Patent · US Expired

Method and apparatus for cleaning a vacuum line in a CVD system

US6194628A · kind A · utility

83Cited by
13References
40Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateSep 25, 1995
Grant dateFeb 27, 2001
Priority date
Expiry dateSep 25, 2015

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY02P70/50
  • WIPO fieldSurface technology, coating
  • WIPO sectorChemistry

Abstract

An apparatus for preventing particulate matter and residue build-up within a vacuum exhaust line of a semiconductor processing device. The apparatus uses RF energy to form excite the constituents of particulate matter exhausted from a semiconductor processing chamber into a plasma state such that the constituents react to form gaseous products that may be pumped through the vacuum line. The apparatus may include a collection chamber structured and arranged to collect particulate matter flowing through the apparatus and inhibiting egress of the particulate matter from the apparatus. The apparatus may further include an electrostatic collector to enhance particle collection in the collection chamber and to further inhibit egress of the particulate matter.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.