Patent Publication Number: US-8115140-B2

Title: Heater assembly for high throughput chemical treatment system

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application is related to pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/682,625, entitled “PROCESSING SYSTEM AND METHOD FOR PERFORMING HIGH THROUGHPUT NON-PLASMA PROCESSING” filed on Mar. 6, 2007; co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/183,650, entitled “HIGH THROUGHPUT CHEMICAL TREATMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD OF OPERATING” filed on even date herewith; co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/183,694, entitled “SUBSTRATE SUPPORT FOR HIGH THROUGHPUT CHEMICAL TREATMENT SYSTEM” filed on even date herewith; co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/183,763, entitled “HIGH THROUGHPUT THERMAL TREATMENT SYSTEM AND METHOD OF OPERATING” filed on even date herewith; and co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/183,828, entitled “HIGH THROUGHPUT PROCESSING SYSTEM FOR CHEMICAL AND THERMAL TREATMENT AND METHOD OF OPERATING” filed on even date herewith. The entire contents of these applications are herein incorporated by reference in their entirety. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     The invention relates to a heater assembly for use in a chemical treatment system and, more particularly, to a heater assembly configured to elevate a temperature of a processing element in a high throughput chemical treatment system. 
     2. Description of Related Art 
     In material processing methodologies, various processes are utilized to remove material from the surface of a substrate, including for instance etching processes, cleaning processes, etc. During pattern etching, fine features, such as trenches, vias, contact vias, etc., are formed in the surface layers of the substrate. For example, pattern etching comprises the application of a thin layer of radiation-sensitive material, such as photo-resist, to an upper surface of a substrate. A pattern is formed in the layer of radiation-sensitive material using a lithographic technique, and this pattern is transferred to the underlying layers using a dry etching process or series of dry etching processes. 
     Additionally, multi-layer masks, comprising a layer of radiation-sensitive material and one or more soft mask layers and/or hard mask layers, may be implemented for etching features in the thin film. For example, when etching features in the thin film using a hard mask, the mask pattern in the radiation-sensitive layer is transferred to the hard mask layer using a separate etch step preceding the main etch step for the thin film. The hard mask may, for example, be selected from several materials for silicon processing including silicon dioxide (SiO 2 ), silicon nitride (Si 3 N 4 ), and carbon. Furthermore, in order to reduce the feature size formed in the thin film, the hard mask layer may be trimmed laterally. Thereafter, one or more of the mask layers and/or any residue accumulated on the substrate during processing may be removed using a dry cleaning process before or after the pattern transfer to the underlying layers. One or more of the pattern forming, trimming, etching, or cleaning process steps may utilize a dry, non-plasma process for removing material from the substrate. For example, the dry, non-plasma process may comprise a chemical removal process that includes a two-step process involving a chemical treatment of the exposed surfaces of the substrate in order to alter the surface chemistry or chemical composition of these exposed surface layers, and a post treatment of the chemically altered exposed surfaces in order to desorb the altered surface chemistry or altered surface layers. Although the chemical removal process exhibits very high selectivity for the removal of one material relative to another material, this process suffers from low throughput thus making the process less practical. 
     Etch processing is normally performed using a single substrate processing cluster tool, comprising a substrate transfer station, one or more process modules, and a substrate handling system configured to load and unload a single substrate into and out of each of the one or more process modules. The single substrate configuration allows one substrate to be processed per chamber in a manner that provides consistent and repeatable process characteristics both within-substrate and from substrate-to-substrate. While the cluster tool provides the characteristics necessary for processing various features on a substrate, it would be an advance in the art of semiconductor processing to increase the throughput of a process module while providing the necessary process characteristics. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The invention relates to a heater assembly for use in a chemical treatment system. 
     Furthermore, the invention relates to a heater assembly configured to elevate a temperature of a processing element in a high throughput chemical treatment system. For example, the heater assembly may be configured to uniformly heat a large area processing element, such as a processing element that spans a plurality of substrates. Additionally, for example, the heater assembly may be configured to elevate a temperature of an upper assembly, a gas injection assembly, a substrate holder, a chamber wall, or any combination of two or more thereof. 
     According to one embodiment, a heater assembly for use in a chemical treatment system is described. The heater assembly comprises a plate member having an upper surface, and a plurality of resistive heating elements coupled to the upper surface of the plate member. Each of the plurality of resistive heating elements comprises a 180 degree major-axis bend. Furthermore, at least two of the plurality of resistive heating elements is arranged as an interlaced pair on the upper surface of the plate member. 
     According to another embodiment, an upper assembly configured to be coupled to a chemical treatment system is described. The upper assembly comprises a gas injection assembly configured to introduce and distribute a first process gas and a second process gas into the chemical treatment system above two or more substrates, a heater assembly coupled to the gas injection assembly and configured to elevate a temperature of the gas injection assembly, a temperature sensor coupled to the gas injection assembly and configured to measure the temperature of the gas injection assembly; and a controller coupled to the heater assembly and the temperature sensor, and configured to perform at least one of monitoring, adjusting, or controlling the temperature of the gas injection assembly. The heater assembly comprises: a plurality of resistive heating elements coupled to gas injection assembly, wherein each of the plurality of resistive heating elements comprises a 180 degree major-axis bend. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       In the accompanying drawings: 
         FIG. 1  illustrates a side view schematic representation of a transfer system for a first treatment system and a second treatment system according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 2  illustrates a top view schematic representation of the transfer system depicted in  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  illustrates a side view schematic representation of a transfer system for a first treatment system and a second treatment system according to another embodiment; 
         FIG. 4  illustrates a top view schematic representation of a transfer system for a first treatment system and a second treatment system according to another embodiment; 
         FIG. 5  illustrates a cross-sectional side view of a chemical treatment system according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 6  provides an exploded view of the cross-sectional side view of the chemical treatment system depicted in  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 7A  provides a top view of a substrate holder according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 7B  provides a side view of the substrate holder depicted in  FIG. 7A ; 
         FIG. 7C  illustrates a top view layout of a substrate holder and a pumping system in a chemical treatment system according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 7D  provides a top view of a substrate holder according to another embodiment; 
         FIG. 8A  provides a top view of a lift pin assembly according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 8B  provides a side view of the lift pin assembly depicted in  FIG. 8A ; 
         FIG. 8C  provides an exploded view of a lift pin alignment device in a substrate holder according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 9  provides a cross-sectional view of a heater assembly according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 10A  provides a top view of a heater assembly according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 10B  provides a side view of the heater assembly depicted in  FIG. 10A ; 
         FIGS. 11A and 11B  illustrate a cross-sectional side view of a thermal treatment system according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 12  provides a top view of a substrate lifting assembly according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 13  provides a top view of a substrate lifting assembly according to another embodiment; 
         FIG. 14  provides a method of operating a chemical treatment system and a thermal treatment system according to an embodiment; 
         FIG. 15  provides exemplary data for an etch rate using a dry, non-plasma process; and 
         FIG. 16  provides a method of etching a substrate using a dry, non-plasma etching process according to an embodiment. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS 
     An apparatus and method for performing high throughput non-plasma processing is disclosed in various embodiments. However, one skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the various embodiments may be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other replacement and/or additional methods, materials, or components. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of various embodiments of the invention. Similarly, for purposes of explanation, specific numbers, materials, and configurations are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the invention. Nevertheless, the invention may be practiced without specific details. Furthermore, it is understood that the various embodiments shown in the figures are illustrative representations and are not necessarily drawn to scale. 
     Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” or variation thereof means that a particular feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the invention, but do not denote that they are present in every embodiment. Thus, the appearances of the phrases such as “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment of the invention. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, materials, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. Various additional layers and/or structures may be included and/or described features may be omitted in other embodiments. 
     Various operations will be described as multiple discrete operations in turn, in a manner that is most helpful in understanding the invention. However, the order of description should not be construed as to imply that these operations are necessarily order dependent. In particular, these operations need not be performed in the order of presentation. Operations described may be performed in a different order than the described embodiment. Various additional operations may be performed and/or described operations may be omitted in additional embodiments. 
     There is a general need for a system and method for high-throughput treatment of a plurality of substrates, and to a system and method for high-throughput chemical and thermal treatment of a plurality of substrates. By using a plurality of substrate holders and a dedicated handler per station, the chemical and thermal treatment throughput of a plurality of substrates may be improved. 
