Abstract: A plasma processing apparatus comprises a grounded housing, a thin RF plate electrode, an opposite electrode facing the RF plate electrode, and a RF power source for applying a radio frequency to either the RF plate electrode or the opposite electrode to produce plasma between the two electrodes. If the radio frequency applied to the electrode is f (MHz), the parasitic capacity C (pF) between the grounded portion of the housing and a conductive portion through which the radio frequency propagates is less than 1210*f−0.9. The thickness of the RF plate electrode is 1 mm to 6 mm, and it is supported by a heat sink. The heat sink has a coolant passage in the proximity to the RF plate electrode. The heat sink also has a groove or a cavity in addition to the coolant passage, thereby reducing the value of the dielectric constant of the heat sink as a whole.

Abstract: The invention relates to a device for depositing layers, particularly crystalline layers, onto substrates. Said device comprises a process chamber arranged in a reactor housing where the floor thereof, comprises at least one substrate holder which is rotatably driven by a gas flow flowing in a feed pipe associated with said floor. Said substrate holder is disposed in a bearing cavity on a gas cushion and held in place thereby. The aim of the invention is to technologically improve the design of a substrate holder which is rotatably mounted in a gas flow, particularly in a linear cross-flowing process chamber. Said bearing cavity is associated with a tray-shaped element arranged below the outflow of the feed pipe.

Abstract: A semiconductor wafer is processed while being supported without mechanical contact. Instead, the wafer is supported by gas streams emanating from a large number of passages in side sections positioned very close to the upper and lower surface of the wafer. The gas heated by the side sections and the heated side sections themselves quickly heat the wafer to a desired temperature. Process gas directed to the “device side” of the wafer can be kept at a temperature that will not cause deposition on that side section, but yet the desired wafer temperature can be obtained by heating non-process gas from the other side section to the desired temperature. A plurality of passages around the periphery of the wafer on the non-processed side can be employed to provide purge gas flow that prevents process gas from reaching the non-processed side of the wafer and the adjacent area of that side section.

Abstract: To generate an especially good heat transfer between a seating face of a storage plate support and a storage plate, during coating with a sputter source in a vacuum installation, the seating face of the storage plate support is slightly annularly convexly arched and the storage plate is clamped in the center as well as on its outer margin by a center mask and an outer mask against the arched seating face. Hereby an especially good heat transfer is attained with very low arching d, whereby the storage plate is treated gently and simultaneously, during the coating process, no layer thickness distribution problems occur through arching that is too large.

Abstract: A method and system for monitoring and/or controlling the conditions of a wafer on an electrostatic chuck during plasma processing. The method and system include utilizing backflow gas pressure and DC clamping voltage as control variables to adjust the wafer temperature based upon impedance measurements determined by RF sensors located in the electrostatic chuck RF feed line. The method and system further include utilizing the clamping status of the wafer on the electrostatic chuck to monitor impedance during the plasma process.

Abstract: A film-forming unit of the invention includes a processing container in which a vacuum can be created, a stage arranged in the processing container, on which an object to be processed is placed, a process-gas supplying means for supplying a process gas into the processing container, and a heating means for heating the object to be processed placed on the stage. A division wall surrounds a lateral side and a lower side of the stage. An inert gas is introduced into a stage-side region surrounded by the division wall, by an inert-gas supplying means. A gap-forming member is arranged in such a manner that its inner peripheral portion is arranged above a peripheral portion of the object to be processed placed on the stage via a gap and its outer peripheral portion is arranged above the division wall via a gap.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a plasma processing apparatus and a plasma processing method capable of performing plasma processing by performing temperature control of a sample table in accordance with a process step to be performed on a sample. The plasma processing apparatus performs plasma processing on a sample in accordance with a process recipe with the sample being placed on a sample table in which each of a plurality of areas is temperature-controlled by a temperature control means, wherein the process recipe includes a plurality of temperature setting parameters for the sample table, and the plasma processing is performed on the sample in accordance with the process recipe which is prepared for each of a plurality of process steps.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of treating multiple wafers to reduce the density of impurities as well as to improve the uniformity of substrate electrical characteristics without any thermal stress. The wafers are chemically treated, and heat treated in a sealed reaction tube under arsenic overpressure with a controlled thermal profile to heat the wafers. The thermal profile controls temperature of different zones inside of a furnace containing the sealed reaction tube. Impurities of the wafers are dissolved, and are out-diffused from the inner portions to the outer portions of the wafers.

