Vacuum chamber and arrangement for atomic layer deposition

A vacuum chamber and an arrangement for atomic layer deposition. The vacuum chamber includes a loading wall provided with a loading opening, a back wall opposite the loading wall, and a first direction extending in a direction between the loading wall and the back wall. The vacuum chamber further includes a first vacuum chamber support rail inside the vacuum chamber and extending in the first direction, and a second vacuum chamber support rail inside the vacuum chamber and extending in the first direction and arranged spaced apart from the first vacuum chamber support rail. The first vacuum chamber support rail is arranged independently movable in vertical direction, and the second vacuum chamber support rail is arranged independently movable in vertical direction.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a vacuum chamber for atomic layer deposition. The present invention further relates to an arrangement for atomic layer deposition.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

There are basically two kinds of atomic layer deposition apparatus with a double chamber structure. The atomic layer deposition apparatus may comprise a vacuum chamber and a fixed and integral reaction chamber inside the vacuum chamber. Alternatively, the atomic layer deposition apparatus may comprise a vacuum chamber and a separate and movable reaction chamber which may be loaded to and unloaded from the vacuum chamber. The latter is preferable in many applications as it enables loading sensitive substrate into and from the reaction chamber in more efficient and simple manner outside the vacuum chamber. The substrates are first loaded into the movable reaction chamber outside the vacuum chamber and then the movable reaction chamber is loaded into the vacuum chamber. Precursor connections and discharge connections need to be connected to the reaction chamber inside the vacuum chamber. Further, after the processing the precursor and discharge connections need to be disconnected and then the reaction chamber is unloaded from the vacuum chamber. The substrates are subsequently unloaded form the reaction chamber outside the vacuum chamber.

One of the problems associated with the prior art movable reaction chamber is precise positioning of the reaction chamber inside the vacuum chamber. Positioning the reaction chamber inside the vacuum chamber becomes increasingly difficult when the size and weight of the reaction chamber increases. The precise positioning of the reaction chamber is necessary for providing the precursor connections and discharge connections. This positioning is difficult and time consuming which increases the downtime of the atomic layer deposition apparatus. Further, when the size of the movable reaction chamber increases, making the precursor connections and discharge connections manually becomes difficult and also time consuming.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

An object of the present invention is to provide a vacuum chamber and an arrangement for atomic layer deposition so as to solve or at least alleviate the prior art disadvantages.

The objects of the invention are achieved by a vacuum chamber for atomic layer deposition. The objects of the invention are achieved by an arrangement for atomic layer deposition.

The invention is based on the idea of providing a vacuum chamber for atomic layer deposition. The vacuum chamber comprises a loading wall provided with a loading opening, a back wall opposite the loading wall, and a first direction extending in a direction between the loading wall and the back wall. The vacuum chamber also comprises one or more side walls extending between the loading wall and the back wall, the one or more side walls defining a vacuum chamber space inside vacuum chamber.

According to the present invention, the vacuum chamber further comprises a first vacuum chamber support rail arranged inside the vacuum chamber and extending in the first direction, the first vacuum chamber support rail being arranged movable in relation to the vacuum chamber in vertical direction.

The movable first vacuum chamber support rail enables adjusting location and position of a separate movable reaction chamber inside the vacuum chamber.

In one embodiment the vacuum chamber comprises a second vacuum chamber support rail arranged inside the vacuum chamber and extending in the first direction and arranged spaced apart from the first vacuum chamber support rail. The first vacuum chamber support rail is arranged movable in relation to the vacuum chamber in vertical direction.

Thus, the separate movable reaction chamber may be supported inside the vacuum chamber to two adjacent vacuum chamber support rails.

In one embodiment, the first vacuum chamber support rail and the second vacuum chamber support rail are structurally connected to each other and arranged movable together in relation to the vacuum chamber in vertical direction.

In another embodiment, the first vacuum chamber support rail is arranged independently movable in relation to the vacuum chamber and the second vacuum chamber support rail in vertical direction, and the second vacuum chamber support rail is arranged independently movable in relation to the vacuum chamber and the first vacuum chamber support rail in vertical direction.

The independently movable first and second vacuum chamber support rails enable adjusting location and position of a separate movable reaction chamber inside the vacuum chamber. Adjusting the vertical location and position of a separate movable reaction chamber inside the vacuum chamber further enables forming gas couplings to the reaction chamber as well as securing the reaction chamber to the vacuum chamber.

In one embodiment, the vacuum chamber comprises at least one first rail support arrangement arranged to support the first vacuum chamber support rail inside the vacuum chamber and to move the first vacuum chamber support rail in the vertical direction

In an alternative embodiment, the vacuum chamber comprises at least one first rail support arrangement arranged to support the first vacuum chamber support rail and the second vacuum chamber support rail inside the vacuum chamber and to move the first vacuum chamber support rail and the second vacuum chamber in the vertical direction.

In one embodiment, the vacuum chamber comprises at least one first rail support arrangement arranged to support the first vacuum chamber support rail inside the vacuum chamber and to move the first vacuum chamber support rail in the vertical direction, and at least one second rail support arrangement arranged to support the second vacuum chamber support rail inside the vacuum chamber and to move the second vacuum chamber support rail in the vertical direction.