     According to one embodiment,  FIG. 1  presents a side-view of a processing platform  100  for processing a plurality of substrates. For example, the process may include a dry, non-plasma etching process or a dry, non-plasma cleaning process. For example, the process may be used to trim a mask layer, or remove residue and other contaminants from surfaces of the substrate. Furthermore, for example, the process may include a chemical oxide removal process. 
     The processing platform  100  comprises a first treatment system  110  and a second treatment system  120  coupled to the first treatment system  110 . In one embodiment, the first treatment system  110  is a chemical treatment system, and the second treatment system  120  is a thermal treatment system. In another embodiment, the second treatment system  120  is a substrate rinsing system, such as a water rinsing system. Also, as illustrated in  FIG. 1 , a transfer system  130  is coupled to the first treatment system  110  to transfer a plurality of substrates in and out of the first treatment system  110  and the second treatment system  120 , and also to exchange a plurality of substrates with a multi-element manufacturing system  140 . The multi-element manufacturing system may comprise a load-lock element to allow cassettes of substrates to cycle between ambient conditions and low pressure conditions. 
     The first and second treatment systems  110 ,  120 , and the transfer system  130  can, for example, comprise a processing element within the multi-element manufacturing system  140 . The transfer system  130  may comprise a dedicated handler  160  for moving a plurality of substrates between the first treatment system  110 , the second treatment system  120  and the multi-element manufacturing system  140 . For example, the dedicated handler  160  is dedicated to transferring the plurality of substrates between the treatment systems (first treatment system  110  and second treatment system  120 ) and the multi-element manufacturing system  140 , however the embodiment is not so limited. 
     In one embodiment, the multi-element manufacturing system  140  may permit the transfer of substrates to and from processing elements including such devices as etch systems, deposition systems, coating systems, patterning systems, metrology systems, etc. In order to isolate the processes occurring in the first and second systems, an isolation assembly  150  is utilized to couple each system. For instance, the isolation assembly  150  may comprise at least one of a thermal insulation assembly to provide thermal isolation and a gate valve assembly to provide vacuum isolation. Of course, treatment systems  110  and  120 , and transfer system  130  may be placed in any sequence. 
       FIG. 2  presents a top-view of the processing platform  100  illustrated in  FIG. 1  for processing a plurality of substrates. In this embodiment, a substrate  142 A is processed side-by-side with another substrate  142 B in the same treatment system. In an alternative embodiment, not shown, the substrates  142 A,  142 B may be processed front-to-back, though the embodiment is not so limited. Although only two substrates are shown in each treatment system in  FIG. 2 , two or more substrates may be processed in parallel in each treatment system. 
     Referring still to  FIG. 2 , the processing platform  100  may comprise a first process element  102  and a second process element  104  configured to extend from the multi-element manufacturing system  140  and work in parallel with one another. As illustrated in  FIGS. 1 and 2 , the first process element  102  may comprise first treatment system  110  and second treatment system  120 , wherein a transfer system  130  utilizes the dedicated substrate handler  160  to move substrate  142  into and out of the first process element  102 . 
     Alternatively,  FIG. 3  presents a side-view of a processing platform  200  for processing a plurality of substrates according to another embodiment. For example, the process may include a dry, non-plasma etching process or a dry, non-plasma cleaning process. For example, the process may be used to trim a mask layer, or remove residue and other contaminants from surfaces of the substrate. Furthermore, for example, the process may include a chemical oxide removal process. 
     The processing platform  200  comprises a first treatment system  210 , and a second treatment system  220 , wherein the first treatment system  210  is stacked atop the second treatment system  220  in a vertical direction as shown. For example, the first treatment system  210  is a chemical treatment system, and the second treatment system  220  is a thermal treatment system. Alternately, the second treatment system  220  is a substrate rinsing system, such as a water rinsing system. Also, as illustrated in  FIG. 3 , a transfer system  230  may be coupled to the first treatment system  210 , in order to transfer substrates into and out of the first treatment system  210 , and coupled to the second treatment system  220 , in order to transfer substrates into and out of the second treatment system  220 . The transfer system  230  may comprise a dedicated handler  260  for moving a plurality of substrates between the first treatment system  210 , the second treatment system  220  and the multi-element manufacturing system  240 . The handler  260  may be dedicated to transferring the substrates between the treatment systems (first treatment system  210  and second treatment system  220 ) and the multi-element manufacturing system  240 , however the embodiment is not so limited. 
     Additionally, transfer system  230  may exchange substrates with one or more substrate cassettes (not shown). Although only two process systems are illustrated in  FIG. 3 , other process systems can access transfer system  230  or multi-element manufacturing system  240  including such devices as etch systems, deposition systems, coating systems, patterning systems, metrology systems, etc. An isolation assembly  250  can be used to couple each system in order to isolate the processes occurring in the first and second treatment systems. For instance, the isolation assembly  250  may comprise at least one of a thermal insulation assembly to provide thermal isolation, and a gate valve assembly to provide vacuum isolation. Additionally, for example, the transfer system  230  can serve as part of the isolation assembly  250 . 
     In general, at least one of the first treatment system  110  and the second treatment system  120  of the processing platform  100  depicted in  FIG. 1  comprises at least two transfer openings to permit passage of the plurality of substrates. For example, as depicted in  FIG. 1 , the second treatment system  120  comprises two transfer openings, the first transfer opening permits the passage of the substrates between the first treatment system  110  and the second treatment system  120  and the second transfer opening permits the passage of the substrates between the transfer system  130  and the second treatment system  120 . However, regarding the processing platform  100  depicted in  FIG. 1  and  FIG. 2 , and the processing platform  200  depicted in  FIG. 3 , each treatment system, respectively, comprises at least one transfer opening to permit passage of the plurality of substrates. 
     According to another embodiment,  FIG. 4  presents a top view of a processing platform  300  for processing a plurality of substrates. For example, the process may include a dry, non-plasma etching process or a dry, non-plasma cleaning process. For example, the process may be used to trim a mask layer, or remove residue and other contaminants from surfaces of the substrate. Furthermore, for example, the process may include a chemical oxide removal process. 
     The processing platform  300  comprises a first treatment system  310 , a second treatment system  320 , and an optional auxiliary treatment system  370  coupled to a first transfer system  330  and an optional second transfer system  330 ′. In one embodiment, the first treatment system  310  is a chemical treatment system, and the second treatment system  320  is a thermal treatment system. In another embodiment, the second treatment system  320  is a substrate rinsing system, such as a water rinsing system. Also, as illustrated in  FIG. 4 , the first transfer system  330  and the optional second transfer system  330 ′ are coupled to the first treatment system  310  and the second treatment system  320 , and configured to transfer a plurality of substrates in and out of the first treatment system  310  and the second treatment system  320 , and also to exchange a plurality of substrates with a multi-element manufacturing system  340 . The multi-element manufacturing system  340  may comprise a load-lock element to allow cassettes of substrates to cycle between ambient conditions and low pressure conditions. 
     The first and second treatment systems  310 ,  320 , and the first and optional second transfer systems  330 ,  330 ′ can, for example, comprise a processing element within the multi-element manufacturing system  340 . The transfer system  330  may comprise a first dedicated handler  360  and the optional second transfer system  330 ′ comprises an optional second dedicated handler  360 ′ for moving a plurality of substrates between the first treatment system  310 , the second treatment system  320 , the optional auxiliary treatment system  370  and the multi-element manufacturing system  340 . 
     In one embodiment, the multi-element manufacturing system  340  may permit the transfer of substrates to and from processing elements including such devices as etch systems, deposition systems, coating systems, patterning systems, metrology systems, etc. Furthermore, the multi-element manufacturing system  340  may permit the transfer of substrates to and from the auxiliary treatment system  370 , wherein the auxiliary treatment system  370  may include an etch system, a deposition system, a coating system, a patterning system, a metrology system, etc. 
