Method and apparatus for contactless real-time in-situ monitoring of a chemical etching process
First Claim
1. A contactless method for in-situ chemical etch monitoring of an etching process during etching of a workpiece with a wet chemical etchant, the workpiece characterized by a workpiece surface to be etched with side edge portions along an outer perimeter thereof, said method comprising the steps of:
- a) providing a base member having a reference surface;
b) releasably securing the workpiece to said base member, wherein the workpiece surface is substantially flush with the reference surface;
c) providing at least two sensors disposed on said base member to be proximate to but not in contact with the outer perimeter of the workpiece surface, said at least two sensors further being substantially flush with the reference surface and positioned on opposite side edge portions of the workpiece surface; and
d) monitoring an electrical characteristic between said at least two sensors, wherein a change in the electrical characteristic is indicative of a condition of the etching process.
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Accused Products
Abstract
A contactless method and apparatus for in-situ chemical etch monitoring of an etching process during etching of a workpiece with a wet chemical etchant are disclosed. The method comprises steps of providing a base member having a reference surface; releasably securing the workpiece to the base member; providing at least two sensors disposed on the base member to be proximate to but not in contact with the outer perimeter of the workpiece surface; and monitoring an electrical characteristic between said at least two sensors, wherein a prescribed change in the electrical characteristic is indicative of a prescribed condition of the etching process.
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Citations
10 Claims
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1. A contactless method for in-situ chemical etch monitoring of an etching process during etching of a workpiece with a wet chemical etchant, the workpiece characterized by a workpiece surface to be etched with side edge portions along an outer perimeter thereof, said method comprising the steps of:
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a) providing a base member having a reference surface; b) releasably securing the workpiece to said base member, wherein the workpiece surface is substantially flush with the reference surface; c) providing at least two sensors disposed on said base member to be proximate to but not in contact with the outer perimeter of the workpiece surface, said at least two sensors further being substantially flush with the reference surface and positioned on opposite side edge portions of the workpiece surface; and d) monitoring an electrical characteristic between said at least two sensors, wherein a change in the electrical characteristic is indicative of a condition of the etching process. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5)
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6. A contactless method for in-situ control of an etching process during etching of a workpiece in an etch station using a wet chemical etchant, the workpiece characterized by a workpiece surface to be etched with side edge portions along an outer perimeter thereof, said method comprising the steps of:
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a) providing a base member having a reference surface; b) releasably securing the workpiece to said base member, wherein the workpiece surface is substantially flush with the reference surface; c) providing at least two sensors disposed on said base member to be proximate to but not in contact with the outer perimeter of the workpiece surface, said at least two sensors further being substantially flush with the reference surface and positioned on opposite side edge portions of the workpiece surface; d) monitoring an electrical characteristic between said at least two sensors, wherein a change in the electrical characteristic is indicative of a condition of the etching process; and e) controlling the etching process in response to the monitoring of the change in the electrical characteristic. - View Dependent Claims (7, 8, 9, 10)
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Specification