Source: http://www.google.com/patents/US5945351?dq=5787449
Timestamp: 2016-05-30 18:33:43
Document Index: 505286885

Matched Legal Cases: ['in fine', 'art 4', 'art 5', 'art 4', 'art 5', 'art 4', 'art 5', 'art 4', 'art 5', 'art 4', 'art 5', 'art 5']

Patent US5945351 - Method for etching damaged zones on an edge of a semiconductor substrate ... - Google PatentsSearch Images Maps Play YouTube News Gmail Drive More »Sign inPatentsThe apparatus and method of the invention allow etching of the edge of a semiconductor substrate even where no resist is applied to the front side and back side of the semiconductor substrate. The semiconductor substrate is introduced into a protective chamber within an evacuatable process chamber. The...http://www.google.com/patents/US5945351?utm_source=gb-gplus-sharePatent US5945351 - Method for etching damaged zones on an edge of a semiconductor substrate, and etching systemAdvanced Patent SearchPublication numberUS5945351 APublication typeGrantApplication numberUS 08/867,115Publication dateAug 31, 1999Filing dateJun 2, 1997Priority dateMay 31, 1996Fee statusLapsedAlso published asDE19622015A1, EP0810641A2, EP0810641A3Publication number08867115, 867115, US 5945351 A, US 5945351A, US-A-5945351, US5945351 A, US5945351AInventorsJosef MathuniOriginal AssigneeSiemens AktiengesellschaftExport CitationBiBTeX, EndNote, RefManPatent Citations (7), Non-Patent Citations (16), Referenced by (168), Classifications (30), Legal Events (4) External Links: USPTO, USPTO Assignment, EspacenetMethod for etching damaged zones on an edge of a semiconductor substrate, and etching system
US 5945351 AAbstract
The apparatus and method of the invention allow etching of the edge of a semiconductor substrate even where no resist is applied to the front side and back side of the semiconductor substrate. The semiconductor substrate is introduced into a protective chamber within an evacuatable process chamber. The front side and the back side of the semiconductor substrate are covered by the protective chamber except for the edge of the semiconductor substrate to be etched. The edge of the semiconductor substrate is then exposed to an etching agent. Etching products and excess etching agent are removed.
1. A method of etching damaged zones on an edge of a semiconductor substrate having a resist-free front side and a resist-free back side, the method which comprises:providing a process chamber and a protective chamber within the process chamber; placing a semiconductor substrate with a substrate edge to be etched, with a resist-free front side, and with a resist-free back side into the protective chamber such that a gap exists between the resist-free back side and the protective chamber, covering the front side and the back side with the protective chamber, while leaving the substrate edge exposed in the process chamber; and etching the substrate edge with an etching agent, and removing etching products and excess etching agent. 2. A method of etching damaged zones on an edge of a semiconductor substrate having a resist-free front side and a resist-free back side, the method which comprises:providing a process chamber and a protective chamber within the process chamber; placing a semiconductor substrate with a substrate edge to be etched, with a resist-free front side, and with a resist-free back side into the protective chamber, covering the front side and the back side with the protective chamber, while leaving the substrate edge exposed in the process chamber; passing a protective gas over the front side and over the back side of the semiconductor substrate; and etching the substrate edge with an etching agent, and removing etching products and excess etching agent. 3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the etching step comprises etching with an etchant gas.
4. The method according to claim 3, wherein the etchant gas is a gas mixture.
5. The method according to claim 3, which further comprises exciting the etchant gas to form a plasma, and evacuating the process chamber.
6. The method according to claim 5, wherein the exciting step comprises exciting the etchant gas with one of microwaves and high frequency electromagnetic waves.
7. The method according to claim 5, wherein the exciting step comprises generating the plasma in a plasma generating chamber separate from the process chamber.
8. The method according to claim 1, wherein the etching step comprises spraying etching solution onto the substrate edge.
9. The method according to claim 8, which further comprises heating at least one of the semiconductor substrate and the process chamber to a temperature of ≦100� C.
The invention relates to a method for etching damaged zones or destruction zones on an edge of a semiconductor substrate with a resist-free semiconductor substrate front side and a resist-free semiconductor substrate back side. The invention also relates to an etching system suitable for the etching process.
When silicon wafers are produced, the wafer edges are ground, to put them into a suitable form. These grinding processes create imperfections in the crystal, which in the ensuing machining processes can propagate from the edge toward regions which will be rendered active at a later point. This generally causes damage to or failure of the corresponding components.
Two processes have essentially been known in the art for eliminating these types of damage zones or imperfections. In one such process, the wafer edges are mechanically repolished. However, the imperfections that are located at a deeper level cannot be eliminated thereby. In the second process, the wafer is exposed to wet-chemical overetching, known as chemical polishing. However, the front side and back side of the semiconductor substrate must not also be removed, because that would impair the homogeneity of wafer thickness. The front and back sides of the semiconductor substrate are therefore suitably protected, and in particular they are coated with resist. These resist coatings account for high chemical consumption.
It is accordingly an object of the invention to provide a method for etching damaged zones on an edge of a semiconductor substrate, and an etching system, which overcomes the above-mentioned disadvantages of the heretofore-known devices and methods of this general type and which allows etching of the damaged zones without major consumption of chemicals.
