Patent Publication Number: US-2017349381-A1

Title: Apparatuses, systems, and methods for processing semiconductor components

Description:
FIELD 
     This disclosure relates generally to processing semiconductor components, and more particularly to processing sliders for hard disk drives. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Electronic devices, such as electronic data storage devices, including hard disk drives, are commonly used for storing and retrieving digital information. Some components of electrical devices, such as sliders having read/write heads, are made from semiconductor materials. Desirably, many semiconductor components are co-formed on a single wafer and then individually separated and further processed in subsequent manufacturing steps. Separating co-formed semiconductor components in a manner that promotes efficiency, accuracy, and lower costs can be challenging. 
     SUMMARY 
     The subject matter of the present application has been developed in response to the present state of the art, and in particular, in response to the shortcomings of processes for manufacturing semiconductor components that have not yet been fully solved by currently available techniques. Accordingly, the subject matter of the present application provides apparatuses, systems, and methods for processing semiconductor components that overcome at least some of the above-discussed shortcomings of prior art techniques. 
     According to one embodiment, an apparatus, for processing semiconductor components, includes support surfaces and flexible couplings. The support surfaces are parallel to a first direction and spaced apart from each other in a second direction, perpendicular to the first direction. Moreover, the support surfaces are translationally movable relative to each other in the second direction to increase a pitch between adjacent support surfaces from a first pitch to a second pitch. Each of the flexible couplings is between and fixed to respective adjacent ones of the support surfaces. The flexible couplings flex as the support surfaces translationally move relative to each other in the second direction. 
     In one implementation, the apparatus further includes a linear actuator fixed to one of the support surfaces. The linear actuator is selectively operable to translationally move the support surfaces relative to each other in the second direction. 
     According to another implementation of the apparatus, adjacent support surfaces are co-movable in the second direction via the flexible coupling between and fixed to the adjacent support surfaces. 
     In some implementations of the apparatus, the support surfaces are translationally movable relative to each other in a third direction, opposite the second direction, to decrease the pitch from the second pitch to the first pitch. Adjacent support surfaces are co-movable in the third direction via the flexible coupling between and fixed to the adjacent support surfaces. The flexible couplings flex as the support surfaces translationally move relative to each other in the third direction. The flexible couplings can expand as support surfaces translationally move relative to each other in the second direction. In contrast, the flexible couplings can compress as support surfaces translationally move relative to each other in the third direction. 
     According to certain implementations, the apparatus also includes at least one locking element. The at least one locking element includes spacers having a third pitch between adjacent spacers, where the third pitch is equal to the second pitch. The at least one locking element is movable relative to the support surfaces to position respective spacers between adjacent support surfaces at the second pitch. The at least one locking element can be translationally movable in the first direction relative to the support surfaces to position respective spacers between adjacent support surfaces at the second pitch. Alternatively, the at least one locking element can be rotationally movable relative to the support surfaces to position respective spacers between adjacent support surfaces at the second pitch. For locking elements that are rotationally movable, the spacers of the at least one locking element are separated into groupings of spacers adjacent each other in the second direction along the at least one locking element, where each spacer of each grouping of spacers has a circumferential length different than each spacer of others of the groupings of spacers, and a circumferential length of each spacer of any grouping of spacers is greater than a circumferential length of each spacer of any adjacent grouping of spacers in the second direction. 
     In another embodiment, a system for processing semiconductor components includes a fixture and a first tray. The fixture includes a frame, support surfaces, and flexible couplings. The support surfaces are movably coupled to the frame, parallel to each other in a first direction, spaced apart from each other in a second direction, perpendicular to the first direction, and translationally movable relative to each other in the second direction to increase a pitch between adjacent support surfaces from a first pitch to a second pitch. Each of the flexible couplings is between and fixed to respective adjacent ones of the support surfaces. The flexible couplings flex as the support surfaces translationally move relative to each other in the second direction. The first tray includes receptacles that have a fourth pitch between adjacent receptacles. The fourth pitch is equal to the second pitch. The first tray is releasably coupleable to the frame. 
     According to some implementations of the system, the first tray further includes first apertures each formed in a respective one of the receptacles. The system may also include a first vacuum base that is relasably coupleable to the first tray and includes at least one fluid conduit communicatively coupled with the first apertures of the first tray when the first vacuum base is releasably coupled to the first tray. Additionally, the system can include a vacuum that is communicatively coupleable with the at least one fluid conduit of the first vacuum base and operable to draw air from the receptacles of the first tray via the first apertures of the first tray and the at least one fluid conduit of the first vacuum base when the vacuum is communicatively coupled with the at least one fluid conduit of the first vacuum base and the first vacuum base is releasably coupled to the first tray. The system can further include a second tray that includes receptacles having a fifth pitch between adjacent receptacles, where the fifth pitch is equal to the second pitch. The second tray is releasably coupleable to the first tray. The second tray can further include second apertures each formed in a respective one of the receptacles of the second tray. The system may additionally include a second vacuum base that is relasably coupleable to the second tray and includes at least one fluid conduit communicatively coupled with the second apertures of the second tray when the second vacuum base is releasably coupled to the second tray. The vacuum may be communicatively coupleable with the at least one fluid conduit of the second vacuum base and operable to draw air from the receptacles of the second tray via the second apertures of the second tray and the at least one fluid conduit of the second vacuum base when the vacuum is communicatively coupled with the at least one fluid conduit of the second vacuum base and the second vacuum base is releasably coupled to the second tray. 
