Patent ID: 12230540

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the various drawings, same or corresponding parts will be assigned same or corresponding reference numerals, and redundant description will be omitted.

FIG.1is a plan view illustrating a substrate processing system according to an exemplary embodiment.FIG.2is a cross sectional view illustrating the substrate processing system according to the exemplary embodiment, taken along a line II-II ofFIG.1. InFIG.1andFIG.2, the X-axis direction, the Y-axis direction and the Z-axis direction are orthogonal to each other, and the X-axis and Y-axis directions are horizontal directions whereas the Z-axis direction is a vertical direction. A rotational direction around a vertical axis is also referred to as “θ direction.” In the present specification, below means vertically below, and above means vertically above.

A substrate processing system1is configured to perform a laser processing of a processing target substrate10. Further, the substrate processing system1is also configured to perform thinning of the processing target substrate10. Either of the laser processing of the processing target substrate10and the thinning of the processing target substrate10may be performed first. The substrate processing system1is configured to be capable of coping with any of two cases where the laser processing of the processing target substrate10is performed first and where the thinning processing of the processing target substrate10is performed first. Further, the substrate processing system1may be configured to perform only the laser processing of the processing target substrate10between the laser processing and the thinning of the processing target substrate10.

In order to reinforce the processing target substrate10before the laser processing and the thinning of the processing target substrate10, the substrate processing system1prepares a combined substrate30(seeFIG.6) by bonding the processing target substrate10and a support substrate20. A bonding surface of the processing target substrate10to be bonded to the support substrate20is a first main surface11, and no protective tape is attached to this first main surface11. Further, the processing target substrate10may not be bonded with the support substrate20, and in such a case, a protective tape is attached to the first main surface11of the processing target substrate10.

The substrate processing system1includes a carry-in/out station100in which a cassette101accommodating therein the processing target substrate10is carried in/out. Besides the cassette101accommodating the processing target substrate10therein, a cassette102accommodating therein the support substrate20and cassettes103and104accommodating therein the combined substrate30are also carried into or out of the carry-in/out station100.

The carry-in/out station100is equipped with a cassette table110on which the cassette101accommodating therein the processing target substrate10is placed. The cassette table110includes a plurality of (e.g., four) placing plates112. These placing plates112are arranged at a regular distance therebetween in the Y-axis direction. The cassettes101,102,103and104are respectively placed on the placing plates112. The combined substrate30is sorted into a proper substrate or a faulty substrate, and the proper substrate is accommodated in the cassette103for the proper one whereas the faulty substrate is accommodated in the cassette104for the faulty one.

FIG.3is a perspective view illustrating the processing target substrate according to the exemplary embodiment. The processing target substrate10is, for example, a semiconductor substrate such as a silicon wafer. The processing target substrate10has the first main surface11and a second main surface12which are mutually opposite to each other.

The first main surface11of the processing target substrate10is partitioned into multiple regions by a multiple number of streets formed to have a lattice pattern. A device such as an element, a circuit or a terminal is formed in each of the multiple regions. A dividing line13is set for each of the multiple number of streets. The processing target substrate10is split along the dividing lines13, so that a multiple number of chips19(seeFIG.8) are obtained.

The processing target substrate10is accommodated in the cassette101with the first main surface11having the device formed thereon facing upwards. Further, after the processing target substrate10is taken out of the cassette101, it is carried to the processing station200after being inverted upside down.

The carry-in/out station100(seeFIG.1andFIG.2) has a transfer section120in which the processing target substrate10is carried. The transfer section120is provided at the positive X-axis side of the cassette table110. A guide rail121extending in the Y-axis direction is provided in the transfer section120, and a transfer device122is moved along the guide rail121.

The transfer device122is equipped with a first holding mechanism123as a holder configured to hold the processing target substrates10. In the present exemplary embodiment, since the processing target substrate10is bonded to the support substrate20, the transfer device22has a circular attraction surface having a diameter larger than a diameter of the processing target substrate10, and the transfer device22does not have, on this attraction surface, a second holding mechanism configured to attract the processing target substrate10. Further, the processing target substrate10may not be bonded with the support substrate20, and in such a case, the transfer device122may have the second holding mechanism.

