Abstract: In one example, a method for wafer drying includes providing a surface of a first wafer, the surface of the first wafer including a liquid to be removed with a drying process. The method further includes replacing the liquid with a first solid film in a first processing chamber, the first solid film covering the surface of the first wafer. The method further includes transferring the first wafer from the first processing chamber to a second processing chamber. The method further includes processing the first wafer in the second processing chamber by flowing a supercritical fluid through the second processing chamber, where the supercritical fluid removes the first solid film.

Abstract: In one example, a method for wafer drying includes providing a surface of a first wafer, the surface of the first wafer including a liquid to be removed with a drying process. The method further includes replacing the liquid with a first solid film in a first processing chamber, the first solid film covering the surface of the first wafer. The method further includes transferring the first wafer from the first processing chamber to a second processing chamber. The method further includes processing the first wafer in the second processing chamber by flowing a supercritical fluid through the second processing chamber, where the supercritical fluid removes the first solid film.

Abstract: A wet etch system comprises an etching bath comprising an etching solution in a process tank inside an overflow tank flowing over an open top into the overflow tank. The etching bath has a top cover, a gas inlet, and a gas outlet above the etching solution. A gas flow system pumps inert gas into the gas inlet and extracts the gas through the gas outlet under positive pressure. The gas flow system may also bubble inert gas through the etching solution via injectors of a gas sparger in the process tank. A recirculation path connects a liquid outlet port coupled to the overflow tank to a liquid inlet port coupled to the process tank. A pump drives the etching solution to flow from the overflow tank, through a degasser in the recirculation path, back into the process tank, and overflow from the process tank into the overflow tank.

Abstract: In one example, a method for wafer drying includes providing a surface of a first wafer, the surface of the first wafer including a liquid to be removed with a drying process. The method further includes replacing the liquid with a first solid film in a first processing chamber, the first solid film covering the surface of the first wafer. The method further includes transferring the first wafer from the first processing chamber to a second processing chamber. The method further includes processing the first wafer in the second processing chamber by flowing a supercritical fluid through the second processing chamber, where the supercritical fluid removes the first solid film.