Heat treatment device and treatment method

A heat treatment device includes: a heating plate that supports and heats a substrate on which a resist film is formed, and the resist film is subjected to an exposure process; a chamber that covers a processing space above the heating plate; a gas ejecting unit that ejects a processing gas from above toward the substrate on the heating plate within the chamber; a gas supply unit that supplies a gas into the chamber from below a surface of the substrate, within the chamber; and an exhaust unit that evacuates inside of the chamber through exhaust holes that are formed above the processing space and open downwards.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is based on and claims priority from Japanese Patent Application Nos. 2019-134446 and 2019-224598 filed on Jul. 22, 2019 and Dec. 12, 2019, respectively, with the Japan Patent Office, the disclosures of which are incorporated herein in their entireties by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a heat treatment device and a heat treatment method.

BACKGROUND

In order to implement a finer resist pattern, a heat treatment on a substrate using a metal-containing resist as a resist that contains metal has been suggested (see e.g., Japanese Patent Laid-Open Publication No. 2016-530565).

SUMMARY

According to one aspect of the present disclosure, a heat treatment device is a heat treatment device that performs heat treatment on a substrate on which a film of a resist is formed, after an exposure processing is performed on the film. The heat treatment device includes: a heating plate that supports and heats the substrate; a chamber that covers a processing space above the heating plate; a gas ejecting unit that ejects a processing gas from above toward the substrate on the heating plate within the chamber; a gas supply unit that supplies a gas into the chamber from below a surface of the substrate, in the chamber; and an exhaust unit that evacuates inside of the chamber through exhaust holes that are formed above the processing space and open downwards.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENT

Hereinafter, various embodiments will be described.

A heat treatment device according to one embodiment is a heat treatment device that performs heat treatment on a substrate on which a film of a resist is formed, after an exposure processing is performed on the film. The heat treatment device includes: a heating plate that supports and heats the substrate; a chamber that covers a processing space above the heating plate; a gas ejecting unit that ejects a processing gas from above toward the substrate on the heating plate within the chamber; a gas supply unit that supplies a gas into the chamber from below a surface of the substrate, in the chamber; and an exhaust unit that evacuates inside of the chamber through exhaust holes that are formed above the processing space and open downwards.

According to the above-described heat treatment device, a processing gas is ejected from the gas ejecting unit toward the surface of the substrate so that the heat treatment of the substrate is facilitated. Meanwhile, the heat treatment device includes the gas supply unit that supplies a gas into the chamber from below the surface of the substrate, and the exhaust unit that evacuates inside of the chamber from the exhaust hole that is formed above the processing space and is open downwards. Thus, a gas flowing between these forms an upward flow around the substrate. Thus, the movement of a sublimate generated from the substrate during the heat treatment is blocked by the upward flow. Therefore, it is possible to suppress scattering of the sublimate from the film on the substrate.

In the aspect, the film may be a film including a metal-containing resist.

When a metal-containing resist is used, since a sublimate from a film contains a metal component, influence by adhesion to each unit within the device may be large. Meanwhile, by employing the above-described configuration, it is possible to suppress the scattering of the sublimate that contains the metal component from the film on the substrate. Therefore, it is possible to effectively reduce the influence by adhesion of the sublimate to the device.

In the aspect, the exhaust hole may be formed inside a periphery edge of the gas ejecting unit.

When the exhaust hole is formed inside the periphery edge of the gas ejecting unit, the gas toward the exhaust hole, that is, the gas including the sublimate from the film on the substrate, forms an upward flow toward the inside of the periphery edge of the gas ejecting unit. Thus, it is possible to suppress the sublimate from scattering from the film on the substrate to the outside of the substrate.

In the aspect, at least a part of the exhaust hole may be formed at a periphery outside the substrate.

When at least a part of the exhaust hole is formed at the periphery outside the substrate, since a flow of a gas toward the exhaust hole at the top side is formed around the substrate, the movement of the sublimate to the outside of the flow of the gas toward the exhaust hole is suppressed. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the sublimate from scattering from the film on the substrate to the outside of the substrate.

In the aspect, the gas supply unit may supply the gas into the chamber from a periphery outside the substrate.

A gas is supplied from the periphery outside the substrate into the chamber, and thus it is possible to form an upward flow in which the air flow is further strengthened, around the substrate.

In the aspect, the gas supply unit may include: a gas flow path connected to the inside of the chamber; and a rectifying unit that controls a flow path area at an end portion of the gas flow path on the chamber side.

Since the rectifying unit is provided, it is possible to control a flow path area at the end portion of the gas flow path on the chamber side. By employing a configuration where the flow path area is controlled, for example, it is also possible to control an upward flow such that it is possible to further suppress the scattering of a sublimate. It is also possible to control the upward flow in consideration of the quality of a resist pattern on the substrate.

In the aspect, an outer space may be provided within the chamber, above the rectifying unit outside the exhaust unit in a radial direction of the substrate; a second gas supply unit different from the gas supply unit may be provided, which is connected to the outer space and supplies a gas into the chamber; and the second gas supply unit may be connected to the outer space on the rectifying unit side.

As described above, when the outer space is formed outside the exhaust unit in the radial direction of the substrate, and a gas is also supplied from the second gas supply unit connected to the outer space, the gas that is supplied from the second gas supply unit and moves in the outer space also moves toward the exhaust hole. Thus, the disturbance of an upward flow may be prevented within the chamber, and the scattering of a sublimate may be suppressed. The second gas supply unit is configured to be connected to the outer space on the rectifying unit side. Thus, like the upward flow, the gas from the second gas supply unit may move toward the exhaust hole while moving upwards, and thus, the gas may be prevented from staying in the outer space and the vicinity thereof.

In the aspect, the gas supply unit may include a gas flow path connected to the inside of the chamber, and the gas flow path may be capable of transferring heat from the heating plate.

Through the above-described configuration, a gas that moves through the gas flow path is supplied into the chamber in a state where the gas is heated by the heat from the heating plate. Therefore, it is possible to suppress, for example, temperature fluctuation due to supplying of the gas.

In the aspect, the gas ejecting unit may include a plurality of ejecting holes scattered along a surface facing the substrate on the heating plate.

Through the above-described configuration, since a processing gas may be more uniformly ejected toward the surface of the substrate from the gas ejecting unit, the quality of a resist pattern may be enhanced.

