The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.

The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.

Date of Patent:
Nov. 14, 2017

Filed:

Feb. 13, 2015
Applicant:

Varian Semiconductor Equipment Associates, Inc., Gloucester, MA (US);

Inventors:

Bradley M. Pomerleau, Beverly, MA (US);

Eric D. Wilson, Rockport, MA (US);

Assignee:
Attorney:
Primary Examiner:
Int. Cl.
CPC ...
H01L 21/673 (2006.01); G05D 7/06 (2006.01); H01L 21/67 (2006.01);
U.S. Cl.
CPC ...
G05D 7/0635 (2013.01); H01L 21/67201 (2013.01);
Abstract

A system and method for reducing particulate contamination during the loading and unloading of semiconductor substrates into a load lock chamber of a semiconductor processing tool. One sensor that measures the differential pressure between the inside of the load lock and the outside atmosphere is provided. The method uses an algorithm that predicts when to stop the load lock vent so that a small, positive, repeatable pressure burst is delivered each time the door opens. This algorithm will automatically adjust for changes in the vent rate and response times of system vent components.


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