Ammonia-Free Substrate Cleaning Solution for Particle Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current substrate cleaning methods face challenges such as insufficient particle removal, non-uniform film formation, film peeling issues, complex synthesis with fluorine-containing materials, particle reattachment, and substrate damage from alkaline solutions.

Innovation Solution

A substrate cleaning method using a solution comprising a polymer, an alkaline component without ammonia, and a solvent, where the alkaline component remains in the film to facilitate peeling, and a crack accelerating component to enhance film removal, using a neutral or mildly acidic remover.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If fluorine-containing materials are used to form a film for particle removal, then particle removal efficiency is improved, but synthesis complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparticle removal efficiencyVSAvoidsynthesis complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the chemical composition parameters of the cleaning solution by replacing fluorine-containing materials with specific alkaline components (cyclic carboxylic acid derivatives, cyclic sulfur compounds, or their mixtures), thereby maintaining particle removal effectiveness while simplifying the synthesis process and material selection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses readily available, simple chemical compounds (cyclic carboxylic acid derivatives and cyclic sulfur compounds) that can be easily synthesized or purchased, replacing complex fluorine-containing materials, thus reducing both synthesis complexity and cost

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Reliability

If alkaline solution such as ammonia is used to remove or peel off the film, then film removal is achieved, but substrate damage occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefilm removal effectivenessVSAvoidsubstrate damage
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the pH parameter and chemical composition of the removing solution by using cyclic carboxylic acid derivatives or cyclic sulfur compounds instead of strong alkaline solutions like ammonia, enabling effective film removal while preventing substrate damage through milder chemical action

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention converts the potential harm of strong alkaline solutions into benefit by using milder cyclic compounds that provide sufficient film removal capability without causing substrate damage, thus transforming a harmful approach into a safe one

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Reliability

If a film is formed on substrate to remove particles, then particle removal is enabled, but uniform film formation becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveparticle removal capabilityVSAvoidfilm uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention optimizes the composition parameters of the cleaning solution by combining specific ratios of cyclic carboxylic acid derivatives and cyclic sulfur compounds, which improves film formation uniformity while maintaining particle removal effectiveness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses a composite cleaning solution containing both cyclic carboxylic acid derivatives and cyclic sulfur compounds, which work synergistically to achieve uniform film formation and effective particle removal, overcoming the limitations of single-component solutions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This method effectively removes particles, forms uniform films, prevents particle reattachment, and avoids substrate damage, eliminating the need for complex fluorine-based materials and alkaline solutions.

Implementation Method 1

removing a solvent (C) in the substrate cleaning solution, and a polymer (A) forms a film

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEvaporation: Evaporation

Implementation Method 2

the alkaline component (B) remains in the film to facilitate peeling

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectChemical bonding: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 3

applying a remover (F) on the substrate to remove the film in which the particles are held

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDissolution: Solvation

Data Source

PatentEP3894534B1Method for cleaning a substrate and method for manufacturing device
Publication Date: 2024.09.11 MERCK PATENT GMBH
  • EP3894534B1 patent drawingFigure 1(a)~1(f)
  • EP3894534B1 patent drawingFigure 2(a)~2(f)
  • EP3894534B1 patent drawing

AI summary

To obtain a substrate cleaning solution capable of cleaning a substrate and removing particles. The present invention is a substrate cleaning solution comprising a polymer (A), an alkaline component (B), and a solvent (C), provided that the alkaline component (B) does not comprise ammonia.