The first holding mechanism123is configured to be movable in the X-axis direction, the Z-axis direction and the0direction as well as in the Y-axis direction. The first holding mechanism123takes out the processing target substrate10from the cassette101placed on the cassette table110. Further, the first holding mechanism123takes out the support substrate20from the cassette102placed on the cassette table110. Further, the first holding mechanism123accommodates the combined substrate30in either the cassette103for proper substrate or the cassette104for faulty substrate placed on the cassette table110.

The first holding mechanism123is formed to have a bifurcated shape to be easily inserted into the cassettes101,102,103and104. The first holding mechanism123is configured to be inverted upside down to invert the processing target substrate10upside down.

The substrate processing system1is equipped with a processing station200configured to perform a processing on the processing target substrate10taken out from the cassette101. The processing station200includes a coating apparatus210configured to coat an adhesive22on a bonding surface21of the support substrate20to be bonded to the processing target substrate10; and a bonding apparatus220configured to bond the support substrate20and the processing target substrate10with the adhesive22therebetween. Here, the coating apparatus210and the bonding apparatus220are just examples, and the processing station200may not have the coating apparatus210and the bonding apparatus220.

FIG.4is a diagram illustrating the coating apparatus according to the exemplary embodiment. The coating apparatus210is equipped with, for example, a spin chuck211configured to hold the support substrate20horizontally with the bonding surface21thereof facing upwards; and a coating nozzle212configured to coat the adhesive22onto the bonding surface21of the support substrate20held by the spin chuck211.

The coating apparatus210coats the adhesive22on the bonding surface21of the support substrate20by rotating the spin chuck211. Then, the coating apparatus210dries the adhesive22. A glass substrate may be used as the support substrate20. Alternatively, a semiconductor substrate may be used instead of this glass substrate. As the adhesive22, a thermoplastic resin may be used, for example.

FIG.5is a diagram illustrating states before and after compressed air is supplied into a pressure vessel of the bonding apparatus according to the exemplary embodiment. A dashed double dotted line inFIG.5shows the state before the compressed air is supplied into a pressure vessel224, and a solid line shows the state after the compressed air is supplied into the pressure vessel224.FIG.6is a diagram illustrating an example of a state in which a sealed space of the bonding apparatus shown by the solid line ofFIG.5is decompressed.

The bonding apparatus220is equipped with, for example, an upper chuck221configured to hold the processing target substrate10horizontally and a lower chuck222configured to hold the support substrate20horizontally. The lower chuck222has therein a heater223configured to heat the support substrate20to thereby heat the adhesive22. The bonding apparatus220is equipped with the pressure vessel224into which the compressed air is supplied to transform an attraction surface of the upper chuck221for attracting the processing target substrate10to be convex curved downwards. The pressure vessel224is expandable and contractible in a vertical direction, and is made of, by way of non-limiting example, a metal bellows.

First, the bonding apparatus220lowers the upper chuck221to bring it into contact with the lower chuck222, so that a sealed space225is formed between the upper chuck221and the lower chuck222, as depicted inFIG.5. Then, the bonding apparatus220supplies the compressed air into the pressure vessel224, thus allowing the attraction surface of the upper chuck221for attracting the processing target substrate10to be convex curved downwards. As a result, a central portion of the processing target substrate10and a central portion of the support substrate20are bonded with the adhesive22therebetween.

Next, the bonding apparatus220decompresses the sealed space225to suppress entrainment of air. Since a pressure difference between the sealed space225and a suction hole of the upper chuck221is reduced, the upper chuck221is not be able to vacuum-attract the processing target substrate10. Accordingly, the processing target substrate10is returned into a flat state as shown inFIG.6from the state in which it is convex curved downwards as shown inFIG.5. At this time, the processing target substrate10and the support substrate20are gradually bonded from the central portion of the processing target substrate10toward a peripheral portion thereof.

