APPARATUS FOR TREATING SUBSTRATE AND METHOD FOR TREATING A SUBSTRATE

Provided is an apparatus for treating a substrate. The apparatus for treating a substrate may include: a liquid treating chamber configured to liquid-treat a substrate; and a controller configured to control the liquid treating chamber, and the liquid treating chamber may include a treating container having a treating space therein; a support unit configured to support and rotate the substrate in the treating space; a liquid supply unit configured to supply a liquid onto the substrate; and an elevation unit configured to adjust a relative height between the treating container and the support unit, and the controller may control the elevation unit so as to adjust the relative height between the treating container and the support unit according to a warpage state of the substrate supported on the support unit when conducting substrate treating by supplying the liquid onto the substrate while rotating the substrate.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to and the benefit of the Korean Patent Application No. 10-2021-0089960 filed in the Korean Intellectual Property Office on Jul. 8, 2021, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an apparatus for treating a substrate, and more particularly, an apparatus and a method for treating a substrate by liquid-treating a rotating substrate.

BACKGROUND ART

In order to manufacture a semiconductor device, various processes such as cleaning, deposition, photolithography, etching, and ion implantation are performed. Among the processes, the lithography process includes a coating process of forming a film by coating a photosensitive liquid such as a photoresist onto a surface of a substrate, an exposure process of transferring a circuit pattern onto a film formed on the substrate, and a developing process of selectively removing the film formed on the substrate in an exposure-treated region or an opposite region thereto.

In recent years, in a semiconductor substrate, multilayering in which circuit layers are laminated has been achieved, fine patterning in which a circuit pattern is refined has been achieved, and the substrate has become larger. In a recent trend of the multilayering, the fine patterning, and enlargement of the substrate, a warpage phenomenon is caused on the substrate. As an example, in the etching process, due to mutual attractions of impurities caused while etching pattern target films having different etching rates or laminated materials, a difference of a line width (critical dimension (CD)) of the pattern is caused and patterns are inclined to each other, which causes the warpage phenomenon on the substrate. As another example, the semiconductor substrate is multilayered, and as a result, a pressure difference occurs between respective layers, which causes a phenomenon in which any one side of the substrate is warped. Besides, warpage occurs on the substrate by an influence of various pretreating processes such as film forming on the substrate. The warpage phenomenon of the substrate increases a process defective rate when performing a subsequent unit process.

FIG.1is a cross-sectional view illustrating a general substrate treating apparatus. Referring toFIG.1, a substrate treating apparatus8000includes a treating container8200having a treating space, a support unit8300supporting and rotating a substrate W, and a liquid supply unit8400supplying a liquid to the substrate W. When a liquid treating process is performed while the substrate W is warped, if a liquid is discharged to the rotating substrate W, the liquid may be scattered to an inclined portion P of the treating container8200. The liquid may be deposited on the inclined portion P of the treating container8200which is a space formed by the treating container8200recovering a treating medium and the support unit8300.

After the liquid treating on the substrate is performed, cleaning treating of the treating container8200may be performed. In this case, the liquid is deposited on the inclined portion P which is an unintentional region of the treating container8200, and as a result there is a problem in that cleaning efficiency for the treating container8200is lowered.

Since the liquid at the inclined portion P of the treating container8200is not removed, an air flow speed may increase in the space formed between the treating container8200and the support unit8300. Various liquids including a coating liquid supplied to the support unit8300may be lost due to the increased air flow speed. Further, the liquid supplied from the liquid supply unit8400is scattered in a treating space to contaminate a subsequent substrate W subjected to a subsequent liquid treating process.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention has been made in an effort to provide an apparatus for treating a substrate and a method for treating a substrate which may increase efficiency of a liquid treating process.

The present invention has also been made in an effort to provide an apparatus for treating a substrate and a method for treating a substrate which may prevent a liquid from being deposited on an unintentional region of a treating container when performing the liquid treating process while rotating a substrate.

The present invention has also been made in an effort to provide an apparatus for treating a substrate and a method for treating a substrate which may effectively perform cleaning of the treating container after conducting the liquid treating process.

The present invention has also been made in an effort to provide an apparatus for treating a substrate and a method for treating a substrate which may prevent reverse contamination for a trailing substrate after conducting the liquid treating process for the a preceding substrate.

The problem to be solved by the present invention is not limited to the above-mentioned problems, and the problems not mentioned will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the present specification and the accompanying drawings.

An exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides an apparatus for treating a substrate. The apparatus for treating a substrate may include: a liquid treating chamber configured to liquid-treat a substrate; and a controller configured to control the liquid treating chamber, and the liquid treating chamber may include a treating container having a treating space therein; a support unit configured to support and rotate the substrate in the treating space; a liquid supply unit configured to supply a liquid onto the substrate; and an elevation unit configured to adjust a relative height between the treating container and the support unit, and the controller may control the elevation unit so as to adjust the relative height between the treating container and the support unit according to a warpage state of the substrate supported on the support unit when conducting substrate treating by supplying the liquid onto the substrate while rotating the substrate.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the controller may control the elevation unit so that a top surface of the support unit is arranged below an upper end of the treating container by a reference height when the substrate is in a flat state for a ground surface and the top surface of the support unit is arranged below the reference height at the upper end of the treating container when the substrate is in a convex state in a lower direction for the ground surface.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the apparatus may further include a heat treating chamber configured to heat-treat the substrate, and the warpage state of the substrate may be measured in the heat treating chamber.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the heat treating chamber may include a heating plate on which the substrate is placed; a sensor configured to measure each region-specific temperature parameter of the substrate placed on the heating plate; and a detector configured to determine the warpage state of the substrate based on the temperature parameter value measured by the sensor.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the heat treating chamber may include a first heater configured to heat a central region of the heating plate; a second heater configured to heat an edge region of the heating plate; a first power supply line configured to apply power to the first heater; and a second power supply line configured to apply the power to the second heater, and the sensor may include a first sensor configured to measure the power supplied to the first power supply line; and a second sensor configured to measure the power supplied to the second power supply line.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the detector may determine that the substrate is in the warpage state when the power value of the first power supply line measured by the first sensor is measured to be higher than the power value of the second power supply line measured by the second sensor.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the sensor may measure the power immediately after the substrate is seated on the heating plate.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the liquid may be a photoresist.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the liquid treating chamber may further include a cleaning nozzle configured to discharge a cleaning solution for cleaning the treating container, and the controller may control the elevation unit so that a location where the cleaning solution supplied to the substrate reaches the treating container by a centrifugal force when the substrate is in a flat state and a location where the cleaning solution supplied to the substrate reaches the treating container by the centrifugal force when the substrate is in a convex state in the lower direction for the ground surface are the same as each other.