With the foregoing and other objects in view there is provided, in accordance with the invention, a method of etching damaged zones on an edge of a semiconductor substrate having a resist-free front side and a resist-free back side, the method which comprises:
providing a process chamber and a protective chamber within the process chamber;
placing a semiconductor substrate with a substrate edge to be etched, with a resist-free front side, and with a resist-free back side into the protective chamber, covering the front side and the back side with the protective chamber, while leaving the substrate edge exposed in the process chamber; and
etching the substrate edge with an etching agent, and removing etching products and excess etching agent.
This completely resist-free process for etching destruction zones ("damage layers") makes it possible to etch semiconductor substrate edges economically, very quickly, and in an environmentally friendly manner.
In accordance with an added mode of the invention, a protective gas is passed over the front side and back side of the semiconductor substrate. Introducing this protective gas assures that the front and back sides of the semiconductor substrate are especially well-protected against etching attack by the etching agent. As a rule, however, slightly elevated pressure (as compared to the process chamber itself) inside the protective chamber suffices and largely prevents the penetration of etching agent into it.
In accordance with an additional feature of the invention, the etchant is a gas or a gas mixture. The gas or gas mixture is furthermore preferably excited by microwave or high frequency excitation to form a plasma in a plasma generator separate from the process chamber. The etching process is thus carried out via radicals. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that method proceeds under vacuum conditions.
Alternatively, an etching solution is used as the etching agent. The etching solution is sprayed in fine droplets onto the semiconductor substrate edge to be etched. The semiconductor substrate and/or the process chamber is thereby heated to a temperature of ≦100� C., which assures an especially good chemical reaction between the edge of the semiconductor substrate and the etching solution. As a further result, no condensed etching solution forms on the semiconductor substrate and on the process chamber walls. The heating can be effected by a heating device or by the heat transfer from the protective gas.
With the above and other objects in view there is also provided, in accordance with the invention, a system for etching damaged zones on an edge of a semiconductor substrate, wherein the semiconductor substrate has a resist-free front side and a resist-free back side, comprising:
an etching reactor with a process chamber;
a structure defining a protective chamber within the process chamber for receiving a semiconductor substrate, the protective chamber having a first protective chamber part covering a resist-free front side of the semiconductor substrate and a second protective chamber part covering a resist-free back side of the semiconductor substrate, and the protective chamber leaving an edge of the semiconductor substrate to be etched exposed in the process chamber; and
the process chamber being formed with an etching agent inlet through which an etching agent is brought to the edge of the semiconductor substrate.
In accordance with another feature of the invention, the protective chamber is formed with a protective gas inlet in each of said first and second protective chamber parts through which protective gas passes over the resist-free front side and the resist-free back side of the semiconductor substrate for protection against etching attack.
In accordance with yet another feature of the invention, there is provided a head plate disposed in said first protective chamber part and a foot plate disposed in said second protective chamber part, said head plate having an opening formed therein centrally above the front side of the semiconductor substrate, and said foot plate having an opening formed therein centrally below the back side of the semiconductor substrate, and wherein the protective gas flows through said openings and onto said front side and said back side, respectively.
In accordance with again an additional feature of the invention, the head plate and said foot plate each carry an inner baffle on a respective outer edge thereof. In addition, outer baffles surround said inner baffles of said head plate and said foot plate, said outer baffles defining the substrate edge to be etched, and said inner baffles and said outer baffles defining gaps therebetween for the removal of the protective gas from said protective chamber.
In accordance with again a further feature of the invention, there are provided at least three pins in said second protective chamber part on which the semiconductor substrate is supported.
In accordance with yet a further feature of the invention, there is provided a holder device disposed in said process chamber for supporting the semiconductor substrate at several points along an outer edge thereof. This assures that the semiconductor substrate is touched neither on its front nor its back side and is thereby protected against mechanical damage.
In accordance with a concomitant feature of the invention, the process chamber is one of a multitude of process chambers formed in said etching reactor. In other words, the etching system of the invention is preferably integrated into a so-called multichamber system, so that the insertion and removal of the semiconductor substrate to be etched may be fully automated, while other processing steps can take place directly inside this multichamber system.
Although the invention is illustrated and described herein as embodied in a method for etching destruction zones on an edge of a semiconductor substrate, and an etching system for performing the process, it is nevertheless not intended to be limited to the details shown, since various modifications and structural changes may be made therein without departing from the spirit of the invention and within the scope and range of equivalents of the claims.
FIG. 1 is a schematic elevational view of the apparatus according to the invention; and
FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of a detail I in FIG. 1.
Referring now to the figures of the drawing in detail and first, particularly, to FIG. 1 thereof, there is seen an part of an etching reactor 1 according to the invention with an evacuation device 29, which communicates with a process chamber 2.
A protective chamber 3 is disposed within the chamber 2. A disk-shaped semiconductor substrate 11 (silicon wafer) with a resist-free back side 13 and a resist-free front side 12 is placed in the protective chamber 3. In the present exemplary embodiment, the resist-free front side 12 has its face facing upward, i.e., it has been introduced into the protective chamber 3 in its natural position.