     According to yet another embodiment, a method of processing semiconductor components includes coupling a row of semiconductor components on support surfaces, spaced at a first pitch between adjacent surfaces, such that the row of semiconductor components extends in a second direction and each semiconductor component of the row of adjoined semiconductor components is supported by a respective one of the support surfaces. The semiconductor components of the row of semiconductor components are adjoined. The support surfaces are parallel to each other in a first direction, perpendicular to the second direction, and spaced apart from each other in the second direction. The method also includes disjoining semiconductor components of the row of semiconductor components while positioned on the support surfaces, at the first pitch, at locations coincident with gaps defined between the support surfaces. Additionally, the method includes, after disjoining the semiconductor components of the row of semiconductor components, translationally moving the support surfaces relative to each other in the second direction to increase a pitch between adjacent support surfaces from the first pitch to a second pitch. 
     In some implementations, the method further includes releasably locking the support surfaces in place at the second pitch by positioning a spacer in each of the gaps defined between the support surfaces. Positioning the spacer in each of the gaps defined between the support surfaces may include separately positioning groupings of spacers in the gaps in sequence along the support surfaces in the second direction. 
     According to certain implementations, the method additionally includes releasably coupling a first tray, that includes receptacles having the second pitch between adjacent receptacles, with the support surfaces, at the second pitch, such that each receptacle is aligned with a respective one of the semiconductor components in a fourth direction perpendicular to the first and second directions. The method also includes, with the first tray releasably coupled with the support surfaces, washing the first tray, support surfaces, and semiconductor components to decouple the semiconductor components from the support surfaces. Furthermore, the method includes transferring each of the semiconductor components decoupled from the support surfaces to within respective receptacles of the first tray. The method may additionally include applying negative pressure to the semiconductor components within the receptacles of the first tray to retain the semiconductor components within the receptacles of the first tray. Also, the method may include, while applying the negative pressure to the semiconductor components within the receptacles of the first tray, decoupling the support surfaces from the first tray. Additionally, the method can include, after decoupling the support surfaces from the first tray, releasably coupling a second tray, that includes receptacles having the second pitch between adjacent receptacles, with the first tray such that each semiconductor component within the receptacles of the first tray is aligned with a respective one of the receptacles of the second tray in a fifth direction opposite the fourth direction. The method can also include transferring the semiconductor components from within the receptacles of the first tray to within respective receptacles of the second tray, applying negative pressure to the semiconductor components within the receptacles of the second tray to retain the semiconductor components within the receptacles of the second tray, and, while applying the negative pressure to the semiconductor components within the receptacles of the second tray, decoupling the first tray from the second tray. 
     The described features, structures, advantages, and/or characteristics of the subject matter of the present disclosure may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments and/or implementations. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided to impart a thorough understanding of embodiments of the subject matter of the present disclosure. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the subject matter of the present disclosure may be practiced without one or more of the specific features, details, components, materials, and/or methods of a particular embodiment or implementation. In other instances, additional features and advantages may be recognized in certain embodiments and/or implementations that may not be present in all embodiments or implementations. Further, in some instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the subject matter of the present disclosure. The features and advantages of the subject matter of the present disclosure will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the subject matter as set forth hereinafter. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In order that the advantages of the subject matter may be more readily understood, a more particular description of the subject matter briefly described above will be rendered by reference to specific embodiments that are illustrated in the appended drawings. Understanding that these drawings depict only typical embodiments of the subject matter and are not therefore to be considered to be limiting of its scope, the subject matter will be described and explained with additional specificity and detail through the use of the drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a fixture for processing semiconductor components, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  is a top plan view of the fixture of  FIG. 1 , according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 3  is an enlarged perspective view of an expandable portion of the fixture of  FIG. 1 , according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 4  is a top plan view of the fixture of  FIG. 1 , shown with portions of a frame of the fixture removed for clarity in showing locking elements of the fixture, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 5  is a perspective view of the fixture of  FIG. 1 , shown with an expandable portion of the fixture in an expanded state, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional perspective view of the fixture of  FIG. 1 , shown with an expandable portion of the fixture in a retracted state, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional perspective view of the fixture of  FIG. 1 , shown with an expandable portion of the fixture in an expanded state, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 8  is a perspective view of a fixture for processing semiconductor components, shown with an expandable portion of the fixture in a retracted state, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the fixture of  FIG. 8 , shown with the expandable portion of the fixture in an expanded state, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a tray of a system for processing semiconductor components, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure; 
         FIGS. 11-16  are schematic side elevation views of a system for processing semiconductor components in respective stages of processing the semiconductor components; and 
         FIG. 17  is a block diagram of a method of processing semiconductor components, according to one or more embodiments of the present disclosure. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present disclosure. Appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment. Similarly, the use of the term “implementation” means an implementation having a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with one or more embodiments of the present disclosure, however, absent an express correlation to indicate otherwise, an implementation may be associated with one or more embodiments. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 1-3 , according to one embodiment, a system  100 , for processing semiconductor components, includes a fixture  102 . The fixture  102  includes a frame  103  that supports an expansion mechanism  104  of the fixture  102 . Generally, the frame  103  is configured to support the expansion mechanism  104  as the expansion mechanism  104  translationally moves, relative to the frame  103 , between a retracted state and an expanded state. The frame  103  includes an engagement surface  124  that is configured to engage an engagement surface of a tray (e.g., engagement surface  381  of tray  370  of  FIG. 10 ) of the system  100 . The engagement surface  124  of the frame  103  and the engagement surface of the tray complement each other. Accordingly, the frame  103  can have any of various configurations resulting in an engagement surface  124  that complements and is engageable with an engagement surface of a tray of the system  100 . In the illustrated embodiment, the frame  103  includes two sidewalls, parallel to each other, coupled with two end walls, parallel to each other, to form a generally rectangular shape. However, in other embodiments, the frame  103  may have any number of sidewalls and/or end walls to form any of various other shapes, such as square, circular, triangular, and the like. 
