Nozzle, substrate processing apparatus, and substrate processing method

A nozzle that mixes fluid containing steam or mist of pressurized pure water and processing liquid containing at least sulfuric acid and ejects mixed fluid of the fluid and the processing liquid, the nozzle comprising: at least one first ejection port ejecting the fluid; at least one second ejection port ejecting the processing liquid; and at least one lead-out path being in fluid communication with the at least one first ejection port and the at least one second ejection port and leading out the mixed fluid of the fluid ejected from the at least one first ejection port and the processing liquid ejected from the at least one second ejection port, wherein the at least one first ejection port or the at least one second ejection port is arranged to be directed to position deviated from central axis of the at least one lead-out path in a plan view.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority from Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-202225, filed on Dec. 14, 2021, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a nozzle, a substrate processing apparatus, and a substrate processing method.

BACKGROUND

In a semiconductor device manufacturing process, there is known a technique of removing an object to be removed such as a resist film from a substrate such as a semiconductor wafer by supplying a processing liquid to the substrate.

PRIOR ART DOCUMENTS

Patent Documents

SUMMARY

According to an embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a nozzle that mixes a fluid containing steam or mist of pressurized pure water and a processing liquid containing at least sulfuric acid and ejects a mixed fluid of the fluid and the processing liquid. The nozzle includes at least one first ejection port, at least one second ejection port, and at least one lead-out path. The at least one first ejection port is configured to eject the fluid. The at least one second ejection port is configured to eject the processing liquid. The at least one lead-out path is configured to be in fluid communication with the at least one first ejection port and the at least one second ejection port and lead out the mixed fluid of the fluid ejected from the at least one first ejection port and the processing liquid ejected from the at least one second ejection port. Further, the at least one first ejection port or the at least one second ejection port is arranged to be directed to a position deviated from a central axis of the at least one lead-out path in a plan view.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Hereinafter, modes (hereinafter, referred to as “embodiments”) of implementing a nozzle, a substrate processing apparatus, and a substrate processing method according to the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The present disclosure is not limited by these embodiments. It is possible to appropriately combine respective embodiments, as long as the processing contents thereof are not inconsistent. In each of the following embodiments, the same components will be denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions will be omitted.

In the embodiments described below, expressions such as “constant”, “orthogonal”, “vertical”, or “parallel” may be used, but these expressions may not be strictly “constant”, “orthogonal”, “vertical”, or “parallel.” That is, each of the above-mentioned expressions allows for a deviation in, for example, manufacturing accuracy, installation accuracy, or the like.

In each of the drawings to be referred to below, for the sake of easy understanding of the description, an orthogonal coordinate system may be defined in which the X-axis direction, the Y-axis direction, and the Z-axis direction are orthogonal to one another and the Z-axis positive direction is a vertical upward direction. Further, a direction of rotation about the vertical axis may be called a θ direction.

In a semiconductor device manufacturing process, a resist film is formed in a predetermined pattern on a film to be processed formed on a substrate such as a semiconductor wafer. By using this resist film as a mask, a process such as etching or ion implementation is performed on the film to be processed. After the process, a redundant resist film is removed from the wafer.

An SPM process is used as a method of removing the resist film. The SPM process is performed by supplying a high-temperature sulfuric acid hydrogen peroxide mixture (SPM) liquid obtained by mixing sulfuric acid and hydrogen peroxide solution to the resist film. In this SPM process, use of a mixed fluid of steam of pressurized pure water (deionized water) (hereinafter referred to as “vapor”) and the SPM liquid has been examined.

In the embodiments of the present disclosure described below, a substrate processing apparatus capable of efficiently mixing the vapor and the SPM liquid in the SPM process using the mixed fluid of the vapor and the SPM liquid will be described.

Further, the substrate processing apparatus according to the present disclosure is also applicable to a liquid process other than an SPM process. Specifically, the substrate processing apparatus according to the present disclosure is applicable to a liquid process in which a processing liquid containing at least sulfuric acid is used.

The “processing liquid containing at least sulfuric acid” other than the SPM liquid includes, for example, a processing liquid that reacts (heats up or increases etchant) when mixed with sulfuric acid, specifically dilute sulfuric acid (a mixed liquid of sulfuric acid and water), a mixed liquid of sulfuric acid and ozone water, or the like. In addition, the “processing liquid containing at least sulfuric acid” may be sulfuric acid.

First Embodiment

<Structure of Substrate Processing Apparatus>

First, a structure of a substrate processing apparatus according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference toFIGS.1and2.FIG.1is a schematic plan view of the substrate processing apparatus according to the first embodiment.FIG.2is a schematic side view of the substrate processing apparatus according to the first embodiment. A second supply mechanism105and a nozzle cleaning mechanism106are not illustrated inFIG.2.

As illustrated inFIGS.1and2, the substrate processing apparatus1includes a chamber101, a substrate holder102, a cup103, a first supply mechanism104, a second supply mechanism105, and a nozzle cleaning mechanism106. The substrate processing apparatus1also includes a vapor supplier201, an SPM supplier202, a rinsing liquid supplier203, and a substitution liquid supplier204. The substrate processing apparatus1removes a resist film formed on the front surface of a substrate such as a semiconductor wafer (hereinafter, referred to as “wafer W”).

Conventionally, an SPM process is known as a resist film removing method. The SPM process is performed by supplying a high-temperature sulfuric acid hydrogen peroxide mixture (SPM) liquid obtained by mixing sulfuric acid and hydrogen peroxide solution to a resist film.

