Microwave Substrate Heating for Selective Etching Uniformity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing substrate treating processes face challenges in achieving high etch selectivity, etch rate, and etch uniformity, particularly in highly integrated semiconductor devices, with potential substrate damage from heating and inadequate temperature control.

Innovation Solution

A substrate treating apparatus utilizing a chamber with a substrate support unit, a liquid supply unit, and a microwave applying member to apply microwaves, which includes a window member for laser beam transmission and a spin housing for rotation, enabling precise temperature control and selective heating based on film quality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If conventional heating methods are used during substrate treatment, then temperature control is achieved, but heating speed is slow and substrate damage occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheating speedVSAvoidsubstrate damage
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional thermal heating methods with microwave heating technology. The microwave generating unit generates microwaves that penetrate the substrate and convert to thermal energy through dielectric heating, achieving rapid temperature increase (600°C/s or higher) while distributing heat more uniformly throughout the substrate, thereby reducing thermal damage compared to conventional surface heating methods.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the heating parameter from conventional thermal conduction to microwave radiation. By controlling microwave power, frequency, and exposure time, the system achieves precise temperature control during substrate treatment processes, enabling rapid heating without excessive temperature gradients that cause substrate damage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Speed

If microwave heating is applied to rapidly increase substrate temperature, then heating speed improves, but temperature uniformity and substrate damage control become challenging

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature increase rateVSAvoidtemperature control precision
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates a temperature sensing unit that continuously monitors substrate temperature during microwave heating. The control unit receives temperature signals from the sensing unit and adjusts microwave power output in real-time, creating a closed-loop feedback system that maintains precise temperature control even during rapid heating processes, preventing temperature runaway and ensuring uniform temperature distribution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs dynamic adjustment of microwave heating parameters during the substrate treatment process. The system can modulate microwave power, pulse duration, and frequency based on real-time temperature feedback and process requirements, enabling adaptive temperature control that maintains precision while achieving rapid heating rates.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 efficiently treats substrates with improved etching performance, rapid temperature increase (up to 600°C/s), and minimizes substrate damage by selectively heating according to film quality.

Implementation Method 1

a microwave applying member for emitting microwaves to the substrate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMicrowave heating: Dielectric Heating

Implementation Method 2

a liquid supply unit including a chemical liquid discharge nozzle that discharges a chemical liquid to the substrate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFluid discharge: Fluid Spray

Implementation Method 3

a substrate support unit provided in the processing space to support a substrate and rotate the substrate

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRotational motion:

Data Source

PatentUS12629714B2Substrate treating apparatus and substrate treating method
Publication Date: 2026.05.19 SYSTEM ENGINEERING MEGA SOLUTION CO LTD
  • US12629714B2 patent drawing
  • US12629714B2 patent drawing
  • US12629714B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Provided are a substrate treating apparatus and a substrate treating method. The substrate treating apparatus includes: a chamber for providing a processing space; a substrate support unit provided in the processing space to support a substrate and rotate the substrate; a liquid supply unit including a chemical liquid discharge nozzle that discharges a chemical liquid to the substrate supported by the substrate support unit; and a microwave applying member for emitting microwaves to the substrate.