     The frame  103  defines a cavity in which the expansion mechanism  104  is located. The cavity of the frame  103  has at least one open side contiguous with the engagement surface  124 . Accordingly, the expansion mechanism  104  is accessible via the open end of the frame  103 . The cavity of the frame  103  has an additional side, opposite the open side, which can be open or closed. 
     The expansion mechanism  104  includes an expandable portion  106 , and a first end plate  108  and a second end plate  110 . The expandable portion  106  is fixed to and interposed between the first end plate  108  and the second end plate  110 . The first end plate  108  is movable relative to the frame  103 , and the second end plate  110  is non-movable relative to the frame  103 . Furthermore, the expandable portion  106  includes a plurality of support surfaces  112 . Each of the support surfaces  112  is rigid and elongate. For example, each of the support surfaces  112  can be made from a metal, such as stainless steel, and can have a length greater than a width. The support surfaces  112  are arranged parallel to and spaced apart from each other between the first end plate  108  and the second end plate  110 . Moreover, when the expansion mechanism  104  is supported by the frame  103 , the support surfaces  112  extend lengthwise parallel to a first direction  115  and are spaced-apart from each other in a direction parallel to a second direction  114 , which is perpendicular to the first direction  115 . A gap  113  (shown in  FIG. 3 ) is defined between respective adjacent support surfaces  112  of the expandable portion  106 . Each gap  113  defines a minimum distance between adjacent support surfaces  112 . The gaps  113  extend along the entire lengths of the support surfaces  112 , in some implementations, such that no portion of a support surface  112  contacts an adjacent support surface  112 . 
     The gaps  113  correlate with a pitch of the support surfaces  112 . More specifically, the pitch of the support surfaces  112  is based on the minimum distance between adjacent support surfaces  112 . As defined herein, a pitch of objects is the minimum distance between one point on an object and the corresponding point on an adjacent object. Accordingly, the pitch of the support surfaces  112  is the minimum distance between one point on a support surface  112  and the corresponding point on an adjacent support surface  112 . Generally, the higher the minimum distance between adjacent support surfaces  112 , the higher the pitch of the support surfaces  112 , and the lower the minimum distance between adjacent support surfaces  112 , the lower the pitch of the support surfaces  112 . Accordingly, expanding the expandable portion  106 , from a retracted state to an expanded state to increase the gaps  113 , also increases the pitch of the support surfaces  112 . 
     The expandable portion  106  of the expansion mechanism  104  also includes a plurality of flexible couplings  141  each positioned between and fixed to respective adjacent support surfaces  112 . Each of the flexible couplings  141  couples together respective adjacent support surfaces  112 . In this manner, the support surfaces  112  of the expandable portion  106  are flexibly linked together by the flexible couplings  141 . Referring to  FIGS. 6 and 7 , according to one example, each flexible coupling  141  includes two thin-walled webs  143  each coupled to a respective one of adjacent support surfaces  112 , along first sides of the webs  143 , and coupled to each other, along second sides of the webs  143 , opposite the first sides of the webs  143 . The webs  143  of each flexible coupling  141  are configured to promote flexibility at least at the junction between the webs  143  and a respective one of the support surfaces  112  of adjacent support surfaces  112  and at the junction between the webs  143 . Accordingly, in this example, the flexible couplings  141  are configured to cooperatively flex in an accordion-like, bellowed, or concertinaed manner to allow the expansion mechanism  104  to translationally move, relative to the frame  103 , between the retracted state and the expanded state. More specifically, the webs  143  of each flexible coupling  141  flex away from each other as the expansion mechanism  104  expands, relative to the frame  103 , from the retracted state (e.g.,  FIG. 6 ) to the expanded state (e.g.,  FIG. 7 ). In contrast, the webs  143  of each flexible coupling  141  flex toward each other as the expansion mechanism  104  retracts, relative to the frame  103 , from the expanded state to the retracted state. In some implementations, the flexible couplings  141  are made from the same material as the supports surfaces. Also, the flexible couplings  141  can be co-formed with the support surfaces  112 , such as via a machining process. 
     The flexible couplings  141  promote sequential relative movement of the support surfaces  112 . Due to the flexible interconnectivity between support surfaces  112  provided by the flexible couplings  141 , as one support surface  112  is translationally moved in a given direction, such as parallel to the second direction  114 , to expand the expansion mechanism  104 , the adjacent support surface  112  correspondingly translationally moves. Accordingly, by moving one support surface  112  in the given direction, all support surfaces  112  move in the given direction in a sequential manner by virtue of the flexible interconnectivity provided by the support surfaces  112 . 
     Although in the example of  FIGS. 6 and 7 , the flexible couplings  141  each includes two flexible webs  143 , in other examples, each flexible coupling  141  includes other configurations that facilitate relative movement of the support surfaces  112  between the expanded and retracted states. 
     In some implementations, one or two webs  143  may be positioned between and fixed to a support surface  112 , at a first end of the expandable portion, and the first end plate  108 , to flexibly couple together the support surface  112 , at the first end of the expandable portion  106 , and the first end plate  108 . Similarly, one or two webs  143  may be positioned between and fixed to a support surface  112 , at a second end of the expandable portion  106 , and the second end plate  110 , to flexibly couple together the support surface  112 , at the second end of the expandable portion  106 , and the second end plate  110 . In such implementations, expansion and retraction of the expandable portion  106  can be facilitated by moving the first end plate  108  relative to the second end plate  110  in opposite directions. For example, moving the first end plate  108 , relative to the second end plate  110 , in the second direction  114 , expands the expandable portion  106  and moving the first end plate  108 , relative to the second end plate  110 , in a direction opposite the second direction  114  retracts the expandable portion  106 . 
