Abstract:
Provided is a method of controlling a gas cluster ion beam (GCIB) system for processing structures on a substrate. A GCIB system comprises deflection plates for directing a GCIB towards a substrate, the GCIB system coupled to a substrate scanning device configured to move a substrate in three dimensions. The substrate is exposed to the GCIB while the substrate is being moved by the substrate scanning device. A controller is used to control a set of deflection operating parameters comprising a deflection angle φ, voltage differential of the deflection plates, frequency of the deflection plate power, beam current, substrate distance, pressure in the nozzle, gas flow rate in the process chamber, separation of beam burns, duration of the bean burn, and/or duty cycle of the beam deflector output.
Abstract:
A method and system for performing gas cluster ion beam (GCIB) etch processing of various materials is described. In particular, the GCIB etch processing includes using one or more molecular beams to optimize pressure at localized regions of the ion beam.
Abstract:
A method of assembling a nozzle/skimmer module includes coupling a nozzle assembly and skimmer cartridge assembly in a rigid tandem configuration to more accurately control the formation of the Gas Cluster Ion Beam (GCIB). The nozzle/skimmer module is pre-aligned before installation in a production GCIB processing system to more accurately position the GCIB.
Abstract:
A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device is described. The method comprises performing a gas cluster ion beam (GCIB) pre-treatment and/or post-treatment of at least a portion of a silicon-containing substrate during formation of a silicide region.
Abstract:
A method and system for performing gas cluster ion beam (GCIB) etch processing of various materials is described. In particular, the GCIB etch processing includes setting one or more GCIB properties of a GCIB process condition for the GCIB to achieve one or more target etch process metrics. Furthermore, the GCIB etch processing utilizes Si-containing and/or Ge-containing etchants. Further yet, the GCIB etch processing facilitates etching Si-containing material, Ge-containing material, and metal-containing material.
Abstract:
A system and method for performing corrective processing of a workpiece is described. The system and method includes receiving a first set of parametric data from a first source that diagnostically relates to at least a first portion of a microelectronic workpiece, and receiving a second set of parametric data from a second source different than the first source that diagnostically relates to at least a second portion of the microelectronic workpiece. Thereafter, a corrective process is generated, and a target region of the microelectronic workpiece is processed by applying the corrective process to the target region using a combination of the first set of parametric data and the second set of parametric data.
Abstract:
A method for patterning a substrate is described. The method includes receiving a substrate having a patterned layer, wherein the patterned layer defines a first mandrel pattern, and wherein a first material layer of a first composition is conformally deposited over the first mandrel pattern. The method further includes partially removing the first material layer using a first gas cluster ion beam (GCIB) etching process to expose a top surface of the first mandrel pattern, open a portion of the first material layer at a bottom region adjacent a feature of the first mandrel pattern, and retain a remaining portion of the first material layer on sidewalls of the first mandrel pattern; and selectively removing the first mandrel pattern using one or more etching processes to leave a second mandrel pattern comprising the remaining portion of the first material layer that remained on the sidewalls of the first mandrel pattern.
Abstract:
A beam processing system and method of operating are described. In particular, the beam processing system includes a beam source having a nozzle assembly that is configured to introduce a primary gas through the nozzle assembly to a vacuum vessel in order to produce a gaseous beam, such as a gas cluster beam, and optionally, an ionizer positioned downstream from the nozzle assembly, and configured to ionize the gaseous beam to produce an ionized gaseous beam. The beam processing system further includes a process chamber within which a substrate is positioned for treatment by the gaseous beam, and a secondary gas source, wherein the secondary gas source includes a secondary gas supply system that delivers a secondary gas, and a secondary gas controller that operatively controls the flow of the secondary gas injected into the beam processing system downstream of the nozzle assembly.
Abstract:
A method and system for performing gas cluster ion beam (GCIB) etch processing of various materials are described. In particular, the GCIB etch processing includes setting one or more GCIB properties of a GCIB process condition for the GCIB to achieve one or more target etch process metrics. Furthermore, the GCIB is formed from a pressurized gas mixture containing at least one etch compound and at least one additional gas, wherein the concentration of the at least one etch compound in the GCIB exceeds 5 at % of the pressurized gas mixture.
Abstract:
Disclosed are an apparatus, system, and method for scanning a substrate or other workpiece through a gas-cluster ion beam (GCIB), or any other type of ion beam. The workpiece scanning apparatus is configured to receive and hold a substrate for irradiation by the GCIB and to scan it through the GCIB in two directions using two movements: a reciprocating fast-scan movement, and a slow-scan movement. The slow-scan movement is actuated using a servo motor and a belt drive system, the belt drive system being configured to reduce the failure rate of the workpiece scanning apparatus.