Patent ID: 12243726

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The inventive concept may be variously modified and may have various forms, and specific embodiments thereof will be illustrated in the drawings and described in detail. However, the embodiments according to the concept of the inventive concept are not intended to limit the specific disclosed forms, and it should be understood that the present inventive concept includes all transforms, equivalents, and replacements included in the spirit and technical scope of the inventive concept. In a description of the inventive concept, a detailed description of related known technologies may be omitted when it may make the essence of the inventive concept unclear.

The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the inventive concept. As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and/or “comprising,” when used in this specification, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. Also, the term “exemplary” is intended to refer to an example or illustration.

It will be understood that, although the terms “first”, “second”, “third”, etc., may be used herein to describe various elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections, these elements, components, regions, layers and/or sections should not be limited by these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one element, component, region, layer or section from another region, layer or section. Thus, a first element, component, region, layer or section discussed below could be termed a second element, component, region, layer or section without departing from the teachings of the inventive concept.

Hereinafter, an embodiment of the inventive concept will be described in detail with reference toFIG.1toFIG.35.

FIG.1schematically illustrates a substrate treating apparatus according to an embodiment of the inventive concept. Referring toFIG.1, the substrate treating apparatus1according to an embodiment of the inventive concept may include a load port10, an atmospheric pressure transfer module20, a vacuum transfer module30, a load lock chamber40, and a process chamber50.

The load port10may be disposed on a side of the atmospheric pressure transfer module20to be described later. One or more load ports10may be provided. The number of load ports10may increase or decrease according to a process efficiency, foot print conditions, and the like. A container F according to an embodiment of the inventive concept may be placed in the load port10. The container F may be loaded onto or unloaded from the load port10by a transfer means (not shown) such as an overhead transfer apparatus (OHT), an overhead conveyor, or an automatic guided vehicle, or by an operator. The container F may include various types of containers according to a type of an article to be stored. As the container F, an airtight container such as a front opening integrated pod (FOUP) may be used.

Various articles may be stored within the container F. The container F may include various types of containers according to a type of an article to be stored. For example, an object to be treated by the substrate treating apparatus1may be stored within a first container F1, which is one of the containers F. The object to be treated may be a substrate W such as a wafer. A support slot (not shown) on which the substrate W is seated may be provided at the first container F1.

In addition, within a second container F2, which is another one of the containers F, a ring member R1and R2(seeFIG.7andFIG.8) mounted on the substrate treating apparatus1and requiring replacement may be stored. The ring member R1and R2may be a focus ring or a dielectric ring installed at the process chamber50to be described later. In an embodiment, the ring member R1and R2may include a first ring R1and a second ring R2having an inner diameter and an outer diameter which is larger than the first ring R1.

A support slot (not shown) on which the ring member R1and R2is seated may be provided at the second container F2. Selectively, the ring member R1and R2and the ring carrier60supporting the ring member R1and R2may be stored within the second container F2(SeeFIG.9). A support slot (not shown) on which the ring carrier60is seated may be provided at the second container F2. An outer circumferential diameter of the ring member R1and R2may have a diameter larger than an outer circumferential diameter of the substrate W. Accordingly, the space in the second container F2may have a slightly larger volume than the space in the first container F1.

The atmospheric pressure transfer module20and the vacuum transfer module30may be arranged in a first direction2. Hereinafter, when viewed from above, a direction perpendicular to the first direction2is defined as a second direction4. In addition, a direction perpendicular to a plane including both the first direction2and the second direction4is defined as a third direction6. Here, the third direction6is a direction perpendicular to the ground.

The atmospheric pressure transfer module20may selectively transfer the substrate W or the ring member R1and R2between the container F and the load lock chamber40to be described later. For example, the atmospheric pressure transfer module20may take out the substrate W from the first container F1and transfer the substrate W to the load lock chamber40, or may take out the substrate W from the load lock chamber40and transfer the substrate W to the container F. The atmospheric pressure transfer module20may include a transfer frame220and a first transfer robot240. The transfer frame220may be provided between the load port10and the load lock chamber40. That is, the load port10may be connected to the transfer frame220. The transfer frame220may be provided with an atmospheric pressure therein. An inside of the transfer frame220may be maintained in an atmospheric pressure atmosphere.

The transfer frame220may be provided with a first transfer robot240. The first transfer robot240may selectively transfer the substrate W or the ring member R1and R2between the container F seated on the load port10and the load lock chamber40to be described later. The first transfer robot240may move in a up/down direction. The first transfer robot240may have a first transfer hand242that moves forwardly, backwardly, or rotates on a horizontal plane. One or a plurality of first transfer hands242of the first transfer robot240may be provided. In an embodiment, a plurality of first transfer hands242may be provided. The substrate W may be placed on the first transfer hand242. Selectively, a ring carrier60to be described later supporting the ring member R1and R2may be placed on the first transfer hand242. The first transfer robot240and the ring carrier60supporting the ring member R1and R2may be defined as a transfer assembly for transferring the ring member R1and R2between the second container F2, the atmospheric pressure transfer module20, and the load lock chamber40to be described later.FIG.2schematically illustrates a first transfer hand ofFIG.1.

