Abstract: Systems having an in-line microwave heater to heat fluids for processing a substrate are provided. An embodiment of a system includes a microelectronic processing chamber, a reservoir for storing a fluid used to process wafers within the chamber, a supply line for transporting the fluid to the chamber, and a microwave heater arranged along the supply line. The system includes processor executable program instructions for operating the microwave heater at parameters configured to heat fluid within the supply line to a temperature greater than a fluid temperature within the reservoir, such as approximately 20° C. greater than the reservoir fluid temperature. It is noted that the inclusion of an in-line microwave heater is not limited to microelectronic fabrication systems, but may be used for any system in which heated fluids are used for processing a substrate, such as but not limited to electroplating or electroless plating systems.

Abstract: Dielectric films in integrated circuits are annealed in the presence of water to improve their thermal stability and their resistance to damage from ultraviolet radiation.