US6090534A
Expired / Lapsed
US
⏱️ 0.0 years remaining
Device and method of decreasing circular defects and charge buildup integrated circuit fabrication
Assignee: Nokia of America Corp
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Filing: 1998-06-03
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Granted: 2000-07-18
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Expires: 2018-06-03
Abstract
Abstract The present invention provides, an apparatus and method for decreasing circular defects and charge buildup on a semiconductor wafer having a photoresist formed thereon. In one embodiment, the method comprises the steps of positioning a semiconductor wafer in a track developer, applying a photoresist developer to a first side the semiconductor at a predetermined speed. That initial speed is then increased to a speed that ranges from about 400 rpm to 800 rpm. The photoresist is rinsed from the semiconductor while a back spray is applied to a second side of the semiconductor during the rinsing. Additionally, the semiconductor wafer is subjected to a flow of ions from an ionization source within the tracking device itself. The ionization within the tracking device is one advantageous aspect over prior art systems because the substantial direct flow of ions within the tracking device reduced the charge buildup associated with the increased spin speeds.
Inventors
- 👤 John G. Costigan
- 👤 David Huibregtse
Bibliographic Details
Application Number
—
Jurisdiction
US
Data Source
google_patents
Last Synchronized
2026-10-31 08:21
CPC Classifications
G; G03; G03F; G03F7/00; G03F7/26; G03F7/30; G03F7/3021
Claims Analysis
Total Claims: 14
Claim 1
Independent Claim
116 words
A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device comprising the steps of: positioning a semiconductor wafer in a track developer; applying a photoresist developer to an exposed photoresist located on a first side of said semiconductor wafer, while rotating said semiconductor wafer at a predetermined speed; increasing said predetermined speed to a speed ranging from about 400 rpm to about 800 rpm, and rinsing said photoresist from said semiconductor wafer at an increased speed; applying a back spray to a second side of said semiconductor wafer during said rinsing; and subjecting said semiconductor wafer to a flow of ions from an ionization source within said track developer to reduce a charge build up on said semiconductor wafer.
Claim 2
Independent Claim
116 words
A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device comprising the steps of: positioning a semiconductor wafer in a track developer; applying a photoresist developer to an exposed photoresist located on a first side of said semiconductor wafer, while rotating said semiconductor wafer at a predetermined speed; increasing said predetermined speed to a speed ranging from about 400 rpm to about 800 rpm, and rinsing said photoresist from said semiconductor wafer at an increased speed; applying a back spray to a second side of said semiconductor wafer during said rinsing; and subjecting said semiconductor wafer to a flow of ions from an ionization source within said track developer to reduce a charge build up on said semiconductor wafer.
Claim 3
Dependent Claim
57 words
The method as recited in claim 1 wherein said applying a photoresist developer includes the steps of applying said photoresist developer for approximately 5 seconds at speeds that range from about 700 rpm to about 300 rpm and substantially decreasing said predetermined speed such that said photoresist developer puddles on said semiconductor wafer for approximately 55 seconds.
Claim 4
Dependent Claim
19 words
The method as recited in claim 1 wherein said rinsing includes rinsing said semiconductor wafer for approximately 30 seconds.
Claim 5
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method as recited in claim 1 wherein said applying said back spray includes applying said back spray for approximately 20 seconds.
Claim 6
Dependent Claim
31 words
The method as recited in claim 1 wherein said method further comprises the step of spin drying said semiconductor wafer for approximately 10 seconds at a speed of about 5000 rpm.
Claim 7
Dependent Claim
42 words
The method as recited in claim 1 wherein said subjecting includes the step of subjecting said semiconductor wafer to said flow of ions to reduce a charge build up on said semiconductor wafer, prior to the step of applying said photoresist developer.
Claim 8
Dependent Claim
28 words
The method as recited in claim 1 wherein said applying a back spray includes the step of applying deionized water to said second side of said semiconductor wafer.
Claim 9
Dependent Claim
22 words
The method as recited in claim 1 wherein said subjecting includes alternating said flow of ions from positive ions to negative ions.
Claim 10
Independent Claim
158 words
A method for decreasing circular defects and charge buildup on a semiconductor wafer having a photoresist formed thereon, comprising the steps of: positioning a semiconductor wafer in a track developer; applying a photoresist developer to an exposed photoresist located on a first side of said semiconductor wafer, for approximately 5 seconds at speeds that range from about 700 rpm to about 300 rpm and substantially decreasing said speeds such that said photoresist developer puddles on said semiconductor wafer for approximately 55 seconds; increasing said speeds of said semiconductor wafer to a rinsing speed that ranges from about 400 rpm to about 800 rpm and rinsing said photoresist from said semiconductor wafer at said rinsing speed; applying a back spray to a second side of said semiconductor wafer during said rinsing; and subjecting said semiconductor wafer to a flow of ions from an ionization source within said track developer to reduce a charge build up on said semiconductor wafer.
Claim 11
Independent Claim
158 words
A method for decreasing circular defects and charge buildup on a semiconductor wafer having a photoresist formed thereon, comprising the steps of: positioning a semiconductor wafer in a track developer; applying a photoresist developer to an exposed photoresist located on a first side of said semiconductor wafer, for approximately 5 seconds at speeds that range from about 700 rpm to about 300 rpm and substantially decreasing said speeds such that said photoresist developer puddles on said semiconductor wafer for approximately 55 seconds; increasing said speeds of said semiconductor wafer to a rinsing speed that ranges from about 400 rpm to about 800 rpm and rinsing said photoresist from said semiconductor wafer at said rinsing speed; applying a back spray to a second side of said semiconductor wafer during said rinsing; and subjecting said semiconductor wafer to a flow of ions from an ionization source within said track developer to reduce a charge build up on said semiconductor wafer.
Claim 12
Dependent Claim
33 words
The method as recited in claim 9 wherein said rinsing includes rinsing said semiconductor wafer for approximately 20 seconds and applying said back spray includes applying said back spray for approximately 20 seconds.
Claim 13
Dependent Claim
29 words
The method as recited in claim 9 wherein said method further comprises spin drying said semiconductor wafer for approximately 10 seconds at a drying speed of about 5000 rpm.
Claim 14
Dependent Claim
26 words
The method as recited in claim 9 wherein said subjecting includes subjecting said semiconductor wafer to said flow of ions prior to applying said photoresist developer.
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USPTO Annuity & Maintenance Windows
| Annuity Stage | Window Opens | Payment Deadline | Surcharge Period Until | Estimated Fee | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5 Years (Year 4) | 2003-07-18 | 2004-01-17 | 2004-07-18 | $2000.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 7.5 Years (Year 8) | 2007-07-18 | 2008-01-17 | 2008-07-18 | $3760.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |
| 11.5 Years (Year 12) | 2011-07-18 | 2012-01-17 | 2012-07-18 | $7700.00 | Window Closed / Lapsed |