Wafer surface temperature control for deposition of thin films
US5834068A · kind A · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 12, 1996 |
| Grant date | Nov 10, 1998 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jul 12, 2016 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC C)Chemistry; Metallurgy
- CPC primaryC23C16/52
- WIPO fieldSurface technology, coating
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
A method for improving the characteristics of deposited thin films by improved control and stabilization of wafer surface temperatures. Further, the invention provides the ability to rapidly change the temperature of the wafer surface without the need to change the temperature of the chamber. The wafer is heated to an operating temperature by conventional means. A gas with high thermal conductivity, such as helium or hydrogen, is passed over the wafer to cool its surface to a desired temperature for the process to be performed. The flow rate is then adjusted to stabilize the temperature of the wafer and reduce surface temperature variations. Processing gases are then introduced into the chamber, and deposition onto the wafer commences. The maintenance of correct wafer surface temperature results in improved step coverage and conformality of the deposited film. Post-deposition steps such as plasma annealing may be performed using a gas compatible with the process at a flow rate which results in a temperature desirable for the post-deposition process.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.