Further, another exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides an apparatus for treating a substrate. The apparatus for treating a substrate may include: an index module having a load port in which a container storing a substrate is placed; and a treating module to perform a process of treating the substrate, and the treating module may include a buffer chamber configured to temporarily keep the substrate; a transfer chamber configured to transfer the substrate between the buffer chamber and the treating module; a heat treating chamber configured to heat or cool the substrate; a liquid treating chamber configured to supply a coating liquid or a developing liquid to the substrate; and a controller configured to control the liquid treating chamber, the liquid treating chamber may include a treating container having a treating space therein; a support unit configured to support and rotate the substrate in the treating space; a liquid supply unit configured to supply a liquid onto the substrate; and an elevation unit configured to adjust a relative height between the treating container and the support unit, and the controller may control the elevation unit so as to adjust the relative height between the treating container and the support unit according to a warpage state of the substrate supported on the support unit when conducting substrate treating by supplying the liquid onto the substrate while rotating the substrate.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the controller may control the elevation unit so that a top surface of the support unit is arranged below an upper end of the treating container by a reference height when the substrate is in a flat state for a ground surface and the top surface of the support unit is arranged below the reference height at the upper end of the treating container when the substrate is in a convex state in a lower direction for the ground surface.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the heat treating chamber may include a heating plate on which the substrate is placed; a first heater configured to heat a central region of the heating plate; a second heater configured to heat an edge region of the heating plate; a first power supply line configured to apply power to the first heater; and a second power supply line configured to apply the power to the second heater; a sensor configured to measure each region-specific temperature parameter of the substrate placed on the heating plate; and a detector configured to determine the warpage state of the substrate based on the temperature parameter value measured by the sensor, the sensor may include a first sensor configured to measure the power supplied to the first power supply line; and a second sensor configured to measure the power supplied to the second power supply line, and the detector may determine that the substrate is in the warpage state when the power value of the first power supply line measured by the first sensor is measured to be higher than the power value of the second power supply line measured by the second sensor.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the liquid treating chamber may further include a cleaning nozzle configured to discharge a cleaning solution for cleaning the treating container, and the controller may control the elevation unit so that a location where the cleaning solution supplied to the substrate reaches the treating container by a centrifugal force when the substrate is in a flat state and a location where the cleaning solution supplied to the substrate reaches the treating container by the centrifugal force when the substrate is in a convex state in the lower direction for the ground surface are the same as each other.

Further, yet another exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a method for treating a substrate. The method for treating a substrate may include: arranging, by a liquid treating chamber, a substrate in a support unit positioned in a treating container and liquid-treating the substrate by supplying a liquid to a rotating substrate; and adjusting a relative height between the treating container and the support unit according to a warpage state of the substrate.

According to an exemplary embodiment, when a distance between an upper end of the treating container and a top surface of the support unit while the substrate is in a flat state for a ground surface is set to a reference distance, a relative height between the upper end of the treating container and the top surface of the support unit may be adjusted as a distance larger than the reference distance when the substrate is in a curved state in a lower direction for the ground surface.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the heat treating chamber may heat the substrate before liquid-treating the substrate, and the warpage state of the substrate may be determined when heating the substrate.

According to an exemplary embodiment, each of first power supplied to a first heater heating a central region of the substrate and second power supplied to a second heater heating n edge region of the substrate in a heating plate of the heat treating chamber may be measured by a sensor, and when the first power value is measured to be higher than the second power value, it may be determined that the substrate is in the warpage state.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the warpage state of the substrate may be measured immediately after the substrate is placed on the heating plate.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the liquid treating chamber may clean the treating container, and a cleaning solution may be supplied to the same point of the treating container regardless of the warpage state of the substrate.

According to an exemplary embodiment, the liquid may be a photoresist.

According to the exemplary embodiment, efficiency of a liquid treating process can be enhanced.

Further, according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, when the liquid treating process is performed while rotating a substrate, a liquid can be prevented from being deposited on an unintentional region of a treating container according to a warpage state of the substrate.

Further, according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, cleaning the treating container can be effectively performed after conducting the liquid treating process.

Further, according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, reverse contamination for a trailing substrate can be prevented after conducting the liquid treating process for a preceding substrate.

The effect of the present invention is not limited to the foregoing effects, and non-mentioned effects will be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the present specification and the accompanying drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Hereinafter, an exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The exemplary embodiment of the present invention can be modified in various forms, and it should not be construed that the scope of the present invention is limited to exemplary embodiments described below. The exemplary embodiment will be provided for more completely describing the present invention to those skilled in the art. Accordingly, a shape of a component in the drawing is exaggerated in order to emphasizing more clear description.

Hereinafter, an example of the present invention will be described in detail with reference toFIGS.2to16. In the following exemplary embodiment, an apparatus for coating a photoresist onto a substrate and performing a process of developing the substrate after exposure will be described as an example as an apparatus for treating a substrate. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and is applicable to various types of apparatuses which supply a liquid to a rotating substrate and treat the substrate. For example, the substrate treating apparatus may be an apparatus which performs a process of removing foreign substances on the substrate by supplying a cleaning solution to the substrate or removing a thin film from the substrate by supplying a chemical solution to the substrate.

FIG.2is a perspective view schematically illustrating an apparatus for treating a substrate according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention andFIG.3is a front view of the apparatus for treating a substrate inFIG.2.FIG.4is a plan view of the apparatus for treating a substrate inFIG.2.

Referring toFIGS.2to4, the substrate treating apparatus1includes an index module10, a treating module20, and an interface module30. According to an exemplary embodiment, the index module10, the treating module20, and the interface module30are sequentially arranged in line. Hereinafter, a direction in which the index module10, the treating module20, and the interface module30are arranged will be defined as a first direction2, a direction vertical to the first direction when viewed from the top will be defined as a second direction4, and a direction vertical to a plane, which includes both the first direction2and the second direction4will be defined as a third direction6.

The index module10transfers the substrate W to the treating module20treating the substrate W from a container F storing the substrate W. The index module10stores the substrate W of which treating is completed in the treating module20in the container F. A longitudinal direction of the index module10is provided as the second direction4. The index module10has a load port120and an index frame140.

The container F storing the substrate W is seated on the load port120. The load port120is positioned at an opposite side to the treating module20based on the index frame140. A plurality of load ports120may be provided, and the plurality of load ports120may be arranged in line in the second direction4. The number of load ports120may increase or decrease according to process efficiency and a footprint condition of the treating module20.

Multiple slots (not illustrated) for storing the substrates W which are horizontally arranged to a ground surface are formed in the container F. A sealing container such as a front opening unified pod (FOUP) may be used as the container F. The container F may be placed on the load port120by a transportation means (not illustrated) or a worker such as overhead transfer, overhead conveyor, or an automatic guided vehicle.

An index rail142and an index robot144are provided inside the index frame140. The index rail142is provided in the second direction4which is the longitudinal direction in the index frame140. The index robot144may transfer the substrate W. The index robot144may transfer the substrate W between the index module10and a buffer chamber240to be described below. The index robot144may include an index hand1440. The substrate W may be placed on the index hand1440. The index hand1440may include an index base1442having an annular ring shape in which a part of a circumference is bent to be symmetric and an index support unit1444moving the index base1442. A configuration of the index hand1440is the same as to similar to the configuration of a transfer hand2240to be described below. The index hand1440may be provided to be movable in the second direction4on the index rail142. Therefore, the index hand1440is movable forward and backward along the index rail142. Further, the index hand1440may be provided to be rotatable with the third direction6as an axis and movable in the third direction6.

