Photoirradiation Release Agent Composition for Clean Wafer Separation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing release agent layers used in semiconductor processing are difficult to clean due to residual foreign matter, compromising the cleanliness of semiconductor substrates and support substrates after light irradiation release.

Innovation Solution

A release agent composition comprising a polymer with specific structural units that absorb light, incorporating a -Si-O-Si- structure and aromatic/heterocyclic rings, which forms a release agent layer with enhanced releasability and cleanability, allowing for easy separation of semiconductor substrates from support substrates.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional release agent layer is used, then the semiconductor substrate can be released from the support substrate, but foreign matter such as adhesive layers and residues attach to the surfaces, making cleaning difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovereleasabilityVSAvoidcleanability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a composite polymer structure containing three specific structural units: (1) light-absorbing structure for photoirradiation release, (2) siloxane structure (-Si-O-Si-) for cleanability, and (3) aromatic hydrocarbon or heterocyclic ring structure for adhesion control. This composite structure enables the release agent layer to provide excellent releasability while maintaining easy cleanability by combining the functional benefits of different molecular structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent specifies precise compositional parameters for the polymer, including the presence of three distinct structural units with specific chemical characteristics. By controlling the molecular structure parameters at the chemical level, the release agent achieves optimal balance between releasability and cleanability, allowing foreign matter to be easily removed after release.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Strength

If the adhesion force is strong to withstand polishing stress, then the semiconductor wafer remains stable during polishing, but it becomes difficult to remove the wafer from the support after polishing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadhesion forceVSAvoidremoval ease
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a dynamic adhesion system where the release agent layer's adhesion properties change in response to external stimuli. Under normal conditions (before light irradiation), the layer maintains strong adhesion to withstand polishing stress. Upon light irradiation, the light-absorbing structural unit undergoes transformation that reduces adhesion force, enabling easy removal. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction between maintaining strong adhesion and enabling easy removal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes photoinduced phase transition or chemical transformation in the light-absorbing structural unit. When irradiated with light of specific wavelength, the structural unit undergoes a change in its physical or chemical state, which transforms the adhesion characteristics of the release agent layer from strong to weak, facilitating easy removal of the semiconductor substrate from the support.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #36Phase transitions

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 composition enables effective release of semiconductor substrates with minimal residual contamination, ensuring high releasability and cleanability, thus improving the quality of processed semiconductor substrates.

Implementation Method 1

the first structure has a structure that absorbs light to impart releasability to a release agent layer formed from the release agent composition

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentEP4685840A1Release agent composition for photoirradiation release, layered product, and method for producing processed semiconductor substrate
Publication Date: 2026.01.28 NISSAN CHEM CORP
  • EP4685840A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2B
  • EP4685840A1 patent drawingFigure 2C~3
  • EP4685840A1 patent drawingFigure 4~5B

AI summary

This release agent composition for release by irradiation with light includes a polymer and a solvent, the polymer including a first structure, a second structure, and a third structure, wherein the first structure has a structure that absorbs light to impart releasability to a release agent layer formed from the release agent composition, the second structure has a -Si-O-Si- structure in a main chain of the polymer, and the third structure has an aromatic hydrocarbon ring and/or a heterocyclic ring.