Referring toFIG.2, at least one substrate support pad244may be provided on a top surface of the first transfer hand242. For example, three substrate support pads244may be provided to support the substrate placed on the first transfer hand242at three points. The substrate support pad244may prevent the substrate W or the ring member R1and R2placed on the first transfer hand242from slipping. The substrate support pads244may be arranged along a circumferential direction of a virtual circle having a radius when viewed from above. The substrate support pad244may be provided in a substantially disk shape. A vacuum adsorption hole (not shown) may be formed within the substrate support pad244. The substrate support pad244may vacuum-adsorb the substrate W or the ring member R1and R2.

Referring back toFIG.1, the vacuum transfer module30may be disposed between a load lock chamber40to be described later and a process chamber50to be described later. The vacuum transfer module30may include a transfer chamber320and a second transfer robot340.

The transfer chamber320may maintain an inner atmosphere as a vacuum pressure atmosphere. The transfer chamber320may be provided with a second transfer robot340. In an embodiment, the second transfer robot340may be located in a central area of the transfer chamber320. The second transfer robot340may selectively transfer the substrate W or the ring member R1and R2between the load lock chamber40and the process chamber50. Also, the vacuum transfer module30may transfer the substrate W between the process chambers50. The second transfer robot340may move in a horizontal or vertical direction. The second transfer robot340may have a second transfer hand342that moves forwardly, backwardly, or rotates on a horizontal plane. At least one second transfer hand342of the second transfer robot340may be provided.

FIG.3toFIG.4each illustrate a state of the second transfer hand ofFIG.1. Referring toFIG.3toFIG.4, the second transfer hand342may have a size relatively larger than that of the first transfer hand242(refer toFIG.2). The second transfer hand342is provided to transfer any one of the substrate W or the ring member R1and R2.

In an embodiment, the second transfer hand342has the first ring transfer hand3421illustrated inFIG.3and the second ring transfer hand3423illustrated inFIG.4. The first ring transfer hand3421is provided to transfer the first ring R1(refer toFIG.7) to be described later, and the second ring transfer hand3423is provided to transfer the second ring R2(refer toFIG.8) to be described later. In an embodiment, the first ring transfer hand3421and the second transfer hand3423may be connected via a rotation shaft. The first ring transfer hand3421and the second transfer hand3423may be rotated with respect to a rotation axis. In an embodiment, the second ring R2has an outer diameter and an inner diameter larger than that of the first ring R1.

A pair of first transfer pads3421a, a pair of second transfer pads3421b, a pair of third transfer pads3421c, and a pair of fourth transfer pads3421dmay be provided on a top surface of the first ring transfer hand3421. The second transfer pad3421band the third transfer pad3421cmay be disposed between the first transfer pad3421aand the fourth transfer pad3421d. When viewed from above, the second transfer pad3421band the third transfer pad3421cmay be disposed inside an outer circumference of the substrate W. Accordingly, the second transfer pad3421band the third transfer pad3421cmay support the substrate W. When viewed from above, the first transfer pad3421aand the fourth transfer pad3421dmay be disposed outside the outer circumference of the substrate W and an inner circumference of the first ring member R1, but may be disposed inside a circumference of the ring member R1. Accordingly, the first transfer pad3421aand the fourth transfer pad3421dmay support the first ring R1.

A pair of first transfer pads3423a, a pair of second transfer pads3423b, a pair of third transfer pads3423c, and a pair of fourth transfer pads3423dmay be provided on a top surface of the second ring transfer hand3423. The second transfer pad3423band the third transfer pad3423cmay be disposed between the first transfer pad3423aand the fourth transfer pad3423d. The second transfer pad3423band the third transfer pad3423cmay be disposed inside the outer circumference of the substrate W when viewed from above. Accordingly, the second transfer pad3423band the third transfer pad3423cmay support the substrate W. The first transfer pad3423aand the fourth transfer pad3423dmay be disposed outside the outer circumference of the substrate W and the inner circumference of the second ring R2when viewed from above, but may be disposed inside the outer circumference of the second ring R2. Accordingly, the first transfer pad3423aand the fourth transfer pad3423dmay support the second ring R2.

In the above example, the second transfer hand342has the first ring transfer hand3421shown inFIG.3and the second ring transfer hand3423shown inFIG.4, but in contrast, a pair of first transfer pads3423a, a pair of second transfer pads3234b, a pair of third transfer pads3423c, and a pair of fourth transfer pads3423dofFIG.4may be provided additionally to the first ring transfer hand3421ofFIG.3

Referring back toFIG.1, at least one process chamber50may be connected to the transfer chamber320. The transfer chamber320may be provided in a polygonal shape. A load lock chamber40and a process chamber50may be disposed around the transfer chamber320. For example, a hexagonal shaped transfer chamber320may be disposed at a central area of the vacuum transfer module30, and a load lock chamber40and a process chamber50may be disposed around the transfer chamber320. However, a shape of the transfer chamber320and the number of process chambers may be variously modified and provided according to the needs of a user.