The treating module20performs the coating process and the developing process for the substrate W by receiving the substrate W stored in the container F. The treating module20has a coating block20aand a developing block20b. The coating block20aperforms a coating process for the substrate W. The developing block20bperforms a developing process for the substrate W. A plurality of coating blocks20ais provided and the coating blocks20aare provided to be laminated on each other. A plurality of developing blocks20bis provided and the developing blocks20bare provided to be laminated on each other. According to the exemplary embodiment ofFIG.1, two coating blocks20aare provided and the developing blocks20bare provided. The coating blocks20amay be arranged below the developing blocks20b. According to an example, two coating blocks20amay perform the same process and may be provided in the same structure. Further, two coating blocks20bmay perform the same process and may be provided in the same structure.

Referring toFIG.4, the coating block20aincludes a transfer chamber220, a buffer chamber230, a heat treating chamber260, and a liquid treating chamber280. The transfer chamber220provides a space for transferring the substrate W between the buffer chamber240and the heat treating chamber260, between the buffer chamber240and the liquid treating chamber280, and between the heat treating chamber260and the liquid treating chamber280. The buffer chamber240provides a space in which the substrate W loaded into the coating block20aand the substrate W unloaded from the coating block20atemporarily stay. The heat treating chamber260performs the heat treating process for the substrate W. The heat treating process may include a cooling process and a heating process. The heat treating chamber260forms a liquid film by supplying the liquid onto the substrate W. The liquid film may be a photoresist film or an anti-reflective film.

The longitudinal direction of the transfer chamber220may be provided as the first direction2. A guide rail222and a transfer robot224are provided to the transfer chamber220. The longitudinal direction of the guide rail222may be provided in the transfer chamber220in the first direction2as the longitudinal direction. The transfer robot224may be provided to be movable linearly in the first direction2on the guide rail222. The transfer robot224transfers the substrate W between the buffer chamber240and the heat treating chamber260, between the buffer chamber240and the liquid treating chamber280, and between the heat treating chamber260and the liquid treating chamber280.

According to an example, the transfer robot224has the transfer hand2240on which the substrate W is placed. The transfer hand2240may be provided to be movable forward and backward, rotatable with the third direction6as the axis and movable in the third direction6.

FIG.5is a diagram illustrating an example of a transfer hand provided to a transfer chamber inFIG.4. Referring toFIG.5, the transfer hand2240includes a base2242and a support protrusion2244. The base2242may have the annular ring shape in which a part of the circumference is bent. The base2242may have a ring shape in which a part of the circumference is bent to be symmetric. The base2242has an inner diameter larger than a diameter of the substrate W. The support protrusion2244extends inward from the base2242. A plurality of support protrusion2244is provided, and supports an edge region of the substrate W. According to an example, four support protrusion2244may be provided at an equal interval.

Referring back toFIGS.3and4, a plurality of buffer chambers240is provided. Some of the buffer chambers240are arranged between the index module10and the transfer chamber220. Hereinafter, the buffer chamber will be defined as a front buffer242. A plurality of front buffers242is provided and arranged to be laminated on each other in an up and down direction. Other some of the buffer chambers240are arranged between the transfer chamber220and the interface module30. Hereinafter, the buffer chamber will be defined as a rear buffer244. A plurality of rear buffers244is provided and arranged to be laminated on each other in the up and down direction. Each of the front buffers242and the rear buffers244temporarily keeps a plurality of substrates W. The substrate W stored in the front buffer242is loaded or unloaded by the index robot144and the transfer robot224. The substrate W stored in the rear buffer244is loaded or unloaded by the transfer robot224and a first robot3820to be described below.

The buffer robots2420and2440may be provided at one side of the buffer chamber240. The buffer robots2420and2440may include a front buffer robot2420and a rear buffer robot2440. The front buffer robot2420may be provided at one side of the front buffer242. The rear buffer robot2440may be provided at one side of the rear buffer244. The buffer robots2420and2440are not limited thereto, and may be provided at both sides of the buffer chamber240.

The front buffer robot2420may transfer the substrate W between the front buffers242. The front buffer robot2420may include a front buffer hand2422. The front buffer hand2422may move in the up and down direction in the third direction6. The front buffer hand2422may be rotated. The front buffer hand2422may transfer the substrate W. The front buffer hand2422may load or unload the substrate W on or from pins2486provided on a support plate2482to be described below. The rear buffer robot2440may transfer the substrate W between the rear buffers244. The rear buffer robot2440may include a rear buffer hand2442. The configuration of the rear buffer hand2442is the same as or similar to the configuration of the front buffer hand2422. Accordingly, a description of the rear buffer hand2422is omitted.

FIG.6is a plan view schematically illustrating an example of a heat treating chamber inFIG.4andFIG.7is a front view of the heat treating chamber inFIG.6.FIG.8is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of a heating plate inFIG.6. Referring toFIGS.6to8, a plurality of heat treating chambers260is provided. The heat treating chambers260are arranged in the first direction2. The heat treating chambers260are positioned at one side of the transfer chamber220. The heat treating chamber260includes a housing2620, a cooling unit2640, a heating unit2660, and a transfer plate2680.

The housing2620is provided in a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. The housing2620provides a space therein. An entrance (not illustrated) through which the substrate W enters and exits is formed on a side wall of the housing2620. The entrance may be maintained in an opened state. A door (not illustrated) may be provided to selectively open/close the entrance. The cooling unit2640, the heating unit2660, and the transfer plate2680are provided in the internal space of the housing2620. The cooling unit2640and the heating unit2660are provided in line in the second direction4. According to an example, the cooling unit2640may be positioned relatively closer to the transfer chamber220than the heating unit2660. Each unit2640includes a cooling plate2642. The cooling plate2642may have a substantially circular shape when viewed from the top. A cooling member2644is provided in the cooling plate2642. According to an example, the cooling member2644may be formed inside the cooling plate2642and provided as a path in which a cooling fluid flows.

The heating unit2660includes a heating plate2661, a heater2662, a power supply line2663, a sensor2664, a detector2665, a cover2666, and a driver2667.

The heating plate2661heats the substrate W. The heating plate2661may have the substantially circular shape when viewed from the top. The heating plate2661has a larger diameter than the substrate W. The substrate W is seated on heating plate2661. The heater2662is installed in the heating plate2661. The heater2662is connected to the power supply line2663to be described below. The heater2662may be provided as a heating resistor to which current is applied. The heater2662may include a first heater2662aand a second heater2662b. The first heater2662aand the second heater2662bheat different regions of the heating plate2661. The first heater2662ais positioned at a central region of the heating plate2662. The first heater2662amay heat the central region of the substrate W. The second heater2662bis positioned at the edge region of the heating plate2662. The second heater2662bmay heat the edge region of the substrate W.

The power supply line2663may include a first power supply line2663aand a second power supply line2663b. The first power supply line2663amay apply power to the first heater2662a. The power supplied to the first heater2662aemits heat by a resistor and transmits the heat to the central region of the substrate W. The second power supply line2663bmay apply the power to the second heater2662b. The power supplied to the second heater2662aemits the heat by the resistor and transmits the heat to the central region of the substrate W.

The sensor2664may measure a region-specific temperature parameter of the substrate W placed on the heating plate2661. The sensor2664may measure the temperature parameter just after the substrate W is seated on the heating plate2661. As a result, since an accurate temperature parameter may be acquired regardless of an environmental factor inside the heat treating chamber260, the reliability of the temperature parameter may be secured. The sensor2664may include a first sensor2664aand a second sensor2664b. The first sensor2664amay measure the temperature parameter at the central region of the substrate W. The second sensor2664bmay measure the temperature parameter at the edge region of the substrate W. As an example, the region-specific temperature parameter of the substrate W may be the power. Optionally, the temperature parameter may be resistance or a heating value.

