Loadlock module and semiconductor manufacturing apparatus including the same

A semiconductor manufacturing apparatus includes a loadlock module including a loadlock chamber in which a substrate container is received, wherein the loadlock module is configured to switch an internal pressure of the loadlock chamber between atmospheric pressure and a vacuum; and a transfer module configured to transfer a substrate between the substrate container received in the loadlock chamber and a process module for performing a semiconductor manufacturing process on the substrate, wherein the loadlock module includes a purge gas supply unit configured to supply a purge gas into the substrate container through a gas supply line connected to the substrate container; and an exhaust unit configured to discharge a gas in the substrate container through an exhaust line connected to the substrate container.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of Korean Patent Application No. 10-2018-0082204, filed on Jul. 16, 2018, in the Korean Intellectual Property Office, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

BACKGROUND

The inventive concept relates to a loadlock module and a semiconductor manufacturing apparatus including the same.

As semiconductor devices have recently been highly integrated and circuits have recently been miniaturized, in order to prevent the yield of semiconductor products from being reduced due to contamination of wafers due to exposure to external environments during semiconductor manufacturing processes, there is demand for semiconductor manufacturing equipment to maintain a high level of cleanliness. In order to meet the demand, in general, semiconductor manufacturing equipment includes a load port on which a wafer carrier called a front opening unified pod (FOUP) is placed, an equipment front end module (EFEM) maintained at a high level of cleanliness, a loadlock module configured to temporarily receive a wafer and having an internal pressure adjusted between atmospheric pressure and a vacuum, a transfer module configured to transfer the wafer, and a process module configured to perform a semiconductor manufacturing process on the wafer.

SUMMARY

The inventive concept provides a loadlock module and a semiconductor manufacturing apparatus including the same.

According to an aspect of the inventive concept, provided is a semiconductor manufacturing apparatus including: a loadlock module including a loadlock chamber in which a substrate container is received, wherein the loadlock module is configured to switch an internal pressure of the loadlock chamber between atmospheric pressure and a vacuum; and a transfer module configured to transfer a substrate between the substrate container received in the loadlock chamber and a process module for performing a semiconductor manufacturing process on the substrate, wherein the loadlock module includes: a purge gas supply unit configured to supply a purge gas into the substrate container through a gas supply line connected to the substrate container; and an exhaust unit configured to discharge a gas in the substrate container through an exhaust line connected to the substrate container.

According to another aspect of the inventive concept, provided is a semiconductor manufacturing apparatus including: a loadlock module including a loadlock chamber in which a substrate container is received, wherein the loadlock module is configured to switch an internal pressure of the loadlock chamber between atmospheric pressure and a vacuum; a transfer module configured to transfer a substrate between the substrate container received in the loadlock chamber and a process module for performing a semiconductor manufacturing process on the substrate; and a buffer module connected to the transfer module, wherein the buffer module is configured to temporarily receive the substrate on which the semiconductor manufacturing process performed by the process module is completed and purify the substrate in a vacuum.

According to another aspect of the inventive concept, provided is a loadlock module including: a chamber in which a substrate container configured to accommodate a plurality of substrates is received; a stage provided in the chamber, wherein the stage is configured to support the substrate container; a first purge gas supply unit configured to supply a purge gas into the chamber; a first exhaust unit configured to discharge a gas in the chamber; a second purge gas supply unit configured to supply a purge gas into the substrate container through a gas supply line connected to the substrate container; and a second exhaust unit configured to discharge a gas in the substrate container through an exhaust line connected to the substrate container.

According to another aspect of the inventive concept, provided is a method of processing a substrate, the method including: loading a substrate container accommodating a substrate onto a loadlock module; switching an internal pressure of the substrate container and an internal pressure of a loadlock chamber of the loadlock module from an atmospheric pressure to a vacuum; separating a cover of the substrate container from a main body of the substrate container; transferring the substrate accommodated in the substrate container to a process module; performing a semiconductor manufacturing process on the substrate; transferring the substrate on which the semiconductor manufacturing process is completed into the substrate container; mounting the cover of the substrate container on the main body to close the opening of the substrate container; switching the internal pressure of the substrate container and the internal pressure of the loadlock chamber from a vacuum to atmospheric pressure; and unloading the substrate container from the loadlock module.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

The inventive concept will now be described more fully with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments of the inventive concept are shown. In the drawings, the same elements are denoted by the same reference numerals, and thus a repeated explanation thereof will not be given.