Therefore, the first and second vacuum chamber support rails may be moved independently of each other inside the vacuum chamber such that position and posture of the reaction chamber supported to the first and second vacuum chamber support rails may be adjusted.

In one embodiment, the first rail support arrangement comprises a first lifting motor arranged to move the first vacuum chamber support rail in relation to the vacuum chamber in vertical direction.

In another embodiment, the first rail support arrangement comprises a first lifting motor arranged to move the first vacuum chamber support rail and the second vacuum chamber support rail in relation to the vacuum chamber rail in vertical direction.

In yet another embodiment, the first rail support arrangement comprises a first lifting motor arranged to move the first vacuum chamber support rail in relation to the vacuum chamber and the second vacuum chamber support rail in vertical direction, and the second rail support arrangement comprises a second lifting motor arranged to move the second vacuum chamber support rail in relation to the vacuum chamber and the first vacuum chamber support rail in vertical direction.

The separate first and second lifting motors provide independent movement of the first and second vacuum chamber support rails in vertical direction.

In one embodiment, the first vacuum chamber support rail is arranged movable in relation to the vacuum chamber in vertical direction such that the first vacuum chamber support rail is arranged movable in vertical direction and to be tilted in relation to horizontal direction.

In another embodiment, the first vacuum chamber support rail and the second vacuum chamber support rails are arranged movable in relation to the vacuum chamber in vertical direction such that the first vacuum chamber support rail and the second vacuum chamber support rail are arranged movable in vertical direction and to be tilted in relation to horizontal direction.

In a further embodiment, the first vacuum chamber support rail is arranged independently movable in relation to the vacuum chamber and the second vacuum chamber support rail in vertical direction such that the first vacuum chamber support rail is arranged independently movable in vertical direction and to be independently tilted in relation to horizontal direction and to the second vacuum chamber support rail. Further, the second vacuum chamber support rail is arranged independently movable in relation to the vacuum chamber and the first vacuum chamber support rail in vertical direction such that the second vacuum chamber support rail is arranged independently movable in vertical direction and to be independently tilted in relation to horizontal direction and to the first vacuum chamber support rail.

Accordingly, the first and second vacuum chamber support rails may be independently moved in vertical direction and further tilted in the longitudinal direction, in the first direction, in relation to horizontal direction. This enables adjusting location of the reaction chamber in vertical direction inside the vacuum chamber and also position and posture of the reaction chamber in relation to the horizontal direction.

In one embodiment, the vacuum chamber comprises a first front rail support arrangement and a first back rail support arrangement arranged to support the first vacuum chamber support rail inside the vacuum chamber and to move the first vacuum chamber support rail in the vertical direction, the first front rail support arrangement and the first back rail support arrangement being arranged spaced apart from each other along the first vacuum chamber support rail in the first direction.

In another embodiment, the vacuum chamber comprises a first front rail support arrangement and a first back rail support arrangement arranged to support the first vacuum chamber support rail inside the vacuum chamber and to move the first vacuum chamber support rail in the vertical direction, the first front rail support arrangement and the first back rail support arrangement being arranged spaced apart from each other along the first vacuum chamber support rail in the first direction. The vacuum chamber further comprises a second front rail support arrangement and a second back rail support arrangement arranged to support the second vacuum chamber support rail inside the vacuum chamber and to move the second vacuum chamber support rail in the vertical direction, the second front rail support arrangement and the second back rail support arrangement being arranged spaced apart from each other along the second vacuum chamber support rail in the first direction.

The front and back rail support arrangements separately support and move the respective vacuum chamber support rail such that moving in vertical direction and tilting in relation to horizontal direction is achieved.

In one embodiment, the first front rail support arrangement comprises a first front lifting motor and the first back rail support arrangement comprises a first back lifting motor, the first front lifting motor and the first back lifting motor are arranged to move the first vacuum chamber support rail in vertical direction independently of each other.

In another embodiment, the first front rail support arrangement comprises a first front lifting motor and the first back rail support arrangement comprises a first back lifting motor, the first front lifting motor and the first back lifting motor are arranged to move the first vacuum chamber support rail in vertical direction independently of each other. Further, the second front rail support arrangement comprises a second front lifting motor and the second back rail support arrangement comprises a second back lifting motor, the second front lifting motor and the second back lifting motor are arranged to move the second vacuum chamber support rail in vertical direction independently of each other.

The front and back lifting motors in each vacuum chamber support rail enable tilting the vacuum chamber support rails freely in relation horizontal direction.

In one embodiment, the first vacuum chamber support rail comprises a first front end and a first back end, the first vacuum chamber support rail extending in the first direction between the first front end and the first back end. The first front rail support arrangement is connected to the first vacuum chamber support rail at the first front end or in vicinity thereof and the first back rail support arrangement is connected to the first vacuum chamber support rail at the first back end or in vicinity thereof.

In another embodiment, the first vacuum chamber support rail comprises a first front end and a first back end, the first vacuum chamber support rail extending in the first direction between the first front end and the first back end. The first front rail support arrangement is connected to the first vacuum chamber support rail at the first front end or in vicinity thereof and the first back rail support arrangement is connected to the first vacuum chamber support rail at the first back end or in vicinity thereof. Further, the second vacuum chamber support rail comprises a second front end and a second back end, the second vacuum chamber support rail extending in the first direction between the second front end and the second back end. The second front rail support arrangement is connected to the second vacuum chamber support rail at the second front end or in vicinity thereof and the second back rail support arrangement is connected to the second vacuum chamber support rail at the second back end or in vicinity thereof.

