In situ particle monitoring for defect reduction

Number of patents in Portfolio can not be more than 2000

United States of America Patent

PATENT NO 7145653
SERIAL NO

09591017

Stats

ATTORNEY / AGENT: (SPONSORED)

Importance

Loading Importance Indicators... loading....

Abstract

See full text

A system and method is provided for monitoring and controlling the contaminant particle count contained in an aerosol during a photoresist coating and/or development process of a semiconductor. The monitoring system monitors the contaminate particle count present in the environment of the photoresist coating and/or development process, such as in a process chamber or a cup, enclosing the wafer during the process. The present invention employs in situ laser scattering or laser doppler anemometry techniques to detect the particle count level in the chamber or cup. A plurality of lasers and detectors can be positioned at different heights in or outside of a chamber or cup to facilitate detecting particles at different height levels. A laser could be used in conjunction with mirrors to provide a similar measurement. The particle count level can be used to compare with the defect level, so that it can be determined if a cleaner environment and/or process should be implemented.

Loading the Abstract Image... loading....

First Claim

See full text

Family

Loading Family data... loading....

Patent Owner(s)

Patent OwnerAddress
ADVANCED MICRO DEVICESP O BOX 3453 ONE AMD PLACE SUNNYVALE CA 94088

International Classification(s)

  • [Classification Symbol]
  • [Patents Count]

Inventor(s)

Inventor Name Address # of filed Patents Total Citations
Rangarajan, Bharath Santa Clara, CA 199 3111
Templeton, Michael K Atherton, CA 97 1983

Cited Art Landscape

Load Citation

Patent Citation Ranking

Forward Cite Landscape

Load Citation