Conductive PFA Nozzle for SPM Resist Removal

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing substrate processing apparatuses face challenges in efficiently removing resist using Sulfuric acid Hydrogen Peroxide Mixture (SPM) due to charge buildup and corrosion issues during high-temperature processing.

Innovation Solution

A substrate processing apparatus with a nozzle unit featuring a multi-layered structure, including a corrosion-resistant resin first layer, a rigid stainless steel second layer, and a corrosion-resistant resin third layer, where the nozzle tip is made of conductive PFA material to neutralize charges and prevent corrosion, ensuring effective discharge of SPM.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If the nozzle unit is made of rigid material to maintain structural integrity, then the mechanical strength is improved, but corrosion resistance deteriorates due to exposure to sulfuric acid hydrogen peroxide mixture

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical strengthVSAvoidcorrosion resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The nozzle unit employs a composite structure combining rigid material (stainless steel) for mechanical strength and corrosion resistant resin (PFA) for chemical resistance. The rigid material provides structural integrity while the corrosion resistant resin coating protects against sulfuric acid hydrogen peroxide mixture corrosion, resolving the contradiction between strength and corrosion resistance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The corrosion resistant resin layer is nested on the surface of the rigid material nozzle body. This layered structure allows the rigid material to provide structural support while the resin layer provides corrosion protection, effectively combining the advantages of both materials.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If the nozzle unit is made of corrosion resistant resin to prevent corrosion, then corrosion resistance is improved, but charge buildup worsens due to insulating properties

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecorrosion resistanceVSAvoidcharge buildup
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The composite structure of rigid material and corrosion resistant resin creates a material system that balances corrosion resistance with electrical conductivity. The rigid material component provides conductive pathways to dissipate charges while the resin component maintains corrosion resistance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the nozzle unit have different material compositions optimized for their specific functions. The nozzle body uses composite material for overall protection, while specific conductive portions are designed to address charge buildup in critical areas.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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

The apparatus effectively neutralizes charges and provides corrosion resistance, enhancing the efficiency and reliability of resist removal using SPM, while maintaining the integrity of the processing equipment.

Implementation Method 1

The nozzle tip is formed of a corrosion resistant resin having conductivity

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS11715650B2Substrate processing apparatus and manufacturing method therefor
Publication Date: 2023.08.01 TOKYO ELECTRON LTD
  • US11715650B2 patent drawing
  • US11715650B2 patent drawing
  • US11715650B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A substrate processing apparatus includes a nozzle unit. The nozzle unit includes a line and a nozzle tip provided on a tip end of the line. The line includes a first layer, a second layer and a third layer. The nozzle tip is formed of a corrosion resistant resin having conductivity. The third layer is configured to cover the first layer and the second layer from outside and cover a part of the nozzle tip from outside.