Arranging the front and back rail support arrangement to the front and back ends, or in the vicinity thereof, provides good support for the vacuum chamber support rails and also detailed tilting of the vacuum chamber support rails.

In one embodiment, the first rail support arrangement comprise a support arm connected to the first vacuum chamber support rail, and arranged to extend from outside the vacuum chamber through a bottom wall of the vacuum chamber, the support arm being arranged to support the first vacuum chamber support rail in vertical direction.

In another embodiment, the first and second rail support arrangements comprise a support arm connected to the first and second vacuum chamber support rails, respectively, and arranged to extend from outside the vacuum chamber through a bottom wall of the vacuum chamber, the support arm being arranged to support the first and second vacuum chamber support rails, respectively, in vertical direction.

Thus, the mechanisms for moving the vacuum chamber support rails may be arranged outside the vacuum chamber.

In one embodiment, the first and second lifting motors of the first and second rail support arrangements are arranged outside the vacuum chamber.

Arranging the lifting motors outside the vacuum chamber prevents subjecting the lifting motors to vacuum. Further, maintenance and operating the motors may be carried out efficiently.

In one embodiment, the vacuum chamber comprises one or more first support forks arranged inside the vacuum chamber, the one or more first support forks comprise two first vertically extending fork elements. The first vacuum chamber support rail is arranged between the two first vertically extending fork elements and arranged to move in vertical direction between the two first vertically extending fork elements.

In another embodiment, the vacuum chamber comprises one or more first support forks arranged inside the vacuum chamber, the one or more first support forks comprise two first vertically extending fork elements. The first vacuum chamber support rail is arranged between the two first vertically extending fork elements and arranged to move in vertical direction between the two first vertically extending fork elements. The vacuum chamber also comprises one or more second support forks arranged inside the vacuum chamber, the one or more second support forks comprise two second vertically extending fork elements. The second vacuum chamber support rail is arranged between the two second vertically extending fork elements and arranged to move in vertical direction between the two second vertically extending fork elements.

The support forks provide lateral or horizontal support for the vacuum chamber support rails as well as enable moving the vacuum chamber support rails in vertical direction.

In one embodiment, the vacuum chamber comprises a vacuum chamber gas connection arrangement for providing a gas coupling to a movable reaction chamber, the vacuum chamber gas connection arrangement being arranged to a bottom wall of the vacuum chamber such that the first or the first and second vacuum chamber support rails are arranged movable in vertical direction in relation to the vacuum chamber gas connection arrangement.

Accordingly, the vacuum chamber gas connection arrangement may be connected to the separate reaction chamber by moving the vacuum chamber support rails in vertical direction.

In one embodiment, the vacuum chamber gas connection arrangement comprises a fixed gas manifold and a flexible outer flange assembly surrounding the fixed gas manifold, the flexible outer flange assembly is arranged flexible in vertical direction and comprises a first connection surface for providing the gas coupling to the movable reaction chamber.

The flexible outer flange together with the fixed gas manifold enables providing tight gas coupling by moving the vacuum chamber support rails, and thus the reaction chamber, in vertical direction and also positioning the reaction to a desired position or posture, for example inclined, inside the vacuum chamber.

The present invention is also based on the idea of providing an arrangement for atomic layer deposition. The arrangement comprises a vacuum chamber provided with a loading opening and a back wall opposite the loading wall, and a first direction extending in a direction between the loading wall and the back wall, and a movable reaction chamber.

The vacuum chamber comprises a first vacuum chamber support rail arranged inside the vacuum chamber and extending in the first direction. The movable reaction chamber comprises a first reaction chamber support track extending in a third direction of the reaction chamber and arranged to be supported to the first vacuum chamber transport rail. The first vacuum chamber support rail is arranged movable in relation to the vacuum chamber in vertical direction.

In one embodiment, the vacuum chamber comprises a first vacuum chamber support rail arranged inside the vacuum chamber and extending in the first direction and a second vacuum chamber support rail arranged inside the vacuum chamber and extending in the first direction and arranged spaced apart from the first vacuum chamber support rail. The movable reaction chamber comprises a first reaction chamber support track extending in a third direction of the reaction chamber and arranged to be supported to the first vacuum chamber transport rail, and a second reaction chamber support track extending in the third direction of the reaction chamber and spaced apart from the first reaction chamber support track and arranged to be supported to the second vacuum chamber transport rail.

The first vacuum chamber support rail and the second vacuum chamber support rail are arranged movable together in relation to the vacuum chamber in vertical direction. Alternatively, the first vacuum chamber support rail is arranged independently movable in relation to the vacuum chamber and the second vacuum chamber support rail in vertical direction, and the second vacuum chamber support rail is arranged independently movable in relation to the vacuum chamber and the first vacuum chamber support rail in vertical direction.

Accordingly, the vertical position of the separate movable reaction chamber may be adjusted inside the vacuum chamber.