A heat treatment method according to another embodiment is a heat treatment method in which heat treatment is performed on a substrate on which a film of a resist is formed by supporting and heating on a heating plate after an exposure processing is performed on the film. The method includes supplying a gas into a chamber from below a surface of the substrate, within the chamber, and evacuating inside of the chamber from an exhaust hole that is formed above a processing space within the chamber and is open downwards, so that the heat treatment is performed while an upward flow is formed around the substrate.

According to the above-described heat treatment method, a gas is supplied into the chamber from below the surface of the substrate, and the inside of the chamber is evacuated from the exhaust hole that is formed above the processing space and is open downwards so that the heat treatment is performed while the upward flow is formed around the substrate. Thus, the movement of a sublimate generated from the substrate during the heat treatment is blocked by the upward flow. Therefore, it is possible to suppress scattering of the sublimate from the film on the substrate.

Hereinafter, various embodiments will be described in detail with reference to drawings. Meanwhile, in the drawings, the same or corresponding parts will be denoted by the same reference numerals.

First Embodiment

A substrate processing system according to a first embodiment will be described with reference toFIGS. 1 to 6. A substrate processing system1is a system that forms a photosensitive film on a substrate, exposes the photosensitive film, and develops the photosensitive film. A substrate to be processed is, for example, a semiconductor wafer W. The photosensitive film is, for example, a resist film. The substrate processing system1includes a coating/developing apparatus2and an exposure apparatus3. The exposure apparatus3is an apparatus that exposes a resist film (photosensitive film) formed on the wafer W (substrate). Specifically, the exposure apparatus3irradiates an exposure target portion of the resist film with energy rays by a method such as immersion exposure. The coating/developing apparatus2performs a processing of coating a resist (chemical solution) on the surface of the wafer W (substrate) and forming a resist film before the exposure processing by the exposure apparatus3, and performs a development processing of the resist film after the exposure processing. In the following embodiments, descriptions will be made on a case where the substrate processing system1forms a metal-containing resist film by using a resist that contains a metal (hereinafter, referred to as a “metal-containing resist”). For example, the substrate processing system1may form the film by using a tin (Sn)-containing resist. Meanwhile, the type of the resist is not limited to the above.

Hereinafter, descriptions will be made on the configuration of the coating/developing apparatus2as an example of a substrate processing apparatus. As illustrated inFIG. 1andFIG. 2, the coating/developing apparatus2includes a carrier block4, a processing block5, an interface block6, and a control device100.

The carrier block4carries wafers W into the coating/developing apparatus2and carries the wafers W out of the coating/developing apparatus2. For example, the carrier block4is able to support a plurality of carriers C for the wafers W. Within the carrier block4, a transfer device A1including a delivery arm is included. The carrier C accommodates, for example, a plurality of circular wafers W. The transfer device A1takes the wafers W out of the carrier C and delivers the wafers W to the processing block5, and receives the wafers W from the processing block5and returns the wafers W into the carrier C. The processing block5includes a plurality of processing modules11,12,13, and14.

Within the processing module11, a coating unit U1, a heat treatment unit U2, and a transfer device A3that transfers wafers W to these units are included. The processing module11forms an underlayer film on the surface of the wafer W by the coating unit U1and the heat treatment unit U2. The coating unit U1coats a processing liquid for forming the underlayer film, on the wafer W. The heat treatment unit U2performs various heat treatments involved in formation of the underlayer film.

The processing module12performs a deposition processing of forming a film of a metal-containing resist. Within the processing module12, a coating unit U3, a heat treatment unit U4, and a transfer device A3that transfers wafers W to these units are included. The processing module12forms the film of the metal-containing resist on the underlayer film by the coating unit U3and the heat treatment unit U4. The coating unit U3coats the metal-containing resist as a processing liquid for film formation, on the underlayer film. The heat treatment unit U4performs various heat treatments involved in formation of the film. Accordingly, the film of the metal-containing resist is formed on the surface of the wafer W.

Within the processing module13, a coating unit U5, a heat treatment unit U6, and a transfer device A3that transfers wafers W to these units are included. The processing module13forms an upper-layer film on the resist film by the coating unit U5and the heat treatment unit U6. The coating unit U5coats a liquid for forming the upper-layer film, on the resist film. The heat treatment unit U6performs various heat treatments involved in formation of the upper-layer film.

Within the processing module14, a developing unit U7(development processing unit), a heat treatment unit U8, and a transfer device A3that transfers wafers W to these units are included. The processing module14performs a development processing on the film on which an exposure processing has been performed, and a heat treatment involved in the development processing, by the developing unit U7and the heat treatment unit U8. Accordingly, a resist pattern using the metal-containing resist is formed on the surface of the wafer W. Specifically, the heat treatment unit U8performs a heat treatment (PEB: post exposure bake) before the development processing. The developing unit U7performs the development processing on the wafer W on which the heat treatment (PEB) has been performed by the heat treatment unit U8. For example, the developing unit U7performs the development processing on the film of the metal-containing resist by coating a developing solution on the surface of the wafer W which has been subjected to exposure, and washing the surface with a rinse solution. The heat treatment unit U8may perform a heat treatment after the development processing (PB: post bake). Hereinafter, unless otherwise specified, the heat treatment in the heat treatment unit U8will be described as “a heat treatment before a development processing (PEB).” The film of the metal-containing resist will be simply described as a “film.”

A shelf unit U10is provided on the carrier block4side in the processing block5. The shelf unit U10is divided into a plurality of cells arranged in the vertical direction. A transfer device A7including a lifting arm is provided near the shelf unit U10. The transfer device A7raises and lowers wafers W between cells of the shelf unit U10.

A shelf unit U11is provided on the interface block6side in the processing block5. The shelf unit U11is divided into a plurality of cells arranged in the vertical direction.

The interface block6delivers wafers W to/from the exposure apparatus3. For example, within the interface block6, a transfer device A8including a delivery arm is included. The interface block6is connected to the exposure apparatus3. The transfer device A8delivers the wafers W disposed on the shelf unit U11to the exposure apparatus3. The transfer device A8receives the wafers W from the exposure apparatus3and returns the wafers W to the shelf unit U11.

FIG. 3illustrates an example of a substrate processing procedure including a coating/development processing. The control device100controls the coating/developing apparatus2so as to execute a coating/development processing by, for example, the following procedure. First, the control device100controls the transfer device A1so as to transfer a wafer W within the carrier C to the shelf unit U10, and controls the transfer device A7so as to dispose the wafer W on a cell for the processing module11.

