China wafer frame cassette Manufacturers, Suppliers, Factory

The recent announcement of the 2024 Nobel Prize in Physics has brought unprecedented attention to the field of artificial intelligence.

Currently, many semiconductor devices employ mesa device structures, which are predominantly created through two types of etching: wet etching and dry etching. While the simple and rapid wet etching plays a significant role in semiconductor device fabrication, it has inherent drawbacks such as isotropic etching and poor uniformity, which result in limited control when transferring small-sized patterns. Dry etching, however, with its high anisotropy, good uniformity, and repeatability, has become prominent in semiconductor device fabrication processes. The term “dry etching” broadly refers to any non-wet etching technology used for removing surface materials and transferring micro and nano patterns, including laser etching, plasma etching, and chemical vapor etching. The dry etching discussed in this text specifically pertains to the narrow application of processes using plasma discharge—either physical or chemical—to modify material surfaces.

Silicon carbide (SiC) ceramics, known for their high strength, hardness, wear resistance, corrosion resistance, and high-temperature stability, have demonstrated immense potential and value across numerous industrial sectors since their introduction.

The wafer boats, loaded with a batch of wafers to be processed, are positioned on long cantilevered paddles.

In semiconductor manufacturing, the precision and stability of the etching process are paramount. One critical factor in achieving high-quality etching is ensuring that wafers are perfectly flat on the tray during the process. Any deviation can lead to uneven ion bombardment, causing undesirable angles and variations in etching rates. To address these challenges, engineers have developed Electrostatic Chucks (ESCs), which have significantly improved etching quality and stability. This article delves into the design and functionality of ESCs, focusing on one key aspect: the electrostatic principles behind wafer adhesion.