In one embodiment, the first vacuum chamber support rail is arranged independently movable in relation to the vacuum chamber in vertical direction such that the first vacuum chamber support rail is arranged movable in vertical direction and to be tilted in relation to horizontal direction.

In another embodiment, the first vacuum chamber support rail and the second vacuum chamber support rails are arranged movable in relation to the vacuum chamber in vertical direction such that the first vacuum chamber support rail and the second vacuum chamber support rail are arranged movable together in vertical direction and to be tilted together in relation to horizontal direction.

In a further embodiment, the first vacuum chamber support rail is arranged independently movable in relation to the vacuum chamber and the second vacuum chamber support rail in vertical direction such that the first vacuum chamber support rail is arranged independently movable in vertical direction and to be independently tilted in relation to horizontal direction and to the second vacuum chamber support rail. The second vacuum chamber support rail is arranged independently movable in relation to the vacuum chamber and the first vacuum chamber support rail in vertical direction such that the second vacuum chamber support rail is arranged independently movable in vertical direction and to be independently tilted in relation to horizontal direction and to the first vacuum chamber support rail.

Accordingly, the reaction chamber may be moved in vertical direction inside the vacuum chamber and also tilted in relation to horizontal direction by moving vacuum chamber support rails.

In one embodiment, the vacuum chamber comprises a vacuum chamber gas connection arrangement provided inside the vacuum chamber and comprising a first connection surface, and the movable reaction chamber comprises a reaction chamber gas connection arrangement provided with a second contact surface. The first contact surface of the vacuum chamber gas connection arrangement and the second contact surface of the reaction chamber gas connection arrangement are arranged to connect to each other in vertical direction for providing a gas coupling upon moving the first and second vacuum chamber support rail in vertical direction.

Accordingly, the gas coupling to the movable separate reaction chamber may be carried out by moving the reaction chamber inside the vacuum chamber.

In one embodiment, the vacuum chamber gas connection arrangement comprises a fixed gas manifold and a flexible outer flange assembly surrounding the fixed gas manifold, the flexible outer flange assembly is arranged flexible in vertical direction.

The flexible outer flange provides simple and efficient sealing between the vacuum chamber gas connection arrangement and the reaction chamber gas connection arrangement.

In the arrangement, the vacuum chamber is preferably a vacuum chamber as described above.

According to the above mentioned, the vacuum chamber may comprise one or more vacuum chamber support rails for supporting the separate movable reaction chamber inside the vacuum chamber. The one or more vacuum chamber support rails are preferably provided to or in connection with the bottom wall of the vacuum chamber. However, the in alternative embodiment, the one or more vacuum chamber support rails are provided to top wall or one or more side walls of the vacuum chamber. Similarly, the separate movable reaction chamber may comprise one or more reaction chamber support tracks.

An advantage of the invention is that the independently movable vacuum chamber support rails enable adjusting the position and inclination of the reaction chamber inside the vacuum chamber. Therefore, the gas couplings for supplying gases into the reaction chamber and discharging gases from the reaction chamber may be done automatically by adjusting the location and position of the reaction chamber in the vacuum chamber with the movable vacuum chamber support rails. Further, the reaction chamber may also be secured in place by moving the vacuum chamber support rails and thus the reaction chamber.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG.1shows schematically an arrangement for atomic layer deposition or an atomic layer deposition reactor arrangement having an atomic layer deposition reactor10.

The atomic layer deposition reactor10comprises a vacuum chamber20having a front wall21, or a loading wall21, provided with a loading opening25for loading and unloading substrates or separate reaction chambers inside and from the vacuum chamber20. The loading wall21is a vertically or upwards extending loading wall21. The loading opening25provides an opening between inside of the vacuum chamber20and outside of the vacuum chamber20. The loading opening25is provided with a loading door6for opening and closing the loading opening25. The loading door6is schematically shown inFIG.1.

The vacuum chamber20further comprises a back wall22opposite the front wall21, a top wall24, a bottom wall26opposite top wall24, and side walls23extending between the front wall21and the back wall22and between the top wall24and the bottom wall26.

In an alternative embodiment, the vacuum chamber20may be cylindrical vacuum chamber extending in horizontal direction. The top wall24, bottom wall26and the side walls23are replaced by a cylindrical sheath wall extending between the front wall21and the back wall22.

The vacuum chamber walls21,22,23,24,26are provided structurally vacuum sustainable. Thus, the vacuum chamber walls21,22,23,24,26are arranged to sustain considerable vacuum conditions during processing without damaging.

The atomic layer deposition reactor10comprises chamber support legs12for supporting the vacuum chamber20on a support surface, such as a facility floor. The chamber support legs12are provided such that the vacuum chamber20and the loading opening25are arranged at a handling height from the support surface enabling loading and unloading of substrates or separate reaction chambers into and from the vacuum chamber without need to lift or move the substrates or separate reaction chambers in vertical direction. The loading opening25comprises a lower loading opening edge27arranged at the handling height.

The chamber support legs12are provided under the vacuum chamber20. The chamber support legs12extend from and are provided to the bottom surface26of the vacuum chamber20.

It should be noted that the chamber support legs12may be replaced with any suitable support members arranged to support the vacuum chamber20on the support surface.