Further, the coating apparatus210may coat the adhesive22on a bonding surface of the processing target substrate10to be bonded to the support substrate20. The bonding surface of the processing target substrate10to be bonded to the support substrate20is the first main surface11having the device previously formed thereon.

The processing station200is equipped with a laser processing apparatus230configured to perform a laser processing of the processing target substrate10.FIG.7is a diagram illustrating major parts of the laser processing apparatus according to the exemplary embodiment. By way of example, the laser processing apparatus230is configured to perform a laser processing (so-called laser dicing) for splitting the processing target substrate10into the multiple number of chips19(seeFIG.8).

The laser processing apparatus230is equipped with a laser processing stage231configured to hold the processing target substrate10thereon; and a laser processing head232configured to radiate and concentrate a laser beam LB for processing the processing target substrate10to the processing target substrate10held on the laser processing stage231.

The laser processing stage231supports the processing target substrate10from below it so that the second main surface12of the processing target substrate10faces upwards. The laser processing stage231has a circular attraction surface having a diameter larger than that of the processing target substrate10, and attracts the processing target substrate10onto this attraction surface10. The laser processing stage231may be a vacuum chuck configured to vacuum-attract the processing target substrate10, or an electrostatic chuck configured to attract the processing target substrate10electrostatically. The laser processing stage231holds thereon the processing target substrate10bonded to the support substrate20previously, that is, the combined substrate30.

The laser processing head232has a condensing lens233disposed vertically above the laser processing stage231. The condensing lens233is configured to concentrate the laser beam LB to an inside of the processing target substrate10, thus allowing a modification layer15serving as a split starting point to be formed within the processing target substrate10. When forming the modification layer15within the processing target substrate10, the laser beam transmissive to the processing target substrate10is used. For example, the modification layer15is formed by locally melting and solidifying the inside of the processing target substrate10.

In the present exemplary embodiment, the laser beam LB forms the modification layer15serving as the split starting point within the processing target substrate10. However, the laser beam LB may form a laser processing groove on a top surface of the processing target substrate10. The laser processing groove may or may not be formed through the processing target substrate10in a plate thickness direction. When forming the laser processing groove on the top surface of the processing target substrate10, the laser beam having absorptivity for the processing target substrate10is used.

The laser processing apparatus230is equipped with a moving mechanism234(seeFIG.1andFIG.2) configured to move the laser processing stage231to move an irradiation point of the laser beam LB on the top surface of the processing target substrate10. The moving mechanism234is configured to move the laser moving stage231in the X-axis direction, the Y-axis direction and the0direction.

The moving mechanism234is implemented by, for example, an XYθ stage, and includes a Y-axis guide235, a Y-axis slider configured to be moved along the Y-axis guide235, an X-axis guide236, an X-axis slider configured to be moved along the X-axis guide236, a rotation shaft parallel to the Z-axis, and a rotary table configured to be rotated around the rotation shaft. The Y-axis guide235is fixed to, for example, a base frame237. The X-axis guide236is fixed to the Y-axis slider which is configured to be moved along the Y-axis guide. The rotary table is rotatably fixed to the X-axis slider which is configured to be moved along the X-axis guide236. The laser processing stage231is fixed to the rotary table.

Though the moving mechanism234is implemented by the XYθ stage in the present exemplary embodiment, it may be a XYZθ stage. That is, the laser processing stage231may be configured to be moved in the Z-axis direction as well.

The laser processing apparatus230is equipped with the base frame237, a multiple number of supporting columns238mounted to the base frame237in a standing posture, and a ceiling frame239supported by the multiple number of supporting columns238. The moving mechanism234is fixed to the base frame237, and the laser processing head232is mounted to the ceiling frame239.

The processing station200includes a pre-alignment apparatus240. The pre-alignment apparatus240includes a pre-alignment stage241configured to hold the processing target substrate10, and a detector242configured to detect a center position and a crystal orientation of the processing target substrate10held by the pre-alignment stage241. The detector242detects the crystal orientation of the processing target substrate10by detecting a position of a notch14(seeFIG.3) which indicates the crystal orientation of the processing target substrate10. The detector242may detect a position of an orientation flat instead of detecting the position of the notch14.

