Abstract: An apparatus for distributing gas in a processing system. In one embodiment, the system includes a gas distribution assembly having a gas distribution plate. The gas distribution plate defines a plurality of holes through which gases are transmitted. The assembly further includes a gas box coupled to the gas distribution plate, in which the gas box is configured to supply the gases into the plurality of holes. The assembly further includes a means for reducing heat transfer from the gas box to the gas distribution plate.

Abstract: A method for processing a substrate. The method includes introducing one or more precursors into a chemical vapor deposition chamber through a gas distribution plate heated by a heating mechanism disposed at a bottom plate of the gas distribution plate, reacting the precursors to deposit a material on a substrate surface, removing the substrate from the chamber, introducing a cleaning gas into the chamber through the gas distribution plate, and reacting the cleaning gas with deposits within the chamber until substantially all the deposits are consumed.

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: A heating chamber assembly for heating or maintaining the temperature of at least one wafer, employs thick film heater plates stacked at an appropriate distance to form a slot between each pair of adjacent heater plate surfaces. The heating chamber assembly may be employed adjacent one or more processing chambers to form a preheat station separate from the processing chambers, or may be incorporated in the load lock of one or more such processing chambers. The thick film heater plates are more efficient and have a better response time than conventional heat plates. A chamber surrounding the stack of heater plates is pressure sealable and nay include a purge gas inlet for supply purge gas thereto under pressure. A door to the chamber opens to allow wafers to be inserted or removed and forms a pressure seal upon closing. The slots in the stack are alignable with the door for loading and unloading of wafers.

Abstract: A heating chamber assembly for heating or maintaining the temperature of at least one wafer, employs thick film heater plates stacked at an appropriate distance to form a slot between each pair of adjacent heater plate surfaces. The heating chamber assembly may be employed adjacent one or more processing chambers to form a preheat station separate from the processing chambers, or may be incorporated in the load lock of one or more such processing chambers. The thick film heater plates are more efficient and have a better response time than conventional heat plates. A chamber surrounding the stack of heater plates is pressure sealable and may include a purge gas inlet for supply purge gas thereto under pressure. A door to the chamber opens to allow wafers to be inserted or removed and forms a pressure seal upon closing. The slots in the stack are alignable with the door for loading and unloading of wafers.

Abstract: A lid assembly for a semiconductor processing apparatus having at least two chambers comprises a lid plate having a first side and a second side and a plasma generation source mounted to the first side of the lid plate. Additionally, at least two gas boxes are coupled to the first side of the lid of the lid plate, and a divider is coupled between the plasma generation source and the at least two gas boxes.

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: There are provided a method and apparatus for forming by chemical vapor deposition on large diameter (e.g., 300 mm) semiconductive wafers thin insulating layers of silicon oxide (SiO2) having high uniformity from rim to rim across any diameter through the centers of the wafers. Such high degree of uniformity of the layers is obtained by directing separately a first reactive gas stream and a second reactive gas stream into close proximity to an exposed surface of a wafer to a be coated by the gasses with an insulating layer, the gas streams when mixed together reacting with each other to deposit an insulating layer on a wafer; forming a whirlpool-like swirling mixture of the first and second gas streams to thoroughly mix together the gasses thereof; forming a highly uniform mixture of the reactive gasses; and promptly flowing the mixture of reactive gasses over and upon the surface of the wafer. The apparatus also provides dual wafer processing chamber cavities.

Abstract: The present invention provides systems, methods and apparatus for high temperature (at least about 500-800.degree. 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.