     Returning to  FIGS. 1-3 , the fixture  102  additionally includes a linear actuator  126  that is configured to promote the expansion and retraction of the expandable portion  106 . The linear actuator  126  is fixed to an end of the expandable portion  106  in a manner that promotes co-movability of the expandable portion  106  and the linear actuator  126 . In other words, movement of the linear actuator  126  causes movement of the expandable portion  106 . More specifically, translational movement of the linear actuator  126  in the second direction  114  causes the linear actuator  126  to expand in the second direction  114 , and translational movement of the linear actuator  126  in a third direction, opposite the second direction  114 , causes the linear actuator  126  to retract in the third direction. In one implementation, the linear actuator  126  is non-movably fixed to the first end plate  108  of the expansion mechanism  104  to directly translationally move the first end plate  108 , and translationally move the support surfaces  112  relative to each other, as the linear actuator  126  moves. In one embodiment, the linear actuator  126  is an automatically-operated linear actuator, such as a pneumatic, hydraulic, piezoelectric, and/or electro-mechanical linear actuator. Such automatically-operated linear actuators can be selectively controlled via a programmable computer controller. Alternatively, in some embodiments, such as shown in  FIGS. 1-7 , the linear actuator  126  is a manually-operated linear actuator. 
     The linear actuator  126  may be at least partially supported by the frame  103 . For example, for a manually-operated linear actuator, the frame  103  may include an aperture through which a portion of the linear actuator  126  extends and on which the linear actuator  126  is supported as the linear actuator  126  is translationally moved. Furthermore, to help facilitate gripping of a manually-operated linear actuator, the linear actuator  126  may include a knob, or other gripping feature, that a user may grip when translationally moving the linear actuator  126 . 
     The fixture  102  also includes one or more linear rails  116  fixed to the frame  103  and non-movable relative to the frame  103 . The linear rails  116  are parallel to each other and to the second direction  114 . The expansion mechanism  104  is supported on and movable translationally along the linear rails  116 . In this manner, the linear rails  116  help to promote translational movement of the expandable portion  106  of the expansion mechanism  104  in the second direction  114  and third direction, opposite the second direction  114 , without binding of the expandable portion  106 . The expansion mechanism  104  includes two channels that extend through the first end plate  108  and at least a portion of the expandable portion  106 . Each of the linear rails  116  extends through a respective of the channels of the expansion mechanism  104  to retain the first end plate  108  and expandable portion  106  on the linear rails  116 . 
     Additionally, the fixture  102  includes at least one locking element  120  that is configured to lock the expandable portion  106  of the expansion mechanism  104  in the expanded state. In some embodiments, the fixture includes two locking elements  120  positioned on opposite sides of the expandable portion  106 . The locking elements  120  are movably fixed to the frame  103  of the fixture  102 . Each locking element  120  includes spacers  144  that are spaced apart at a third pitch corresponding with a desired pitch between the support surfaces  112  in the expanded state. The spacers  144  are sized to fit within the gaps  113  between the support surfaces  112 , with each spacer  144  fitting within a respective one of the gaps  113 . Moreover, when positioned within the gaps  113 , the spacers  144  are sized to, at least indirectly, engage the support surfaces  112  to maintain the desired pitch between the support surfaces  112 . The spacers  144  can have any of various shapes. In some implementations, each of the spacers  144  is tooth-shaped or wedge-shaped to promote centering of the spacers  144  within respective gaps  113  as the spacers  144  are inserted into the respective gaps  113 . Insertion of the spacers  144  of the locking elements  120  into the gaps  113  is accomplished by actuation of the locking elements  120 . The locking elements  120  can be actuated automatically or manually. 
     In the embodiments of  FIGS. 1-7 , the locking elements  120  are actuated manually or automatically by rotating the locking elements  120 . Each locking element  120  of  FIGS. 1-7  includes a shaft  121  with the spacers  144  being positioned in a side-by-side arrangement along a central axis of the shaft  121 . For each locking element  120 , the spacers  144  extend circumferentially around only a portion of the circumference of the shaft  121 . Accordingly, a portion of the shaft  121  is not covered by the spacers  144 . Moreover, in certain implementations, depending on the location of the spacers  144  along the axis of the shaft  121 , some spacers  144  may extend circumferentially around a greater or lesser portion of the circumference of the shaft  121  than other spacers  144 . In other words, the circumferential length of the spacers  144  may be different based on the location of the spacers  144  on the shaft  121 . For example, referring to  FIG. 4 , the spacers  144  may be separated into groupings of spacers  142  each including one or more spacers  144 . 
     The spacers  144  of the same grouping of spacers  142  have the same circumferential length and are arranged on the same circumferential portion of the shaft  121  of a locking element  120 . Moreover, the circumferential length of the spacers  144  of one grouping of spacers  142  is different than the circumferential length of the spacers  144  of an adjacent grouping of spacers  142 . In one implementation, as shown, the circumferential length of the spacers  144  of one grouping of spacers  142  is more than the circumferential length of the spacers  144  of an adjacent grouping of spacers  142  in the second direction  114 . In other words, in the second direction  114 , the circumferential length of the spacers  144  from grouping of spacers  142  to grouping of spacers  142  incrementally decreases. Furthermore, despite the differing circumferential lengths of the spacers  144 , the circumferential location of the spacers  144  on the shaft  121  for each grouping of spacers  142  is aligned along an axis of the shaft  121 . For example, in one implementation, as shown, the groupings of spacers  142  are arranged in a step-wise manner along the shaft  121 . 
