Abstract: Methods, systems, devices, and apparatus measure temperature of a substrate by switching one or more sources between an active state and an inactive state. When in the active state, the one or more sources heat at least one portion of the substrate. When in the inactive state, the one or more sources cause substantially no radiation or a negligible amount of radiation to be generated. A temeprature measuring device is synchronized to the switching between the active and inactive states, such that the temperature measuring device measures the temperature of the at least one portion of the substrate substantially only when the one or more sources are in the inactive state.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for selectively removing a native oxide layer from a silicon wafer without significantly affecting the underlying silicon or other material, that may be thereon, by exposing the silicon wafer to an etchant gas including NF3 while simultaneously exposing the wafer to ultraviolet radiation, and heating the wafer to a temperature of 100-400° C.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for selectively removing a native oxide layer from a silicon wafer without significantly affecting the underlying silicon or other materials that may be thereon, by exposing the silicon wafer to an etchant gas including NF3 while simultaneously exposing the wafer to ultraviolet radiation, and heating the wafer to a temperature of 100-400° C.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for semiconductor wafer pretreatment. A method of treating a semiconductor wafer, includes contacting the semiconductor wafer with a mixture including HF and CH3OH; and then contacting the semiconductor wafer with Cl2 and simultaneously exposing said semiconductor wafer to a source of ultraviolet energy. The selective HSG temperature of formation window is widened. In addition, robustness with regard to changes in the reactor ambient and substrate condition, and selectivity with regard to underlying dielectric layers, are both improved.

Abstract: Systems and methods are described for semiconductor wafer pretreatment. A method of increasing the selectivity of silicon deposition with regard to an underlying oxide layer during deposition of a silicon containing material by broadening a selective temperature of formation window for said silicon containing material by decreasing a lower temperature endpoint includes: providing a semiconductor wafer with the underlying oxide layer in a processing chamber; then pumping water from then processing chamber; and then depositing the silicon containing material on the semiconductor wafer. A step of seeding the semiconductor wafer can be conducted by exposing the semiconducotor wafer to a germanium containing gas. A chlorine containing precursor and/or hydrogen can be introduced into the processing chamber to increase the selectivity of the silicon containing material to the underlying oxide. The selective HSG temperature of formation window is widened.