Patent ID: 12198952

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In a semiconductor device manufacturing process, various steps for performing predetermined processing on a semiconductor wafer (hereinafter, simply referred to as “wafer”) in a state where a processing module containing the wafer is set to a depressurized state. These steps are executed in a substrate processing apparatus (hereinafter, also referred to as “wafer processing apparatus”) including a plurality of processing modules.

The wafer processing apparatus includes, e.g., an atmospheric part including an atmospheric module for performing predetermined processing on a wafer in an atmospheric pressure, and a depressurization part including a depressurization module for performing predetermined processing on a wafer in a depressurized atmosphere. The atmospheric part and the depressurization part are integrally connected through a load-lock module whose inner atmosphere can be switched between an atmospheric pressure and a depressurized atmosphere.

In designing a wafer processing apparatus, it is known that a plurality of processing modules or a component storage module (so-called stocker) is attached to a vacuum transfer module constituting one transfer system in a depressurization part as disclosed in U.S. Patent Publication No. 2020/0083071 A1. The modules to be attached may include, in addition to a general main process module, modules of various dimensions or configurations such as a post-processing module for post-processing on a substrate and a ring stocker for storing an edge ring such as a focus ring FR or a cover ring CR.

Further, in the vacuum transfer module constituting one transfer system, it may be considered to attach/detach modules and change types or configurations of modules to be attached depending on the content of the processing.

As multiple types of modules have different specifications or dimensions depending on the functions thereof, when they are attached to one transfer system, internal dimensions of the modules or required transfer distances may be different in the case of using a transfer mechanism of one transfer system. For example, a transfer target in the post-processing module is a substrate (wafer), whereas a transfer target in the ring stocker is an edge ring having a diameter greater than that of the substrate. Thus, both modules have different internal space dimensions. Accordingly, the transfer distances of the transfer target objects are different in different modules having different dimensions. Hence, in the case of attaching multiple modules to one transfer system, it is required to accurately transfer the transfer target objects into the respective modules.

In view of the above, the technique of the present disclosure provides a substrate processing apparatus in which various types of processing modules or a stocker can be attached without changing a design of a vacuum transfer module constituting one transfer system and a transfer target object can be accurately transferred by the transfer system. Hereinafter, a wafer processing apparatus as a substrate processing apparatus according to the embodiment will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Like reference numerals will be given to like parts having substantially the same functions throughout this specification and the drawings, and redundant description thereof will be omitted.

<Configuration of Wafer Processing Apparatus>

First, the wafer processing apparatus according to the embodiment will be described.FIG.1is a plan view showing a schematic configuration of a wafer processing apparatus1according to the embodiment. In the present embodiment, a case where the wafer processing apparatus1includes a plasma processing module for performing plasma processing such as etching, film formation, diffusion, or the like on a wafer W as a substrate will be described. Further, a case of providing a post-processing module for performing, e.g., ashing as post-processing on a substrate that has been processed in the plasma processing module, or a ring stocker for storing an annular (ring) member (edge ring) disposed to surround the periphery of the wafer W will be described. However, the module configuration of the wafer processing apparatus1of the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and may be arbitrarily selected depending on purposes of wafer processing. Further, various units or modules having different device configurations may be provided instead of the post-processing module or the ring stocker.

As shown inFIG.1, the wafer processing apparatus1has a configuration in which an atmospheric part10and a depressurization part11are integrally connected through a load-lock module20. The atmospheric part10includes an atmospheric module for performing desired processing on the wafer W in an atmospheric pressure. The depressurization part11includes a decompression module for performing desired processing on the wafer W in a depressurized atmosphere.

The load-lock module20includes a plurality of (e.g., three in the present embodiment) wafer transfer chambers21a,21b, and21carranged along a width direction (X-axis direction) of a loader module30to be described later and a tubular fitting module60to be described later.