Abstract: A semiconductor processing apparatus that processes a semiconductor wafer disposed in a process chamber of a processing apparatus main unit 38 comprises: a setting unit 33 for enabling a user to set a temperature of the semiconductor wafer; and a control unit 26 for controlling a processing of the semiconductor wafer based on the temperature of the semiconductor wafer set by the setting unit.

Abstract: A reactor for processing a semiconductor substrate includes a reactor housing which defines a processing chamber, and at least one gas injecting assembly. The processing chamber is adapted to support a semiconductor substrate therein. The gas injection assembly injects at least one gas into the processing chamber and onto the substrate and is adapted to ionize the gas injection into the processing chamber to increase the reactivity of the gas with the substrate to thereby enhance the processing of the semiconductor substrate. In preferred form, the gas is ionized into a gas plasma. For example, the gas injection assembly may include a gas plasma generator which ionizes the gas with an electromagnetic field. Preferably, the gas plasma generator ionizes the gas exteriorly of the processing chamber to isolate the substrate from the plasma generator.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a semiconductor thermal processing system and an apparatus for thermally cooling a semiconductor substrate. According to one aspect of the present invention, a semiconductor thermal processing system and associated apparatus and method are disclosed which provides a segmented cold plate situated within a process chamber, wherein a plurality of segments of the cold plate are operable to radially translate between an engaged position and a disengaged position, wherein a substrate holder may pass between the plurality of segments when the segments are in the disengaged position. According to another aspect, an elevator is operable to linearly translate a substrate residing on a substrate holder between a heating position proximate to a heater assembly and a cooling position proximate to the segmented cold plate.

Abstract: A substrate processing apparatus includes a first holder made of silicon carbide or silicon and a second holder made of quartz. Each of the first and the second holder is of a ring shape and the second ring shaped holder is mounted on the first holder. The second holder is used to mount a substrate thereon while the substrate is being processed.

Abstract: A wafer holder for supporting a wafer within a CVD processing chamber includes a vertically moveable lift ring configured to support the bottom peripheral surface of the wafer, and an inner plug having a top flat surface configured to support the wafer during wafer processing. The lift ring has a central aperture configured to closely surround the inner plug. When a wafer is to be loaded onto the wafer holder, the lift ring is elevated above the inner plug. The wafer is loaded onto the lift ring in the elevated position. Then, the lift ring is maintained in the elevated position for a time period sufficient to allow the wafer temperature to rise to a level that is sufficient to significantly reduce or even substantially prevent thermal shock to the wafer when the wafer is brought into contact with the inner plug. The lift ring is then lowered into surrounding engagement with the inner plug. This is the wafer processing position of the wafer holder.

Abstract: A processing method and apparatus for removing a native oxide film from the surface of a subject to be treated, wherein plasma is generated from N2 and H2 gases and then activated to form an activated gas species, NF3 gas is added to the activated gas species to generate an activated gas of these three gases, the subject is cooled to not higher than a predetermined temperature by a cooling means, gas generated from the N2, H2 and NF3 gases is reacted with the surface of the subject to degenerate the native oxide film into a reactive film, the reactive film is sublimated and thus the native oxide film is removed if the subject is heated to a given temperature; a cluster system which includes the above apparatus and other apparatuses and which is capable of carrying a subject to be treated in an unreactive atmosphere.

Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a system and process for rotating semiconductor wafers in thermal processing chambers, such as rapid thermal processing chambers and chemical vapor deposition chambers. In accordance with the present invention, a semiconductor wafer is supported on a substrate holder which, in turn, is supported on a rotor. During processing, the rotor is magnetically levitated and magnetically rotated by suspension actuators and rotation actuators positioned outside of the chamber.