The load lock chamber40may be disposed between the transfer frame220and the transfer chamber320. The load lock chamber40provides a buffer space in which the substrate W or the ring member R1and R2is exchanged between the transfer frame220and the transfer chamber320. In an embodiment, to replace the ring member R disposed at the process chamber50, the ring member R1and R2used at the process chamber50may temporarily remain at the load lock chamber40. In an embodiment, in order to transfer a new ring member R1and R2scheduled to replace an old ring member R1and R2to the process chamber50, the new ring member R1and R2may temporarily remain at the load lock chamber40.

As mentioned above, an inner atmosphere of the transfer frame220may be maintained in an atmospheric pressure atmosphere, and the inner atmosphere of the transfer chamber320may be maintained in a vacuum pressure atmosphere. The load lock chamber40is disposed between the transfer frame220and the transfer chamber320, so that an inner atmosphere thereof may be converted between the atmospheric pressure atmosphere and a vacuum pressure atmosphere.

FIG.5is a plan cross-sectional view illustrating a state of a load lock chamber ofFIG.1.FIG.6illustrates a state in which a substrate is placed on a support shelf ofFIG.5.FIG.7illustrates a state in which a first ring is placed on the support shelf ofFIG.5.FIG.8illustrates a state in which a second ring is placed on the support shelf ofFIG.5.FIG.9illustrates the ring carrier being taken out of the support shelf to the load lock chamber ofFIG.5.

Referring toFIG.1andFIG.5toFIG.9, the load lock chamber40may include a housing420and a support shelf440. The housing420may have a buffer space421in which the substrate W or the ring member R1and R2is placed. In addition, a first opening422and a second opening423may be formed at the housing420. The first opening422may be provided on a surface facing the transfer frame220and may be opened and closed by a gate valve (not shown). The second opening423may be provided on a surface facing the transfer chamber320and may be opened and closed by a gate valve (not shown).

A gas supply hole424for supplying a gas to the buffer space421of the housing420may be formed at the housing420. The gas according to an embodiment of the inventive concept may be an inert gas. For example, the gas may be a gas including a nitrogen, an argon, or the like. However, the inventive concept is not limited thereto, and the gas may be variously modified and provided as a known inert gas which may purge the buffer space421.

A depressurizing hole425for providing a negative pressure to the buffer space421of the housing420may be formed at the housing420. The depressurizing hole425may be connected to a depressurizing member (not shown). The depressurizing member may be a pump. However, the inventive concept is not limited thereto, and the depressurizing member may be variously modified to a known device for providing the negative pressure to the buffer space421.

A pressure of the buffer space421may be switched between an atmospheric pressure and a vacuum pressure by the gas supply hole424and the depressurizing hole425.

A support shelf440may be provided at the buffer space421. The support shelf440may support the substrate W or the ring member R at the buffer space421. At least one support shelf440may be provided. Selectively, a plurality of support shelves440may be provided. For example, three support shelves440may be provided. A plurality of support shelves440may be provided to be spaced apart from each other when viewed from above. The plurality of support shelves440may be vertically spaced apart from each other. For this reason, the substrate W or the ring member R1and R2may be supported in multiple layers at the buffer space421.

Each of the support shelves440may include a support protrusion442. When viewed from above, the support protrusion442may be disposed at a position aligned with a notch621formed at the ring carrier60to be described later. When viewed from its cross section, the support protrusion442may have an upside down “L” shape. The support protrusion442may include a first shelf pad444, a second shelf pad446, and a third shelf pad448.

The first shelf pad444, the second shelf pad446, and the third shelf pad448may be made of a material having a friction with respect to the substrate W or the ring member R1and R2. For example, the first shelf pad444, the second shelf pad446, and the third shelf pad448may be made of a material such as a carbon-filled poly-ether-ether-ketone (PEEK). However, this is only one embodiment, and may be variously modified to other known materials having similar properties.

When viewed from above, the first shelf pad444may have an arc shape in its lengthwise direction. The first shelf pad444may be disposed closer to the depressurizing hole425than the second shelf pad446. When viewed from above, the first shelf pad444may be disposed inside an outer circumference of the substrate W. Accordingly, as shown inFIG.6, the first shelf pad444may support the substrate W among the substrate W and the ring member R1and R2.

When viewed from above, the second shelf pad446may generally have an arc shape in its lengthwise direction. The second shelf pad446may be disposed away from the depressurizing hole425than the first shelf pad444. When viewed from above, the second shelf pad446may be disposed outside the outer circumference of the substrate W and an inner circumference of the first ring R1, but may be disposed inside an outer circumference of the first ring R1. Accordingly, the second shelf pad446may support the first ring R1as is illustrated inFIG.7.

