Patent ID: 12235582

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following disclosure provides many different embodiments, or examples, for implementing different features of the provided subject matter. Specific examples of components and arrangements are described below to simplify the present disclosure. These are, of course, merely examples and are not intended to be limiting. For example, the formation of a first feature over or on a second feature in the description that follows may include embodiments in which the first and second features are formed in direct contact, and may also include embodiments in which additional features may be formed between the first and second features, such that the first and second features may not be in direct contact. In addition, the present disclosure may repeat reference numerals and/or letters in the various examples. This repetition is for the purpose of simplicity and clarity and does not in itself dictate a relationship between the various embodiments and/or configurations discussed.

Further, spatially relative terms, such as “beneath,” “below,” “lower,” “above,” “upper” and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. The spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. The apparatus may be otherwise oriented (rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein may likewise be interpreted accordingly.

In some cases, a high viscosity material (e.g., polyimide (CxHyNzOw) or another high viscosity photoresist material) may be used to form a photoresist layer on a substrate. A high viscosity material may result in an uneven photoresist layer in which a thickness of the photoresist layer is greater near a center of a substrate relative to a thickness of the photoresist layer near an edge or parameter of the substrate. The uneven photoresist layer may result from the difficulty of distributing the high viscosity material across the substrate due to the resistance to flow of the high viscosity material. Moreover, the high viscosity material may leave behind photoresist residue or scum after the development process. The photoresist residue or scum may result from incomplete removal of the photoresist layer in thicker areas of the photoresist layer (e.g., which may result from the uneven distribution of the high viscosity material across the substrate). The photoresist residue or scum may interfere with a subsequent etching operation or ion implantation in which the pattern is used to etch the substrate or implant ions into the substrate.

Some implementations described herein provide a developer tool for use with high viscosity photoresist materials and/or other types of photoresist materials. The developer tool includes a dispenser that includes a greater quantity of nozzles in a central portion relative to a perimeter portion such that the developer tool is capable of more effectively removing material from a photoresist layer near a center of a substrate (which tends to be thicker near the center of the substrate relative to the edge or perimeter of the substrate). In this way, the developer tool may reduce the amount of photoresist residue or scum remaining on the substrate near the center of the substrate after a development operation, which may enable defect removal and/or prevention, may increase semiconductor processing yield, and/or may increase semiconductor processing quality.

FIG.1is a diagram of an example environment100in which systems and/or methods described herein may be implemented. As shown inFIG.1, the example environment100may include a plurality of semiconductor processing tools102-106and a wafer/die transport tool108. The plurality of semiconductor processing tools102-106may include a deposition tool102, an exposure tool104, a developer tool106, and/or another type of semiconductor processing tool. The tools included in the example environment100may be included in a semiconductor clean room, a semiconductor foundry, a semiconductor processing facility, and/or manufacturing facility, among other examples.

The deposition tool102is a semiconductor processing tool that includes a semiconductor processing chamber and one or more devices capable of depositing various types of materials onto a substrate. In some implementations, the deposition tool102includes a spin coating tool that is capable of depositing a photoresist layer on a substrate such as a wafer. In some implementations, the deposition tool102includes a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) tool such as a plasma-enhanced CVD (PECVD) tool, a high-density plasma CVD (HDP-CVD) tool, a sub-atmospheric CVD (SACVD) tool, an atomic layer deposition (ALD) tool, a plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition (PEALD) tool, or another type of CVD tool. In some implementations, the deposition tool102includes a physical vapor deposition (PVD) tool, such as a sputtering tool or another type of PVD tool. In some implementations, the example environment100includes a plurality of types of deposition tools102.

The exposure tool104is a semiconductor processing tool that is capable of exposing a photoresist layer to a radiation source, such as an ultraviolet light (UV) source (e.g., a deep UV light source, an extreme UV light (EUV) source, and/or the like), an x-ray source, an electron beam (e-beam) source, and/or the like. The exposure tool104may expose a photoresist layer to the radiation source to transfer a pattern from a photomask to the photoresist layer. The pattern may include one or more semiconductor device layer patterns for forming one or more semiconductor devices, may include a pattern for forming one or more structures of a semiconductor device, may include a pattern for etching various portions of a semiconductor device, and/or the like. In some implementations, the exposure tool104includes a scanner, a stepper, or a similar type of exposure tool.

