Patent · US Active

Multiple slot load lock chamber and method of operation

US7665951B2 · kind B2 · utility

38Cited by
167References
18Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateJun 2, 2006
Grant dateFeb 23, 2010
Priority date
Expiry dateApr 29, 2027

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC Y)Emerging Cross-Sectional Technologies
  • CPC primaryY10S414/139
  • WIPO fieldSemiconductors
  • WIPO sectorElectrical engineering

Abstract

Embodiments of the invention include a load lock chamber, a processing system having a load lock chamber and a method for transferring substrates between atmospheric and vacuum environments. In one embodiment, the method includes maintaining a processed substrate within a transfer cavity formed in a chamber body for two venting cycles. In another embodiment, the method includes transferring a substrate from a transfer cavity to a heating cavity formed in the chamber body, and heating the substrate in the heating cavity. In another embodiment, a load lock chamber includes a chamber body having substrate support disposed in a transfer cavity. The substrate support is movable between a first elevation and a second elevation. A plurality of grooves are formed in at least one of a ceiling or floor of the transfer cavity and configured to receive at least a portion of the substrate support when located in the second elevation.

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