The wafer transfer chambers21a,21b, and21c(hereinafter, they may be simply referred to as “wafer transfer chambers21”) as substrate transfer chambers allow the inner space of the loader module30to be described later in the atmospheric part10and the inner space of the transfer module50to be described later in the depressurization part11to communicate with each other through wafer transfer ports22and23. The wafer transfer ports22and23can be opened and closed by gate valves24and25, respectively.

The wafer transfer chambers21are configured to temporarily hold the wafer W. Further, the inner atmospheres of the wafer transfer chambers21can be switched between an atmospheric pressure and a depressurized atmosphere (vacuum state). In other words, the load-lock module20is configured to appropriately transfer the wafer W between the atmospheric part10in the atmospheric pressure and the depressurized part11in the depressurized atmosphere.

The atmospheric part10includes the loader module30having a wafer transfer mechanism40to be described later, and a load port32on which a FOUP31capable of storing a plurality of wafers W is placed. An orientation module (not shown) for adjusting a horizontal direction of the wafer W, a storage module (not shown) for storing a plurality of wafers W, and the like may be disposed adjacent to the loader module30.

The loader module30has a rectangular housing maintained in an atmospheric pressure. A plurality of, e.g., five load ports32are arranged side by side on one longitudinal side of the loader module30, in a negative direction of the Y-axis from the loader module30. The wafer transfer chambers21a,21b, and21cof the load-lock module20are arranged side by side on the other longitudinal side of the loader module30, in a positive direction of the Y-axis from the loader module30.

The wafer transfer mechanism40for transferring the wafer W is disposed in the loader module30. The wafer transfer mechanism40includes a transfer arm41for holding and moving the wafer W, a rotatable table42for rotatably supporting the transfer arm41, and a rotatable table base43on which the rotatable table42is placed. Further, a guide rail44extending in a longitudinal direction (X-axis direction) of the loader module30is disposed in the loader module30. The rotatable table base43is disposed on the guide rail44, and the wafer transfer mechanism40is configured to be movable along the guide rail44.

The depressurization part11includes the transfer module50for transferring the wafer W therein, the tubular fitting module60that connects the load-lock module20and the transfer module50, and processing modules (hereinafter, also referred to as “plasma processing modules”)70for performing desired processing on the wafer W transferred from the transfer module50. The inner atmospheres of the transfer module50, the tubular fitting module60, and the plasma processing modules70can be maintained in a depressurized atmosphere. In the present embodiment, a plurality of, e.g., six plasma processing modules70are connected to one transfer module50. The number and the arrangement of the plasma processing modules70are not limited to those described in the present embodiment, and may be set in any appropriate manners.

In the depressurization part11, a post-processing module100for performing post-processing (substrate processing) on the wafer W, which is processed in the plasma processing module70and transferred from the transfer module50, and a ring stocker105for storing an edge ring are attached to the wall surface of the terminal end (end on the positive side of the Y-axis) of the transfer module50. The post-processing module100and the ring stocker105are detachable, and the arrangement thereof is not limited to that described in the present embodiment and may be set in any appropriate manners.

The transfer module50as a vacuum transfer module is connected to the load-lock module20through the above-described fitting module60. The transfer module50transfers the wafer W from the load-lock chamber21aof the load-lock module20to one plasma processing module70. The wafer W is subjected to desired processing, and then subjected to post-processing in the post-processing module100, if necessary. Then, the wafer W is transferred to the atmospheric part10through the wafer transfer chamber21cof the load-lock module20. In one embodiment, the transfer module50has a vacuum transfer space and an opening. The opening communicates with the vacuum transfer space.

A wafer transfer mechanism80as a transfer mechanism for transferring the wafer W is disposed in the transfer module50. In other words, the wafer transfer mechanism80is disposed in the vacuum transfer space. The wafer transfer mechanism80includes a transfer arm81for holding and moving the wafer W, a rotatable table82for rotatably supporting the transfer arm81, and a rotatable table base83on which the rotatable table82is placed. The rotatable table base83is fixed to a central portion of the transfer module50. In one embodiment, the wafer transfer mechanism80is configured to transfer the substrate between the vacuum transfer space of the transfer module50and the substrate processing space of the post-processing module100to be described later through a first gate valve55a. Further, the wafer transfer mechanism80is configured to transfer at least one annular member (edge ring) between the vacuum transfer space of the transfer module50and the storage space of the ring stocker105through a second gate valve56a. In one embodiment, the wafer transfer mechanism80is configured to transfer a plurality of annular members (edge rings) together between the vacuum transfer space and the storage space through the second gate valve56a. The plurality of annular members may include a first edge ring and a second edge ring to be described later.