The atomic layer deposition reactor10further comprises a precursor system2arranged to supply one or more precursor gases to a reaction chamber inside the vacuum chamber20and to discharge precursor gases from the reaction chamber inside the vacuum chamber20. The precursor system2comprises one or more precursor sources (not shown), supply conduits (not shown), discharge conduits (not shown) and one or more supply and/or discharge pumps (not shown). The precursor system2is arranged to subject the surfaces of the substrates to one or more precursor gases inside the vacuum chamber20and the reaction chamber.

The atomic layer deposition reactor10further comprises vacuum system4arranged to provide vacuum inside vacuum chamber20when the loading opening25is closed. The vacuum system4comprises one or more vacuum devices such as vacuum pumps for generating the vacuum conditions inside the vacuum chamber20.

It should be noted that in some embodiment, the vacuum chamber20forms also the reaction chamber.

The arrangement is further provided with a loading device100. The loading device is arranged opposite the loading wall21and the loading opening25of the vacuum chamber20. The loading device100is arranged to load a separate reaction chamber or separate substrates into the vacuum chamber20through the loading opening25. The loading device100is arranged to load a separate reaction chamber or separate substrates into the vacuum chamber20through the loading opening25.

The loading device100comprises a first loading member120and a second loading member122. The first and second loading member120,122are arranged to load and unload a separate reaction chamber to and from the vacuum chamber20via the loading opening25.

The first and second loading members120,122are arranged in the loading device100above the lower loading opening edge27such that the separate reactor chamber is arranged to be transported to and from the vacuum chamber in horizontal direction.

FIG.2shows a schematic cross sectional top view of the vacuum chamber20. The vacuum chamber20comprises a first direction A extending in a direction between the loading wall21and the back wall22.

The vacuum chamber20further comprises a first vacuum chamber support rail30provided as a longitudinal rail extending in the first direction A. The first vacuum chamber support rail30comprises a first front end31and a first back end33and the first vacuum chamber support rail30extends between the first front end31and the first back end33. The first front end31is arranged towards the loading wall21and the first back end33is arranged towards the back wall22. The first vacuum chamber support rail30is provided to the bottom wall26or in connection with the bottom wall26of the vacuum chamber20.

The first vacuum chamber support rail30is supported to the vacuum chamber20with a first front support arm40and with a first back support arm45. The first front support arm40and the first back support arm45are connected to the first vacuum chamber support rail30spaced apart from each other along the first vacuum chamber support rail30in the first direction A.

The first front support arm40is arranged to support the first vacuum chamber support rail30at the first front end31or in the vicinity thereof. Thus, the first front support arm40is connected to the first vacuum chamber support rail30at the first front end31or in the vicinity thereof.

In the context of this application, the definition in the vicinity of the first front end31means that distance from the first front support arm40to the first front end31is less than the distance from the first front support arm40to the first back end33.

The first back support arm45is arranged to support the first vacuum chamber support rail30at the first back end33or in the vicinity thereof. Thus, the first back support arm45is connected to the first vacuum chamber support rail30at the first back end33or in the vicinity thereof.

In the context of this application, the definition in the vicinity of the first back end33means that distance from the first back support arm45to the first back end33is less than the distance from the first back support arm45to the first front end31.

The first front support arm40and the first back support arm45are arranged to support the first vacuum chamber support rail30in vertical direction from below the first vacuum chamber support rail30.

The first vacuum chamber support rail30comprises a first stopper34provided to the first back end33and extending upwards from the first vacuum chamber support rail30.

The vacuum chamber20further comprises first support forks60,63,66arranged to provide lateral support or support the first vacuum chamber support rail30from side or in horizontal direction. The first support forks60,63,66comprise a fork gap provided between two first vertically extending fork elements61,62of each first support fork60,63,66, as shown inFIG.8. The first vacuum chamber support rail30is arranged between the two first vertically extending fork elements61,62

The first support forks60,63,66are provided to the bottom wall26of the vacuum chamber20and the two first vertically extending fork elements61,62extend in vertical direction upwards from the bottom wall26.

There may be one or more first support forks60,63,66along the first vacuum chamber support rail30in the first direction A.

In the embodiment of the figures, there are three first support forks60,63,66. A first front support fork60is arranged to the first front end31or in the vicinity thereof, and a first back support fork66is arranged to the first back end33or in the vicinity thereof. Further, a first middle support fork63is arranged between the first front support fork60and the first back support fork66.

Further, the first front support fork60is arranged between the first front end31and the first front support arm40. The first back support fork66is arranged between the first back end33and the first back support arm45. The first middle support fork63is arranged between the first front support arm40and the first back support arm45.

The vacuum chamber20further comprises a second vacuum chamber support rail32provided as a longitudinal rail extending in the first direction A. The second vacuum chamber support rail32comprises a second front end35and a second back end37and the second vacuum chamber support rail32extends between the second front end35and the second back end35. The second front end35is arranged towards the loading wall21and the second back end37is arranged towards the back wall22. The second vacuum chamber support rail32is provided to the bottom wall26or in connection with the bottom wall26of the vacuum chamber20.

The second vacuum chamber support rail32is supported to the vacuum chamber20with a second front support arm50and with a second back support arm55. The second front support arm50and the second back support arm55are connected to the second vacuum chamber support rail32spaced apart from each other along the second vacuum chamber support rail32in the first direction A.

