Abstract: A method for a semiconductor manufacturing process includes circulating a solution from a tank using a pump and receiving the solution from the pump at an inlet of a valve. When a manufacturing operation occurs, the solution is directed to a first outlet of the valve that is connected to a nozzle used in the manufacturing operation. When the manufacturing operation is idle, the solution is directed to a second outlet connected to a recirculation path; and recirculated back to the tank via the recirculation path for re-use in the manufacturing operation.

Abstract: In a method of coating a photo resist over a wafer, dispensing the photo resist from a nozzle over the wafer is started while rotating the wafer, and dispensing the photo resist is stopped while rotating the wafer. After starting and before stopping the dispensing the photo resist, a wafer rotation speed is changed at least 4 times. During dispensing, an arm holding the nozzle may move horizontally. A tip end of the nozzle may be located at a height of 2.5 mm to 3.5 mm from the wafer.

Abstract: A method of supplying a chemical solution to a photolithography system. The chemical solution is pumped from a variable-volume buffer tank. The pumped chemical solution is dispensed in a spin-coater. The variable-volume buffer tank is refilled by emptying a storage container filled with the chemical solution into the variable-volume buffer tank.

Abstract: Fabricating a photomask includes forming a protection layer over a substrate. A plurality of multilayers of reflecting films are formed over the protection layer. A capping layer is formed over the plurality of multilayers. An absorption layer is formed over capping layer. A first photoresist layer is formed over portions of absorption layer. Portions of the first photoresist layer and absorption layer are patterned, forming first openings in absorption layer. The first openings expose portions of the capping layer. Remaining portions of first photoresist layer are removed and a second photoresist layer is formed over portions of absorption layer. The second photoresist layer covers at least the first openings. Portions of the absorption layer and capping layer and plurality of multilayer of reflecting films not covered by the second photoresist layer are patterned, forming second openings. The second openings expose portions of protection layer and second photoresist layer is removed.

Abstract: In a method of coating a photo resist over a wafer, dispensing the photo resist from a nozzle over the wafer is started while rotating the wafer, and dispensing the photo resist is stopped while rotating the wafer. After starting and before stopping the dispensing the photo resist, a wafer rotation speed is changed at least 4 times. During dispensing, an arm holding the nozzle may move horizontally. A tip end of the nozzle may be located at a height of 2.5 mm to 3.5 mm from the wafer.

Abstract: A method of supplying a chemical solution to a photolithography system. The chemical solution is pumped from a variable-volume buffer tank. The pumped chemical solution is dispensed in a spin-coater. The variable-volume buffer tank is refilled by emptying a storage container filled with the chemical solution into the variable-volume buffer tank.

Abstract: A solvent recycle system minimizes chemical consumption used in various semiconductor processes. The solvent is recycled from a nozzle bath via the addition of buffer tank to connect the bath and circulation pumps. Improvements to the bath design further maintain solvent cleanness by preventing intrusion of particles and overflow conditions in the bath.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to methods for defect inspection. After pattern features are formed in a structure layer, a dummy filling material having dissimilar optical properties from the structure layer is filled in the pattern features. The dissimilar optical properties between materials in the pattern features and the structure layer increase contrast in images captured by an inspection tool, thus increasing the defect capture rate.

Abstract: A method of operating a wet process apparatus, includes dispensing a solution from a nozzle and directing the solution to a bath through an inlet port. A purge gas is injected into the bath to force flow of the solution from the bath to a buffer tank. A condition of the fluid within the buffer tank is monitored with a sensor. The solution is circulated to a pump and then through a filter before returning the solution to the nozzle. Overflow solution is directed out of the bath via an overflow path to a drain for preventing an overflow condition.

Abstract: A solution dispense system for a semiconductor manufacturing process includes a longer circulation loop in order to minimize the idle section from resist pump to dispense nozzle. A t-valve and control valve are disposed close to the nozzle in order to decrease the idle section and reduce material consumption.

Abstract: In a method of coating a photo resist over a wafer, dispensing the photo resist from a nozzle over the wafer is started while rotating the wafer, and dispensing the photo resist is stopped while rotating the wafer. After starting and before stopping the dispensing the photo resist, a wafer rotation speed is changed at least 4 times. During dispensing, an arm holding the nozzle may move horizontally. A tip end of the nozzle may be located at a height of 2.5 mm to 3.5 mm from the wafer.

Abstract: A solvent recycle system minimizes chemical consumption used in various semiconductor processes. The solvent is recycled from a nozzle bath via the addition of buffer tank to connect the bath and circulation pumps. Improvements to the bath design further maintain solvent cleanness by preventing intrusion of particles and overflow conditions in the bath.

Abstract: In a method of coating a photo resist over a wafer, dispensing the photo resist from a nozzle over the wafer is started while rotating the wafer, and dispensing the photo resist is stopped while rotating the wafer. After starting and before stopping the dispensing the photo resist, a wafer rotation speed is changed at least 4 times. During dispensing, an arm holding the nozzle may move horizontally. A tip end of the nozzle may be located at a height of 2.5 mm to 3.5 mm from the wafer.

Abstract: Fabricating a photomask includes forming a protection layer over a substrate. A plurality of multilayers of reflecting films are formed over the protection layer. A capping layer is formed over the plurality of multilayers. An absorption layer is formed over capping layer. A first photoresist layer is formed over portions of absorption layer. Portions of the first photoresist layer and absorption layer are patterned, forming first openings in absorption layer. The first openings expose portions of the capping layer. Remaining portions of first photoresist layer are removed and a second photoresist layer is formed over portions of absorption layer. The second photoresist layer covers at least the first openings. Portions of the absorption layer and capping layer and plurality of multilayer of reflecting films not covered by the second photoresist layer are patterned, forming second openings. The second openings expose portions of protection layer and second photoresist layer is removed.

Abstract: In a method of coating a photo resist over a wafer, dispensing the photo resist from a nozzle over the wafer is started while rotating the wafer, and dispensing the photo resist is stopped while rotating the wafer. After starting and before stopping the dispensing the photo resist, a wafer rotation speed is changed at least 4 times. During dispensing, an arm holding the nozzle may move horizontally. A tip end of the nozzle may be located at a height of 2.5 mm to 3.5 mm from the wafer.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to methods for defect inspection. After pattern features are formed in a structure layer, a dummy filling material having dissimilar optical properties from the structure layer is filled in the pattern features. The dissimilar optical properties between materials in the pattern features and the structure layer increase contrast in images captured by an inspection tool, thus increasing the defect capture rate.

Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to methods for defect inspection. After pattern features are formed in a structure layer, a dummy filling material having dissimilar optical properties from the structure layer is filled in the pattern features. The dissimilar optical properties between materials in the pattern features and the structure layer increase contrast in images captured by an inspection tool, thus increasing the defect capture rate.

Abstract: A method of supplying a chemical solution to a photolithography system. The chemical solution is pumped from a variable-volume buffer tank. The pumped chemical solution is dispensed in a spin-coater. The variable-volume buffer tank is refilled by emptying a storage container filled with the chemical solution into the variable-volume buffer tank.

Abstract: Fabricating a photomask includes forming a protection layer over a substrate. A plurality of multilayers of reflecting films are formed over the protection layer. A capping layer is formed over the plurality of multilayers. An absorption layer is formed over capping layer. A first photoresist layer is formed over portions of absorption layer. Portions of the first photoresist layer and absorption layer are patterned, forming first openings in absorption layer. The first openings expose portions of the capping layer. Remaining portions of first photoresist layer are removed and a second photoresist layer is formed over portions of absorption layer. The second photoresist layer covers at least the first openings. Portions of the absorption layer and capping layer and plurality of multilayer of reflecting films not covered by the second photoresist layer are patterned, forming second openings. The second openings expose portions of protection layer and second photoresist layer is removed.

Abstract: A photolithography system includes a variable-volume buffer tank, a dispensing system connected to the buffer tank, and a valve configured to release gas from a head space of the buffer tank while blocking the release of liquid from the head space. A storage container has an opening at the bottom and drains to the buffer tank through that opening. The buffer tank has a storage capacity sufficient to receive the full contents of the storage container. The system supplies chemical solutions to the dispensing system while keeping the chemical solutions from contact with air and other gases.