The developer tool106is a semiconductor processing tool that is capable of developing a photoresist layer that has been exposed to a radiation source to develop a pattern transferred to the photoresist layer from the exposure tool104. In some implementations, the developer tool106develops a pattern by removing unexposed portions of a photoresist layer. In some implementations, the developer tool106develops a pattern by removing exposed portions of a photoresist layer. In some implementations, the developer tool106develops a pattern by dissolving exposed or unexposed portions of a photoresist layer through the use of a chemical developer.

Wafer/die transport tool108includes a mobile robot, a robot arm, a tram or rail car, an overhead hoist transport (OHT) system, an automated materially handling system (AMHS), and/or another type of device that is used to transport wafers and/or dies between semiconductor processing tools102-106and/or to and from other locations such as a wafer rack, a storage room, and/or the like. In some implementations, wafer/die transport tool108may be a programmed device that is configured to travel a particular path and/or may operate semi-autonomously or autonomously.

The number and arrangement of devices shown inFIG.1are provided as one or more examples. In practice, there may be additional devices, fewer devices, different devices, or differently arranged devices than those shown inFIG.1. Furthermore, two or more devices shown inFIG.1may be implemented within a single device, or a single device shown inFIG.1may be implemented as multiple, distributed devices. Additionally, or alternatively, a set of devices (e.g., one or more devices) of environment100may perform one or more functions described as being performed by another set of devices of environment100.

FIG.2is a diagram of an example implementation200described herein. The example implementation200may include an example of forming a pattern in a photoresist layer on a substrate202. In some implementations, the substrate202includes a semiconductor wafer, a portion of a component such as a photomask or a reticle for use in a semiconductor processing tool, or a semiconductor device, among other examples. As shown inFIG.2, the example implementation200includes operations performed by one or more of the semiconductor processing tools of the example environment100ofFIG.1, such as the deposition tool102, the exposure tool104, and the developer tool106.

As shown inFIG.2, and by reference number204, the substrate202is processed through a deposition operation in which the substrate202is positioned on a chuck206(e.g., a vacuum chuck or another type of chuck) of the deposition tool102. The deposition operation includes a spin-coating operation in which the substrate202is secured to the chuck206by a vacuum force and is spun or rotated about an axis of a support member208of the deposition tool102. While the substrate202is rotated, the deposition tool102dispenses a photoresist material210onto the substrate202through a process arm212such that the rotation of the substrate202causes the photoresist material210to be distributed across the top surface of the substrate202. The photoresist material210is permitted to solidify on the substrate202after the deposition operation. In some implementations, the substrate202is pre-baked to remove a solvent from the photoresist material210to facilitate solidification of the photoresist material210.

In some implementations, a high viscosity material (e.g., polyimide (CxHyNzOw) or another high viscosity photoresist material) is used as the photoresist material210. High viscosity photoresist material may permit thicker photoresist layers to be formed and/or may reduce the amount of photoresist material waste in a deposition operation (as less material is spun off of a substrate due to the higher viscosity). In some implementations, a high viscosity photoresist material includes a material having a viscosity of greater than approximately 100 centipoises (cP). In some implementations, a high viscosity photoresist material includes a material having a viscosity of greater than approximately 1000 centipoises (cP). However, the use of other photoresist materials having different viscosities are within the scope of the present disclosure.

As further shown inFIG.2, and by reference number214, the substrate202is processed through an exposure operation in which a photoresist layer216on the substrate202is exposed to radiation to form a pattern in the photoresist layer216. The photoresist layer216is formed by the solidified photoresist material210on the substrate202. The substrate202is positioned on a wafer stage218of the exposure tool104. In the exposure operation, the photoresist layer216is exposed to radiation220to form the pattern in the photoresist layer216. The pattern may be used to etch the substrate202, to implant ions into the substrate202, and/or to perform another type of semiconductor processing operation.

As further shown inFIG.2, and by reference number222, the substrate202is processed through a development operation in which an exposed photoresist layer224on the substrate202is developed to expose the pattern. The substrate202is positioned on a chuck226(e.g., a vacuum chuck or another type of chuck) of the developer tool106. The substrate202is secured to the chuck226by a vacuum force and is spun or rotated about an axis of a support member228of the developer tool106. While the substrate202is rotated, the developer tool106dispenses a developer agent230onto the substrate202through a process arm232such that the rotation of the substrate202causes the developer agent230to be distributed across the exposed photoresist layer224. The developer agent230includes a chemical developer agent such as a cyclopentanone (CxHyOz) or another type of chemical developer agent that is capable of stripping or removing exposed portions or unexposed portions of the exposed photoresist layer224to expose the pattern in the exposed photoresist layer224.

