Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein include a lamp module for a semiconductor processing chamber. In an embodiment, the lamp module plate comprises a back plate, a first ring that extends from the back plate, a second ring that extends from the back plate, and a third ring that extends from the back plate. In an embodiment, the lamp module further comprises a first plurality of lamps between the first ring and the second ring, a second plurality of lamps between the second ring and the third ring, and a third plurality of lamps configured to emit infrared radiation that propagates into the third ring.

Abstract: Substrate carrier apparatus having a hard mask are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a substrate carrier apparatus includes a carrier body having a support surface to support a substrate; and a mask assembly disposed above the support surface. The mask assembly includes an annular frame disposed atop the support surface; and a hard mask coupled to and disposed within the annular frame above the support surface, wherein the hard mask includes one or more openings arranged in a predetermined pattern and disposed through the hard mask, and wherein the hard mask includes a plurality of spacer elements extending from a bottom surface of the hard mask.

Abstract: Substrate carrier apparatus having a hard mask are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, a substrate carrier apparatus includes a carrier body having a support surface to support a substrate; and a mask assembly disposed above the support surface. The mask assembly includes an annular frame disposed atop the support surface; and a hard mask coupled to and disposed within the annular frame above the support surface, wherein the hard mask includes one or more openings arranged in a predetermined pattern and disposed through the hard mask, and wherein the hard mask includes a plurality of spacer elements extending from a bottom surface of the hard mask.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to an electrostatic chuck, including: a base having a dielectric first surface to support a substrate thereon during processing; and an electrode disposed within the base proximate the dielectric first surface to facilitate electrostatically coupling the substrate to the dielectric first surface during use, wherein the dielectric first surface is sufficiently hydrophobic to electrostatically retain the substrate to the dielectric first surface when contacted with water. Methods of making and using the electrostatic chuck under wet conditions are also disclosed.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to methods and apparatus for visual lamp failure detection in a processing chamber, such as an RTP chamber. Visual feedback is facilitated through the use of a wide-angle lens positioned to view lamps within the process chamber. The wide-angle lens is positioned within a probe and secured using a spring in order to withstand high temperature processing. A camera coupled to the lens is adapted to capture an image of the lamps within the process chamber. The captured image of the lamps is then compared to a reference image to determine if the lamps are functioning as desired.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein relate to apparatus and methods of thermal processing. More specifically, apparatus and methods described herein relate to laser thermal treatment of semiconductor substrates by increasing the uniformity of energy distribution in an image at a surface of a substrate.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to methods and apparatus for visual lamp failure detection in a processing chamber, such as an RTP chamber. Visual feedback is facilitated through the use of a wide-angle lens positioned to view lamps within the process chamber. The wide-angle lens is positioned within a probe and secured using a spring in order to withstand high temperature processing. A camera coupled to the lens is adapted to capture an image of the lamps within the process chamber. The captured image of the lamps is then compared to a reference image to determine if the lamps are functioning as desired.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to methods and apparatus for visual lamp failure detection in a processing chamber, such as an RTP chamber. Visual feedback is facilitated through the use of a wide-angle lens positioned to view lamps within the process chamber. The wide-angle lens is positioned within a probe and secured using a spring in order to withstand high temperature processing. A camera coupled to the lens is adapted to capture an image of the lamps within the process chamber. The captured image of the lamps is then compared to a reference image to determine if the lamps are functioning as desired.

Abstract: Embodiments of multi-substrate thermal management apparatus are provided herein. In some embodiments, a multi-substrate thermal management apparatus includes a plurality of plates vertically arranged above one another; a plurality of channels extending through each of the plurality of plates; a supply manifold including a supply channel coupled to the plurality of plates at first locations; and a return manifold including a return channel coupled to the plurality of plates via a plurality of legs at second locations, wherein the supply and return channels are fluidly coupled to the plurality of channels to flow a heat transfer fluid through the plurality of plates.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein relate to apparatus and methods of thermal processing. More specifically, apparatus and methods described herein relate to laser thermal treatment of semiconductor substrates by increasing the uniformity of energy distribution in an image at a surface of a substrate.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein relate to apparatus and methods of thermal processing. More specifically, apparatus and methods described herein relate to laser thermal treatment of semiconductor substrates by increasing the uniformity of energy distribution in an image at a surface of a substrate.