FIG. 1is a view illustrating a configuration of a semiconductor manufacturing apparatus1according to embodiments.

Referring toFIG. 1, the semiconductor manufacturing apparatus1may include a loadlock module10, a transfer module20, a process module30, and a buffer module40. For example, the semiconductor manufacturing apparatus1may be a multi-chamber substrate processing system including the transfer module20including a substrate transfer robot220, the loadlock module10, the process module30, and the buffer module40. The loadlock module10, the process module30, and the buffer module40may be provided around the transfer module20.

The loadlock module10may include a loadlock chamber110having an inner space in which a substrate container60is received. The substrate container60may be directly loaded in the loadlock chamber110, may remain in the loadlock module10while a semiconductor manufacturing process is performed on a substrate, and may be unloaded from the loadlock module10after the substrate on which the semiconductor manufacturing process is completed is accommodated in the substrate container60.

The substrate container60is a container in which semiconductor substrates such as wafers are accommodated, and a sealed front opening unified pod (FOUP) may be used as the substrate container60to prevent the substrates from being contaminated with a foreign material or a chemical pollutant in air while the substrates are transferred. The substrate container60may include a cover620(seeFIG. 3) detachably mounted on a main body610(seeFIG. 3) of the substrate container60to open/close an opening through which the substrate is transferred.

The loadlock module10may adjust pressure within, i.e., an internal pressure of, the loadlock chamber110. For example, the loadlock module10may adjust the internal pressure of the loadlock chamber110between atmospheric pressure and a vacuum. It will be appreciated that a “vacuum” may describe a pressure less than, and in some embodiments, much less than, atmospheric pressure (about 760 Torr). According to example embodiments, a vacuum may describe a pressure of, for example, 10 Torr or less, 10−1Torr or less, or 10−3Torr or less.

For example, while the substrate container60is loaded in or unloaded from the loadlock chamber110, the loadlock module10may adjust the internal pressure of the loadlock chamber110to atmospheric pressure so that the internal pressure of the loadlock chamber110is balanced with an external pressure. The loadlock chamber110may adjust the internal pressure of the loadlock chamber110to atmospheric pressure before a door115(seeFIG. 2A) for opening/closing an opening113(seeFIG. 2A) of the loadlock chamber110is opened, thereby preventing external air from suddenly flowing into an inner space111(seeFIG. 2A) of the loadlock chamber110when the door115is opened.

Also, when the substrate is transferred between the transfer module20and the substrate container60received in the loadlock chamber110, the loadlock module10may adjust the internal pressure of the loadlock chamber110to a vacuum.

An entrance gate81for opening/closing a passage through which a transfer arm221that holds the substrate may pass may be provided between the loadlock module10and the transfer module20. The entrance gate81may connect or separate the inside of the loadlock chamber110and the inside of a transfer chamber210of the transfer module20. Before the entrance gate81is opened, the loadlock module10may adjust the internal pressure of the loadlock chamber110to a vacuum. In this case, the internal pressure, i.e., the vacuum within the loadlock chamber110may be adjusted to be close to the internal pressure of the transfer chamber210of the transfer module20. Since the internal pressure of the loadlock chamber110is adjusted to be close to an internal pressure of the transfer chamber210, a pressure state of the transfer chamber210may be prevented from being changed when the entrance gate81is opened.

The transfer module20may transfer the substrate between the buffer module40, the process module30, and the substrate container60received in the loadlock module10. The transfer module20may be a vacuum transfer module for transferring the substrate in a vacuum.

The transfer module20may include the transfer chamber210having a vacuum within, and the substrate transfer robot220provided in the transfer chamber210, wherein the transfer module20is configured to transfer the substrate. The substrate transfer robot220may include the transfer arm221for holding the substrate. For example, when the entrance gate81provided between the transfer module20and the loadlock module10is opened, the transfer arm221of the substrate transfer robot220may enter the substrate container60and may take the substrate out from the substrate container60or may carry the substrate into the substrate container60.

The process module30may perform a semiconductor manufacturing process on the substrate. An entrance gate83for opening/closing a passage through which the transfer arm221that holds the substrate may pass may be provided between the process module30and the transfer module20. The process module30may include a plurality of process chambers310arranged on a side wall of the transfer module20. The process module30may be, but is not limited to, dry etch equipment, chemical vapour deposition (CVD) equipment, a thermal furnace, developing equipment, or cleaning equipment.