As indicated above,FIG.2is provided as an example. Other examples may differ from what is described with regard toFIG.2.

FIGS.3A and3Bare diagrams of the developer tool106described herein.FIG.3Aillustrates a perspective view of the developer tool106, andFIG.3Billustrates an elevation view of a cross section of the developer tool106. As shown inFIGS.3A and3B, the developer tool106includes the chuck226, the support member228, and the process arm232in a process chamber302. The process chamber302may be configured to be sealed (e.g., hermetically sealed) such that the environment in the process chamber302may be controlled to minimize oxidation and/or other types of defects for substrates that are processed by the developer tool106. The support member228extends downward from the chuck226. The support member228is positioned approximately at the center of the chuck226such that the chuck226is permitted to spin or rotate evenly and in a smooth manner about an axis along a long dimension of the support member228.

As further shown inFIGS.3A and3B, the developer tool106includes a coater unit chamber (CUP)304that surrounds the chuck226. The CUP304is configured to catch excess developer agent that is spun off of a substrate by the chuck226such that the excess developer agent may be drained or otherwise removed from the process chamber302.

The process arm232includes a support member306and a dispenser308that is supported by and extends away from the support member306over the chuck226. The dispenser308is configured to dispense the developer agent230onto a substrate that is positioned on the chuck226while the chuck226rotates the substrate.

As indicated above,FIGS.3A and3Bare provided as an example. Other examples may differ from what is described with regard toFIGS.3A and3B.

FIGS.4A-4Care diagrams of the process arm232described herein.FIG.4Aillustrates a perspective view of the process arm232. As shown inFIG.4A, the dispenser308of the process arm232includes a plurality of nozzles through which the developer agent230is dispensed. The dispenser308includes a plurality of different types of nozzles, including a first plurality of nozzles402and a second plurality of nozzles404. The second plurality of nozzles404are configured to supplement the first plurality of nozzles402in dispensing the developer agent230to compensate for the different thicknesses in a photoresist layer (e.g., the exposed photoresist layer224on the substrate202) that may result from the use of a high viscosity photoresist material (e.g., the photoresist material210).

FIG.4Billustrates an elevation view of the dispenser308of the process arm232. As shown inFIG.4B, the nozzles402and404extend downward from a bottom surface of the dispenser308. As further shown inFIG.4B, the dispenser308may be divided into a plurality of portions, including a central portion (Z1) and perimeter portions (Z2) adjacent to and on opposing sides of the central portion (Z1). The central portion (Z1) includes a greater quantity of nozzles relative to the quantity of nozzles included in each of the perimeter portions (Z2). In particular, the central portion (Z1) of the dispenser308may include the nozzles404and a first subset of the nozzles402, whereas the perimeter portions (Z2) include a second subset of the nozzles402. The greater quantity of nozzles in the central portion (Z1) permits the developer tool106to dispense a greater amount of the developer agent230in the central portion (Z1) relative to the amount of the developer agent230dispensed in the perimeter portions (Z2). The greater amount of the developer agent230permits the developer tool106to remove a greater amount of a photoresist layer (e.g., the exposed photoresist layer224) on a substrate (e.g., on the substrate202) relative to the amount of the photoresist layer that is removed in the perimeter portions (Z2) to compensate for the greater thickness of the photoresist layer near the center of the substrate that may result from the use of a high viscosity photoresist material (e.g., the photoresist material210).

In some implementations, the size (e.g., width) of the central portion (Z1) is based on a size of the substrates that are to be processed by the developer tool106, a thickness (or an estimated thickness) of the photoresist layers that are to be developed by the developer tool106, a viscosity of a photoresist material that is to be used to form the photoresist layers that are to be developed by the developer tool106, a time duration for dispensing the developer agent230onto the photoresist layers, and/or another type of parameter. As an example, the width of the central portion (Z1) may be increased for a photoresist layer that has a greater thickness near a central portion of a substrate relative to other photoresist layers, for higher viscosity photoresist materials, and/or for larger substrates (e.g., substrates having a greater width or diameter relative to other substrates). As another example, the width of the central portion (Z1) may be decreased for a photoresist layer that has a lesser thickness near a central portion of a substrate relative to other photoresist layers, for lower viscosity photoresist materials, and/or for smaller substrates (e.g., substrates having a lesser width or diameter relative to other substrates).