     In order to isolate the processes occurring in the first and second systems, an isolation assembly  350  is utilized to couple each system. For instance, the isolation assembly  350  may comprise at least one of a thermal insulation assembly to provide thermal isolation and a gate valve assembly to provide vacuum isolation. Of course, treatment systems  310  and  320 , and transfer systems  330  and  330 ′ may be placed in any sequence. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 4 , in this embodiment, two or more substrates  342  can be processed side-by-side in the same treatment system. In an alternative embodiment, not shown, the substrates  342  may be processed front-to-back, though the embodiment is not so limited. Although only two substrates are shown in each treatment system in  FIG. 4 , two or more substrates may be processed in parallel in each treatment system. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 5 ,  11 A and  11 B, a processing platform, as described above, may comprise a chemical treatment system  500  for chemically treating a plurality of substrates and a thermal treatment system  1000  for thermally treating the plurality of substrates. For example, the processing platform comprises chemical treatment system  500  and thermal treatment system  1000  coupled to the chemical treatment system  500 . The chemical treatment system  500  comprises a chemical treatment chamber  510 , which can be temperature-controlled. The thermal treatment system  1000  comprises a thermal treatment chamber  1010 , which can be temperature-controlled. The chemical treatment chamber  510  and the thermal treatment chamber  1010  can be thermally insulated from one another using a thermal insulation assembly, and vacuum isolated from one another using a gate valve assembly, to be described in greater detail below. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the chemical treatment system  500  further comprises a temperature-controlled substrate holder  540  mounted within the chemical treatment chamber  510  and configured to support two or more substrates  545  on a support surface thereof, an upper assembly  520  coupled to an upper section of the chemical treatment chamber  510 , and a vacuum pumping system  580  coupled to the chemical treatment chamber  510  to evacuate the chemical treatment chamber  510 . 
     The upper assembly  520  comprises a gas injection assembly  550  coupled to the chemical treatment chamber  510  and configured to introduce one or more process gases to a process space  512  in the chemical treatment chamber  510  in order to chemically alter exposed surface layers on the two or more substrates  545 . Additionally, the upper assembly  520  comprises a heater assembly  530  coupled to the gas injection assembly  550  and configured to elevate a temperature of the gas injection assembly  550 . 
     The chemical treatment chamber  510  comprises an opening  514  through which the plurality of substrates  545  may be transported into and out of the chemical treatment chamber  510 . Opening  514  in chemical treatment chamber  510  may define a common passage with opening  1016  in thermal treatment chamber  1010  through which the plurality of substrates  545  can be transferred between chemical treatment chamber  510  and thermal treatment chamber  1010 . 
     During processing, the common passage can be sealed closed using a gate valve assembly  518  in order to permit independent processing in the two chambers  510 ,  1010 . As shown in  FIG. 5 , the gate valve assembly  518  may include a drive system  516 , such as a pneumatic drive system. Furthermore, a transfer opening  1014  can be formed in the thermal treatment chamber  1010  in order to permit substrate exchanges with a transfer system as illustrated in  FIGS. 1 through 4 . For example, a second thermal insulation assembly (not shown) may be implemented to thermally insulate the thermal treatment chamber  1010  from a transfer system (not shown). Although the opening  1014  is illustrated as part of the thermal treatment chamber  1010  (consistent with  FIG. 1 ), the transfer opening  1014  can be formed in the chemical treatment chamber  510  and not the thermal treatment chamber  1010  (reverse chamber positions as shown in  FIG. 1 ), or the transfer opening  1014  can be formed in both the chemical treatment chamber  510  and the thermal treatment chamber  1010 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 5 , the chemical treatment system  500  comprises temperature controlled substrate holder  540  to provide several operational functions for thermally controlling and processing substrates  545 . The substrate holder  540  comprises one or more temperature control elements configured to adjust and/or elevate a temperature of the plurality of substrates  545 . 
     The one or more temperature control elements may be configured to heat and/or cool substrates  545 . For example, the temperature-controlled substrate holder  540  may include a cooling system having a re-circulating flow of a heat transfer fluid that receives heat from substrate holder  540  and transfers heat to a heat exchanger system (not shown), or alternatively, a heating system having a re-circulating flow of a heat transfer fluid that receives heat from a heat exchanger (not shown and transfers heat to substrate holder  540 . In other embodiments, the temperature control elements may include resistive heating elements, or thermoelectric heaters/coolers. These temperature control elements may be utilized for controlling the temperature of the substrate holder  540 , a chamber wall of chemical treatment chamber  510 , and upper assembly  520 . 
     According to one embodiment,  FIG. 6  presents several views of a substrate holder for performing several of the above-identified functions. In  FIG. 6 , an exploded, cross-sectional view of temperature-controlled substrate holder  540  depicted in  FIG. 5  is shown. The substrate holder  540  comprises a temperature-controlled substrate table  542  having an upper surface configured to support two or more substrates, a lower surface opposite the upper surface, and an edge surface, a chamber mating component  612  coupled to the lower surface of the temperature-controlled substrate table  542 , and an insulating component  614  disposed between a bottom of chamber mating component  612  and a lower chamber wall  610  of chemical treatment chamber  510 . The chamber mating component  612  may include two or more support columns  613  configured to support the temperature-controlled substrate table  542  at a distance from the lower chamber wall  610  of the chemical treatment chamber  510 , wherein each of the two or more support columns  613  comprises a first end coupled to a lower surface of the temperature-controlled substrate table  542  and a second end coupled to the lower chamber wall  610  of the chemical treatment chamber  510 . 
     The temperature-controlled substrate table  542  and the chamber mating component  612  may, for example, be fabricated from an electrically and thermally conducting material such as aluminum, stainless steel, nickel, etc. The insulating component  614  can, for example, be fabricated from a thermally-resistant material having a relatively lower thermal conductivity such as quartz, alumina, Teflon, etc. 
     The temperature-controlled substrate table  542  may comprise temperature control elements such as cooling channels, heating channels, resistive heating elements, or thermoelectric elements. For example, as illustrated in  FIG. 6 , the temperature-controlled substrate table  542  comprises a fluid channel  544  formed within an interior of the temperature-controlled substrate table  542 . The fluid channel  544  comprises an inlet fluid conduit  546  and an outlet fluid conduit  548 . 
     A substrate holder temperature control system  560  comprises a fluid thermal unit constructed and arranged to control a temperature of a heat transfer fluid. The fluid thermal unit may comprise a fluid storage tank, a pump, a heater, a cooler, and a fluid temperature sensor. For example, the substrate holder temperature control system  560  facilitates the supply of an inlet flow  562  of the heat transfer fluid and the exhaust of an outlet flow  564  of the heat transfer fluid using the fluid thermal unit. The substrate holder temperature control system  560  further comprises a controller coupled to the fluid thermal unit, and configured to perform at least one of monitoring, adjusting or controlling the temperature of the heat transfer fluid. 
     For example, the substrate holder temperature control system  560  may receive a temperature measurement from a temperature sensor coupled to the temperature-controlled substrate table  542 , and configured to measure a substrate holder temperature. Additionally, for example, the substrate holder temperature control system  560  may compare the substrate holder temperature to a target substrate holder temperature, and then utilize the controller to adjust the temperature of the heat transfer fluid, or a flow rate of the heat transfer fluid, or a combination thereof to reduce a difference between the substrate holder temperature and the target substrate holder temperature. 
     Further yet, for example, the substrate holder temperature control system  560  may receive a plurality of temperature measurements from a plurality of temperature sensors coupled to the temperature-controlled substrate table  542 , and may utilize the controller to perform at least one of monitoring, adjusting or controlling the plurality of substrate holder temperatures to alter a temperature uniformity of the temperature-controlled substrate table  542 . 
     The fluid channel  544  may, for example, be a spiral or serpentine passage within the temperature-controlled substrate table  542  that permits a flow rate of fluid, such as water, Fluorinert, Galden HT-135, etc., in order to provide conductive-convective heating or cooling of the temperature-controlled substrate table  542 . Alternately, the temperature-controlled substrate table  542  may comprise an array of thermoelectric elements capable of heating or cooling a substrate depending upon the direction of electrical current flow through the respective elements. An exemplary thermoelectric element is one commercially available from Advanced Thermoelectric, Model ST-127-1.4-8.5M (a 40 mm by 40 mm by 3.4 mm thermoelectric device capable of a maximum heat transfer power of 72 W). 
     Although a single fluid channel  544  is shown, the temperature-controlled substrate table  542  may include one or more additional fluid channels formed within the interior of the temperature-controlled substrate table  542 , wherein each of the one or more additional fluid channels has an additional inlet end and an additional outlet end, and wherein each of the additional inlet ends and each of the additional outlet ends are configured to receive and return additional heat transfer fluid through the two or more support columns  613 . 
     The insulating component  614  may further comprise a thermal insulation gap in order to provide additional thermal insulation between the temperature-controlled substrate table  542  and the chemical treatment chamber  510 . The thermal insulation gap may be evacuated using a pumping system (not shown) or a vacuum line as part of vacuum pumping system  580 , and/or coupled to a gas supply (not shown) in order to vary its thermal conductivity. The gas supply can, for example, be a backside gas supply utilized to couple heat transfer gas to the back-side of the substrates  545 . 