The fitting module60connects the load-lock module20and the transfer module50as described above.

The plasma processing modules70perform plasma processing such as etching, film formation, diffusion, or the like on the wafer W. Any module for performing processing can be selected as the processing modules70depending on purposes of wafer processing. Further, the plasma processing modules70communicate with the transfer module50through wafer transfer ports51formed on sidewalls of the transfer module50, and the wafer transfer ports51can be opened and closed by gate valves71.

The post-processing module100performs post-processing such as ashing or the like on the wafer W processed in the plasma processing module70. In one embodiment, the post-processing module100is an ashing module. The post-processing module100is used, if necessary. When the post-processing module100is unnecessary, the wafer W processed in the plasma processing module70is transferred to the atmosphere part10. In one embodiment, the post-processing module (substrate processing module)100is attached to a wall unit110to be described later and has a processing space (substrate processing space). The processing space communicates with the vacuum transfer space of the transfer module50through the first gate valve55ato be described later.

The ring stocker105stores a general edge ring used for improving the uniformity of processing during plasma processing performed on the wafer W in a semiconductor manufacturing apparatus. The edge ring is taken out from the ring stocker105and appropriately used when it is required such as when the plasma processing is performed in the plasma processing module70. In one embodiment, the ring stocker105is attached to the wall unit110to be described later, and has a storage space for storing at least one edge ring (annular member) used in the plasma processing module70. At least one edge ring is disposed to surround the substrate in the plasma processing module70. Alternatively, a plurality of edge rings may be used together in the plasma processing module70. In one embodiment, the plurality of edge rings includes a first edge ring and a second edge ring, and an outer diameter of the second edge ring is greater than an outer diameter of the first edge ring. In one embodiment, the first edge ring is made of an Si material or an SiC material and the second edge ring is made of quartz. The first edge ring and the second edge ring may be made of the same material. For example, the first edge ring and the second edge ring may be made of quartz. The storage space communicates with the vacuum transfer space of the transfer module50through the second gate valve56ato be described later.

As shown inFIG.1, the wafer processing apparatus1configured as described above includes a controller90. The controller90is, e.g., a computer having a CPU, a memory, or the like, and includes a program storage (not shown). The program storage stores a program for controlling the transfer or the processing of the wafer W in the wafer processing apparatus1. The program may be recorded in a computer-readable storage medium H and may be retrieved from the storage medium H and installed on the controller90.

<Configuration of Modules>

The wafer processing apparatus1according to the embodiment is configured as described above. Next, a detailed configuration of modules will be described.FIGS.2and3are respectively a perspective view and a vertical cross-sectional view showing schematic configurations of the load-lock module20, the transfer module50, the fitting module60, the post-processing module100, and the ring stocker105.

As shown inFIGS.2and3, the load-lock module20, the fitting module60, the transfer module50, and the post-processing module100(or the ring stocker105) are connected side by side in that order from the negative side of the Y-axis.

As shown inFIG.2, the load-lock module20has the three wafer transfer chambers21a,21b, and21carranged side by side along the width direction (X-axis direction) of the tubular fitting module60. A wafer transfer port22for transferring a wafer W to and from the loader module30and a wafer transfer port23as a substrate transfer port for transferring a wafer W to and from the transfer module50are formed in each of the three wafer transfer chambers21. In other words, three wafer transfer ports22and three wafer ports23are formed on the sidewall of the load-lock module20on the negative side of the Y-axis and the sidewall of the load-lock module on the positive side of the Y-axis, respectively.

