Multi-temperature output heat exchanger with single chiller

Abstract

A heat exchanger is disclosed having multiple temperature outputs. The heat exchanger may have a body and a heating system. The body may have a first end, a second end, a first side, and a second side. The first end may oppose the second end and the first side may oppose the second side. The body may define a plurality of fluid channels, a plurality of input ports, a plurality of output ports, and each of the fluid channels may be accessible by an input port on either the side of the body and an output port on the opposed side of the body. The heating system may be configured to deliver thermal energy to the first end of the body. The body may be configured to allow the thermal energy to substantially flow from the first end to the second end, thereby producing a temperature gradient across the body.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Modern integrated circuits contain millions of individual elements that are formed by patterning the materials, such as silicon, metal and/or dielectric layers, which make up the integrated circuit, to sizes that are small fractions of a micrometer. The technique used throughout the industry for forming such patterns is photolithography. A typical photolithography process sequence generally includes depositing one or more uniform photoresist (resist) layers on the surface of a substrate, drying and curing the deposited layers, patterning the substrate by exposing the photoresist layer to electromagnetic radiation that is suitable for modifying the exposed layer, and then developing the patterned photoresist layer.

It is common in the semiconductor industry for many of the steps associated with the photolithography process to be performed in a multi-chamber processing system (e.g., a cluster tool) that has the capability to sequentially process semiconductor wafers in a controlled manner. One example of a cluster tool that is used to deposit (i.e., coat) and develop a photoresist material is commonly referred to as a track lithography tool.

Track lithography tools typically include a mainframe that houses multiple chambers (which are sometimes referred to herein as stations) dedicated to performing the various tasks associated with pre- and post-lithography processing. There are typically both wet and dry processing chambers within track lithography tools. Wet chambers include coat and/or develop bowls, while dry chambers include thermal control units that house bake and/or chill plates. Track lithography tools also frequently include one or more pod/cassette mounting devices, such as an industry standard FOUP (front opening unified pod), to receive substrates from and return substrates to the clean room, multiple substrate transfer robots to transfer substrates between the various chambers/stations of the track tool, and an interface that allows the tool to be operatively coupled to a lithography exposure tool in order to transfer substrates into the exposure tool and receive substrates from the exposure tool after the substrates are processed within the exposure tool.

At various locations throughout track lithography tools, chambers may have plates which hold the substrates while they are processed. The temperature of these plates may be closely associated with the temperature of the substrate held. The temperature of the substrate may be a critical variable in production of circuits from the substrate. Additionally, the temperature of materials applied to the substrate at various chambers may also be critical. The desired temperatures for optimum operation may be different for each chamber and each material to be applied to the substrate. Consequently, complex systems employing multiple cooling sources and/or multiple heating sources are required to deliver optimum temperatures to each chamber and material. Embodiments of the present invention provide solutions to these and other issues.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A heat exchanger with multiple temperature outputs is disclosed which may be included and used in a process module of a track lithography tool. The heat exchanger may have a body and a heating system. The body may have a first end, a second end, a first side, and a second side. The first end may oppose the second end and the first side may oppose the second side. The body may further define a plurality of fluid channels, a plurality of input ports, and a plurality of output ports. Each of the plurality of fluid channels may be accessible by an input port on either the first side or second side of the body, and an output port on the opposed side of the body. Each of the plurality of fluid channels may have a length which extends from the input port to the output port. The body may substantially be made from a thermally conductive material such as copper, brass, stainless steel, or bronze.

In some embodiments, the lengths of the fluid channels may be substantially parallel to each other and/or be substantially perpendicular to the temperature gradient. In various embodiments, at least one porous insert may be disposed within at least one fluid channel and in conductive thermal communication with the body. The porous insert(s) may substantially be made from a variety of materials such as titanium, copper, brass, stainless steel, and bronze.

The heating system may be configured to deliver thermal energy to the first end of the body, and the body may be configured to allow the thermal energy to substantially flow from the first end to the second end thereby producing a temperature gradient from the first end to the second end. In some embodiments, the heating system may be a resistance heater adapted to be electrically coupled with a power source. When a first fluid having a first temperature is input into a first input port, thermal energy may transfer between the body and the first fluid such that the first fluid may output at a first output port at a second temperature. The second temperature may be different than the first temperature, and also different than the temperature at which the first fluid would output at a second output port if input at a second input port. When the first fluid having the first temperature is input into each of the plurality of fluid channels at their input ports, the temperature of the first fluid at each of output ports may be progressively higher at output ports closer to the first end of the body.

