TEMPERATURE CONTROLLED SHOWERHEAD FOR HIGH TEMPERATURE OPERATIONS
First Claim
1. A temperature controlled showerhead assembly for use in a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) apparatus, the temperature controlled showerhead assembly comprising:
- a heat conductive stem;
a back plate attached to the heat conductive stem;
a face plate thermally coupled to the heat conductive stem and attached to the back plate;
a heating element thermally coupled to the heat conductive stem;
a heat exchanger thermally coupled to the heat conductive stem; and
a temperature sensor thermally coupled to the face plate,wherein the temperature controlled showerhead is configured to maintain the temperature of the face plate within a predetermined range by providing heat transfer paths between the heating element and the face plate and between the heat exchanger and the face plate.
1 Assignment
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
A temperature controlled showerhead assembly for chemical vapor deposition (CVD) chambers enhances heat dissipation to provide accurate temperature control of the showerhead face plate and maintain temperatures substantially lower than surrounding components. Heat dissipates by conduction through a showerhead stem and removed by the heat exchanger mounted outside of the vacuum environment. Heat is supplied by a heating element inserted into the steam of the showerhead. Temperature is controlled using feedback supplied by a temperature sensor installed in the stem and in thermal contact with the face plate.
-
Citations
30 Claims
-
1. A temperature controlled showerhead assembly for use in a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) apparatus, the temperature controlled showerhead assembly comprising:
-
a heat conductive stem; a back plate attached to the heat conductive stem; a face plate thermally coupled to the heat conductive stem and attached to the back plate; a heating element thermally coupled to the heat conductive stem; a heat exchanger thermally coupled to the heat conductive stem; and a temperature sensor thermally coupled to the face plate, wherein the temperature controlled showerhead is configured to maintain the temperature of the face plate within a predetermined range by providing heat transfer paths between the heating element and the face plate and between the heat exchanger and the face plate. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22)
-
-
23. A temperature controlled showerhead assembly for use in a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) apparatus, the temperature controlled showerhead assembly comprising:
-
a heat conductive stem comprising aluminum 6061; a back plate comprising aluminum 6061 and having an average thickness of at least about 2 inches, wherein the back plate is attached to the heat conductive stem; a face plate comprising aluminum 6061 and having an average thickness of between about 0.5 inches and 1 inch, wherein the face plate is thermally coupled to the heat conductive stem and attached to the back plate with an average gap between the face plate and the back plate of between about 0.25 inch and 0.75 inch; a heating element comprising two cartridge heaters each configured to provide power output of at least about 500 W, wherein the heating element is thermally coupled to the heat conductive stem; a heat exchanger thermally coupled to the heat conductive stem; and a temperature sensor thermally coupled to the face plate, wherein the temperature controlled showerhead is configured to maintain the temperature of the face plate within a predetermined range by providing heat transfer paths between the heating element and the face plate and between the heat exchanger and the face plate.
-
-
24. A Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) system for depositing a semiconductor material on a partially manufactured semiconductor substrate, the CVD system comprising:
-
a processing chamber configured to maintain a low pressure environment within the processing chamber; a substrate support for holding the partially manufactured semiconductor substrate and maintaining a temperature of the partially manufactured semiconductor substrate at between about 500°
C. and 600°
C.;a temperature controlled showerhead assembly comprising; a heat conductive stem; a back plate attached to the heat conductive stem; a face plate thermally coupled to the heat conductive stem and attached to the back plate; a heating element thermally coupled to the heat conductive stem; a heat exchanger thermally coupled to the heat conductive stem; and a temperature sensor thermally coupled to the face plate, wherein the temperature controlled showerhead is configured to maintain the temperature of the face place within a predetermined range by providing heat transfer paths between the heating element and the face plate and between the heat exchanger and the face place. - View Dependent Claims (25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30)
-
Specification