Abstract: A semiconductor processing system includes a chamber arrangement, an exhaust arrangement connected to the chamber arrangement, an accretion sensor supported within the exhaust arrangement, and a processor. The processor is disposed in communication with the accretion sensor and is responsive to instructions recorded on a non-transitory machine-readable medium to receive an accretion signal from the accretion sensor, the accretion signal indicative of an accretion amount disposed within the exhaust arrangement, receive a predetermined accretion amount value, and compare the accretion amount to the predetermined accretion amount value. The instructions further cause the processor to execute an accretion countermeasure when the received accretion amount is greater than the predetermined accretion amount value. Methods of controlling accretion within exhaust arrangements for semiconductor processing systems and foreline assemblies for semiconductor processing systems are also described.

Abstract: A method of processing a surface of an epitaxially grown silicon film includes using a radical species to remove random surface terminations from the surface of the epitaxially grown silicon film and to generate a substantially uniform distribution of surface terminations. Reaction systems for performing such a method, and epitaxially grown films prepared using such a method, also are provided.

Abstract: A method of processing a silicon surface includes using a first radical species to remove contamination from the surface and to roughen the surface; and using a second radical species to smooth the roughened surface. Reaction systems for performing such a method, and silicon surfaces prepared using such a method, also are provided.

Abstract: A material layer deposition method includes supporting a substrate in a preclean module and exposing the substrate to a preclean etchant while supported within the preclean module. The substrate is transferred to a deposition module and exposed to an adsorbate while supported within the deposition module. A material layer is the deposited onto the substrate while supported within the deposition module subsequent to exposing the substrate to the adsorbate. Semiconductor processing systems and computer program products are also described.

Abstract: A method of cleaning an epitaxial reaction chamber in-situ is disclosed. The method may include a pre-coating step, a high temperature baking step, and a gas etching step. The method is able to remove residue buildup within the reaction chamber, which may be made of quartz.