In some embodiments of the invention, the body of the heat exchanger may be substantially flat. In other embodiments, the body may have a body which is curved such that the first end is substantially proximate to the second end, thereby forming a tube. The tube may then have an interior, a circumference substantially similar to the distance from the first end to the second end, and a length substantially the length of one of the fluid channels. In embodiments with curved bodies, there may also be a fluid conduit in conductive thermal communication with the interior of the tube. The fluid conduit may define an input port and an output port. When a second fluid is input into the input port of the fluid conduit, the second fluid may output at the output port of the fluid conduit at a different temperature than it was input.

Some embodiments of the invention may also have an input manifold. The input manifold may define a primary input port; a primary leg in fluid communication with the primary input port; a plurality of secondary legs, each in fluid communication with the primary leg; and a plurality of output ports, each in fluid communication with a different secondary leg. The secondary output ports may be coupled with the input ports of the body. In some embodiments, the input manifold may also defines a plurality of secondary input ports, each in fluid communication with a different secondary leg.

Various other modifications and additions to the invention may be present in some embodiments. For instance, the heat exchanger may also have a plurality of valves, each coupled with a different output port. Some embodiments may also have a heat sink, possibly with a fan, at the second end of the body. Chillers and/or pumps may also be added to the heat exchanger to provide fluid flow at certain temperatures into the input ports of the body.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present disclosure is described in conjunction with the appended figures:

FIG. 1 is a simplified plan view of an embodiment of a track lithography tool according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a plan view of a heat exchanger with multi-temperature outputs according to an embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a plan view of a heat exchanger with multi-temperature outputs according to an embodiment of the present invention, similar to that shown in FIG. 2, except having fluid channels where the lengths of such channels are not perpendicular to the sides of the heat exchanger;

FIG. 4 is a plan view of a heat exchanger with multi-temperature outputs according to an embodiment of the present invention, similar to that shown in FIG. 2, except having fluid channels where the lengths of such channels are not perpendicular to the sides of the heat exchanger and also not parallel to one another;

FIG. 5 is an isometric view of a fluid channel with the top of the channel cut away for the purpose of clarity;

FIG. 6 is an isometric view of a porous insert disposed in the fluid channel of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is an isometric view of a heat exchanger with multi-temperature outputs according to an embodiment of the present invention, similar to that shown in FIG. 2, except where the body is curved rather than flat;

FIG. 8 is an isometric view of a heat exchanger with multi-temperature outputs according to an embodiment of the present invention, similar to that shown in FIG. 7, except also having a conduit running through the center of the curved heat exchanger;

FIG. 9 is a plan view of a heat exchanger with multi-temperature outputs according to an embodiment of the present invention, similar to that shown in FIG. 2, except the output lines are not shown and the input manifold has secondary input ports;

FIG. 10 is a plan view of a heat exchanger with multi-temperature outputs according to an embodiment of the present invention, similar to that shown in FIG. 2, except the input manifold is not shown and output valves are coupled to the output ports;

FIG. 11 is a plan view of a heat exchanger with multi-temperature outputs according to an embodiment of the present invention, similar to that shown in FIG. 2, except a heat sink is coupled to the second end of the heat exchanger and a fan is shown moving air over the heat sink;

FIG. 12 is a plan view of a heat exchanger with multi-temperature outputs according to an embodiment of the present invention, similar to that shown in FIG. 11, except having a body temperature control channel block instead of a heat sink and fan; and

FIG. 13 is a block diagram of a system which incorporates a heat exchanger with multiple outputs according to an embodiment of the present invention with a chiller, pump, valve selector and track lithography tool.

In the appended figures, similar components and/or features may have the same reference label. Further, various components and/or features of the same type may be distinguished by following the reference label by a letter that distinguishes among the similar components and/or features. If only the first reference label is used in the specification, the description is applicable to any one of the similar components and/or features having the same first reference label irrespective of the letter suffix.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

According to the present invention, apparatuses for controlling the temperature of components in substrate processing equipment are provided. More particularly, the present invention relates to a heat exchanger comprising a body with fluid channels for a coolant fluid and a heater to produce multiple temperature outputs from a single input. The present invention may therefore be able to control temperatures in multiple various subsystems of processing equipment using one fluid source and one heater. Merely by way of example, the apparatuses of the present invention may be used to control the temperature of chambers and photoresist material prior to deposition. The apparatuses can also be applied in other processes for controlling the temperatures of fluids.

