion step S2may include a process step in which the insertion moving part7rises to insert the boat71into the inner tube3. For example, the connection member79may upwardly move the insertion moving part7and thus the boat71may be positioned in the process space3h. The insertion moving part7may rise to cause the boat71to approach a front side of the slit3s. The closing member77may contact a bottom surface of the lower member35. The closing member77may separate the process space3hfrom the lower space8h.

Referring toFIGS.8and11, the gas supply step S3may include a process step in which a process gas is supplied into the internal passage5pof the nozzle5. For example, a process gas G may be supplied into a first internal passage51pof the first nozzle51. The process gas G supplied to the first nozzle51may be the first process gas. The process gas G may move upwards along the first internal passage51p.

The gas movement step S4may include that the process gas G is discharged through the hole5hfrom the nozzle5. For example, the process gas G in the first internal passage51pmay be outwardly injected through the first hole51hfrom the first nozzle51. The process gas G discharged through the first hole51hfrom the first nozzle51may move in a horizontal direction toward the first slit3s1. The nozzle5may be horizontally spaced apart from an outer surface3ES of the inner tube3. For example, the nozzle5may be spaced apart at a first distance d from the outer surface3ES of the inner tube3. Therefore, the process gas G discharged through the hole5hmay enter the slit3safter moving in a horizontal direction over the first distance d. As the slit3svertically extends to horizontally overlap (i.e., to expose) a plurality of holes5h, the process gas G may not collide with the outer surface3ES of the inner tube3even when the process gas G discharged the hole5hspreads upwards and/or downwards. In some embodiments, the first distance d may be set such that a portion of the process gas G that spreads upwards and/or downwards through hole5hdoes not collide with the outer surface3ES of the inner tube3. The process gas G discharged through the first nozzle51may be introduced through the first slit3s1into the process space3h. The process gas G introduced into the process space3hmay be distributed onto the wafer WF. The number and height of the hole5hand the wafer WF may be designed to cause one wafer WF to correspond to one hole5h. In some embodiments, each of the holes5hmay be directed toward a space between corresponding two adjacent wafers so that a portion of the process gas G injected from each hole5hmay be injected into the space.

Referring toFIGS.8,12, and13, the wafer process step S5may include that various process gases are simultaneously or sequentially injected and deposited on a wafer. For example, as shown inFIG.12, a first process gas G1may be injected from the first nozzle51and may then be introduced into the process space3hthrough the first slit3s1and the second slit3s2. Concurrently, a third process gas G3may be injected from the third nozzle55and may then be introduced through the fourth slit3s4into the process space3h. The third process gas G3may control distribution of the first process gas G1. Then, a second process gas G2may be injected from the second nozzle53and may then be introduced through the third slit3s3into the process space3h. Concurrently, the third process gas G3may be injected from the third nozzle55and may then be introduced through the fourth slit3s4into the process space3h. The third process gas G3may control distribution of the second process gas G2. The second process gas G2and the pre-introduced first process gas G1may react with each other to be deposited on the wafer WF. Some of the plurality of nozzles5may be positioned in different nozzle placement spaces9h. Therefore, various process gases may be prevented from meeting each other in the nozzle placement space9h. For example, because the first nozzle51is positioned in the first nozzle isolation member91, and because the second nozzle53is positioned in the second nozzle isolation member93, the first process gas G1injected from the first nozzle51may be prevented from moving to the vicinity of the second nozzle53. In addition, the second process gas G2injected from the second nozzle53may be prevented from moving to the vicinity of the first nozzle51. Therefore, the first process gas G1and the second process gas G2may be prevented from meeting each other in one or both of the first nozzle placement space91hand the second nozzle placement space93h.

According to semiconductor processing apparatuses and methods in accordance with some embodiments of the present inventive concepts, a nozzle may be outwardly spaced apart from an inner tube. For example, the nozzle may not be directly associated with an outer surface of the inner tube. Therefore, it may be possible to change a relative distance and/or angle between the nozzle and the inner tube. In this case, a position and/or angle of the nozzle may be changed to adjust a facing direction of a hole. Thus, it may be possible to control a moving direction of a process gas injected from the hole. For example, when adjustment of an injection direction of the process gas is needed to control a process variation at a wafer, an arrangement angle of the nozzle may be varied to adjust the injection direction of the process gas. Accordingly, injection of the process gas may be adjusted to control a process variation in each fabrication process.

According to semiconductor processing apparatuses and methods in accordance with some embodiments of the present inventive concepts, the process gas injected from the nozzle may be introduced through a slit into a process space of the inner tube. In this case, the slit may vertically extend to horizontally overlap (i.e., to expose) a plurality of holes, and thus the process gas injected from the hole may be prevented from colliding with the outer surface of the inner tube. As discussed above, the nozzle may be outwardly spaced apart from the inner tube. Therefore, the process gas injected from the nozzle may diffuse vertically before being introduced into the process space. For example, until the process gas enters the slit after being discharged from the hole, the process gas may spread upwards and/or downwards without traveling straight only in a horizontal direction. As the slit of the inner tube according to the present inventive concepts vertically extends to horizontally overlap (i.e., to expose) a plurality of holes, even when the process gas is distributed vertically, the process gas may be prevented from colliding with the outer surface of the inner tube. Thus, the process gas escaped from the nozzle may be prevented from being introduced into an undesired region without being introduced into the inner tube. Therefore, a large amount of process gas may be distributed onto the wafer. For example, although a supply amount of process gas is maintained at a certain flow rate without increasing the gas supply amount, the wafer may receive an increasing amount of process gas that reaches a top surface of the wafer. Accordingly, an efficiency of deposition process on the wafer may increase and a process variation at the wafer may be reduced.