Next, the control device100controls the transfer device A3so as to transfer the wafer W in the shelf unit U10, to the coating unit U1and the heat treatment unit U2within the processing module11. The control device100controls the coating unit U1and the heat treatment unit U2so as to form an underlayer film on the surface of the wafer W (step S01). Then, the control device100controls the transfer device A3so as to return the wafer W on which the underlayer film is formed, to the shelf unit U10, and controls the transfer device A7so as to dispose the wafer W on a cell for the processing module12.

Next, the control device100controls the transfer device A3so as to transfer the wafer W in the shelf unit U10, to the coating unit U3and the heat treatment unit U4within the processing module12. The control device100controls the coating unit U3and the heat treatment unit U4so as to form a film of a metal-containing resist on the underlayer film of the wafer W (step S02). Then, the control device100controls the transfer device A3so as to return the wafer W to the shelf unit U10, and controls the transfer device A7so as to dispose the wafer W on a cell for the processing module13.

Next, the control device100controls the transfer device A3so as to transfer the wafer W in the shelf unit U10to each unit within the processing module13. The control device100controls the coating unit U5and the heat treatment unit U6so as to form an upper-layer film on the film of the wafer W (step S03). Then, the control device100controls the transfer device A3so as to transfer the wafer W to the shelf unit U11.

Next, the control device100controls the transfer device A8so as to send the wafer W accommodated in the shelf unit U11, to the exposure apparatus3. Then, in the exposure apparatus3, an exposure processing is performed on the film formed on the wafer W (step S04). Then, the control device100controls the transfer device A8so as to receive the wafer W on which the exposure processing has been performed, from the exposure apparatus3, and to dispose the wafer W, on a cell for the processing module14in the shelf unit U11.

Next, the control device100controls the transfer device A3so as to transfer the wafer W in the shelf unit U11to the heat treatment unit U8within the processing module14. Then, the control device100controls the heat treatment unit U8so as to perform a heat treatment on the film of the wafer W prior to development (step S05). Next, the control device100controls the developing unit U7and the heat treatment unit U8so as to perform a development processing on the film of the wafer W on which the heat treatment has been performed by the heat treatment unit U8, and to perform a heat treatment after the development processing (step S06, S07). Then, the control device100controls the transfer device A3so as to return the wafer W to the shelf unit U10, and controls the transfer device A7and the transfer device A1so as to return the wafer W into the carrier C. As described above, the substrate processing including the coating/development processing is completed.

Meanwhile, a specific configuration of the substrate processing apparatus is not limited to the configuration of the coating/developing apparatus2exemplified above. As for the substrate processing apparatus, any apparatus may be employed as long as it includes a unit that performs a deposition processing of forming a film of a metal-containing resist, a heat treatment unit that performs a heat treatment on the film after an exposure processing, a developing unit that performs a development processing on the film, and a control device capable of controlling these.

Subsequently, an example of the heat treatment unit U8of the processing module14will be described in detail with reference toFIGS. 4 and 5. As illustrated inFIG. 4, the heat treatment unit U8includes a heating mechanism20, a wafer lifting mechanism30(lifting unit), an accommodating mechanism40, a gas supply mechanism60(gas supply unit), and an exhaust mechanism70(exhaust unit). Meanwhile, inFIG. 4, hatching indicating a cross section is omitted except in some elements.

The heating mechanism20is configured to heat a wafer W. The heating mechanism20includes a heating plate21. The heating plate21includes a heating plate heater22. The heating plate21supports the wafer W as a heat treatment target, and heats the supported wafer W. The heating plate21is formed in substantially a disc shape as an example. The diameter of the heating plate21may be larger than the diameter of the wafer W. The heating plate21has a placing surface21a. When the wafer W is placed on a predetermined position of the placing surface21a, the heating plate21supports the wafer W. The heating plate21may be made of a metal having a high thermal conductivity, such as aluminum, silver, or copper.

The heating plate heater22raises the temperature of the heating plate21. The heating plate heater22may be provided inside the heating plate21, or may be provided on the heating plate21. The heating plate heater22may be constituted by a resistance heating element. While a current flows through the heating plate heater22, the heating plate heater22generates heat. Then, as the heat from the heating plate heater22is transferred, the temperature of the heating plate21is raised. A current having a value according to an instruction from the control device100may flow through the heating plate heater22, or after a voltage of a value according to an instruction from the control device100is applied, a current according to the voltage value may flow.

The wafer lifting mechanism30is configured to raise and lower the wafer W above the heating plate21. Specifically, the wafer lifting mechanism30raises and lowers the wafer W between a processing height at which the wafer W is placed on the placing surface21aof the heating plate21, and a delivery height at which the wafer W is delivered in the upper portion separated from the heating plate21. The wafer lifting mechanism30includes a plurality of (for example, three) support pins31, and a lift driving unit32.

The support pins31are pins that support the wafer W from below. For example, the support pins31may be configured to extend through the heating plate21in the vertical direction. The plurality of support pins31may be arranged at equal intervals in the circumferential direction around the center of the heating plate21. The lift driving unit32raises and lowers the support pins31according to an instruction of the control device100. The lift driving unit32is, for example, a lifting actuator.

The accommodating mechanism40is configured to accommodate the wafer W as the heat treatment target. The accommodating mechanism40includes a chamber41, and a chamber driving unit45. The chamber41is configured to form a processing space S where a heat treatment is performed. That is, the chamber41covers the processing space S above the heating plate21. The chamber41includes a lower chamber42, an upper chamber43, and a support ring44provided between the lower chamber42and the upper chamber43.

The lower chamber42is provided around the heating plate21. The lower chamber42may have a cylindrical shape so as to surround the peripheral portion of the heating plate21. A space that communicates with the internal processing space S may be formed between the lower chamber42and the heating plate21. This space functions as a gas flow path81that interconnects the inside and the outside of the processing space S. The gas flow path81may be annularly formed. When the lower chamber42is configured to hold the heating plate21, it is possible to employ a configuration where a plurality of through holes is formed in the lower chamber42such that a plurality of gas flow paths81may be annularly formed between the lower chamber42and the heating plate21while lined up. The lower chamber42may be fixed to a predetermined position in the heat treatment unit U8.