The pre-alignment stage241supports the processing target substrate10from below it so that the second main surface12of the processing target substrate10faces upwards. The pre-alignment stage241has a circular attraction surface having a diameter larger than that of the processing target substrate10and attracts the processing target substrate10onto this attraction surface. Though the pre-alignment stage241is a vacuum chuck configured to vacuum-attract the processing target substrate10in the present exemplary embodiment, it may be an electrostatic chuck configured to attract the processing target substrate10electrostatically. The pre-alignment stage241holds thereon the processing target substrate10bonded with the support substrate20previously, that is, the combined substrate30.

The detector242includes, for example, an imaging device and is configured to image a periphery of the processing target substrate10held by the pre-alignment stage241. The pre-alignment stage241is rotated around a vertical axis to image a multiple number of points of the periphery of the processing target substrates10. The detector242sends a signal of an obtained image to a control device400. The control device400obtains the center position and the crystal orientation of the processing target substrate10in a coordinate system fixed to the pre-alignment stage241by performing an image-processing on the image obtained by the detector242.

The pre-alignment apparatus240has a mounting base243fixed to the ceiling frame239of the laser processing apparatus230. The pre-alignment stage241is rotatably mounted to the mounting base243. Further, a supporting column for supporting the detector242is fixed to the mounting base243.

The pre-alignment apparatus240is disposed on top of the laser processing apparatus230. Since the pre-alignment apparatus240and the laser processing apparatus230are stacked in a vertical direction, an installation area of the substrate processing system1can be reduced as compared to a case where the pre-alignment apparatus240and the laser processing apparatus230are arranged in a horizontal direction. When viewed from vertical direction, the pre-alignment apparatus240is placed inside an edge of the base frame237so as not to be protruded from the base frame237of the laser processing apparatus230.

The processing station200is equipped with a transfer arm260configured to receive the processing target substrate10from the pre-alignment apparatus240and transfer the received processing target substrate10to the laser processing apparatus230. The transfer arm260is configured to be moved in the X-axis direction along the X-axis guide261and in the Z-axis direction along the Z-axis guide262. Further, though the transfer arm260is not movable in the Y-axis direction in the present exemplary embodiment, it may be configured to be movable in the Y-axis direction as well.

The transfer arm260holds the processing target substrate10from above it so that the first main surface11of the processing target substrate10faces downwards. The transfer arm260has a circular attraction surface having a diameter larger than that of the processing target substrate10, and attracts the processing target substrate10onto this attraction surface. Though the transfer arm260is configured as a vacuum chuck which vacuum-attracts the processing target substrate10, it may be an electrostatic chuck configured to attract the processing target substrate10electrostatically. The transfer arm260holds the processing target substrate10bonded with the support substrate20previously, that is, the combined substrate30.

The transfer arm260transfers the processing target substrate10from the pre-alignment apparatus240to the laser processing apparatus230, as stated above. The transfer arm260is used when the thinning of the processing target substrate10(seeFIG.10) is performed after the laser processing of the processing target substrate10. In this case, as will be described later in detail, the transfer device280of the processing station200carries the combined substrate30into the pre-alignment apparatus240, and the transfer arm260then carries out the combined substrate30from the pre-alignment apparatus240.

Although the transfer device280of the processing station200may be used to carry out the combined substrate30from the pre-alignment apparatus240, the transfer arm260is used in the present exemplary embodiment. According to the present exemplary embodiment, since a path through which the combined substrate30is carried into the pre-alignment apparatus240and a path through which the combined substrate30is carried out of the pre-alignment apparatus240are different from each other, stagnation in a flow of the combined substrate30can be suppressed.

Further, even in case that the processing target substrate10is not bonded with the support substrate20previously, the same effect can be achieved. In this case, the transfer device122of the carry-in/out station100carries the processing target substrate10into the pre-alignment apparatus240, and the transfer arm260then carries out the processing target substrate10from the pre-alignment apparatus240. Thus, since a path through which the processing target substrate10is carried into the pre-alignment apparatus240and a path through which the processing target substrate10is carried out of the pre-alignment apparatus240are different from each other, stagnation in a flow of the processing target substrate10can be suppressed.