FIG. 1 is a plan view of an embodiment of a track lithography tool 100 in which the embodiments of the present invention may be used. As illustrated in FIG. 1, track lithography tool 100 contains a front end module 110 (sometimes referred to as a factory interface or FI) and a process module 111. In other embodiments, the track lithography tool 100 includes a rear module (not shown), which is sometimes referred to as a scanner interface. Front end module 110 generally contains one or more pod assemblies or FOUPS (e.g., items 105A-D) and a front end robot assembly 115 including a horizontal motion assembly 116 and a front end robot 117. The front end module 110 may also include front end processing racks (not shown). The one or more pod assemblies 105A-D are generally adapted to accept one or more cassettes 106 that may contain one or more substrates or wafers, “W,” that are to be processed in track lithography tool 100. The front end module 110 may also contain one or more pass-through positions (not shown) to link the front end module 110 and the process module 111.

Process module 111 generally contains a number of processing racks 120A, 120B, 130, and 136. As illustrated in FIG. 1, processing racks 120A and 120B each include a coater/developer module with shared dispense 124. A coater/developer module with shared dispense 124 includes two coat bowls 121 positioned on opposing sides of a shared dispense bank 122, which contains a number of nozzles 123 providing processing fluids (e.g., bottom anti-reflection coating (BARC) liquid, resist, developer, and the like) to a wafer mounted on a substrate support 127 located in the coat bowl 121. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, a dispense arm 125 sliding along a track 126 is able to pick up a nozzle 123 from the shared dispense bank 122 and position the selected nozzle over the wafer for dispense operations. Of course, coat bowls with dedicated dispense banks are provided in alternative embodiments.

Processing rack 130 includes an integrated thermal unit 134 including a bake plate 131, a chill plate 132, and a shuttle 133. The bake plate 131 and the chill plate 132 are utilized in heat treatment operations including post exposure bake (PEB), post-resist bake, and the like. In some embodiments, the shuttle 133, which moves wafers in the x-direction between the bake plate 131 and the chill plate 132, is chilled to provide for initial cooling of a wafer after removal from the bake plate 131 and prior to placement on the chill plate 132. Moreover, in other embodiments, the shuttle 133 is adapted to move in the z-direction, enabling the use of bake and chill plates at different z-heights. Processing rack 136 includes an integrated bake and chill unit 139, with two bake plates 137A and 137B served by a single chill plate 138.

One or more robot assemblies (robots) 140 are adapted to access the front-end module 110, the various processing modules or chambers retained in the processing racks 120A, 120B, 130, and 136, and the scanner 150. By transferring substrates between these various components, a desired processing sequence can be performed on the substrates. The two robots 140 illustrated in FIG. 1 are configured in a parallel processing configuration and travel in the x-direction along horizontal motion assembly 142. Utilizing a mast structure (not shown), the robots 140 are also adapted to move in a vertical (z-direction) and horizontal directions, i.e., transfer direction (x-direction) and a direction orthogonal to the transfer direction (y-direction). Utilizing one or more of these three directional motion capabilities, robots 140 are able to place wafers in and transfer wafers between the various processing chambers retained in the processing racks that are aligned along the transfer direction.

Referring to FIG. 1, the first robot assembly 140A and the second robot assembly 140B are adapted to transfer substrates to the various processing chambers contained in the processing racks 120A, 120B, 130, and 136. In one embodiment, to perform the process of transferring substrates in the track lithography tool 100, robot assembly 140A and robot assembly 140B are similarly configured and include at least one horizontal motion assembly 142, a vertical motion assembly 144, and a robot hardware assembly 143 supporting a robot blade 145. Robot assemblies 140 may be in communication with a system controller 160. In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1, a rear robot assembly 148 is also provided.

The scanner 150, which may be purchased from Canon USA, Inc. of San Jose, Calif., Nikon Precision Inc. of Belmont, Calif., or ASML US, Inc. of Tempe, Ariz., is a lithographic projection apparatus used, for example, in the manufacture of integrated circuits (ICs). The scanner 150 exposes a photosensitive material (resist), deposited on the substrate in the cluster tool, to some form of electromagnetic radiation to generate a circuit pattern corresponding to an individual layer of the integrated circuit (IC) device to be formed on the substrate surface.

Each of the processing racks 120A, 120B, 130, and 136 contain multiple processing modules in a vertically stacked arrangement. That is, each of the processing racks may contain multiple stacked coater/developer modules with shared dispense 124, multiple stacked integrated thermal units 134, multiple stacked integrated bake and chill units 139, or other modules that are adapted to perform the various processing steps required of a track photolithography tool. As examples, coater/developer modules with shared dispense 124 may be used to deposit a bottom antireflective coating (BARC) and/or deposit and/or develop photoresist layers. Integrated thermal units 134 and integrated bake and chill units 139 may perform bake and chill operations associated with hardening BARC and/or photoresist layers after application or exposure.