The detector2665determines a warpage state of the substrate W based on temperature parameter values measured from the first sensor2664aand the second sensor2664b. The detector2665determines the warpage state of the substrate W by comparing the temperature parameter value measured by the first sensor2664aand the temperature parameter value measured by the second sensor2664b. For example, the detector2665determines that the substrate W is in a flat state when a difference between the temperature parameter values measured by the first sensor2664aand the second sensor2664bis within a set range. For example, the detector2665determines that the substrate W is in a curved state when the difference between the temperature parameter values measured by the first sensor2664aand the second sensor2664bis out of the set range. Optionally, a warpage degree of the substrate W may be divided into a plurality of warpage degrees and determined according to a degree of the difference in temperature parameter.

Hereinafter, a case where the region-specific temperature parameter of the substrate W is the power will be described as an example. The first sensor2664ais connected to a first power supply line2663a. The first sensor2664amay measure the power supplied to the first heater2662afrom the first power supply line2663a. The second sensor2664bmay measure the power supplied to the second heater2662bfrom the second power supply line2663b. The detector2665receives a power value measured from each of the first sensor264aand the second sensor2664b. The detector2665compares the power value for the central region of the substrate W measured by the first sensor2664aand the power value for the edge region of the substrate W measured by the second sensor2664b. The detector2665determines that the substrate W is in the warpage state when the power values received from the first sensor2664aand the second sensor2664bare different. As an example, a flat part of the substrate W has a large surface contact with the heating plate2661. Heat transmission between the flat part of the substrate W and the heater2662aprovided in the heating plate2661is smooth. As a result, the heater2662provided at a location corresponding to the flat part of the substrate W has a large power amount applied from the power supply line2663. Accordingly, the detector2665determines that the substrate W is in a convex state in a lower direction when the power values received from the first sensor2664ais measured to be larger than the power value received from the second sensor2664b.

In the exemplary embodiment, it is described that the sensor2664measures the region-specific temperature parameter of the substrate W placed on the heating plate2661. However, the present invention is not limited thereto and the sensor2664may be provided as a distance sensor. As an example, the sensor2664may be provided as an infrared measurement sensor. The sensor2664may be provided on a ceiling surface of the housing2620. A plurality of sensors2664may be provided to correspond to regions of the substrate W. Respective sensors2664may measure distances up to the substrate W from installation locations of the sensors2664. The detector2665may determine the warpage state of the substrate W based on distance data measured by the respective sensors2664. As an example, the detector2665may determine that the substrate W is in a state of being curved to be convex in the lower direction when a distance value detected by one sensor2664positioned at the edge region of the substrate W is smaller than a detected distance value of another sensor2664positioned at the central region of the substrate W.

Lift pins2669are provided on the heating plate2661, which are drivable in the up and down direction in the third direction6. The lift pin2669carries in the substrate W from a transportation means outside the heating unit2660and lays down the substrate W onto the heating plate2661or lifts the substrate W from the heating plate2661and takes over the substrate W to the transportation means outside the heating unit2660. According to an example, three lift pins2669may be provided. The cover2666has a space of which lower portion is opened therein. The cover2666is positioned at an upper portion of the heating plate2661and moved in the up and down direction by the driver2667. A space formed by the cover2666and the heating plate2661by moving the cover2666is provided as a heating space heating the substrate W. The heating unit2660provided in some heat treating chambers260among the heat treating chambers260may enhance an attachment rate of a photoresist to the substrate W by supplying gas while heating the substrate W. According to an example, the gas may be hexamethyldisilane.

The transfer plate2680is provided in a substantially disk shape, and has a diameter corresponding to the substrate W. A notch2682is formed at an edge of the transfer plate2680. The notch2682is provided as a number corresponding to the support protrusion2244formed in the transfer hand2240of the transfer robot224and formed at a location corresponding to the support protrusion2244. When upper and lower locations of the transfer hand2240and the transfer plate2680are changed at locations at which the transfer hand2240and the transfer plate2680are aligned in the up and down direction, the substrate W is transferred between the transfer hand2240and the transfer plate2680. The transfer plate2680may be mounted on a guide rail2692and moved between a first region2696and a second region2698along the guide rail2692by the driver2694.

A plurality of slit-shaped guide grooves2684is provided in the transfer plate2680. The guide groove2684extends from an end of the transfer plate2680to an inside of the transfer plate2680. A longitudinal direction of the guide groove2684is provided along the second direction4, and the guide grooves2684are positioned spaced apart from each other in the first direction2. The guide groove2684prevents the transfer plate2680and the lift pin269from interfering with each other when the substrate W is carried in and over between the transfer plate2680and the heating unit2660.

The substrate W is cooled while the transfer plate2680on which the substrate W is placed is in contact with the cooling plate2642. The transfer plate2680is provided as a material having a high thermal conductivity so as to excellently transmit the heat between the cooling plate2642and the substrate W. According to an example, the transfer plate2680may be provided as a metallic material.

Referring back toFIGS.3and4, a plurality of liquid treating chambers280is provided. Some of the liquid treating chambers280may be provided to be laminated on each other. The liquid treating chambers280are arranged at one side of the transfer chamber220. The heat treating chambers280are arranged in line in the first direction2. Any some of the liquid treating chambers280are provided at locations adjacent to the index module10. Hereinafter, the liquid treating chamber280is defined as a front liquid treating chamber282. Other some of the liquid treating chambers280are provided at locations adjacent to the interface module30. Hereinafter, the liquid treating chamber280is defined as a rear liquid treating chamber284.

The front liquid treating chamber282coats the substrate W with a first liquid and the rear liquid treating chamber284coats the second substrate W with a second liquid. The first liquid and the second liquid may be different types of liquids. According to an exemplary embodiment, the first liquid is the anti-reflective film and the second liquid is the photoresist. The substrate W coated with the anti-reflective film may be coated with the photoresist. Optionally, the first liquid may be the photoresist and the second liquid the anti-reflective film. In this case, the substrate W coated with the photoresist may be coated with the anti-reflective film. Optionally, the first liquid and the second liquid may be the same type of liquids, and both the first liquid and the second liquid may be the photoresist.

FIG.9is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of a liquid treating chamber inFIG.4. Referring toFIG.9, the liquid treating chamber280includes a housing2810, a treating container2820, a support unit2830, an elevation unit2840, and a liquid supply unit2850.

The housing2810provides the space therein. The housing2810is provided in the substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape. An opening (not illustrated) may be formed at one side of the housing2810. The opening serves as the entrance through which the substrate W is carried in the internal space or the substrate W is taken over from the internal space. Further, in order to selectively seal the entrance, a door (not illustrated) may be installed at a region adjacent to the entrance. The door may seal the internal space by blocking the entrance while a treating process for the substrate W carried in the internal space is performed. The treating container2820, the support unit2830, the elevation unit2840, and the liquid supply unit2850are arranged in the housing2810.