As described above, the wafer transfer chambers21of the load-lock module20are connected to the loader module30and the transfer module50through the gate valves24and the gate valves25, respectively. The gate valves24and25ensure airtightness between the wafer transfer chambers21and the loader module30and between the wafer transfer chambers21and the transfer module50and communication therebetween.

As shown inFIG.3, the wafer transfer chamber21is provided with a stocker26for temporarily holding the wafer W transferred between the loader module30and the transfer module50.

Further, as shown inFIG.3, an air supply port27for supplying a gas into the wafer transfer chamber21and a venting port28for venting a gas are connected to the load-lock module20. The load-lock module20is configured such that the inner atmospheres of the wafer transfer chambers21can be switched between an atmospheric pressure and a depressurized atmosphere by using the air supply port27and the venting port28.

An opening52through which the wafer W is transferred to and from the fitting module60is formed at one end of the transfer module50on the negative side of the Y-axis to which the fitting module60is connected. Further, a wafer transfer port57ais formed on a terminal wall surface57as the other end of the transfer module50on the positive side of the Y-axis. An end part (wall unit)110for transferring the wafer W between the post-processing module100and the ring stocker105is attached to the terminal wall surface57. A placement table101or106for placing the wafer W or the edge ring thereon is disposed in each of the post-processing module100and the ring stocker105.

The end part110includes a main body112where wafer transfer port111(111aand111b) is formed, and the first gate valve55aand the second gate valve56ato be described later. In one embodiment, the wall unit110is attached to the opening of the transfer module50. In other words, the wall unit110defines a part of the vacuum transfer space. In one embodiment, the wall unit110has a first space and a second space. The first space of the wall unit110is disposed between the vacuum transfer space of the transfer module50and the substrate processing space of the post-processing module100. The second space of the wall unit110is disposed between the vacuum transfer space of the transfer module50and the storage space of the ring stocker105. The first gate valve55ais disposed in the first space, and the second gate valve56ais disposed in the second space. In one embodiment, the first gate valve55ais disposed on the surface of the wall unit110close to the post-processing module100, and the second gate valve56ais disposed on the surface of the wall unit110close to the ring stocker105. In one embodiment, the inner length of the second space is greater than the inner length of the first space. In this case, the second gate valve56ais distant from the transfer module50compared to the first gate valve55a. Detailed configurations of the post-processing module100and the ring stocker105will be described later with reference toFIG.4.

As illustrated, no plate or gate valve is disposed between the transfer module50and the tubular fitting module60. In other words, the inner space of the transfer module and the inner space of the tubular fitting module60communicate with each other, thereby defining an integrated transfer space S where the wafer W is transferred by the wafer transfer mechanism80.

As described above, a plurality of (six to correspond to the number of plasma processing modules70in the present embodiment) wafer transfer ports51communicating with the plasma processing modules70are formed on the longitudinal sides of the transfer module50on the negative side and the positive side of the X-axis. The wafer transfer ports51can be opened and closed by the gate valves71(seeFIG.1).

Further, a gas supply54for supplying an inert gas (e.g., N2gas) to the transfer space S is connected to a ceiling surface of the transfer module50that is located above the wafer transfer ports51. The gas supply54supplies an inert gas to the transfer space S to shut off the wafer transfer ports51, i.e., to form an air curtain. Therefore, scattering of particles or the like from the plasma processing modules70into the transfer module50at the time of opening the gate valves71is suppressed.

Further, the gas supply54supplies an inert gas into the transfer space S to eliminate stagnation of air flow in the transfer space S and appropriately exhaust the transfer space S using an exhaust mechanism64(to be described later) connected to the tubular fitting module60.

<Configurations of Post-Processing Module and Ring Stocker>

Next, the detailed configurations of the post-processing module100and the ring stocker105will be described.FIG.4is a schematic horizontal cross-sectional view showing the configurations of the end part (wall unit)110, the post-processing module100, and the ring stocker105disposed at the terminal wall surface57of the transfer module50in the wafer processing apparatus1, and shows an enlarged view of the vicinity of the post-processing module100and the ring stocker105. InFIG.4, a state in which the wafer transfer mechanism80(transfer arm81) is extended into each module is indicated by dashed lines.