It is possible to improve resist film removal efficiency by raising the temperature of the SPM liquid. As a method of raising the temperature of the SPM liquid, for example, the temperature of sulfuric acid may be raised. However, heat resistance and pressure resistance of a pipe through which the sulfuric acid flows need to be improved to raise the temperature of the sulfuric acid, which imposes a heavy load on hardware. Further, a mixing ratio of sulfuric acid and hydrogen peroxide solution may be changed to increase a proportion of hydrogen peroxide solution. However, when the proportion of the hydrogen peroxide solution is increased, fume or bumping is likely to occur. Further, the SPM liquid on a wafer W may be heated with an infrared heater or the like, but there is a challenge in terms of, for example, temperature stability.

Therefore, in the substrate processing apparatus1, steam of pressurized pure water (deionized water) (hereinafter referred to as “vapor”) is mixed with an SPM liquid. Thus, it possible to preferably raise the temperature of the SPM liquid.

The chamber101accommodates the substrate holder102, the cup103, the first supply mechanism104, and the second supply mechanism105. A fun filter unit (FFU)111configured to form a down flow inside the chamber101is provided at a ceiling of the chamber101(seeFIG.2).

The substrate holder102includes a main body121with a diameter larger than that of a wafer W, grippers122formed on a top surface of the main body121, a support member123configured to support the main body121, and a driver124configured to rotate the support member123. The number of grippers122is not limited to that illustrated in the figure.

The substrate holder102holds a wafer W by gripping a peripheral edge of the wafer W by using grippers122. As a result, the wafer W is held horizontally in the state of being slightly separated from the top surface of the main body121. As described above, a resist film is formed on the front surface (top surface) of the wafer W.

Here, the substrate holder102configured to hold the peripheral edge of the wafer W by using the grippers122is taken as an example, but the substrate processing apparatus1may be configured to include a vacuum chuck configured to suction and hold a rear surface of the wafer W, instead of the substrate holder102.

The cup103is disposed to surround the substrate holder102. A liquid discharge port131configured to discharge a processing liquid supplied to the wafer W to the exterior of the chamber101and a gas discharge port132configured to discharge the atmosphere in the chamber101are formed at the bottom of the cup103.

The first supply mechanism104includes a nozzle141, a first arm142extending horizontally and configured to support the nozzle141from above, and a first pivot/lift mechanism143configured to pivot and lift the first arm142. The first arm142may move the nozzle141between a processing position above the wafer W and a standby position outside the wafer W by the first pivot/lift mechanism143.

The nozzle141is a bar nozzle extending linearly along the horizontal direction. The nozzle141has a length substantially equal to a radius of the wafer W. In the state of being disposed at the processing position, a longitudinal tip of the nozzle141is disposed above a center of the wafer W, and a longitudinal base of the nozzle141is disposed above the peripheral edge of the wafer W.

The nozzle141is connected to the vapor supplier201via a vapor supply path211. Further, the nozzle141is connected to the SPM supplier202via an SPM supply path221. The vapor supplier201supplies vapor, which is steam of pressurized pure water (deionized water), to the nozzle141via the vapor supply path211. The SPM supplier202supplies the SPM liquid, which is a mixed liquid of sulfuric acid and hydrogen peroxide solution, to the nozzle141via the SPM supply path221. Any known technology may be used to constitute the vapor supplier201and the SPM supplier202. For example, the SPM supplier202includes a sulfuric acid source configured to supply sulfuric acid, a hydrogen peroxide solution source configured to supply hydrogen peroxide solution, and a mixer configured to mix the sulfuric acid and the hydrogen peroxide solution.

The nozzle141mixes the vapor supplied from the vapor supplier201with the SPM liquid supplied from the SPM supplier202, and ejects a mixed liquid of the vapor and the SPM liquid to the wafer W. A specific structure of the nozzle141is described below.

The second supply mechanism105includes an auxiliary nozzle151, a second arm152extending horizontally and configured to support the auxiliary nozzle151from above, and a second pivot/lift mechanism153configured to pivot and lift the second arm152. The second arm152may move the auxiliary nozzle151between the processing position above the wafer W and the standby position outside the wafer W by the second pivot/lift mechanism153.

The auxiliary nozzle151is connected to the vapor supplier201via the vapor supply path212. The vapor supplier201supplies vapor to the auxiliary nozzle151via the vapor supply path212. Further, the auxiliary nozzle151is connected to the rinsing liquid supplier203via a rinsing liquid supply path231and connected to the substitution liquid supplier204via a substitution liquid supply path241. The rinsing liquid supplier203supplies a rinsing liquid (here, for example, pure water (deionized water)) to the auxiliary nozzle151via the rinsing liquid supply path231. The substitution liquid supplier204supplies a substitution liquid (here, for example, isopropyl alcohol (IPA)) to the auxiliary nozzle151via the substitution liquid supply path241. Any known technology may be used to constitute the rinsing liquid supplier203and the substitution liquid supplier204.

The auxiliary nozzle151ejects, to the wafer W, the vapor supplied from the vapor supplier201via the vapor supply path212. Further, the auxiliary nozzle151ejects, to the wafer W, the rinsing liquid supplied from the rinsing liquid supplier203via the rinsing liquid supply path231. Further, the auxiliary nozzle151ejects, to the wafer W, the substitution liquid supplied from the substitution liquid supplier204via the substitution liquid supply path241.

The nozzle cleaning mechanism106is disposed at the standby position of the nozzle141. The nozzle cleaning mechanism106cleans the nozzle141.

The substrate processing apparatus1includes a control device300. The control device300is, for example, a computer, and includes a controller301and a storage302. The storage302stores programs that controls various processes executed in the substrate processing apparatus1. The controller301controls an operation of the substrate processing apparatus1by reading and executing the programs stored in the storage302.