The buffer module40may temporarily receive the substrate on which the semiconductor manufacturing process performed by the process module30is completed and may purify the substrate. The buffer module40may include a buffer chamber410, and a buffer stage420on which the substrate on which the semiconductor manufacturing process is completed is placed. An entrance gate85for opening/closing a passage through which the transfer arm221that holds the substrate may pass may be provided between the process module30and the buffer module40. However, in some embodiments, the entrance gate85may be omitted.

Also, the buffer module40may include an exhaust device for discharging a gas in an inner space of the buffer chamber410to form a vacuum in the buffer chamber410. A vacuum may be formed in the buffer chamber410due to the exhaust device. The buffer module40may remove a gas emitted through outgassing from the substrate on which the semiconductor manufacturing process is completed by forming a vacuum in the buffer chamber410. Furthermore, since the vacuum is formed in the buffer chamber410, the substrate may be prevented from being contaminated with a contaminant generated when a gas remaining on the substrate is mixed with moisture or a foreign material is adsorbed on the substrate.

In embodiments, the buffer stage420may include a storage in which a plurality of substrates may be simultaneously loaded.

In embodiments, the buffer module40may be configured to inject a purge gas to the substrate placed on the buffer stage420.

In embodiments, the buffer module40may adjust an internal pressure of the buffer chamber410so that the internal pressure of the buffer chamber410is lower than the internal pressure of the transfer chamber210. Since the internal pressure of the buffer chamber410is lower than the internal pressure of the transfer chamber210, airflow from the transfer chamber210toward the buffer chamber410may be formed. Since the airflow from the transfer chamber210toward the buffer chamber410is formed, a contaminant such as a gas generated through outgassing from the substrate received in the buffer chamber410may be discharged to the outside, without flowing to the transfer chamber210.

Also, the semiconductor manufacturing apparatus1may include a controller50(seeFIG. 3) for controlling operations of the loadlock module10, the transfer module20, the process module30, and the buffer module40. Examples of the controller50may include a general personal computer (PC), a workstation, and a supercomputer.

In the semiconductor manufacturing apparatus1of the inventive concept, since the substrate container60may be directly loaded in the loadlock module10, the footprint of the semiconductor manufacturing apparatus1may be greatly reduced and productivity may be improved.

FIGS. 2A and 2Bare cross-sectional views of the semiconductor manufacturing apparatus1according to embodiments.FIG. 2Aillustrates a state where the opening113of the loadlock chamber110is closed by the door115.FIG. 2Billustrates a state where the opening113of the loadlock chamber110is opened.

Referring toFIGS. 2A and 2B, the loadlock chamber110may include the door115configured to open/close the opening113through which the substrate container60is transferred. The door115may open the opening113of the loadlock chamber110so that the substrate container60may pass through the opening113when the substrate container60is loaded or unloaded. Also, the door115may close the opening113of the loadlock chamber110to isolate the inner space111of the loadlock chamber110from the outside.

As shown inFIG. 2B, the substrate container60may be loaded on or unloaded from the loadlock chamber110by a transfer mechanism70such as an overhead hoist transport system. That is, the transfer mechanism70may hold the substrate container60, and may carry the substrate container60into the loadlock chamber110or may take the substrate container60out from the loadlock chamber110.

In detail, in order to load the substrate container60, the door115may open the opening113of the loadlock chamber110, and the transfer mechanism70may lower the substrate container60and may release the substrate container60so that the substrate container60is placed on a stage120in the loadlock chamber110. Also, in order to unload the substrate container60, the door115may open the opening113of the loadlock chamber110, and the transfer mechanism70may hold the substrate container60placed on the stage120in the loadlock chamber110and may raise the substrate container60so that the substrate container60is taken out from the loadlock chamber110.

FIG. 3is a cross-sectional view of the loadlock module10according to embodiments.

Referring toFIG. 3, the loadlock module10may include the loadlock chamber110, the stage120, a substrate aligner150, a cover holder160, a first purge gas supply unit131, a first exhaust unit133, a second purge gas supply unit141, and a second exhaust unit143.

The loadlock chamber110may have the inner space111in which the substrate container60for accommodating a plurality of substrates may be received. In embodiments, a protective layer for preventing a foreign material such as particles from being attached to an inner surface of the loadlock chamber110may be provided on the inner surface of the loadlock chamber110. Also, the loadlock chamber110may include a heating unit configured to heat a chamber wall to remove a foreign material attached to the chamber wall from the chamber wall.