When the gas flow path81is arranged as illustrated inFIG. 4, it is possible to employ a configuration where heat of the heating plate21may be transferred to the gas flow path81. That is, heat generated by the heating plate heater22is transferred by heat conduction to the surface of the heating plate21forming a part of the gas flow path81. The surface of the heating plate21forming the gas flow path81contacts the gas flowing through the gas flow path81. When this configuration is employed, a gas within the gas flow path81may be heated by the heat from the heating plate21. Further, since the configuration is provided not only in a part of the periphery of the substrate but also over the entire periphery thereof, the temperature of the substrate may be suppressed from being non-uniform

The support ring44may be a plate-shaped and annular member attached to an upper end42aof the lower chamber42. In the support ring44, an outer periphery edge44ais fixed to the upper end42aof the lower chamber42, the inner periphery side protrudes toward the center side of the processing space S, and an inner periphery edge44bis located at a position overlapping the heating plate21when viewed from the top. The inner periphery edge44bof the support ring44is located at a position not overlapping the wafer W on the heating plate21when viewed from the top. A lower surface44cof the support ring44and the placing surface21aof the heating plate21are separated from each other, and this space becomes a part of the gas flow path81communicating with the processing space S. The gas flow path81and the support ring44described above function as a gas supply unit that supplies a gas into the chamber41from below the surface of the wafer W.

The upper chamber43is a lid that forms the processing space S within the chamber41together with the lower chamber42. When the upper chamber43is abutted on the lower chamber42, the processing space S is formed within the chamber41. The upper chamber43may include a top plate43a, and a side wall43b.

The top plate43ahas a disc shape having a diameter that is about the same as the lower chamber42and the support ring44. The top plate43ais disposed to face the placing surface21aof the heating plate21in the vertical direction. That is, the top plate43acovers the placing surface21aof the heating plate21. The bottom surface of the top plate43aconstitutes the top surface of the processing space S. The side wall43bis configured to extend downwards from the outer edge of the top plate43a. The side wall43bsurrounds the placing surface21aof the heating plate21. The inner surface of the side wall43bconstitutes the peripheral surface of the processing space S.

The chamber driving unit45raises and lowers the upper chamber43. For example, the chamber driving unit45is a lifting actuator. When the upper chamber43is raised by the chamber driving unit45, the chamber41is placed in an open state. When the upper chamber43is lowered by the chamber driving unit45until being abutted on the support ring44on the lower chamber42, the chamber41is placed in a close state. When the chamber41is in a close state, the processing space S is formed within the chamber41. When the chamber41is in an open state, a space above the heating plate21is connected to a space outside the chamber41. Meanwhile, even in a state where the processing space S is formed due to the close state of the chamber41, a small space may be formed between the upper chamber43and the support ring44. This space may become a gas flow path82. Even in a state where the processing space S is formed due to the close state of the chamber41, the processing space S is connected to the external space via the gas flow path81formed by the heating plate21, the lower chamber42, and the support ring44. Meanwhile, as compared to that in the open state, the flow path communicated between the inside and outside of the processing space S is limited, and thus, the amount of a gas that may be moved is limited.

The upper chamber43includes a gas ejecting unit50. The gas ejecting unit50ejects a gas from above toward the wafer W on the heating plate21within the chamber41. The gas ejecting unit50ejects a moisture-containing gas toward the wafer W on the heating plate21. The gas ejecting unit50may eject a gas other than the moisture-containing gas. For example, the gas ejecting unit50may eject an inert gas toward the wafer W on the heating plate21. The gas ejecting unit50is provided in the top plate43a. The gas ejecting unit50includes a buffer space formed on the lower side within the top plate43a, and a plurality of gas ejecting holes51passing between the buffer space and the processing space S, on the bottom surface of the top plate43a.

The ejecting holes51are scattered at a substantially uniform density within a portion (an opposing surface50a) of the bottom surface of the top plate43afacing the wafer W on the heating plate21. For example, as illustrated inFIG. 5, the ejecting holes51are disposed in a scattered manner in a region of the opposing surface50afacing the wafer W on the heating plate21(hereinafter, referred to as a “facing region”). The facing region is a region of the opposing surface50aoverlapping the wafer W on the heating plate21when viewed in the vertical direction. When the gas ejecting unit50ejects a moisture-containing gas, the ejecting holes51may be scattered (may be disposed in a scattered manner) such that the moisture amount (humidity) in the space on the upper surface of the wafer W may become substantially uniform over the whole region of the upper surface of the wafer W. The ejecting holes51may be scattered such that the hole density may become uniform in the facing region. The hole density is an occupation ratio of opening areas of the ejecting holes51per unit area within the facing region. Meanwhile, the region where the ejecting holes51are formed is formed while not including the outside of the facing region described above. That is, the ejecting holes51are formed only in a region overlapping the wafer W in a plan view, and are not formed outside thereof.

The opening areas of the ejecting holes51may be substantially the same. When viewed in the vertical direction, the shape of the ejecting holes51may be a circular shape. Intervals between the ejecting holes51may be uniform in the horizontal direction, and intervals between the ejecting holes51may be uniform in the longitudinal direction. Intervals between the ejecting holes51may be uniform in both the horizontal direction and the longitudinal direction.

Referring back toFIG. 4, the gas supply mechanism60is configured to supply a processing gas as a gas used for a heat treatment of the wafer W, to the gas ejecting unit50. The gas supply mechanism60may supply a moisture-containing gas or an inert gas to the gas ejecting unit50. For example, the gas supply mechanism60includes a gas supply path61, and a gas supply source62. Meanwhile, a plurality of gas supply sources may be provided according to, for example, the types of gases to be supplied. As necessary, for example, a gas switching unit may be provided.

The gas supply path61is a flow path for supplying a gas to the gas ejecting unit50. One end of the gas supply path61is connected to the gas ejecting unit50. The other end of the gas supply path61is connected to the gas supply source62. For example, a valve for controlling a gas amount of a gas to be supplied to the gas ejecting unit50may be provided on the gas supply path61. The valve may be configured to switch opening and closing on the basis of an instruction from the control device100.

The gas supply source62supplies a gas to the gas ejecting unit50via the gas supply path61. The gas supply source62may supply, for example, a moisture-containing gas whose moisture concentration has been adjusted toward the gas ejecting unit50. The gas supply source62may supply an inert gas toward the gas ejecting unit50. The inert gas is a gas that hardly reacts with a metallic sublimate generated from a film when the wafer W is heated. The gas supply source62may supply, as the inert gas, a gas having a lower oxygen concentration, or a gas having a lower humidity than the moisture-containing gas. For example, the gas supply source62may supply nitrogen (N2) gas as the gas having a low oxygen concentration, or may supply dry air as the gas having a low humidity.