Further, such programs may be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, and may be installed in the storage302of the control device300from the storage medium. The computer-readable storage medium is, for example, a hard disk (HD), a flexible disk (FD), a compact disk (CD), a magneto-optical disk (MO), a memory card, or the like.

Next, a structure of the nozzle141will be described with reference toFIGS.3to6.FIG.3is a cross-sectional view of the nozzle141according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure taken along a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the nozzle.FIG.4is a cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV indicated inFIG.3.FIG.5is a cross-sectional view taken along line V-V indicated inFIG.3.FIG.6is a schematic plan view of the nozzle141according to the first embodiment when viewed from below. Further, inFIG.6, an area through which the vapor flows is indicated by dots.

As illustrated inFIG.3, the nozzle141includes a nozzle main body41, two first distribution paths42, one second distribution path43, and lead-out paths44(seeFIGS.4and5). Further, the nozzle141includes first ejection ports45and first ejection paths46(seeFIG.4), and second ejection ports47and second ejection paths48(seeFIG.5).

The first distribution paths42and the second distribution path43are formed inside the nozzle main body41. As illustrated inFIGS.4and5, the first distribution paths42and the second distribution path43extend along the longitudinal direction of the nozzle main body41. The first distribution paths42are connected to the vapor supplier201via the vapor supply path211. Further, the second distribution path43is connected to the SPM supplier202via the SPM supply path221.

As illustrated inFIG.3, the second distribution path43is arranged on a median line (a line that bisects the nozzle main body41to the left and right) in a cross-sectional view of the nozzle main body41. Further, the two first distribution paths42are arranged one by one on the left and right sides of the median line of the nozzle main body41when viewed in cross section.

The lead-out paths44are located below the second distribution path43. As illustrated inFIGS.3to5, the lead-out paths44are flow paths formed at a lower portion of the nozzle main body41and extend vertically downward. The lead-out paths44are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the nozzle main body41. Adjacent lead-out paths44are separated by a partition wall. The cross-sectional shape of the lead-out paths44is, for example, rectangular. Further, the cross-sectional shape of the lead-out paths44may be circular, elliptical, or the like.

The first ejection ports45are open at the inner surfaces of the lead-out paths44. Further, the second ejection ports47are arranged above the first ejection ports45and are open at the upper end surfaces of the lead-out paths44. As illustrated inFIGS.4and5, the first ejection ports45and the second ejection ports47are arranged along the longitudinal direction of the nozzle main body41.

As illustrated inFIGS.3to6, the nozzle141includes first ejection ports45and second ejection ports47, and includes lead-out paths44, each of which is in fluid communication with two first ejection ports45and one second ejection port47. Further, the numbers of first ejection ports45and second ejection ports47being in fluid communication with one lead-out path44are not limited to the numbers illustrated inFIGS.3to6. That is, the nozzle141may include lead-out paths44, each of which is in fluid communication with at least one first ejection port45and at least one second ejection port47.

The first ejection ports45are connected to the first distribution paths42via the first ejection paths46. Further, the second ejection ports47are connected to the second distribution path43via the second ejection paths48.

The vapor supplied from the vapor supplier201to the first distribution paths42is distributed from the first distribution paths42to the first ejection paths46, and is ejected from the first ejection ports45to the corresponding lead-out paths44respectively. Further, the SPM liquid supplied from the SPM supplier202to the second distribution path43is distributed from the second distribution path43to the second ejection paths48, and is ejected from the second ejection ports47to the corresponding lead-out paths44respectively.

The vapor ejected from the first ejection ports45and the SPM liquid ejected from the second ejection ports47are mixed near the upper ends, which are inlets of the lead-out paths44, and are ejected toward the wafer W from the lower ends, which are outlets of the lead-out paths44.

When the nozzle141does not include the lead-out paths44, droplets of the SPM liquid ejected from the nozzle141may be diffused, and thus the SPM liquid and the vapor may not be properly mixed. Further, the diffused SPM liquid may adhere to the inner wall of the chamber101and contaminate the chamber101and the wafer W within the chamber101.

In connection with this, the nozzle141according to the first embodiment include the lead-out paths44, whereby it is possible to suppress the vapor ejected from the first ejection ports45and the SPM liquid ejected from the second ejection ports47from being diffused without coming into contact with each other. Thus, the nozzle141may appropriately mix the vapor and the SPM liquid in the lead-out paths44. Therefore, with the nozzle141according to the embodiment, it is possible to raise the temperature of the SPM liquid to a higher temperature than that obtained with, for example, a nozzle that does not include the lead-out paths44. It is also possible to suppress contamination within the chamber101due to diffusion of the SPM liquid.

Further, as illustrated inFIG.6, the second ejection ports47are arranged coaxially with the lead-out paths44in a plan view. The second ejection ports47eject the SPM liquid in the direction along the center axes of the lead-out paths44(that is, the Z-axis direction). Further, the first ejection ports45are arranged to be directed to positions deviated from the central axes of the lead-out paths44in a plan view. The first ejection ports45eject vapor toward the positions deviated from the central axes of the lead-out paths44in a plan view. As a result, the vapor that has collided with the inner surfaces of the lead-out paths44is mixed with the SPM liquid ejected from the second ejection ports47while forming swirling flows of vapor inside the lead-out paths44. The vapor ejected from the first ejection ports45may flow along the inner surfaces of the lead-out paths44to form swirling flows of vapor in the lead-out paths44.

When the first ejection ports45are arranged to be directed to the positions of the central axes of the lead-out paths44in a plan view, the vapor ejected from the first ejection ports45collides with the inner surfaces of the lead-out paths44and is diffused. Thus, swirling flows of vapor are unlikely to be formed in the lead-out paths44.