The stage120may be provided in the loadlock chamber110and may support the substrate container60received in the loadlock chamber110. The stage120may be configured to fix the substrate container60and move the substrate container60in the loadlock chamber110.

The stage120may be connected to a stage driver121and may be moved by the stage driver121to move the substrate container60in the loadlock chamber110. The stage120may be configured to be horizontally moved (e.g., in an X direction or a Y direction), be vertically moved (e.g., in a Z direction), and/or be rotated (e.g., about the Z-axis) in the loadlock chamber110by the stage driver121.

The substrate aligner150may be provided in the loadlock chamber110and may align a substrate. The substrate aligner150may align the substrate so that the substrate is located in a preset direction, before the substrate is transferred to a process module. That is, the substrate aligner150may detect a crystal orientation of the substrate, and may align the substrate so that the detected crystal orientation is the preset direction. Also, the substrate aligner150may inspect a defect of the substrate.

In general, assuming that an aligner for aligning the substrate is provided in the transfer module20, when the aligner is damaged or abnormally operates, the transfer module20that is a common portion of equipment has to be stopped for the maintenance of the aligner, and thus, the entire equipment has to be stopped. However, in embodiments, since the substrate aligner150is provided in the loadlock chamber110, the maintenance of the substrate aligner150may be performed by stopping only the loadlock chamber110in which the substrate aligner150to be repaired is provided, without having to stop the entire equipment.

In embodiments, the substrate aligner150may be provided between the stage120that supports the substrate container60and a side surface of the loadlock chamber110that contacts the transfer module20. For example, the substrate aligner150may be located between the entrance gate81and the stage120. When the aligner for aligning the substrate is provided in an additional chamber provided at a side of the transfer module20, a transfer path of the substrate from the loadlock module10to the process module30may be increased. However, in embodiments, since the substrate aligner150is located between the entrance gate81and the stage120, a transfer path of the substrate from the loadlock module10to the process module30may be further reduced.

The cover holder160may separate the cover620of the substrate container60from the main body610of the substrate container60or may mount the cover620of the substrate container60on the main body610. Also, the cover holder160may support the cover620separated from the main body610of the substrate container60. In embodiments, the cover holder160may mechanically fix the cover620of the substrate container60.

For example, a process by which the cover holder160separates the cover620from the main body610of the substrate container60will now be described.

First, when the cover620of the substrate container60is closely attached to the cover holder160by moving the stage120, the cover holder160drives a cover locking device of the substrate container60so that the cover620is in an unlock state where the cover620is separable from the main body610by using a latch key161(seeFIG. 4). The cover holder160may fix the cover620that is unlocked. Since the cover620that is unlocked is fixed to the cover holder160, the cover620may be separated from the main body610of the substrate container60as the main body610of the substrate container60is moved away from the cover holder160by the stage120.

Also, for example, a process by which the cover holder160mounts the cover620on the main body610will now be described.

First, the stage120moves the main body610so that the main body610of the substrate container60contacts the cover620fixed to the cover holder160. When the main body610contacts the cover620fixed to the cover holder160, the cover holder160releases the cover620so that the cover620is separable from the cover holder160. When the cover620is separable from the cover holder160, the cover holder160may drive the cover locking device of the substrate container60so that the cover620is in a lock state where the cover620is mounted on the main body610by using the latch key161.

The first purge gas supply unit131may supply a purge gas into the loadlock chamber110. The first purge gas supply unit131may adjust an internal pressure of the loadlock chamber110by supplying the purge gas into the loadlock chamber110. For example, the first purge gas supply unit131may adjust the internal pressure of the loadlock chamber110so that the internal pressure of the loadlock chamber110is balanced with a pressure (e.g., an atmospheric pressure) outside the loadlock chamber110.

For example, the first purge gas supply unit131may supply a nitrogen gas, an inert gas, and/or clean dry air into the loadlock chamber110.

The first purge gas supply unit131may include a first purge gas supply source1311and a first gas supply line1313. The first gas supply line1313may extend between the first purge gas supply source1311and the loadlock chamber110and may supply the purge gas of the first purge gas supply source1311to the loadlock chamber110. A diffuser1315connected to one end of the first gas supply line1313may be provided in the loadlock chamber110and may diffuse the purge gas into the loadlock chamber110.