The treating container2820may have a treating space of which upper portion is opened. The treating container2820may have a bowl having the treating space. The internal space may be provided to surround the treating space. The treating container2820may have a cup shape of which upper portion is opened. The treating space of the treating container2820may be a space in which the support unit2830to be described below supports and rotates the substrate W. The treating space may be a space in which the liquid supply unit2850to be described below supplies a fluid to treat the substrate W.

According to an example, the treating container2820may include an inner cup2822and an outer cup2824. The outer cap2824may be provided to surround a circumference of the support unit2830and the inner cup2822may be positioned inside the outer cap2824. Each of the inner cup2822and the outer cap2824may have the annular ring shape when viewed from the top. A space between the inner cup2822and the outer cup2824may be provided as a recovery path in which the fluid introduced into the treating space is recovered.

The inner cup2822may be provided in a shape to surround a support axis2834of the support unit2830to be described below when viewed from the top. For example, the inner cup2822may be provided in a circular plate shape to surround the support axis2834when viewed from the top. When viewed from the top, the inner cup2822may be positioned to overlap with an exhaust line2860to be described below, which is coupled to the housing2810.

The inner cup2822may have an inner portion and an outer portion. Top surfaces of the inner portion and the outer portion, respectively may be provided to have different angles based on a virtual horizontal line. For example, the inner portion may be positioned to overlap with a body2832of the support unit2830to be described below when viewed from the top. The inner portion may be positioned to face the support axis2834. As the inner portion is away from the support axis2834, the top surface faces a direction inclined upward and the outer portion may extend in an outer direction from the inner portion. As the top surface is away from the support axis2834, the outer portion may face a direction of being inclined downward. An upper end of the inner portion may coincide with a side end portion of the substrate W in the up and down direction. According to an example, a point where the outer portion and the inner portion meet may be a location lower than the upper end of the inner portion. The point where the inner portion and the outer portion meet may be provided to be rounded. The outer portion is combined with the outer cup2824to form a recovery path in which a treating medium is recovered.

The outer cup2824may be provided in the cup shape to cover the support unit2830and the inner cup2822. The outer cup2824may include a bottom portion2824a, a side portion2824b, and an inclination portion2824c.

The bottom portion2824amay have the circular plate shape with a hollow. A recovery line2870may be connected to the bottom portion2824a. The recovery line2870may recover the treating medium supplied onto the substrate W. The treating medium recovered by the recovery line2870may be reused by an external reproduction system (not illustrated).

The side portion2824bmay have the annular ring shape to cover the support unit2830. The side portion2824bmay extend in a vertical direction from a side end of the bottom portion2824a. The side portion2824bmay extend upward from the bottom portion2824a.

The inclination portion2824cmay extend in a direction toward a central axis of the outer cup2824from the upper end of the side portion2824b. An inner surface of the inclination portion2824cmay be provided to be inclined upward to be close to the support unit2830. The inclination portion2824cmay be provided to have the ring shape. The upper end of the inclination portion2824cmay be positioned higher than the substrate W supported on the support unit2830while the treating process for the substrate W is being conducted.

The support unit2830supports the substrate W and rotates the substrate W in the treating space. The support unit2830may be a chuck which supports and rotates the substrate W. The support unit2830may include a body2832, a support axis2834, and a driving unit2836. The body2832may have an upper surface on which the substrate W is seated. The upper surface of the body2832is provided in a substantially circular shape when viewed from the top. The upper surface of the body2832may be provided to have a smaller diameter than the substrate W. An adsorption hole (not illustrated) is formed in the body2832to fix the substrate W in a vacuum adsorption scheme.

The support axis2834is coupled to the body2832. The support axis2834may be coupled to a bottom surface of the body2832. The support axis2834may be provided so that the longitudinal direction faces the up and down direction. The support axis2834is provided to be rotatable by receiving power from the driving unit2836. The support axis2834is rotated by rotating the driving unit2836to rotate the body2832. The driving unit2836may vary a rotational speed of the support axis2834. The driving unit2836may be a motor that provides driving force. However, the driving unit2836is not limited thereto, and may be variously modified to a known device which provides the driving force.

The elevation unit2840adjusts a relative height between the treating container2820and the support unit2830. The elevation unit2840may include a first elevation unit2842, a second elevation unit2844, and a third elevation unit2846. The first elevation unit2842may be coupled to the inner cup2822of the treating container2820. The first elevation unit2842linearly moves the inner cup2822in the third direction6. The second elevation unit2842may be coupled to the outer cup2824of the treating container2820. The second elevation unit2844linearly moves the outer cup2824in the third direction6. The third elevation unit2846may be coupled to the support unit2830. The third elevation unit2846linearly moves the support unit2830in the third direction6. Each of the first elevation unit2842, the second elevation unit2844, and the third elevation unit2846may be controlled by a controller3000to be described below.

The liquid supply unit2850may supply the liquid to the substrate W supported on the support unit2830. The liquid supply unit2850may supply the liquid to the substrate W supported on the support unit2830. The liquid which the liquid supply unit2850supplies to the substrate W may be a coating liquid. For example, the coating liquid may be a photosensitive liquid such as a photoresist (PR). Further, the liquid supply unit2850may supply a pre-wet liquid to the substrate W supported on the support unit2830. The pre-wet liquid which the liquid supply unit2850supplies to the substrate W may be a liquid which may change a surface property of the substrate W. For example, the pre-wet liquid may be a liquid which may change the surface property of the substrate W to have a hydrophobic property. For example, the pre-wet liquid may be a thinner.

The liquid supply unit2850may include a pre-wet nozzle2851, a liquid nozzle2853, an arm2855, a rail2857, and a driver2859. The pre-wet nozzle2851may supply the pre-wet liquid to the substrate W. The pre-wet nozzle2851may supply the pre-wet liquid to the substrate W by a stream scheme. The treating liquid nozzle2853may supply a treating liquid to the substrate W. The treating liquid nozzle2853may be a coating liquid nozzle that supplies the coating liquid such as the photoresist. The treating liquid nozzle2853may supply the treating liquid to the substrate W by the stream scheme.

The arm2855may support the pre-wet nozzle2851and the treating liquid nozzle2853. The pre-wet nozzle2851and the treating liquid nozzle2853may be installed at one end of the arm2855. Each of the pre-wet nozzle2851and the treating liquid nozzle2853may be installed on the bottom surface of one end of the arm2855. When viewed from the top, the pre-wet nozzle2851and the treating liquid nozzle2853may be arranged in a direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the rail2857to be described below. The other end of the arm2855may be coupled to the driver2859.

The arm2855may be moved by the driver2859. As a result, the locations of the pre-wet nozzle2851and the treating liquid nozzle2853installed in the arm2855may be changed. A movement direction of the arm2855may be guided along the rail2857in which the driver2859is installed. The rail2857may be provided so that the longitudinal direction faces a horizontal direction. For example, the rail2857may be provided so that the longitudinal direction faces a direction parallel to the first direction2. Optionally, the arm2855may be coupled and rotated to a rotational axis of which longitudinal direction faces the third direction6. The rotational axis may be rotated by the driver. Therefore, the locations of the pre-wet nozzle2851and the treating liquid nozzle2853installed in the arm2855may be changed.

