Cluster tool architecture for processing a substrate

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United States of America Patent

PATENT NO 7743728
APP PUB NO 20080199282A1
SERIAL NO

12106824

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Abstract

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Embodiments generally provide an apparatus and method for processing substrates using a multi-chamber processing system (e.g., a cluster tool). In one embodiment, the cluster tool is adapted to perform a track lithography process in which a photosensitive material is applied to a substrate, patterned in a stepper/scanner, and then removed in a developing process completed in the cluster tool. In one embodiment of the cluster tool, substrates are grouped together in groups of two or more for transfer or processing to improve system throughput, reduce the number of moves a robot has to make to transfer a batch of substrates between the processing chambers, and thus increase system reliability. Embodiments also provide for a method and apparatus that are used to increase the reliability of the substrate transfer process to reduce system down time.

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Patent Owner(s)

Patent OwnerAddress
APPLIED MATERIALS INC3050 BOWERS AVENUE SANTA CLARA CA 95054

International Classification(s)

Inventor(s)

Inventor Name Address # of filed Patents Total Citations
Armer, Helen R Cupertino, US 21 1145
Backer, John A San Jose, US 11 303
Carlson, Charles Cedar Park, US 36 707
Herchen, Harald Los Altos, US 109 3627
Hudgens, Jeffrey San Francisco, US 39 555
Ishikawa, Tetsuya Saratoga, US 358 14699
Lowrance, Robert Los Gatos, US 25 689
Lue, Brian Mountain View, US 30 1907
Pinson, Jay D San Jose, US 23 443
Quach, David H San Jose, US 44 1094
Rice, Michael Pleasanton, US 100 5907
Roberts, Rick J San Jose, US 25 1375
Salek, Mohsen S Saratoga, US 16 344
Volfovski, Leon Mountain View, US 45 1520
Wang, Chongyang San Jose, US 41 1023
Weaver, William Tyler Austin, US 31 652

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