Furthermore, the transfer arm260may also be used when the processing target substrate10is returned back to the carry-in/out station100without being subjected to the thinning processing of the processing target substrate10after the laser processing of the processing target substrate10. In this case as well, the stagnation of the flow of the processing target substrate10can be suppressed since the transfer device122of the carry-in/out station100carries the processing target substrate10into the pre-alignment apparatus240and the transfer arm260then carries out the processing target substrate10from the pre-alignment apparatus240.

The transfer arm260is configured to be movable vertically above the moving mechanism234which moves the laser processing stage231. Since the transfer arm260and the moving mechanism234of the laser processing stage231are stacked in the vertical direction, the installation area of the substrate processing system1can be reduced as compared to a case where the transfer arm260and the moving mechanism234of the laser processing stage231are arranged in the horizontal direction. When viewed from the vertical direction, the transfer arm260is moved inside the edge of the base frame237so as not to be protruded from the base frame237of the laser processing apparatus230.

The processing station200is equipped with a thinning apparatus270configured to perform the thinning of the processing target substrate10.FIG.8is a diagram illustrating the thinning apparatus according to the exemplary embodiment. The thinning apparatus270is configured to thin the processing target substrate10by grinding the second main surface12of the processing target substrate10.

The thinning apparatus270is equipped with a rotary chuck272configured to hold the processing target substrate10from below it so that the second main surface12of the processing target substrate10faces upwards. The rotary chuck272has a circular attraction surface having a diameter larger than that of the processing target substrate10, and attracts the processing target substrate10onto this attraction surface. Though the rotary chuck272is, for example, a vacuum chuck configured to vacuum-attract the processing target substrate10in the present exemplary embodiment, it may be an electrostatic chuck configured to attract the processing target substrate10electrostatically.

The thinning apparatus270is equipped with a rotary whetstone274disposed vertically above the rotary chuck272. The rotary whetstone274is lowered while being rotated and grinds the top surface (second main surface12) of the processing target substrate10which is rotated along with the rotary chuck272. When the thinning of the processing target substrate10is performed after the laser processing of the processing target substrate10, a crack develops from the modification layer15shown inFIG.7in the plate thickness direction, so that the processing target substrate10is split into a multiple number of chips19(seeFIG.8). Further, the modification layer15shown inFIG.7is removed by the grinding.

The thinning apparatus270and the carry-in/out station100are disposed at opposite sides from each other with the laser processing apparatus230therebetween in the horizontal direction (seeFIG.1andFIG.2). The thinning apparatus270is disposed at a positive X-axis side of the laser processing apparatus230, and the carry-in/out station100is disposed at a negative X-axis side of the laser processing apparatus230. The laser processing apparatus230which does not produce a grinding residue is disposed between the carry-in/out station100and the thinning apparatus270which produces a grinding residue. With this configuration, the carry-in/out station100can be maintained clean, so that the processing target substrate10after being processed can be maintained clean.

The processing station200is equipped with a transfer device280configured to be moved between the carry-in/out station100and the thinning apparatus270while holding the processing target substrate10thereon and to transfer the processing target substrate10to/from the carry-in/out station100and the thinning apparatus270. The processing target substrate10may be delivered to the transfer device280from the carry-in/out station100, or delivered to the carry-in/out station100from the transfer device280. Further, the processing target substrate10may be delivered to the transfer device280from the thinning apparatus270, or delivered to the thinning apparatus270from the transfer device280.

The transfer device280may transfer the processing target substrate10after being subjected to the laser processing, or transfer the processing target substrates10before being subjected to the laser processing. While the transfer device280is transferring the processing target substrate10at the outside of the laser processing apparatus230, the laser processing apparatus230is capable of performing a laser processing of another processing target substrate10. Therefore, a throughput can be improved. The transfer device280may also transfer the support substrate20. Furthermore, the transfer device280may also transfer the combined substrate30.

