Papers by Keyword: Airborn Molecular Contamination (AMC)

Abstract: Today, the use of Pods or FOUPs (Front Opening Universal Pod) in IC manufacturing leads to specific molecular contamination issues related to the enclosed environment made with porous polymers (mainly PEEK, PC and PP) that constitute these containers. Indeed, such materials are known to outgass airborne molecular contaminants (AMC), especially polymers additives [1,2]. They are also able to absorb volatile compounds present in their atmosphere coming from the connection to an equipment or from the release of wafers just processed [3,4]. As a result, a reversible outgassing of species previously trapped in plastic is possible. This is especially critical in presence of wafers sensitive to the released contaminants leading then to potential detrimental impacts. This cross-contamination scheme was clearly evidenced for volatile acids in presence of Cu layers leading to corrosion issues [4].

Abstract: With decreasing critical size of micro-electronic fabrication imposed by ITRS today, Front Opening Unified Pod (FOUP) has been designed to transport the silicon wafers in the 300 mm semiconductor fab to decrease the particles contamination, without taking the Airborne Molecular Contamination (AMC) and moisture problems into account. Various methods of AMC decontamination methods has been introduced in past, such as purging mini-environment with nitrogen, however the efficiency of its yield improvement capacity has not been proven. An ultimate AMC decontamination method with vacuum decontamination and passivation technology shows a very good efficiency on the AMC removal mechanism, with a direct impact on the yield improvement.