Abstract: The present disclosure relates to exclusion rings for use in processing a semiconductor substrate in a processing chamber, such as a chemical vapor deposition chamber. The exclusion ring includes an alignment structure that cooperates with an alignment structure on a platen on which the exclusion ring will rest during processing of the wafer. The first alignment structure includes a guiding surface which promotes the reception of and positioning of the second alignment structure within the first alignment structure. Methods of utilizing the described exclusion rings are also described.

Abstract: A clamp ring including an inner periphery of increased diameter at locations where inwardly extending tabs are not located reduces the risk a workpiece that is placed in close proximity to the clamp ring or which contacts the clamp ring during processing will stick to the clamp ring.

Abstract: A clamp ring including an inner periphery of increased diameter at locations where inwardly extending tabs are not located reduces the risk a workpiece that is placed in close proximity to the clamp ring or which contacts the clamp ring during processing will stick to the clamp ring.

Abstract: A wafer pod transfer assembly includes a wafer pod port to receive a wafer pod, a transfer axle coupled to the wafer pod port, a shaft receiver, a shaft coupled to the transfer axle and to the shaft receiver, a pin through the shaft receiver and through the shaft, wherein the pin comprises a first end and a second end, opposite the first end, and a pin buckle including a first loop and a second loop. The pin buckle is coupled to the pin, the first loop encircles the first end of the pin, and the second loop encircles the second end of the pin.

Abstract: A deposition tool includes a power cable pedestal including a pedestal body with a first surface and a second surface and a guide hole that extends through the pedestal body from the first surface to the second surface, where at least a portion of a sidewall of the guide hole has a slanted surface, and where the pedestal body is formed from a first material with a melting point that is higher than a melting point of Polyoxymethylene (POM). The deposition tool includes a bushing arranged over the guide hole, where the bushing is formed from a second material with a melting point that is higher than the melting point of POM.

Abstract: A radio frequency (RF) match assembly for a chemical vapor deposition processing chamber. The assembly includes a top electrically insulating column and a bottom electrically insulating column. The assembly further includes a one-piece RF match strap that has a head, a main body and a body extension. The main body of the one-piece RF match strap is configured to extend through the top electrically insulating column and the bottom electrically insulating column. A flexible chamber lid strap connects the processing chamber to the top of the one-piece RF match strap.

Abstract: A deposition tool includes a power cable pedestal including a pedestal body with a first surface and a second surface and a guide hole that extends through the pedestal body from the first surface to the second surface, where at least a portion of a sidewall of the guide hole has a slanted surface, and where the pedestal body is formed from a first material with a melting point that is higher than a melting point of Polyoxymethylene (POM). The deposition tool includes a bushing arranged over the guide hole, where the bushing is formed from a second material with a melting point that is higher than the melting point of POM.

Abstract: A wafer pod transfer assembly includes a wafer pod port to receive a wafer pod, a transfer axle coupled to the wafer pod port, a shaft receiver, a shaft coupled to the transfer axle and to the shaft receiver, a pin through the shaft receiver and through the shaft, wherein the pin comprises a first end and a second end, opposite the first end, and a pin buckle including a first loop and a second loop. The pin buckle is coupled to the pin, the first loop encircles the first end of the pin, and the second loop encircles the second end of the pin.

Abstract: A radio frequency (RF) match assembly for a chemical vapor deposition processing chamber. The assembly includes a top electrically insulating column and a bottom electrically insulating column. The assembly further includes a one-piece RF match strap that has a head, a main body and a body extension. The main body of the one-piece RF match strap is configured to extend through the top electrically insulating column and the bottom electrically insulating column. A flexible chamber lid strap connects the processing chamber to the top of the one piece RF match strap.

Abstract: A bonding tool includes a gas supply line that may extend directly between valves associated with one or more gas supply tanks and a processing chamber such that gas supply line is uninterrupted without any intervening valves or other types of structures that might otherwise cause a pressure buildup in the gas supply line between the processing chamber and the valves associated with the one or more gas supply tanks. The pressure in the gas supply line may be maintained at or near the pressure in the processing chamber so that gas provided to the processing chamber through the gas supply line does not cause a pressure imbalance in the processing chamber, which might otherwise cause early or premature contact between semiconductor substrates that are to be bonded in the processing chamber.

Abstract: A bonding tool includes a gas supply line that may extend directly between valves associated with one or more gas supply tanks and a processing chamber such that gas supply line is uninterrupted without any intervening valves or other types of structures that might otherwise cause a pressure buildup in the gas supply line between the processing chamber and the valves associated with the one or more gas supply tanks. The pressure in the gas supply line may be maintained at or near the pressure in the processing chamber so that gas provided to the processing chamber through the gas supply line does not cause a pressure imbalance in the processing chamber, which might otherwise cause early or premature contact between semiconductor substrates that are to be bonded in the processing chamber.

