Abstract:
Methods for cleaning substrates are described including cleaning substrates having hardmask masks and polymer films, such part of semiconductor fabrication. Cleaning methods include ultraviolet (UV) light exposure of process gas mixtures and liquid cleaning chemistries. A substrate and/or process fluids are exposed to ultraviolet radiation. A process gas mixture being irradiated can include an oxidizing gas mixture (air, clean dry air, oxygen, peroxygen, etc.). Reducing gas mixtures, having hydrogen, can also be irradiated. Reactive species from irradiated gas mixtures are exposed to the substrate to chemically modify film properties, such as by facilitating a subsequent liquid cleaning step. Liquid cleaning chemistries on a substrate surface can also be irradiated. Such cleaning techniques enable shorter cleaning times, lower processing temperatures, and reduced damage to underlying or intermediate layers such as dielectric layers.
Abstract:
A method is provided for coating or filling a porous material. According to one embodiment, the method includes providing the porous material, delivering precursor molecules by gas phase exposure into pores of the porous material, and reacting the precursor molecules to form a polymer inside the pores.
Abstract:
A multi-step system and method for curing a dielectric film in which the system includes a drying system configured to reduce the amount of contaminants, such as moisture, in the dielectric film. The system further includes a curing system coupled to the drying system, and configured to treat the dielectric film with ultraviolet (UV) radiation and infrared (IR) radiation in order to cure the dielectric film.
Abstract:
A method for preparing a porous dielectric is described. In particular, the method includes removing pore-filling agent from pores in a cured porous dielectric layer, wherein the pore-filling agent was back-filled within the pores following the removal of a pore-forming agent during a curing process. The removal of the pore-filling agent includes heating a substrate holder upon which the substrate rests to a holder temperature greater than 100 degrees C. and less than 400 degrees C., and while heating the substrate holder, exposing the substrate to electromagnetic (EM) radiation, wherein the EM radiation includes emission at a wavelengths within the ultraviolet (UV) spectrum, visible spectrum, infrared (IR) spectrum, or microwave spectrum, or combination thereof.
Abstract:
A multi-step system and method for curing a dielectric film in which the system includes a drying system configured to reduce the amount of contaminants, such as moisture, in the dielectric film. The system further includes a curing system coupled to the drying system, and configured to treat the dielectric film with ultraviolet (UV) radiation and infrared (IR) radiation in order to cure the dielectric film.
Abstract:
A multi-step system and method for curing a dielectric film in which the system includes a drying system configured to reduce the amount of contaminants, such as moisture, in the dielectric film. The system further includes a curing system coupled to the drying system, and configured to treat the dielectric film with ultraviolet (UV) radiation and infrared (IR) radiation in order to cure the dielectric film.
Abstract:
A method for preparing a porous dielectric is described. In particular, the method includes removing pore-filling agent from pores in a cured porous dielectric layer, wherein the pore-filling agent was back-filled within the pores following the removal of a pore-forming agent during a curing process. The removal of the pore-filling agent includes heating a substrate holder upon which the substrate rests to a holder temperature greater than 100 degrees C. and less than 400 degrees C., and while heating the substrate holder, exposing the substrate to electromagnetic (EM) radiation, wherein the EM radiation includes emission at a wavelengths within the ultraviolet (UV) spectrum, visible spectrum, infrared (IR) spectrum, or microwave spectrum, or combination thereof.
Abstract:
Methods for cleaning substrates are described including cleaning substrates having hardmask masks and polymer films, such part of semiconductor fabrication. Cleaning methods include ultraviolet (UV) light exposure of process gas mixtures and liquid cleaning chemistries. A substrate and/or process fluids are exposed to ultraviolet radiation. A process gas mixture being irradiated can include an oxidizing gas mixture (air, clean dry air, oxygen, peroxygen, etc.). Reducing gas mixtures, having hydrogen, can also be irradiated. Reactive species from irradiated gas mixtures are exposed to the substrate to chemically modify film properties, such as by facilitating a subsequent liquid cleaning step. Liquid cleaning chemistries on a substrate surface can also be irradiated. Such cleaning techniques enable shorter cleaning times, lower processing temperatures, and reduced damage to underlying or intermediate layers such as dielectric layers.