The protective chamber 3 comprises a first protective chamber part 4, disposed at the top in the process chamber 2, and a second protective chamber part 5, disposed at the bottom in the process chamber 2. The first protective chamber part 4 covers the front side 12 of the semiconductor substrate, and the second protective chamber part 5 covers the back side 13 of the semiconductor substrate. The edge 14 to be etched in the semiconductor substrate is not covered.
One protective gas inlet 7 each communicates with the first protective chamber part 4 and with the second protective chamber part 5. Through these protective gas inlets, a protective gas 16 is introduced to the resist-free front side 12 and the resist-free back side 13, respectively, of the semiconductor substrate. The protective gas guards the front and back sides against etching attack.
A head plate 9 is located in the region of the first protective chamber part 4. The head plate 9 has an opening 17 formed centrally above the front side 12 of the semiconductor substrate, through which the protective gas 16 flows to the front side 12 of the semiconductor substrate.
A foot plate 10 is located in the second protective chamber part 5 in an analogous way. The foot plate 10 likewise has an opening 17 formed centrally below the back side 13 of the semiconductor substrate. The protective gas flows through the central opening 17 to the back side 13.
The head plate 9 and the foot plate 10 each have a baffle 18, 19, respectively, on their outer edges pointing towards the semiconductor substrate 11. Outer baffles 20, 21 are disposed outside the baffles 18, 19. The outer baffles 20, 21 delineate the boundary between the process chamber 2 and the protective chamber 3, and they define the edge 14 of the semiconductor substrate to be etched.
Gaps 22, 23, which serve to remove the protective gas 16 by suction via an evacuation device 28, are formed between the baffles 18, 19, on the one hand, and the outer baffles 20, 21, on the other hand. The evacuation device 28 thus communicates directly with the upper protective chamber part 4 and the lower protective chamber part 5 of the protective chamber 3.
With particular reference to FIG. 2, the semiconductor substrate 11 in the present exemplary embodiment is held merely on its outer edge 27 by a holder device 24. The device 24 here comprises a plurality of pins disposed in the process chamber. In the alternative, the substrate may also rest on a plurality (preferably at least three) pins 30 inside the second protective chamber part 5. Spacing gaps 8 of approximately 0.1 mm exist between the outer baffles 20, 21 and the front side 12 and the back side 13, respectively, which are evacuated of any gas that has entered by suction. The gaps 22, 23 between the baffle 18 and the outer baffle 20, on the one hand, and the baffle 19 and the outer baffle 21, on the other hand, typically have a width of about 2 mm. The protective gas that has flowed in is removed by suction through these gaps 22, 23 as well. As a rule, nitrogen is used as the protective gas. However, argon or other noble gases may be used.
Etching agent 15 is introduced into the process chamber 2 through an etchant inlet 6 which issues into the process chamber 2. A mixed gas is used as the etching agent 15 in the present case. A preferred gas is a mixture of CF4 and O2, but other mixtures are also possible.
Prior to introduction into the process chamber, the gas mixture is excited by microwaves to form a plasma. The plasma is formed in a plasma generating chamber 25 separate from the process chamber 2.
The radicals thus produced reach the semiconductor substrate edge 14 to be etched, where they react with the semiconductor material in the destruction zones. The etching products and the excess etching gas mixture are removed by suction via the suction removal device 29, which communicates with the process chamber 2 at the level of the edge 14 of the semiconductor substrate. The removal device 29 communicates with an annular gap 26 formed in the process chamber walls at that level.
The outer baffles 20, 21 and the baffles 18, 19 are laterally displaceabe within the process chamber 2. The width of the edge 14 of the semiconductor substrate to be etched can thus be adjusted.
