Workpiece processing using ozone gas and solvents
First Claim
1. A method for cleaning one or more workpieces having a metal area, comprising:
- placing the workpiece into a processing chamber;
introducing a non-aqueous polar liquid onto the workpiece;
introducing ozone into the processing chamber;
with the ozone oxidizing contaminants on the workpiece, to clean the workpiece.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
In systems and methods for cleaning a wafer having metal areas, a non-aqueous polar solvent solution is applied onto the wafer, while the wafer is also contacted by ozone gas. The solvent helps to make the chemical bonds of contaminants on the wafer susceptible to oxidation by the ozone. The ozone readily oxidizes the contaminants in the presence of the solvent. The solvent provides a liquid medium for carrying away oxidized contaminants or by products. Corrosion of metal on the wafer is minimized or eliminated as the solvent helps to control the level of ions and galvanic cell effects. Higher process temperatures may be used to accelerate the cleaning process, without causing corrosion.
15 Citations
25 Claims
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1. A method for cleaning one or more workpieces having a metal area, comprising:
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placing the workpiece into a processing chamber;
introducing a non-aqueous polar liquid onto the workpiece;
introducing ozone into the processing chamber;
with the ozone oxidizing contaminants on the workpiece, to clean the workpiece. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A method for processing a workpiece having metal on a surface of the workpiece, comprising:
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forming a layer of a polar non-aqueous liquid on a surface of a workpiece;
contacting the surface of the workpiece with ozone gas in the layer of liquid, with the ozone chemically reacting with a contaminant at the surface of the workpiece. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16)
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17. A method for cleaning one or more workpieces having one or more metal areas, comprising:
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placing the workpiece into a processing chamber;
introducing a vapor of a non-aqueous polar liquid onto the workpiece, with vapor condensing on the workpiece;
introducing ozone into the processing chamber;
with the ozone oxidizing contaminants on the article, to clean the workpiece. - View Dependent Claims (18)
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19. An apparatus for cleaning a workpiece comprising:
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a chamber;
a workpiece holder in the chamber;
liquid outlets in the chamber positioned to apply liquid onto at least one surface of a workpiece supported by the workpiece holder;
a source of non-aqueous polar liquid connecting with the liquid outlets;
a source of ozone gas connecting into the chamber. - View Dependent Claims (20, 21, 22)
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23. Apparatus comprising:
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(a) means for forming a layer of a non-aqueous polar liquid on the surface of a workpiece;
(b) means for supplying ozone gas to the surface of the workpiece, where the ozone oxidizes contamination on the surface to clean the workpiece. - View Dependent Claims (24, 25)
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Specification