Paddles and enclosures for enhancing mass transfer during processing of microfeature workpieces
US7390383B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Dec 11, 2003 |
| Grant date | Jun 24, 2008 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Feb 25, 2025 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
- CPC primaryH01L21/6723
- WIPO fieldSurface technology, coating
- WIPO sectorChemistry
Abstract
Paddles and enclosures for processing microfeature workpieces are disclosed. A paddle device having multiple paddles is positioned in an enclosure to reciprocate back and forth along a generally linear path. The clearances between the paddles, the workpiece and the walls of the chamber are relatively small to increase the flow agitation at the surface of the workpiece and enhance the mass transfer process occurring there. The paddles are shaped to reduce or eliminate electrical shadowing effects created at the surface of the workpiece during electrochemical processing. Paddles on the same paddle device may have different shapes to reduce the likelihood for creating three-dimensional effects in the flow field proximate to the surface of the workpiece. The reciprocation stroke of the paddles may shift to further reduce shadowing.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.