Patent CitationsCited PatentFiling datePublication dateApplicantTitleUS4350562 *Jun 18, 1981Sep 21, 1982Siemens AktiengesellschaftMethod for etching semiconductor wafers on one sideUS4857142 *Sep 22, 1988Aug 15, 1989Fsi International, Inc.Method and apparatus for controlling simultaneous etching of front and back sides of wafersEP0668609A2 *Feb 22, 1995Aug 23, 1995Siemens AktiengesellschaftProcess for plasma etching the backside of a semiconductor wafer, the front surface not being coated with a protective resinJPH01196832A * Title not availableJPH02192717A * Title not availableJPH07142449A * Title not availableJPS5898925A * Title not available* Cited by examinerNon-Patent CitationsReference1"Spin Etcher for Removal of Backside Depositions" (Gaulhofer), 400 Solid State Technology, vol. 34, No. 5, May 1991, pp. 57-58 and 219.2Abstract of "Chemical Etching of Silicon Wafer Rim", IBM Technical Disclosure Bulletin, Jun. 1981.3 *Abstract of Chemical Etching of Silicon Wafer Rim , IBM Technical Disclosure Bulletin, Jun. 1981.4Japanese Patent Abstract 07-142449 A (Masuda, K.) dated Jun. 2, 1995.5Japanese Patent Abstract 1-196832 (Mitsuo S.), dated Aug. 8, 1989.6Japanese Patent Abstract 2-192717 (Kenji O.) dated Jul. 30, 1990.7Japanese Patent Abstract 58-98925 (Oonori I.) dated Jun. 13, 1983.8 *Japanese Patent Abstract No. & 01 196832 A (Sato), dated Aug. 8, 1989.9 *Japanese Patent Abstract No. & JP 02 192717 A (Isono), dated Jul. 30, 1990.10 *Japanese Patent Abstract No. & jp 07 142449 A (Kiyotaka), dated Jun. 2, 1995.11 *Japanese Patent Abstract No. & JP 58 098925 A (Ishikawa), dated Jun. 13, 1983.12Japanese Patent Abstract No. 1-196832 (Sato), dated Aug. 8, 1989.13Japanese Patent Abstract No. 2-192717 (Isono), dated Jul. 30, 1990.14Japanese Patent Abstract No. 58-98925 (Ishikawa), dated Jun. 13, 1983.15Japanese Patent Abstract No. 7-142449 (Kiyotaka), dated Jun. 2, 1995.16 *Spin Etcher for Removal of Backside Depositions (Gaulhofer), 400 Solid State Technology, vol. 34, No. 5, May 1991, pp. 57 58 and 219.* Cited by examinerReferenced byCiting PatentFiling datePublication dateApplicantTitleUS6398975Apr 20, 2000Jun 4, 2002Interuniversitair Microelektronica Centrum (Imec)Method and apparatus for localized liquid treatment of the surface of a substrateUS6406589 *Dec 16, 1999Jun 18, 2002Speedfam-Ipec Co LtdProcessing apparatus for etching the edge of a silicon waferUS6435200 *Apr 24, 2000Aug 20, 2002Sez Semiconductor-Equipment Zubehor Fur Die Halbleiterfertigung AgDevice and process for liquid treatment of wafer-shaped articlesUS6482749Aug 10, 2000Nov 19, 2002Seh America, Inc.Method for etching a wafer edge using a potassium-based chemical oxidizer in the presence of hydrofluoric acidUS6851435Feb 13, 2002Feb 8, 2005Interuniversitair Microelektronica Centrum (Imec, Vzw)Method and apparatus for localized liquid treatment of the surface of a substrateUS6858092Jun 10, 2002Feb 22, 2005Sez AgDevice and process for liquid treatment of wafer-shaped articlesUS6884303 *Aug 19, 2002Apr 26, 2005International Rectifier CorporationProcess of thinning and blunting semiconductor wafer edge and resulting waferUS6936546Mar 27, 2003Aug 30, 2005Accretech Usa, Inc.Apparatus for shaping thin films in the near-edge regions of in-process semiconductor substratesUS6954993Jun 30, 2004Oct 18, 2005Lam Research CorporationConcentric proximity processing headUS6988327Mar 31, 2003Jan 24, 2006Lam Research CorporationMethods and systems for processing a substrate using a dynamic liquid meniscusUS7000622Jun 24, 2003Feb 21, 2006Lam Research CorporationMethods and systems for processing a bevel edge of a substrate using a dynamic liquid meniscusUS7003899Sep 30, 2004Feb 28, 2006Lam Research CorporationSystem and method for modulating flow through multiple ports in a proximity headUS7007702Aug 4, 2003Mar 7, 2006Sez AgDevice and process for liquid treatment of wafer-shaped articlesUS7029597 *Jul 5, 2001Apr 18, 2006Lorin Industries, Inc.Anodized aluminum etching process and related apparatusUS7045018Mar 31, 2004May 16, 2006Lam Research CorporationSubstrate brush scrubbing and proximity cleaning-drying sequence using compatible chemistries, and method, apparatus, and system for implementing the sameUS7069937Mar 31, 2003Jul 4, 2006Lam Research CorporationVertical proximity processorUS7078344Jan 30, 2004Jul 18, 2006Lam Research CorporationStress free etch processing in combination with a dynamic liquid meniscusUS7093375Sep 30, 2004Aug 22, 2006Lam Research CorporationApparatus and method for utilizing a meniscus in substrate processingUS7127831Dec 22, 2005Oct 31, 2006Lam Research CorporationMethods and systems for processing a substrate using a dynamic liquid meniscusUS7143527Nov 14, 2005Dec 5, 