The exhaust mechanism70(exhaust unit) is configured to discharge a gas within the chamber41to the outside of the chamber41. The exhaust mechanism70evacuates the inside of the chamber from the outer periphery of the processing space S via exhaust holes formed outside the gas ejecting unit50. The exhaust mechanism70includes a plurality of exhaust holes71, and an exhaust device72. As exemplified inFIG. 5, the plurality of exhaust holes71is formed in the outer periphery portion of the opposing surface50aof the gas ejecting unit50corresponding to the wafer W. The exhaust holes71are formed within the top plate43aof the upper chamber43, and each is open in the outer periphery portion in the inner surface of the top plate43a(that is, in the outer periphery portion of the top surface of the processing space S). The shape of the exhaust holes71within the top plate43ais not particularly limited. The exhaust device72discharges a gas within the processing space S to the outside of the chamber41via the plurality of exhaust holes71. The exhaust device72is, for example, an exhaust pump. Meanwhile, the exhaust holes71may be annularly formed outside the gas ejecting unit50. Meanwhile, the exhaust holes71may be configured such that at least a part of the exhaust holes71is formed outside the outer periphery of the wafer W when viewed from above. That is, the exhaust holes71may be formed at a position where a part of the exhaust holes71overlaps the wafer W when viewed from the top.

In the processing space S, an end portion81aof the gas flow path81(an end portion on the processing space S side) is formed on the outer periphery side around the wafer W. The end portion81ais formed outside the outer periphery of the wafer W (outside the wafer W in the radial direction). The position of the end portion81amay be lower than the upper surface of the wafer W. The position of the end portion81aof the gas flow path81may be controlled by the position or shape of the inner periphery edge44bof the support ring44. That is, the support ring44also functions as a rectifying unit that regulates a movement route of a gas moving through the gas flow path81, and controls a flow path area.

Above the support ring44protruding toward the center within the processing space S, an outer space S1is formed while being continuous from a gap with the top plate43aof the upper chamber43, which may become the gas flow path82. The outer space S1is formed on the outer periphery side of the exhaust holes71of the exhaust mechanism70in the radial direction of the heat treatment unit U8. The outer space S1has a larger cross-sectional area than the gas flow path82when viewed in the vertical direction. Therefore, the flow velocity of a gas introduced to the outer space S1from the gas flow path82is decreased in the outer space S1. The gas flow path82functions as a second gas supply unit that supplies a gas to the outer space S1within the processing space S.

Meanwhile, the type of a gas to be supplied from the gas flow path81and the gas flow path82is not particularly limited, and may be, for example, atmosphere. It is possible to employ a configuration in which a gas supply source is connected to the gas flow path81and the gas flow path82so as to supply a processing gas.

As illustrated inFIG. 1, the control device100includes a storage101and a controller102as a functional configuration. The storage101stores a program for operating units of the coating/developing apparatus2which include the heat treatment unit U8. The storage101also stores various data pieces (for example, information on an instruction signal for operating the heat treatment unit U8), or information from, for example, sensors provided in the units. The storage101is, for example, a semiconductor memory, an optical recording disc, a magnetic recording disk, or a magneto-optical recording disk. The program may be included in an external storage device separate from the storage101, or an intangible medium such as a propagation signal. The program may be installed in the storage101from these other media, and may be stored in the storage101. The controller102controls operations of the units of the coating/developing apparatus2on the basis of the program read from the storage101.

The control device100is constituted by one or a plurality of control computers. For example, the control device100includes a circuit120illustrated inFIG. 6. The circuit120includes one or a plurality of processors121, a memory122, a storage123, a timer124, and an input/output port125. The storage123includes a computer-readable storage medium such as, for example, a hard disk. The storage medium stores a program that causes the control device100to execute a substrate processing procedure to be described below. The storage medium may be a removable medium such as a non-volatile semiconductor memory, a magnetic disk or an optical disc. The memory122temporarily stores the program loaded from the storage medium of the storage123and calculation results by the processor121. The processor121configures each function module described above by executing the program in cooperation with the memory122. The timer124measures an elapsed time by counting, for example, reference pulses in a fixed period. The input/output port125inputs/outputs an electrical signal to/from the heat treatment unit U8according to an instruction from the processor121.

Meanwhile, a hardware configuration of the control device100is not necessarily limited to the configuration of each function module by the program. For example, each function module of the control device100may be configured by a dedicated logic circuit or an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) in which this is integrated.

[On Operation in Heat Treatment Unit]

Referring back toFIG. 4, descriptions will be made on operations during a heat treatment in the heat treatment unit U8. At the time of the heat treatment, first, the controller102of the control device100raises the upper chamber43by driving the chamber driving unit45. Accordingly, the space inside the chamber41is connected to the space outside the chamber41. Next, the controller102of the control device100controls the transfer device A3and the wafer lifting mechanism30so as to load the wafer W into the chamber41. For example, in a state where the support pins31are raised by driving of the lift driving unit32by a wafer lifting controller112, the control device100controls the transfer device A3so as to dispose the wafer W on the support pins31.

Next, the controller102of the control device100lowers the upper chamber43by driving the chamber driving unit45. Under the control of the controller102, the wafer lifting controller112lowers the support pins31by driving the lift driving unit32so that the wafer W supported by the support pins31is placed on the heating plate21. In this manner, the processing space S is formed within the chamber41, and the wafer W is placed on the placing surface21a, and then, the heat treatment on the wafer W as a processing target is started.

While the heat treatment on the wafer W is performed, the controller102of the control device100controls the flow of a gas within the processing space S by operating the gas supply mechanism60and the exhaust mechanism70. Specifically, by the control of the control device100, a gas is supplied at a predetermined flow rate L1from the gas supply mechanism60into the processing space S through the gas ejecting unit50. Under the control of the control device100, the gas within the processing space S is discharged at a predetermined flow rate L2by the exhaust mechanism70from the exhaust holes71to the outside of the processing space S. Here, in the heat treatment unit U8, the amount of the gas supplied by the gas supply mechanism60and the amount of the gas discharged by the exhaust mechanism70are controlled such that L1<L2. Therefore, a gas corresponding to the difference (L2−L1) is supplied from the gas flow path81and the gas flow path82into the processing space S. Since the gas flow path81and the gas flow path82are connected to the outside of the processing space S, a gas in a predetermined amount (L2−L1) is supplied from the outside. Meanwhile, the gas flow path82is placed in a close state (is closed while the upper chamber43is abutted on the support ring44), or in a state where the flow path cross-sectional area is very small as compared to that in the gas flow path81. Thus, an amount of the gas supplied into the processing space S through the gas flow path81becomes sufficiently larger than an amount of the gas supplied into the processing space S through the gas flow path82. The control is performed such that a flow rate L3of the gas supplied from the gas flow path81becomes larger than the flow rate L1of the gas supplied from the gas ejecting unit50, that is, a relationship of L3>L1may be satisfied.

