Abstract: A semiconductor processing tool includes: a process chamber into which a semiconductor wafer is loaded; a support for securing the wafer loaded into the chamber tool; an inlet which introduces a first gas into the chamber for processing the wafer; and an exhaust system that exhausts gas from the chamber. The exhaust system includes: a first line coupled to the chamber to exhaust gas from the chamber; and a pump to draw gas through the first line from the chamber. The tool further includes a heating module having: a second line coupled to the first and a supply of a second gas, the second gas being flowed through the second line from the supply into the first line; and a heating element contained in the second line, the heating element heating the second gas in the second line before the second gas is flowed into the first line.

Abstract: A valve for throttling gas flow from a semiconductor processing tool includes a valve body. A shaft extends through the valve body. The shaft defines an internal cavity and a first opening communicating with the internal cavity. A first deflector is positioned on the shaft proximate the first opening and directed at a first interface between the shaft and the valve body. A method for throttling gas flow from a semiconductor processing tool includes providing a gas in an internal cavity defined in a shaft of a valve and directing the gas through an opening defined in the shaft and communicating with the bore toward an interface between the shaft and a valve body of the valve supporting the shaft.

Abstract: The present disclosure provides a method and a system therefore for processing wafer. The method includes: extracting a first gas from a chamber via a first route; blocking a second route used to be pumped down to chuck a wafer placed in the chamber, wherein the second route connects the chamber and the first route; and providing a second gas via a third route to purge a junction of the first route and the second route.

Abstract: A valve for throttling gas flow from a semiconductor processing tool includes a valve body. A shaft extends through the valve body. The shaft defines an internal cavity and a first opening communicating with the internal cavity. A first deflector is positioned on the shaft proximate the first opening and directed at a first interface between the shaft and the valve body. A method for throttling gas flow from a semiconductor processing tool includes providing a gas in an internal cavity defined in a shaft of a valve and directing the gas through an opening defined in the shaft and communicating with the bore toward an interface between the shaft and a valve body of the valve supporting the shaft.