FIG.14illustrates a cross-sectional view showing a semiconductor processing apparatus according to some embodiments of the present inventive concepts.

For the convenience of description, descriptions of components substantially the same as or similar to that discussed with reference toFIGS.1to13will be omitted.

Referring toFIG.14, an inner tube3amay include a first slit3s1and a second slit3s2provided at a sidewall31aof the inner tube3, and each of the first and second slits3s1and3s2may be substantially the same as or similar to that discussed with reference toFIG.6. In contrast, a third slit3s3amay have an aspect ratio of less than about 1. For example, the third slit3s3amay horizontally overlap (i.e., may expose) only one hole (see5hofFIG.5). The third slit3s3amay be provided in plural. For example, the number of the plurality of third slits3s3amay be the same as the number of the holes5hprovided in one nozzle (see5ofFIG.5). The plurality of third slits3s3amay be vertically spaced apart from each other.

FIG.15illustrates a cross-sectional view showing a semiconductor processing apparatus according to some embodiments of the present inventive concepts.

For the convenience of description, descriptions of components substantially the same as or similar to that discussed with reference toFIGS.1to14will be omitted.

Referring toFIG.15, a first slit3s1bmay have an irregular width. For example, a width at a top end of the first slit3s1bmay be different from a width at a bottom end of the first slit3s1b. In some embodiments, the width at the top end of the first slit3s1bmay be less than that at the bottom end of the first slit3s1b. In some embodiments, the width of the first slit3s1bmay increase in a direction from the top end of the first slit3s1bto the bottom end of the first slit3s1b. A second slit3s2bmay be configured similarly to the first slit3s1b.

According to semiconductor processing apparatuses and methods in accordance with some embodiments of the present inventive concepts, a silt may have a width that increases in a downward direction. Therefore, a large amount of process gas may be easily introduced through a lower portion of the slit into a process space of an inner tube. Accordingly, a large amount of a process gas may reach a wafer disposed in a lower portion of a boat. For example, when an amount of the process gas that reaches the wafer disposed in a lower portion of the boat is less than an amount of the process gas that reaches a wafer disposed in an upper portion of the boat, the slit depicted inFIG.15may be used to reduce a difference in amount of process. Accordingly, it may be possible to minimize a process variation at a wafer.

FIG.16illustrates a cross-sectional view showing a semiconductor processing apparatus according to some embodiments of the present inventive concepts.

For the convenience of description, descriptions of components substantially the same as or similar to that discussed with reference toFIGS.1to15will be omitted.

Referring toFIG.16, a first slit3s1cat a portion connected to an outer surface of the inner tube3cmay have a width different from a width of the first slit3s1cat a portion connected to an inner surface of the inner tube3c. For example, the width of the first slit3s1cat the portion connected to the inner surface of the inner tube3cmay be greater than the width of the first slit3s1cat the portion connected to the outer surface of the inner tube3c. In some embodiments, the first slit3s1cmay have a width that increases in a direction from the outer surface of the inner tube3cto the inner surface of the inner tube3c.

According to semiconductor processing apparatuses and methods in accordance with some embodiments of the present inventive concepts, a slit may be designed to have an increasing width toward the process space of the inner tube. Therefore, a process gas that passes through the slit may be controlled in its speed and distribution. Accordingly, it may be possible to minimize a process variation at a wafer.

FIG.17illustrates a cross-sectional view showing a semiconductor processing apparatus according to some embodiments of the present inventive concepts.

For the convenience of description, descriptions of components substantially the same as or similar to that discussed with reference toFIGS.1to16will be omitted.

Referring toFIG.17, a first slit3s1dmay horizontally extend to expose all of two first nozzles (see51ofFIG.5). For example, the first slit3s1dofFIG.17may have a shape obtained by adding a shape of the first slit3s1to a shape of the second slit3s2discussed with reference toFIG.6.

According to semiconductor processing apparatuses and methods of the present inventive concepts, a wafer may be supplied with a process gas whose amount is large even at a certain flow rate.

According to semiconductor processing apparatuses and methods of the present inventive concepts, it may be possible to minimize a process variation at a wafer.

According to semiconductor processing apparatuses and methods of the present inventive concepts, a process gas may be uniformly supplied to all of wafers disposed in upper and lower portions of a boat.

Effects of the present inventive concepts are not limited to the mentioned above, other effects which have not been mentioned above will be clearly understood to those skilled in the art from the following description.

Although the present inventive concepts have been described in connection with some embodiments of the present inventive concepts illustrated in the accompanying drawings, it will be understood to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be made without departing from the technical spirit and essential feature of the present inventive concepts. It therefore will be understood that the embodiments described above are just illustrative but not limitative in all aspects.