2006Lam Research CorporationSystem and method for modulating flow through multiple ports in a proximity headUS7153400Jun 27, 2003Dec 26, 2006Lam Research CorporationApparatus and method for depositing and planarizing thin films of semiconductor wafersUS7170190Dec 16, 2003Jan 30, 2007Lam Research CorporationApparatus for oscillating a head and methods for implementing the sameUS7198055Dec 24, 2002Apr 3, 2007Lam Research CorporationMeniscus, vacuum, IPA vapor, drying manifoldUS7234477Sep 30, 2002Jun 26, 2007Lam Research CorporationMethod and apparatus for drying semiconductor wafer surfaces using a plurality of inlets and outlets held in close proximity to the wafer surfacesUS7240679Dec 24, 2002Jul 10, 2007Lam Research CorporationSystem for substrate processing with meniscus, vacuum, IPA vapor, drying manifoldUS7252097Jun 24, 2003Aug 7, 2007Lam Research CorporationSystem and method for integrating in-situ metrology within a wafer processUS7254900Mar 31, 2006Aug 14, 2007Lam Research CorporationWafer edge wheel with drying functionUS7264007Jun 30, 2003Sep 4, 2007Lam Research CorporationMethod and apparatus for cleaning a substrate using megasonic powerUS7267129Mar 6, 2006Sep 11, 2007Sez AgDevice and process for liquid treatment of wafer-shaped articlesUS7293571Apr 1, 2004Nov 13, 2007Lam Research CorporationSubstrate proximity processing housing and insert for generating a fluid meniscusUS7323080Mar 21, 2005Jan 29, 2008Semes Co., Ltd.Apparatus for treating substrateUS7350315Dec 22, 2003Apr 1, 2008Lam Research CorporationEdge wheel dry manifoldUS7353560Dec 18, 2003Apr 8, 2008Lam Research CorporationProximity brush unit apparatus and methodUS7367345Apr 28, 2004May 6, 2008Lam Research CorporationApparatus and method for providing a confined liquid for immersion lithographyUS7383843Jun 30, 2004Jun 10, 2008Lam Research CorporationMethod and apparatus for processing wafer surfaces using thin, high velocity fluid layerUS7384570Dec 5, 2005Jun 10, 2008Lorin Industries, Inc.Anodized aluminum etching process and related apparatusUS7389783Apr 1, 2004Jun 24, 2008Lam Research CorporationProximity meniscus manifoldUS7416370Jun 15, 2005Aug 26, 2008Lam Research CorporationMethod and apparatus for transporting a substrate using non-Newtonian fluidUS7438765Apr 29, 2005Oct 21, 2008Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Adjustable shielding plate for adjusting an etching area of a semiconductor wafer and related apparatus and methodsUS7441299Mar 31, 2004Oct 28, 2008Lam Research CorporationApparatuses and methods for cleaning a substrateUS7513262Apr 1, 2004Apr 7, 2009Lam Research CorporationSubstrate meniscus interface and methods for operationUS7527698May 6, 2003May 5, 2009Interuniversitair Microelektronica Centrum (Imec, Vzw)Method and apparatus for removing a liquid from a surface of a substrateUS7568490Dec 23, 2003Aug 4, 2009Lam Research CorporationMethod and apparatus for cleaning semiconductor wafers using compressed and/or pressurized foams, bubbles, and/or liquidsUS7584761Dec 2, 2005Sep 8, 2009Lam Research CorporationWafer edge surface treatment with liquid meniscusUS7614411Nov 10, 2009Lam Research CorporationControls of ambient environment during wafer drying using proximity headUS7632376Dec 15, 2009Lam Research CorporationMethod and apparatus for atomic layer deposition (ALD) in a proximity systemUS7648584Jan 20, 2006Jan 19, 2010Lam Research CorporationMethod and apparatus for removing contamination from substrateUS7675000Mar 9, 2010Lam Research CorporationSystem method and apparatus for dry-in, dry-out, low defect laser dicing using proximity technologyUS7726323Sep 10, 2007Jun 1, 2010Lam Research AgDevice and process for liquid treatment of wafer-shaped articlesUS7737097Feb 3, 2006Jun 15, 2010Lam Research CorporationMethod for removing contamination from a substrate and for making a cleaning solutionUS7799141Sep 11, 2006Sep 21, 2010Lam Research CorporationMethod and system for using a two-phases substrate cleaning compoundUS7858898Jan 26, 2007Dec 28, 2010Lam Research CorporationBevel etcher with gap controlUS7862662Sep 15, 2006Jan 4, 2011Lam Research CorporationMethod and material for cleaning a substrateUS7867565Jun 30, 2004Jan 11, 2011ImecMethod for coating substratesUS7879187Jul 27, 2006Feb 1, 2011Jusung Engineering Co., Ltd.Plasma etching apparatusUS7897213Feb 8, 2007Mar 1, 2011Lam Research CorporationMethods for contained chemical surface treatmentUS7913703Mar 30, 2006Mar 29, 2011Lam Research CorporationMethod and apparatus for uniformly applying a multi-phase cleaning solution to a substrateUS7928366Oct 6, 2006Apr 19, 2011Lam Research CorporationMethods of and apparatus for accessing a process chamber using a dual zone gas injector with