The transfer device280is equipped with a transfer arm283configured to be moved along a guide rail282which is provided in a transfer section281adjacent to the laser processing apparatus230in the horizontal direction. The laser processing apparatus230, the thinning apparatus270and the transfer section120of the carry-in/out station100are adjacent to the transfer section281. The laser processing apparatus230is disposed at a positive Y-axis side of the transfer section281. The thinning apparatus270is disposed at a positive X-axis side of the transfer section281. The transfer section120of the carry-in/out station100is disposed at a negative X-axis side of the transfer section281.

The guide rail282is elongated in the X-axis direction. The transfer arm283is configured to be moved in the Y-axis direction, the Z-axis direction and the0direction as well as in the X-axis direction. For the sake of cost cutting, the transfer arm283is formed to have a bifurcated shape, the same as the first holding mechanism123.

The transfer arm283is also capable of transferring the processing target substrate10to the laser processing apparatus230as well as to the carry-in/out station100and the thinning apparatus270. The transfer arm283is also capable of delivering the support substrate20to the laser processing apparatus230. Further, the transfer arm283is also capable of transferring the combined substrate30to the laser processing apparatus230.

The coating apparatus210and the bonding apparatus220are adjacent to the transfer section281. By way of example, the coating apparatus210and the bonding apparatus220are disposed at a negative Y-axis side of the transfer section281. The transfer device280delivers the support substrate20(or the processing target substrate10) to the coating apparatus210. Further, the transfer device280transfers the processing target substrate10and the support substrate20to the bonding apparatus220. By increasing a work amount of the transfer device280, an operating rate of the transfer device280can be improved.

The substrate processing system1is equipped with the control device400configured to control an operation of the carry-in/out station100and an operation of the processing station200. The control device400is, by way of non-limiting example, a computer, and includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit)401, a recording medium402such as a memory, an input interface403, and an output interface404. The control device400allows the CPU401to execute a program stored in the recording medium402, thus implementing various kinds of controls. Further, the control device400receives a signal from an outside through the input interface403and transmits a signal to the outside through the output interface404.

The program of the control device400is recorded in an information recording medium and installed from the information recording medium. The information recording medium may be, by way of non-limiting example, a hard disc (HD), a flexible disc (FD), a compact disc (CD), a magneto optical disc (MO), or a memory card. Further, the program may be installed by being downloaded from a server through Internet.

FIG.9is a flowchart illustrating a substrate processing method according to the exemplary embodiment.FIG.10is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process performed after a process S109ofFIG.9when thinning of the processing target substrate is performed after a laser processing of the processing target substrate. Multiple processes shown inFIG.9andFIG.10are performed under the control of the control device400. Further, a sequence of the multiple processes shown inFIG.9andFIG.10is not particularly limited. Furthermore, some of the multiple processes shown inFIG.9andFIG.10may be omitted.

The substrate processing method includes a process S101in which the first holding mechanism123takes out the processing target substrate10from the cassette101placed on the cassette table110and transfers the taken processing target substrate10to the processing station200. The substrate processing method includes a process S102in which the transfer arm283receives the processing target substrate10from the first holding mechanism123and transfers the received processing target substrate10to the bonding apparatus220. In parallel with these processes S101and S102, following processes S103to S106are performed. Further, the following processes S103to S106need to be completed by the time when a following process S107is begun, and may not be performed in parallel with the above-described processes S101and S102.

The substrate processing method includes the process S103in which the first holding mechanism123takes out the support substrate20from the cassette102placed on the cassette table110and transfers the taken support substrate20to the processing station200. The substrate processing method includes the process S104in which the transfer arm283receives the support substrate20from the first holding mechanism123and transfers the received support substrate20to the coating apparatus210. The substrate processing method includes the process S105in which the coating apparatus210coats the adhesive22on the bonding surface21of the support substrate20to be bonded with the processing target substrate10. The substrate processing method includes the process S106in which the transfer arm283receives the support substrate20from the coating apparatus210and transfers the received support substrate20to the bonding apparatus220.