In contrast, in the nozzle141according to the first embodiment, by arranging the first ejection ports45to be directed to the positions deviated from the central axes of the lead-out paths44in a plan view, it is possible to cause the vapor ejected from the first ejection ports45to flow along the inner surfaces of the lead-out paths44. Thus, the nozzle141may easily form swirling flows of vapor in the lead-out paths44. Therefore, with the nozzle141according to the first embodiment, it is possible to efficiently mix the vapor and the SPM liquid compared to the case where the first ejection ports45are arranged to be directed to the positions of the central axes of the lead-out paths44. In addition, by efficiently mixing the vapor and the SPM liquid, it is possible to efficiently raise the temperature of the SPM liquid.

Further, the central axes of the first ejection ports45are tilted with respect to a direction of normal lines N of the inner surfaces of the lead-out paths44in a plan view. By tilting the central axes of the first ejection ports45with respect to the directions of the normal lines N, it is possible to facilitate the formation of swirling flows of vapor in the lead-out paths44compared to the case where the central axes of the first ejection ports45are perpendicular to the inner surfaces of the lead-out paths44. Further, since the swirling flows may extend a staying time of the vapor in the lead-out paths44, it is possible to suppress an amount of vapor used when mixing the vapor and the SPM liquid.

<Specific Operation of Substrate Processing Apparatus>

Next, specific operations of the substrate processing apparatus1will be described with reference toFIG.7.FIG.7is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of processes executed by the substrate processing apparatus1according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. A series of processes illustrated inFIG.7are executed according to the control by the controller301.

First, in the substrate processing apparatus1, a wafer W loading process is performed (step S101). Specifically, a wafer W is loaded into the chamber101(seeFIG.1) of the substrate processing apparatus1by a substrate transport apparatus disposed outside the substrate processing apparatus1and held by the substrate holder102. Thereafter, the substrate processing apparatus1rotates the substrate holder102at a predetermined rotation speed.

Subsequently, an SPM process is performed in the substrate processing apparatus1(step S102). First, the first pivot/lift mechanism143moves the nozzle141from the standby position to the processing position on the wafer W. Thereafter, a mixed fluid of vapor and an SPM liquid is ejected from the nozzle141to the front surface of the wafer W. As a result, the resist film formed on the front surface of the wafer W is removed.

In the substrate processing apparatus1, the auxiliary nozzle151may be used in the SPM process. When the auxiliary nozzle151is used, the second pivot/lift mechanism153positions the auxiliary nozzle151above the wafer W. Specifically, the auxiliary nozzle151is disposed at a position where the supply of vapor may be insufficient with the nozzle141alone, for example, at the outer peripheral portion of the wafer W. Thereafter, vapor is ejected to the surface of the wafer W from the auxiliary nozzle151.

By using the auxiliary nozzle151in this way, it is possible to supply the vapor to the entire front surface of the wafer W more evenly. Therefore, it is possible to raise the temperature of the SPM liquid more evenly over the entire surface of the wafer W.

After finishing the SPM process in step S102, the substrate processing apparatus1performs a rinsing process (step S103). In such a rinsing process, a rinsing liquid (pure water) is supplied to the front surface of the wafer W from the auxiliary nozzle151. The rinsing liquid supplied to the wafer W is applied to and spread over the front surface of the wafer W due to the centrifugal force accompanying the rotation of the wafer W. As a result, the SPM liquid remaining on the wafer W is washed away by the rinsing liquid.

Subsequently, a substitution process is performed in the substrate processing apparatus1(step S104). In the substitution process, a substitution liquid (IPA) is supplied to the front surface of wafer W from the auxiliary nozzle151. The substitution liquid supplied to the wafer W is applied to and spread over the front surface of the wafer W due to the centrifugal force accompanying the rotation of the wafer W. As a result, the rinsing liquid remaining on the wafer W is substituted with the substitution liquid.

Subsequently, a drying process is performed in the substrate processing apparatus1(step S105). In such a drying process, the number of rotations of the wafer W is increased. As a result, the substitution liquid remaining on the wafer W is shaken off, and the wafer W is dried. Thereafter, the rotation of the wafer W is stopped.

Subsequently, in the substrate processing apparatus1, an unloading process is performed (step S106). In the unloading process, the wafer W held by the substrate holder102is delivered to an external substrate transport apparatus. When the unloading process is completed, substrate processing for one wafer W is completed.

Second Embodiment

Next, a structure of a nozzle according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference toFIGS.8to11.FIG.8is a cross-sectional view of a nozzle according to the second embodiment taken along a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the nozzle.FIG.9is a cross-sectional view taken along line IX-IX indicated inFIG.8.FIG.10is a cross-sectional view taken along line X-X indicated inFIG.8.FIG.11is a schematic plan view of the nozzle according to the second embodiment when viewed from below. Further, inFIG.11, the area through which the vapor flows is indicated by dots.

As illustrated inFIG.8, the nozzle141A according to the second embodiment is a so-called internal mixing type two-fluid nozzle. The nozzle141A includes an elongated nozzle main body41A, a first distribution path42A (seeFIG.9), a second distribution path43A (seeFIG.10), and lead-out paths44A (seeFIG.10). Further, the nozzle141A includes first ejection ports45A and first supply paths46A (seeFIG.9), and second ejection ports47A and second supply paths48A (seeFIG.10).