improved optical accessUS7943007May 17, 2011Lam Research CorporationConfigurable bevel etcherUS7951261May 31, 2011Jusung Engineering Co. Ltd.Plasma etching apparatusUS7972963 *Oct 11, 2007Jul 5, 2011Siltronic AgPolished semiconductor wafer and process for producing itUS7975708Mar 30, 2007Jul 12, 2011Lam Research CorporationProximity head with angled vacuum conduit system, apparatus and methodUS7997288Jul 6, 2007Aug 16, 2011Lam Research CorporationSingle phase proximity head having a controlled meniscus for treating a substrateUS8043441Jun 15, 2005Oct 25, 2011Lam Research CorporationMethod and apparatus for cleaning a substrate using non-Newtonian fluidsUS8062471Nov 22, 2011Lam Research CorporationProximity head heating method and apparatusUS8141566Mar 27, 2012Lam Research CorporationSystem, method and apparatus for maintaining separation of liquids in a controlled meniscusUS8146902May 2, 2007Apr 3, 2012Lam Research CorporationHybrid composite wafer carrier for wet clean equipmentUS8177992Dec 13, 2010May 15, 2012Jusung Engineering Co., Ltd.Plasma etching apparatusUS8192822Mar 31, 2009Jun 5, 2012Memc Electronic Materials, Inc.Edge etched silicon wafersUS8225803 *May 4, 2011Jul 24, 2012Ebara CorporationSubstrate processing method and apparatusUS8236382Aug 7, 2012Lam Research CorporationProximity substrate preparation sequence, and method, apparatus, and system for implementing the sameUS8309464Nov 13, 2012Memc Electronic Materials, Inc.Methods for etching the edge of a silicon waferUS8316866Dec 18, 2006Nov 27, 2012Lam Research CorporationMethod and apparatus for cleaning a semiconductor substrateUS8323420Dec 4, 2012Lam Research CorporationMethod for removing material from semiconductor wafer and apparatus for performing the sameUS8388762May 2, 2007Mar 5, 2013Lam Research CorporationSubstrate cleaning technique employing multi-phase solutionUS8398778 *Mar 19, 2013Lam Research CorporationControl of bevel etch film profile using plasma exclusion zone rings larger than the wafer diameterUS8464736Jun 18, 2013Lam Research CorporationReclaim chemistryUS8475599Dec 18, 2006Jul 2, 2013Lam Research CorporationSubstrate preparation using stabilized fluid solutions and methods for making stable fluid solutionsUS8480810Oct 4, 2006Jul 9, 2013Lam Research CorporationMethod and apparatus for particle removalUS8522799Sep 15, 2006Sep 3, 2013Lam Research CorporationApparatus and system for cleaning a substrateUS8522801Dec 18, 2006Sep 3, 2013Lam Research CorporationMethod and apparatus for cleaning a semiconductor substrateUS8580045Sep 22, 2011Nov 12, 2013Lam Research CorporationMethod and apparatus for physical confinement of a liquid meniscus over a semiconductor waferUS8580078Jan 26, 2007Nov 12, 2013Lam Research CorporationBevel etcher with vacuum chuckUS8671959Oct 4, 2011Mar 18, 2014Lam Research CorporationMethod and apparatus for cleaning a substrate using non-newtonian fluidsUS8721908Oct 7, 2013May 13, 2014Lam Research CorporationBevel etcher with vacuum chuckUS8735261Nov 16, 2009May 27, 2014Memc Electronic Materials, Inc.Method and system for stripping the edge of a semiconductor waferUS8758522May 25, 2011Jun 24, 2014Lam Research CorporationMethod and apparatus for removing contaminants from substrateUS8853054Mar 6, 2012Oct 7, 2014Sunedison Semiconductor LimitedMethod of manufacturing silicon-on-insulator wafersUS9053925Apr 6, 2011Jun 9, 2015Lam Research CorporationConfigurable bevel etcherUS20020148489 *Jun 10, 2002Oct 17, 2002Sez Semiconductor-Equipment Zubehor Fur Die HalbleDevice and process for liquid treatment of wafer-shaped articlesUS20030203650 *Mar 27, 2003Oct 30, 2003Robbins Michael D.Method and apparatus for shaping thin films in the near-edge regions of in-process semiconductor substratesUS20040020427 *Aug 4, 2003Feb 5, 2004Sez AgDevice and process for liquid treatment of wafer-shaped articlesUS20040045589 *May 6, 2003Mar 11, 2004Imec VzwMethod and apparatus for removing a liquid from a surface of a substrateUS20040060195 *Mar 31, 2003Apr 1, 2004Lam Research CorporationMethods and systems for processing a substrate using a dynamic Liquid meniscusUS20040060573 *Dec 24, 2002Apr 1, 2004Lam Research CorporationSystem for substrate processing with meniscus, vacuum, IPA vapor, drying manifoldUS20040060580 *Dec 24, 2002Apr 1, 2004Lam Research CorporationMeniscus, vacuum, IPA vapor, drying manifoldUS20040060581 *Mar 31, 2003Apr 1, 2004Lam Research Corp.Vertical proximity processorUS20040069319 *Jun 30, 2003Apr 15, 2004Lam Research Corp.Method and apparatus for cleaning a substrate using megasonic powerUS20040069326 *Jun 24, 2003Apr 15, 2004Lam Research CorporationMethods and systems for processing a bevel edge of a substrate using a dynamic liquid