Abstract: In a plasma CVD apparatus for applying a film deposition process to a semiconductor wafer (W), a wafer placement stage (3) is provided at a center of a vacuum chamber (2). The placement stage (3) is mounted to a side wall (63) via a support part (6). An exhaust port (9) having a diameter equal to or smaller than a diameter of the placement stage (3) is provided under the placement stage (3). A center axis (C1) of the exhaust port (9) is displaced from a center axis of the placement stage (3) in a direction opposite to an extending direction of the support part (6), thereby achieving an efficient exhaust.

Abstract: A batch-type etching device and a method, which enable a stable process with high reproducibility by preventing contamination of CVD equipment by effectively removing H2O, CH3OH or CH3COOH and by-products adsorbing and remaining on the surface of a semiconductor wafer after etching is completed, are provided. The device comprises a reaction chamber, an exhaust port for evacuating the air inside the reaction chamber, a wafer-supporting boat for supporting at least one batch of semiconductor wafers inside the reaction chamber, a gas inlet port for introducing a reaction gas into the reaction chamber, and a microwave generator. The microwave generator is adapted to introduce microwaves into reaction chamber so that substances which adsorb and remain on the semiconductor wafers are desorbed and removed after etching is completed.

Abstract: A device for mounting a substrate includes a susceptor as a support for the substrate to be coated. The susceptor includes an insert whose surface is at least partly formed by a metal carbide layer of a predetermined thickness. The device for mounting the substrate eliminates a contamination of the substrate during processing, such as during production of an epitaxial layer on a wafer. A method for producing the insert includes the steps of producing a metallic preform, embedding the metallic preform in a carbon-containing powder, heating the metallic preform and the carbon-containing powder to an elevated temperature, hard processing the heat-treated preform and disposing the hard-processed preform on the susceptor as an insert.

Abstract: A system is disclosed for speeding workpiece thoughput in low pressure, high temperature semiconductor processing reactor. The system includes apparatus for loading a workpiece into a chamber at atmospheric pressure, bringing the chamber down to an intermediate pressure, and heating the wafer while under the intermediate pressure. The chamber is then pumped down to the operating pressure. The preferred embodiments involve single wafer plasma ashers, where a wafer is loaded onto lift pins at a position above a wafer chuck, the pressure is rapidly pumped down to about 40 Torr by rapidly opening and closing an isolation valve, and the wafer is simultaneously lowered to the heated chuck. Alternatively, the wafer can be pre-processed to remove an implanted photoresist crust at a first temperature and the chamber then backfilled to about 40 Torr for further heating to close to the chuck temperature.

Abstract: A film deposition apparatus of the present invention includes a container forming a processing chamber for processing a target object, a mounting table which is provided in the processing chamber and on which the target object is mounted, a first heating apparatus provided in the mounting table, for heating the target object mounted on the mounting table, a first gas supply section provided in the container, for supplying processing gas into the processing chamber, the processing gas forming a high-melting-point metal-film layer on the target object mounted on the mounting table, a movable clamp for clamping a periphery of the target object and holding the target object on the mounting table, a second heating apparatus formed separately from the clamp, for heating the clamp indirectly, a gas flow path formed between the clamp and the second heating apparatus when the clamp is moved to a position where the clamp clamps the target object, and a second gas supply section for causing backside gas to flow into the

Abstract: The present invention has an object to obtain a small-size, high-temperature and high-pressure treatment device adapted to treat semiconductor wafers. The high-temperature and high-pressure device of the invention is intended to treat semiconductor wafers in an atmosphere of high-temperature and high-pressure gas, and comprises a pressure vessel having at a lower portion thereof an opening for putting the semiconductor wafers in and out, a lower lid disposed so as to be vertically movable for opening and closing the lower opening, wafer transfer means for stacking and unstacking the semiconductor wafers onto and from the lower lid, and a heater attached to the lower lid for heating the semiconductor wafers.

Abstract: A substrate support assembly for supporting a substrate during processing is provided. In one embodiment, a support assembly includes a ceramic body having an embedded heating element and a base plate. The base plate and the ceramic body define a channel therebetween adapted to supply purge gas to a perimeter of a substrate disposed on the support assembly. The base plate is fastened to the body by brazing, adhering, fastening, press fitting or by mating engaging portions of a retention device such as a bayonet fitting.