As shown inFIG.4, the end part110including the first gate valve55aand the second gate valve56ais attached to the terminal wall surface57of the transfer module50. The end part110includes the main body112having the wafer transfer port111(111aand111b) that can be opened and closed by the first gate valve55aand the second gate valve56a. The end part110is configured such that the main body112can be attached to the terminal wall surface57of the transfer module50. The attachment method is not particularly limited, but the main body112may be attached to the terminal wall surface57using screws, for example. The post-processing module100is attached to the end wall surface57through the first gate valve55aof the end part110, and the ring stocker105is attached thereto through the second gate valve56aof the end part110.

The main body112of the end part110is formed by connecting a first main body112aand a second main body112b. The first main body112ais a hollow housing that connects the terminal wall surface57and the post-processing module100. The side surface of the first main body112facing the terminal wall surface57is opened, and the wafer transfer port111ais formed on the side surface of the first main body112facing the post-processing module100. The first gate valve55ais disposed in the first main body112a. The second main body112bis a hollow housing that connects the terminal wall surface57and the ring stocker105. The side surface of the second main body112bfacing the terminal wall surface57is opened, and the wafer transfer port111bis formed on the side surface of the second main body112bfacing the ring stocker105. The second gate valve55bis disposed in the first main body112a. The configuration of the main body112is arbitrary. For example, in the configuration of the present embodiment, the first gate valve55aand the second gate valve56ahave different configurations, so that the thickness (thickness in the Y-axis direction) in the width direction (X-axis direction) varies depending on portions.

The configuration of the end part110is not limited to the illustrated one. For example, the first gate valve55aand the second gate valve56amay have different dimensions or structures. In other words, the first gate valve55amay be a so-called bonnet type gate valve, and the second gate valve56amay be a so-called insert type gate valve. The bonnet type first gate valve is attached to a convex portion of the first main body112a. The insert type gate valve is attached to a concave portion of the second main body112b.

In the configuration of the present embodiment, as shown inFIG.4, the end part110has a configuration in which a thickness L1in the Y-axis direction of the portion corresponding to the first gate valve55aand a thickness L2in the Y-axis direction of the portion corresponding to the second gate valve56aare different and have a relationship of L1<L2. In other words, the distance L1between the post-processing module100and the terminal wall surface57of the transfer module50is smaller than the distance L2between the ring stocker105and the terminal wall surface57of the transfer module50.

Various modules such as the post-processing module100and the ring stocker105have different chamber thicknesses, internal space dimensions, and the like depending on characteristics thereof, so that the distances from the module entrances to the transfer center are different depending on the modules. In the configuration of the present embodiment, as shown inFIG.4, a distance M1from the module entrance to the transfer center in the post-processing module100and a distance M2from the module entrance to the transfer center in the ring stocker105have a relationship of M1>M2. This is because the post-processing module100that may perform plasma processing has a thick module wall and the size of the entire housing of the module is larger than that of the ring stocker105.

Further, as shown inFIG.4, a width (dimension in the X-axis direction) D1of the first gate valve55aand a width (dimension in the X-axis direction) D2of the second gate valve56ahave a relationship of D1<D2. This is because the transfer target of the post-processing module100is the wafer W, whereas the transfer target of the ring stocker105is an edge ring having a diameter greater than that of the wafer W.

In designing the wafer processing apparatus1in the semiconductor device manufacturing process, the design or dimensions of various modules such as the post-processing module100and the ring stocker105are predetermined depending on the processing content and the like. In other words, the distance M1from the module entrance to the transfer center in the post-processing module100and the distance M2from the module entrance to the transfer center in the ring stocker105are predetermined.