When viewed from above, the third shelf pad448may have an arc shape in its lengthwise direction. The third shelf pad448may be disposed farther from the depressurizing hole425than the second shelf pad446. When viewed from above, the third shelf pad448may be disposed outside the inner circumference of the second ring R2, but may be disposed inside the outer circumference of the second ring R2. For this reason, as shown inFIG.8, the third shelf pad448may support the second ring R2.

The ring carrier60has a plate620and a notch621. The ring carrier60may be used to transfer the ring member R1and R2. The ring carrier60may be used to transfer the ring member R1and R2by the first transfer robot240or the second transfer robot340. For example, the ring carrier60may be used by the first transfer robot240to transfer the ring member R1and R2between the atmospheric pressure transfer module20and the load lock chamber40. Hereinafter, a case in which the ring member R1and R2is transferred by the first transfer robot240will be described as an example. The ring carrier60may be stored in the container F. For example, the ring carrier60may be stored in the second container F2. In this case, the ring carrier60may be stored below the ring member R1and R2stored in the second container F2.

The ring member R1and R2may be placed on a top surface of the plate620. The plate620may have a plate shape. The plate620may have a circular plate shape. For example, the plate620has a diameter larger than a diameter of the ring member R1and R2. Since the plate620is provided in the circular plate shape, the ring member R1and R2may be stably supported on the plate620and transferred. A central region of the plate620may be provided as a blocking plate having no holes formed therein. Selectively, a through hole for reducing a weight of the plate620may be formed in the central region of the plate620.

A plurality of notches621may be formed in an edge region of the plate620. The plurality of notches621may be provided in the edge region of the plate620. The notch621is formed to penetrate from the top surface to the bottom surface of the plate620. The notch621may be formed in the edge region of the plate620, and may be formed in the edge region including an outer circumference of the plate620. That is, the notch621may be formed to extend from the edge region of the plate620to the outer circumference of the plate620. The notches621may be formed at positions aligned with the support shelves440provided in the load lock chamber40when viewed from above. In addition, the notches621may be formed at positions overlapping the support slots (not shown) provided in the second container F2when viewed from above. This prevents the ring carrier60from interfering with the support shelf440or/and the support slots (not shown) when transferring the ring member R1and R2using the ring carrier60.

When viewed from above, a plurality of support protrusions442are disposed at positions aligned with a plurality of notches621formed at the ring carrier60. Accordingly, the ring carrier60with the ring member R1and R2placed thereon may be introduced into a higher position than the support protrusion442within the load lock chamber40by the first transfer hand242, and when the first transfer hand242downwardly moves, the ring member R1and R2may be placed on the support protrusion442, and the ring carrier60may be downwardly moved with the first transfer hand242placed thereon.

Referring back toFIG.1, a plurality of process chambers50may be provided. The process chamber50may be a chamber that performs a process on the substrate W. The process chamber50may be a plasma chamber that treats the substrate W using a plasma. For example, the process chamber50may be a chamber performing an etching process of removing a thin film on the substrate W using the plasma, an ashing process of removing a photoresist film, a deposition process of forming a thin film on the substrate W, or a dry cleaning process. However, the inventive concept is not limited thereto, and a plasma treatment process performed at the process chamber50may include various known processes for treating the substrate using a plasma.

FIG.10schematically illustrates an embodiment of a process chamber ofFIG.1. Referring toFIG.10, the process chamber50may treat a substrate W by transferring a plasma to the substrate W.

The process chamber50may include a housing510, a substrate support unit520, a gas supply unit530, and a plasma source.

The housing510provides a treating space in which a substrate treating space is performed. The housing510may be provided in a sealed shape. When treating the substrate W, the treating space of the housing510may be generally maintained in a vacuum atmosphere. The housing510may be formed of a metal material. In an embodiment, the housing510may be made of an aluminum material. The housing510may be grounded. The substrate W and an inlet512through which a ring member R1and R2is carried in or out may be formed on a side of the housing510. The inlet512may be selectively opened and closed by a gate valve514.

An exhaust hole516may be formed at the bottom surface of the housing510. An exhaust line560may be connected to the exhaust hole516. The exhaust line570may exhaust a process gas, process by-products, and the like supplied to the treating space of the housing510through the exhaust hole516. An exhaust baffle552may be provided above the exhaust hole516to allow a more uniform exhaust of the treating space. When viewed from above, the exhaust baffle552may have a generally ring shape. In addition, at least one through hole may be formed at the exhaust baffle552.

The substrate support unit520supports the substrate within the housing510. The substrate support unit520may be spaced apart from a bottom surface of the housing510to a top side. The substrate support unit520is described in detail further on.