Further, in the process S102, the transfer arm283may transfer the processing target substrate10to the coating apparatus210. In this case, in the process S104, the transfer arm283transfers the support substrate20to the bonding apparatus220. In this case, the substrate processing method includes, instead of the process S105, a process in which the coating apparatus210coats the adhesive22on the bonding surface of the processing target substrate10to be bonded with the support substrate20. Furthermore, in this case, the substrate processing method includes, instead of the process S106, a process in which the transfer arm283receives the processing target substrate10from the coating apparatus210and transfers the received processing target substrate10to the bonding apparatus220.

The substrate processing method includes the process S107in which the bonding apparatus220obtains the combined substrate30by bonding the support substrate20and the processing target substrate10with the adhesive22therebetween. In following processes S108to S117after the process S107, the processing target substrate10is maintained bonded to and reinforced by the support substrate20. Thus, the damage of the processing target substrate10can be suppressed.

The substrate processing method includes the process S108in which the transfer arm283receives the combined substrate30from the bonding apparatus220and transfers the received combined substrate30to the pre-alignment apparatus240. The pre-alignment apparatus240receives the combined substrate30from the transfer arm283, and holds the received combined substrate30by the pre-alignment stage241.

The substrate processing method includes the process S109in which the pre-alignment stage241holds the combined substrate30and the detector242detects the center position and the crystal orientation of the processing target substrate10held by the pre-alignment stage241.

The substrate processing method includes the process S110in which the transfer arm260receives the combined substrate30from the pre-alignment apparatus240and transfers the received combined substrate30to the laser processing apparatus230.

The substrate processing method includes the process S111in which the laser processing apparatus230receives the combined substrate30from the transfer arm260and holds the received combined substrate30by the laser processing stage231.

The pre-alignment apparatus240rotates the combined substrate30before the process S110and after the process S109such that the crystal orientation of the processing target substrate10with respect to the laser processing stage231coincides with a preset orientation in the process S111. Further, the transfer arm260receives the combined substrate30from the pre-alignment stage241in the process S110such that a center position of the laser processing stage231and the center position of the processing target substrate10are coincident with each other in the process S111.

The substrate processing method includes the process S112in which the laser processing apparatus230performs the laser processing of the processing target substrate10. In the process S112, the laser processing stage231holds the combined substrate30, and the laser processing head232radiates and concentrates the laser beam LB for processing the processing target substrate10to the processing target substrate10held by the laser processing stage231.

The substrate processing method includes the process S113in which the transfer arm283receives the combined substrate30from the laser processing apparatus230and transfers the received combined substrate30to the thinning apparatus270.

The substrate processing method includes the process S114in which the thinning apparatus270receives the combined substrate30and holds the received combined substrate30by the rotary chuck272.

The substrate processing method includes the process S115in which the thinning apparatus270thins the processing target substrate10. In the process S115, the rotary chuck272holds the combined substrate30, and by lowering the rotary whetstone274into contact with the processing target substrate10while rotating the rotary whetstone274, the processing target substrate10which is rotated along with the rotary chuck272is ground.

The substrate processing method includes the process S116in which the transfer arm283receives the combined substrate30from the thinning apparatus270and transfers the received combined substrate30to the carry-in/out station100.

The substrate processing method includes the process S117in which the first holding mechanism123receives the combined substrate30from the transfer arm283and accommodates the received combined substrate30in either the cassette103or the cassette104placed on the cassette table110. Upon the completion of the process S117, the current processing is ended.

FIG.11is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process performed after the process S109ofFIG.9when the laser processing of the processing target substrate is performed after the thinning of the processing target substrate. Multiple processes shown inFIG.11are performed under the control of the control device400. Further, a sequence of the multiple processes shown inFIG.11is not particularly limited. Furthermore, some of the multiple processes shown inFIG.11may be omitted.

The substrate processing method includes a process S201in which the transfer arm283receives the combined substrate30from the pre-alignment apparatus240and transfers the received combined substrate30to the thinning apparatus270.

The substrate processing method includes a process S202in which the thinning apparatus270receives the combined substrate30and holds the received combined substrate30by the rotary chuck272.

