Importance

Loading Importance Indicators...

Abstract

An apparatus and a method of controlling an electroless deposition process by directing electromagnetic radiation towards the surface of a substrate and detecting the change in intensity of the electromagnetic radiation at one or more wavelengths reflected off features on the surface of the substrate is provided. In one embodiment, the detected end of an electroless deposition process step is measured while the substrate is rotated relative to the detection mechanism. In another embodiment, a detection mechanism, which is proximate to the processing region, directs electromagnetic radiation onto a substrate surface, which is then reflected by features on the substrate surface and is detected by the detection mechanism. In one aspect, the angle of the directed electromagnetic radiation is perpendicular to the surface of the substrate and the shape of the directed electromagnetic radiation spot is substantially circular in shape. In another aspect, the directed electromagnetic radiation spot is positioned at the center of rotation of the substrate. A controller can be used to monitor, store, and/or control the electroless deposition process by use of stored process values, comparison of data collected at different times, and various calculated time dependent data.

Loading the Abstract Image...

First Claim