Systems and methods for epitaxially depositing films on a semiconductor substrate
First Claim
1. A wafer processing system comprising:
- a processing chamber containing a substrate holder for receiving at least one semiconductor substrate;
a heating device in communication with the processing chamber;
a plurality of gas inlets for flowing gas into the processing chamber over the surface of a semiconductor substrate, wherein at least certain of the gas inlets are configured to flow a gas over an edge zone on a semiconductor substrate, at least certain of the gas inlets are configured to flow a gas over a middle zone on a semiconductor substrate, and at least certain of the gas inlets are configured to flow a gas over a center zone on a semiconductor substrate;
the plurality of gas inlets include a longitudinal section and a common lateral section that includes a common plenum such that gases flow upwards or downwards through the longitudinal section prior to being directed across the semiconductor substrate by the lateral section;
a gas supply configured to control flow rate of gases supplied to the gas inlets to selectively control the flow of gases over the edge zone, the middle zone, and the center zone of a semiconductor substrate; and
a gas exhaust system configured to exhaust gases from the process chamber.
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Accused Products
Abstract
Systems and methods for epitaxial deposition. The reactor includes a hot wall process cavity enclosed by a heater system, a thermal insulation system, and chamber walls. The walls of the process cavity may comprises a material having a substantially similar coefficient thermal expansion as the semiconductor substrate, such as quartz and silicon carbide, and may include an isothermal or near isothermal cavity that may be heated to temperatures as high as 1200 degrees C. Process gases may be injected through a plurality of ports, and are capable of achieving a fine level of distribution control of the gas components, including the film source gas, dopant source gas, and carrier gas. The gas supply system includes additional methods of delivering gas to the process cavity, such as through temperature measurement devices, and through a showerhead.
99 Citations
23 Claims
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1. A wafer processing system comprising:
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a processing chamber containing a substrate holder for receiving at least one semiconductor substrate;
a heating device in communication with the processing chamber;
a plurality of gas inlets for flowing gas into the processing chamber over the surface of a semiconductor substrate, wherein at least certain of the gas inlets are configured to flow a gas over an edge zone on a semiconductor substrate, at least certain of the gas inlets are configured to flow a gas over a middle zone on a semiconductor substrate, and at least certain of the gas inlets are configured to flow a gas over a center zone on a semiconductor substrate;
the plurality of gas inlets include a longitudinal section and a common lateral section that includes a common plenum such that gases flow upwards or downwards through the longitudinal section prior to being directed across the semiconductor substrate by the lateral section;
a gas supply configured to control flow rate of gases supplied to the gas inlets to selectively control the flow of gases over the edge zone, the middle zone, and the center zone of a semiconductor substrate; and
a gas exhaust system configured to exhaust gases from the process chamber. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12)
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13. A wafer processing system comprising:
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a processing chamber containing a substrate holder for receiving a semiconductor substrate, the substrate holder being rotatable;
a heating device in communication with the processing chamber;
a plurality of gas inlets for flowing gas into the processing chamber over the surface of a semiconductor substrate, each of the gas inlets including a longitudinal section and the gas inlets having a common lateral section that includes a common plenum, wherein gases flow upwards or downwards through the longitudinal section and are then plenumized by the common plenum as the lateral section directs the gases over the surface of a semiconductor substrate; and
a gas exhaust system configured to exhaust gases from the process chamber. - View Dependent Claims (14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23)
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Specification