In some implementations, the width of the central portion (Z1) is in a range of greater than 0 millimeters to approximately 270 millimeters such that a greater amount of the developer agent230is dispensed near a corresponding central portion of a substrate to compensate for thicker photoresist layers near the central portion of the substrate. In some implementations, the width of the perimeter portions (Z2) is based on the width of the central portion (Z1) and the size of the substrates that are to be processed by the developer tool106so that the developer agent230is dispensed to fully cover the substrates (e.g., to minimize and/or prevent gaps in the coverage of the developer agent230on the substrates). As an example, the width of each of the perimeter portions (Z2) is in a range of greater than 0 millimeters to approximately 15 millimeters such that the developer agent230fully covers the substrates that are to be processed by the developer tool106. However, other values for the width of the central portion (Z1) and the widths for the perimeter portions (Z2) are within the scope of the present disclosure.

FIG.4Cillustrates a bottom-up view of the dispenser308of the process arm232. As indicated above, in some implementations, the nozzles402and the nozzles404include different types of nozzles for dispensing the developer agent230. Each of the nozzles402may include a single opening406through which the developer agent230is dispensed. An opening406may have a diameter (D1) that is in a range of approximately 2 millimeters to approximately 50 millimeters to dispense a sufficient amount of developer agent230in the perimeter portions (Z2) and to minimize over-development in the perimeter portions (Z2). However, other values for the diameter (D1) of an opening406are within the scope of the present disclosure.

As shown in a detailed view408inFIG.4C, each of the nozzles404(or a subset thereof) include a plurality of openings410. Including a plurality of openings410in a nozzle404enables the nozzle404to more-precisely dispense the developer agent230relative to the nozzles402. An opening410may have a diameter (D2) that is less than the diameter (D1) of an opening406to permit a plurality of openings410to be included in a nozzle404. In some implementations, the diameter (D2) is in a range of greater than 0 millimeters to less than approximately 50 millimeters to dispense a sufficient amount of developer agent230in the central portion (Z1) along with the nozzles402and to minimize over-development in the central portion (Z1). However, other values for the diameter (D2) of an opening410are within the scope of the present disclosure.

In some implementations, the quantity of the nozzles404included the central portion (Z1), and in some cases, the nozzle density of the central portion (Z1), is based on various parameters. In some implementations, the parameters include a size of the substrates that are to be processed by the developer tool106, a thickness (or an estimated thickness) of the photoresist layers that are to be developed by the developer tool106, a viscosity of a photoresist material that is to be used to form the photoresist layers that are to be developed by the developer tool106, a time duration for dispensing the developer agent230onto the photoresist layers, a quantity of the nozzles402included in the central portion (Z1), and/or another type of parameter. As an example, the quantity of the nozzles404included in the central portion (Z1) may be increased for a photoresist layer that has a greater thickness near a central portion of a substrate relative to other photoresist layers, for higher viscosity photoresist materials, for a lesser quantity of the nozzles402included in the central portion (Z1), and/or for larger substrates (e.g., substrates having a greater width or diameter relative to other substrates). As another example, the quantity of the nozzles404included in the central portion (Z1) may be decreased for a photoresist layer that has a lesser thickness near a central portion of a substrate relative to other photoresist layers, for lower viscosity photoresist materials, for a greater quantity of the nozzles402included in the central portion (Z1), and/or for smaller substrates (e.g., substrates having a lesser width or diameter relative to other substrates). In some implementations, the quantity of the nozzles404included in the central portion (Z1) is in a range of 2 to 1000 to dispense a sufficient amount of developer agent230in the central portion (Z1) along with the nozzles402and to minimize over-development in the central portion (Z1). However, other quantities are within the scope of the present disclosure.

In some implementations, the pin density of the central portion (Z1) is determined such that:
(L*A+M*B)/(R1*W)≥(N*A)/(R2*W)
where A corresponds to the quantity of the nozzles402to be included in the central portion (Z1), B corresponds to the quantity of the nozzles404to be included in the central portion (Z1), R1corresponds to half of the width of the central portion (Z1), R2corresponds to a width of a perimeter portion (Z2), W corresponds to a width of the dispenser308along a short dimension of the dispenser308, and L, M, and N are integration parameters.