     Each component  542 ,  612 , and  614  further comprises fastening devices (such as bolts and tapped holes) in order to affix one component to another, and to affix the temperature-controlled substrate holder  540  to the chemical treatment chamber  510 . Furthermore, each component  542 ,  612 , and  614  facilitates the passage of the above-described utilities to the respective component, and vacuum seals, such as elastomer O-rings, are utilized where necessary to preserve the vacuum integrity of the chemical treatment chamber  510 . 
     Additionally, the temperature-controlled substrate holder  540  may comprise an electrostatic clamping system (not shown) (or mechanical clamping system) in order to electrically (or mechanically) clamp substrates  545  to the temperature controlled substrate holder  540 . An electrostatic clamp (ESC) may comprise a ceramic layer, a clamping electrode embedded therein, and a high-voltage (HV) direct-current (DC) voltage supply coupled to the clamping electrode using an electrical connection. The ESC may, for example, be mono-polar, or bi-polar. The design and implementation of such a clamp is well known to those skilled in the art of electrostatic clamping systems. 
     Furthermore, the temperature-controlled substrate holder  540  may comprise a back-side gas supply system (not shown) for supplying a heat transfer gas. The heat transfer gas may, for example, be delivered to the back-side of substrates  545  to improve the gas-gap thermal conductance between substrates  545  and temperature-controlled substrate holder  540 . For instance, the heat transfer gas supplied to the back-side of substrates  545  may comprise an inert gas such as helium, argon, xenon, krypton, a process gas, or other gas such as oxygen, nitrogen, or hydrogen. Such a system can be utilized when temperature control of the substrates is required at elevated or reduced temperatures. For example, the backside gas system can comprise a multi-zone gas distribution system such as a two-zone (center-edge) system, wherein the back-side gas gap pressure can be independently varied between the center and the edge of substrates  545 . 
     Further yet, the temperature-controlled substrate holder  540  may comprise a lift-pin assembly  570  comprising a first array of lift pins  576  configured to lift a first substrate to and from an upper surface of the temperature-controlled substrate table  542 , and a second array of lift pins  576  configured to lift a second substrate to and from the upper surface of the temperature-controlled substrate table  542 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 6 , the lift-pin assembly  570  comprises a lift pin support member  574 , and a drive system  572  coupled through lower chamber wall  610  via feed-through  616  in the chemical treatment chamber  510 , and configured to translate the lift pin support member  574  such that the first array of lift pins  576  translate through a first array of lift pin holes and the second array of lift pins  576  translate through a second array of lift pin holes. 
     A temperature of the temperature-controlled substrate holder  540  can be monitored using a temperature sensing device, such as a thermocouple (e.g. a K-type thermocouple, Pt sensor, etc.). Furthermore, the substrate holder temperature control system  560  may utilize the temperature measurement as feedback to the substrate holder  540  in order to control the temperature of substrate holder  540 . For example, at least one of a fluid flow rate, a fluid temperature, a heat transfer gas type, a heat transfer gas pressure, a clamping force, a resistive heater element current or voltage, a thermoelectric device current or polarity, etc. may be adjusted in order to affect a change in the temperature of substrate holder  540  and/or the temperature of the substrates  545 . 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 7A and 7B , a top view and side view of a substrate holder is shown according to another embodiment. As shown in  FIG. 7A , substrate holder  740  comprises a temperature-controlled substrate table  742  having a contiguous upper surface  760  configured to support two substrates  745  and  745 ′, a lower surface  762  opposite the upper surface  760 , and an edge surface  764 . The temperature-controlled substrate table  742  is further configured to adjust and/or control a temperature of the two substrates  745  and  745 ′. The substrate holder  740  further comprises an inlet fluid conduit  746  and an outlet fluid conduit  748  configured to supply and exhaust a flow of heat transfer fluid through fluid channel  744 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 7A , the inlet fluid conduit  746  is formed through one of the two or more support columns, wherein the inlet fluid conduit  746  is configured to receive the heat transfer fluid from the fluid thermal unit and supply the heat transfer fluid to an inlet end of the fluid channel  744 . Furthermore, the outlet fluid conduit  748  is formed through another of the two or more support columns, wherein the outlet fluid conduit  748  is configured to receive the heat transfer fluid from an outlet end of the fluid channel  744 . The temperature-controlled substrate table  742  may comprise an upper section  741  and a lower section  743 , wherein the fluid channel  744  is formed in the upper section  741  or the lower section  743  or both prior to combining the two sections. The upper section  741  and the lower section  743  may be combined by fastening the two sections to one another with a seal disposed there-between, or by welding the two sections together. 
     The fluid channel  744  may have a serpentine shape; however, the shape of the fluid channel may be arbitrary. For example,  FIG. 7D  illustrates a substrate holder  740 ′ having a fluid channel  744 ′ having a more convoluted path. 
     Referring to  FIG. 7C , a top view of the temperature-controlled substrate table  742  is provided to illustrate an exemplary spatial relationship of the temperature-controlled substrate holder  742  relative to a chamber wall  720  and a vacuum pumping port  780  in the lower wall of the chemical treatment chamber. The temperature-controlled substrate holder  742  is shaped in a manner to improve flow conductance through the chemical treatment chamber to the vacuum pumping port  780 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 7A ,  7 B,  7 D,  8 A, and  8 B, the substrate holder  740  may further comprise a lift-pin assembly comprising a first array of three lift pin holes  750  configured to allow passage of a first array of lift pins  751  through the temperature-controlled substrate table  742  to lift the first substrate  745  to and from the upper surface  760  of the temperature-controlled substrate table  742 , and a second array of three lift pin holes  750 ′ configured to allow passage of a second array of lift pins  751 ′ through the temperature-controlled substrate table  742  to lift a second substrate  745 ′ to and from the upper surface  760  of the temperature-controlled substrate table  742 . 
     As shown in  FIGS. 8A and 8B , the lift-pin assembly comprises a lift pin support member  752 , and a drive system that includes a piston member  754  coupled through a wall  710  in the chemical treatment chamber  510 , and configured to translate the lift pin support member  752  such that the first array of lift pins  751  translate through the first array of lift pin holes  750  and the second array of lift pins  751 ′ translate through the second array of lift pin holes  750 ′. The first array of lift pins  751  is configured to align and pass through the first array of lift pin holes  750 , wherein each lift pin in the first array of lift pins  751  comprises a first contact end configured to contact the first substrate and a first support end coupled to the lift pin support member  752 . The second array of lift pins  751 ′ are configured to align and pass through the second array of lift pin holes  750 ′, wherein each lift pin in the second array of lift pins  751 ′ comprises a second contact end configured to contact the second substrate and a second support end coupled to the lift pin support member  752 . The piston member  754  is coupled to the lift pin support member  752  and is configured to vertically translate the lift pin support member  752  by sliding through a feed-through in wall  710 . 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 8C , each lift pin hole in the first array of lift pin holes  750  and the second array of lift pins  751 ′ may comprise an insert  749  having a flared end with a flared dimension  747  greater than a nominal dimension  747 ′ of the lift-pin hole. The use of insert  749  may assist in the alignment of the first array of lift pins  751  with the first array of lift pin holes  750  and the second array of lift pins  751 ′ with the second array of lift pin holes  750 ′ during assembly of the substrate holder  740  (before, during, or after maintenance). 
     Furthermore, as shown in  FIG. 8B , the temperature-controlled substrate table  742  may optionally comprise a skirt  790  coupled the lower surface  762  and/or edge surface  764 . The skirt  790  may aid in reducing the amount of contamination and process residue that is deposited on the underside of the temperature-controlled substrate table  742  and the lift-pin assembly. Furthermore, the skirt  790  may aid in reducing the amount of gettering of process reactants by the underside of the temperature-controlled substrate table  742  (i.e., lower surface  762 ) and the lift-pin assembly. 
     As described above, the upper assembly  520  comprises gas injection assembly  550  coupled to the chemical treatment chamber  510 , and configured to introduce one or more process gases to a process space  512 , and heater assembly  530  coupled to the gas injection assembly  550  and configured to elevate a temperature of the gas injection assembly  550 . 