As described above, within the processing space S, the gas is supplied substantially uniformly at the flow rate L1from the gas ejecting unit50toward the surface of the wafer W. Meanwhile, since the flow rate L2of the gas evacuated from the exhaust holes71is larger than the flow rate L1, the gas corresponding to the difference is supplied from the outside into the processing space S through the gas flow path81(and the gas flow path82). Both the gas supplied to the surface of the wafer W from the gas ejecting unit50and the gas supplied from the outside through the gas flow path81(and the gas flow path82) are discharged to the outside from the exhaust holes71by the exhaust mechanism70. Thus, on the surface of the wafer W, the gas moves in the radial direction from the center of the wafer W toward the outer periphery. Around the wafer W, since the gas supplied from the gas flow path81into the processing space S moves to the exhaust holes71, an upward flow is formed. The gas that has moved in the radial direction along the wafer W also moves upwards in a state where the gas is included in the above-described upward flow, and is discharged from the exhaust holes71. Meanwhile, the “upward flow” refers to an upward flow of a gas.

Here, when a film formed on the surface of the wafer W that is being processed in the heat treatment unit U8is a film of a metal-containing resist, a sublimate including a metal component is generated from the surface of the wafer W during the heat treatment. This sublimate tends to adhere to a peripheral member (for example, the chamber41) having a lower temperature than the heating plate21. This sublimate includes a metal component, and thus may cause contamination of a device when adhering to, for example, the wall surface, the bottom surface, and the top surface of the heat treatment unit U8. A possibility that a performance degradation of a device may occur due to adhesion of the sublimate is also taken into consideration. Meanwhile, this sublimate may move together with a gas near the surface of the wafer W. Therefore, in order to suppress the scattering of the sublimate within the processing space S, it is required to control the movement of a gas that may include the sublimate on the surface of the wafer W such that the gas is not dispersed within the processing space S.

Meanwhile, the distribution of a gas on the surface of the wafer W affects the quality of a resist pattern on the wafer W, particularly, the uniformity of a line width CD. The dimension of a resist pattern using a metal-containing resist is affected by the moisture amount within the chamber41during the heat treatment. When the distribution of the moisture amount on one wafer W is biased, the amount of moisture that reacts within the film (reacting moisture amount) is also biased. Therefore, it is required that on the surface of the wafer W, a gas supplied to the gas ejecting unit50be homogeneous, and a difference in a reacting moisture amount between the center region and the outer periphery region of the wafer W be small during the heat treatment. The uniformity of the line width of the resist pattern on the surface of the wafer W is also related to the quality of, for example, a semiconductor product obtained from the wafer W. Therefore, it is required to control the movement of a gas on the wafer W such that the uniformity of the line width of the resist pattern may be improved.

In relation to the above-described point, in the heat treatment unit U8, the exhaust holes71are formed at the outer periphery of the wafer W, and the gas flow path81is also formed at the outer periphery of the wafer W in addition to the gas ejecting unit50from which a gas is supplied toward the surface of the wafer W. Accordingly, an upward flow is formed from the vicinity of the outer periphery edge of the wafer W toward the exhaust holes71. Here, a gas that is supplied from the gas ejecting unit50to the surface of the wafer W and moves along the surface of the wafer W, which may include a sublimate, also moves together with the upward flow to the exhaust holes71. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the sublimate from adhering to, for example, a peripheral member on the periphery outside the upward flow. Meanwhile, when the exhaust holes71are configured to include a region located close to the wafer W and disposed outside the periphery edge of the wafer W when viewed from above, scattering of the sublimate may be further suppressed. Even when the exhaust holes71are formed at the outer periphery of the wafer W when viewed from above, if the exhaust holes71are located close to the side wall of the chamber (the side wall43bof the upper chamber43), the upward flow is formed in the vicinity of the side wall of the chamber. In this case, it is thought that the possibility of scattering of the sublimate may increase. That is, in a configuration where the exhaust holes71are formed at a position close to the wafer W when viewed from above, scattering of the sublimate may be further suppressed.

Meanwhile, when the upward flow in the outer periphery of the wafer W flows in a state where adjustment has been made to some extent, it is thought that a gas on the surface of the wafer W easily smoothly flows to the exhaust holes71, in the vicinity of the outer periphery of the wafer W. For that purpose, it is considered that the flow velocity of a gas at the end portion81aof the gas flow path81is increased to some extent, so that the flow velocity of the upward flow when the gas is introduced from the gas flow path81into the processing space S is increased to some extent. In the heat treatment unit U8, the support ring44functions as a rectifying unit in order to realize the above-described state.

Descriptions will be made on the shape of the end portion81aof the gas flow path81due to arrangement of the support ring44, and the state of movement of a gas and a sublimate within the processing space S, with reference toFIGS. 7A to 7CandFIGS. 8A and 8B.

FIG. 7Aillustrates a simulation result of gas movement outside the wafer W within the processing space S.FIG. 7Billustrates a simulation result of sublimate movement from the wafer W.FIG. 7Cis an enlarged view of the outside of the wafer W inFIG. 7B. Meanwhile, inFIG. 7B, a center line X is illustrated at a position corresponding to the center of the wafer W.

As illustrated inFIG. 7A, outside the wafer W, a gas supplied from the gas flow path81changes its traveling direction from the vicinity of the end portion81aof the gas flow path81, and then an upward flow F1that moves upwards is formed. The upward flow F1is formed because the volume of exhaust from the exhaust holes71is large. Meanwhile, a gas that moves along the surface of the wafer W in the radial direction toward the outer periphery merges with the upward flow F1and moves upwards. Meanwhile, when the gas flow path82is open (when gas supply from the gas flow path82may occur), as illustrated inFIG. 7A, a gas supplied from the gas flow path82moves through the outer space S1and reaches the exhaust holes71. Therefore, when the gas is introduced from the gas flow path82, the gas flowing through the outer space S1forms a flow to such an extent that the upward flow F1is not interrupted and moves to the exhaust holes71.

As illustrated inFIG. 7B, a sublimate from the surface of the wafer W is scattered above the wafer W. Meanwhile, in particular, as illustrated inFIG. 7C, the sublimate is suppressed from being scattered toward the outer periphery of the wafer W. In this manner, within the processing space S, since the upward flow F1is formed, the gas moving above the wafer W is suppressed from moving to the outside of the upward flow F1. Thus, the sublimate may be suppressed from being scattered toward the outside.

