Induction-Heated Graphite Susceptor for Uniform Wafer Temperature

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing epitaxial growth apparatuses face challenges in achieving uniform temperature distribution and responsiveness of the susceptor due to variations in electrical resistivity of the graphite base material, leading to quality deviations and reduced productivity in semiconductor wafer production.

Innovation Solution

A susceptor with a graphite base material and ceramic coating layer, optimized for electrical resistivity variation (ρmax/ρmin = 1.00 to 1.05) and high-temperature resistivity change (ρ1600/ρ800 = 1.14 to 1.30), ensuring uniform heat generation and precise temperature control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If a graphite base material is used for induction heating, then heat generation capability is improved, but temperature distribution uniformity deteriorates due to electrical resistivity variation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat generation capabilityVSAvoidtemperature distribution uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by optimizing the electrical resistivity distribution within the graphite base material. Specifically, it controls the standard deviation of electrical resistivity to be 0.005 mΩ·m or less, ensuring that different regions of the susceptor have sufficiently uniform electrical properties. This local uniformity in electrical resistivity directly translates to uniform heat generation and temperature distribution during induction heating, resolving the contradiction between heat generation capability and temperature uniformity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Productivity

If the susceptor temperature is rapidly regulated, then productivity is improved, but temperature control precision deteriorates due to electrical resistivity temperature dependence

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprocess timeVSAvoidtemperature control precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the electrical resistivity characteristics of the graphite base material. It specifically controls the temperature coefficient of electrical resistivity and the standard deviation of electrical resistivity to ensure predictable and uniform temperature response. This allows the susceptor to rapidly regulate temperature while maintaining precision, as the optimized electrical parameters ensure uniform heat distribution even during rapid heating or cooling cycles, thus improving both productivity and temperature control precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Speed

If the electrical resistivity variation is large, then heat generation responsiveness is improved, but susceptor durability deteriorates due to thermal stress

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature responsivenessVSAvoidsusceptor durability
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by ensuring uniform electrical resistivity distribution throughout the graphite base material, with a standard deviation of 0.005 mΩ·m or less. This uniformity prevents localized hot spots and excessive thermal gradients that would create damaging thermal stress. By maintaining consistent electrical properties across the entire susceptor, the patent achieves both rapid temperature responsiveness and enhanced durability, as the uniform heat generation avoids stress concentration that leads to breakage.

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 solution enables high-quality wafer products with reduced process time, minimizing thermal stress and enhancing susceptor durability by maintaining uniform temperature and responsiveness.

Implementation Method 1

A susceptor which includes a graphite base material and a ceramic coating layer and which generates heat by induction heating

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInduction heating: Induction Heating

Implementation Method 2

the wafer is heated by heat transfer from the susceptor having generated heat due to induction heating

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHeat transfer: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS20260028720A1susceptor
Publication Date: 2026.01.29 NIPPON TECHNO CARBON CO LTD
  • US20260028720A1 patent drawing
  • US20260028720A1 patent drawing
  • US20260028720A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The present invention provides a susceptor with improved responsiveness of temperature control, and an object thereof is to obtain a high-quality wafer product without impairing productivity. Provided is a susceptor that generates heat by induction heating, the susceptor including a graphite base material and a ceramic coating layer. The graphite base material exhibits a variation (ρmax/ρmin) Of an in-plane electrical resistivity distribution of the graphite base material at room temperature of 1.00 to 1.05 and a rate of high-temperature change (ρ1600/ρ800) of electrical resistivity at 1600° C. to that at 800° C. of 1.14 to 1.30.