Abstract: A single-substrate-processing apparatus includes an airtight process chamber, in which a worktable is supported by a pedestal. A conduction structure is arranged to conduct static electricity generated on the worktable and a wafer thereon to a grounded portion outside the process chamber. The conduction structure has a conductive film formed on insulating surfaces of the worktable and the pedestal.

Abstract: A wafer holder for a semiconductor manufacturing apparatus has a high heat conductivity. The wafer holder includes a sintered ceramic piece, a conductive layer such as a heater circuit pattern which can be formed with high precision on at least one surface of the sintered ceramic piece, and a protective layer formed over the conductive layer on the sintered ceramic piece so as to cover a surface of the conductive layer. The protective layer may contain a glass, a non-oxide ceramic such as aluminum nitride or silicon nitride, an oxide of ytterbium, neodymium and calcium, or an oxide of yttrium and aluminum. In a method of manufacturing the wafer holder, a paste containing metal particles is applied on a surface of the sintered ceramic piece and is fired to form a heater circuit pattern as the conductive layer. Then the protective layer is formed on the sintered ceramic piece to cover the surface of the conductive layer.

Abstract: A method of processing a wafer, incorporating a processing chamber for subjecting a semiconductor wafer to a plasma process, a generator for generating plasma in the processing chamber, and a wafer stage for carrying thereon the semiconductor wafer so as to subject the semiconductor wafer to the plasma process, wherein the wafer stage has an attaching part for attachment to the wafer processing apparatus, which is commonly used among a plurality of wafer stages, and is configured to cope with a change of the wafer stage into a wafer stage having a different function, and a high frequency voltage for applying a bias voltage to the semiconductor wafer, and a D.C. voltage for providing a potential difference between the semiconductor wafer and the wafer stage are applied to the wafer stage.

Abstract: A method and system for fabricating a device on a substrate with a process gas, such as with chemical vapor deposition. A reaction chamber and support chuck cooperate to form a low conductance configuration for axisymetric process gas flow over the substrate and to form a high conductance configuration for enhanced evacuation of residual process gas from the reaction chamber upon completion of the process. A dual conductance chuck has an indented region that aligns with the exhaust port of the reaction chamber to restrict process gas flow in the low conductance configuration, and that moves distal a showerhead and the exhaust port to provide reduced restriction of process gas flow for reaction chamber evacuation. The chuck includes thermal control for enhancing film deposition on the substrate and for reducing residual film deposition on the chuck. An evacuation opening in the housing provides independent evacuation of residual gas from the housing.

Abstract: A wafer support system comprising a segmented susceptor having top and bottom sections and gas flow passages therethrough. A plurality of spacers projecting from a recess formed in the top section of the susceptor support a wafer in spaced relationship with respect to the recess. A sweep gas is introduced to the bottom section of the segmented susceptor and travels through the gas flow passages to exit in at least one circular array of outlets in the recess and underneath the spaced wafer. The sweep gas travels radially outward between the susceptor and wafer to prevent back-side contamination of the wafer. The gas is delivered through a hollow drive shaft and into a multi-armed susceptor support underneath the susceptor. The support arms conduct the sweep gas from the drive shaft to the gas passages in the segmented susceptor. The gas passages are arranged to heat the sweep gas prior to delivery underneath the wafer.

Abstract: There is provided a susceptor with a built-in electrode that has excellent corrosion resistance and plasma resistance, and that has excellent durability to the stress of heat cycles, and a manufacturing method for a susceptor with a built-in electrode that enables the susceptor to be manufactured economically. The susceptor with a built-in electrode comprises: a susceptor substrate formed from an aluminum oxide based sintered body; an internal electrode built into the susceptor substrate; and a power supply terminal that is provided so as to make contact with this internal electrode, wherein the internal electrode is formed from an aluminum oxide and molybdenum carbide based composite sintered body containing 30 to 95 volume % of molybdenum carbide and 5 to 75 volume % of aluminum oxide.

Abstract: According to the present invention, there is disclosed a gas introduction system for temperature adjustment comprising passing a gas whose temperature is managed for the temperature adjustment of an object to be processed between a mounting surface of a mounting base for holding the object to be processed under vacuum and a back surface of the object to be processed through a gas supply line, controlling a flow rate adjustment valve by control means based on a measured pressure of the gas supply line measured by a manometer, and adjusting a gas flow rate to the gas supply line so as to obtain a set pressure, so that the gas pressure can be set to a predetermined value in a short time, and the system is miniaturized with little waste of the gas.