FIGS. 8A and 8Billustrate a simulation result in a state where the inner periphery edge44bof the support ring44is made close to the wafer W side as compared to the state illustrated inFIGS. 7A to 7C.FIG. 8Aillustrates a simulation result corresponding toFIG. 7A, andFIG. 8Billustrates a simulation result corresponding toFIG. 7C.

InFIG. 8Aas well, as inFIG. 7A, it can be found that outside the wafer W, a gas supplied from the gas flow path81changes its traveling direction from the vicinity of the end portion81aof the gas flow path81, and then an upward flow F2that moves upwards is formed. Meanwhile, unlike in the example illustrated inFIG. 7A, the upward flow F2is curved near the outer periphery edge of the wafer W and thus has a sharp curvature. It is thought that this is because the end portion81aof the gas flow path81is closer to the wafer W than the example illustrated inFIG. 7A, and thus, a gas course sharply changes due to a positional relationship with the exhaust holes71. Since a distance between the end portion81aand the wafer W is closer, as illustrated inFIG. 8B, a width W2of the flow path formed by the side surface of the wafer W and the support ring44is smaller than a width W1illustrated inFIG. 7C. As a result, it is thought that in the example illustrated inFIG. 8B, as compared to in the example illustrated inFIG. 7C, when moving through this region, a gas is suppressed from spreading, and thus the upward flow F2with a narrower width is formed. These widths W1and W2correspond to the flow path areas at the corresponding position.

In this manner, as a result of formation of the upward flow F2near the edge of the wafer W, in the example illustrated inFIGS. 8A and 8B, a sublimate is further suppressed from being scattered in the vicinity of the surface of the wafer W. This may be confirmed by comparingFIG. 8BtoFIG. 7C. In the example illustrated inFIG. 8B, it is confirmed that a sublimate that moves downwards from the edge of the wafer W along the outer periphery wall of the wafer W is reduced as compared to that inFIG. 7C. As described above, when the upward flow F2that is strong to some extent is formed near the edge of the wafer W, the sublimate may also be prevented from falling from the edge of the wafer W.

In this manner, the effect of suppressing scattering of a sublimate by an upward flow may be changed depending on how much gas is supplied from the gas flow path81to form the upward flow.

Meanwhile, as described above, the distribution of a gas on the surface of the wafer W affects the quality of a resist pattern on the wafer W. Therefore, it is required to control the movement of the gas on the wafer W such that the uniformity of a line width of the resist pattern may not be deteriorated due to unevenness of a gas flow on the surface of the wafer W. Accordingly, the gas ejecting unit50that has the ejecting holes51scattered along the surface facing the wafer W on the heating plate21may be used so that a variation depending on the supply of the gas toward the surface of the wafer W may be reduced. Meanwhile, if the flow rate of the gas toward the exhaust holes71becomes excessively large, the gas supplied to the wafer W moves too fast. This may affect the quality of the resist pattern. Therefore, it is possible to employ a mode in which the movement of the gas on the wafer W is controlled within a range where the uniformity of the line width of the resist pattern is maintained.

The ratio of the amount of a gas supplied from the gas ejecting unit50to the amount of a gas introduced from the gas flow path81and the gas flow path82(the sum of introduction amounts from the two flow paths) may range from, for example, 1:6 to 1:2. The ratio of the amount of the gas introduced from the gas flow path82, to the amount of the gas introduced from the gas flow path81and the gas flow path82(the sum of introduction amounts from the two flow paths) may be, for example, 30% or less. By controlling the movement of the gas from each unit such that the above-described ranges are satisfied, it is possible to suppress scattering of a sublimate through formation of an upward flow, and to enhance the uniformity of a line width of a resist pattern on the wafer W.

As described above, according to the above-described heat treatment device (the heat treatment unit U8) and the heat treatment method, a processing gas is ejected from the gas ejecting unit50toward the surface of the wafer W, so that the heat treatment of the wafer W is facilitated. Meanwhile, in the heat treatment unit U8, by the gas flow path81, and the exhaust mechanism70that evacuates the inside of the chamber from the exhaust holes71, a gas flowing between these forms an upward flow around the substrate. Thus, the movement of a sublimate generated from the wafer W during the heat treatment is blocked by the upward flow. Therefore, it is possible to suppress scattering of the sublimate from the film on the substrate.

As described above, when a metal-containing resist is used, since a sublimate from a film contains a metal component, influence by adhesion to each unit within the device may be large. In such a case, by employing the above-described configuration, it is possible to suppress the scattering of the sublimate that contains the metal component from the film on the substrate. Therefore, it is possible to effectively reduce the influence by adhesion of the sublimate to the device.

As described above, a gas is supplied from the periphery outside the wafer W into the chamber, and thus it is possible to form an upward flow in which the air flow is further strengthened, around the wafer W.

When the gas supply unit includes the gas flow path81connected to the inside of the chamber, and the support ring44as a rectifying unit that controls a flow path area at the end portion81aof the gas flow path81on the chamber41side, the flow path area may be controlled by these. Therefore, for example, it is also possible to control an upward flow such that it is possible to further suppress the scattering of a sublimate. It is also possible to control the upward flow in consideration of the quality of a resist pattern on the wafer W.

As described above, it is possible to employ a configuration in which the outer space S1is formed outside the exhaust holes71of the exhaust mechanism70as the exhaust unit, in the radial direction of the wafer W, and a gas is also supplied from the gas flow path82as the second gas supply unit connected to the outer space S1. In this case, the gas that is supplied from the gas flow path82and moves in the outer space S1also moves toward the exhaust holes71, and thus, the disturbance of an upward flow may be prevented, and the scattering of a sublimate may be suppressed. Here, when the gas flow path82is connected to the outer space S1on the support ring44side, that is, from below, for example, the gas may be prevented from staying in the outer space and the vicinity thereof.

As described above, when the gas flow path81is capable of transferring heat from the heating plate21, a gas that moves through the gas flow path81may be supplied into the chamber in a state where the gas is heated by the heat from the heating plate. Therefore, it is possible to suppress, for example, temperature fluctuation within the chamber41due to supplying of the gas from the gas flow path81.

As in the gas ejecting unit50, when the ejecting holes51scattered along the surface facing the wafer W on the heating plate21are included, since a processing gas may be more uniformly ejected toward the surface of the wafer W, the quality of a resist pattern may be enhanced.

