Equipment
Lab and Coral NameTRL / asherMatrix-TRL
ModelMatrix 106
SpecialistDavid Terry    (Paul Tierney)
Physical Location4F Main-South
Classification
Process CategoryPhoto
SubcategoryClean
Material KeywordsPhotoresist, EBL Resist
Sample Size6" Wafers, Pieces Require Puck
AlternativeTRL / asher-TRL
Keywordsmulti wafer, top side of sample, isotropic etch, vacuum, plasma
Description
The asherMatrix-TRL is an oxygen plasma photoresist stripper that processes wafers one at a time, from a cassette. It can operate in single-wafer or in automatic mode. It is similar to the asher-ICL but for red processes. Depending on the resist, typical ash times range from 2-6 minutes per wafer. Very short ashes (e.g. 10 seconds) can be used as de-scum clean procedures, although for those situations the asher-TRL is more commonly used as it is less powerful. Ashing thick resist can take longer particularly around the edges (either due to weaker plasma and/or edge beads in the resist).

Best forRemoving resist
LimitationsDoes not remove resist from wafer backside (use asher-TRL in those situations)
Characteristics/FOMO2, 500W power, unheated chuck
Caution withDo not lean on or place items on the metal housing, as it can fall off. Improperly positioned wafers in the cassette can cause problems with the robot arm. Please put system into standby after use, in order to close chamber door.
Machine Charges2/run
Documents

SOP
Resist RecipesBaseline resist recipes for TRL

External Links
GuideMicroChem Application Notes
Process Matrix Details

Permitted
Been in the ALDSamples that have been in any of the ALD systems
,
Germanium on surfaceSamples with germanium on the surface (typically grown films)
,
Germanium buriedSamples with germanium buried below a different film
,
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.
(Adds),
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),
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
,
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.
,
PiecesWafer pieces may not be handled by the equipment, and are harder to thoroughly clean - preventing them from running in certain tools.
,
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.


For more details or help, please consult PTC matrix, email ptc@mtl.mit.edu, or ask the research specialist (David Terry)