The nozzles404included in the central portion (Z1) may be arranged in various configurations to achieve sufficient coverage by the developer agent230and to achieve a particular amount of developer agent230dispensed in the central portion (Z1). In some implementations, the nozzles404included in the central portion are arranged in a single row in the central portion (Z1). In some implementations, the nozzles404included in the central portion are arranged in a plurality of rows in the central portion (Z1), as illustrated in the example inFIG.4C. In these implementations, a first subset of the nozzles404may be included in a first row412ain the central portion (Z1) and a second subset of the nozzles404may be included in a second row412bin the central portion (Z1). Additional rows of nozzles404may be included in the central portion (Z1). In some implementations, the arrangement of the nozzles404in the central portion (Z1) is based on the quantity of the nozzles404included in the central portion (Z1), the width of the central portion (Z1), the size of the nozzles404, and/or another type of parameter.

As indicated above,FIGS.4A-4Care provided as an example. Other examples may differ from what is described with regard toFIGS.4A-4C.

FIG.5is a diagram of an example implementation500described herein. The example implementation500is an example of a development operation in which the developer agent230is dispensed onto the exposed photoresist layer224over the substrate202using the dispenser308including the nozzles402and404. As shown inFIG.5, the thickness of the exposed photoresist layer224may be different in different areas across the substrate202. In particular, the thickness of the exposed photoresist layer224is greater in the central portion (Z1) of the substrate202relative to the thickness of the exposed photoresist layer224in the perimeter portion (Z2) of the photoresist layer224. This may occur, for example, in implementations where the exposed photoresist layer224is formed using a high viscosity photoresist material.

As shown inFIG.5, the developer agent230is dispensed through a first subset of the nozzles402and through the nozzles404in the central portion (Z1) of the dispenser308and in the corresponding central portion (Z1) of the substrate202. The developer agent230is dispensed through a second subset of the nozzles402in the perimeter portion (Z2) of the dispenser308and in the corresponding perimeter portion (Z2) of the substrate202. In this way, a greater amount or volume of the developer agent230is dispensed onto the central portion (Z1) through a greater quantity of nozzles of the dispenser308relative to the amount or volume of the developer agent230that is dispensed onto the perimeter portion (Z2) through the nozzles of the dispenser308. This enables the developer tool106to more effectively develop a pattern in the exposed photoresist layer224in the thicker portion of the exposed photoresist layer224in the central portion (Z1) of the substrate202, which reduces, minimizes, and/or prevents photoresist residue from remaining on the substrate202after the development operation.

In some implementations, two or more of the nozzles404are configured to dispense the developer agent230onto the exposed photoresist layer224at different dispensing angles to increase the coverage of the developer agent230and to provide substantially even coverage of the exposed photoresist layer224. In some implementations, at least one of the nozzles404is configured to dispense the developer agent230onto the exposed photoresist layer224at different dispensing angles through a plurality of the openings410of the nozzle404to increase the coverage of the developer agent230and to provide substantially even coverage of the exposed photoresist layer224. In some implementations, the developer agent230is dispensed through openings410of a nozzle404at an angle that is in a range of approximately 0 degrees relative to an axis along a long dimension of the nozzle404to less than approximately 90 degrees relative to the axis along the long dimension of the nozzle404to provide substantially even coverage of the exposed photoresist layer224. However, other dispensing angles are within the scope of the present disclosure.

FIG.5further illustrates dispensing patterns of the developer agent230in the central portion (Z1) of the substrate202and in the perimeter portion (Z2) of the substrate202. As shown inFIG.5, the developer agent230is dispensed in an area502in the central portion (Z1) of the substrate202through the first subset of the nozzles402and through the nozzles404. As further shown inFIG.5, the developer agent230is dispensed in an area504in the perimeter portion (Z2) of the substrate202through the second subset of the nozzles402. The area502may be greater in size relative to the area504such that a greater amount of the developer agent230is dispensed onto the exposed photoresist layer224in the central portion (Z1) relative to the perimeter portion (Z2) to more effectively develop a pattern in the exposed photoresist layer224in the thicker portion of the exposed photoresist layer224in the central portion (Z1) of the substrate202.