The first exhaust unit133may discharge a gas in the loadlock chamber110. The first exhaust unit133may adjust the internal pressure of the loadlock chamber110by discharging the gas in the loadlock chamber110. For example, the first exhaust unit133may evacuate the loadlock chamber110of gas so that the internal pressure of the loadlock chamber110becomes a vacuum. The first exhaust unit133may adjust the internal pressure of the loadlock chamber110so that the internal pressure of the loadlock chamber110is balanced with an internal pressure of the transfer chamber210.

For example, the first exhaust unit133may reduce the internal pressure of the loadlock chamber110to 10 Torr or less, 10−1Torr or less, or 10−3Torr or less.

The first exhaust unit133may discharge particles in the loadlock chamber110to the outside by discharging the gas in the loadlock chamber110. For example, the first exhaust unit133may discharge the gas in the loadlock chamber110through an exhaust port117formed at the bottom of the loadlock chamber110. In this case, the purge gas diffused by the diffuser1315may downwardly flow toward the exhaust port117, and a foreign material such as the particles in the loadlock chamber110may move along with the purge gas and may be discharged to the outside through the exhaust port117.

For example, the first exhaust unit133may include a first vacuum pump1331and a first exhaust line1333. The first exhaust line1333may extend between the first vacuum pump1331and the exhaust port117of the loadlock chamber110.

The second purge gas supply unit141may supply a purge gas into the substrate container60placed on the stage120. The second purge gas supply unit141may adjust an internal pressure of the substrate container60by supplying the purge gas into the substrate container60. For example, when the internal pressure of the loadlock chamber110is switched from a vacuum to atmospheric pressure, the second purge gas supply unit141may adjust the internal pressure of the substrate container60so that the internal pressure of the substrate container60is balanced with the internal pressure of the loadlock chamber110.

For example, the second purge gas supply unit141may supply a nitrogen gas, an inert gas, and/or clean dry air into the substrate container60.

For example, the second purge gas supply unit141may include a second purge gas supply source1411and a second gas supply line1413. The second gas supply line1413may extend between the second purge gas supply source1411and the substrate container60and may be connected to a gas inlet hole of the substrate container60. In embodiments, the second gas supply line1413may be placed on the stage120to pass through the stage120and communicate with the gas inlet hole of the substrate container60placed on the stage120.

The second exhaust unit143may discharge a gas in the substrate container60. The second exhaust unit143may adjust the internal pressure of the substrate container60by discharging the gas in the substrate container60. For example, the second exhaust unit143may evacuate the substrate container60of gas so that the internal pressure of the substrate container60becomes a vacuum. For example, the second exhaust unit143may adjust the internal pressure of the substrate container60so that the internal pressure of the substrate container60is balanced with the internal pressure of the loadlock chamber110.

For example, the second exhaust unit143may reduce the internal pressure of the substrate container60to 10 Torr or less, 10−1Torr or less, or 10−3Torr or less.

Also, the second exhaust unit143may discharge particles in the substrate container60to the outside by discharging the gas in the substrate container60. For example, a gas emitted through outgassing from the substrate on which a semiconductor manufacturing process is completed may be discharged to the outside by the second exhaust unit143.

For example, the second exhaust unit143may include a second vacuum pump1431and a second exhaust line1433. The second exhaust line1433may extend between the second vacuum pump1431and the substrate container60and may be connected to a gas outlet hole of the substrate container60. In embodiments, the second exhaust line1433may be mounted in the stage120to pass through the stage120and communicate with the gas outlet hole of the substrate container60placed on the stage120.

In embodiments, the adjusting of the internal pressure of the substrate container60by the second purge gas supply unit141and the adjusting of the internal pressure of the substrate container60by the second exhaust unit143may be performed in a state where the cover620of the substrate container60is mounted on the main body610. That is, the internal pressure of the substrate container60may be adjusted in a state where an inner space of the substrate container60is separated from the inner space111of the loadlock chamber110.

Since the internal pressure of the substrate container60is adjusted in a state where the inner space of the substrate container60is separated from the inner space111of the loadlock chamber110, the internal pressure of the substrate container60may be independently adjusted by the second purge gas supply unit141and the second exhaust unit143. That is, the first purge gas supply unit131and the first exhaust unit133may adjust the internal pressure of the loadlock chamber110, and the second purge gas supply unit141and the second exhaust unit143may adjust the internal pressure of the substrate container60.