The first distribution path42A and the second distribution path43A are formed inside the nozzle main body41A. As illustrated inFIGS.9and10, the first distribution path42A and the second distribution path43A extend along the longitudinal direction of the nozzle main body41. The first distribution path42A is connected to the vapor supplier201via the vapor supply path211. The first distribution path42A distributes vapor, which is supplied from the vapor supplier201, to first supply paths46A. Further, the second distribution path43A is connected to the SPM supplier202via the SPM supply path221. The second distribution path43A distributes the SPM liquid, which is supplied from the SPM supplier202, to the second supply paths48A.

The second supply path48A supplies the SPM liquid, which is distributed from the second distribution path43A, to a second ejection port47A, which is an outlet. As illustrated inFIG.8, a second supply paths48A and a lead-out path44A extend vertically and are coaxially arranged.

The second ejection port47A, which is the outlet of the second supply path48A, is arranged close to the inlet of the lead-out path44A. The cross-sectional area of the second supply path48A may be constant from the inlet to the outlet, and a cross-sectional shape of the second supply path48A may be circular, elliptical, or the like. As illustrated, when the cross-sectional area of the second supply path48A is constant from the inlet to the outlet, the cross-sectional area (diameter) of the second ejection port47A, which is the outlet of the second supply path48A, is equal to the cross-sectional area (diameter) of the second supply path48A.

An annular lead-in space49is formed around the second supply path48A to surround the second supply path48A.

A first supply path46A supplies the vapor, which is distributed from the first distribution path42A, to a first ejection port45A, which is an outlet. Specifically, the first ejection port45A, which is the outlet of the first supply path46A, is connected to the lead-in space49to supply the vapor to the lead-in space49.

The second supply path48A is arranged to pass through the interior of the lead-in space49. This lead-in space49is formed in a tubular shape having an annular cross-sectional shape. The lead-in space49is provided with an annular portion491and a tapered portion492having a diameter decreasing downward. The tapered portion492is disposed at the downstream side of the annular portion491, and an outlet of the tapered portion492is open annularly between the outlet of the second supply path48A and the inlet of the lead-out path44A. Therefore, the vapor led into the lead-in space49is mixed with the SPM liquid ejected from the second ejection port47A, which is the outlet of the second supply path48A, near the inlet of the lead-out path44A, whereby a mixed fluid of the SPM liquid (droplets of the SPM liquid) is formed.

The first ejection port45A, which is the outlet of the first supply path46A, is disposed above the second ejection port47A, which is the outlet of the second supply path48A, and is open at the inner wall surface of the annular portion491in the lead-in space49. The cross-sectional area of the first supply path46A may be constant from the inlet to the outlet, and the cross-sectional shape of the first supply path46A may be, for example, circular, elliptical, or the like. As illustrated, when the cross-sectional area of the first supply path46A is constant from the inlet to the outlet, the cross-sectional area (diameter) of the first ejection port45A, which is the outlet of the first supply path46A, is equal to the cross-sectional area (diameter) of the first supply path46A.

The lead-out path44A is arranged coaxially with the second supply path48A as described above, and is in fluid communication with the second supply path48A and the lead-in space49. The lead-out path44A may be formed linearly, and the cross-sectional area (diameter) of the lead-out path44A may be constant from the inlet to the outlet. The cross-sectional shape of the lead-out path44amay be, for example, circular, elliptical, or the like.

The vapor led in from the first supply path46A through the lead-in space49and the SPM liquid led in from the second supply path48A are mixed near the inlet of the lead-out path44A. As a result, an infinite number of droplets of the SPM liquid are formed, and the formed droplets are led out to the exterior via the lead-out path44A together with the vapor.

A injection ports442are formed at the tip of the lead-out path44A. Each injection port442is formed in an orifice shape with a smaller cross-sectional area than the lead-out path44A. In the absence of the orifice-shaped injection port442having the cross-sectional area smaller than that of the lead-out path44A, droplets grown along the inner wall of the lead-out path44A are ejected as they are. The cross-sectional area of the injection port442may be constant from the inlet to the outlet, and the cross-sectional shape of the injection port442may be, for example, circular, elliptical, or the like. The droplets that have passed through the interior of the lead-out path44A are atomized again while passing through the interior of the injection port442and are injected. Therefore, even when the droplets grow large while moving along the inner wall of the lead-out path44A, the droplets are capable of being atomized to a sufficiently small particle size by causing the droplets to pass through the injection port442and then injected.

As illustrated inFIGS.8to11, the nozzle141A according to the second embodiment includes first ejection ports45A and second ejection ports47A, and includes lead-out paths44A, each of which is in fluid communication with one first ejection port45A and one second ejection port47A. Further, the numbers of first ejection ports45A and second ejection ports47A being in fluid communication with one lead-out path44A are not limited to the numbers illustrated inFIGS.8to11. That is, the nozzle141A may include lead-out paths44being in fluid communication with at least one first ejection port45A and at least one second ejection port47A.

Further, as illustrated inFIG.11, each second ejection port47A is arranged coaxially with a lead-out path44and an injection port442in a plan view. The second ejection ports47A eject the SPM liquid in the direction along the center axes of the lead-out paths44A (that is, the Z-axis direction). Further, the first ejection ports45A are arranged to be directed to positions deviated from the central axes of the lead-out paths44A in a plan view. The first ejection ports45A eject vapor toward the positions deviated from the central axes of the lead-out paths44A in a plan view. As a result, the vapor ejected from the first ejection ports45A and colliding with the inner wall surfaces of the lead-in spaces49is mixed with the SPM liquid ejected from the second ejection ports47A while forming swirling flows of vapor in the lead-out paths44A in the process of flowing through the lead-out paths44A and reaching the injection ports442. The vapor ejected from the first ejection ports45A flows along the inner wall surfaces of the lead-in spaces49to form the swirling flows of vapor in the lead-out paths44A.