Abstract: A method and system of holding a substrate where foreign substances on the back surface can be decreased. The substrate holding system comprises a ring-shaped leakage-proof surface having a smooth surface on the specimen table corresponding to the periphery of the substrate, a plurality of contact holding portions within the periphery of the substrate, and electrostatic attraction means for fixing the substrate by contacting the back surface of the substrate to the ring-shaped leakage-proof surface and the contact holding portions. The substrate contacts to the cooling surface at the ring-shaped leakage-proof surface and the contact holding portion placed on a position inside the ring-shaped leakage-proof surface. The back surface of the substrate and the cooling surface do not contact to each other in the large portion of the remaining area.

Abstract: An electrostatic chuck 108 is provided on a lower electrode 106 provided inside a processing chamber 102 of an etching apparatus 100, and a conductive inner ring body 112a and an insulating outer ring body 112b are encompassing the outer edges of a wafer W mounted on the chuck surface. The temperatures of the wafer W and the inner and outer ring bodies 112a and 112b are detected by first˜third temperature sensors 142, 144 and 146. A controller 140 controls the pressure levels of He supplied to the space between the center of the wafer W and the electrostatic chuck 108 via first gas outlet ducts 114 and to the space between the outer edges of the wafer W and the electrostatic chuck 108 via second gas outlet ducts 116 and the quantity of heat generated by a heater 148 inside the outer ring body 112b based upon the information on the temperatures thus detected so that the temperatures of the wafer W and the inner ring body 112a are set roughly equal to each other.

Abstract: A wafer support apparatus (14) of the present invention comprises a wafer support body (22) having a support area (26) for supporting a wafer W, in an upper surface thereof; and a plurality of lift members (36), each extending from the outside of the support area to the inside of the support area of the wafer support body, having a slope surface sloping downward toward the inside, in an upper surface, and being vertically movable between a lower position and an upper position with respect to the upper surface of the wafer support body.

Abstract: An apparatus for the treatment of semiconductor wafers, comprising a supportive frame and a process table arranged on the supportive frame. The process table comprises a stationary upper platen and a stationary lower plate. An intermediate indexing plate is rotatively arranged between the upper platen and the lower plate. At least one wafer support pin is attached to the indexing plate for the support of a wafer by the indexing plate. An upper housing is arranged on the upper platen and an outer lower housing is arranged on the lower plate. A displacable lower isolation chamber is disposed within the outer lower housing, being displacable against the indexing plate to define a treatment module between the upper housing and the lower isolation chamber in which the wafer is treated. A wafer supporting treatment plate is arranged within the lower isolation chamber, for controlled rapid treatment of a wafer within the treatment module.

Abstract: An electrostatic chuck suitable for use at high temperatures having a replaceable expansion assembly, functioning as an outer tubulation and heat choke, between a chuck body and a heat transfer body. The expansion assembly accommodates differential thermal stresses between the chuck body and the heat transfer body, and/or limits direct heat conduction from the chuck body to the heat transfer body. The ability to operate the chuck at temperatures in excess of 200° C. allows it to be used for plasma etching of materials, such as platinum, which require high temperatures to volatilize low volatility etch products as well as routine plasma etching, chemical vapor deposition, sputtering, ion implantation, ashing, etc. The novel design of the removably attached expansion assembly allows the chuck to be scaled for larger workpieces, to remain serviceable through more heating cycles, and to be economically serviced.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for maintaining substantially uniform temperature of semiconductor wafers and similar workpieces is provided. The method and apparatus utilize a workpiece holder that is substantially a closed chamber, which includes a wall structure including a workpiece engaging wall in thermal communication with the chamber. The workpiece holder also includes a condenser that communicates with the chamber and a heater that applies heat to the chamber. The heater applies heat to a fluid inside the chamber such that when the fluid vaporizes within the chamber the condenser abstracts the heat from the fluid. This causes continual circulation of vapor through the interior of the chamber, which helps to maintain temperature uniformity. A feedback control system connected to one or more temperature sensors can control the heater, the condenser or both so as to maintain a predetermined set point temperature within the chamber.