The gas supply unit530supplies the process gas to the treating space of the housing510. The gas supply unit530may include a gas supply nozzle532, a gas supply line534, and a gas supply source536. In an embodiment, the gas supply nozzle532may be installed in a center of a top surface of the housing510. An injection hole is formed on a bottom surface of the gas supply nozzle532. The injection port supplies the process gas into the housing510. The gas supply line534connects the gas supply nozzle532and the gas supply source536. The gas supply line534supplies the process gas stored in the gas supply source536to the gas supply nozzle532. A valve538is installed in the gas supply line534. The valve538may open and close the gas supply line534to adjust a flow rate of the process gas supplied within the gas supply line534. According to an embodiment, the valve538may be a open/close valve and/or a flow adjust valve.

The process chamber50may be provided in a capacitive coupled plasma (CCP) apparatus or an inductively coupled plasma (ICP) apparatus. Hereinafter, a case in which the process chamber50is provided as the capacitive coupling type plasma apparatus will be described. However, unlike this, the process chamber50may be provided as the inductively coupled plasma (ICP) apparatus.

The process chamber50has a top electrode and a bottom electrode as a plasma source. According to an embodiment, the top electrode may be a shower head unit580to be described later, and the bottom electrode may be provided as a cooling plate522. The top electrode and the bottom electrode may be vertically disposed in parallel with each other inside the housing510. One of both electrodes may apply a high-frequency power, and the other electrode may be grounded. An electromagnetic field is formed in the space between both electrodes, and the process gas supplied to the space may be excited in a plasma state. A substrate treating process is performed using the plasma. The high-frequency power may be applied to the bottom electrode, and the top electrode may be grounded. Alternatively, the high-frequency power may be applied to the top electrode and the bottom electrode, respectively. Accordingly, the electromagnetic field is generated between the top electrode and the bottom electrode. The generated electromagnetic field excites the process gas supplied into the housing510in the plasma state.

The shower head unit580may include a gas injection plate592and a support unit596. A predetermined space may be formed between the gas injection plate592and the top surface of the housing510. The gas injection plate592may be provided in a plate shape having a constant thickness. The bottom surface of the gas injection plate592may be anodized to prevent a generation of an arc caused by the plasma. A cross section of the gas injection plate592may be provided to have the same shape as that of the substrate support unit520. The gas injection plate592includes a plurality of through holes593. The gas injection plate592penetrates the top and bottom surfaces of the shower head592in a vertical direction. The gas injection plate592may include a metal material. The gas injection plate592may be electrically connected to the power source592a. The power source592amay be provided as the high frequency power source. Alternatively, the gas injection plate592may be electrically grounded.

The support unit596supports a side portion of the gas injection plate592. A top end of the support unit596is connected to the top surface of the housing510, and a bottom end thereof is connected to a side portion of the shower head592and the gas injection plate592. The support unit596may include a non-metallic material.

In an embodiment, the substrate support unit520may be provided as an electrostatic chuck that adsorbs the substrate W using an electrostatic force. In contrast, the substrate support unit520may support the substrate W in various ways such as a vacuum adsorption or a mechanical clamping. Hereinafter, the substrate support unit520as the electrostatic chuck will be described.

In an embodiment, the substrate support unit520may include a support plate521, a cooling plate522, an insulation plate523, a base524, a ring lift pin assembly560, and a substrate lift pin assembly570.

Hereinafter, the support plate521may be provided as a dielectric plate521. The dielectric plate521is located at the top portion of the substrate support unit520. The dielectric plate521receives an external power and applies the electrostatic force to the substrate W. The dielectric plate521may be provided as a disk-shaped dielectric substance. The substrate W is placed on a top surface of the dielectric plate521. In an embodiment, the top surface of the dielectric plate521has a smaller radius than that of the substrate W. If the substrate W is placed on the top surface of the dielectric plate521, an edge area of the substrate W is located outside the dielectric plate521. An electrode525and a heater526are buried within the dielectric plate521. In an embodiment, the electrode525may be positioned above the heater526. The electrode525may be electrically connected to a power source (not shown). The power source (not shown) may include a direct current power source. An electrostatic force acts between the electrode525and the substrate W by a current applied to the electrode525. Accordingly, the substrate W is adsorbed on the dielectric plate521.

A generated heat generated by the heater526is transferred to the substrate W through the dielectric plate521. The substrate W may be maintained at a predetermined temperature by the heat generated from the heater526. The heater526may include a spiral coil. A plurality of heaters526are provided. The heater526may be provided in different regions of the dielectric plate521. For example, a heater526for heating a central region of the dielectric plate521and a heater526for heating an edge region of the dielectric plate521may be provided, and the heaters526may be independently controlled from each other.

In the above-described example, the heater526is provided within the dielectric plate521, but the inventive concept is not limited thereto, and the heater526may not be provided within the dielectric plate521.

The cooling plate522is located under the dielectric plate521. The cooling plate522may be provided in a disk shape. The cooling plate522may be made of a conductive material. In an embodiment, the cooling plate522may be made of an aluminum material. A top central region of the cooling plate522may have an area corresponding to a bottom surface of the dielectric plate521. A flow path522amay be provided within the cooling plate522. The flow path522amay be formed in a spiral shape within the cooling plate522. The flow path522amay cool the cooling plate522. A cooling fluid may be supplied to the flow path522a. In an embodiment, the cooling fluid may be provided as a cooling water.

