Patent · US Expired

Apparatus for cleaning an exhaust line in a semiconductor processing system

US6680420B2 · kind B2 · utility

30Cited by
17References
13Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateDec 4, 2000
Grant dateJan 20, 2004
Priority date
Expiry dateMar 6, 2021

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 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.