     In operation, after the expandable portion  106  is expanded into the expanded state, the locking elements  120  of  FIGS. 1-7  can be rotated in the rotational direction  122 . In some implementations, a handle  140  is co-rotatable coupled with each of the locking elements  120  to facilitate manual rotation of the locking elements  120 . In alternative implementations, the locking elements  120  can be automatically rotated via any of various electronically controllable devices, such as motors, actuators, and the like. Rotation of the locking elements  120  causes the spacers  142  to be inserted in the gaps  113  between the spacers  144  to uniformly space the support surfaces  112  apart from each other at the desired pitch and lock the expandable portion  106  of the expansion mechanism  104  in the expanded state. The configuration of the locking elements  120  of  FIGS. 1-7  helps to facilitate incremental or progressive insertion of the spacers  144  into the gaps  113  one grouping of spacers  142  at a time. For example, as the locking elements  120  are rotated, the spacers  144  of one grouping of spacers  142  are first inserted into a corresponding set of gaps  113 . Further rotation of the locking elements  120  causes the spacers  144  of an adjacent grouping of spacers  142 , in the second direction  114 , to subsequently be inserted into another corresponding set of gaps  113 . Additional rotation of the locking elements  120  then results in the spacers  144  of the remaining grouping of spacers  142  to be progressively inserted into corresponding sets of gaps  113 . In this manner, the spacing between the support surfaces  112  is uniformly spaced and locked a few of the support surfaces  112  at a time, which helps to reduce misalignment or binding between the gaps  113  and the spacers  142  during the insertion process. 
     Generally, with the expandable portion  106  of the expansion mechanism  104  in the retracted state (see, e.g.,  FIGS. 1-4 and 6 ), the support surfaces  112  are configured to be coupled to (e.g., receive and support thereon) at least one row  130  made of semiconductor components  132  adjoined together. According to some embodiments, as shown, the support surfaces  112  receive thereon and support a plurality of rows  130  of semiconductor components  132 . As defined herein, the semiconductor components  132  of a row  130  are considered adjoined semiconductor components because the semiconductor components  132  are joined together. In some implementations, the semiconductor components  132  of the row  130  are arranged one at a time in an end-to-end manner along a length of the row  130 . In this manner, the row  130  of semiconductor components  132  extends in a direction along the length of the row  130 . Each row  130  is oriented on the support surfaces  112  to extend parallel to the second direction  114  such that each row  130  is supported by multiple support surfaces  112 . More specifically, in the retracted state, the support surfaces  112  are spaced apart from each other such that each support surface  112  supports a respective one of the semiconductor components  132  of a row  130 . Where the support surfaces  112  support multiple rows  130 , the rows  130  can be fixed onto the support surfaces  112  parallel to each other and a desired distance apart from each other, in the first direction  115 . The rows  130  of semiconductor components  132  are non-movably fixedly supported on the support surfaces  112  via a bonding agent applied between the rows  130  and the support surfaces  112 . 
     In certain implementations, each row  130  of semiconductor components  132  is separated from a plurality of semiconductor components  132  co-formed on a wafer. For example, the wafer may include an array of semiconductor components  132  across the surface of the wafer. The semiconductor components  132  may be categorized into one of several quads of semiconductor components  132  with each quad having a given number of rows of semiconductor components with a given number of semiconductor components per row. Generally, to increase the number of semiconductor components  132  manufactured per batch, and thus reduce costs and labor, the areal density of semiconductor components on the wafer desirably is maximized (e.g., the pitch between adjacent semiconductor components of a given row is minimized). After the semiconductor components  132  are formed on the wafer, the rows  130  of semiconductor components  132  are formed by physically separating semiconductor components  132 , arranged in rows on the wafer, from each other. The rows  130  are physically separated by a cutting process, such as with a knife, cutting wheel, laser, etc., in some implementations, or by an additional or alternative separation process in other implementations. 
     The semiconductor components  132  can be any of various components used for any of various applications. In one embodiment, each semiconductor component  132  is a slider for a hard disk drive or other magnetic recording medium device. The slider includes an integrated circuit for providing magnetic-bit reading capabilities and magnetic-bit writing capabilities. The semiconductor components  132  can be made from any of various semiconductor materials, such as silicone. In yet other embodiments, the semiconductor components  132  can be made from materials other than semiconductor materials. 
     Generally, as will be described in more detail below, after the rows  130  of semiconductor components  132  are fixed on the support surfaces  112  in the retracted state, the semiconductor components  132  of each row  130  are physically separated or disjoined from each other. When the semiconductor components  132  of each row  130  are physically separated from each other, the support surfaces  112  can be moved relative to each other in the second direction  114  into the expanded state (see, e.g.,  FIGS. 5 and 7 ) to increase the pitch between the support surfaces  112 , and thus the pitch between the physically separated semiconductor components  132 , by actuating the linear actuator in the second direction  114 . After expanding the expandable portion  106  into the expanded state to increase the pitch between the support surfaces  112  and the semiconductor components  132 , the support surfaces  112  can be locked into place by actuating the locking elements  120 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 8 and 9 , according to another embodiment of a system  200  and fixture  202 , similar to the system  100  and fixture  102  of  FIGS. 1-7 , with like numbers referring to like features, locking elements  220  are actuated manually by translationally moving the locking elements  220  to position spacers  244  within gaps  213  between support surfaces  212 . Each of the locking elements  220  includes a bar with spacers  244  linearly-aligned along the bar and facing the expandable portion  206 . The fixture  202  further includes biasing elements  221 , such as compression springs, engaged with the locking elements  220  to bias the locking elements  220  into engagement with the expandable portion  206  (e.g., insertion of the spacers  244  into the gaps  213 ). Translational movement of the locking elements  220  can be facilitated by rotation of fasteners  223  each fixed to the frame  203  and threadably engaged with a respective one of the locking elements  220 . Different than the locking elements  120  of the fixture  102 , with the expandable portion  206  in the expanded state, the locking elements  220  of the fixture  202  are configured to insert all the spacers  244  into the gaps  213  at the same time. Also, in contrast to the linear actuator  126  of the fixture  102 , the linear actuator  226  of the fixture  202  includes opposing sliders extending transversely relative to the second direction  214 . The sliders of the linear actuator  226  extend from the sides of the frame  203 , to provide opposing handles, and slide along slots formed in the frame  203 , to manually expand and retract the expandable portion  206 . 