meniscusUS20040069329 *Sep 30, 2002Apr 15, 2004Lam Research Corp.Method and apparatus for drying semiconductor wafer surfaces using a plurality of inlets and outlets held in close proximity to the wafer surfacesUS20040107796 *Jun 2, 2003Jun 10, 2004Satyendra KumarPlasma-assisted meltingUS20040178060 *Jun 27, 2003Sep 16, 2004Lam Research Corp.Apparatus and method for depositing and planarizing thin films of semiconductor wafersUS20040182422 *Jun 24, 2003Sep 23, 2004Lam Research CorporationSystem and method for integrating in-situ metrology within a wafer processUS20040216841 *Oct 15, 2002Nov 4, 2004Kenya ItoSubstrate processing apparatusUS20040261823 *Jun 27, 2003Dec 30, 2004Lam Research CorporationMethod and apparatus for removing a target layer from a substrate using reactive gasesUS20050090093 *Jan 30, 2004Apr 28, 2005Lam Research CorporationStress free etch processing in combination with a dynamic liquid meniscusUS20050132515 *Dec 18, 2003Jun 23, 2005Lam Research CorporationProximity brush unit apparatus and methodUS20050132953 *Dec 22, 2003Jun 23, 2005Lam Research CorporationEdge dry manifoldUS20050133060 *Dec 23, 2003Jun 23, 2005Larios John M.D.Method and apparatus for cleaning semiconductor wafers using compressed and/or pressurized foams, bubbles, and/or liquidsUS20050133061 *Mar 31, 2004Jun 23, 2005Lam Research CorporationApparatuses and methods for cleaning a substrateUS20050139318 *Apr 1, 2004Jun 30, 2005Lam Research Corp.Proximity meniscus manifoldUS20050145265 *Jun 30, 2004Jul 7, 2005Lam Research Corp.Method and apparatus for processing wafer surfaces using thin, high velocity fluid layerUS20050145267 *Apr 1, 2004Jul 7, 2005Lam Research Corp.Controls of ambient environment during wafer drying using proximity headUS20050145268 *Apr 1, 2004Jul 7, 2005Lam Research Corp.Substrate meniscus interface and methods for operationUS20050148197 *Apr 1, 2004Jul 7, 2005Lam Research Corp.Substrate proximity processing structures and methods for using and making the sameUS20050155629 *Mar 31, 2004Jul 21, 2005Lam Research Corp.Substrate brush scrubbing and proximity cleaning-drying sequence using compatible chemistries, and method, apparatus, and system for implementing the sameUS20050158473 *Jun 30, 2004Jul 21, 2005Lam Research Corp.Proximity substrate preparation sequence, and method, apparatus, and system for implementing the sameUS20050205518 *May 18, 2005Sep 22, 2005Robbins Michael DMethod for shaping thin films in the near-edge regions of in-process semiconductor substratesUS20050217135 *Sep 30, 2004Oct 6, 2005Lam Research Corp.Phobic barrier meniscus separation and containmentUS20050217137 *Jun 30, 2004Oct 6, 2005Lam Research Corp.Concentric proximity processing headUS20050217703 *Sep 30, 2004Oct 6, 2005Lam Research Corp.Apparatus and method for utilizing a meniscus in substrate processingUS20050221621 *Mar 31, 2004Oct 6, 2005Lam Research CorporationProximity head heating method and apparatusUS20050247667 *Mar 21, 2005Nov 10, 2005In-Jun KimApparatus and method for treating substrateUS20050263484 *Apr 29, 2005Dec 1, 2005Jong-Chul ParkAdjustable shielding plate for adjusting an etching area of a semiconductor wafer and related apparatus and methodsUS20060064895 *Nov 14, 2005Mar 30, 2006Lam Research CorporationSystem and method for modulating flow through multiple ports in a proximity headUS20060088982 *Dec 16, 2004Apr 27, 2006Lam Research Corp.System method and apparatus for dry-in, dry-out, low defect laser dicing using proximity technologyUS20060091111 *Dec 5, 2005May 4, 2006Marczak Gregory SAnodized aluminum etching process and related apparatusUS20060128590 *Feb 3, 2006Jun 15, 2006Lam Research CorporationMethod for removing contamination from a substrate and for making a cleaning solutionUS20060144429 *Mar 6, 2006Jul 6, 2006Sez AgDevice and process for liquid treatment of wafer-shaped articlesUS20060174510 *Mar 31, 2006Aug 10, 2006Lam Research CorporationWafer edge wheel with drying functionUS20060283486 *Jun 15, 2005Dec 21, 2006Lam Research CorporationMethod and apparatus for cleaning a substrate using non-newtonian fluidsUS20060285930 *Jun 15, 2005Dec 21, 2006Lam Research CorporationMethod and apparatus for transporting a substrate using non-Newtonian fluidUS20070029044 *Jul 27, 2006Feb 8, 2007Jusung Engineering Co., Ltd.Plasma etching apparatusUS20070066076 *Sep 19, 2005Mar 22, 2007Bailey Joel BSubstrate processing method and apparatus using a combustion flameUS20070079848 *Jan 20, 2006Apr 12, 2007Lam Research CorporationMethod and apparatus for removing contamination from substrateUS20070084483 *Dec 18, 2006Apr 19, 2007Freer Erik MMethod and apparatus for cleaning a semiconductor substrateUS20070084485 *Dec 18, 2006Apr 19, 2007Freer Erik