     The gas injection assembly  550  may comprise a showerhead gas injection system having a gas distribution assembly, and one or more gas distribution plates coupled to the gas distribution assembly and configured to form one or more gas distribution plenums. Although not shown, the one or more gas distribution plenums may comprise one or more gas distribution baffle plates. The one or more gas distribution plates further comprise one or more gas distribution orifices to distribute a process gas from the one or more gas distribution plenums to the process space  512  within chemical treatment chamber  510 . Additionally, one or more gas supply lines may be coupled to the one or more gas distribution plenums through, for example, the gas distribution assembly in order to supply a process gas comprising one or more gases. The process gas can, for example, comprise NH 3 , HF, H 2 , O 2 , CO, CO 2 , Ar, He, etc. 
     As shown in  FIG. 5 , the gas injection assembly  550  may be configured for distributing a process gas comprising at least two gases into chemical treatment chamber  510 . The gas injection assembly  550  may comprise a first array of orifices  552  for introducing a first process gas from a gas supply system  556 , and a second array of orifices  554  for introducing a second process gas from the gas supply system  556 . For example, the first process gas may contain HF, and the second process gas may contain NH 3  and optionally Ar. 
     As shown in  FIG. 9  (expanded view of  FIG. 5  with additional detail), an upper assembly  820  comprises a gas injection assembly  850 , and a heater assembly  830  coupled to the gas injection assembly  850  and configured to elevate a temperature of the gas injection assembly  850 . The gas injection assembly  850  is configured to distribute a process gas comprising at least two gases. The gas injection assembly  850  comprises a gas distribution assembly having a first gas distribution plenum  856  configured to introduce a first process gas to process space  812  through a first array of orifices  852 , and a second gas distribution plenum  858  configured to introduce a second process gas to process space  812  through a second array of orifices  854 . The first gas distribution plenum  856  is configured to receive the first process gas from a gas supply system  870  through a first passage  855 , and the second gas distribution plenum  858  is configured to receive the second process gas from gas supply system  870  through a second passage  857 . Although not shown, gas distribution plenums  856 ,  858  can comprise one or more gas distribution baffle plates. 
     The process gas can, for example, comprise NH 3 , HF, H 2 , O 2 , CO, CO 2 , Ar, He, etc. As a result of this arrangement, the first process gas and the second process gas may be independently introduced to the process space  812  without any interaction except in the process space  812 . 
     As shown in  FIG. 5 , heater assembly  530  is coupled to the gas injection assembly  550  and configured to elevate a temperature of the gas injection assembly  550 . The heater assembly  530  comprises a plurality of heating elements  532  and a power source  534  configured to couple power to the plurality of heating elements. 
     As shown in  FIG. 9 , the heater assembly  830  comprises a plurality of resistive heating elements  831 ,  832 ,  833 , and  834  coupled to a upper surface of gas injection assembly  850 . The heater assembly further comprises a power source  860  coupled to the plurality of resistive heating elements  831 ,  832 ,  833 , and  834 , and configured to couple electrical current to each of the plurality of resistive heating elements  831 ,  832 ,  833 , and  834 . The power source  860  may comprise a direct current (DC) power source or an alternating current (AC) power source. Furthermore, the plurality of resistive heating elements  831 ,  832 ,  833 , and  834  may be connected in series or connected in parallel. 
     Additionally, the heater assembly  830  may further include an insulation member  836 , and a clamp member  838  configured to affix the plurality of resistive heating elements  831 ,  832 ,  833 , and  834  to the upper surface of the gas injection assembly  850 . Furthermore, the heater assembly  830  may comprise a heat shield  840 , and one or more columns  842  configured to shield the plurality of resistive heating elements  831 ,  832 ,  833 , and  834  and stand off the heat shield  840  a distance from the upper surface of the gas injection assembly  850 . Alternatively, insulation may be provided by heat insulation foam. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 10A and 10B , a top view and a side view of an upper assembly  920  comprising a heater assembly  930  and a gas injection assembly  950  are provided according to another embodiment. The upper assembly  920  may comprise a plate member  922  and a lower member  924 . The heater assembly  930  comprises plate member  922  having an upper surface, and a plurality of resistive heating elements  932 ,  934 ,  936 , and  938  coupled to the upper surface of the plate member  922 . As shown in  FIG. 10A , each of the plurality of resistive heating elements  932 ,  934 ,  936 , and  938  comprises a heating element having a 180 degree major axis bend. For example, each of the plurality of resistive heating elements  932 ,  934 ,  936 , and  938  comprises a first end  933  fixedly coupled to the upper surface of the plate member  922 , a second end  931  configured to be coupled to a power source, a bend located between the first end  933  and the second end  931 , a first straight section extending between the first end  933  and the bend, and a second straight section extending between the second end  931  and the bend. 
     The first straight section may be substantially parallel to the second straight section for each of the plurality of resistive heating elements  932 ,  934 ,  936 , and  938 . Additionally, the first straight section and the second straight section of one of the plurality of resistive heating elements  932 ,  934 ,  936 , and  938  may be substantially parallel to the first straight section and the second straight section of another of the plurality of resistive heating elements. Furthermore, the plurality of resistive heating elements  932 ,  934 ,  936 , and  938  may be arranged in pairs on the upper surface of the plate member  922 . Further yet, one or more spacers  940  coupled to the upper surface of the plate member  922  may be arranged to position one of the plurality of resistive heating elements  932 ,  934 ,  936 , and  938  relative to another of the plurality of resistive heating elements  932 ,  934 ,  936 , and  938 . 
     In order to uniformly heat and/or control the temperature profile of the gas distribution system, the plurality of resistive heating elements  932 ,  934 ,  936 , and  938  may be arranged in an interlaced manner wherein at least two of the plurality of resistive heating elements  932 ,  934 ,  936 , and  938  are arranged such that the first end  933  of a first of the at least two of the plurality of resistive heating elements  932 ,  934 ,  936 , and  938  is positioned proximate an interior edge of the bend in a second of the at least two of the plurality of resistive heating elements  932 ,  934 ,  936 , and  938 . 
     The plurality of resistive heating elements  932 ,  934 ,  936 , and  938  may, for example, comprise a resistive heater element fabricated from tungsten, nickel-chromium alloy, aluminum-iron alloy, aluminum nitride, etc. Examples of commercially available materials to fabricate resistive heating elements include Kanthal, Nikrothal, Akrothal, which are registered trademark names for metal alloys produced by Kanthal Corporation of Bethel, Conn. The Kanthal family includes ferritic alloys (FeCrAl) and the Nikrothal family includes austenitic alloys (NiCr, NiCrFe). According to one example, each of the plurality of resistive heating elements  932 ,  934 ,  936 , and  938  may comprise a Watlow FIREBAR® heating element, commercially available from Watlow Electric Manufacturing Company (12001 Lackland Road, St. Louis, Mo. 63146). Alternatively, or in addition, cooling elements can be employed in any of the embodiments. 
     As described above, the upper assembly  920  further comprises a power source configured to couple electrical power to the plurality of resistive heating elements  932 ,  934 ,  936 , and  938 . The power source may comprise a direct current (DC) power source or an alternating current (AC) power source. The plurality of resistive heating elements  932 ,  934 ,  936 , and  938  may be connected in series or connected in parallel. Additionally, a temperature sensor  960  may be coupled to the gas injection assembly  950  and configured to measure a temperature of the gas injection assembly  950 . The temperature sensor  960  may comprise a thermocouple (e.g. a K-type thermocouple, Pt sensor, etc.). A controller may be coupled to the heater assembly  930  and the temperature sensor  960 , and configured to perform at least one of monitoring, adjusting, or controlling said temperature of the gas injection assembly  950 . For example, at least one of a voltage, a current, a power, etc. may be adjusted in order to affect a change in the temperature of the gas injection assembly  950  and/or the upper assembly  920 . Further yet, a plurality of temperature sensors may be utilized to monitor, adjust, and/or control a temperature distribution for the gas injection assembly  950  and/or the upper assembly  920 . 
     Referring again to  FIG. 5 , chemical treatment system  500  may further comprise a temperature-controlled chemical treatment chamber  510  that is maintained at an elevated temperature. For example, a wall heating element (not shown) may be coupled to a wall temperature control unit (not shown), and the wall heating element may be configured to be coupled to the chemical treatment chamber  510 . The heating element can, for example, comprise a resistive heater element such as a tungsten, nickel-chromium alloy, aluminum-iron alloy, aluminum nitride, etc., filament. Examples of commercially available materials to fabricate resistive heating elements include Kanthal, Nikrothal, Akrothal, which are registered trademark names for metal alloys produced by Kanthal Corporation of Bethel, Conn. The Kanthal family includes ferritic alloys (FeCrAl) and the Nikrothal family includes austenitic alloys (NiCr, NiCrFe). When an electrical current flows through the filament, power is dissipated as heat, and, therefore the wall temperature control unit may, for example, comprise a controllable DC power supply. For example, wall heating element can comprise at least one FIREROD® cartridge heater commercially available from Watlow Electric Manufacturing Company (12001 Lackland Road, St. Louis, Mo. 63146). A cooling element can also be employed in chemical treatment chamber  510 . The temperature of the chemical treatment chamber  510  can be monitored using a temperature-sensing device such as a thermocouple (e.g. a K-type thermocouple, Pt sensor, etc.). Furthermore, a controller can utilize the temperature measurement as feedback to the wall temperature control unit in order to control the temperature of the chemical treatment chamber  510 . 