On the other hand, the end part110of the present embodiment is detachably attached to the terminal wall surface57of the transfer module50. In other words, the design thereof is arbitrary, and multiple types of end parts110can be manufactured and prepared. It is also possible to arbitrarily design the widths D1and D2of the first gate valve55aand the second gate valve56aaccommodated in the end part110. For example, as in the configuration of the present embodiment, it is possible to use the end part110designed to accommodate the first gate valve55ahaving the width D1suitable for the design of the post-processing module100and the second gate valve56ahaving the width D2suitable for the design of the ring stocker105.

In the wafer processing apparatus1of the present embodiment, as described above, the end part110is detachably attached to the terminal wall surface57of the transfer module50, and various modules such as the post-processing module100and ring stocker105are attached through the end part110. Accordingly, it is possible to attach various modules such as the post-processing module100and the ring stocker105through the end part110without changing the design of the transfer module50as the vacuum transfer module.

By properly designing the end part110, the transfer target object (the wafer W, the edge ring, or the like) can be accurately transferred to the post-processing module100and the ring stocker105. Specifically, the transfer distance in each module can be desirably adjusted by manufacturing the end part110in which the thickness L1in the Y-axis direction of the first gate valve55aand the thickness L2in the Y-axis direction of the second gate valve56aare set to desired values. Specifically, the transfer distance in the post-processing module100according to the present embodiment is L1+M1, and the transfer distance in the ring stocker105is L2+M2. By changing the values of L1and L2depending on the design of the end part110, the transfer distance in each module can be designed to a desired distance.

The embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrative in all respects and are not restrictive. The above-described embodiments may be omitted, replaced, or changed in various forms without departing from the scope of the appended claims and the gist thereof.

In the above-described embodiment, the case where the end part110includes the first gate valve55athat is a so-called bonnet type gate valve, and the second gate valve56athat is a so-called insert type gate valve has been illustrated and described, but the present disclosure is not limited to thereto. For example, when two post-processing modules are attached to the terminal wall surface57of the transfer module50, an end part accommodating two so-called bonnet type gate valves may be manufactured. Further, for example, when two ring stockers are attached to the terminal wall surface57of the transfer module50, an end part accommodating two so-called insert type gate valves may be manufactured. As described above, since the end part is detachably attached to the transfer module50, the end parts may be distinguished depending on types of module to be attached. Therefore, the wafer processing apparatus1includes a flexible system attached to the opening of the transfer module50. The flexible system selectively includes any one of a first replaceable unit, a second replaceable unit and a third replaceable unit. The first replaceable unit includes a first wall unit (not shown) and two post-processing modules100. The first wall unit is attached to the opening of the transfer module50and includes two first gate valves55a. The two post-processing modules100are attached to the first wall unit. Each of the post-processing modules100has a substrate processing space communicating with the vacuum transfer space of the transfer module50through the first gate valve55a. The second replaceable unit includes a second wall unit (not shown) and two ring stockers105. The second wall unit is attached to the opening of the transfer module50and includes two second gate valves56a. The two ring stockers105and105are attached to the second wall unit. Each of the ring stockers105has a storage space for storing one or more edge rings (annular members) used in the plasma processing module70. The storage space communicates with the vacuum transfer space of the transfer module50through the second gate valve56a. The third replaceable unit includes a third wall unit110, one post-processing module100, and one ring stocker105.

End parts of various designs and configurations may be considered. For example, when the module is not attached to the end wall57of the transfer module50, a so-called end plate that covers and blocks the end wall57with a plate-shaped member may be attached. In other words, a unit flexible system may selectively include any one of a first replaceable unit, a second replaceable unit, a third replaceable unit, and a fourth replaceable unit. The fourth replaceable unit includes a fourth wall unit (end plate). In addition, the wafer processing apparatus1may have a configuration in which an additional vacuum transfer module is connected to one vacuum transfer module. In that case, instead of the end part according to the above-described embodiment, a tubular path module that connects the vacuum transfer modules and transfers the substrate between the vacuum transfer modules may be attached.