In some implementations, a width of the area502is in a range of greater than 0 millimeters to approximately 270 millimeters to fully cover the thicker portions of the exposed photoresist layer224. However, other values for the width of the area502are within the scope of the present disclosure. In some implementations, the area502is approximately circular such that a width (W2) and a width (W3) are approximately equal. In these implementations, the width of the area502corresponds to the diameter of the area502. In some implementations, the area502is symmetrical along one or more axes such that the width (W2) and the width (W3) are different. In some implementations, a width of the area504is in a range of greater than 0 millimeters to approximately 15 millimeters to fully cover the remaining portion of the exposed photoresist layer224in the perimeter portion (Z2) of the substrate202(e.g., the portion of the photoresist layer224not covered by the area502). However, other values for the width of the area504are within the scope of the present disclosure. In some implementations, the area504is approximately circular such that a width (W4) and a width (W5) are approximately equal. In these implementations, the width of the area504corresponds to the diameter of the area504. In some implementations, the area504is symmetrical along one or more axes such that the width (W4) and the width (W5) are different.

The example implementation500illustrated inFIG.5is a snapshot in time in the development operation to illustrate the areas502and504of the dispensing pattern of the developer agent230. In practice, the substrate202is rotated such that the developer agent230dispensed onto the substrate202is distributed to fully coat the exposed photoresist layer224.

As indicated above,FIG.5is provided as an example. Other examples may differ from what is described with regard toFIG.5.

FIG.6is a diagram of example semiconductor structures610and620described herein. The example semiconductor structures610and620may include interconnects in a semiconductor device. The interconnects may include vias or another type of interconnect. The example semiconductor structures610and620were formed using a photoresist layer that includes a high viscosity photoresist material. The example semiconductor structures610and620were formed in a central portion of a substrate in which photoresist residue resulting from the use of high viscosity photoresist material causes decreased etching performance in the central portion of the substrate.

As shown inFIG.6, an opening612of the example semiconductor structure610is smaller relative to an opening622of the example semiconductor structure620due to the presence of photoresist residue during etching (by an etch tool) of the opening612. The opening622was etched based on a pattern in the photoresist layer that was developed by the developer tool106described herein. The developer tool106includes the nozzles402and404in the central portion of the dispenser308, which increases the effectiveness of removing photoresist material from the photoresist layer in the central portion of the substrate. Accordingly, the etch tool is enabled to more effectively etch the opening622, which results in the larger opening622relative to the opening612.

As indicated above,FIG.6is provided as an example. Other examples may differ from what is described with regard toFIG.6.

FIG.7is a diagram of example components of a device700. In some implementations, the deposition tool102, the exposure tool104, the developer tool106, and/or the wafer/die transport tool108may include one or more devices700and/or one or more components of device700. As shown inFIG.7, device700may include a bus710, a processor720, a memory730, a storage component740, an input component750, an output component760, and a communication component770.

Bus710includes a component that enables wired and/or wireless communication among the components of device700. Processor720includes a central processing unit, a graphics processing unit, a microprocessor, a controller, a microcontroller, a digital signal processor, a field-programmable gate array, an application-specific integrated circuit, and/or another type of processing component. Processor720is implemented in hardware, firmware, or a combination of hardware and software. In some implementations, processor720includes one or more processors capable of being programmed to perform a function. Memory730includes a random access memory, a read only memory, and/or another type of memory (e.g., a flash memory, a magnetic memory, and/or an optical memory).

Storage component740stores information and/or software related to the operation of device700. For example, storage component740may include a hard disk drive, a magnetic disk drive, an optical disk drive, a solid state disk drive, a compact disc, a digital versatile disc, and/or another type of non-transitory computer-readable medium. Input component750enables device700to receive input, such as user input and/or sensed inputs. For example, input component750may include a touch screen, a keyboard, a keypad, a mouse, a button, a microphone, a switch, a sensor, a global positioning system component, an accelerometer, a gyroscope, and/or an actuator. Output component760enables device700to provide output, such as via a display, a speaker, and/or one or more light-emitting diodes. Communication component770enables device700to communicate with other devices, such as via a wired connection and/or a wireless connection. For example, communication component770may include a receiver, a transmitter, a transceiver, a modem, a network interface card, and/or an antenna.

Device700may perform one or more processes described herein. For example, a non-transitory computer-readable medium (e.g., memory730and/or storage component740) may store a set of instructions (e.g., one or more instructions, code, software code, and/or program code) for execution by processor720. Processor720may execute the set of instructions to perform one or more processes described herein. In some implementations, execution of the set of instructions, by one or more processors720, causes the one or more processors720and/or the device700to perform one or more processes described herein. In some implementations, hardwired circuitry may be used instead of or in combination with the instructions to perform one or more processes described herein. Thus, implementations described herein are not limited to any specific combination of hardware circuitry and software.

