Patent ID: 7967994

Claim:
A method comprising: providing a first processing chamber, said first processing chamber including a substrate having a layer of chalcogenide material formed thereon, said first processing chamber being equipped with a first load lock; controlling the environment of said first processing chamber, said controlling including establishing anhydrous or anaerobic conditions in said first processing chamber; removing a portion of said layer of chalcogenide material, said removing forming a sidewall surface of said chalcogenide material; controlling the environment of said first load lock, said controlling including establishing anhydrous or anaerobic conditions in said first load lock; transferring said substrate with said chalcogenide material having said sidewall layer from said first processing chamber to said first load lock; attaching a portable transport box to said first load lock; controlling the environment of said transport box, said controlling including establishing anhydrous or anaerobic conditions in said transport box; transferring said substrate with said chalcogenide material having said sidewall surface from said first load lock to said transport box; sealing said transport box; detaching said transport box from said first load lock; and conveying said transport box through air to a second processing chamber, said second processing chamber being equipped with a second load lock.