Abstract

Particle removal from patterned wafers and trenches presents a tremendous challenge in semiconductor manufacturing. In this paper, the removal of 0.3 and 0.8 µm polystyrene latex (PSL) particles from high-aspect-ratio 500 µm deep trenches is investigated. An experimental, analytical, and computational study of the removal of submicrometer particles at different depths inside the trench is presented. Red fluorescent polystyrene latex (PSL) particles were used to verify particle removal. The particles are counted using scanning fluorescent microscopy. A single-wafer megasonic tank is used for the particle removal. The results show that once a particle is removed from the walls or the bottom of a trench, the vortices and circulation zones keep the particles in the trench for a few minutes before eventually moving the particle out of the trench. The experimental results show that the time required for complete removal of particles from the bottom of the trench takes a much longer time than particles on the surface. This has been also verified and explained by physical modeling of the cleaning process. The removal efficiency and cleaning time are reported at different trench depths.

Notes

Originally published in Journal of the Electrochemical Society, v.153, no.9, pp. C603-C607 (2006). doi:10.1149/1.2214531

Keywords

polymers, surface cleaning, semiconductor technology

Subject Categories

Semiconductors, Particles

Disciplines

Electronic Devices and Semiconductor Manufacturing | Nanoscience and Nanotechnology

Publisher

The Electrochemical Society

Publication Date

7-5-2006

Rights Information

Copyright 2006. All rights reserved. Except as provided under U.S. copyright law, this work may not be reproduced, resold, distributed, or modified without the express permission of The Electrochemical Society (ECS). The archival version of this work was published in Journal of the Electrochemical Society, v.153, no.9, pp. C603-C607 (2006).

Rights Holder

The Electrochemical Society, Inc.


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