Second Embodiment

Next, a heat treatment device according to a second embodiment (a heat treatment unit U8A) will be described.FIG. 9is a view illustrating an example of the heat treatment unit U8A according to the second embodiment. As illustrated inFIG. 9, the heat treatment unit U8A includes the heating mechanism20, the wafer lifting mechanism30(lifting unit), the accommodating mechanism40, the gas supply mechanism60(gas supply unit), and the exhaust mechanism70(exhaust unit). This is the same as the heat treatment unit U8according to the first embodiment. The configuration of the gas flow paths81and82is also the same as that in the heat treatment unit U8. The heat treatment unit U8A is different from the heat treatment unit U8in the arrangement of the exhaust mechanism70.

In the heat treatment unit U8A, the exhaust hole71of the exhaust mechanism70(exhaust unit) is formed inside the periphery edge of the opposing surface50aof the gas ejecting unit50facing the wafer W. In the example illustrated inFIG. 9, the exhaust hole71is formed near the center of the opposing surface50a. InFIG. 9, a plurality (two) of exhaust holes71is illustrated, but a configuration in which one exhaust hole71is formed at the center may be employed. When the plurality of exhaust holes71is formed, the ejecting holes51may be formed on the center side of the exhaust holes71. At that time, the ejecting holes51may be formed with the same size or distribution density as those in the portion outside the exhaust holes71. In the example illustrated inFIG. 9, the exhaust holes71and the gas supply path61of the gas supply mechanism60have a double structure, but the structure of this portion is not particularly limited.

In the heat treatment unit U8A as well, the control of a gas flow by the controller102of the control device100is the same as that in the heat treatment unit U8. That is, while the heat treatment on the wafer W is performed, the controller102operates the gas supply mechanism60and the exhaust mechanism70, so that a gas is supplied at a predetermined flow rate L1from the gas supply mechanism60into the processing space S through the gas ejecting unit50. Under the control of the control device100, the gas within the processing space S is discharged at a predetermined flow rate L2by the exhaust mechanism70from the exhaust holes71to the outside of the processing space S. Here, the amount of the gas supplied by the gas supply mechanism60and the amount of the gas discharged by the exhaust mechanism70are controlled such that the relationship between flow rates satisfies L1<L2. Therefore, a gas corresponding to the difference (L2−L1) is supplied from the gas flow path81and the gas flow path82into the processing space S. The gas flow path82is placed in a close state (is closed while the upper chamber43is abutted on the support ring44), or in a state where the flow path cross-sectional area is very small as compared to that in the gas flow path81. Thus, an amount of the gas supplied into the processing space S through the gas flow path81becomes sufficiently larger than an amount of the gas supplied into the processing space S through the gas flow path82. The control is performed such that a flow rate L3of the gas supplied from the gas flow path81becomes larger than the flow rate L1of the gas supplied from the gas ejecting unit50, that is, a relationship of L3>L1may be satisfied.

When the gas flow rate is controlled as described above, the gas supplied from the gas flow path81changes its traveling direction from the vicinity of the end portion81aof the gas flow path81, and then an upward flow F3that moves upwards while moving in a direction toward the center of the wafer W (toward the formed exhaust holes71) is formed. The upward flow F3is formed because the volume of exhaust from the exhaust holes71is large. Meanwhile, unlike the upward flows F1and F2described in the first embodiment, the upward flow F3becomes a gas flow toward the inner periphery side of the wafer W.

When the exhaust holes71are formed inside the periphery edge of the opposing surface50aof the gas ejecting unit50facing the wafer W, the gas introduced from the end portion81aof the gas flow path81moves toward the exhaust holes71formed inside the outer periphery of the wafer W. Therefore, a sublimate generated from the wafer W during the heat treatment moves toward the exhaust holes71together with the upward flow F3.

As described above, in the heat treatment device (the heat treatment unit U8A) as well, a processing gas is ejected from the gas ejecting unit50toward the surface of the wafer W so that the heat treatment of the wafer W is facilitated. Meanwhile, in the heat treatment unit U8, by the gas flow path81, and the exhaust mechanism70that evacuates the inside of the chamber from the exhaust holes71, a gas flowing between these forms an upward flow around the substrate. Thus, the movement of a sublimate generated from the wafer W during the heat treatment is blocked by the upward flow. Therefore, it is possible to suppress scattering of the sublimate from the film on the substrate.

As illustrated inFIG. 9, when the exhaust holes71are formed inside the periphery edge of (the opposing surface50aof) the gas ejecting unit50, the upward flow F3is formed toward the inside of the wafer W. In this case, in particular, it is possible to prevent the sublimate from adhering to the outside of the periphery edge of the wafer W, in the lower portion within the processing space S (for example, the surface of the heating plate21, and the inner periphery edge44bof the support ring44). It is thought that this is because through a configuration where the upward flow F3is toward the inside of the wafer W, the flow of the gas that moves to the outside of the periphery edge of the wafer W may be further suppressed as compared to that in the configuration example described in the first embodiment. Therefore, it can be said that, in particular, in order to prevent the sublimate from adhering to the lower portion within the processing space S, it is advantageous to employ a configuration where the exhaust holes71are disposed inside the periphery edge of (the opposing surface50aof) the gas ejecting unit50.

Meanwhile, the arrangement of the exhaust holes71inside the periphery edge of (the opposing surface50aof) the gas ejecting unit50is not particularly limited. However, in order to substantially uniformly suppress the flow of the gas toward the outside of the periphery edge of the wafer W over the entire circumference of the wafer W, arrangement of the exhaust holes71near the center of (the opposing surface50aof) the gas ejecting unit50is considered. The exhaust holes71may be arranged such that no significant variation occurs in distances between the gas flow paths81and82formed at the outer periphery of the wafer W and the exhaust holes71, and thus it is possible to suppress the sublimate from scattering to the surroundings in the entire circumference of the wafer W.

Although various embodiments have been described as described above, the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various omissions, substitutions, and changes may be made. Elements in different embodiments may be combined to form other embodiments.

For example, the configuration of the gas flow paths81and82which supply a gas to the heat treatment unit U8is not limited to the above-described embodiments. For example, the gas flow path81may be properly changed in a range where the outlet on the chamber41side is disposed below the surface of the wafer W. In the above, the gas flow path81has a region extending in the horizontal direction along the surface of the heating plate21, but, for example, the gas flow path81may be formed through the heating plate21.

In the above, although a case where the outer space S1is formed has been described, the outer space S1may not be formed. In this case, it is possible to employ a configuration where the shape of the upper chamber43is changed to a shape in which the outer space S1is not present, and the upper chamber43also has a function of the support ring44as a rectifying unit.

According to the present disclosure, there is provided a technology of suppressing scattering of a sublimate from the film on the substrate.