The second front support arm50is arranged to support the second vacuum chamber support rail32at the second front end35or in the vicinity thereof. Thus, the second front support arm50is connected to the second vacuum chamber support rail32at the second front end35or in the vicinity thereof.

In the context of this application, the definition in the vicinity of the second front end35means that distance from the second front support arm50to the second front end35is less than the distance from the second front support arm50to the second back end33.

The second back support arm55is arranged to support the second vacuum chamber support rail32at the second back end37or in the vicinity thereof. Thus, the second back support arm55is connected to the second vacuum chamber support rail32at the second back end33or in the vicinity thereof.

In the context of this application, the definition in the vicinity of the second back end37means that distance from the second back support arm55to the second back end37is less than the distance from the second back support arm55to the second front end37.

The second front support arm50and the second back support arm55are arranged to support the second first vacuum chamber support rail32in vertical direction from below the second vacuum chamber support rail32.

The second vacuum chamber support rail32comprises a second stopper36provided to the second back end37and extending upwards from the second vacuum chamber support rail32.

The vacuum chamber20further comprises second support forks70,73,76arranged to provide lateral support or support the second vacuum chamber support rail32from side or in horizontal direction. The second support forks70,73,76comprise a fork gap provided between two second vertically extending fork elements71,72of each second support fork70,73,76, as shown inFIG.8. The second vacuum chamber support rail32is arranged between the two second vertically extending fork elements71,72

The second support forks70,73,76are provided to the bottom wall26of the vacuum chamber20and the two second vertically extending fork elements71,72extend in vertical direction upwards from the bottom wall26.

There may be one or more second support forks70,73,76along the second vacuum chamber support rail32in the first direction A.

In the embodiment of the figures, there are three second support forks70,73,76. A second front support fork70is arranged to the second front end35or in the vicinity thereof, and a second back support fork76is arranged to the second back end37or in the vicinity thereof. Further, a second middle support fork73is arranged between the second front support fork70and the second back support fork76.

Further, the second front support fork70is arranged between the second front end35and the second front support arm50. The second back support fork76is arranged between the second back end37and the second back support arm55. The second middle support fork73is arranged between the second front support arm50and the second back support arm55.

As shown inFIG.2, the vacuum chamber20is provided two vacuum chamber gas connection arrangements80,86. The vacuum chamber gas connection arrangements80,86are provided to the bottom wall26of the vacuum chamber20.

The vacuum chamber20comprises a vacuum chamber gas supply connection arrangement80connected to the precursor system2and arranged to supply one or more precursor gases to the reaction chamber inside the vacuum chamber20. The vacuum chamber gas supply connection arrangement80is provided in connection with or in vicinity of the loading wall21.

The vacuum chamber20comprises a vacuum chamber gas discharge connection arrangement86connected to the precursor system2and to discharge device thereof, and arranged to discharge gases from the reaction chamber inside the vacuum chamber20. The vacuum chamber gas discharge connection arrangement86is provided in connection with or in vicinity of the back wall22.

The vacuum chamber gas connection arrangements80,86are provided inside the vacuum chamber20. The vacuum chamber gas connection arrangements80,86comprise a fixed gas manifold85arranged open to the vacuum chamber20and arranged to supply or discharges gases. vacuum chamber gas connection arrangements80,86further comprise a first contact surface84facing upwards towards the inside of the vacuum chamber20, as shown inFIGS.8and9.

The fixed gas manifold85may be open upwards inside the vacuum chamber20. The fixed gas manifold85is arranged to extend through the bottom wall26from outside the vacuum chamber20to inside of the vacuum chamber20.

FIG.3shows a schematic cross sectional view of the vacuum chamber of FIG.2from one side. The second vacuum chamber support rail32extends in the first direction A and is supported to the vacuum chamber20with the second front and back support arms50,55extending through the bottom wall26of the vacuum chamber20inside vacuum chamber space8via second support openings52, as shown inFIG.12.

It should be noted that the second front and back support arms50,55may be any kind of support elements.

The vacuum chamber20comprises a second front rail support arrangement100arranged to support and move the second vacuum chamber support rail32in vertical direction. The second front rail support arrangement100comprises the second front support arm50. The second front rail support arrangement100further comprises a second front lifting motor110operatively connected to the second front support arm50. Thus, the second front lifting motor110is arranged to move the second front support arm50in vertical direction, and thus also the second vacuum chamber support rail32. The connection between the second front lifting motor110and the second front support arm50is provided as a second front vacuum tight lifting connection provided to the second front rail support arrangement100.

The second front lifting motor110is provided outside the vacuum chamber20, or below the bottom wall26of the vacuum chamber20. Similarly, the second front vacuum tight lifting connection is preferably provided outside the vacuum chamber20, or below the bottom wall26of the vacuum chamber20.

The vacuum chamber20also comprises a second back rail support arrangement120arranged to support and move the second vacuum chamber support rail32in vertical direction. The second back rail support arrangement120comprises the second back support arm55. The second back rail support arrangement120further comprises a second back lifting motor130operatively connected to the second back support arm55. Thus, the second back lifting motor130is arranged to move the second back support arm55in vertical direction, and thus also the second vacuum chamber support rail32. The connection between the second back lifting motor130and the second back support arm55is provided as a vacuum tight lifting connection provided to the second back rail support arrangement120.