The controller50may detect the internal pressure of the loadlock chamber110and the internal pressure of the substrate container60. The controller50may control the first purge gas supply unit131and/or the first exhaust unit133to adjust the internal pressure of the loadlock chamber110and may control the second purge gas supply unit141and/or the second exhaust unit143to adjust the internal pressure of the substrate container60.

In embodiments, while the internal pressure of the loadlock chamber110is switched from a vacuum to atmospheric pressure, the controller50may control the second purge gas supply unit141so that the internal pressure of the substrate container60is balanced with the internal pressure of the loadlock chamber110. Also, while the internal pressure of the loadlock chamber110is shifted from atmospheric pressure to a vacuum, the controller50may control the second exhaust unit143so that the internal pressure of the substrate container60is balanced with the internal pressure of the loadlock chamber110.

Since the internal pressure of the substrate container60is changed to be balanced with the internal pressure of the loadlock chamber110, a pressure difference between the internal pressure of the substrate container60and the internal pressure of the loadlock chamber110may be very small. Accordingly, the substrate container60may be prevented from being deformed due to a pressure difference between the internal pressure of the substrate container60and the internal pressure of the loadlock chamber110.

FIGS. 4 through 7are views for describing the cover holder160according to embodiments.FIG. 4is a view illustrating a state where the cover620of the substrate container60is separable from the cover holder160.FIG. 5is an enlarged view illustrating a part ofFIG. 4.FIG. 6is a view illustrating a state where the cover620of the substrate container60is fixed to the cover holder160.FIG. 7is an enlarged view illustrating a part ofFIG. 6.

Referring toFIGS. 4 through 7, the cover holder160may include the latch key161for driving a cover locking device of the substrate container60and a supporter163for supporting the substrate container60.

The latch key161may be inserted into a key hole623formed in the cover620of the substrate container60. Since the latch key161rotates in a state where the latch key161is inserted into the key hole623, the cover620may drive the cover locking device of the substrate container60between a lock state where the cover620is mounted on the main body610and an unlock state where the cover620is separable from the main body610.

The supporter163may include a post1631that is inserted into a groove621formed in the cover620of the substrate container60and a fixed pad1633mounted on the post1631. The fixed pad1633may be configured to expand or contract. For example, the fixed pad1633may have a space in which air may be injected, and a volume of the fixed pad1633may be increased by injecting air and may be reduced by discharging air.

As shown inFIGS. 4 and 5, the cover holder160may cause the fixed pad1633to contract so that the cover620of the substrate container60is separable from the cover holder160. As the fixed pad1633contracts, the fixed pad1633may be separated from the groove621of the cover620, and the cover620mounted on the main body610of the substrate container60may freely move without being fixed to the supporter163.

As shown inFIGS. 6 and 7, the cover holder160may cause the fixed pad1633to expand so that the cover620of the substrate container60is fixed to the cover holder160. As the fixed pad1633expands, the fixed pad1633may be closely fixed to the groove621of the cover620, and the cover620of the substrate container60may be fixed to the supporter163. As the stage120moves the main body610of the substrate container60away from the cover holder160, the cover620of the substrate container60may be separated from the main body610and the cover620may be fixed to the cover holder160.

FIG. 8is a view for describing the substrate aligner150according to embodiments.

Referring toFIG. 8, the substrate aligner150may include a substrate chuck151for fixing a substrate S and a chuck driver153for rotating the substrate chuck151.

The substrate chuck151may mechanically fix the substrate S. In embodiments, the substrate chuck151may include a base1511on which the substrate S is placed and a substrate clamp1513for supporting the substrate S placed on the base1511.

For example, a process by which the substrate aligner150aligns the substrate S will now be described. First, the substrate transfer robot220of the transfer module20transfers the substrate S of the substrate container60to the base1511. When the substrate S is placed on the base1511by the substrate transfer robot220, the substrate clamp1513may contact and support the substrate S. When the substrate S is fixed by the substrate clamp1513, the substrate aligner150may detect a crystal orientation of the substrate S, and may rotate the substrate chuck151so that the detected crystal orientation is a preset direction. When the aligning of the substrate S is completed, the substrate clamp1513may release the substrate S, and the substrate transfer robot220may transfer the aligned substrate S to the process module30.

In embodiments, the substrate S may be aligned by the substrate aligner150in the loadlock chamber110containing a vacuum therein. In this case, it may be difficult to fix the substrate S by using a vacuum absorption method in a vacuum. However, in embodiments, since the substrate aligner150may mechanically fix the substrate S, the substrate aligner150may stably fix the substrate S even in a vacuum.