Abstract: A workpiece support having dichotomy of thermal paths therethrough is provided for controlling the temperature of a workpiece support thereon. In one embodiment, a workpiece support includes a platen body having a plug centrally disposed in a workpiece support surface of the platen body. A lower surface of the plug defines a void between the plug and a bottom of the bore. The void creates a dichotomy of thermal paths through the platen body thus controlling the temperature of a wafer support surface. Alternatively, the plug and platen body may be fabricated from materials having different rates of thermal conductivity to created the dichotomy of thermal paths in addition to or in absence of the void.

Abstract: An apparatus for wafer processing that includes a wafer reaction chamber containing a heater within, the heater including an interior volume containing at least one heating element, a fluid inlet port, and a fluid vent port positioned to vent the fluid outside the wafer reaction chamber. Additionally, the interior volume has a seal that isolates it from the wafer reaction chamber.

Abstract: A process and system for heating semiconductor substrates in a processing chamber on a susceptor as disclosed. In accordance with the present invention, the susceptor includes a support structure made from a material having a relatively low thermal conductivity for suspending the wafer over the susceptor. The support structure has a particular height that inhibits or prevents radial temperature gradients from forming in the wafer during high temperature processing. If needed, recesses can be formed in the susceptor for locating and positioning a support structure. The susceptor can include a wafer supporting surface defining a pocket that has a shape configured to conform to the shape of a wafer during a heat cycle.

Abstract: A reactor for heat treatment of a substrate includes a process chamber within a substrate enclosing structure, and a support structure configured to position a substrate at a predetermined spacing between the upper part and the bottom part within the process chamber during processing. Streams of gas may lift the substrate from the support structure so that the substrate floats. A plurality of heating elements is associated with at least one of the upper part and the bottom part and are arranged to define heating zones. A controller controls the heating elements individually so that each heating zone is configured to have a predetermined temperature determined by the controller. The heating zones provide for a non-uniform heating laterally across the substrate.

Abstract: A susceptor made of a ceramic material for placing and heating an object to be processed, on a placing face thereof in a semiconductor-producing apparatus, includes a surface layer having the placing face, and a supporting layer integrated with the surface layer. The volume resistivity of the surface layer is lower than that of the supporting layer.

Abstract: A backplane assembly for a substrate processing system that is selectively configurable to provide an effective thermal contact with substrates of differing sizes. The backplane assembly includes a backplane base installed in a vacuum chamber of the substrate processing system and plural faceplates which are removably mountable to the backplane base. The backplane assembly is operable for regulating the temperature of the substrate and include elements that promote the efficient transfer of heat between the backplane base and the faceplate to perform the temperature regulation during processing. Each of the faceplates has a contact surface dimensioned and configured to engage a correspondingly dimensioned and/or configured type of substrate. The faceplates are readily demountable from the backplane base for exchange to accommodate a change in the dimension and/or configuration of the substrates being processed by the substrate processing system without removing the backplane base from the vacuum chamber.

Abstract: A method and system of holding a substrate where foreign substances on the back surface can be decreased. The substrate holding system comprises a ring-shaped leakage-proof surface having a smooth surface on the specimen table corresponding to the periphery of the substrate, a plurality of contact holding portions within the periphery of the substrate, and electrostatic attraction means for fixing the substrate by contacting the back surface of the substrate to the ring-shaped leakage-proof surface and the contact holding portions. The substrate contacts to the cooling surface at the ring-shaped leakage-proof surface and the contact holding portion placed on a position inside the ring-shaped leakage-proof surface. The back surface of the substrate and the cooling surface do not contact to each other in the large portion of the remaining area.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems, methods and apparatus for high temperature (at least about 500-800° C.) processing of semiconductor wafers. The systems, methods and apparatus of the present invention allow multiple process steps to be performed in situ in the same chamber to reduce total processing time and to ensure high quality processing for high aspect ratio devices. Performing multiple process steps in the same chamber also increases the control of the process parameters and reduces device damage. In particular, the present invention can provide high temperature deposition, heating and efficient cleaning for forming dielectric films having thickness uniformity, good gap fill capability, high density, low moisture, and other desired characteristics.

