Abstract:
A gas distribution structure for supplying reactant gases and purge gases to independent process cells to deposit thin films on separate regions of a substrate is described. Each process cell has an associated ring purge and exhaust manifold to prevent reactive gases from forming deposits on the surface of the wafer between the isolated regions. Each process cell has an associated showerhead for conveying the reactive gases to the substrate. The showerheads can be independently rotated to simulate the rotation parameter for the deposition process.
Abstract:
Embodiments provided herein describe substrate processing tools and showerheads. A substrate processing tool includes a housing defining a processing chamber. A substrate support is coupled to the housing and configured to support a substrate within the processing chamber. A showerhead is coupled to the housing and positioned within the processing chamber above the substrate support. The showerhead includes a dielectric material and has a first surface with a plurality of fluid outlets, a second surface with a plurality of fluid ports, and first and second passageways extending therethrough. The first passageway is in fluid communication with the plurality of fluid outlets and a first of the plurality of fluid ports. The second passageway is in fluid communication with a second and a third of the fluid ports.
Abstract:
A photomask etch chamber, which includes a substrate support member disposed inside the chamber. The substrate support member is configured to support a photomask substrate. The chamber further includes a ceiling disposed on the chamber and an endpoint detection system configured to detect a peripheral region of the photomask substrate.
Abstract:
A photomask etch chamber, which includes a substrate support member disposed inside the chamber. The substrate support member is configured to support a photomask substrate. The chamber further includes a ceiling disposed on the chamber and an endpoint detection system configured to detect a peripheral region of the photomask substrate.
Abstract:
A hole filling process for an integrated circuit in which two wiring levels in the integrated circuit are connected by a narrow hole, especially where the underlying level is silicon. First, a physical vapor deposition (PVD) process fills a barrier tri-layer into the hole. The barrier tri-layer includes sequential layers of Ti, TiN, and graded TiNx, grown under conditions of a high-density plasma. Thereafter, a first aluminum layer is PVD deposited under conditions of a high-density plasma. A filling aluminum layer is then deposited by standard PVD techniques.
Abstract:
A plurality of independent reaction cells are disposed within a single process module to allow the deposition of films using MOCVD wherein parameters of the deposition are varied in a combinatorial manner. In some embodiments of the present invention, a plurality of independent reaction cells are disposed within a isolated process modules configured in a linear fashion to allow the deposition of films using MOCVD wherein parameters of the deposition are varied in a combinatorial manner. The independent reaction cells may also be utilized to form multilayer film stacks that are varied in a combinatorial manner.
Abstract:
Combinatorial processing including rotation and movement within a region is described, including defining multiple regions of at least one substrate, processing the multiple regions of the at least one substrate in a combinatorial manner, rotating a head in one of the multiple regions to perform the processing, and repositioning the head relative to the one of the multiple regions while rotating the head during the processing.
Abstract:
A method and apparatus for etching photomasks is provided herein. In one embodiment, a method of etching a photomask includes providing a process chamber having a substrate support pedestal adapted to receive a photomask substrate thereon. An ion-radical shield is disposed above the pedestal. A substrate is placed upon the pedestal beneath the ion-radical shield. A process gas is introduced into the process chamber and a plasma is formed from the process gas. The substrate is etched predominantly with radicals that pass through the shield.
Abstract:
The present invention generally provides an improved pedestal for supporting a substrate. The pedestal has greatest application during a plasma etching process, such as for a quartz photomask, or “reticle.” The pedestal defines a body, and a substrate support base along an upper surface of the body. The substrate support base has an outer edge, and an intermediate substrate support ridge for receiving and supporting the substrate. At least a portion of the substrate support base outside of the intermediate substrate support ridge is fabricated from a dielectric material. The purpose is to couple greater RF power through the reticle in order to enhance the plasma etching process.
Abstract:
A cathode assembly having a pedestal and a detachable susceptor. Various contact assemblies containing a canted spring are utilized to make electrical connection between the pedestal and detachable susceptor. The canted spring has coils that are tilted in one direction and joined end to end to form a doughnut shape. Such a spring creates multiple parallel self-loading electrical connections via the turns of the spring. The turns act like electrical wires to ensure reliable RF electrical energy transfer. The canted spring contact of the present invention allows for flat contact between the pedestal and the chuck.