In one embodiment, a system controller 160 is used to control all of the components and processes performed in the cluster tool 100. The controller 160 is generally adapted to communicate with the scanner 150, monitor and control aspects of the processes performed in the cluster tool 100, and is adapted to control all aspects of the complete substrate processing sequence. The controller 140, which is typically a microprocessor-based controller, is configured to receive inputs from a user and/or various sensors in one of the processing chambers and appropriately control the processing chamber components in accordance with the various inputs and software instructions retained in the controller's memory. The controller 140 generally contains memory and a CPU (not shown) which are utilized by the controller to retain various programs, process the programs, and execute the programs when necessary. The memory (not shown) is connected to the CPU, and may be one or more of a readily available memory, such as random access memory (RAM), read only memory (ROM), floppy disk, hard disk, or any other form of digital storage, local or remote. Software instructions and data can be coded and stored within the memory for instructing the CPU. The support circuits (not shown) are also connected to the CPU for supporting the processor in a conventional manner. The support circuits may include cache, power supplies, clock circuits, input/output circuitry, subsystems, and the like all well known in the art. A program (or computer instructions) readable by the controller 140 determines which tasks are performable in the processing chamber(s). Preferably, the program is software readable by the controller 160 and includes instructions to monitor and control the process based on defined rules and input data.

It is to be understood that embodiments of the invention are not limited to use with a track lithography tool such as that depicted in FIG. 1. Instead, embodiments of the invention may be used in any track lithography tool including the many different tool configurations described in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/315,984, entitled “Cartesian Robot Cluster Tool Architecture” filed on Dec. 22, 2005, which is hereby incorporated by reference for all purposes and including configurations not described in the above referenced application.

Referring to FIG. 1, it may be desirable to control the temperature of the substrates by controlling the temperature of the plates which hold the substrates at and between various chambers in the tack lithography tool. For instance, pod assemblies 105A-D, substrate support 127, chill plate 132, shuttle 133 and robot assemblies 140A, 140B may wish to be temperature controlled, thereby affecting the temperature of the substrate being processed at that component. One common method of controlling the temperature of each of these components is to flow fluid coolant at a certain temperature to each component. However, it is often desirable due to process parameters to maintain different components at different temperatures. In such a case, multiple sources of different temperature coolant fluid, or one source with multiple temperature adjustment systems at each component must be provided. Embodiments of the present invention allow for a single source of constant temperature coolant fluid and a single temperature adjustment system to provide coolant fluid at different, controlled temperatures to various components. In some embodiments, heat exchangers of the invention may physically be located in process module 111, possibly in the shared dispensers 124. Other locations in a track lithography tool may be an appropriate location for such heat exchangers depending on where coolant fluid from the heat exchanger is required.

Turning now to some of the specific heat exchangers of the present invention, FIG. 2 illustrates a plan view of a heat exchanger with multi-temperature outputs 200 according to one embodiment. A body 205 is shown having four fluid channels 210, 220, 230, 240 spaced equidistant between first end 250 of the body 205 and second end 255 of the body 205. In other embodiments the spacing of the fluid channels may not be equidistant, or may be only approximately equidistant, between first end 250 and second end 255. The body 205 may be made from any thermally conductive material, including, but not limited to, copper, brass, stainless steel and bronze. Note that the top of the body 205 is cut away for explanatory purposes in FIG. 2 so the fluid channels may be seen more clearly. Each fluid channel has an input port 212, 222, 232, 242 on the first side 265 of the body 205 and an output port 214, 224, 234, 244 on the second side 265 of the body. These ports may be threaded, or otherwise adapted by methods known in the art, to be connected to fluid delivery equipment. In FIG. 2 the ports are shown as threaded.

A heating system 270 is shown having a power source 272, controller 274, and resistance heater 276. The heating system 260 is coupled with the body 205 in any suitable manner known in the art, and a thermal paste 278 may be disposed between the heating system 260 and the body 205 (the amount of thermal paste is exaggerated for purposes of clarity). The thermal paste 268 may be a silicon paste, a ceramic paste or a metal paste known in the art. Though a resistance heater is shown for the heating system 260, other types of heaters known in the art could also be used to deliver thermal energy to the body 205. Heat produced by the heating system 270 is transferred to first end 250 of body 205 and flows through body 205 to second end 255. In FIG. 2, the heat 299 is shown coming second end 255 for visual explanation purposes.

