Abstract: A processing reactor for processing semiconductor substrates includes a reactor housing, which defines a processing chamber, and a platform which is rotatably supported in the reactor housing for supporting a substrate in the processing chamber. The processing reactor further includes a gas injection assembly which is adapted to inject at least one gas into the processing chamber. The gas injection assembly has a substrate facing surface, which is adapted to vary the dynamic pressure in the processing chamber to vary the processing time of the semiconductor substrate in the processing chamber. For example, gas injection assembly may include a gas injection manifold, which includes the substrate facing surface. Preferably the substrate facing surface is repositionable in the processing chamber to vary the dynamic pressure in said processing chamber.

Abstract: A platform for supporting a semiconductor substrate during processing in a processing chamber includes a body having a first support surface for supporting the substrate thereon and a second support surface for being supported by a rotatable housing over a heater in the processing chamber. The body comprises a quartz material, with at least a portion of the quartz material being adapted to be opaque to block transmission of photon energy through that portion during heating. For example, the quartz material may include a coating over at least a portion of the quartz material, with the coating adapting the quartz material to be opaque. In preferred form, the coating comprises a composite film of silicon and silicon carbide.

Abstract: A heating assembly for heating a semiconductor substrate in a processing chamber of a reactor includes a plurality of heater supports and a plurality of heating devices supported by the heater supports. The heater supports provide conductive paths for the heating devices for coupling the heating devices to an external power source and, further, are adapted to cool the heating devices whereby the heating devices may be operated at a high power output while maintaining the temperature of the heating devices below a maximum temperature. Preferably the heater supports are cooled by a coolant system, for example a coolant system which circulates coolant through at least a portion of the heater supports to thereby cool the heater supports and the heating devices.

Abstract: A platform for processing a substrate includes a first member and a second member. The first member includes a first support surface for supporting the substrate during processing. The second member includes a second support surface, which supports the first member thereon, and a third support surface, which is adapted to be supported in a processing chamber. The first and second members are releasably coupled together in a manner which permits unrestrained relative thermal expansion of the two members and also of the substrate. The platform is suitable for use in a processing reactor which includes a heater housing and an outer reactor housing. The heater housing encloses a heater assembly and provides a surface for supporting the platform during processing. The reactor also includes a gas injector for injecting at least one processing gas into the processing chamber for deposition on the substrate.

Abstract: A platform for processing a substrate in a processing chamber of a reactor includes an annular body with a recessed, generally planar substrate support surface for supporting the substrate during processing. The platform includes at least one coupler for releasably securing the platform to a platform support surface positioned inside the processing chamber. The platform is releasably secured to the platform support surface in the processing in a manner which permits unrestrained relative thermal expansion of the platform. The substrate support surface is sized to permit unrestrained radial thermal expansion of the substrate and, preferably, recessed to support the device side of the substrate substantially flush with an upper surface of the platform. The platform is suitable for use in a processing reactor which includes a heater housing and an outer reactor housing. The heater housing encloses a heater assembly and provides the support surface for supporting the platform during processing.

Abstract: A heating assembly for heating semiconductor substrates includes a plurality of heating devices, with each heating device including an energy emitting filament adapted for electrically coupling to an external power supply and housed in a first enclosure. The first enclosure comprises energy transmitting material so that energy generated by the filament will be transmitted through the enclosure. A second enclosure houses the first enclosure, which also comprises energy transmitting material. The second enclosure is coated with a reflective layer and is housed in a third enclosure of transmitting material, which encapsulates the reflective coating so that when the energy emitting filament is energized, the reflective coating is contained in the heating device. A heating assembly includes a frame having a plurality of supports for supporting a plurality of the heating devices.

Abstract: A reactor for processing a substrate includes a first housing defining a processing chamber and supporting a light source and a second housing rotatably supported in the first housing and adapted to rotatably support the substrate in the processing chamber. A heater for heating the substrate is supported by the first housing and is enclosed in the second housing. The reactor further includes at least one gas injector for injecting at least one gas into the processing chamber onto a discrete area of the substrate and a photon density sensor extending into the first housing for measuring the temperature of the substrate. The photon density sensor is adapted to move between a first position wherein the photon density sensor is directed to the light source and a second position wherein the photon density sensor is positioned for directing toward the substrate. Preferably, the communication cables comprise optical communication cables, for example sapphire or quartz communication cables.

Abstract: A reactor for processing a substrate includes a first housing defining a processing chamber and supporting a light source and a second housing rotatably supported in the first housing and adapted to rotatably support the substrate in the processing chamber. A heater for heating the substrate is supported by the first housing and is enclosed in the second housing. The reactor further includes at least one gas injector for injecting at least one gas into the processing chamber onto a discrete area of the substrate and a photon density sensor extending into the first housing for measuring the temperature of the substrate. The photon density sensor is adapted to move between a first position wherein the photon density sensor is directed to the light source and a second position wherein the photon density sensor is positioned for directing toward the substrate. Preferably, the communication cables comprise optical communication cables, for example sapphire or quartz communication cables.