The exhaust line2860may be provided outside the process chamber280. A pressure reduction unit (not illustrated) is installed in the exhaust line2860. The exhaust line2860exhausts an atmosphere inside the treating space by the pressure reduction unit. The exhaust line2860may be coupled to the treating container2820. Optionally, the exhaust line2860may be coupled to the bottom portion2824aof the outer cup2824. When viewed from the top, the exhaust line2860may be positioned to overlap with the inner cup2822.

An air flow supply unit2880supplies an air flow to the internal space of the housing2810. The air flow supply unit2880may supply a descending air flow to the internal space. The air flow supply unit2880may supply an air flow of which temperature and/or humidity is controlled to the internal space. The air flow supply unit2880may be installed in the housing2810. The air flow supply unit2880may be installed above the treating container2820and the support unit2830. The air flow supply unit2880may include a fan2882, an air flow supply line2884, and a filter2886.

The air flow supply unit2884may supply an external air flow of which temperature and/or humidity is controlled to the internal space. The filter2886may be installed in the air flow supply line2884. The filter2886may remove impurities included in the external air flow which flows on the air flow supply line2884. When the fan2882is driven, the eternal air flow supplied by the air flow supply line2884may be uniformly delivered to the internal space.

The controller3000controls the first elevation unit2842, the second elevation unit2844, and the third elevation unit2846so as to control the relative height between the treating container2820and the support unit2830. Hereinafter, a case where the controller3000elevates and moves the outer cup of the treating container2820by controlling the second elevation unit2844will be described as an example. The controller3000receives information on the warpage state of the substrate W from the detector2665. When the substrate W is carried in the liquid treating chamber280after heat treatment for the substrate W is completed in the heat treating chamber260, the controller3000may control the elevation movement of the treating container2820according to the warpage state of the substrate W determined by the heat treating chamber260.

FIG.10is a diagram schematically illustrating the liquid treating chamber when a substrate is flat andFIG.11is a diagram schematically illustrating the liquid treating chamber when the substrate is curved in a lower direction. A point of the side portion2824bof the treating container2802corresponding to a virtual line horizontally linked toward the side portion2824bof the treating container2820from the top surface of the support unit2830is defined as a reference height A.

Referring toFIG.10, the controller3000receives information indicating that the substrate W is in the flat state from the detector2665. The controller3000controls the second elevation unit2844based on the information received from the detector2665. The controller3000controls the second elevation unit2844so that the top surface of the support unit2830is arranged at a height corresponding to the reference height A of the treating container2830. As an example, the controller3000may control the second elevation unit2844before the substrate W is carried in the liquid treating chamber280or before the substrate W is carried in the liquid treating chamber280and liquid treating starts.

Referring toFIG.11, the controller3000receives information indicating that the substrate W is in the curved state in the lower direction from the detector2665. The controller3000controls the second elevation unit2844based on the information received from the detector2665. The controller3000moves the treating container2830in the upper direction by controlling the second elevation unit2844so that the top surface of the support unit2830is arranged below the reference height A of the treating container2830. As an example, the controller3000may control the second elevation unit2844before the substrate W is carried in the liquid treating chamber280or before the substrate W is carried in the liquid treating chamber280and liquid treating starts.

FIG.12is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of discharging a liquid onto the substrate in the liquid treatment chamber inFIG.10.FIG.13is a diagram schematically illustrating an example of discharging the liquid onto the substrate in the liquid treatment chamber inFIG.11.

Referring toFIGS.12and13, a liquid discharged onto the rotating substrate W is scattered to the treating container2820in the liquid treating process. The scattered liquid attached to the treating container2820. In a general substrate treating apparatus, if the liquid treating process is conducted for the substrate W which rotates in the warpage state without controlling the relative height of the treating container2820and the support unit2830, the liquid may be scattered and deposited on the inclination portion2824cof the treating container2820. The liquid at the inclined portion2824cof the treatment container8200is deposited, and as a result, the air flow speed may increase in the space formed between the treatment container8200and the support unit8300. Various liquids including the coating liquid supplied to the substrate W may be lost due to the increased air flow speed. Further, the liquid supplied from the liquid supply unit8400is scattered in the treating space to contaminate the substrate W subjected to the liquid treating process. If the liquid is continuously deposited on the inclination portion2824cof the treating container2820, the loss of various treating liquids and the contamination problem of the subsequent substrate W are intensified when the liquid treating process is conducted for the subsequent substrate W.

The controller3000according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention may induce the liquid discharged onto the substrate W to be scattered to point A of the side portion2824bof the treating container2830by controlling the second elevation unit2844so as to control the relative height of the treating container2820and the support unit2830based on the warpage state information of the substrate W received from the detector2665. Even when the substrate W is in the flat state, the liquid may be scattered to point A. Even when the substrate W is warped in the convex state in the lower direction, the liquid may be scattered to point A. As a result, since the liquid scattered in the liquid treating process may be spotted to a specific point of the treating container2830, a coating failure may be minimized when conducting the liquid treating process for the subsequent substrate W.

In the exemplary embodiment, it is described that the controller3000controls the second elevation unit2844so as to elevate and move the treating container2820. However, although is not limited thereto, the controller3000may elevate and move the support unit2830so as to control the relative height of the treating container2820and the support unit2830by controlling the second elevation unit2844so as to elevate and move the support unit2830according to the warpage state of the substrate W.

Optionally, the controller3000may control the relative height of the treating container2820and the support unit2830by controlling each of the second elevation unit2844and the third elevation unit2846so as to elevate and move each of the treating container2820and the support unit2830according to the warpage state of the substrate. As an example, when the controller3000receives the information indicating that the substrate W is in the curved state in the lower direction from the detector2665, the controller3000may move the treating container2830in the upper direction by controlling the second elevation unit2844and move the support unit2830in the lower direction by controlling the third elevation unit2846so that the top surface of the support unit2830is arranged below the reference height A of the treating container2830.

FIGS.14and15are views schematically illustrating another exemplary of the liquid treating chamber inFIG.9. Since the exemplary embodiment described inFIGS.14and15is provided similarly to the housing2810, the treating container2820, the support unit2830, the elevation unit2840, and the exhaust unit2890described in the exemplary embodiment ofFIGS.9to13, a description thereof is omitted.

The liquid supply unit2850may include the pre-wet nozzle2851, the liquid nozzle2853, a cleaning solution nozzle2854, the arm2855, the rail2857, and the driver2859. The pre-wet nozzle2851may supply the pre-wet liquid to the substrate W. The pre-wet nozzle2851may supply the pre-wet liquid to the substrate W by the stream scheme. The treating liquid nozzle2853may supply the treating liquid to the substrate W. The treating liquid nozzle2853may be the coating liquid nozzle that supplies the coating liquid such as the photoresist. The treating liquid nozzle2853may supply the treating liquid to the substrate W by the stream scheme. The cleaning solution nozzle2854may supply the cleaning solution to a jig plate J. The cleaning solution may clean is supplied to the jig plate J which rotates to clean the treating container2820by a centrifugal force. The cleaning solution may be pure water. The cleaning solution nozzle2854may supply the cleaning solution to the jig plate J by the stream scheme.