When the first ejection ports45A are arranged to be directed to the positions of the center axes of the lead-out paths44A in a plan view, the vapor ejected from the first ejection ports45A collide with the inner wall surfaces of the lead-in spaces49and is distributed. Thus, swirling flows of vapor are unlikely to be formed in the lead-out paths44A.

In contrast, in the nozzle141A according to the second embodiment, by arranging the first ejection ports45A to be directed to the positions deviated from the central axes of the lead-out paths44A in a plan view, it is possible to cause the vapor ejected from the first ejection ports45A to flow along the inner wall surfaces of the lead-in spaces49. Thus, the nozzle141may easily form swirling flows of vapor in the lead-out paths44A being in fluid communication with the lead-in spaces49. Therefore, with the nozzle141A according to the second embodiment, it is possible to efficiently mix the vapor and the SPM liquid compared to the case where the first ejection ports45A are arranged to be directed to the positions of the central axes of the lead-out paths44A. Further, by efficiently mixing the vapor and the SPM liquid, it is possible to efficiently raise the temperature of the SPM liquid.

The central axes of the first ejection ports45A are tilted respectively with respect to the directions of the normal lines NA of the inner surfaces of the lead-out paths44A in a plan view. By tilting the central axes of the first ejection ports45A with respect to the directions of the normal lines NA, it is possible to facilitate the formation of swirling flows of vapor in the lead-out paths44A compared to the case where the central axes of the first ejection ports45A are perpendicular to the inner surfaces of the lead-out paths44A. Further, since the swirling flows may extend the staying time of the vapor in the lead-out paths44A, it is possible to suppress the amount of vapor used when mixing the vapor and the SPM liquid.

FIG.12is a cross-sectional view of a nozzle according to a first modification of the first embodiment of the present disclosure taken along a plane orthogonal to a longitudinal direction of the nozzle.FIG.12illustrates a state in which the nozzle141B according to the first modification of the first embodiment is located at the processing position above a wafer W.

As illustrated inFIG.12, the nozzle main body41B of the nozzle141B includes a lead-out path44B. The lead-out path44B is arranged obliquely with respect to the rotation direction R of the wafer W rotated by the substrate holder102. That is, by supporting the nozzle141B from above by a first arm142B in a state in which the nozzle141B is tilted with respect to the vertical axis (Z-axis), the lead-out path44B is arranged obliquely with respect to the rotation direction R of the wafer W. By arranging the lead-out path44B obliquely in this way, it is possible to release the vapor ejected from the lead-out path44B along the front surface of the wafer W in the rotation direction of the wafer W, and therefore it is possible to suppress fume from staying in the vicinity of the front surface of the wafer W. The lead-out path44A in the nozzle141A according to the second embodiment may also be arranged obliquely with respect to the rotation direction R of the wafer W.

FIG.13is a cross-sectional view of a nozzle according to a second modification of the first embodiment taken along a plane orthogonal to the longitudinal direction of the nozzle. InFIG.13, the nozzle141C according to the second modification of the first embodiment is supported from above by a first arm142C to be tiltable with respect to the vertical axis (the Z-axis). That is, the first arm142C includes an inclination regulation mechanism52that regulates the inclination of the nozzle141C, and the inclination regulation mechanism52allows the nozzle141C to be tilted with respect to the vertical axis (the Z-axis).

Next, an SPM process in which the nozzle141C is used will be described with reference toFIG.14.FIG.14is a flowchart illustrating a procedure of the SPM process according to the second modification of the first embodiment. The SPM process illustrated inFIG.14is executed under the control of a controller301(seeFIG.1). Further, the SPM process illustrated inFIG.14is executed in the state in which a wafer W held by the substrate holder102is rotated.

First, a first pivot/lift mechanism143moves the nozzle141C from the standby position to the processing position on the wafer W. Subsequently, the controller301tilts the nozzle141C with respect to the vertical axis (the Z-axis) by the inclination regulation mechanism52of the first arm142C, and arranges the lead-out path44obliquely with respect to the rotation direction R of the wafer W (seeFIG.13) (step S121).

Thereafter, a mixed fluid of vapor and an SPM liquid is ejected from the nozzle141C to the front surface of the wafer W (step S122). As a result, the resist film formed on the front surface of the wafer W is removed. In this case, the lead-out path44is obliquely arranged with respect to the rotation direction R of the wafer W. As a result, by arranging the lead-out path44obliquely in this way, it is possible to release the vapor ejected from the lead-out path44along the front surface of the wafer W in the rotation direction of the wafer W, and therefore it is possible to suppress fume from staying in the vicinity of the front surface of the wafer W. The nozzle141A according to the second embodiment may be supported from above by the first arm142C to be tiltable with respect to the vertical axis (Z-axis). In this case, an SPM process similar to the SPM process illustrated inFIG.14may be executed under the control of the controller301.

FIG.15is a cross-sectional view of the nozzle according to a first modification of the second embodiment taken along a plane orthogonal to a longitudinal direction of the nozzle. As illustrated inFIG.15, a nozzle main body41D of the nozzle141D according to the first modification of the second embodiment includes a first distribution path42D and a second distribution path43D. Further, the nozzle main body41D includes first ejection ports45D and first supply paths46D, second ejection ports47D, and second supply paths48D.

A lead-in space49is formed around the second supply path48A of the nozzle141A according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure described above, but no lead-in space49is formed around the second supply path48D in the first modification of the second embodiment. A second ejection port47D, which is the outlet of the second supply path48D, is in a direct fluid communication with the inlet of a lead-out path44A.