     Referring to  FIG. 10 , the system  100  further includes a tray  370  for individually retaining disjoined semiconductor components separate from each other. The tray  370  includes a frame  372  and a component retainer portion  374  fixed to the frame  372 . The frame  372  defines the engagement surface  381 , which, as described above, is configured to engage the engagement surface  124  of the frame  103  of the fixture  102 . The component retainer portion  374  includes a plurality of receptacles  376  each sized and shaped to receive and retain a respective one of the semiconductor components of the rows of semiconductor components after they have been disjoined from each other. To facilitate the receipt and retainment of disjoined semiconductor components, the receptacles  376  are spaced apart from each other, in a direction parallel to the second direction  114 , at a fourth pitch equal to the desired pitch (e.g, second pitch P 2  (see, e.g.,  FIG. 13 )) of the support surfaces  112  in the expanded state. Moreover, the receptacles  376  can be spaced apart from each other, in a direction parallel to the first direction  115 , at a pitch equal to the spacing between adjacent rows of semiconductor components when supported on the support surfaces  112 . Accordingly, the tray  370  can be releasably coupled to the frame  103 , via engagement between engagement surfaces  124 ,  381 , over the support surfaces  112  and disjoined semiconductor components  132  in the expanded state such that each receptacle is aligned, in a direction perpendicular to the first direction  115  and the second direction  114 , with a respective one of the semiconductor components  132 . In some implementations, the pitch between the receptacles  376  in the first direction  115  and the pitch between the receptacles  376  in the second direction  114  is the same. The component retainer portion  374  of the tray  370  additionally includes apertures  378  each formed in a respective one of the receptacles  376 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 11-16 , according to another embodiment, a system  400 , for processing semiconductor components that similar to the system  100  and the system  200 , with like numbers referring to like features, is shown schematically. The system  400  includes a fixture  402 , with a frame  403 , and an expansion mechanism  404 , movably fixed to the frame  403 . The frame  403  includes an engagement surface  424 . 
     With reference to  FIG. 11 , the expansion mechanism  404  is in a retracted state. In the retracted state, the support surfaces are positioned relative to each other such that a minimum distance D 1  is defined between adjacent support surfaces  412 . The minimum distance D 1  correlates with a first pitch P 1  of the support surfaces  412  in the retracted state. At least one row  430  of semiconductor components  432 , adjoined together and having a pitch equal to the first pitch P 1 , is coupled to the support surfaces  412 . With the pitch of the semiconductor components  432  of the row  430  being equal to the first pitch P 1  of the support surfaces  412 , the row  430  of semiconductor components  432  can be positioned relative to the support surfaces  412  such that each one of the semiconductor components  432  is aligned with or supported by a respective one of the support surfaces  412 . Although not shown, a layer of bonding agent may be positioned between the support surfaces  412  and the semiconductor components  432  to bond each semiconductor component  432  to a respective support surface  412 . 
     Now referring to  FIG. 12 , the semiconductor components  432  of the row  430  (or of each row  430  if there are multiple rows  430 ) are disjoined or separated from each other while coupled to the support surfaces  412 . In the implementation shown, a cutting device  460  is passed between adjacent semiconductor components  432  of the row  430  to effectively form a gap between the adjacent semiconductor components  432 , thus disjoining the adjacent semiconductor components  432 . The cutting device  460  can be any of various devices capable of cutting through semiconductor materials, such as rotary saws, reciprocating saws, lasers, razor blades, wire electrical discharge machining (EDM), and the like. As shown, the cutting device  460  may at least partially pass through the gaps  413  between the semiconductor components  432  to facilitate a complete disjoining of adjacent semiconductor components  432 . 
     After the semiconductor components  432  of the row  430  are disjoined, as shown in  FIG. 13 , the support surfaces  412  are moved relative to each other in the direction indicated to increase the gap  413  between each of the adjacent support surfaces  412 , and thus the gap between adjacent semiconductor components  432 , from the first minimum distance D 1 , associated with the expansion mechanism  404  in the retracted state, to a second minimum distance D 2 , associated with the expansion mechanism  404  in the expanded state. Increasing the size of the gap  413  between adjacent support surfaces  412  results in an increase in the pitch of the support surfaces  412  from the first pitch P 1 , associated with the expansion mechanism  404  in the retracted state, to a second pitch P 2 , associated with the expansion mechanism in the expanded state. In some implementations, the second pitch P 2  is at least two times greater than the first pitch P 1 . 
     With the expansion mechanism  404 , having the disjoined semiconductor components  432  coupled thereto, in the expanded state, a first tray  470 A of the system  400  can be releasably coupled to the fixture  402  via engagement between the engagement surface  424  of the frame  403  and an engagement surface  481 A of the first tray  470 A. The first tray  470 A includes receptacles  476 A, separate and distinct from each other, spaced apart from each other at a fourth pitch equal to the second pitch P 2 . Accordingly, with the first tray  470 A coupled to the fixture  402 , the semiconductor components  432  are at least partially positioned within a respective one of the receptacles  476 A. 
     In some implementations, due the material and manufacturing limitations, the fourth pitch between the receptacles  476 A of the first tray  470 A is the smallest pitch possible. However, as presented above, the semiconductor components  432  can be and are desirably manufactured to have a first pitch P 1  smaller than the fourth pitch. Accordingly, providing a fixture  402  that enables the increase of the pitch of the semiconductor components  432  from the first pitch P 1  to the second pitch P 2 , which can be equal to the fourth pitch of the receptacles  476 A, allows the semiconductor components  432  to be manufactured at a relatively smaller pitch, while ensuring compatibility with manufacturing process equipment having a relatively larger pitch. 