The pre-alignment apparatus240rotates the combined substrate30before the process S201and after the process S109such that the crystal orientation of the processing target substrate10with respect to the rotary chuck272coincides with the preset orientation in the process S202. Further, the transfer arm283receives the combined substrate30from the pre-alignment stage241in the process S201such that a center position of the rotary chuck272and the center position of the processing target substrate10are coincident with each other in the process S202.

The substrate processing method includes a process S203in which the thinning apparatus270thins the processing target substrate10. In the process S203, the rotary chuck272holds the combined substrate30, and the rotary whetstone274is lowered into contact with the processing target substrate10while being rotated, so that the processing target substrate10which is rotated along with the rotary chuck272is ground.

The substrate processing method includes a process S204in which the transfer arm283receives the combined substrate30from the thinning apparatus270and transfers the received combined substrate30to the laser processing apparatus230.

The substrate processing method includes a process S205in which the laser processing apparatus230receives the combined substrate30from the transfer arm283and holds the received combined substrate30by the laser processing stage231.

The substrate processing method includes a process S206in which the laser processing apparatus230performs the laser processing of the processing target substrate10. In the process S206, the laser processing stage231holds the combined substrate30, and the laser processing head232radiates and concentrates the laser beam LB for processing the processing target substrate10to the processing target substrate10held by the laser processing stage231.

The substrate processing method includes a process S207in which the transfer arm283receives the combined substrate30from the laser processing apparatus230and transfers the received combined substrate30to the carry-in/out station100.

The substrate processing method includes a process S208in which the first holding mechanism123receives the combined substrate30from the transfer arm283and accommodates the received combined substrate30in the cassette103or the cassette104placed on the cassette table110. Upon the completion of the process S208, the current processing is ended.

Instead of the above-described processes S207and S208, there may be performed a process in which the transfer device122of the carry-in/out station100receives the combined substrate30from the laser processing apparatus230and accommodates the received combined substrate30in the cassette103or104placed on the cassette table110.

So far, the exemplary embodiment of the substrate processing system and the substrate processing method has been described. However, it should be noted that the present disclosure is not limited to the above-described exemplary embodiment. Various changes, modifications, replacements, addition, deletion and combinations may be made within the scope of the claims, and all of these are included in the scope of the inventive concept of the present disclosure.

Though the substrate processing system1according to the above-described exemplary embodiment has the coating apparatus210and the bonding apparatus220, it may not include the coating apparatus210and the bonding apparatus220. In such a case, in the description ofFIG.9toFIG.11, the combined substrate30is replaced with the processing target substrate10. Further, in this case, instead of the processes S101to S108inFIG.9, there is performed a process in which the transfer device122of the carry-in/out station100takes out the processing target substrate10from the cassette101placed on the cassette table110and transfers the taken processing target substrate10to the pre-alignment apparatus240.

The substrate processing system1according to the above-described exemplary embodiment is configured to be capable of coping with any of two cases: where the laser processing of the processing target substrate10is performed before the thinning of the processing target substrate10and where the thinning of the processing target substrate10is performed before the laser processing. However, the substrate processing system1may be configured to be capable of coping with either one of these cases. By way of example, when the substrate processing system1is adapted to correspond to only the case where the thinning of the processing target substrate10is first performed, the substrate processing system1may not have the transfer arm260.

The substrate processing system1according to the above-described exemplary embodiment is configured to perform both the laser processing of the processing target substrate10and the thinning of the processing target substrate10. However, the substrate processing system1may be configured to perform only the laser processing of the processing target substrate10and may not have the thinning apparatus270. In this case, upon the completion of the process S112ofFIG.10, the processing target substrate10is accommodated in the cassette placed on the cassette table110after being transferred through the transfer section120. Then, the current processing is ended.

The present application claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2018-086913, field on Apr. 27, 2018, which application is hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

EXPLANATION OF CODES

According to the exemplary embodiments, it is possible to reduce an installation area of a substrate processing system configured to perform a laser processing of a substrate.