Micron Technology Incorporated

John T Davlin

Shawn D Davis

Bruce L Hayes

John S Molebash

Greg Montanino

Douglas S Schramm

Lorna M Mitson

John Whitman

A method for spinning a material onto a semiconductor device structure so as to substantially fill recesses formed in a surface of the semiconductor device structure and to impart the material with a substantially planar surface and semiconductor device structures formed thereby. The thickness of the material covering the surface is less than the depth of the recesses. The surface may remain substantially uncovered by the material.

Spin coating for maximum fill characteristic yielding a planarized thin film surface

A method is provided for more efficient application of a polymeric coating (e.g., die coat) to a substrate (e.g., wafer) surface. One aspect of the method comprises applying an organic liquid (e.g., organic solvent) to the wafer and spinning it to coat the entire wafer surface prior to the application of die coat. This reduces surface tension on the wafer and reduces the amount of die coat required to achieve a high quality film.

Method for pretreating a substrate prior to application of a polymeric coat

A develop process for reduced cycle time and reduced defects in the develop process for semiconductor/IC fabrication is shown. The use of a linear slit scan nozzle provides even distribution of a layer of develop material within an acceptable thickness and uniformity range such that a pre-wet step is not needed to spread the develop material evenly over the surface of a wafer. The use of a whip operation prior to rinsing with DI water significantly reduces develop defects.

Develop processing method of a resist surface on a substrate for reduced processing time and reduced defect density

A method for dispensing a flowable substance, such as a flowable photoresist, on a microelectronic substrate. The method can include dispensing a portion of the flowable substance on the microelectronic substrate, receiving an image of at least some of the flowable substance on the microelectronic substrate, and, (with reference to the image), comparing a characteristic of the image with a pre-selected characteristic, or comparing a time required to dispense the portion of the flowable substance with a pre-selected, or both. The method can further include adjusting a characteristic of the dispense process when the image differs from the pre-selected image by at least a predetermined amount, or when the time differs from the pre-selected time by at least a predetermined amount, or both.

Method for dispensing flowable substances on microelectronic substrates

Develop processing method of a resist surface of a substrate for reduced processing time and reduced defect density

An apparatus for exhausting coating materials used in the process of spin coating a top surface of a wafer, the wafer having an edge and a bottom surface that is supported and rotated by a rotatable chuck attached by a shaft to a spin motor. The apparatus includes a bowl having an exhausted drain configured to receive excess liquid and vapor from the spin coating and an assembly configured to maintain the drain at a negative pressure differential relative to the bowl. In a preferred embodiment, a baffle is attached to the bottom to limit the flow of the liquid and vapor into the drain to a predetermined direction.

Spin coating bowl exhaust system

Methods for exhausting coating materials used in the process of spin coating a top surface of a wafer, the wafer having an edge and a bottom surface that is supported and rotated by a rotatable chuck attached by a shaft to a spin motor. The apparatus includes a bowl having an exhausted drain configured to receive excess liquid and vapor from the spin coating and an assembly configured to maintain the drain at a negative pressure differential relative to the bowl. In a preferred embodiment, a baffle is attached to the bottom to limit the flow of the liquid and vapor into the drain to a predetermined direction.

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Nampa, ID, United States of America

John T Davlin