Abstract: Embodiments of multi-substrate thermal management apparatus are provided herein. In some embodiments, a multi-substrate thermal management apparatus includes a plurality of plates vertically arranged above one another; a plurality of channels extending through each of the plurality of plates; a supply manifold including a supply channel coupled to the plurality of plates at first locations; and a return manifold including a return channel coupled to the plurality of plates via a plurality of legs at second locations, wherein the supply and return channels are fluidly coupled to the plurality of channels to flow a heat transfer fluid through the plurality of plates.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to methods and apparatus for monitoring substrate temperature uniformity in a processing chamber, such as an RTP chamber. Substrate temperature is monitored using an infrared camera coupled to a probe having a wide-angle lens. The wide-angle lens is positioned within the probe and secured using a spring, and is capable of withstanding high temperature processing. The wide angle lens facilities viewing of substantially the entire surface of the substrate in a single image. The image of the substrate can be compared to a reference image to facilitate lamp adjustments, if necessary, to effect uniform heating of the substrate.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to methods and apparatus for visual lamp failure detection in a processing chamber, such as an RTP chamber. Visual feedback is facilitated through the use of a wide-angle lens positioned to view lamps within the process chamber. The wide-angle lens is positioned within a probe and secured using a spring in order to withstand high temperature processing. A camera coupled to the lens is adapted to capture an image of the lamps within the process chamber. The captured image of the lamps is then compared to a reference image to determine if the lamps are functioning as desired.

Abstract: Embodiments described herein relate to apparatus and methods of thermal processing. More specifically, apparatus and methods described herein relate to laser thermal treatment of semiconductor substrates by increasing the uniformity of energy distribution in an image at a surface of a substrate.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for moving and evaluating the performance of solar cell modules are described. Specifically, embodiments of the invention are directed to apparatus and methods including a transparent plate having a plurality of fluid conduits therethrough, where the fluid conduits are configured to direct a fluid with sufficient force to elevate/support a solar cell module during measurement of the solar cell performance.

Abstract: Solar cell modules and methods for making solar cell modules are disclosed. In one or more embodiments of the invention, a buss is adhered to the solar cell modules using a plurality of conductive adhesive drops.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for measuring a height of an object above a surface includes a housing with a first portion having an upper surface and a lower surface and an extension portion extending a first distance from the lower surface of the first portion. The extension portion defines a cavity opposing the lower surface of the first portion. The apparatus further includes one or more actuators passing through the lower surface of the first portion of the housing and extending into the cavity. Additionally, the apparatus includes a plate supported by one or more flexible members coupled to the extension portion. The plate has a top surface and a bottom surface that lies in a plane substantially parallel to the surface. Moreover, the apparatus includes a plurality of sensors disposed at predetermined positions of the plate. Each of the plurality of sensors is responsive to a height measured between each of the plurality of sensors and the surface.

Abstract: An apparatus for supporting a substrate during semiconductor processing includes a substrate support structure having a first surface, a second surface opposing the first surface, and a groove recessed into the first surface and defining a peripheral portion of the substrate support structure. The substrate support structure is substantially free of guide pins. The apparatus also includes an annular sealing member coupled to the groove and a plurality of proximity pins projecting to a first height above the first surface. The apparatus further includes a plurality of purge ports passing from the second surface to the first surface, a plurality of vacuum ports passing from the second surface to the first surface, and a heating mechanism coupled to the substrate support structure.

Abstract: A method of clamping/declamping a semiconductor wafer on an electrostatic chuck in ambient air includes disposing the semiconductor wafer at a predetermined distance above a dielectric surface of the electrostatic chuck having one or more electrodes and applying a first voltage greater than a predetermined threshold to the one or more electrodes of the electrostatic chuck for a first time period. The method includes reducing the first voltage to a second voltage substantially equal to a self bias potential of the semiconductor wafer after the first time period. The method includes maintaining the second voltage for a second time period and adjusting the second voltage to a third voltage characterized by a polarity opposite to that of the first voltage and a magnitude smaller than the predetermined threshold. The method includes reducing the third voltage to a fourth voltage substantially equal to the second voltage after a third time period.