The arm2855may support the pre-wet nozzle2851, the treating liquid nozzle2853, and the cleaning solution nozzle2854. The pre-wet nozzle2851, the treating liquid nozzle2853, and the cleaning solution nozzle2854may be installed at one end of the arm2855. Each of the pre-wet nozzle2851, the treating liquid nozzle2853, and the cleaning solution nozzle2854may be installed on the bottom surface of one end of the arm2855. When viewed from the top, the pre-wet nozzle2851, the treating liquid nozzle2853, and the cleaning solution nozzle2854may be arranged in the direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of the rail2857to be described below. The other end of the arm2855may be coupled to the driver2859.

The arm2855may be moved by the driver2859. As a result, the locations of the pre-wet nozzle2851, the treating liquid nozzle2853, and the cleaning solution nozzle2854installed in the arm2855may be changed. The movement direction of the arm2855may be guided along the rail2857in which the driver2859is installed. The rail2857may be provided so that the longitudinal direction faces the horizontal direction. For example, the rail2857may be provided so that the longitudinal direction faces the direction parallel to the first direction2. Optionally, the arm2855may be coupled and rotated to the rotational axis of which longitudinal direction faces the third direction6. The rotational axis may be rotated by the driver. Therefore, the locations of the pre-wet nozzle2851, the treating liquid nozzle2853, and the cleaning solution nozzle2854installed in the arm2855may be changed.

Referring toFIG.14, the controller3000receives information indicating that the substrate W is in the flat state from the detector2665. The controller3000controls the second elevation unit2844based on the information received from the detector2665. The controller3000controls the second elevation unit2844so that the top surface of the support unit2830is arranged at a height corresponding to the reference height A of the treating container2830. As an example, the controller3000may control the second elevation unit2844before the substrate W is carried in the liquid treating chamber280or before the substrate W is carried in the liquid treating chamber280and liquid treating starts.

The pre-wet liquid or/and the coating liquid is supplied onto the substrate W seated on the support unit2830. In this process, the pre-wet liquid or/and the coating liquid scattered on the substrate W is spotted onto point A of the side portion2824bof the treating container2820. After the pre-wet liquid or/and the coating liquid is supplied onto the substrate W, the substrate W is moved in the upper direction from the support unit2830and carried out to the outside of the liquid treating chamber280. The jig plate J is seated on the support unit2830. The cleaning solution nozzle2854may supply the cleaning solution onto the jig plate J. The cleaning solution scattered on the jig plate J is spotted onto point A of the side portion2824bof the treating container2820. The pre-wet liquid or/and the coating liquid attached onto point A is removed by the cleaning solution.

Referring toFIG.15, the controller3000receives information indicating that the substrate W is in the curved state in the lower direction from the detector2665. The controller3000controls the second elevation unit2844based on the information received from the detector2665. The controller3000moves the treating container2830in the upper direction by controlling the second elevation unit2844so that the top surface of the support unit2830is arranged below the reference height A of the treating container2830. As an example, the controller3000may control the second elevation unit2844before the substrate W is carried in the liquid treating chamber280or before the substrate W is carried in the liquid treating chamber280and liquid treating starts.

The pre-wet liquid or/and the coating liquid is supplied onto the substrate W seated on the support unit2830. In this process, the pre-wet liquid or/and the coating liquid scattered on the substrate W is spotted onto point A of the side portion2824bof the treating container2820. After the pre-wet liquid or/and the coating liquid is supplied onto the substrate W, the substrate W is moved in the upper direction from the support unit2830and carried out to the outside of the liquid treating chamber280. The jig plate J is seated on the support unit2830. The cleaning solution nozzle2854may supply the cleaning solution onto the rotating jig plate J. The cleaning solution is spotted onto point A of the side portion2824bof the treating container2820by the centrifugal force. The pre-wet liquid or/and the coating liquid attached onto point A is removed by the cleaning solution.

The liquid discharged onto the rotating substrate W is scattered to the treating container2820in the liquid treating process. The scattered liquid attached to the treating container2820. In a general substrate treating apparatus, if the liquid treating process is conducted for the substrate W which rotates in the warpage state without controlling the relative height of the treating container2820and the support unit2830, the liquid may be scattered and deposited on the inclination portion2824cof the treating container2820. After the liquid treatment on the substrate W is performed, cleaning treatment of the treatment container8200may be performed. In this case, the liquid is deposited on the inclination portion2824cwhich is an unintentional region of the treatment container8200, and as a result cleaning efficiency for the treatment container8200is lowered. The liquid at the inclined portion2824cof the treatment container8200is not removed, and as a result, the airflow speed may increase in the space formed between the treatment container8200and the support unit8300. Various liquids including an application liquid supplied to the support unit8300may be lost due to the increased air flow speed. Further, the liquid supplied from the liquid supply unit8400is scattered in a treating space to contaminate a subsequent substrate W subjected to a subsequent liquid treating process.

According to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the pre-wet liquid or/and the coating liquid may be induced to be scattered to a specific point of the treating container2820regardless of the warpage state of the substrate W. As a result, the contamination due to the liquid scattered to an unexpected portion such as the inclination portion2824cof the treating container2820may be prevented. Further, the liquid is inducted to be spotted to the specific point to easily perform cleaning using the jig plate J. As a result, the contamination of the subsequent W for which the subsequent liquid treating process is conducted may be minimized. Further, the liquid is prevented from being spotted to a point where cleaning is difficult by using the jig plate J to increase the process efficiency by solving a facility stop problem for cleaning the treating container2820.

In the exemplary embodiment, an example of cleaning the treating container2820by using the jig plate J and the cleaning solution nozzle2854is described. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the treating container2820may be cleaned by using a back nozzle. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and cleaning treating for the treating container2820may be performed by directly supplying the cleaning solution directly on the top surface or the bottom surface of the rotating body2832.

FIG.16is a flowchart showing a method for treating a substrate according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Referring toFIG.16, the method for treating a substrate according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may include a substrate warpage state determining step (S100), an elevation movement step (S200), and a liquid treating step (S300). In the method for treating a substrate according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, the substrate W is heat-treated in the heat treating chamber260, and then the liquid treating may be sequentially conducted for the substrate W in the liquid treating chamber280.

The substrate warpage state determining step (S100) may be performed by the heat treating chamber260. The heat treating chamber260may heat the substrate W. The central region of the substrate W may be heated by the first heater2662aof the heating plate2661provided to the heat treating chamber260. The edge region of the substrate W may be heated by the second heater2662bof the heating plate2661provided to the heat treating chamber260. First power is supplied to the first heater2662a. Second power is supplied to the second heater2662b. The sensor2664measures each of the first power and the second power. The sensor2664measures values of the first power and the second power immediately after the substrate W is seated on the heating plate2661. The detector2665may determine that the substrate W is in the warped state when the value of the first power measured by the sensor2664is measured to be higher than the value of the second power.

In the elevation movement step (S200), the relative height between the treating container2820and the support unit2830is adjusted. The second elevation unit2844elevates and moves so that the relative height between the treating container2820and the support unit2830according to the warpage of the substrate W. The adjustment of the relative height between the treating container2820and the support unit2830may be performed before the substrate W is carried in the liquid treating chamber280or before the substrate W is carried in the liquid treating chamber280and liquid treating starts.

