Curing polymer layers on semiconductor substrates using variable frequency microwave energy

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United States of America Patent

PATENT NO 5879756
SERIAL NO

08947945

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Abstract

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Rapid curing of polymer layers on semiconductor substrates is facilitated using variable frequency microwave energy. A semiconductor substrate having a polymer layer thereon is placed in a microwave furnace cavity, and then swept with a range of microwave frequencies. The range of frequencies includes a central frequency selected to rapidly heat the polymer layer. The range of frequencies is selected to generate a plurality of modes within the cavity. The sweep rate is selected so as to avoid damage to the semiconductor substrate and/or any components thereon. The microwave power may be adjusted during frequency sweeping to control the temperature of the polymer layer and the semiconductor substrate. Effluent produced during the curing of the polymer layer may be removed from the furnace cavity. The extent of cure of the polymer layer may be determined by detecting power reflection for each microwave frequency within the range to provide power reflection data, and then comparing the power reflection data with a predetermined set of power reflection data.

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Patent Owner(s)

  • APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.

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Inventor(s)

Inventor Name Address # of filed Patents Total Citations
Fathi, Zakaryae Cary, NC 121 1614
Garard, Richard S Chapel Hill, NC 8 358
Tucker, Denise A Raleigh, NC 5 135
Wei, Jianghua Raleigh, NC 17 360

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