     Referring still to  FIG. 5 , vacuum pumping system  580  can comprise a vacuum pump and a gate valve for throttling the chamber pressure. The vacuum pump can, for example, include a turbo-molecular vacuum pump (TMP) capable of a pumping speed up to about 5000 liters per second (and greater). For example, the TMP can be a Seiko STP-A803 vacuum pump, or an Ebara ET1301W vacuum pump. TMPs are useful for low pressure processing, typically less than about 50 mTorr. For high pressure (i.e., greater than about 100 mTorr) or low throughput processing (i.e., no gas flow), a mechanical booster pump and dry roughing pump can be used. 
     Referring still to  FIG. 5 , chemical treatment system  500  can further comprise a control system  590  having a microprocessor, memory, and a digital I/O port capable of generating control voltages sufficient to communicate and activate inputs to chemical treatment system  500  as well as monitor outputs from chemical treatment system  500  such as temperature and pressure sensing devices. Moreover, control system  590  can be coupled to and can exchange information with chemical treatment chamber  510 , temperature-controlled substrate holder  540 , upper assembly  520 , heater assembly  530 , gas injection assembly  550 , vacuum pumping system  580 , substrate holder temperature control system  560 , lift-pin assembly  570 , and gate valve assembly  518 . For example, a program stored in the memory can be utilized to activate the inputs to the aforementioned components of chemical treatment system  500  according to a process recipe. 
     Control system  590  may be locally located relative to the chemical treatment system  500 , or it may be remotely located relative to the chemical treatment system  500  via an internet or intranet. Thus, control system  590  can exchange data with the chemical treatment system  500  using at least one of a direct connection, an intranet, or the internet. Control system  590  may be coupled to an intranet at a customer site (i.e., a device maker, etc.), or coupled to an intranet at a vendor site (i.e., an equipment manufacturer). Furthermore, another computer (i.e., controller, server, etc.) can access control system  590  to exchange data via at least one of a direct connection, an intranet, or the internet. 
     As illustrated in  FIG. 11A , the thermal treatment system  1000  further comprises a substrate holder  1040  mounted within the thermal treatment chamber  1010  and configured to support two or more substrates  1045  on a support surface thereof, an upper assembly  1020  coupled to an upper section of the thermal treatment chamber  1010 , and a vacuum pumping system  1080  coupled to the thermal treatment chamber  1010  to evacuate the thermal treatment chamber  1010 . 
     Substrate holder  1040  comprises a temperature-controlled substrate holder having one or more pedestals  1042  configured to support two or more substrates  1045 . The one or more pedestals  1042  may be thermally insulated from the thermal treatment chamber  1010  using a thermal barrier  1044  and insulation member  1046 . For example, the one or more pedestals  1042  may be fabricated from aluminum, stainless steel, or nickel, and the insulation member  1046  may be fabricated from a thermal insulator such as Teflon, alumina, or quartz. Furthermore, the one or more pedestals  1042  may be coated with a protective barrier to reduce contamination of the two or more substrates  1045 . For example, the coating applied to part or all of the one or more pedestals  1042  may include a vapor-deposited material, such as silicon. 
     The substrate holder  1040  further comprises one or more heating elements embedded therein and a substrate holder temperature control unit  1060  coupled thereto. The heating element can, for example, comprise a resistive heater element such as a tungsten, nickel-chromium alloy, aluminum-iron alloy, aluminum nitride, etc., filament. Examples of commercially available materials to fabricate resistive heating elements include Kanthal, Nikrothal, and Akrothal, which are registered trademark names for metal alloys produced by Kanthal Corporation of Bethel, Conn. The Kanthal family includes ferritic alloys (FeCrAl) and the Nikrothal family includes austenitic alloys (NiCr, NiCrFe). When an electrical current flows through the filament, power is dissipated as heat, and, therefore, the substrate holder temperature control unit  1060  can, for example, comprise a controllable DC power supply. Alternately, the temperature-controlled substrate holder  1040  may, for example, be a cast-in heater commercially available from Watlow Electric Manufacturing Company (12001 Lackland Road, St. Louis, Mo. 63146) capable of a maximum operating temperature of about 400 to about 450 degrees C., or a film heater comprising aluminum nitride materials that is also commercially available from Watlow and capable of operating temperatures as high as about 300 degrees C. and power densities of up to about 23.25 W/cm 2 . Alternatively, a cooling element can be incorporated in substrate holder  1040 . 
     The temperature of the substrate holder  1040  may be monitored using a temperature-sensing device such as a thermocouple (e.g. a K-type thermocouple). Furthermore, a controller can utilize the temperature measurement as feedback to the substrate holder temperature control unit  1060  in order to control the temperature of the substrate holder  1040 . 
     Additionally, the substrate temperature can be monitored using a temperature-sensing device such as an optical fiber thermometer commercially available from Advanced Energies, Inc. (1625 Sharp Point Drive, Fort Collins, Colo., 80525), Model No. OR2000F capable of measurements from about 50 degrees to about 2000 degrees C. and an accuracy of about plus or minus 1.5 degrees C., or a band-edge temperature measurement system as described in pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/168,544, filed on Jul. 2, 2002, the contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. 
     Referring still to  FIG. 11A , thermal treatment chamber  1010  is temperature-controlled and maintained at a selected temperature. For example, a thermal wall heating element (not shown) may be coupled to a thermal wall temperature control unit (not shown), and the thermal wall heating element (not shown) may be configured to couple to the thermal treatment chamber  1010 . The heating element may, for example, comprise a resistive heater element such as a tungsten, nickel-chromium alloy, aluminum-iron alloy, aluminum nitride, etc., filament. Examples of commercially available materials to fabricate resistive heating elements include Kanthal, Nikrothal, Akrothal, which are registered trademark names for metal alloys produced by Kanthal Corporation of Bethel, Conn. The Kanthal family includes ferritic alloys (FeCrAl) and the Nikrothal family includes austenitic alloys (NiCr, NiCrFe). When an electrical current flows through the filament, power is dissipated as heat, and, therefore, the thermal wall temperature control unit can, for example, comprise a controllable DC power supply. For example, thermal wall heating element can comprise at least one FIREROD® cartridge heater commercially available from Watlow (1310 Kingsland Dr., Batavia, Ill., 60510). Alternatively, or in addition, cooling elements may be employed in thermal treatment chamber  1010 . The temperature of the thermal treatment chamber  1010  may be monitored using a temperature-sensing device such as a thermocouple (e.g. a K-type thermocouple, Pt sensor, etc.). Furthermore, a controller can utilize the temperature measurement as feedback to the thermal wall temperature control unit in order to control a temperature of the thermal treatment chamber  1010 . 
     Referring still to  FIG. 11A , thermal treatment system  1000  further comprises upper assembly  1020 . The upper assembly  1020  can, for example, comprise a gas injection system  1050  for introducing a purge gas, process gas, or cleaning gas to a process space  1012  in the thermal treatment chamber  1010 . Alternately, thermal treatment chamber  1010  may comprise a gas injection system separate from the upper assembly. For example, a purge gas, process gas, or cleaning gas can be introduced to the thermal treatment chamber  1010  through a side-wall thereof. It can further comprise a cover or lid having at least one hinge, a handle, and a clasp for latching the lid in a closed position. In an alternate embodiment, the upper assembly  1020  can comprise a radiant heater such as an array of tungsten halogen lamps for heating substrates  1045 ′ resting atop blades  1074 ,  1074 ′ (see  FIG. 12 ) of substrate lifter assembly  1070 . In this case, the substrate holder  1040  may be excluded from the thermal treatment chamber  1010 . 
