Abstract: A window for a CVD system includes a processing chamber defining a gas inlet introducing gas into the processing chamber and a gas outlet to allow the gas to exit the processing chamber. A substrate support is within the processing chamber and receives a substrate. A transparent upper window includes a convex first face spaced from the substrate support to define an air gap therebetween. The upper window is within the processing chamber to direct the gas from the gas inlet, through the air gap, and to the gas outlet. The first face includes a radially outer surface and a radially inner surface circumscribed within the outer surface. The outer surface has a first radius of curvature and the inner surface has a second radius of curvature that is different from the first radius of curvature.

Abstract: A system for depositing a layer on a substrate includes a processing chamber defining a gas inlet for introducing gas into the processing chamber and a gas outlet to allow the gas to exit the processing chamber. A substrate support is positioned within the processing chamber and is configured to receive a substrate. A transparent upper window includes a convex first face spaced from the substrate support to define an air gap therebetween. The upper window is positioned within the processing chamber to direct the gas from the gas inlet, through the air gap, and to the gas outlet. The first face includes a radially outer surface and a radially inner surface circumscribed within the outer surface. The outer surface has a first radius of curvature and the inner surface has a second radius of curvature that is different from the first radius of curvature.

Abstract: A method of processing semiconductor wafers includes placing a semiconductor wafer in a recess of a susceptor within a heated chamber. The recess is defined in the susceptor by a downwardly depending sidewall. The method also includes determining a distance of a peripheral edge of the wafer from the sidewall. The method also includes supplying a first process gas into the heated chamber at a first gas flow rate and a second process gas into the heated chamber at a second gas flow rate, and supplying heat to the heated chamber. The method also includes modulating the first gas flow rate, the second gas flow rate, and/or the heat supplied to the heated chamber to control a deposition rate of the first and second process gases near the peripheral edge of the wafer based on the determined distance of the peripheral edge of the wafer from the sidewall.

Abstract: A susceptor for supporting a semiconductor wafer in a heated chamber includes a body that has a front surface, a rear surface, and a central plane between the front and rear surfaces. The susceptor also includes a recess that extends into the body from the front surface to a recess floor and a ledge that circumscribes the recess floor in the recess. The ledge includes a first surface oriented at a first angle relative to a horizontal plane parallel to the central plane, a second surface that extends radially inward from the first surface, the second surface optionally oriented at a second acute angle relative to the horizontal plane, and a third surface that extends between the second surface and the recess floor, the third surface oriented at a third acute angle relative to the horizontal plane. Each of the first, second, and third surfaces extends circumferentially along the ledge.

Abstract: A system for depositing a layer on a substrate includes a processing chamber defining a gas inlet for introducing gas into the processing chamber and a gas outlet to allow the gas to exit the processing chamber. A substrate support is positioned within the processing chamber and is configured to receive a substrate. A transparent upper window includes a convex first face spaced from the substrate support to define an air gap therebetween. The upper window is positioned within the processing chamber to direct the gas from the gas inlet, through the air gap, and to the gas outlet. The first face includes a radially outer surface and a radially inner surface circumscribed within the outer surface. The outer surface has a first radius of curvature and the inner surface has a second radius of curvature that is different from the first radius of curvature.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for wafer processes such as etching and chemical vapor deposition processes are disclosed. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a susceptor and a ring disposed beneath the susceptor to influence a thickness of the deposited epitaxial layer.

Abstract: In one aspect, a system for depositing a layer on a substrate is provided. The system includes a processing chamber, a gas injecting port, a gas distribution plate, and a plug. The gas injecting port is disposed upstream from the processing chamber. The gas distribution plate is disposed between the gas injecting port and the processing chamber, and includes an elongate planar body and an array of holes therein. The plug is sized to be received within one of the holes, and includes an orifice therethrough for permitting the passage of gas. The plug is capable of being removably secured to the gas distribution plate within one of the holes.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a semiconductor processing device includes providing a susceptor including a substantially cylindrical body portion having opposing upper and lower surfaces. The body portion has a diameter larger than a wafer diameter. The method also includes providing a set of holes circumferentially disposed at a first susceptor diameter, the set of holes being evenly spaced with respect to adjacent holes and extending through the upper and lower surfaces in an area. The first susceptor diameter is larger than the wafer diameter, and holes are omitted along the first diameter in a set of predetermined orientations.