Controller 274 of heating system 270 may, in some embodiments, be controlled by a feedback loop. The feedback loop may monitor the temperature of the body 205 and adjust controller 274 to change the amount of heat, and consequently the temperature of body 205. In FIG. 2, a thermocouple 278 at the first end 250 of body 205 is shown connected with controller 274. Controller 274 may adjust the amount of voltage across the resistance heater 276 to vary the amount of heat created based upon the temperature of body 205 at thermocouple 278. In other embodiments, a different feedback system could be employed. For instance, temperature of body 205 could be measured at different or multiple locations, or device other than a thermocouple could be used to measure temperature.

Also shown in FIG. 2 is a manifold 280 for delivering fluid to the input ports 212, 222, 232, 242 of the body 205. The manifold has a primary input port 282 connected to a primary leg 284. Primary leg 284 is connected to four secondary legs 286A, 286B, 286C, 286D. Each secondary leg 286A, 286B, 286C, 286D is connected to an output port 288A, 288B, 288C, 288D. By inputting a fluid at one temperature into primary input port 282, the fluid may be delivered to each output port 288A, 288B, 288C, 288D. The manifold may be insulated in some embodiments to prevent change in temperature of the fluid prior to entry into the body 205 of the heat exchanger 200.

In an example use, a coolant fluid, perhaps chilled water at 19° C., may be sent to input manifold 280 and enter at primary input 282. Notably, the water may perhaps be another, uncontrolled temperature. The coolant fluid may flow to each of the input ports 212, 222, 232, 242. Heating system 270 may be maintaining the first end 250 of the body 205 at 25° C., and thermal convection from the second end 255 of the body 205 may cause the second end 255 of the body 205 to be at 20° C. The temperature throughout the body 205 between the first end 250 and the second end 255 may be a linear gradient between the temperatures of the ends. Therefore the temperatures at respective locations on the body 205 may be: first end 250—25° C.; fluid channel 210—24° C.; fluid channel 220—23° C.; fluid channel 230—22° C.; fluid channel 240—21° C.; and second end 255—20° C. If the rate of heat flow from the first end 250 to the second end 255 is more significant than the flow of coolant fluid through the body 205, then the coolant fluid may exit the body 205 at the temperature of the of the body 205 at the same temperature of the fluid channel through which the coolant fluid flowed. In this example, the fluid might exit the body 205 at the following locations and temperatures: output port 214—24° C.; output port 224—23° C.; output port 234—22° C.; and output port 244—21° C. The coolant fluid may then flow through fluid output tubes 292, 294, 296, 298, which are coupled with the output ports 214, 224, 234, 244 respectively.

In this manner, multiple flows of a coolant fluid may be provided, each at a different temperature, while only using a single temperature fluid source and a single heating and cooling system. In some embodiments, flows from each of fluid output tubes 292, 294, 296, 298 may each be sent to components which require a different temperature coolant fluid for optimum performance. In other embodiments, less than all output tubes 292, 294, 296, 298 may be used because fewer components required coolant fluid, or fewer coolant fluids of differing temperatures are required.

FIGS. 3 and 4 are plan views of two other heat exchangers 300, 400 with multi-temperature outputs according to alternative embodiments of the present invention, similar to that shown in FIG. 2, except having fluid channels 210, 220, 230, 240 where the lengths of such channels are not perpendicular to the sides of the heat exchanger, or parallel to each other. This figure demonstrates that the fluid channels 210, 220, 230, 240 need to be perpendicular in all embodiments.

FIG. 5 is an isometric view of a fluid channel 500 with the top of the channel cut away for the purpose of clarity. FIG. 6 is an isometric view of a porous insert 610 disposed in the fluid channel 500 of FIG. 5. The porous insert may, for example, be made from titanium, copper, brass, stainless steel and/or bronze. The inserts may be brazed into the body 205 of a heat exchanger to improve heat transfer between the body 205 and the fluid channel 500. Coolant fluid entering the front side of the porous insert 610 would flow through the pores and exit the back side of the porous insert. In this way, the coolant fluid is in contact with more surface area at the desired temperature, increasing heat transfer between the coolant fluid and the fluid channel 500 may be increased. By adding inserts to the channels, the overall size of the fluid channel may be decreased and still obtain sufficient heat transfer.

