Thermally processing semiconductor wafers at non-ambient pressures
US5194401A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Apr 22, 1992 |
| Grant date | Mar 16, 1993 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Apr 22, 2012 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
- CPC primaryC23C16/44
- WIPO fieldSurface technology, coating
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A thermal reactor system for semiconductor processing incorporates a reaction vessel with a rectangular quartz tube with reinforcing parallel quartz gussets. The gussets enable sub-ambient pressure processing, while the rectangular tube maximizes reactant gas flow uniformity over a wafer being processed. The gussets facilitate effective cooling, while minimally impairing heating of the wafer by allowing minimal wall thickness. The thermal reactor system further includes a gas source for supplying reactant gas and an exhaust handling system for removing spent gases from and establishing a reduced pressure within the reaction vessel. An array of infrared lamps is used to radiate energy through the quartz tube; the lamps are arranged in a staggered relation relative to the quartz gussets to minimize shadowing. In addition, other non-cylindrical gusseted vessel geometries are disclosed which provide for improved sub-ambient pressure thermal processing of semiconductor wafers.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.