FIGS. 9 and 10are views for describing the stage120according to embodiments.

Referring toFIGS. 9 and 10, the stage120may include a plate122on which the substrate container60is placed and a locking lever123mounted on the plate122. The locking lever123for fixing the substrate container60may be configured to switch between a fixing position at which the substrate container60is fixed and a releasing position at which the substrate container60is released. For example, the locking lever123may be configured to fix the substrate container60by being engaged by a protrusion613of the substrate container60.

In embodiments, the plate122may include an upper plate1223on which the substrate container60is placed and a lower plate1221located under the upper plate1223, and the locking lever123may include a first link1231pivotably mounted on the lower plate1221and a second link1233pivotably mounted on the upper plate1223. The second link1233may be connected to the first link1231and may be configured to pivot when the first link1231pivots.

A distance between the upper plate1223and the lower plate1221may be adjustable. For example, the upper plate1223may be configured to be raised and/or lowered relative to the lower plate1221, or the lower plate1221may be configured to be raised and/or lowered relative to the upper plate1223. Alternatively, the raising and/or lowering of the upper plate1223and the raising and/or lowering of the lower plate1221may be performed together. In this case, as shown inFIGS. 9 and 10, as the distance between the upper plate1223and the lower plate1221is adjusted, the locking lever123may be configured to switch between the fixing position and the releasing position.

A process of fixing the substrate container60to the stage120will now be described with reference toFIGS. 9 and 10. First, as the distance between the lower plate1221and the upper plate1223decreases, the first link1231may pivot in a first pivoting direction (e.g., counterclockwise). When the first link1231pivots, the second link1233may pivot in a second pivoting direction (e.g., clockwise) that is opposite to the first pivoting direction about a pivoting shaft1235coupled to the upper plate1223. The second link1233may pivot to the fixing position for fixing the substrate container60, and an upper portion of the second link1233may be engaged with a protrusion613to fix the substrate container60. The upper portion of the second link1233that is engaged with the protrusion613of the substrate container60may have a shape suitable to be engaged with the protrusion613. For example, the upper portion of the second link1233may include a hook structure1237to be engaged with the protrusion613.

Also, a process of releasing the substrate container600will now be described. First, as the distance between the lower plate1221and the upper plate1223increases, the first link1231may pivot in the second pivoting direction. When the first link1231pivots, the second link1233may pivot in the first pivoting direction about the pivoting shaft1235coupled to the upper plate1223. The second link1233may pivot from the fixing position to the releasing position, and the upper portion of the second link1233may be separated from the protrusion613to release the substrate container60.

FIG. 11is a flowchart of a method of processing a substrate by using the semiconductor manufacturing apparatus1according to embodiments.FIGS. 12A through 12Eare views sequentially illustrating the method of processing the substrate by using the semiconductor manufacturing apparatus1according to embodiments. The method of processing the substrate by using the semiconductor manufacturing apparatus1will now be described with reference toFIGS. 11 and 12A through 12E.

Referring toFIG. 11, in operation S110, the substrate container60in which a plurality of substrates are received is loaded on the loadlock module10.

As shown inFIG. 2B, the door115may open the opening113of the loadlock chamber110, and the substrate container60may be placed on the stage120in the loadlock chamber110by the transfer mechanism70such as an overhead hoist transport system. The substrate container60may be aligned with a preset position on the stage120and may be fixed to the stage120. When the substrate container60is loaded on the loadlock module10, the door115may close the opening113to separate the inner space111of the loadlock chamber110from the outside of the loadlock chamber110.

Referring toFIGS. 11 and 12A, in operation S120, a gas in the substrate container60and a gas in the loadlock chamber110are discharged so that each of an internal pressure of the substrate container60and an internal pressure of the loadlock chamber110becomes a vacuum.

In detail, the first exhaust unit133discharges the gas in the loadlock chamber110so that the internal pressure of the loadlock chamber110is switched from atmospheric pressure to a vacuum, and the second exhaust unit143discharges the gas in the substrate container60so that the internal pressure of the substrate container60is switched from atmospheric pressure to a vacuum. In this case, the controller50may detect the internal pressure of the loadlock chamber110and the internal pressure of the substrate container60so that the internal pressure of the loadlock chamber110and the internal pressure of the substrate container60are balanced with each other, and may adjust an exhaust speed and/or an exhaust amount by the first exhaust unit133and may control an exhaust amount and/or an exhaust speed by the second exhaust unit143based on detected information.