     Also shown in  FIG. 14 , the fixture  402 , with the first tray  470 A releasably coupled thereto, can be placed in a chemical wash  490  or bath and washed to remove the bonding agent from between the semiconductor components  432  and the support surfaces  412 . The chemical wash  490  can be any of various solvents that, when used in conjunction with any of various washing processes, such as an ultrasonic-frequency washing process, is configured to break down the bonding agent. Removal of the bonding agent effectively decouples the semiconductor components  432  from the support surfaces  412 . In some implementations, before or after decoupling the semiconductor components  432  from the support surfaces  412 , the fixture  402  and first tray  470 A can be flipped 180-degrees, such that the first tray  470 A is vertically below the fixture  402 . Accordingly, in such implementations, when the semiconductor components  432  decouple from the support surfaces  412 , the semiconductor components  432  can fall into respective receptacles  476 A of the first tray  470 A. 
     Referring to  FIG. 15 , with the first tray  470 A releasably coupled to the fixture  402 , a vacuum base  480  can be releasably coupled to the first tray  470 A. The vacuum base  480  includes at least one fluid conduit  482  communicatively coupled with apertures  478 A of the first tray  470 A. In some implementations, the at least one fluid conduit  482  includes a plurality of intercoupled fluid conduits each communicatively coupled with a respective one of the apertures  478 A. The system  400  further includes a vacuum  484  that is communicatively coupleable with the at least one fluid conduit  482  of the vacuum base  480 . The vacuum  484  is selectively operable to draw air from the receptacles  476 A of the first tray  470 A via the apertures  478 A of the first tray  470 A and the at least one fluid conduit  482  of the vacuum base  480  when the vacuum  484  is communicatively coupled with the at least one fluid conduit  482  of the vacuum base  480  and the vacuum base  480  is releasably coupled to the first tray  470 A. Generally, selective operation of the vacuum  484  applies a negative pressure to the semiconductor components  432  within the receptacles  476 A, to retain the semiconductor components  432  within the receptacles  476 A. Alternatively, in implementations where the fixture  402  is vertically below the first tray  470 A after the bonding agent is removed, selective operation of the vacuum  484  applies a negative pressure to the semiconductor components  432  to draw the semiconductor components  432  from the support surfaces  412  into the receptacles  476 A and then retain the semiconductor components  432  within the receptacles  476 A. 
     While the vacuum  484  applies the negative pressure to the semiconductor components  432  within the receptacles  476 A of the first tray  470 A, the fixture  402 , including the support surfaces  412 , is decoupled from the first tray  470 A. The application of negative pressure to the semiconductor components  432 , while decoupling the fixture  402  from the first tray  470 A, helps to ensure the semiconductor components  432  are retained within the receptacles  476 A of the first tray  470 A and do not remain on the fixture  402 , such as due to any residual bonding agent left over after the washing process, as the fixture  402  is removed from the first tray  470 A. 
     In some implementations, after the fixture  402  is removed from the first tray  470 A, the upward-facing surfaces of the semiconductor components  432  within the receptacles  476 A of the first tray  470 A can be further processed, such as polished and/or etched. However, according to certain implementations, it may be desirable to further process the downward-facing surfaces of the semiconductor components  432  within the receptacles  476 A of the first tray  470 A. Therefore, referring to  FIG. 16 , after the fixture  402  is removed from the first tray  470 A, a second tray  470 B can be releasably coupled to the first tray  470 A via engagement between the engagement surface  481 A of the first tray  470 A and an engagement surface  481 B of the second tray  470 B. Like the first tray  470 A, the second tray  470 B includes receptacles  476 B, separate and distinct from each other, spaced apart from each other at a fifth pitch equal to the second pitch P 2 . Accordingly, with the second tray  470 B coupled to the first tray  470 A, the semiconductor components  432  within the receptacles  476 A of the first tray  470 A are aligned with the receptacles  476 B of the second tray  470 B. By flipping the first tray  470 A and the second tray  470 B 180-degrees, the semiconductor components  432  are transferred from within the receptacles  476 A of the first tray  470 A to within the receptacles  476 B of the second tray  470 B. Moreover, when transferred to the receptacles  476 B of the second tray  470 B, the previously downward-facing surfaces of the semiconductor components  432  are now upward-facing and thus accessible for further processing, such as polishing and/or etching. In implementations where the semiconductor components  432  are sliders, the upward-facing surface that receives further processing is an air bearing surface of the sliders. 
     Still referring to  FIG. 16 , with the second tray  470 B releasably coupled to the first tray  470 A and the semiconductor components  432  within the receptacles  476 B of the second tray  470 B, a vacuum base  480  can be releasably coupled to the second tray  470 B. The vacuum base  480  can be the same vacuum base  480  that was releasably coupled to the first tray  470 A in some implementations, or another vacuum base  480  in other implementations. According to the latter implementations, one vacuum base  480  can remain releasably coupled with the first tray  470 A while the other vacuum base  480  is releasably coupled with the second tray  470 B. As shown in  FIG. 16 , a vacuum  484  is selectively operable to draw air from the receptacles  476 B of the second tray  470 B via the apertures  478 B of the second tray  470 B and the at least one fluid conduit  482  of the vacuum base  480  when the vacuum  484  is communicatively coupled with the at least one fluid conduit  482  of the vacuum base  480  and the vacuum base  480  is releasably coupled to the second tray  470 B. Generally, selective operation of the vacuum  484  applies a negative pressure to the semiconductor components  432  within the receptacles  476 B of the second tray  470 B, to retain the semiconductor components  432  within the receptacles  476 B. While the vacuum  484  applies the negative pressure to the semiconductor components  432  within the receptacles  476 B of the second tray  470 B, the first tray  470 A is decoupled from the second tray  470 B. The application of negative pressure to the semiconductor components  432 , while decoupling the first tray  470 A from the second tray  470 B, helps to ensure the semiconductor components  432  are retained within the receptacles  476 B of the second tray  470 B and do not remain within the receptacles  476 A of the first tray  470 A as the first tray  470 A is removed. 
