Abstract: Methods and apparatus for cleaning electrostatic chucks in processing chambers are provided. The process comprises flowing a backside gas comprising a reactive agent into a zone in a process chamber, the zone defined by a space between a surface of an electrostatic chuck or of a cleaning station and a surface of a substrate. The surface of the electrostatic chuck is etched with the reactive agent to remove debris. An apparatus for cleaning an electrostatic chuck is also provided, the apparatus comprising: a process chamber; an elongate arm having a reach disposed through a wall of the process chamber; an electrostatic chuck attached to the elongate arm; a cleaning station located within the reach of the elongate arm; and a reactive gas source that is operatively connected to the cleaning station.

Abstract: An illumination system has a light source, an optical train, and a wavelength beam splitter. The optical train focuses light from the light source into a defined geometrical pattern on a surface. The wavelength beam splitter transmits light of a first wavelength and redirects light of a second wavelength. One of these wavelengths is included by the light from the light source, while the other is an emission wavelength generated by thermal excitation of the surface by the focused geometrical pattern.

Abstract: The thermal processing device includes a stage, a continuous wave electromagnetic radiation source, a series of lenses, a translation mechanism, a detection module, and a computer system. The stage is configured to receive a substrate thereon. The continuous wave electromagnetic radiation source is disposed adjacent the stage, and is configured to emit continuous wave electromagnetic radiation along a path towards the substrate. The series of lenses is disposed between the continuous wave electromagnetic radiation source and the stage, and are configured to condense the continuous wave electromagnetic radiation into a line of continuous wave electromagnetic radiation on a surface of the substrate. The translation mechanism is configured to translate the stage and the line of continuous wave electromagnetic radiation relative to one another. The detection module is positioned within the path, and is configured to detect continuous wave electromagnetic radiation.

Abstract: A method including introducing a species into a substrate including semiconductor material; and translating linearly focused electromagnetic radiation across a surface of the substrate, the electromagnetic radiation being sufficient to thermally influence the species. An apparatus including an electromagnetic radiation source; a stage having dimensions suitable for accommodating a semiconductor substrate within a chamber; an optical element disposed between the electromagnetic radiation source and the stage to focus radiation from the electromagnetic radiation source into a line having a length determined by the diameter of a substrate to be placed on the stage; and a controller coupled to the electromagnetic radiation source including machine readable program instructions that allow the controller to control the depth into which a substrate is exposed to the radiation.

Abstract: The thermal processing device includes a stage, a continuous wave electromagnetic radiation source, a series of lenses, a translation mechanism, a detection module, and a computer system. The stage is configured to receive a substrate thereon. The continuous wave electromagnetic radiation source is disposed adjacent the stage, and is configured to emit continuous wave electromagnetic radiation along a path towards the substrate. The series of lenses is disposed between the continuous wave electromagnetic radiation source and the stage, and are configured to condense the continuous wave electromagnetic radiation into a line of continuous wave electromagnetic radiation on a surface of the substrate. The translation mechanism is configured to translate the stage and the line of continuous wave electromagnetic radiation relative to one another. The detection module is positioned within the path, and is configured to detect continuous wave electromagnetic radiation.

Abstract: A semiconductor wafer support for use in a thermal processing chamber includes a shelf for receiving a semiconductor wafer. The wafer support is formed of a silicon carbide substrate having a polysilicon layer disposed on the substrate, and a silicon nitride layer disposed on the polysilicon layer. A method of forming the multi-layered semiconductor wafer support is also disclosed.

Abstract: A subsurface zener diode is formed in an N type semiconductor substrate such as the kind employed in the epitaxial layer found in silicon monolithic PN junction isolated integrated circuits. A P+ anode is ion implanted into and diffused from an oxide source and an N++ cathode is diffused within the confines of the anode. The cathode is surrounded with a counter-doped region that forces the PN junction breakdown subsurface. The resulting diode has a clean, sharp breakdown curve and the breakdown voltage can be tailored by controlling the anode deposition.

Abstract: A subsurface zener diode is formed in an N type semiconductor substrate such as the kind employed in the epitaxial layer found in silicon monolithic PN junction isolated integrated circuits. A P+ anode is ion implanted into and diffused from an oxide source and an N++ cathode is diffused within the confines of the anode. The cathode is surrounded with a counter-doped region that forces the PN junction breakdown subsurface. The resulting diode has a clean, sharp breakdown curve and the breakdown voltage can be tailored by controlling the anode deposition.