Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for performing a dry plasma procedure, while mitigating internal contamination of a semiconductor substrate. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a semiconductor processing tool having a dry process stage with one or more dry process elements that perform a dry plasma procedure on a semiconductor substrate received from an input port. A wafer transport system transports the semiconductor substrates from the dry process stage to a wet cleaning stage located downstream of the dry process stage. The wet cleaning stage has one or more wet cleaning elements that perform a wet cleaning procedure to remove contaminants from a surface of the semiconductor substrates before the semiconductor substrate is provided to an output port. The wet cleaning procedure prior removes internal contaminants of the dry process procedure from the semiconductor substrate and thereby improves wafer manufacturing quality.

Abstract: Embodiments that relate to mechanisms for cleaning wafers is provided. A method for wafer cleaning includes cleaning wafers by a wet-bench cleaning operation. The method also includes thereafter cleaning each of the wafers by a single-wafer cleaning operation. In addition, a cleaning apparatus for enhancing the performance of the above method is also provided.

Abstract: Among other things, one or more systems and techniques for removing a photoresist from a semiconductor wafer are provided. The photoresist is formed over the semiconductor wafer for patterning or material deposition. Once completed, the photoresist is removed in a manner that mitigates damage to the semiconductor wafer or structures formed thereon. In an embodiment, trioxygen liquid is supplied to the photoresist. The trioxygen liquid is activated using an activator, such as an ultraviolet activator or a hydrogen peroxide activator, to create activated trioxygen liquid used to remove the photoresist. In an embodiment, the activation of the trioxygen liquid results in free radicals that aid in removing the photoresist. In an embodiment, an initial photoresist strip, such as using a sulfuric acid hydrogen peroxide mixture, is performed to remove a first portion of the photoresist, and the activated trioxygen liquid is used to remove a second portion of the photoresist.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method and apparatus for performing a dry plasma procedure, while mitigating internal contamination of a semiconductor substrate. In some embodiments, the apparatus includes a semiconductor processing tool having a dry process stage with one or more dry process elements that perform a dry plasma procedure on a semiconductor substrate received from an input port. A wafer transport system transports the semiconductor substrates from the dry process stage to a wet cleaning stage located downstream of the dry process stage. The wet cleaning stage has one or more wet cleaning elements that perform a wet cleaning procedure to remove contaminants from a surface of the semiconductor substrates before the semiconductor substrate is provided to an output port. The wet cleaning procedure prior removes internal contaminants of the dry process procedure from the semiconductor substrate and thereby improves wafer manufacturing quality.

Abstract: A loading port includes a housing and a plurality of stations defined in the housing configured to receive a front opening universal pod (FOUP). The loading port further includes a connector configured to receive an inert gas. At least one of the plurality of stations is configured to deliver the inert gas to the FOUP to purge an interior of the FOUP of moisture. A system including the loading port and a method of using the system are also described.