The cooling plate522may include a metal plate. According to an embodiment, an entire area of the cooling plate522may be provided as a metal plate. The cooling plate522may be grounded. Therefore, the cooling plate522may function as an electrode opposite the shower head unit580mentioned above. However, it may be limited as such, and the cooling plate522may be being electrically connected to the electrode which is not shown to be applied with a high frequency power.

An insulating plate523is provided under the cooling plate522. The insulating plate523is made of an insulating material, and electrically insulates the cooling plate522from a base524to be described later. The insulating plate523may be provided in a circular plate shape when viewed from above. The insulating plate523may be provided with an area corresponding to that of the cooling plate522.

The base524is provided at a bottom side of the cooling plate522. The base524may be provided at a bottom side of the insulating plate523. The base524may have an inner space and have a cylinder shape with an open top portion. A ring lift pin assembly560and a substrate lift pin assembly570to be described later may be positioned within an inner space of the base524.

The base524has a connecting member524b. The connecting member524bconnects an outer surface of the base524with an inner sidewall of the housing510. A plurality of connecting members524bmay be provided on the outer surface of the base524at regular intervals. The connecting member524bsupports the substrate support unit520within the housing510.

The ring member R1and R2and the cover ring521are disposed in an edge region of the substrate support unit520. The ring member R1and R2has an annular shape when viewed from above. The ring member R1and R2serves to concentrate the plasma on the substrate W while treating the substrate W. In an embodiment, the ring member R1and R2may be formed of a conductive material. In an embodiment, the material of the ring member R1and R2may be provided as a silicon (Si), a silicon carbide (SiC), or the like.

In an embodiment, the ring member R1and R2includes a first ring R1and a second ring R2. The first ring R1has an inner diameter and an outer diameter smaller than that of the second ring R2. The second ring R2is provided below the first ring R1. On the substrate support unit520, the bottom surface of the first ring R1and the top surface of the second ring R2are placed in contact with each other. In an embodiment, when viewed from above, a portion of the second ring R2is provided to overlap the first ring R1.

In an embodiment, the first ring R1may have a form in which a height of an inner top surface is lower than a height of an outer top surface. A bottom surface of an edge region of the substrate W may be placed on the inner top surface of the first ring R1. In addition, the first ring R may have an upwardly inclined surface from the center of the substrate W toward an outside of the substrate W between the inner top surface and the outer top surface of the first ring R1. Accordingly, if the substrate W is placed on the inner top surface of the first ring R1, the substrate W may slide along an inclined surface of the first ring R1to be appropriately placed on the inner top surface of the first ring R, even if a placement position may be slightly inaccurate.

The ring lift pin assembly560may lift and lower the ring member R1and R2placed on the top surface of the dielectric plate521.

The ring lift pin assembly560includes a first pin561, a second pin562, and a driving unit563and564. The first pin561lifts and lowers the first ring R1, and the second pin562lifts and lowers the second ring R2. The driving unit563and564drives the first pin561and the second pin562. In an embodiment, the driving unit563and564may include a first driving mechanism563and a second driving mechanism564. The first driving mechanism moves the first pin561in an up/down direction, the second driving mechanism moves the second pin in the up/down direction. Selectively, the driving unit563and564may be a single driving apparatus which moves the first pin561and the second pin562separately in the up/down direction. The driving unit563and564may be a cylinder or a motor using a pneumatic or a hydraulic pressure. However, the inventive concept is not limited thereto, and the driving unit563may be provided as various known devices capable of providing a driving force.

The first pin561and the second pin562are provided inside the substrate support unit520. In an embodiment, the first pin561and the second pin562are provided to be movable in the vertical direction along the pin holes formed in the dielectric plate521, the cooling plate522, and/or the insulating plate523. In an embodiment, a plurality of first pins561and second pins562may be provided. For example, the first pin561and the second pin562may be provided to support the ring member R1and R2in three points. Selectively, the first pin561and the second pin562may be provided in a larger number. The first pin561and the second pin562may be disposed so as not to overlap the heater526and the flow path522awhen viewed from above.

The first ring R1is provided in a pin shape, and the second ring R2is provided in a hollow shaft shape having a through hole therein. The first ring R1is provided inside the second pin562to be movable in the vertical direction. A through-hole is formed in the second ring R2. The first ring R1is moved inside the second ring R2and is provided to be inserted into the through hole formed in the second ring R2. When viewed from above, the through-hole and the first ring R1are provided to overlap each other. Accordingly, the first pin561may lift and lower the first ring R1disposed on the second ring R2.

Hereinafter, a method of transferring the ring member will be described with reference toFIG.11toFIG.35.

FIG.11illustrates the first pin561and the second pin562while the substrate W is treated in the process chamber50. In an embodiment, while the substrate W is treated, a top end of the first pin561may be positioned below a bottom surface of the first ring R1as shown inFIG.11.