FIG. 7 is an isometric view of a heat exchanger 700 with multi-temperature outputs according to an embodiment of the present invention, similar to that shown in FIG. 2, except having six rather than four fluid channels and having a body 705 which is curved rather than flat. A tube shape is thereby formed in this embodiment having a length of the distance between the first side and second side which have the input and output ports. The circumference of the tube shape is equal to the distance between the first end 710 and the second end 720 of the body 705, plus the width of the heater 730, plus an air space between the heater 730 and the second end 720. Two of the fluid channels 740, 750 are shown as hidden in dashed line for purposes of clarity. Additionally, for explanatory purposes, heat 760 is seen coming off second end 720. A different heating system 730 may be used in this embodiment to more completely make the assembly tubular in shape. This tubular shape may be advantageous in certain embodiments due to space constraints of related equipment. FIG. 8 is an isometric view of the heat exchanger 700 from FIG. 7, except also having a conduit 810 running through the center of the curved heat exchanger. In some embodiments, this conduit 810 may be a resist line of a track lithography tool. Heat transfer between the conduit 810 and the heat exchanger 700 may be useful in adjusting the temperature of the resist fluid prior to reaching the component where it is used in the track lithography tool. This may reduce the amount of thermal adjustment performed by other components in the track lithography tool such as water jacketing and other systems used to adjust the temperature of the resist fluid. In some embodiments, multiple fluid conduits may pass through the tube shaped heat exchanger 700.

FIG. 9 is a plan view of a heat exchanger 900 with multi-temperature outputs according to an embodiment of the present invention, similar to that shown in FIG. 2, except the output lines are not shown and the input manifold 910 has secondary input ports 912, 914, 916, 918. The secondary inputs 912, 914, 916, 918 may be used to return coolant fluid from a component, possibly from a track lithography tool, to the heat exchanger for re-use before the fluid is returned to a chiller, pump or other coolant fluid component. This may be advantageous where the temperature of the return coolant fluid is only slightly different than one of the temperatures the heat exchanger is configured to produce.

FIG. 10 is a plan view of a heat exchanger 1000 with multi-temperature outputs according to an embodiment of the present invention, similar to that shown in FIG. 2,except the input manifold is not shown and output valves 1002, 1004, 1006, 1008 are coupled to the output ports. Output valves 1002, 1004, 1006, 1008 may be computer controlled and connected to temperature detection and control devices such thermocouples, resistance temperature devices and valve controllers. Through the use of such systems, the heat exchanger 1000, and other heat exchangers of the invention, may be used to change which temperature coolant fluid is being delivered to a component based on the temperature of components downstream.

FIG. 11 is a plan view of a heat exchanger 1100 with multi-temperature outputs according to an embodiment of the present invention, similar to that shown in FIG. 2,except heat sink 1110 is coupled to the second end of the heat exchanger and a fan 1120 is shown moving air over the heat sink 1110. A thermal paste 1130 is disposed between the body 205 and the heat sink 1110 (the amount of thermal paste is exaggerated for purposes of clarity). Some embodiments may only use heat sink 1110, without fan 1120. By changing the physical shape and properties of the heat sink 1110, the rate of conductive heat transfer from the second end 255 of the body 205 can be controlled. This may change the gradient of temperatures across the body 205, and therefore the temperature outputs of the heat exchanger 1100. The addition of a fan 1120 may allow for greater hear transfer from the heat sink 1110, and consequently even more pronounced temperature gradients across the body 205. For example, in an embodiment without a heat sink 1110 and fan 1120, the temperature difference across the body 205 may be 5° C. (for example, 20° C. to 25° C., as discussed above in reference to FIG. 1). If a heat sink 1110 and fan 1120 are employed, more convective heat transfer will occur at the second end 255 of the body 205, and the temperature difference across the body 205 may increase to 10° C. (for example, 15° C. to 25° C.). Now instead of the four temperature outputs of the body 205 being 21° C., 22° C., 23° C. and 24° C., the temperature outputs of the body 205 may be 23° C., 21° C., 19° C. and 17° C. (corresponding to the equidistant fluid channels between the first end 250 and the second end 255). In these embodiments, controls on the heater 270 (to control thermal heat production) and the fan 1120 (to control the speed of fan 1120, and consequently the rate of active thermal convection at the second end 255) may both be adjusted to configure the heat exchanger 1100 to produce different ranges and increments of output coolant fluid temperatures. In some embodiments, a thermocouple 1140 or other temperature measuring device may be used to control fan 1120. In this way, fan 1120 may be run at different speeds to achieve different temperatures at the second end 255 of body 205.