The second back lifting motor130is provided outside the vacuum chamber20, or below the bottom wall26of the vacuum chamber20. Similarly, the second back vacuum tight lifting connection is preferably provided outside the vacuum chamber20, or below the bottom wall26of the vacuum chamber20.

The second front and back support arms50,55are arranged independently movable with the second front and back lifting motors110,130. Thus, the second vacuum chamber support rail32is arranged movable in vertical direction and also arranged to be tilted or inclined in relation to horizontal direction.

FIG.4shows a schematic cross sectional view of the vacuum chamber ofFIG.2from another side. The first vacuum chamber support rail30extends in the first direction A and is supported to the vacuum chamber20with the first front and back support arms40,45extending through the bottom wall26of the vacuum chamber20inside vacuum chamber space8via first support openings42, as shown inFIG.12.

It should be noted that the first front and back support arms40,45may be any kind of support elements.

The vacuum chamber20comprises a first front rail support arrangement140arranged to support and move the first vacuum chamber support rail30in vertical direction. The first front rail support arrangement140comprises the first front support arm40. The first front rail support arrangement140further comprises a first front lifting motor150operatively connected to the first front support arm40. Thus, the first front lifting motor150is arranged to move the first front support arm40in vertical direction, and thus also the first vacuum chamber support rail30. The connection between the first front lifting motor150and the first front support arm40is provided as a first front vacuum tight lifting connection provided to the first front rail support arrangement140.

The first front lifting motor150is provided outside the vacuum chamber20, or below the bottom wall26of the vacuum chamber20. Similarly, the first front vacuum tight lifting connection is preferably provided outside the vacuum chamber20, or below the bottom wall26of the vacuum chamber20.

The vacuum chamber20also comprises a first back rail support arrangement160arranged to support and move the first vacuum chamber support rail30in vertical direction. The first back rail support arrangement160comprises the first back support arm45. The first back rail support arrangement160further comprises a first back lifting motor170operatively connected to the first back support arm45. Thus, the first back lifting motor170is arranged to move the first back support arm45in vertical direction, and thus also the first vacuum chamber support rail30. The connection between the first back lifting motor170and the first back support arm45is provided as a vacuum tight lifting connection provided to the first back rail support arrangement160.

The first back lifting motor170is provided outside the vacuum chamber20, or below the bottom wall26of the vacuum chamber20. Similarly, the first back vacuum tight lifting connection is preferably provided outside the vacuum chamber20, or below the bottom wall26of the vacuum chamber20.

FIG.5shows the second back rail support arrangement120is more detail. The second back rail support arrangement120comprises a flexible support connection provided by a first support flange121and second support flange124, and a flexible connection member122extending between the first and second support flange121,124. The first support flange121, second support flange124, and the tubular flexible connection member122together form a vacuum tight connection space123. The second back rail support arrangement120comprises an actuator element134extending from the second back lifting motor130into the vacuum tight connection space123. The second back support arm55is arranged to extend from the vacuum tight connection space123to the vacuum chamber20and to the second vacuum chamber support rail32. The second back support arm55and the actuator element134are connected or operatively connected with an transfer connection together inside the vacuum tight connection space123.

The flexible connection member122is arranged flexible in vertical direction. The flexible connection member122may be bellow or the like.

It should be noted that the above discussed concerns also the other rail support arrangements100,140,160.

FIG.6shows the schematic cross sectional side view ofFIGS.2and3. As shown inFIG.6, the vacuum chamber support rails30,32are moved to a low position in the vacuum chamber with the rail support arrangements100,120,140,160. In this low position the vacuum chamber support rails30,32are arranged below the lower loading opening edge27of the loading opening25.

During processing with atomic layer deposition, the vacuum chamber support rails30,32are usually arranged to the low position.

FIG.7shows the schematic cross sectional side view ofFIGS.2and3. As shown inFIG.7, the vacuum chamber support rails30,32are further moved to a low tilted position in the vacuum chamber20with the rail support arrangements100,120,140,160. In this low tilted position the vacuum chamber support rails30,32are tilted in relation to the horizontal direction towards the loading opening25. Thus, the back ends33,37of the vacuum chamber support rails30,32are arranged in vertical direction above the front ends31,35. During processing with atomic layer deposition, the vacuum chamber support rails30,32are usually arranged to the low tilted position for securing the reaction chamber.

FIG.8shows the vacuum chamber gas connection arrangement80for providing a gas coupling to a movable reaction chamber. The vacuum chamber gas connection arrangement80arranged to a bottom wall26of the vacuum chamber20. The first and second vacuum chamber support rails30,32are arranged independently movable in vertical direction in relation to the vacuum chamber gas connection arrangement80. Thus, the gas coupling between the reaction chamber and the vacuum chamber gas connection arrangement80is carried out by moving the vacuum chamber support rails30,32and thus the reaction chamber.

The vacuum chamber gas connection arrangement80is provided inside the vacuum chamber20.