A point of the side portion2824bof the treating container2802corresponding to a virtual line horizontally linked toward the side portion2824bof the treating container2820from the top surface of the support unit2830is defined as a reference height A. When it is determined that the substrate W is in the flat state in the substrate warpage state determining step (S100), the second elevation unit2844elevates so that the top surface of the support unit2830is arranged at a height corresponding to the reference height A of the treating container2830. When it is determined that the substrate W is in the warpage state in the substrate warpage state determining step (S100), the second elevation unit2844elevates so that the top surface of the support unit2830is arranged at the height corresponding to the reference height A of the treating container2830.

In the liquid treating step (S300), the liquid is supplied onto the rotating substrate W. As an example, the liquid may be the coating liquid. Further, as another example, the liquid may be the pre-wet liquid. The liquid is supplied onto the rotating substrate W, and as a result, the liquid is scattered to the treating container2820by the centrifugal force. In the elevation step (S2000, the liquid may be inducted to be scattered and attached to point A by adjusting the relative height between the treating container2820and the support unit2830according to the warpage state of the substrate W. Even when the substrate W is in the flat state, the liquid may be scattered to point A. Even when the substrate W is warped in the convex state in the lower direction, the liquid may be scattered to point A. As a result, since the liquid scattered in the liquid treating process may be spotted to a specific point of the treating container2830, a coating failure may be minimized when conducting the liquid treating process.

The method for treating a substrate according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention may further include a cleaning treating step (S400). The cleaning treating step (S400) may be performed after the liquid treating step (S300). In the cleaning treating step (S400), the substrate W is removed from the support unit2830, and then the jig plate J is seated on the support unit2830to discharge the cleaning solution onto the jig plate J. The cleaning solution may be deionized water (DIW). The cleaning solution discharged onto the jig plate J is scattered to the side surface of the treating container by the centrifugal force. Since the liquid is scatted and attached to point A regardless of the warpage state of the substrate W in the liquid supplying step (S300), the cleaning solution may be scattered toward point A in the cleaning treating step (S400). As a result, the pre-wet liquid or/and the coating liquid attached onto point A is removed by the cleaning solution.

In the liquid supplying step (S300), the scattered liquid is prevented from being scattered to an unexpected part of the treating container2820to minimize contamination. Further, the liquid is inducted to be spotted to the specific point to easily perform cleaning using the jig plate J. The liquid is prevented from being spotted to a point where cleaning is difficult by using the jig plate J to increase the process efficiency by solving a facility stop problem for cleaning the treating container2820.

In the warpage state determining step (S100) of the exemplary embodiment, it is described that the sensor2664measures each region-specific power of the substrate W placed on the heating plate2661. However, although is not limited thereto, the sensor2664may measure resistances of the first heater2662aand the second heater2662b. Further, the sensor2664may be provided as the distance sensor. As an example, the sensor2664may be provided as the infrared measurement sensor. The sensor2664may be provided on the ceiling surface of the housing2620. A plurality of sensors2664may be provided to correspond to regions of the substrate W. Respective sensors2664may measure distances up to the substrate W from installation locations of the sensors2664. The detector2665may determine the warpage state of the substrate W based on distance data measured by the respective sensors2664. As an example, the detector2665may determine that the substrate W is in a state of being curved to be convex in the lower direction when a distance value detected by a second sensor (not illustrated) positioned at the edge region of the substrate W is smaller than a detected distance value of a first sensor (not illustrated) positioned at the central region of the substrate W.

In the cleaning treating step (S400) of the exemplary embodiment, it is described as an example that the cleaning treating is performed by using the jig plate J. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and cleaning treating for the treating container2820may be performed by directly supplying the cleaning solution directly on the top surface or the bottom surface of the rotating body2832.

Referring back toFIGS.2to4, the developing block20bincludes a transfer chamber220, a buffer chamber230, a heat treating chamber260, and a liquid treating chamber280. The transfer chamber220, the buffer chamber230, the heat treating chamber260, and the liquid treating chamber280of the developing block20bare provided in a substantially similar structure and layout to the transfer chamber220, the buffer chamber230, the heat treating chamber260, and the liquid treating chamber280of the coating block20a, a description thereof is omitted. However, a developing process of equally supplying the developing solution to all of the liquid treating chambers280of the developing block20bto develop the substrate W is performed.

The interface module30connects the treating module20and an external exposure apparatus40. The interface module30includes an interface frame320, an additional process chamber340, an interface buffer360, and a transfer member380.

The interface frame320provides the internal space. A fan filter unit forming the descending air flow in the internal space may be provided at the upper end of the interface frame320. The additional process chamber340, the interface buffer360, and the transfer member380are provided in the internal space of the interface frame320.

The additional process chamber340may perform a predetermined additional process before the substrate W of which process is completed in the coating block20ais carried in the exposure apparatus40. Optionally, the additional process chamber340may perform a predetermined additional process before the substrate W of which process is completed in the exposure apparatus40is carried in the developing block20b. According to an example, the additional process may be an edge exposure process of exposing the edge region of the substrate W, a top surface cleaning process of cleaning the top surface of the substrate W, or a bottom surface cleaning process of cleaning the bottom surface of the substrate W. A plurality of additional process chambers340may be provided and provided to be laminated on each other. All of the additional process chambers340may be provided to perform the same process. Optionally, some of the additional process chambers340may be provided to perform different processes.

The interface buffer360provides a space in which the substrate W transferred among the coating block20a, the additional process chamber340, the exposure apparatus40, and the developing block20btemporarily stays in the middle of the transfer. A plurality of interface buffers360may be provided and the plurality of interface buffers360may be provided to be laminated on each other. According to an example, the additional process chamber340may be arranged on one side surface based on an extension line of the longitudinal direction of the transfer chamber220, and the interface buffer360may be arranged on the other side surface.

The transfer member380transfers the substrate W among the coating block20a, the additional process chamber340, the exposure apparatus40, and the developing block20b. The transfer member380may be provided as one or a plurality of robots. According to an example, the transfer member380includes a first robot3820, a second robot3840, and a third robot3860. The first robot3820transfers the substrate W among the coating block20a, the additional process chamber340, and the interface buffer360. The second robot3840transfers the substrate W between the interface buffer360and the exposure apparatus40. The third robot3860transfers the substrate W between the interface buffer360and the developing block20b.

Each of the first robot3820, the second robot3840, and the third robot3860includes a hand in which the substrate W is placed. The hand may be provided to be movable forward and backward, rotatable with the third direction6as the axis and movable in the third direction6. All of the hands of the first robot3820, the second robot3840, and the third robot3860may be provided in the same or similar shape as the transfer hand2240of the transfer robot224. Optionally, the hand of the robot which directly sends and receives the substrate W to and form the cooling plate2642of the heat treating chamber may be provided in the same or similar shape as the transfer hand2240of the transfer robot224, and the hand of the remaining robot may be provided in a different shape therefrom.

The foregoing detailed description illustrates the present invention. Further, the above content shows and describes the exemplary embodiment of the present invention, and the present invention can be used in various other combinations, modifications, and environments. That is, the foregoing content may be modified or corrected within the scope of the concept of the invention disclosed in the present specification, the scope equivalent to that of the disclosure, and/or the scope of the skill or knowledge in the art. The foregoing exemplary embodiment describes the best state for implementing the technical spirit of the present invention, and various changes required in specific application fields and uses of the present invention are possible. Accordingly, the detailed description of the invention above is not intended to limit the invention to the disclosed exemplary embodiment. Further, the accompanying claims should be construed to include other exemplary embodiments as well.