The ring member R1and R2may be replaced after the substrate W is treated or before a subsequent substrate W is treated. In an embodiment, after the substrate W is treated, the ring member R1and R2is replaced before the subsequent substrate W is taken into the process chamber50.

FIG.12toFIG.13illustrate a process in which the substrate W is transferred to the outside of the process chamber50. After the substrate W is treated, as shown inFIG.12, the lift pin572is lifted to lift and lower the substrate W from the dielectric plate521, and the second transfer hand342enters the process chamber50. The second transfer hand342is aligned at a position at which the substrate W may be seated on the second transfer hand342. The second transfer hand342is aligned below the substrate W and lifts the substrate W from a bottom to a top.

The substrate W seated on the second transfer hand342is transferred to the outside of the process chamber50as shown inFIG.13, and the lift pin572is lowered to be located inside the substrate support unit520. The substrate W transferred by the second transfer hand342may be placed on the support shelf440as shown inFIG.6. Thereafter, the substrate W may be transferred to the container F by the first transfer robot242ofFIG.2and stored thereafter.

After the substrate W is removed from the substrate support unit520, the ring member R1and R2is replaced. In an embodiment, of the ring member R1and R2, the first ring R1and the second ring R2are sequentially transferred to the outside of the process chamber50. Hereinafter, a case in which both the first ring R1and the second ring R2are replaced will be described as an example.

FIG.14toFIG.15illustrate a process for transferring the first ring R1to the outside of the process chamber50. First, the first pin561is positioned at a bottom side of the first ring R1. According to an embodiment, a top end of the first pin561is positioned at a bottom side of a bottom end of the first ring R1, while the treatment is performed with respect to the substrate W. Also, the top end of the first pin561may protrude from a top end of the second ring R2. Accordingly, while treating the substrate W, a portion of the first pin561may be inserted into the through hole formed on the second ring R2. However, it is not limited to this, and the top end of the first pin561may be positioned at the more bottom side than the second ring R2.

After the treatment has been completed on the substrate W, the first driving mechanism563(refer toFIG.10) lifts and lowers the first pin561after the substrate is taken out from the process chamber50. More specifically, the first driving mechanism may lift and lower the first pin561from a bottom side of the first ring R1. Therefore, the top end of the first pin561contacts the bottom surface of the first ring R1. As shown inFIG.14, the first pin561lifts and lowers the first ring R1from the top surface of the dielectric plate521to a position spaced apart in an upward direction. The first pin561may lift the first ring R1from the top surface of the dielectric plate521to the a position spaced apart a certain distance in an upward direction. If the first pin561moves the first ring R1to a position spaced apart a certain distance in the upward direction from the top surface of the dielectric plate521, the second transfer hand342enters the process chamber50as shown inFIG.15. Selectively, while the first pin561is lifted, the second transfer hand342may enter the process chamber50. The second transfer hand342is aligned at a position at which the first ring R1may be seated on the second transfer hand342. The second transfer hand342is aligned below the first ring R1and lifts the first ring R1from a bottom to a top as shown inFIG.16. Therefore, the second transfer hand324may receive the first ring R1from the first pin561.

As illustrated inFIG.17, if the first ring R1is taken from the first pin561to the second transfer hand342, the second transfer hand342may be transferred to an outside of the process chamber50and may be transferred to the second ring R2.

FIG.18toFIG.21illustrate a process for transferring the second ring R2to an outside of the process chamber50.

Firstly, the second pin562is positioned at a bottom side of the second ring R1. According to an embodiment, while a treatment is performed on the substrate W, the top end of the second pin562may be positioned below a bottom end of the second ring R2. In addition, while the first pin561transfers the first ring R1to the outside of the process chamber50, the top end of the second pin562may be positioned below the bottom end of the second ring R2. The second driving mechanism564(seeFIG.10) lifts and lowers the second pin562. More specifically, the second driving mechanism564lifts the second pin562from the bottom side of the second ring R2. Subsequently, the top end of the second pin562is in contact with the bottom end of the second ring R2. As illustrated inFIG.18, the second pin562lifts the second ring R2from the top surface of the dielectric plate521to a position spaced apart from each other by a predetermined distance in the upward direction. If the second pin562lifts the second ring R2to a position spaced apart in the upward direction from the top surface of the dielectric plate521, the second transfer hand342enters the process chamber50as shown inFIG.19. Selectively, while the second pin562is lifted, the second transfer hand342may enter the process chamber50. The second transfer hand342is aligned at a position at which the second ring R2may be seated on the second transfer hand342. The second transfer hand342is aligned below the second ring R2and lifts the second ring R2from the bottom to the top as shown inFIG.20. Thereafter, as illustrated inFIG.21, the second transfer hand342transfers the second ring R2to the outside of the process chamber50if the second ring R2is taken from the second pin562to the second transfer hand342.