Abstract: An apparatus for use with a deposition chamber includes a temperature control system that communicates with a heating element of the deposition chamber so as to not cause the formation of a thin layer exhibiting a substantially uniform property on an active surface of a semiconductor substrate. The apparatus causes uneven heat distribution across the surface of the substrate. The apparatus may also include a feedback control system that communicates with the temperature control system so as to cause the temperature control system to alter the heat output by the heating element and, thereby, to enhance the uniformity of at least one property of the material layer being deposited.

Abstract: The present invention provides an apparatus for vacuum processing generally comprising an enclosure having a plurality of isolated chambers formed therein, a gas distribution assembly disposed in each processing chamber, a gas source connected to the plurality of isolated chambers, and a power supply connected to each gas distribution assembly.

Abstract: A supporting structure is provided to reduce thermal stress in the joining portion of a ceramic susceptor and supporting member and to prevent joining defects in the joining face so that fine cracks or gas leakage in the joining portion may be prevented. The supporting structure has a ceramic susceptor 1A to be heated and having mounting face 2a and back face 2b. A supporting member 3 is joined with the back face 2b of the susceptor 1A. The supporting member 3 has an outer wall surface 3h, a joining face joined with the susceptor and an end face opposite to the joining face. A curved part 20 is formed between the outer wall surface 3h and back face 2b, and has a radius of curvature R of not smaller than 4 mm and not larger than 25 mm in the longitudinal direction of the supporting member 3. Furthermore, the width D1 of the joining face 3b at the outer profile thereof is smaller than the width D2 of the end face 3f at the outer profile thereof.

Abstract: An object of the present invention is, in a supporting structure of a ceramic susceptor, to reduce thermal conduction from a ceramic susceptor to a supporting member, to reduce thermal stress in the joining portion of the susceptor and supporting member, and to prevent fine cracks or gas leakage. The present invention provides a supporting structure 14A having a ceramic susceptor 1A to be heated and having a mounting face 2a and a back face 2b, and a ceramic supporting member 3 joined with the back face of the susceptor 1A. The supporting member 3 has an outer wall surface 3h. A continuous and integral curved part 20 is formed between the outer wall surface 3h and the back face 2b. The curved part 20 has a radius of curvature “R” of not smaller than 4 mm and not larger than 25 mm in the longitudinal direction of the supporting member 3. The supporting member 3 has a minimum wall thickness “t” of not smaller than 1 mm and not larger than 15 mm.

Abstract: A wafer processing apparatus comprising a wafer stage, wherein a semiconductor wafer is mounted on the wafer stage so as to process the semiconductor wafer, wherein a holding mechanism of the wafer stage is commonly used for a plurality of wafer stages, and accordingly, the wafer stage can be changed into a wafer stage having a different function so as to process the semiconductor wafer.

Abstract: A method and system of holding a substrate where foreign substances on the back surface can be decreased. The substrate holding system comprises a ring-shaped leakage-proof surface having a smooth surface on the specimen table corresponding to the periphery of the substrate, a plurality of contact holding portions within the periphery of the substrate, and electrostatic attraction means for fixing the substrate by contacting the back surface of the substrate to the ring-shaped leakage-proof surface and the contact holding portions. The substrate contacts to the cooling surface at the ring-shaped leakage-proof surface and the contact holding portion placed on a position inside the ring-shaped leakage-proof surface. The back surface of the substrate and the cooling surface do not contact to each other in the large portion of the remaining area.

Abstract: A method and system of holding a substrate where foreign substances on the back surface can be decreased. The substrate holding system comprises a ring-shaped leakage-proof surface having a smooth surface on the specimen table corresponding to the periphery of the substrate, a plurality of contact holding portions within the periphery of the substrate, and electrostatic attraction means for fixing the substrate by contacting the back surface of the substrate to the ring-shaped leakage-proof surface and the contact holding portions. The substrate contacts to the cooling surface at the ring-shaped leakage-proof surface and the contact holding portion placed on a position inside the ring-shaped leakage-proof surface. The back surface of the substrate and the cooling surface do not contact to each other in the large portion of the remaining area.