FIG. 12 is a plan view of a heat exchanger 1200 with multi-temperature outputs according to an embodiment of the present invention, similar to that shown in FIG. 11, except having a body temperature control channel block 1210 instead of a heat sink 1110 and fan 1120. In this embodiment, chilled fluid is used to control the temperature of second end 255. Body temperature control channel block 1210 is coupled to second end 255 and a thermal paste 1230 is disposed between body 205 and body temperature control channel block 1210 (the amount of thermal paste is exaggerated for purposes of clarity). Body temperature control channel block 1210 contains a fluid channel 1215 which allows fluid to travel through body temperature control channel block 1210, thereby controlling the temperature of second end 255. In some embodiments, body temperature control channel block 1210 may merely be another fluid channel through the body 205 near second end 255, and thus integral with body 205. In various embodiments, the temperature of the fluid entering the body temperature control channel block 1210 may be controlled to control the temperature of the second end (as measured by a thermocouple 1240), and may or may not be the same coolant fluid entering the fluid channels of block 205. In some embodiments, thermocouple 1240, or other temperature measuring device, may assist in controlling a flow valve 1230, adjusting the flow of fluid through body temperature control channel block 1210 to adjust the temperature of second end 255. Fluid exiting body temperature control channel block 1210 may be, or may not be, used by other equipment before it is returned to the fluid source. Additionally, a porous insert may be put into fluid channel 1215 to increase thermal heat transfer as described above.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram of a system 1300 which incorporates a heat exchanger 1000 with multiple motorized (or otherwise remotely activated) valved outputs 1002, 1004, 1006, 1008 according to one embodiment of the present invention with a chiller 1310, pump 1320, valve selector 1330 and track lithography tool 1340. In this embodiment, coolant fluid passes through chiller 1310, being pressurized by pump 1320. Coolant fluid travels to heat exchanger 1000 where it passes through four different fluid channels. At least one of the valves 1002, 1004, 1006, 1008 is open and allows the coolant fluid from one of the fluid channels, now at a different temperature than before entry into heat exchanger 1000, to pass to track lithography tool 1340. Before entering track lithography tool 1340, a thermocouple 1350, or other temperature detection device, informs valve selector 1330, and based on process parameters, valve selector 1330 may change which valve 1002, 1004, 1006, 1008 is open, thereby changing the temperature of coolant fluid delivered to track lithography tool 1340. In some embodiments, multiple fluid lines may be delivered from heat exchanger 1000 to multiple components in track lithography tool 1340. These embodiments may contain more motorized valved outputs and more complex valve selector systems. Also, in various embodiments, coolant fluid may be returned to a point downstream from chiller 1310, but upstream of heat exchanger 1000 to be reused before being chilled again. The reentry point of coolant fluid in these embodiments may be secondary input ports in a manifold coupled to the heat exchanger as described in FIG. 9. These secondary inputs may be valved and controlled by another valve selector system.

The invention has now been described in detail for the purposes of clarity and understanding. However, it will be appreciated that certain changes and modifications may be practiced within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A heat exchanger with multiple temperature outputs, the heat exchanger comprising:

a body, wherein the body comprises a first end, a second end, a first side, and a second side, wherein the first end opposes the second end and the first side opposes the second side; and wherein the body defines: a plurality of fluid channels; a plurality of input ports; a plurality of output ports; and wherein each of the plurality of fluid channels is accessible by an input port on either the first side or second side of the body, and an output port on the opposed side of the body; and has a length which extends from the input port to the output port;

a heating system configured to deliver thermal energy to the first end of the body, wherein the body is configured to allow the thermal energy to substantially flow from the first end to the second end thereby producing a temperature gradient from the first end to the second end; and

wherein when a first fluid having a first temperature is input into a first input port, thermal energy will transfer between the body and the first fluid such that the first fluid will output at a first output port at a second temperature, the second temperature being different than the first temperature, and also different than the temperature at which the first fluid would output at a second output port if input at a second input port.

2. The heat exchanger with multiple temperature outputs of claim 1, wherein when the first fluid having the first temperature is input into each of the plurality of fluid channels at their input ports, the temperature of the first fluid at each of output ports will be progressively higher at output ports closer to the first end of the body.

3. The heat exchanger with multiple temperature outputs of claim 1, wherein the body is substantially made from a thermally conductive material.

4. The heat exchanger with multiple temperature outputs of claim 3, wherein the thermally conductive material is selected from a group consisting of:

copper;

brass;

stainless steel; and

bronze.

5. The heat exchanger with multiple temperature outputs of claim 1, wherein the lengths of the fluid channels are substantially parallel to each other.

