Single wafer processor
US5168886A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Mar 27, 1989 |
| Grant date | Dec 8, 1992 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Mar 27, 2009 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
- CPC primaryY10S134/902
- WIPO fieldSemiconductors
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
A single wafer processor supports a semiconductor wafer having at least one surface that is to be subjected to contact with a fluid. The equipment includes a portable module including a gripper assembly that is rotatable about the axis of a portable housing and is capable of mechanically engaging or disengaging the edge of an individual wafer. The portable module is complementary to a receiving base having an open bowl provided with liquid jets for discharging processing liquids or reagents in parallel streams directed toward the outer surface of a rotating wafer. The bowl can also be filled with liquid for immersion treatment of a wafer, which can be held stationary or rotated at slow speeds. The portable unit is moved between base units by a robotic arm. All elements associated with holding of the wafer are physically shielded to minimize wafer contamination from environmental contact.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.