     Referring still to  FIG. 11A , the upper assembly  1020  is temperature-controlled and maintained at a selected temperature. For example, upper assembly  1020  may be coupled to an upper assembly temperature control unit (not shown), and the upper assembly heating element (not shown) may be configured to be couple to the upper assembly  1020 . The heating element can, for example, comprise a resistive heater element such as a tungsten, nickel-chromium alloy, aluminum-iron alloy, aluminum nitride, etc., filament. Examples of commercially available materials to fabricate resistive heating elements include Kanthal, Nikrothal, Akrothal, which are registered trademark names for metal alloys produced by Kanthal Corporation of Bethel, Conn. The Kanthal family includes ferritic alloys (FeCrAl) and the Nikrothal family includes austenitic alloys (NiCr, NiCrFe). When an electrical current flows through the filament, power is dissipated as heat, and, therefore, the upper assembly temperature control unit may, for example, comprise a controllable DC power supply. For example, upper assembly heating element can comprise a dual-zone silicone rubber heater (about 1.0 mm thick) capable of about 1400 W (or power density of about 5 W/in 2 ). The temperature of the upper assembly  1020  may be monitored using a temperature-sensing device such as a thermocouple (e.g. a K-type thermocouple, Pt sensor, etc.). Furthermore, a controller can utilize the temperature measurement as feedback to the upper assembly temperature control unit in order to control the temperature of the upper assembly  1020 . Upper assembly  1020  may additionally or alternatively include a cooling element. 
     Referring now to  FIGS. 11A ,  11 B and  12 , thermal treatment system  1000  further comprises a substrate lifter assembly  1070 . The substrate lifter assembly  1070  is configured to lower substrates  1045  to an upper surface of the pedestals  1042 ,  1042 ′, as well as raise substrates  1045 ′ from an upper surface of the pedestals  1042 ,  1042 ′ to a holding plane, or a transfer plane there between. At the transfer plane, substrates  1045 ′ can be exchanged with a transfer system utilized to transfer substrates into and out of the chemical and thermal treatment chambers  510 ,  1010 . At the holding plane, substrates  1045 ′ can be cooled while another pair of substrates is exchanged between the transfer system and the chemical and thermal treatment chambers  510 ,  1010 . As shown in  FIG. 12 , the substrate lifter assembly  1070  comprises a pair of blades  1074 ,  1074 ′, each having three or more tabs  1076 ,  1076 ′ for receiving substrates  1045 ′. Additionally, the blades  1074 ,  1074 ′ are coupled to drive arms  1072 ,  1072 ′ for coupling the substrate lifter assembly  1070  to the thermal treatment chamber  1010 , wherein each drive arm  1072 ,  1072 ′ is driven by drive systems  1078  for permitting vertical translation of the blades  1072 ,  1072 ′ within the thermal treatment chamber  1010 . The tabs  1076 ,  1076 ′ are configured to grasp substrates  1045 ′ in a raised position, and to recess within receiving cavities  1077  formed within the pedestals  1042 ,  1042 ′ when in a lowered position. The drive systems  1078  can, for example, include pneumatic drive systems designed to meet various specifications including cylinder stroke length, cylinder stroke speed, position accuracy, non-rotation accuracy, etc., the design of which is known to those skilled in the art of pneumatic drive system design. 
     Alternatively, as shown in  FIGS. 11A ,  11 B and  13 , thermal treatment system  1000  further comprises a substrate lifter assembly  1070 ′. The substrate lifter assembly  1070 ′ is configured to lower and raise substrates  1045 ′ to and from the upper surface of contiguous pedestal  1042 ″, as well as raise a substrate  1045 ′ from an upper surface of the pedestal  1042 ″ to a holding plane, or a transfer plane there between. At the transfer plane, substrates  1045 ′ can be exchanged with a transfer system utilized to transfer substrates into and out of the chemical and thermal treatment chambers  510 ,  1010 . At the holding plane, substrates  1045 ′ may be cooled while another pair of substrates is exchanged between the transfer system and the chemical and thermal treatment chambers  510 ,  1010 . As shown in  FIG. 13 , the substrate lifter assembly  1070 ′ comprises a single blade  1074 ″ having two sets of three or more tabs  1076 ″,  1076 ′″ for receiving substrates  1045 ′. Additionally, the single blade  1074 ″ is coupled to drive arms  1072 ″ for coupling the substrate lifter assembly  1070 ′ to the thermal treatment chamber  1010 , wherein drive arms  1072 ″ are driven by a drive system  1078 , as described above, for permitting vertical translation of the blade  1074 ″ within the thermal treatment chamber  1010 . The tabs  1076 ″,  1076 ′″ are configured to grasp substrates  1045 ′ in a raised position, and to recess within receiving cavities formed within the pedestal  1042 ″ when in a lowered position. The drive system  1078  can, for example, include pneumatic drive systems designed to meet various specifications including cylinder stroke length, cylinder stroke speed, position accuracy, non-rotation accuracy, etc., the design of which is known to those skilled in the art of pneumatic drive system design. 
     Additionally, as shown in  FIG. 11A , the thermal treatment system  1000  further comprises a substrate detection system comprising one or more detectors  1022  in order to identify whether substrates are located in the holding plane. The substrate detection system can gain optical access through one or more optical windows  1024 . The substrate detection system may, for example, comprise a Keyence digital laser sensor. 
     Referring still to  FIG. 11A , thermal treatment system  1000  further comprises vacuum pumping system  1080 . Vacuum pumping system  1080  can, for example, comprise a vacuum pump, and a throttle valve such as a gate valve or butterfly valve. The vacuum pump can, for example, include a turbo-molecular vacuum pump (TMP) capable of a pumping speed up to about 5000 liters per second (and greater). TMPs are useful for low pressure processing, typically less than about 50 mTorr. For high pressure processing (i.e., greater than about 100 mTorr), a mechanical booster pump and dry roughing pump can be used. 
     Referring still to  FIG. 11A , thermal treatment system  1000  can further comprise a control system  1090  having a microprocessor, memory, and a digital I/O port capable of generating control voltages sufficient to communicate and activate inputs to thermal treatment system  1000  as well as monitor outputs from thermal treatment system  1000 . Moreover, control system  1090  can be coupled to and can exchange information with substrate holder temperature control unit  1060 , upper assembly  1020 , gas injection system  1050 , the substrate detection system, vacuum pumping system  1080 , and substrate lifter assembly  1070 . For example, a program stored in the memory can be utilized to activate the inputs to the aforementioned components of thermal treatment system  1000  according to a process recipe. 
     Control system  1090  may be locally located relative to the thermal treatment system  1000 , or it may be remotely located relative to the thermal treatment system  1000  via an internet or intranet. Thus, control system  1090  can exchange data with the thermal treatment system  1000  using at least one of a direct connection, an intranet, or the internet. Control system  1090  may be coupled to an intranet at a customer site (i.e., a device maker, etc.), or coupled to an intranet at a vendor site (i.e., an equipment manufacturer). Furthermore, another computer (i.e., controller, server, etc.) can access control system  1090  to exchange data via at least one of a direct connection, an intranet, or the internet. 
     In an alternate embodiment, control system  590  and control system  1090  may be the same control system. 
       FIG. 14  presents a method of operating a processing platform comprising a chemical treatment system and a thermal treatment system. The method is illustrated as a flowchart  1400  beginning with step  1410  wherein a plurality of substrates are transferred to the chemical treatment system using the substrate transfer system. The substrates are received by lift pins that are housed within one or more substrate holders, and the substrates are lowered to the one or more substrate holders. Thereafter, the substrates may rest on the one or more substrate holders for processing. Alternatively, the substrates may be secured to the one or more substrate holders using a clamping system, such as an electrostatic clamping system, and a heat transfer gas is supplied to the backside of the substrates. 
     In step  1420 , one or more process parameters for chemical treatment of the substrates are set. For example, the one or more chemical processing parameters comprise at least one of a chemical treatment processing pressure, a chemical treatment wall temperature, a chemical treatment substrate holder temperature, a chemical treatment substrate temperature, a chemical treatment gas distribution system temperature, and a chemical treatment gas flow rate. For example, one or more of the following may occur: 1) a controller coupled to a wall temperature control unit and a first temperature-sensing device is utilized to set a chemical treatment chamber temperature for the chemical treatment chamber; 2) a controller coupled to a gas distribution system temperature control unit and a second temperature-sensing device is utilized to set a chemical treatment gas distribution system temperature for the chemical treatment chamber; 3) a controller coupled to at least one temperature control element and a third temperature-sensing device is utilized to set a chemical treatment substrate holder temperature; 4) a controller coupled to at least one of a temperature control element, a backside gas supply system, and a clamping system, and a fourth temperature sensing device in the substrate holder is utilized to set a chemical treatment substrate temperature; 5) a controller coupled to at least one of a vacuum pumping system, and a gas distribution system, and a pressure-sensing device is utilized to set a processing pressure within the chemical treatment chamber; and/or 6) the mass flow rates of the one or more process gases are set by a controller coupled to the one or more mass flow controllers within the gas distribution system. 
