IP Library Granted Patent US 7,799,695
Granted Patent B2
US 7,799,695 · App. 10/929,568 · Granted Sep 21, 2010

Device for liquid treatment of wafer-shaped articles

Assignee: Lam Research AG
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Quick Facts
Patent No.
US 7,799,695
App. No.
10/929,568
Granted
Sep 21, 2010
Kind
B2
Abstract

A device for liquid treatment of a defined area of a wafer-shaped article, especially of a wafer, in which a mask is kept at a defined short distance to the wafer-shaped article such that liquid can be retained between the mask and the defined area of the wafer-shaped article by capillary forces.

Claims (15)

1. Process for liquid treatment of a defined area of a wafer-shaped article (W) comprising the following successive steps:

bringing the wafer-shaped article (W) into proximity of a mask, which mask in form and size corresponds to the defined area which is to be treated with the liquid, wherein a gap between wafer-shaped article (W) and the mask is formed and a distance between the mask and the wafer-shaped article (W) is selected small enough, so that liquid is held within the gap through capillary forces;

bringing liquid into the gap between the wafer-shaped article (W) and the mask;

increasing the distance between the wafer-shaped article and the mask until a liquid film in the gap tears; and

removing the liquid residues from the wafer-shaped article surface.

2. Process according to claim 1 , whereby the liquid is applied on the side of the wafer, which is turned away from the mask.

3. Process according to claim 1 , whereby wafer-shaped article rotates during the liquid treatment.

4. Process according to claim 1 , whereby liquid residues are rinsed off.

5. Process according to claim 1 , whereby liquid residues are blown off.

6. Process according to claim 1 , whereby liquid residues are spun off.

7. Process for liquid treatment of a defined area of a wafer-shaped article (W) comprising the following successive steps:

bringing the wafer-shaped article (W) into proximity of a mask, which mask is in the form of a flat ring having an outer diameter greater than an outer diameter of the wafer-shaped article (W) and an inner diameter less than an outer diameter of the wafer-shaped article (W), said wafer-shaped article (W) being positioned above and parallel to and concentric with said mask, such that a peripheral region of the wafer-shaped article (W) overlying said mask defines an area to be treated with the liquid, wherein a gap between wafer-shaped article (W) and the mask is formed and a distance between the mask and the wafer-shaped article (W) is selected small enough, so that liquid is held within the gap through capillary forces;

bringing liquid into the gap between the wafer-shaped article (W) and the mask;

increasing the distance between the wafer-shaped article and the mask until a liquid film in the gap tears; and

removing the liquid residues from the wafer-shaped article surface.

Assignments (1)
CHANGE OF NAME Recorded Aug 11, 2009
From: SEZ AG
To: LAM RESEARCH AG
Reel/Frame 023075/0238 →
Priority Claims (1)
EP 00123714 · Oct 31, 2000 · regional
Continuity (2)
Division 0998470700 · Oct 31, 2001
Related Publication 20050026448A1 · Feb 3, 2005