In an embodiment, while the second ring transfer hand3423transfers the second ring R2to the outside of the process chamber50, the first ring transfer hand3421holds the first ring R1on the first ring transfer hand3421. The first ring R1and the second ring R2are transferred to the outside of the process chamber50and placed on the first ring transfer hand3421and the second ring transfer hand3423, respectively, as shown inFIG.22.

Alternatively, before the second ring transfer hand3423transfers the second ring R2to the outside of the process chamber50, the second transfer robot340may transfer the first ring R1to the load lock chamber40(refer toFIG.7).

The first ring R1and the second ring R2are transferred to the load lock chamber40(refer toFIG.7andFIG.8) by the second transfer robot340, respectively. Thereafter, the first transfer robot240(refer toFIG.1) takes out the ring carrier from the container F and mounts the ring carrier on the first transfer hand242. The first transfer robot240moves to the load lock chamber40. The first transfer robot240moves from a bottom to a top at a position at which the notch621formed in the ring carrier60first transfer hand242is aligned to mount the first ring R1or the second ring R2on the ring carrier60seated on the first transfer hand242as illustrated inFIG.23. In an embodiment, the first ring R1is seated on the first transfer hand242and the second ring R2is seated on the other first transfer hand242.

As shown inFIG.1, the first transfer robot240may transfer the first ring and the second ring by the load port10to store within the container F. Afterwards, the first transfer robot240may take out the a new first ring and a new second ring from the container F.

The replaced first ring R1′ and replaced second ring R2′ are seated on the ring carrier60on the first transfer hand242, as illustrated inFIG.24. The first transfer robot240takes back the replaced first ring R1′ and the replaced second ring R2′ to the load lock chamber40, respectively, as shown inFIG.25toFIG.26to mount on the support protrusion440. Thereafter, the second transfer robot340takes out the first ring R1′ and the second ring R2′ in the load lock chamber40. As shown inFIG.27, the first ring R′1and the second ring R2′ are placed on the second transfer hand342. In an embodiment, the first ring R1′ may be placed on the first ring transfer hand3421, and the second ring R2′ may be placed on the second ring transfer hand3423. The second transfer hand342sequentially carries the second ring R2′ and the first ring R1′ into the process chamber50.

First, as illustrated inFIG.28, if the second ring R2′ is seated on the support plate, the second ring R2′ is positioned on the second pin562so that the through hole of the second ring R2′ corresponds to the first pin561. Thereafter, the second transfer hand342moves downwardly and mounts the second ring R2on the second pin562, as illustrated inFIG.29. If the second ring R2′ is seated on the second pin562, the second transfer hand342moves lower than the second pin562. That is, the second transfer hand342moves the second ring R2to the second pin562. After the second ring R2′ is seated on the second pin562, the second transfer hand342exits the process chamber50, as illustrated inFIG.30. In an embodiment, if the second ring R2′ is seated, the top end of the second pin562is placed below the top end. Accordingly, if the second ring R2′ is lowered, the first pin561may be inserted in the through hole. Therefore, the second pin562may be lowered seat the second ring R2on the dielectric plate521. As illustrated inFIG.31, if the second ring R2′ is seated on the support plate, the first ring transfer hand3421takes the first ring R1into the process chamber50.

Afterwards, the first ring transfer hand3421enters the process chamber50and mounts the first ring R1′ on the support plate. The first transfer hand3421positions the first ring R1on the first pin561as illustrated inFIG.32. The first ring transfer hand3421moves downwardly to mount the first ring R1on the first pin561. If the first ring R1is seated on the first pin561, the first ring transfer hand3421moves lower than the first pin561. After the first ring R1is seated on the first pin561, the first ring transfer hand3421moves further downwardly than the first ring R1as illustrated inFIG.33. Thereafter, as illustrated inFIG.34, the first ring transfer hand3421exits the process chamber50, and as illustrated inFIG.35, the first pin561is lowered and the first ring R1is mounted on the support plate.

In the above-described example, it has been described that both the first ring R1and the second ring R2are replaced. However, unlike this, only one of the first ring R1and the second ring R2may be replaced. In an embodiment, if only the first ring R1is replaced, a process of lifting or lowering the second ring R2and a process of taking the second ring R2in and out of the process chamber50may be omitted.

In an embodiment, if only the second ring R2is replaced, the first ring R1may be transferred to the outside of the process chamber50, but may not be transferred to the load lock chamber and may remain in the first ring transfer hand3421.

The effects of the inventive concept are not limited to the above-mentioned effects, and the unmentioned effects can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art to which the inventive concept pertains from the specification and the accompanying drawings.

Although the preferred embodiment of the inventive concept has been illustrated and described until now, the inventive concept is not limited to the above-described specific embodiment, and it is noted that an ordinary person in the art, to which the inventive concept pertains, may be variously transfer out the inventive concept without departing from the essence of the inventive concept claimed in the claims and the modifications should not be construed separately from the technical spirit or prospect of the inventive concept.