The number and arrangement of components shown inFIG.7are provided as an example. Device700may include additional components, fewer components, different components, or differently arranged components than those shown inFIG.7. Additionally, or alternatively, a set of components (e.g., one or more components) of device700may perform one or more functions described as being performed by another set of components of device700.

FIG.8is a flowchart of an example process800associated with developing a photoresist layer on a substrate. In some implementations, one or more process blocks ofFIG.8may be performed by a developer tool (e.g., the developer tool106). Additionally, or alternatively, one or more process blocks ofFIG.8may be performed by one or more components of device700, such as processor720, memory730, storage component740, input component750, output component760, and/or communication component770.

As shown inFIG.8, process800may include positioning a substrate on a chuck of a developer tool (block810). For example, the substrate202may be positioned on the chuck226of the developer tool106, as described above. In some implementations, the substrate202is be positioned on the chuck226by the wafer/die transport tool108or another tool.

As further shown inFIG.8, process800may include rotating the substrate on the chuck (block820). For example, the developer tool106may rotate the substrate202on the chuck226, as described above.

As further shown inFIG.8, process800may include dispensing a developer agent onto an exposed photoresist layer on the substrate while the substrate is rotating on the chuck (block830). For example, the developer tool106may dispense the developer agent230onto the exposed photoresist layer224on the substrate202while the substrate202is rotating on the chuck226, as described above. In some implementations, the developer agent230is dispensed through the plurality of nozzles404of the developer tool106onto the central portion (Z1) of the substrate202. In some implementations, the developer agent230is dispensed through a respective plurality of openings410in each of the plurality of nozzles404.

Process800may include additional implementations, such as any single implementation or any combination of implementations described below and/or in connection with one or more other processes described elsewhere herein.

In a first implementation, the developer agent230is dispensed at a plurality of different dispensing angles through a plurality of openings410in a nozzle of the plurality of nozzles404. In a second implementation, alone or in combination with the first implementation, a width of the central portion (Z1) is based on a viscosity of the photoresist material210that was used to form the exposed photoresist layer224. In a third implementation, alone or in combination with one or more of the first and second implementations, a thickness of the exposed photoresist layer224in the central portion (Z1) of the substrate202is greater relative to a thickness of the photoresist layer in a perimeter portion (Z2) of the substrate202.

In a fourth implementation, alone or in combination with one or more of the first through third implementations, a quantity of the plurality of nozzles404is based on at least one of a size of the substrate202, a thickness of the exposed photoresist layer224in the central portion (Z1) of the substrate202, a viscosity of the photoresist material210that was used for the exposed photoresist layer224, or a time duration for dispensing the developer agent230onto the exposed photoresist layer224on the substrate202. In a fifth implementation, alone or in combination with one or more of the first through fourth implementations, the plurality of nozzles404are included in a corresponding central portion (Z1) of the dispenser308of the developer tool106. In a sixth implementation, alone or in combination with one or more of the first through fifth implementations, the developer agent230is dispensed through the plurality of nozzles404onto the central portion (Z1) of the substrate202in an area having a width (W2, W3) in a range of greater than 0 millimeters to approximately 135 millimeters.

AlthoughFIG.8shows example blocks of process800, in some implementations, process800may include additional blocks, fewer blocks, different blocks, or differently arranged blocks than those depicted inFIG.8. Additionally, or alternatively, two or more of the blocks of process800may be performed in parallel.

FIG.9is a flowchart of an example process900associated with developing a photoresist layer on a substrate. In some implementations, one or more process blocks ofFIG.9may be performed by a developer tool (e.g., the developer tool106). Additionally, or alternatively, one or more process blocks ofFIG.9may be performed by one or more components of device700, such as processor720, memory730, storage component740, input component750, output component760, and/or communication component770.

As shown inFIG.9, process900may include rotating a substrate on a chuck of a developer tool (block910). For example, the developer tool106may rotate the substrate202on the chuck226of the developer tool106, as described above.

As further shown inFIG.9, process900may include dispensing, while the substrate is rotating on the chuck, a developer agent through a first subset of a first plurality of nozzles of a first type onto a perimeter portion of the substrate (block920). For example, the developer tool106may dispense, while the substrate202is rotating on the chuck226, the developer agent230through a first subset of a first plurality of nozzles402of a first type onto a perimeter portion (Z2) of the substrate202, as described above.