Abstract: A method of depositing an epitaxial layer on a silicon wafer is described. The silicon wafer has a diameter, and is disposed within a processing chamber within a deposition system. The method includes the steps of introducing a process gas into the system from a gas injecting port, flowing the process gas through a gas distribution plate in fluid communication with the gas injecting port and the processing chamber, the gas distribution plate including an inner array of holes and an outer array of holes, and controlling the gas flow distribution across the substrate surface. The controlling step includes selecting at least one orifice-containing plug to be secured within a hole in the gas distribution plate, and securing the selected plug within the hole.

Abstract: In one aspect, a system for depositing a layer on a substrate is provided. The system includes a processing chamber, a gas injecting port, a gas distribution plate, and a plug. The gas injecting port is disposed upstream from the processing chamber. The gas distribution plate is disposed between the gas injecting port and the processing chamber, and includes an elongate planar body and an array of holes therein. The plug is sized to be received within one of the holes, and includes an orifice therethrough for permitting the passage of gas. The plug is capable of being removably secured to the gas distribution plate within one of the holes.

Abstract: A method of depositing an epitaxial layer on a silicon wafer is described. The silicon wafer has a diameter, and is disposed within a processing chamber within a deposition system. The deposition includes a gas distribution plate in fluid communication with a gas injecting port and the processing chamber. The method includes the steps of introducing a process gas into the system from the gas injecting port, flowing the process gas through a flow channel extending along a lengthwise direction of the system and being tapered along the lengthwise direction of the system in at least one of a vertical or horizontal direction, wherein the flow channel is defined by an inject insert liner assembly adjacent to the gas distribution plate, and depositing an epitaxial layer on the wafer at a deposition rate of at least about 2.3 micrometers per minute.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for wafer processes such as etching and chemical vapor deposition processes are disclosed. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a susceptor and a ring disposed beneath the susceptor to influence a thickness of the deposited epitaxial layer.

Abstract: A susceptor for supporting a semiconductor wafer during an epitaxial chemical vapor deposition process, the susceptor defining a wafer diameter, the susceptor includes a substantially cylindrical body portion having opposing upper and lower surfaces. The body portion has a diameter larger than the wafer diameter. The susceptor includes a set of holes circumferentially disposed at a first susceptor diameter, the set of holes is evenly spaced with respect to adjacent holes and extending through the upper and lower surfaces in an area. The first susceptor diameter is larger than the wafer diameter, and holes are omitted along the first diameter in a predetermined orientation.

Abstract: A method of fabricating a semiconductor processing device includes providing a susceptor including a substantially cylindrical body portion having opposing upper and lower surfaces. The body portion has a diameter larger than a wafer diameter. The method also includes providing a set of holes circumferentially disposed at a first susceptor diameter, the set of holes being evenly spaced with respect to adjacent holes and extending through the upper and lower surfaces in an area. The first susceptor diameter is larger than the wafer diameter, and holes are omitted along the first diameter in a set of predetermined orientations.

Abstract: A carrier blade for transferring a semiconductor wafers into and out of a deposition chamber may include transition surfaces sloping downward from ledge surfaces. The transition surfaces slope from the corresponding ledges at angles that are greater than about 90 degrees so that the edges between the ledge surfaces and the transition surfaces are not sharp. The carrier blade may include bevels extending from the ledge surface(s) to upper lateral edges of the carrier blade.

Abstract: A susceptor for supporting a semiconductor wafer during a chemical vapor deposition process includes a body having opposing upper and lower surfaces. Support bosses extend downward from the lower face of the body. Each support boss has a boss opening sized and shaped for receiving a support post of a chemical vapor deposition device to mount the susceptor on the support post.

Abstract: A susceptor for supporting a semiconductor wafer in a heated chamber having an interior space. The susceptor includes a body having an upper surface and a lower surface opposite the upper surface. The susceptor also has a recess extending downward from the upper surface into the body along an imaginary central axis. The recess is sized and shaped for receiving the semiconductor wafer therein. The susceptor includes a plurality of lift pin openings extending through the body from the recess to the lower surface. Each of the lift pin openings is sized for accepting lift pins to selectively lift and lower the wafer with respect to the recess. The susceptor has a central opening extending through the body along the central axis from the recess to the lower surface.