Patent · US Expired

Particle removal apparatus

US6684523B2 · kind B2 · utility

4Cited by
18References
14Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateDec 6, 2001
Grant dateFeb 3, 2004
Priority date
Expiry dateDec 6, 2021

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
  • CPC primaryH01L21/67051
  • WIPO fieldSemiconductors
  • WIPO sectorElectrical engineering

Abstract

Embodiments of the invention generally provide an apparatus for removing particles from a substrate surface, wherein the apparatus includes a substrate support member configured to support a substrate thereon, and a broadband actuator in mechanical communication with the substrate support member. Additionally, an air knife assembly may be positioned proximate a perimeter of the substrate surface, and is configured to deliver a laminar stream of air across the substrate surface in order to remove the dislodged contamination particles therefrom. Alternatively, a plasma source may be used to remove dislodged particles from the area proximate the substrate surface.

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