Further, a first ejection port45D, which is an outlet of the first supply path46D, is open at the inner surface of a lead-out path44A and supplies vapor to the lead-out path44D.

The vapor led in from the first supply path46D and the SPM liquid led in from the second supply path48D are mixed near the upper end, which is the inlet of the lead-out path44A. As a result, an infinite number of droplets of the SPM liquid are formed, and the formed droplets are led out to the outside via the lead-out path44A together with the vapor.

In this way, the second supply path48D and the second ejection port47D may be in a direct fluid communication with the lead-out path44A without going through the lead-in space49. Further, the first ejection port45D may open at the inner surface of the lead-out path44A. As a result, even with a simple structure in which the lead-in spaces49are not formed, it is possible to efficiently mix the vapor and the SPM liquid.

In each of the above-described embodiments and modifications, examples of mixing the vapor and the SPM liquid have been described, but mist may be used instead of the vapor. That is, instead of the vapor supplier201, a mist supplier configured to supply mist of pressurized pure water may be provided.

In each of the above-described embodiments and modifications, the substrate processing apparatus configured to remove the resist film formed on the front surface of the substrate has been described as an example. That is, an example in which the object to be removed in the SPM process is the resist film has been described. However, the object to be removed in the SPM process is not limited to the resist film. For example, an object to be removed in an SPM process may be residue (organic matter) after ashing. Further, the object to be removed in the SPM process may be residual substances contained in abrasives after chemical mechanical polishing (CMP).

In the first embodiment of the present disclosure described above, the position of the first ejection port45and the position of the second ejection port47may be opposite to each other. That is, the vapor or mist may be ejected from the position of the second ejection port47illustrated inFIG.3, and the SPM liquid may be ejected from the position of the first ejection port45. Further, in the second embodiment, the position of the first ejection port45A and the position of the second ejection port47A may be opposite to each other. That is, the vapor or mist may be ejected from the position of the second ejection port47A illustrated inFIG.8, and the SPM liquid may be ejected from the position of the first ejection port45A.

As described above, the nozzle according to the embodiments (for example, the nozzle141, and141A to141D) are nozzles that mix a fluid containing steam or mist of pressurized pure water (for example, vapor or mist) and a processing liquid containing at least sulfuric acid (for example, SPM liquid) and eject the mixed liquid. The nozzle includes a first ejection port (for example, the first ejection port45,45A, or45D), a second ejection port (for example, the second ejection port47,47A, or47D), and a lead-out path (for example, the lead-out path44,44A, or44B). The first ejection port ejects a fluid. The second ejection port ejects a processing liquid. The lead-out path is in fluid communication with the first ejection port and the second ejection port, and leads out a mixed fluid of the fluid ejected from the first ejection port and the processing liquid ejected from the second ejection port. Further, the first ejection port or the second ejection port is arranged to be directed to a position deviated from the central axis of the lead-out path in a plan view.

With the nozzle according to the embodiments of the present disclosure, it is possible to cause the vapor ejected from the first ejection port to flow along the inner surface of the lead-out path. This makes it easy to form a swirling flow of vapor in the lead-out path. Therefore, with the nozzle according to the embodiments of the present disclosure, it is possible to efficiently mix the vapor and the SPM liquid in the SPM process in which the mixed fluid of the vapor and the SPM liquid is used. As a result, with the nozzle according to the embodiments of the present disclosure, it is possible to efficiently raise the temperature of the SPM liquid, and therefore a removal efficiency of the object to be removed may be improved in the SPM process in which the mixed fluid of the vapor and the SPM liquid is used.

The central axis of the first ejection port or the second ejection port may be tilted with respect to the direction of the normal line (for example, the normal line N or NA) of the inner surface of the lead-out path in a plan view. This makes it easy to form a swirling flow of vapor in the lead-out path. Further, since the swirling flow may extend the staying time of the vapor in the lead-out path, it is possible to suppress the amount of vapor used when mixing the vapor and the SPM liquid.

A nozzle according to the embodiments of the present disclosure may include first ejection ports and second ejection ports, and may include lead-out paths, each of which is in fluid communication with at least one first ejection port and at least one second ejection port.

Each first ejection port (for example, the first ejection port45) may be open at the inner surface of the lead-out path (for example, the lead-out path44or44B). Further, each second ejection port (for example, the second ejection port47) may be open at the upper end surface of the lead-out path. This makes it possible to efficiently mix the vapor and the SPM liquid in the vicinity of the upper end, which is the inlet of the lead-out path.

A nozzle according to the embodiments (for example, the nozzle141A) may further include a second supply path (for example, the second supply path48A) and a lead-in space (for example, the lead-in space49). The second supply path may supply processing liquid to the second ejection port. The lead-in space is formed in an annular shape surrounding the second supply path. Further, the second ejection port and the second supply path may be arranged coaxially with a lead-out path (for example, the lead-out path44A) and be in fluid communication with the lead-out path and the lead-in space. Further, the first ejection port (for example, the first ejection port45A) may be open at the inner wall surface of the lead-in space.

With the nozzle according to the embodiments, it is possible to cause the vapor ejected from the first ejection port to flow along the inner wall surface of the lead-in space. This makes it easy to form the swirling flow of vapor in the lead-out path being in fluid communication with the lead-in space. Therefore, with the nozzle according to the embodiments of the present disclosure, it is possible to efficiently mix the vapor and the SPM liquid in the SPM process in which the mixed fluid of the vapor and the SPM liquid is used. As a result, with the nozzle according to the embodiments of the present disclosure, it is possible to efficiently raise the temperature of the SPM liquid, and therefore the removal efficiency of the object to be removed may be improved in the SPM process in which the mixed fluid of the vapor and the SPM liquid is used.

