Edge bead control method and apparatus
First Claim
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1. A method of preparing a wafer for a fabrication process, the method comprising:
- providing a wafer receiving apparatus for receiving a wafer of a first size, the wafer receiving apparatus including a recessed portion having a depth;
placing a wafer of the first size in the recessed portion of the wafer receiving apparatus;
applying photoresist to the wafer;
spinning the wafer and the wafer receiving apparatus while the wafer is placed in the recessed portion of the wafer receiving apparatus; and
wherein the wafer receiving apparatus further includes a circumferential groove in the recessed portion, wherein the method further comprises;
allowing a fluid to enter the circumferential groove; and
causing the fluid in the circumferential groove to expand and release the wafer from the pocket.
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Abstract
Methods and devices for handling wafers during wafer processing are provided. One embodiment includes an apparatus for holding a wafer. The holding apparatus includes a pocket for receiving a wafer, and may include a mechanism allowing for the wafer to be secured within the pocket. Methods are also included for preparing a wafer for fabrication processes by the use of a wafer holding apparatus. These methods may include applying a layer of photoresist to the surface of a wafer.
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Citations
17 Claims
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1. A method of preparing a wafer for a fabrication process, the method comprising:
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providing a wafer receiving apparatus for receiving a wafer of a first size, the wafer receiving apparatus including a recessed portion having a depth;
placing a wafer of the first size in the recessed portion of the wafer receiving apparatus;
applying photoresist to the wafer;
spinning the wafer and the wafer receiving apparatus while the wafer is placed in the recessed portion of the wafer receiving apparatus; and
wherein the wafer receiving apparatus further includes a circumferential groove in the recessed portion, wherein the method further comprises;
allowing a fluid to enter the circumferential groove; and
causing the fluid in the circumferential groove to expand and release the wafer from the pocket. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6)
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7. A method of reducing edge bead thickness while applying photoresist to a wafer comprising:
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providing a wafer receiving apparatus for receiving a wafer of a first size, the wafer receiving apparatus including a pocket having a depth, wherein the depth is chosen to correspond to a wafer of the first size;
placing a wafer of the first size in the pocket of the wafer receiving apparatus;
applying photoresist to the wafer;
spinning the wafer and the wafer receiving apparatus while the wafer is placed in the pocket to create a photoresist layer of a desired thickness; and
wherein the wafer receiving apparatus is sized to be compatible with machines adapted for use with wafers of a second size larger than the first size. - View Dependent Claims (8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14)
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15. A method of reducing edge bead thickness while applying photoresist to a wafer comprising:
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providing a wafer receiving apparatus for receiving a wafer of a first size, the wafer receiving apparatus including a pocket having a depth, wherein the depth is chosen to correspond to a wafer of the first size;
placing a wafer of the first size in the pocket of the wafer receiving apparatus;
applying photoresist to the wafer;
spinning the wafer and the wafer receiving apparatus while the wafer is placed in the pocket to create a photoresist layer of a desired thickness; and
wherein the depth is less than the thickness of the wafer plus the thickness of the desired photoresist layer.
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16. A method of reducing edge bead thickness while applying photoresist to a wafer comprising:
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providing a wafer receiving apparatus for receiving a wafer, the wafer receiving apparatus being sized to be compatible with machines adapted for use with wafers of a second size larger than wafers of a first size, the wafer receiving apparatus including a pocket having a depth, wherein the depth is chosen to correspond to a wafer of the first size;
placing a wafer of the first size in the pocket of the wafer receiving apparatus;
applying photoresist to the wafer;
spinning the wafer and the wafer receiving apparatus while the wafer is placed in the pocket to create a photoresist layer of a desired thickness; and
wherein the first size is the size of a three inch wafer, and the second size is the size of a four inch wafer.
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17. A method of reducing edge bead thickness while applying photoresist to a wafer comprising:
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providing a wafer receiving apparatus for receiving a wafer of a first size, the wafer receiving apparatus including a pocket having a depth, wherein the depth is chosen to correspond to a wafer of the first size;
placing a wafer of the first size in the pocket of the wafer receiving apparatus;
applying photoresist to the wafer;
spinning the wafer and the wafer receiving apparatus while the wafer is placed in the pocket to create a photoresist layer of a desired thickness; and
wherein the wafer receiving apparatus further includes a circumferential groove in the recessed portion, wherein the method further comprises;
allowing a fluid to enter the circumferential groove; and
causing the fluid in the circumferential groove to expand and release the wafer from the pocket.
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Specification