Further, instead of the configuration of the end part110according to the above-described embodiment, the end part110may include a common end plate and opening plates corresponding to the replaceable units (e.g., the post-processing module100and the ring stocker105).FIGS.5and6schematically explain a configuration of an end part110according to another embodiment.FIG.5is a schematic perspective view, andFIG.6is a schematic plan view. In describing the present embodiment, like reference numerals will be given to like parts having the same functions as those of the above-described embodiment, and redundant description thereof may be omitted.

As shown inFIGS.5and6, the end part110includes a common end plate120accommodating two gate valves, and an opening plate for the substrate processing module for the substrate processing module124and an opening plate for the ring stocker126that are detachably disposed to correspond to gate valves130. In the present embodiment, the configuration of the two gate valves130disposed at the end part110is arbitrary, and the gate valves130may be any one of the above-described so-called bonnet type gate valve and insert type gate valve, for example.

In other words, in a state where the common end plate120is attached to the terminal wall surface57of the transfer module50, the opening plate for the substrate processing module124and the opening plate for the ring stocker126may be detachably provided in any configuration. Any attachment/detachment device may be used, and they may be fixed by screws, for example. For example, as shown inFIG.6, the opening plate for the substrate processing module124and the post-processing module100may be attached to one of the gate valves130in that order from the apparatus main body side. Further, the opening plate for the ring stocker126and the ring stocker105may be attached to the other gate valve130in that order from the apparatus main body side.

FIG.7is a detailed view of the opening plate for the substrate processing module124.FIG.8is a detailed view of the opening plate for the ring stocker126.FIG.7shows a state in which the opening plate for the substrate processing module124is attached to the post-processing module100.FIG.8shows a state in which the opening plate for the ring stocker126is attached to the ring stocker105. As can be seen from the comparison ofFIGS.7and8, the thickness of the opening plate for the substrate processing module124and the thickness of the opening plate for the ring stocker126are considerably different. The opening plate for the ring stocker126is thicker than the opening plate for the substrate processing module124. Accordingly, as described in the above-described embodiment, the end part110may have the configuration in which the thickness L1in the Y-axis direction at one gate valve130and the thickness L2in the Y-axis direction at the other gate valve130may be different (L1<L2) (seeFIG.6).

In the present embodiment, the opening plate for the substrate processing module124and the opening plate for the ring stocker126are attached and detached, if necessary. Accordingly, the transfer distance L1+M1in the post-processing module100and the transfer distance L2+M2in the ring stocker105can be easily adjusted using the opening plate corresponding to a desired module to be attached. In particular, since both transfer distances can be easily adjusted without replacing the common end plate120.

FIG.9schematically shows a state in which the post-processing module100and the ring stocker105are attached to the gate valves130of the end part110according to the present embodiment. As shown inFIG.9, the dimensions of the modules attached to the terminal wall surface57of the transfer module50through the end part110may be considerably different depending on types thereof. By employing the configuration in which the end part110includes the common end plate120and the opening plates124and126, various modules can be easily attached and detached even when the dimensions of the modules to be attached are considerably different as shown inFIG.9.

In the above-described embodiment, the wafer transfer mechanism80basically transfers the wafer W. However, the edge ring ER may be used when plasma processing is performed on the wafer W in the plasma processing module70as in the wafer processing apparatus1according to the present embodiment. In that case, the edge ring ER can be transferred by a vacuum transfer part. For example, the ring stocker105according to the above-described embodiment stores a general edge ring used for performing the plasma processing in the plasma processing module70. In such a configuration, the wafer transfer mechanism80is preferably configured to transfer the edge ring as well as the wafer W.

While certain embodiments have been described, these embodiments have been presented by way of example only, and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosures. Indeed, the embodiments described herein may be embodied in a variety of other forms. Furthermore, various omissions, substitutions and changes in the form of the embodiments described herein may be made without departing from the spirit of the disclosures. The accompanying claims and their equivalents are intended to cover such forms or modifications as would fall within the scope and spirit of the disclosures.