Abstract: The present invention generally provides apparatus and methods for forming LED structures. One embodiment of the present invention provides a method for fabricating a compound nitride structure comprising forming a first layer comprising a first group-III element and nitrogen on substrates in a first processing chamber by a hydride vapor phase epitaxial (HVPE) process or a metal organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) process, forming a second layer comprising a second group-III element and nitrogen over the first layer in a second processing chamber by a MOCVD process, and forming a third layer comprising a third group-III element and nitrogen over the second layer by a MOCVD process.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein generally relate to an HVPE chamber. The chamber may have one or more precursor sources coupled thereto. For example, a gallium source and a separate aluminum source may be coupled to the processing chamber to permit gallium nitride and aluminum nitride to be separately deposited onto a substrate in the same processing chamber. The nitrogen may be introduced to the processing chamber at a separate location from the precursors and at a lower temperature. The chamber has a truncated box shape formed by a curved cover which improves the flow of the nitrogen and precursor gases and the uniformity of the film deposition.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally relate to apparatus and methods for cleaning chamber components using a cleaning plate. The cleaning plate is adapted to be positioned on a substrate support during a cleaning process, and includes a plurality of turbulence-inducing structures. The turbulence-inducing structures induce a turbulent flow of cleaning gas while the cleaning plate is rotated during a cleaning process. The cleaning plate increases the retention time of the cleaning gas near the showerhead during cleaning. Additionally, the cleaning plate reduces concentration gradients within the cleaning plate to provide a more effective clean. The method includes positioning a cleaning plate adjacent to a showerhead, and introducing cleaning gas to the space between the showerhead and the cleaning plate. A material deposited on the surface of the showerhead is then heated and vaporized in the presence of the cleaning gas, and then exhausted from the processing chamber.

Abstract: A method and apparatus that may be utilized for chemical vapor deposition and/or hydride vapor phase epitaxial (HVPE) deposition are provided. In one embodiment, the apparatus a processing chamber that includes a showerhead with separate inlets and channels for delivering separate processing gases into a processing volume of the chamber without mixing the gases prior to entering the processing volume. In one embodiment, the showerhead includes one or more cleaning gas conduits configured to deliver a cleaning gas directly into the processing volume of the chamber while by-passing the processing gas channels. In one embodiment, the showerhead includes a plurality of metrology ports configured to deliver a cleaning gas directly into the processing volume of the chamber while by-passing the processing gas channels. As a result, the processing chamber components can be cleaned more efficiently and effectively than by introducing cleaning gas into the chamber only through the processing gas channels.

Abstract: A method and apparatus that may be utilized for chemical vapor deposition and/or hydride vapor phase epitaxial (HVPE) deposition are provided. In one embodiment, the apparatus provides a processing chamber that includes a showerhead with separate inlets and channels for delivering separate processing gases into a processing volume of the chamber without mixing the gases prior to entering the processing volume. In one embodiment, a plurality of concentric tube assemblies are disposed within the showerhead to separately deliver a first gas from a first gas channel and a second gas from a second gas channel into the processing volume of the chamber. In one embodiment, the showerhead further includes a heat exchanging channel through which the plurality of concentric tube assemblies is disposed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus that may be utilized for chemical vapor deposition and/or hydride vapor phase epitaxial (HVPE) deposition are provided. In one embodiment, the apparatus is a processing chamber that includes a showerhead with separate inlets and channels for delivering separate processing gases into a processing volume of the chamber without mixing the gases prior to entering the processing volume. In one embodiment, the showerhead includes metrology ports with purge gas assemblies configured and positioned to deliver a purge gas to prevent deposition thereon. In one embodiment, the metrology port is configured to receive a temperature measurement device, and the purge gas assembly is a concentric tube configuration configured to prevent deposition on components of the temperature measurement device.

Abstract: A method and apparatus that may be utilized for chemical vapor deposition and/or hydride vapor phase epitaxial (HVPE) deposition are provided. The apparatus includes a showerhead assembly with separate inlets and manifolds for delivering separate processing gases into a processing volume of the chamber without mixing the gases prior to entering the processing volume. The showerhead includes a plurality of gas distribution devices disposed within a plurality of gas inlets for injecting one of the processing gases into and distributing it across a manifold for uniform delivery into the processing volume of the chamber. Each of the gas distribution devices preferably has a nozzle configured to evenly distribute the processing gas flowing therethrough while minimizing recirculation of the processing gas within the manifold. As a result, improved deposition uniformity is achieved on a plurality of substrates positioned in the processing volume of the processing chamber.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein generally relate to an HVPE chamber. The chamber may have two separate precursor sources coupled thereto to permit two separate layers to be deposited. For example, a gallium source and a separate aluminum source may be coupled to the processing chamber to permit gallium nitride and aluminum nitride to be separately deposited onto a substrate in the same processing chamber. The nitrogen may be introduced to the processing chamber at a separate location from the gallium and the aluminum and at a lower temperature. The different temperatures causes the gases to mix together, react and deposit on the substrate with little or no deposition on the chamber walls.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides apparatus and methods for forming LED structures. One embodiment of the present invention provides a method for fabricating a compound nitride structure comprising forming a first layer comprising a first group-III element and nitrogen on substrates in a first processing chamber by a hydride vapor phase epitaxial (HVPE) process or a metal organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) process, forming a second layer comprising a second group-III element and nitrogen over the first layer in a second processing chamber by a MOCVD process, and forming a third layer comprising a third group-III element and nitrogen over the second layer by a MOCVD process.

Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein generally relate to an HVPE chamber. The chamber may have two separate precursor sources coupled thereto to permit two separate layers to be deposited. For example, a gallium source and a separate aluminum source may be coupled to the processing chamber to permit gallium nitride and aluminum nitride to be separately deposited onto a substrate in the same processing chamber. The nitrogen may be introduced to the processing chamber at a separate location from the gallium and the aluminum and at a lower temperature. The different temperatures causes the gases to mix together, react and deposit on the substrate with little or no deposition on the chamber walls.

Abstract: A method of reducing a temperature of a bake plate within a semiconductor processing tool includes (a) providing a substrate and (b) transferring the substrate to a position adjacent the bake plate. The bake plate is characterized by an initial bake plate temperature greater than a set point temperature. The method also includes (c) reducing the temperature of the bake plate by a first predetermined amount and (d) transferring the substrate from the position adjacent the bake plate to a position adjacent a chill plate. The chill plate is characterized by a chill plate temperature less than the set point temperature.

Abstract: A method of performing a temperature set point change for a bake plate of a track lithography tool includes positioning a cooling surface of an actively chilled transfer shuttle adjacent a process surface of the bake plate. The actively chilled transfer shuttle includes the cooling surface and a transfer surface opposing the cooling surface. The method also includes monitoring a temperature of the bake plate, initiating a flow of a cooling fluid through one or more orifices provided on the cooling surface of the actively chilled transfer shuttle, and determining that the temperature of the bake plate has decreased by a predetermined temperature. The method further includes terminating the flow of the cooling fluid and moving the actively chilled transfer shuttle to a robot transfer position.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a thermal unit comprising a faceplate with rapid temperature change capabilities. The methods and components of the present invention may be used in post-exposure bake processes where varied temperatures are used. In accordance with the advantages of the present invention, the thermal units and faceplates of the invention can reach temperature equilibration within a short duration of time, thereby allowing quicker processing times. The faceplates of the invention are configured so as achieve a heat up and cool down temperature delta equilibrium with a bakeplate within a semiconductor thermal unit in, e.g., less than about three minutes, each respectively.

Abstract: A contact ring for an electrochemical plating system is provided. The contact ring includes an annular substrate supporting member, a plurality of radially positioned conductive substrate contact pins extending from the substrate supporting member, an annular conductive thief element attached to the substrate supporting member, and at least one source of electrical power in electrical communication with the contact pins and the conductive thief element.

Abstract: A fluid processing cell for depositing a conductive layer onto a substrate is provided. The cell includes a catholyte solution fluid volume positioned to receive a substrate for plating, a first anolyte solution fluid volume at least partially ionically separated from the catholyte solution fluid volume, an anode assembly positioned in the first anolyte solution fluid volume, a second anolyte solution fluid volume, the second anolyte solution fluid volume being electrically isolated from the first anode solution fluid volume and at least partially in ionic communication with the cathode solution fluid volume, and a cathode counter electrode positioned in the second anolyte solution volume.

Abstract: A contact ring for an electrochemical plating system is provided. The contact ring includes an annular substrate supporting member, a plurality of radially positioned conductive substrate contact pins extending from the substrate supporting member, an annular conductive thief element attached to the substrate supporting member, and at least one source of electrical power in electrical communication with the contact pins and the conductive thief element.

Abstract: A valve control system for a semiconductor processing chamber includes a system control computer and a plurality of electrically controlled valves associated with the processing chamber. The system further includes a programmable logic controller in communication with the system control computer and operatively coupled to the electrically controlled valves. The refresh time for control of the valves may be less than 10 milliseconds. Consequently, valve control operations do not significantly extend the period of time required for highly repetitive cycling in atomic layer deposition processes. A hardware interlock may be implemented through the output power supply of the programmable logic controller.

Abstract: A valve control system for a semiconductor processing chamber includes a system control computer and a plurality of electrically controlled valves associated with the processing chamber. The system further includes a programmable logic controller in communication with the system control computer and operatively coupled to the electrically controlled valves. The refresh time for control of the valves may be less than 10 milliseconds. Consequently, valve control operations do not significantly extend the period of time required for highly repetitive cycling in atomic layer deposition processes. A hardware interlock may be implemented through the output power supply of the programmable logic controller.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally provide a method and apparatus for plating a metal on a substrate. The electrochemical plating system generally includes a plating cell having an anolyte compartment and a catholyte compartment, the anolyte compartment having an insoluble anode and an anolyte therein. The catholyte compartment generally includes a substrate support member and a catholyte therein. In addition, the plating cell generally includes an ion-exchange membrane disposed between the anolyte compartment and the catholyte compartment and a pump in fluid communication with the anolyte compartment, the pump configured to provide an anolyte to the anolyte compartment having a linear velocity of between about 0.5 cm/sec to about 50 cm/sec. The method generally includes supplying an anolyte solution to an anolyte compartment disposed in a plating cell having an anolyte compartment and a catholyte compartment.

Abstract: A lid for a semiconductor system, an exemplary embodiment of which includes a support having opposed first and second opposed surfaces. A valve is coupled to the first surface. A baffle plate is mounted to the second surface. The valve is coupled to the support to direct a flow of fluid along a path in original direction and at an injection velocity. The baffle plate is disposed in the path to disperse the flow of fluid in a plane extending transversely to the original direction. In one embodiment the valve is mounted to a W-seal that is in turn mounted to the first surface of the support.