Patent · US Active

Method for using acoustic waves for purging filters in semiconductor manufacturing equipment

US9480938B2 · kind B2 · utility

1Cited by
20References
20Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventor

Key dates

Filing dateDec 3, 2014
Grant dateNov 1, 2016
Priority date
Expiry dateDec 3, 2034

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
  • CPC primaryH01L21/6715
  • WIPO fieldChemical engineering
  • WIPO sectorChemistry

Abstract

An apparatus and method for qualifying a filter used to filter fluid used in a coating operation associated with photolithography or other semiconductor manufacturing processes, provides a semiconductor manufacturing tool that includes a filter and an acoustic wave generator. The filter may be housed inside a filter housing and the acoustic wave generator may produce ultrasonic, megasonic or other acoustic energy. The acoustic wave generator contacts or is in close proximity with the filter housing and provides acoustic wave energy to the filter through the housing. The acoustic wave energy causes any bubbles in the filter to become disengaged.

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