As further shown inFIG.9, process900may include dispensing, while the substrate is rotating on the chuck, the developer agent through a second subset of the first plurality of nozzles of the first type onto a central portion of the substrate and a second plurality of nozzles of a second type onto the central portion of the substrate (block930). For example, the developer tool106may dispense, while the substrate202is rotating on the chuck226, the developer agent230through a second subset of the first plurality of nozzles402of the first type onto the central portion (Z1) of the substrate202and a second plurality of nozzles404of a second type onto the central portion (Z1) of the substrate202, as described above.

Process900may include additional implementations, such as any single implementation or any combination of implementations described below and/or in connection with one or more other processes described elsewhere herein.

In a first implementation, dispensing the developer agent230through the first subset of the first plurality of nozzles402of the first type onto the perimeter portion (Z2) of the substrate202includes dispensing the developer agent230through the first subset of the first plurality of nozzles404of the first type onto the first area504of the perimeter portion (Z2) of the substrate202, and dispensing the developer agent230through the second subset of the first plurality of nozzles402of the first type and through the second plurality of nozzles404of the second type onto the central portion (Z1) of the substrate202includes dispensing the developer agent230through the second subset of the first plurality of nozzles402of the first type and through the second plurality of nozzles404of the second type onto the second area502of the central portion (Z1) of the substrate202, and where the second area502is greater relative to the first area504.

In a second implementation, alone or in combination with the first implementation, a width (W2, W3) of the second area502is in a range of greater than 0 millimeters to approximately 135 millimeters, and a width (W4, W5) of the first area504is in a range of greater than 0 millimeters to approximately 15 millimeters. In a third implementation, alone or in combination with one or more of the first and second implementations, a first diameter (D1) of an opening406in a nozzle of the first plurality of nozzles402of the first type is in a range of approximately 2 millimeters to approximately 50 millimeters, and a second diameter (D2) of an opening410in a nozzle of the second plurality of nozzles404of the second type is lesser relative to the first diameter.

AlthoughFIG.9shows example blocks of process900, in some implementations, process900may include additional blocks, fewer blocks, different blocks, or differently arranged blocks than those depicted inFIG.9. Additionally, or alternatively, two or more of the blocks of process900may be performed in parallel.

In this way, the developer tool described herein includes a dispenser that includes a greater quantity of nozzles in a central portion relative to a perimeter portion such that the developer tool is capable of more effectively removing material from a photoresist layer near a center of a substrate (which tends to be thicker near the center of the substrate relative to the edge or perimeter of the substrate). In this way, the developer tool may reduce the amount of photoresist residue or scum remaining on the substrate near the center of the substrate after a development operation, which may enable defect removal and/or prevention, may increase semiconductor processing yield, and/or may increase semiconductor processing quality.

As described in greater detail above, some implementations described herein provide a method. The method includes positioning a substrate on a chuck of a developer tool. The method includes rotating the substrate on the chuck. The method includes dispensing a developer agent onto an exposed photoresist layer on the substrate while the substrate is rotating on the chuck, where the developer agent is dispensed through a plurality of nozzles of the developer tool onto a central portion of the substrate, and where the developer agent is dispensed through a respective plurality of openings in each of the plurality of nozzles.

As described in greater detail above, some implementations described herein provide a developer tool. The developer tool includes a dispenser. The developer tool includes a first plurality of nozzles, on the dispenser, each including a respective single opening. The developer tool includes a second plurality of nozzles, on the dispenser, each including a respective plurality of openings.

As described in greater detail above, some implementations described herein provide a method. The method includes rotating a substrate on a chuck of a developer tool. The method includes dispensing, while the substrate is rotating on the chuck, a developer agent through a first subset of a first plurality of nozzles of a first type onto a perimeter portion of the substrate. The method includes dispensing, while the substrate is rotating on the chuck, the developer agent through, a second subset of the first plurality of nozzles of the first type onto a central portion of the substrate, and a second plurality of nozzles of a second type onto the central portion of the substrate.

The foregoing outlines features of several embodiments so that those skilled in the art may better understand the aspects of the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art should appreciate that they may readily use the present disclosure as a basis for designing or modifying other processes and structures for carrying out the same purposes and/or achieving the same advantages of the embodiments introduced herein. Those skilled in the art should also realize that such equivalent constructions do not depart from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure, and that they may make various changes, substitutions, and alterations herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.