The vacuum chamber gas connection arrangement is a flexible gas connection arrangement arranged flexible at least in vertical direction. The vacuum chamber gas connection arrangement80comprises a fixed gas manifold85and a flexible outer flange assembly83surrounding the fixed gas manifold85. The flexible outer flange assembly83is arranged flexible in vertical direction and comprises a first connection surface84for providing the for coupling to the movable reaction chamber. The vacuum chamber gas connection arrangement80comprises a fixed outer flange assembly81provided between the bottom wall26and the flexible flange assembly83, and supported to the bottom wall26. The fixed outer flange assembly is arranged to surround the fixed gas manifold85. The fixed outer flange assembly81comprises a connection flange82to which the flexible flange assembly83is connected and supported.

The flexible outer flange assembly83may comprise a bellow and one or more spring members for providing flexibility in vertical direction.

The vacuum chamber gas connection arrangement80, and the fixed gas manifold85thereof, extend in vertical direction from the bottom wall26o the vacuum chamber20. Thus, the gas coupling and connection with the reaction chamber is done in vertical direction and moving the reaction chamber in vertical direction by moving the vacuum chamber support rails30,32.

FIG.9shows a reaction chamber200which is to be supported to the vacuum chamber support rails30,32. The reaction chamber200comprises a chamber base210and a process chamber250supported to the chamber base210. The process chamber250is supported on an upper base surface212of the chamber base210. The chamber base210and the reaction chamber200comprises a first chamber end215and a second chamber end216. The reaction chamber200comprises a second direction B extending in a direction between the first and second chamber ends215,216.

As shown inFIG.11, the chamber base210is provided with a first longitudinal support track220,221,222and a second longitudinal support track230,231,232. The first and second longitudinal support tracks220,221,222,230,231,232are arranged space apart from each other and to extend parallel to each other in the second direction B. The first support track220,221,222is arranged to be supported to the second vacuum chamber support rail32. The second support track230,231,232is arranged to be supported to the first vacuum chamber support rail30.

The first and second longitudinal support tracks220,221,222,230,231,232are arranged on a bottom surface214of the chamber base210.

The first longitudinal support track comprises first support wheels220supported between opposite longitudinal wheel supports221,222. The first support wheels220are arranged successively along the first support track220,221,222, as shown inFIG.10.

FIG.12shows a schematic cross sectional end view in which the reaction chamber200is supported to the vacuum chamber support rails30,32inside the vacuum chamber20. The first support wheels220are arranged to be supported to the second vacuum chamber support rail32.

The second longitudinal support track comprises first support wheels230supported between opposite longitudinal wheel supports231,232. The second support wheels230are arranged successively along the second support track230,231,232.

The second support wheels230are arranged to be supported to the first vacuum chamber support rail30, as shown inFIG.12.

FIG.9shows a top view of the reaction chamber200. The chamber base210comprises a gas supply opening260provided between the second chamber end216of the chamber base210and the process chamber250. The gas supply opening260extends through the chamber base210. The chamber base210comprises a gas discharge opening262provided between the first chamber end215of the chamber base210and the process chamber250. The gas discharge opening262extends through the chamber base210.

FIG.10shows a side view of the reaction chamber200. The reaction chamber200comprises gas supply conduit264extending between the gas supply opening260and the process chamber250. The reaction chamber200further comprises gas discharge conduit266extending between the gas discharge opening262and the process chamber250.

FIG.11further shows a gas supply connection arrangement of the reaction chamber. The gas supply connection a gas connection arrangement of the reaction chamber200comprises the gas supply opening260, the gas supply conduit264and a second connection surface261provided on the bottom surface214of the chamber base210.

Similarly, a gas discharge connection arrangement is provided in connection with the gas discharge opening262.

The second connection surface261is arranged to face in vertical direction downwards from the bottom surface214. The first contact surface84of the vacuum chamber gas connection arrangement80,86and the second contact surface261of the reaction chamber gas connection arrangement260,261,264,262,266are arranged to connect to each other in vertical direction for providing a gas coupling upon moving the first and second vacuum chamber support rail30,32in vertical direction. This means that the first connection surface84and the second connection surface261are arranged to be placed against each other in vertical direction by moving the vacuum chamber support rails30,32. Accordingly the first connection surface84and the second connection surface261are arranged substantially parallel and transverse to vertical direction.

FIG.13further shows a schematic cross sectional side view in which the reaction chamber200is supported on the vacuum chamber support rails30,32inside the vacuum chamber20. The vacuum chamber support rails30,32are arranged to the low position.

The wheel supports221,222,231,232comprise locking grooves223,224,225as shown inFIG.10. In the low position of the vacuum chamber support rails30,32at least one of the support forks60,63,66,70,73,76is arranged to extend into at least one locking groove223,224,225such that the reaction chamber is secured in the first direction A inside the vacuum chamber20.

In alternative embodiment, the vacuum chamber20comprises one or more first locking elements, such as the support forks60,63,66,70,73,76, and the reaction chamber200comprises one or more second locking elements, such as the locking grooves223,224,225. The first and second locking elements are arranged to lock to each other in vertical direction and arranged to provided locking in the first direction A, or in the direction of the vacuum chamber support rails30,32and the first and second longitudinal support tracks220,221,222,230,231,232

The invention has been described above with reference to the examples shown in the figures. However, the invention is in no way restricted to the above examples but may vary within the scope of the claims.