Referring toFIGS. 11, 12B, and 12C, in operation S130, the cover620of the substrate container60is separated from the main body610when the internal pressure of the loadlock chamber110and the internal pressure of the substrate container60are balanced with a preset pressure of the vacuum.

In detail, as shown inFIG. 12B, the stage120may move the substrate container60so that the cover620of the substrate container60contacts the cover holder160. In this case, the stage120may rotate so that the cover620of the substrate container60faces an inner surface of the loadlock chamber110in which the cover holder160is provided and may vertically and horizontally move so that the cover620contacts the cover holder160. As shown inFIG. 7, when the cover620of the substrate container60contacts the cover holder160due to the movement of the stage120, the latch key161may drive a cover locking device of the substrate container60so that the cover620is in an unlock state, and the fixed pad1633may expand to be fixed to the groove621of the cover620. As shown inFIG. 12C, when the main body610is moved away from the cover holder160by the stage120, the cover620may be separated from the main body610and may be fixed to the cover holder160, and an opening611of the substrate container60may be opened.

Referring toFIGS. 11 and 12D, in operation S140, the cover620of the substrate container60is separated from the main body610, and then a semiconductor manufacturing process is performed on a substrate.

In detail, the transfer module20may perform a first transfer operation T1of transporting the substrate from the substrate container60placed on the stage120to the substrate aligner150, and the substrate aligner150may align the substrate in a preset direction.

When the aligning of the substrate is completed, the transfer module20performs a second transfer operation T2of transferring the substrate from the substrate aligner150to the process module30. The process module30may perform the semiconductor manufacturing process, e.g., an etching process, a deposition process, or a cleaning process, on the substrate.

When the semiconductor manufacturing process performed by the process module30is completed, the transfer module20performs a third transfer operation T3of transferring the substrate from the process module30to the buffer module40. The buffer module40may remove a gas emitted through outgassing from the substrate by forming a vacuum in the buffer chamber410.

Next, the process module30may perform a fourth transfer operation T4of transferring the substrate from the buffer module40to the substrate container60in the loadlock chamber110.

In operation S150, when the semiconductor manufacturing process is completed on substrates and all of the substrates are accommodated in the substrate container60, the cover620of the substrate container60is mounted on the main body610to close an opening of the substrate container60.

In detail, the stage120may move the substrate container60so that the main body610of the substrate container60contacts the cover620supported on the cover holder160. As shown inFIG. 5, the latch key161may drive the cover locking device of the substrate container60so that the cover620is in a lock state where the cover620is mounted on the main body610, and the fixed pad1633may contract so that the cover620is separable from the cover holder160. Next, as the stage120is moved away from the cover holder160, the cover620mounted on the main body610may be moved along with the stage120and may be separated from the cover holder160.

Referring toFIGS. 11 and 12E, in operation S160, after the cover620of the substrate container60is mounted on the main body610, a purge gas is filled in the substrate container60and the loadlock chamber110.

In detail, the first purge gas supply unit131supplies a purge gas into the loadlock chamber110so that the internal pressure of the loadlock chamber110is switched from a vacuum to atmospheric pressure, and the second purge gas supply unit141supplies a purge gas into the substrate container60so that the internal pressure of the substrate container60is switched from a vacuum to the atmospheric pressure. In this case, the controller50may detect the internal pressure of the loadlock chamber110and the internal pressure of the substrate container60so that the internal pressure of the loadlock chamber110and the internal pressure of the substrate container60are balanced with each other, and may adjust a supply amount and/or a supply speed by the first purge gas supply unit131and may control a supply amount and/or a supply speed by the second purge gas supply unit141based on detected information.

In operation S170, when each of the internal pressure of the substrate container60and the internal pressure of the loadlock chamber110is switched to the atmospheric pressure, the substrate container60is unloaded from the loadlock module10. As shown inFIG. 2B, the door115may open the opening113of the loadlock chamber110, and the transfer mechanism70may hold the substrate container60on the stage120and may take the substrate container60out from the loadlock chamber110.

While the inventive concept has been particularly shown and described with reference to embodiments thereof by using specific terms, the embodiments and terms have merely been used to explain the inventive concept and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the inventive concept as defined by the claims. It will be understood by one of ordinary skill in the art that various modifications and equivalent other embodiments may be made from the inventive concept. Accordingly, the true technical scope of the inventive concept is defined by the technical spirit of the appended claims.