MMethod and apparatus for cleaning a semiconductor substrateUS20070087950 *Sep 11, 2006Apr 19, 2007Lam Research CorporationMethod and system for using a two-phases substrate cleaning compoundUS20070151583 *Oct 4, 2006Jul 5, 2007Lam Research CorporationMethod and apparatus for particle removalUS20070155640 *Dec 18, 2006Jul 5, 2007Lam Research CorporationSubstrate preparation using stabilized fluid solutions and methods for making stable fluid solutionsUS20080057714 *Oct 11, 2007Mar 6, 2008Siltronic AgPolished semiconductor wafer and process for producing itUS20080066865 *Sep 10, 2007Mar 20, 2008Sez AgDevice and process for liquid treatment of wafer-shaped articlesUS20080083883 *Oct 6, 2006Apr 10, 2008Lam Research CorporationMethods of and apparatus for accessing a process chamber using a dual zone gas injector with improved optical accessUS20080148595 *Dec 20, 2006Jun 26, 2008Lam Research CorporationMethod and apparatus for drying substrates using a surface tensions reducing gasUS20080152922 *May 2, 2007Jun 26, 2008Wing Lau ChengHybrid composite wafer carrier for wet clean equipmentUS20080173401 *Aug 3, 2006Jul 24, 2008Jusung Engineering Co., Ltd.Plasma etching apparatusUS20080179010 *Jan 26, 2007Jul 31, 2008Lam Research CorporationBevel etcher with vacuum chuckUS20080179297 *Jan 26, 2007Jul 31, 2008Lam Research CorporationBevel etcher with gap controlUS20080182412 *Jan 26, 2007Jul 31, 2008Lam Research CorporationConfigurable bevel etcherUS20080227301 *Mar 14, 2008Sep 18, 2008Lam Research CorporationControl of bevel etch film profile using plasma exclusion zone rings larger than the wafer diameterUS20080266367 *Jul 6, 2007Oct 30, 2008Mike RavkinSingle phase proximity head having a controlled meniscus for treating a substrateUS20080271749 *May 2, 2007Nov 6, 2008Lam Research CorporationSubstrate cleaning technique employing multi-phase solutionUS20080314422 *Jun 19, 2007Dec 25, 2008Lam Research CorporationSystem, method and apparatus for maintaining separation of liquids in a controlled meniscusUS20090114249 *Feb 8, 2007May 7, 2009Lam Research CorporationSystem and method for contained chemical surface treatmentUS20090145464 *Mar 30, 2007Jun 11, 2009Lam Research CorporationProximity head with angled vacuum conduit system, apparatus and methodUS20090242126 *Mar 31, 2009Oct 1, 2009Memc Electronic Materials, Inc.Edge etching apparatus for etching the edge of a silicon waferUS20090246444 *Mar 31, 2009Oct 1, 2009Memc Electronic Materials, Inc.Edge etched silicon wafersUS20090247055 *Mar 31, 2009Oct 1, 2009Memc Electronic Materials, Inc.Methods for etching the edge of a silicon waferUS20090308410 *Dec 17, 2009Lam Research CorporationMethod and material for cleaning a substrateUS20090308413 *Sep 15, 2006Dec 17, 2009Lam Research CorporationApparatus and system for cleaning a substrateUS20110079581 *Dec 13, 2010Apr 7, 2011Jusung Engineering Co., Ltd.Plasma etching apparatusUS20110203518 *Aug 25, 2011Seiji KatsuokaSubstrate processing method and apparatusUS20110214687 *Sep 8, 2011Lam Research CorporationConfigurable bevel etcherUS20110223741 *Nov 16, 2009Sep 15, 2011Memc Electronic Materials, Inc.Method and system for stripping the edge of a semiconductor waferCN100511583CMar 4, 2004Jul 8, 2009积水化学工业株式会社Plasma processing deviceEP1168419A1 *Jun 19, 2000Jan 2, 2002Interuniversitair Micro-Elektronica CentrumMethod and apparatus for localized liquid treatment of the surface of a substrateWO2006137653A1 *Jun 15, 2006Dec 28, 2006Ci Science, Inc.Electrodes for dry etching of wafer and dry etching chamberWO2012095216A1Dec 1, 2011Jul 19, 2012Siltronic AgApparatus and method for etching a wafer edge* Cited by examinerClassifications U.S. Classification438/706, 438/731, 257/E21.219, 438/727, 438/715, 257/E21.218, 438/710, 438/745, 438/726International ClassificationG03F7/16, H01L21/683, H01L21/3065, H01L21/302, H01L21/304, H01J37/32, H01L21/00, H01L21/306Cooperative ClassificationH01J37/32357, H01L21/67069, H01L21/3065, H01L21/6708, H01J37/32633, G03F7/168, H01L21/02021European ClassificationH01L21/67S2D8D, H01L21/67S2D8W4, H01J37/32O8B, H01J37/32M16, H01L21/3065, H01L21/02D2M2ELegal EventsDateCodeEventDescriptionJul 6, 1999ASAssignmentOwner name: SIEMENS AKTIENGESELLSCHAFT, GERMANYFree format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNOR:MATHUNI, JOSEF;REEL/FRAME:010072/0366Effective date: 19970610Mar 19, 2003REMIMaintenance fee reminder mailedSep 2, 2003LAPSLapse for failure to pay maintenance feesOct 28, 2003FPExpired due to failure to pay maintenance feeEffective date: 20030831RotateOriginal ImageGoogle Home - Sitemap - USPTO Bulk Downloads - Privacy Policy - Terms of Service - About Google Patents - Send FeedbackData provided by IFI CLAIMS Patent Services