Monthly Archives: June 2018

Why Teflon Tanks Are Used with the KOH Etching Process

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KOH etching is a preferred silicon wafer fabrication method because it works rapidly and reliably while handling of the chemicals is relatively safe. The process relies on a contamination-free environment and uses the temperature and KOH concentration to control the etching speed. Teflon tanks are used in this process because the Teflon is stable and doesn’t degrade. The KOH etching process controls allow accurate and repeatable temperature control for reliable fabrication results and high-quality production. KOH etching in Teflon tanks with temperature control is an excellent process for silicon wafer nanostructure fabrication in both manufacturing facilities and research environments.

How KOH Etching Works

KOH or potassium hydroxide etches silicon quickly and at a constant rate that depends on the concentration of the solution and the temperature of the liquid. In addition to these controllable variables, silicon etching is influenced by the crystal planes of the silicon and the doping concentration. These factors can be used to direct etching in certain directions and to stop etching at given points. The result is that KOH etching can produce the precise nanostructures needed as long as the crystal planes and doping are used correctly.

The controllable variables have to be kept tightly to set values and variations have to be minimized. Important factors are the maintenance of the KOH solution at the desired concentration and temperature. The Teflon tanks have to be designed to support the consistent and accurate etching necessary for defect-free wafer fabrication.

Modutek Teflon Tank Features

Modutek Teflon tanks are designed to support KOH etching leading to wafer fabrication of the highest quality. The temperature-controlled tanks are available in re-circulating and static versions and come in standard sizes for single or double carrier capacities as well as in custom sizes when required. The re-circulating tanks have an all-Teflon fluid path, and in the available custom configurations, are easy to integrate into existing fabrication lines.

Modutek Teflon tanks eliminate contamination from the tanks or fluid paths by ensuring the KOH solution only comes into contact with Teflon, which in unaffected by the corrosive chemical. In addition, Teflon welding for the tanks is carried out with advanced PFA sheet welding techniques that reduce impurities and by-products. The result is that the KOH solution stays pure.

A key element of the KOH etching process control is the initial concentration of the KOH solution and keeping it constant throughout the process step. Modutek Teflon tanks have sealed lids that minimize water loss, even during lengthy etching. Water condensing systems and de-ionized water spiking systems are available if the application requires it.

The other variable affecting the etch rate is the temperature of the KOH solution. Modutek tanks have either inline heating or immersion heating in the overflow weir. Temperature can be controlled between 30 and 100 degrees Centigrade with an accuracy of plus/minus 0.5 degrees Centigrade. Heating is rapid with an average heat-up rate of 2 to 3 degrees Centigrade per minute depending on the details of the installation. Rapid heating and tight control result in superior etching performance and consistent output.

To make operation of the KOH etching flexible and convenient, the Modutek Teflon tanks systems have standard drain interlocks and low level, high limit, and high-temperature alarms. Temperature process controllers and remote operation timers are also available.

Modutek Teflon KOH tanks are designed specifically for applications such as KOH etching and Modutek can supply custom systems specially adapted to customer requirements. Tank sizes and controls can be designed to match customer applications. Modutek can rely on its experience and expertise to supply KOH etching systems that meet the highest quality standards and deliver the best output possible.

 

Why Particle Removal is Essential in Silicon Wafer Cleaning

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During silicon wafer processing, impurities and particles are deposited on wafer surfaces or are left over from previous process steps. Such particles can cause defects in the final semiconductor product. With the reduced size of today’s silicon wafer microstructures, even the tiniest particles can block etching and affect the diffusion processes. The result appears in the final semiconductor circuit as either as a defect or reduce quality and life expectancy of the product. As a result, the focus of many wafer cleaning operations is to leave the silicon wafer surface intact but free of contaminating particles.

How Particles are Removed from Silicon Wafer Surfaces

The removal of particles can be difficult because they often have a chemical or electrostatic affinity for the silicon surface. They are attracted to the silicon wafer because of electrostatic charges and specific mechanisms have to be used to dislodge and remove them. The smaller the particle, the more such attraction may play a role and the harder it is to remove every particle from the wafer.

Mechanisms to remove particles include silicon wafer cleaning with a chemical that reacts with the particles, cleaning with a solution that dissolves the particles or washing the particles from the wafer surface. In each case, a specific type of equipment is required and traditional standard processes can be used together with new technologies aimed at removing even the smallest particles.

Cleaning Processes

Many chemical processes used to clean silicon wafers have remained unchanged since they were first used 30 years ago. These methods use aggressive chemicals to remove contamination from the wafers, which are then rinsed with de-ionized water and dried. These methods remove most of the contaminants but are less effective in removing the smallest particles. Refined older methods and new technologies such as megasonic cleaning are now often used to complete the cleaning process.

Cleaning methods used at different stages of the silicon wafer fabrication process include the following:

  • The RCA clean process, often carried out in two steps called SC1 and SC2, prepares a wafer for further processing. SC1 cleans wafers with a mixture of ammonium hydroxide and hydrogen peroxide to remove organic residue. SC2 uses hydrochloric acid and hydrogen peroxide to remove metallic residues and particles.
  • The Piranha cleaning process removes large amounts of organic residue such as photoresist. It uses sulfuric acid and hydrogen peroxide in a particularly corrosive mixture that acts quickly but must be handled with care.
  • Megasonic cleaning dislodges particles and other contaminants using microscopic cavitation bubbles generated by a megasonic cleaning system. The bubbles form and collapse in time with the MHz sound waves, delivering a scrubbing action that overcomes particle attraction to the silicon wafer surface.
  • The Ozone cleaning process uses ozone to convert organic particles and contaminants to carbon dioxide. All organic traces on a wafer surface are completely removed, leaving the silicon wafer free from particles.

One of the most critical processes for silicon wafer cleaning is the pre-diffusion clean process that takes place just before the wafers are placed in the diffusion oven. Any of the above methods or a combination of cleaning methods can be used to ensure that wafers are free of particles and the diffusion will be even and consistent.

Equipment Used for Wafer Cleaning

Modutek’s wet bench technology supports all the above cleaning methods and can be provided within their manual, semi-automated or fully automatic systems. The company can offer equipment for traditional cleaning and for the new megasonic and ozone methods as well. All cleaning equipment is available in standard configurations but Modutek can also design custom products to meet the needs of any of their customers’ silicon wafer cleaning requirements. If you need highly reliable equipment to support your semiconductor manufacturing processes call Modutek for a free consultation or quote at 866-803-1533 or email Modutek@modutek.com.