Equipment
| Lab and Coral Name | TRL / asher-TRL |
| Model | Branson |
| Specialist | David Terry (Paul Tierney) |
| Physical Location | 4F Main-North |
Classification
| Process Category | Photo |
| Subcategory | Clean |
| Material Keywords | Non-Standard Materials, Photoresist, EBL Resist |
| Sample Size | 6" Wafers, 4" Wafers, Pieces |
| Alternative | TRL / asherMatrix-TRL, ICL / asher-ICL |
| Keywords | multi wafer, manual load, multiple pieces, both sides of sample, isotropic etch, vacuum, plasma, manual operation |
Description
The asher-TRL is an oxygen barrel plasma etcher that can remove photoresist and other organics from samples. The asher has several sample holders available for different size substrates. The plasma is generated at the barrel and reactive specied diffuse inside where the sample is located. Thus, the ashing is non-directional and photoresist will be removed from any exposed surface (front and back, deep trenches, etc). The reaction time is non-linear. The chamber is not cooled and heats up over time, which causes the reaction rate to increase. Typical process times at 1000W: descum, 10min; 1um resist, 1 hour; 10um resist, 2-3 hours.
| Best for | Remove resist and other organics from any exposed surface. Can process multiple wafers at the same time. Lower power and short times allow for de-scum use. |
| Limitations | Takes significantly longer time to remove thick resist, asherMatrix-TRL can be used (6'' wafers only) to shorten the time needed. |
| Characteristics/FOM | Barrel etcher, batch processing. O2 |
| Caution with | If previous user did a long ash, the chamber temperature is elevated. If you want to do a descum, the reaction rate could be thrown off. |
| Machine Charges | 2/run |
Documents
Process Matrix Details
Permitted
Been in the ALDSamples that have been in any of the ALD systems
, Pyrex SubstratesPyrex substrates can be a concern due to high sodium content, which contaminates CMOS frontend tools
, III-V SubstratesAny III-V substrates, e.g. GaAs, GaN, InP, and so on. Note though that many common III-V substrates will also carry the Au flag, but there are some GREEN III-V substrates.
, Germanium on surfaceSamples with germanium on the surface (typically grown films)
, Germanium buriedSamples with germanium buried below a different film
, PiecesWafer pieces may not be handled by the equipment, and are harder to thoroughly clean - preventing them from running in certain tools.
, Gold or RED color codeRED color code substrates. These are gold-contaminated or have been processed in gold contaminated tools. Gold and other metals can contaminate silicon devices (GREEN color code) and have to be separated.
, Any exposure to CMOS metalIf the sample had ever seen a CMOS metal (or a tool that accepts CMOS metal), then some frontend tools could be contaminated by this.
, CMOS metal on surfaceCMOS compatible metals exposed on the surface. These are Al,Ni,Pt,Ti,TiN. Other metals such as Au are *NOT* part of this.
, CMOS metal buriedCMOS compatible metals covered entirely by a different material. These are Al,Ni,Pt,Ti,TiN. Other metals such as Au are *NOT* part of this.
, Been in the STS DRIEThe DRIE etch leaves behind polymer residues on the sidewall ripples, which can be a contamination concern for some tools.
, Been in the SEMA sample viewed in the SEM must have used the appropriate chuck to avoid cross-contamination
, Been in the Concept1The Concep1 deposits dielectrics on GREEN wafers, however it also accepts metal and there can be cross-contamination for diffusion area
, Has PhotoresistSamples with photoresist cannot be exposed to high temperatures, which is typical in deposition tools. Outgassing can be a concern.
(Removes), Has PolyimidePolyimide is a very chemically resistant polymer, and can tolerate higher temperatures but cannot be exposed to typical PECVD deposition temperatures or diffusion furnaces. Outgassing can be a concern.
(Removes), Has Cured SU8Not fully cured SU8 residues can heavily contaminated plasma chambers or destroy other user's samples, but fully cured SU8 is permitted in certain tools.
, Coming from KOHAfter a KOH etch, the samples must receive a special clean because the K ions are highly contaminating to CMOS frontend tools
, Coming from CMPAfter a CMP, the samples must receive a special clean, because the slurry residues otherwise introduce contamination and particles.
Not Allowed
Ever been in EMLSamples from EML are never permitted to return to ICL or TRL
For more details or help, please consult PTC matrix, email ptc@mtl.mit.edu, or ask the research specialist (David Terry)