     In step  1430 , the substrates are chemically treated under the conditions set forth in step  1420  for a first period of time. The first period of time can range from about 10 to about 480 seconds, for example. 
     In step  1440 , the substrates are transferred from the chemical treatment system to the thermal treatment system. During which time, the optional substrate clamp is removed, and the optional flow of heat transfer gas to the backside of the substrates is terminated. The substrates are vertically lifted from the one or more substrate holders to the transfer plane using a lift pin assembly. The transfer system receives the substrates from the lift pins and positions the substrates within the thermal treatment system. Therein, the substrate lifter assembly receives the substrates from the transfer system, and lowers the substrates to the substrate holder. 
     In step  1450 , one or more thermal process parameters for thermal treatment of the substrates are set. For example, the one or more thermal processing parameters comprise at least one of a thermal treatment wall temperature, a thermal treatment upper assembly temperature, a thermal treatment substrate temperature, a thermal treatment substrate holder temperature, a thermal treatment substrate temperature, and a thermal treatment processing pressure. For example, one or more of the following may occur: 1) a controller coupled to a thermal wall temperature control unit and a first temperature-sensing device in the thermal treatment chamber is utilized to set a thermal treatment wall temperature; 2) a controller coupled to an upper assembly temperature control unit and a second temperature-sensing device in the upper assembly is utilized to set a thermal treatment upper assembly temperature; 3) a controller coupled to a substrate holder temperature control unit and a third temperature-sensing device in the heated substrate holder is utilized to set a thermal treatment substrate holder temperature; 4) a controller coupled to a substrate holder temperature control unit and a fourth temperature-sensing device in the heated substrate holder and coupled to the substrate is utilized to set a thermal treatment substrate temperature; and/or 5) a controller coupled to a vacuum pumping system, a gas distribution system, and a pressure sensing device is utilized to set a thermal treatment processing pressure within the thermal treatment chamber. 
     In step  1460 , the substrate is thermally treated under the conditions set forth in step  1450  for a second period of time. The second period of time can range from 10 to 480 seconds, for example. 
     In an example, the processing platform, as depicted in  FIGS. 1 through 4 , including the chemical treatment system of  FIG. 5  and the thermal treatment system of  FIGS. 11A and 11B , may be configured to perform a dry, non-plasma etching process or a dry, non-plasma cleaning process. For example, the process may be used to trim a mask layer, or remove residue and other contaminants from surfaces of a substrate. Furthermore, for example, the process may include a chemical oxide removal process. 
     The processing platform comprises a chemical treatment system for chemically treating exposed surface layers, such as oxide surface layers, on a substrate, whereby adsorption of the process chemistry on the exposed surfaces affects chemical alteration of the surface layers. Additionally, the processing platform comprises thermal treatment system for thermally treating the substrate, whereby the substrate temperature is elevated in order to desorb (or evaporate) the chemically altered exposed surface layers on the substrate. 
     In the chemical treatment system, the process space may be operated at above-atmosphere, at atmospheric, or under reduced-pressure conditions. In the following example, the process space is operated under reduced-pressure conditions. A process gas comprising HF and optionally NH 3  is introduced. Alternately, the process gas can further comprise a carrier gas. The carrier gas can, for example, comprise an inert gas such as argon, xenon, helium, etc. The processing pressure may range from about 1 to about 1000 mTorr. Alternatively, the processing pressure can range from about 10 to about 500 mTorr. The process gas flow rates may range from about 1 to about 10000 sccm for each gas specie. Alternatively, the flow rates can range from about 10 to about 500 sccm. 
     Additionally, the chemical treatment chamber can be heated to a temperature ranging from about 10 degrees C. to about 200 degrees C. Alternatively, the chamber temperature can range from about 30 degrees C. to about 100 degrees C. Additionally, the gas distribution system can be heated to a temperature ranging from about 10 degrees C. to about 200 degrees C. Alternatively, the gas distribution system temperature can range from about 30 degrees C. to about 100 degrees C. The substrate can be maintained at a temperature ranging from about 10 degrees C. to about 80 degrees C. Alternatively, the substrate temperature can range form about 25 degrees C. to about 60 degrees C. 
     In the thermal treatment system, the thermal treatment chamber can be heated to a temperature ranging from about 20 degrees C. to about 200 degrees C. Alternatively, the chamber temperature can range from about 100 degrees C. to about 150 degrees C. Additionally, the upper assembly can be heated to a temperature ranging from about 20 degrees C. to about 200 degrees C. Alternatively, the upper assembly temperature can range from about 100 degrees C. to about 150 degrees C. The substrate holder can be heated to a temperature in excess of about 100 degrees C., for example, from about 100 degrees C. to about 200 degrees C. The substrate can be heated to a temperature in excess of about 100 degrees C., for example, from about 100 degrees C. to about 200 degrees C. 
     According to another embodiment, one or more surfaces of the components comprising the chemical treatment chamber  510  ( FIG. 5 ) and the thermal treatment chamber  1010  ( FIGS. 11A and 11B ) can be coated with a protective barrier. The protective barrier may comprise a ceramic coating, a plastic coating, a polymeric coating, a vapor deposited coating, etc. For example, the protective barrier may comprise polyimide (e.g., Kapton®), polytetrafluoroethylene resin (e.g., Teflon® PTFE), polyfluoroalkoxy (PFA) copolymer resin (e.g., Teflon® PFA), fluorinated ethylene propylene resin (e.g., Teflon® FEP), a surface anodization layer, a ceramic spray coating (such as alumina, yttria, etc.), a plasma electrolytic oxidation layer, etc. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 15 , a chemical oxide removal process is performed, wherein a process gas comprising HF and NH 3  is introduced to a chemical treatment system for chemically altering the surface layers of a SiO 2  film. Thereafter, the chemically modified surface layers of the SiO 2  film are removed in a thermal treatment system. As shown in  FIG. 15 , an etch amount (nm) of the SiO 2  film is provided as a function of HF partial pressure (mtorr) for a given set of process conditions (i.e., pressure, temperature, etc). For a first set of data (dashed line, open squares), the surfaces exposed to the chemical process in the chemical treatment system comprise bare aluminum. For a second set of data (solid line, crosses) using the same process conditions as the first set of data, one or more surfaces exposed to the chemical process in the chemical treatment system comprise a coating containing PTFE applied thereto. In this example, the PTFE is applied to the underside of the substrate holder in the chemical treatment system. As depicted in  FIG. 15 , the application of a coating to one or more bare aluminum surfaces exposed to the chemical process causes an increase in the etch amount. It is suspected that the coating reduces gettering of the HF reactant and, hence, reduces the amount of HF consumed by exposed aluminum surfaces in the formation of NH 4 F on these surfaces. 
     Referring to  FIG. 16 , a method of increasing a dry, non-plasma etch rate is provided according to an embodiment. The method is illustrated as a flowchart  1600  beginning in step  1610  with performing a chemical treatment process in a chemical treatment system. The chemical treatment process may comprise a dry, non-plasma chemical oxide removal process, wherein one or more substrates are exposed to a gaseous environment containing HF and optionally NH 3 . The gaseous environment may further comprise a diluent, such as a noble gas. 
     In  1620 , a thermal treatment process is performed in a thermal treatment system. The thermal treatment process may include elevating a temperature of the one or more substrates to remove the surface layers chemically modified in the chemical treatment process. 
     In  1630 , a coating is applied to one or more surfaces in the chemical treatment chamber to increase the etch amount achieved for each set of chemical treatment process and thermal treatment process steps. The coating may include any one of the materials described above. The coating may prevent or reduce the sorption of ammonium fluoride (NH 4 F) onto internal surfaces of the chemical treatment system. The internal surfaces of the chemical treatment system may include the chemical treatment chamber, the temperature-controlled substrate holder, or the gas injection assembly, or any combination thereof. 
     Although only certain embodiments of this invention have been described in detail above, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that many modifications are possible in the embodiments without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of this invention. Accordingly, all such modifications are intended to be included within the scope of this invention.