     Referring to  FIG. 17 , according to one embodiment, a method  500  of processing semiconductor components includes (block  502 ) coupling a row of semiconductor components on support surfaces, at a first pitch, such that the row of adjoined semiconductor components extends in a second direction and each semiconductor component of the row of adjoined semiconductor components is supported by a respective one of the support surfaces. The method  500  further includes (block  504 ) disjoining semiconductor components of the row of semiconductor components while positioned on the support surfaces, at the first pitch, at locations coincident with gaps defined between the support surfaces. Additionally, the method includes (block  506 ) translationally moving the support surfaces relative to each other in the second direction to increase a pitch of the support surfaces from the first pitch to a second pitch. 
     In some implementations, the method  500  further includes (block  508 ) releasably locking the support surfaces in place at the second pitch by positioning a spacer in each of the gaps defined between the support surfaces. Positioning the spacer in each of the gaps defined between the support surfaces may include separately positioning groupings of spacers in the gaps in sequence along the support surfaces in the second direction. Also, the method  500  may include (block  510 ) releasably coupling a first tray, comprising receptacles at the second pitch, with the support surfaces, at the second pitch, such that each receptacle is aligned with a respective one of the semiconductor components in a fourth direction perpendicular to the first and second directions, washing the first tray, support surfaces, and semiconductor components to decouple the semiconductor components from the support surfaces, and transferring each of the semiconductor components decoupled from the support surfaces to within respective receptacles of the first tray. The method  500  can also include (block  512 ) applying negative pressure to the semiconductor components within the receptacles of the first tray to retain the semiconductor components within the receptacles of the first tray and decoupling the support surfaces from the first tray. Furthermore, the method  500  may include (block  514 ) releasably coupling a second tray, that includes receptacles at the second pitch, with the first tray such that each semiconductor component within the receptacles of the first tray is aligned with a respective one of the receptacles of the second tray in a fifth direction opposite the fourth direction, transferring the semiconductor components from within the receptacles of the first tray to within respective receptacles of the second tray, applying negative pressure to the semiconductor components within the receptacles of the second tray to retain the semiconductor components within the receptacles of the second tray, and decoupling the first tray from the second tray. 
     In the above description, certain terms may be used such as “up,” “down,” “upwards,” “downwards,” “upper,” “lower,” “horizontal,” “vertical,” “left,” “right,” “over,” “under” and the like. These terms are used, where applicable, to provide some clarity of description when dealing with relative relationships. But, these terms are not intended to imply absolute relationships, positions, and/or orientations. For example, with respect to an object, an “upper” surface can become a “lower” surface simply by turning the object over. Nevertheless, it is still the same object. Further, the terms “including,” “comprising,” “having,” and variations thereof mean “including but not limited to” unless expressly specified otherwise. An enumerated listing of items does not imply that any or all of the items are mutually exclusive and/or mutually inclusive, unless expressly specified otherwise. The terms “a,” “an,” and “the” also refer to “one or more” unless expressly specified otherwise. Further, the term “plurality” can be defined as “at least two.” 
     Additionally, instances in this specification where one element is “coupled” to another element can include direct and indirect coupling. Direct coupling can be defined as one element coupled to and in some contact with another element. Indirect coupling can be defined as coupling between two elements not in direct contact with each other, but having one or more additional elements between the coupled elements. Further, as used herein, securing one element to another element can include direct securing and indirect securing. Additionally, as used herein, “adjacent” does not necessarily denote contact. For example, one element can be adjacent another element without being in contact with that element. 
     As used herein, the phrase “at least one of”, when used with a list of items, means different combinations of one or more of the listed items may be used and only one of the items in the list may be needed. The item may be a particular object, thing, or category. In other words, “at least one of” means any combination of items or number of items may be used from the list, but not all of the items in the list may be required. For example, “at least one of item A, item B, and item C” may mean item A; item A and item B; item B; item A, item B, and item C; or item B and item C. In some cases, “at least one of item A, item B, and item C” may mean, for example, without limitation, two of item A, one of item B, and ten of item C; four of item B and seven of item C; or some other suitable combination. 
     Unless otherwise indicated, the terms “first,” “second,” etc. are used herein merely as labels, and are not intended to impose ordinal, positional, or hierarchical requirements on the items to which these terms refer. Moreover, reference to, e.g., a “second” item does not require or preclude the existence of, e.g., a “first” or lower-numbered item, and/or, e.g., a “third” or higher-numbered item. 
     As used herein, a system, apparatus, structure, article, element, component, or hardware “configured to” perform a specified function is indeed capable of performing the specified function without any alteration, rather than merely having potential to perform the specified function after further modification. In other words, the system, apparatus, structure, article, element, component, or hardware “configured to” perform a specified function is specifically selected, created, implemented, utilized, programmed, and/or designed for the purpose of performing the specified function. As used herein, “configured to” denotes existing characteristics of a system, apparatus, structure, article, element, component, or hardware which enable the system, apparatus, structure, article, element, component, or hardware to perform the specified function without further modification. For purposes of this disclosure, a system, apparatus, structure, article, element, component, or hardware described as being “configured to” perform a particular function may additionally or alternatively be described as being “adapted to” and/or as being “operative to” perform that function. 
     The present subject matter may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope.