Abstract: An ultraviolet (UV) cure chamber enables curing a dielectric material disposed on a substrate and in situ cleaning thereof. A tandem process chamber provides two separate and adjacent process regions defined by a body covered with a lid having windows aligned respectively above each process region. One or more UV sources per process region that are covered by housings coupled to the lid emit UV light directed through the windows onto substrates located within the process regions. The UV sources can be an array of light emitting diodes or bulbs utilizing a source such as microwave or radio frequency. The UV light can be pulsed during a cure process. Using oxygen radical/ozone generated remotely and/or in-situ accomplishes cleaning of the chamber. Use of lamp arrays, relative motion of the substrate and lamp head, and real-time modification of lamp reflector shape and/or position can enhance uniformity of substrate illumination.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate generally to an ultraviolet (UV) cure chamber for curing a dielectric material disposed on a substrate and to methods of curing dielectric materials using UV radiation. A substrate processing tool according to one embodiment comprises a body defining a substrate processing region; a substrate support adapted to support a substrate within the substrate processing region; an ultraviolet radiation lamp spaced apart from the substrate support, the lamp configured to transmit ultraviolet radiation to a substrate positioned on the substrate support; and a motor operatively coupled to rotate at least one of the ultraviolet radiation lamp or substrate support at least 180 degrees relative to each other.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention is a guard ring for reducing particle entrapment along a moveable shaft of a substrate support. In one embodiment, the guard ring comprises a substantially annular guard ring positioned within a step formed in a sleeve that circumscribes the shaft. The guard ring is positioned to substantially seal a gap separating the shaft from the sleeve, so that the amount of particles and foreign matter that travel within or become trapped in the gap is substantially reduced. In another embodiment, a guard ring comprises a base portion having an inner perimeter and an outer perimeter, a first flange coupled to the inner perimeter, a second flange coupled to the outer perimeter, and a continuous channel separating the first flange from the second flange. The first flange is adapted to function as a spring that accommodates displacement of the shaft.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate generally to an ultraviolet (UV) cure chamber for curing a dielectric material disposed on a substrate and to methods of curing dielectric materials using UV radiation. A substrate processing tool according to one embodiment comprises a body defining a substrate processing region; a substrate support adapted to support a substrate within the substrate processing region; an ultraviolet radiation lamp spaced apart from the substrate support, the lamp configured to transmit ultraviolet radiation to a substrate positioned on the substrate support; and a motor operatively coupled to rotate at least one of the ultraviolet radiation lamp or substrate support at least 180 degrees relative to each other.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention relate generally to an ultraviolet (UV) cure chamber for curing a dielectric material disposed on a substrate and to methods of curing dielectric materials using UV radiation. A substrate processing tool according to one embodiment comprises a body defining a substrate processing region; a substrate support adapted to support a substrate within the substrate processing region; an ultraviolet radiation lamp spaced apart from the substrate support, the lamp configured to transmit ultraviolet radiation to a substrate positioned on the substrate support; and a motor operatively coupled to rotate at least one of the ultraviolet radiation lamp or substrate support at least 180 degrees relative to each other.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to improving defect performance in semiconductor processing systems. In specific embodiments, an apparatus for processing semiconductor substrates comprises a chamber defining a processing region therein, and a substrate support disposed in the chamber to support a semiconductor substrate. At least one nozzle extends into the chamber to introduce a process gas into the chamber through a nozzle opening. The apparatus comprises at least one heat shield, each of which is disposed around at least a portion of one of the at least one nozzle. The heat shield has an extension which projects distally of the nozzle opening of the nozzle and which includes a heat shield opening for the process gas to flow therethrough from the nozzle opening. The heat shield decreases the temperature of nozzle in the processing chamber for introducing process gases therein to reduce particles.

Abstract: An ultraviolet (UV) cure chamber enables curing a dielectric material disposed on a substrate and in situ cleaning thereof. A tandem process chamber provides two separate and adjacent process regions defined by a body covered with a lid having windows aligned respectively above each process region. One or more UV bulbs per process region that are covered by housings coupled to the lid emit UV light directed through the windows onto substrates located within the process regions. The UV bulbs can be an array of light emitting diodes or bulbs utilizing a source such as microwave or radio frequency. The UV light can be pulsed during a cure process. Using oxygen radical/ozone generated remotely and/or in-situ accomplishes cleaning of the chamber. Use of lamp arrays, relative motion of the substrate and lamp head, and real-time modification of lamp reflector shape and/or position can enhance uniformity of substrate illumination.

Abstract: An ultraviolet (UV) cure chamber enables curing a dielectric material disposed on a substrate and in situ cleaning thereof. A tandem process chamber provides two separate and adjacent process regions defined by a body covered with a lid having windows aligned respectively above each process region. One or more UV bulbs per process region that are covered by housings coupled to the lid emit UV light directed through the windows onto substrates located within the process regions. The UV bulbs can be an array of light emitting diodes or bulbs utilizing a source such as microwave or radio frequency. The UV light can be pulsed during a cure process. Using oxygen radical/ozone generated remotely and/or in-situ accomplishes cleaning of the chamber. Use of lamp arrays, relative motion of the substrate and lamp head, and real-time modification of lamp reflector shape and/or position can enhance uniformity of substrate illumination.

Abstract: An ultraviolet (UV) cure chamber enables curing a dielectric material disposed on a substrate and in situ cleaning thereof. A tandem process chamber provides two separate and adjacent process regions defined by a body covered with a lid having windows aligned respectively above each process region. One or more UV bulbs per process region that are covered by housings coupled to the lid emit UV light directed through the windows onto substrates located within the process regions. The UV bulbs can be an array of light emitting diodes or bulbs utilizing a source such as microwave or radio frequency. The UV light can be pulsed during a cure process. Using oxygen radical/ozone generated remotely and/or in-situ accomplishes cleaning of the chamber. Use of lamp arrays, relative motion of the substrate and lamp head, and real-time modification of lamp reflector shape and/or position can enhance uniformity of substrate illumination.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to the design of a plasma CVD chamber which provides more uniform conditions for forming thin CVD films on a substrate. In one embodiment, an apparatus for processing semiconductor substrates comprises a chamber defining a plasma processing region therein. The chamber includes a bottom, a side wall, and a dome disposed on top of the side wall. The dome has a dome top and having a side portion defining a chamber diameter. A top RF coil is disposed above the dome top. A side RF coil is disposed adjacent the side portion of the dome. The side RF coil is spaced from the top RF coil by a coil separation. A ratio of the coil separation to the chamber diameter is typically at least about 0.15, more desirably about 0.2-0.25.

Abstract: Embodiments in accordance with the present invention relate to a number of techniques, which may be applied alone or in combination, to reduce charge damage of substrates exposed to electron beam radiation. In one embodiment, charge damage is reduced by establishing a robust electrical connection between the exposed substrate and ground. In another embodiment, charge damage is reduced by modifying the sequence of steps for activating and deactivating the electron beam source to reduce the accumulation of charge on the substrate. In still another embodiment, a plasma is struck in the chamber containing the e-beam treated substrate, thereby removing accumulated charge from the substrate. In a further embodiment of the present invention, the voltage of the anode of the e-beam source is reduced in magnitude to account for differences in electron conversion efficiency exhibited by different cathode materials.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for distributing gases into a processing chamber are disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a gas distribution plate having a plurality of apertures disposed therethrough and a blocker plate having both a plurality of apertures disposed therethrough and a plurality of feed through passageways disposed therein. A first gas pathway delivers a first gas through the plurality of apertures in the blocker plate and the gas distribution plate. A bypass gas pathway delivers a second gas through the plurality of feed through passageways in the blocker plate and to areas around the blocker plate prior to the second gas passing through the gas distribution plate.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for distributing gases into a processing chamber are disclosed. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a gas distribution plate having a plurality of apertures disposed therethrough and a blocker plate having both a plurality of apertures disposed therethrough and a plurality of feed through passageways disposed therein. A first gas pathway delivers a first gas through the plurality of apertures in the blocker plate with sufficient pressure drop to more evenly distribute the gases prior to passing through the gas distribution plate. A bypass gas pathway delivers a second gas through the plurality of feed through passageways in the blocker plate and to areas around the blocker plate prior to the second gas passing through the gas distribution plate.

Abstract: Embodiments in accordance with the present invention relate to a number of techniques, which may be applied alone or in combination, to reduce charge damage of substrates exposed to electron beam radiation. In one embodiment, charge damage is reduced by establishing a robust electrical connection between the exposed substrate and ground. In another embodiment, charge damage is reduced by modifying the sequence of steps for activating and deactivating the electron beam source to reduce the accumulation of charge on the substrate. In still another embodiment, a plasma is struck in the chamber containing the e-beam treated substrate, thereby removing accumulated charge from the substrate. In a further embodiment of the present invention, the voltage of the anode of the e-beam source is reduced in magnitude to account for differences in electron conversion efficiency exhibited by different cathode materials.

Abstract: In one embodiment, the invention is a guard ring for reducing particle entrapment along a moveable shaft of a substrate support. In one embodiment, the guard ring comprises a substantially annular guard ring positioned within a step formed in a sleeve that circumscribes the shaft. The guard ring is positioned to substantially seal a gap separating the shaft from the sleeve, so that the amount of particles and foreign matter that travel within or become trapped in the gap is substantially reduced. In another embodiment, a guard ring comprises a base portion having an inner perimeter and an outer perimeter, a first flange coupled to the inner perimeter, a second flange coupled to the outer perimeter, and a continuous channel separating the first flange from the second flange. The first flange is adapted to function as a spring that accommodates displacement of the shaft.

Abstract: Embodiments in accordance with the present invention relate to apparatuses and methods distributing processing gases over a workpiece surface. In accordance with one embodiment of the present invention, process gases are flowed to a surface of a semiconductor wafer through a substantially circular gas distribution showerhead defining a plurality of holes. A first set of holes located at the center of the faceplate, are arranged in a non-concentric manner not exhibiting radial symmetry. This asymmetric arrangement achieves maximum density of holes and gases distributed therefrom. To compensate for nonuniform exposure of the wafer edges to gases flowed from the first hole set, the faceplate periphery defines a second set of holes arranged concentrically and exhibiting radial symmetry. Processing substrates with gases flowed through the first and second sets of holes results in formation of films exhibiting enhanced uniformity across center-to-edge regions.

Abstract: The present invention provides exemplary antenna coil assemblies and substrate processing chambers using such assemblies. In one embodiment, an antenna coil assembly (100) for a substrate processing chamber includes an antenna coil (102) disposed in a frame (104). The frame includes a plurality of spaced apart tabs (120) around a periphery of the frame, with the coil coupled to the frame at the tabbed locations. At least one notch (122) is provided between each pair of adjacent tabs. The notches are adapted to facilitate thermal expansion and contraction of the frame at the notched locations to reduce stresses on the frame and coil connections.

Abstract: The present invention provides a method and apparatus for limiting residue build-up by lining with a ceramic material the exhaust plenun and exhaust manifold of a processing chamber. In another aspect of the invention, the inventors have used an air gap between the ceramic liner and the processing chamber walls to increase the dielectric value of the ceramic liner, and further inhibit the build-up of residues. In another aspect, the ceramic liner has been found to retain sufficient heat to allow the elimination of heaters typically used to heat the aluminum walls during a clean operation, if the clean operation is commenced immediately after a process step so that the ceramic retains the necessary heat from the previous processing step. The provision of an air gap aids in this heating, preventing the ceramic heat from being drawn off by direct contact with the aluminum walls. In a preferred embodiment, the ceramic liners are attached to the chamber walls with TEFLON.RTM. (polytetrafluoroethylene) screws.

Abstract: A process chamber is disclosed which provides a 360.degree. circular gas/vacuum distribution over a substrate being processed. The substrate being processed is supported on a heated and optionally cooled pedestal assembly. The substrate faces a one-piece gas distribution faceplate being connected to an RF power supply outside the vacuum environment of the processing chamber. A pumping channel view port is provided to verify and confirm instrumentation readings concerning the degree of surface deposition on process chamber internal surfaces. All process chamber wall surfaces facing the region where plasma will be present during processing (except the gas distribution faceplate) are ceramic and therefore highly resistant to corrosion. The pedestal an un-anodized metal is also covered with a loosely fitting ceramic surface having alignment features to maintain concentricity between the wafer support surface of the pedestal and the wafer being processed.

Abstract: A process chamber is disclosed which provides a 360.degree. circular gas/vacuum distribution over a substrate being processed. The substrate being processed is supported on a heated and optionally cooled pedestal assembly. The substrate faces a one-piece gas distribution faceplate being connected to an RF power supply outside the vacuum environment of the processing chamber. A pumping channel view port is provided to verify and confirm instrumentation readings concerning the degree of surface deposition on process chamber internal surfaces. All process chamber wall surfaces facing the region where plasma will be present during processing (except the gas distribution faceplate) are ceramic and therefore highly resistant to corrosion. The pedestal an un-anodized metal is also covered with a loosely fitting ceramic surface having alignment features to maintain concentricity between the wafer support surface of the pedestal and the wafer being processed.