The first ejection port (for example, the first ejection port45A) may be arranged above the second ejection port (for example, the second ejection port47A), and may eject the fluid toward the position deviated from the central axis of the lead-out path (for example, the lead-out path44A) in a plan view, thereby forming the swirling flow that swirls in the lead-out path. This makes it possible to efficiently mix the vapor and the SPM liquid in the SPM process in which the mixed fluid of the vapor and the SPM liquid is used.

The first ejection port may be open at the upper end surface of the lead-out path. Further, the second ejection port may be open at the inner surface of the lead-out path.

A nozzle according to embodiments of the present disclosure may further include a first supply path and a lead-in space. The first supply path may supply the fluid to the first ejection port. The lead-in space may be formed in an annular shape surrounding the first supply path. Further, the first ejection port and the first supply path may be arranged coaxially with the lead-out path and may be in fluid communication with the lead-out path and the lead-in space. The second ejection port may be open at the inner wall surface of the lead-in space.

The second ejection port may be arranged above the first ejection port, and may eject the processing liquid toward the position deviated from the central axis of the lead-out path in a plan view, thereby forming the swirling flow that swirls in the lead-out path.

A substrate processing apparatus according to the embodiments (for example, the substrate processing apparatus1) includes a substrate holder (for example, the substrate holder102), a fluid supplier (for example, the vapor supplier201), a processing liquid supplier (for example, the SPM supplier202), and a nozzle (for example, the nozzle141, and141A to141D). The substrate holder rotatably holds a substrate (for example, a wafer W). The fluid supplier supplies a fluid containing steam or mist of pressurized pure water (for example, vapor or mist). The processing liquid supplier supplies a processing liquid containing at least sulfuric acid (for example, SPM liquid). The nozzle is connected to the fluid supplier and the processing liquid supplier, mixes the fluid and the processing liquid, and ejects the mixed liquid to the substrate. Further, the nozzle includes a first ejection port (for example, the first ejection port45,45A, or45D), a second ejection port (for example, the second ejection port47,47A, or47D), and a lead-out path (for example, the lead-out path44,44A, or44B). The first ejection port ejects a fluid. The second ejection port ejects a processing liquid. The lead-out path is in fluid communication with the first ejection port and the second ejection port, and leads out the mixed fluid of the fluid ejected from the first ejection port and the processing liquid ejected from the second ejection port. Further, the first ejection port or the second ejection port is arranged to be directed to a position deviated from the central axis of the lead-out path in a plan view.

With the substrate processing apparatus according to the embodiments of the present disclosure, it is possible to cause the vapor ejected from the first ejection port to flow along the inner surface of the lead-out path. This makes it easy to form the swirling flow of vapor in the lead-out path. Therefore, with the substrate processing apparatus according to the embodiments, it is possible to efficiently mix the vapor and the SPM liquid in the SPM process in which the mixed fluid of the vapor and the SPM liquid is used. As a result, with the substrate processing apparatus according to the embodiments of the present disclosure, it is possible to efficiently raise the temperature of the SPM liquid, and therefore the removal efficiency of the object to be removed may be improved in the SPM process in which the mixed fluid of the vapor and the SPM liquid is used.

The lead-out path may be arranged obliquely with respect to the rotation direction (for example, the rotation direction R) of the substrate rotated by the substrate holder. This makes it possible to release the vapor ejected from the lead-out path along the front surface of the substrate in the rotation direction of the substrate, thereby suppressing fume from staying in the vicinity of the front surface of the substrate.

A substrate processing apparatus according to the embodiments (for example, the substrate processing apparatus1) includes a substrate holder (for example, the substrate holder102), a fluid supplier (for example, the vapor supplier201), a processing liquid supplier (for example, the SPM supplier202), a nozzle (for example, the nozzle141, and141A to141D), and a controller (for example, the controller301). The substrate holder rotatably holds the substrate (for example, the wafer W). The fluid supplier supplies the fluid containing steam or mist of pressurized pure water (for example, vapor or mist). The processing liquid supplier supplies the processing liquid containing at least sulfuric acid (for example, SPM liquid). The nozzle is connected to the fluid supplier and the processing liquid supplier, mixes the fluid and the processing liquid, and ejects the mixed liquid to the substrate. Further, the nozzle includes a first ejection port (for example, the first ejection port45,45A, or45D), a second ejection port (for example, the second ejection port47,47A, or47D), and a lead-out path (for example, the lead-out path44,44A, or44B). The first ejection port ejects the fluid. The second ejection port ejects the processing liquid. The lead-out path is in fluid communication with the first ejection port and the second ejection port, and leads out the mixed fluid of the fluid ejected from the first ejection port and the processing liquid ejected from the second ejection port. Further, the first ejection port or the second ejection port is arranged to be directed to the position deviated from the central axis of the lead-out path in a plan view. Further, the controller tilts the nozzle in the state in which the substrate held by the substrate holder is rotated, arranges the lead-out path obliquely with respect to the rotation direction of the substrate (for example, the rotation direction R), and ejects the mixed fluid from the nozzle toward the substrate. This makes it possible to release the vapor ejected from the lead-out path along the front surface of the substrate in the rotation direction of the substrate, thereby suppressing fume from staying in the vicinity of the front surface of the substrate.

According to the present disclosure, it is possible to efficiently mix a fluid and a processing liquid in a liquid process in which a mixed fluid of the fluid and the processing liquid is used.

The embodiments disclosed herein should be considered to be exemplary in all respects and not restrictive. Indeed, the above-described embodiments may be implemented in various forms. The embodiments described above may be omitted, replaced, or modified in various forms without departing from the scope and spirit of the appended claims.