6. The heat exchanger with multiple temperature outputs of claim 1, wherein the lengths of the fluid channels are substantially perpendicular to the temperature gradient.

7. The heat exchanger with multiple temperature outputs of claim 1, further comprising at least one porous insert disposed within at least one fluid channel and in conductive thermal communication with the body.

8. The heat exchanger with multiple temperature outputs of claim 7, wherein the porous insert is substantially made from a material selected from a group consisting of:

titanium;

copper;

brass;

stainless steel; and

bronze.

9. The heat exchanger with multiple temperature outputs of claim 1, wherein the heating system comprises a resistance heater adapted to be electrically coupled with a power source.

10. The heat exchanger with multiple temperature outputs of claim 1, wherein the body is substantially flat.

11. The heat exchanger with multiple temperature outputs of claim 1, wherein the body is curved such that the first end is substantially proximate to the second end, thereby forming a tube having:

an interior;

a circumference substantially similar to the distance from the first end to the second end; and

a length substantially the length of one of the fluid channels.

12. The heat exchanger with multiple temperature outputs of claim 11, further comprising a fluid conduit in conductive thermal communication with the interior of the tube, wherein the fluid conduit defines an input port and an output port and wherein a second fluid that is input into the input port of the fluid conduit will output at the output port of the fluid conduit at a different temperature than it was input.

13. The heat exchanger with multiple temperature outputs of claim 1, further comprising an input manifold, wherein the input manifold defines:

a primary input port;

a primary leg in fluid communication with the primary input port;

a plurality of secondary legs, each in fluid communication with the primary leg;

a plurality of output ports, each in fluid communication with a different secondary leg; and

wherein the secondary output ports are coupled with the input ports of the body.

14. The heat exchanger with multiple temperature outputs of claim 13, wherein the input manifold further defines a plurality of secondary input ports, each in fluid communication with a different secondary leg.

15. The heat exchanger with multiple temperature outputs of claim 1, further comprising a plurality of valves, wherein each valve is coupled with a different output port and is configured to selectively allow or not allow fluid to flow from the coupled output port.

16. The heat exchanger with multiple temperature outputs of claim 1, further comprising a heat sink, wherein the heat sink is in conductive thermal communication with the second end of the body and in convective thermal communication with air.

17. The heat exchanger with multiple temperature outputs of claim 16, further comprising a fan, wherein the fan is configured to move air over the heat sink.

18. The heat exchanger with multiple temperature outputs of claim 1, further comprising a chiller configured to cool the first fluid before the first fluid is input at each of the input ports.

19. A process module of a track lithography tool including a heat exchanger with multiple temperature outputs, the heat exchanger with multiple temperature outputs comprising:

a body, wherein the body comprises a first end, a second end, a first side, and a second side, wherein the first end opposes the second end and the first side opposes the second side; and wherein the body defines: a plurality of fluid channels; a plurality of input ports; a plurality of output ports; and wherein each of the plurality of fluid channels is accessible by an input port on either the first side or second side of the body, and an output port on the opposed side of the body; and has a length which extends from the input port to the output port;

a heating system configured to deliver thermal energy to the first end of the body, wherein the body is configured to allow the thermal energy to substantially flow from the first end to the second end thereby producing a temperature gradient from the first end to the second end; and

wherein when a first fluid having a first temperature is input into a first input port, thermal energy will transfer between the body and the first fluid such that the first fluid will output at a first output port at a second temperature, the second temperature being different than the first temperature, and also different than the temperature at which the first fluid would output at a second output port if input at a second input port.

20. A track lithography tool including a heat exchanger with multiple temperature outputs, the heat exchanger with multiple temperature outputs comprising:

a body, wherein the body comprises a first end, a second end, a first side, and a second side, wherein the first end opposes the second end and the first side opposes the second side; and wherein the body defines: a plurality of fluid channels; a plurality of input ports; a plurality of output ports; and wherein each of the plurality of fluid channels is accessible by an input port on either the first side or second side of the body, and an output port on the opposed side of the body; and has a length which extends from the input port to the output port;

a heating system configured to deliver thermal energy to the first end of the body, wherein the body is configured to allow the thermal energy to substantially flow from the first end to the second end thereby producing a temperature gradient from the first end to the second end; and

wherein when a first fluid having a first temperature is input into a first input port, thermal energy will transfer between the body and the first fluid such that the first fluid will output at a first output port at a second temperature, the second temperature being different than the first temperature, and also different than the temperature at which the first fluid would output at a second output port if input at a second input port.