Abstract: The present disclosure relates to exclusion rings for use in processing a semiconductor substrate in a processing chamber, such as a chemical vapor deposition chamber. The exclusion ring includes an alignment structure that cooperates with an alignment structure on a platen on which the exclusion ring will rest during processing of the wafer. The first alignment structure includes a guiding surface which promotes the reception of and positioning of the second alignment structure within the first alignment structure. Methods of utilizing the described exclusion rings are also described.

Abstract: A preclean process may be omitted from a eutectic bonding sequence. To remove oxide from one or more surfaces of a device wafer of a micro-electromechanical-system (MEMS) structure, a duration of an acid-based etch process in the eutectic bonding sequence may be increased relative to the duration of the acid-based etch process when the preclean process is performed. The increased duration of the acid-based etch process enables the acid-based etch process to remove the oxide from the one or more surfaces of the device wafer without the use of a preceding preclean process. This reduces the complexity and cycle time of the eutectic bonding sequence, reduces the risk of stiction between suspended mechanical components of the MEMS structure, and/or reduces the likelihood that the MEMS structure may be rendered defective or inoperable during manufacturing, which increases process yield.

Abstract: A wafer pod transfer assembly includes a wafer pod port to receive a wafer pod, a transfer axle coupled to the wafer pod port, a shaft receiver, a shaft coupled to the transfer axle and to the shaft receiver, a pin through the shaft receiver and through the shaft, wherein the pin comprises a first end and a second end, opposite the first end, and a pin buckle including a first loop and a second loop. The pin buckle is coupled to the pin, the first loop encircles the first end of the pin, and the second loop encircles the second end of the pin.

Abstract: A preclean process may be omitted from a eutectic bonding sequence. To remove oxide from one or more surfaces of a device wafer of a micro-electromechanical-system (MEMS) structure, a duration of an acid-based etch process in the eutectic bonding sequence may be increased relative to the duration of the acid-based etch process when the preclean process is performed. The increased duration of the acid-based etch process enables the acid-based etch process to remove the oxide from the one or more surfaces of the device wafer without the use of a preceding preclean process. This reduces the complexity and cycle time of the eutectic bonding sequence, reduces the risk of stiction between suspended mechanical components of the MEMS structure, and/or reduces the likelihood that the MEMS structure may be rendered defective or inoperable during manufacturing, which increases process yield.

Abstract: A wafer pod transfer assembly includes a wafer pod port to receive a wafer pod, a transfer axle coupled to the wafer pod port, a shaft receiver, a shaft coupled to the transfer axle and to the shaft receiver, a pin through the shaft receiver and through the shaft, wherein the pin comprises a first end and a second end, opposite the first end, and a pin buckle including a first loop and a second loop. The pin buckle is coupled to the pin, the first loop encircles the first end of the pin, and the second loop encircles the second end of the pin.

Abstract: A clamp ring including an inner periphery of increased diameter at locations where inwardly extending tabs are not located reduces the risk a workpiece that is placed in close proximity to the clamp ring or which contacts the clamp ring during processing will stick to the clamp ring.

Abstract: An apparatus for performing a deposition process on a semiconductor wafer includes a chamber, a wafer holder, and a shielding structure. The chamber contains a reaction area, the wafer holder is disposed in the chamber to hold the semiconductor wafer, and the reaction area is above the semiconductor wafer. The shielding structure is disposed in the chamber and isolates an inner sidewall of the chamber from the reaction area. The shielding structure includes a base member, a first member, and a second member. The base member is disposed between the inner sidewall of the chamber and the wafer holder. The first member is disposed on the base member and is windowless. The second member is disposed on the base member and within the first member, and the second member includes a sidewall provided with a first window to transfer the semiconductor wafer.

Abstract: A radio frequency (RF) match assembly for a chemical vapor deposition processing chamber. The assembly includes a top electrically insulating column and a bottom electrically insulating column. The assembly further includes a one-piece RF match strap that has a head, a main body and a body extension. The main body of the one-piece RF match strap is configured to extend through the top electrically insulating column and the bottom electrically insulating column. A flexible chamber lid strap connects the processing chamber to the top of the one piece RF match strap.

Abstract: Methods and systems for improving fusion bonding are disclosed. Plasma treatment is performed on a substrate prior to the fusion bonding, which leaves residual charge on the substrate to be fusion bonded. The residual charge is usually dissipated through an electrically conductive silicone cushion on a loading pin. In the methods, the amount of residual voltage on a test silicon wafer is measured. If the residual voltage is too high, this indicates the usable lifetime of the silicone cushion has passed, and the electrically conductive silicone cushion is replaced. This ensures the continued dissipation of residual charge during use in production, improving the quality of fusion bonds between substrates.