Spin Coating Technology

Spin coating still remains the preferred method of coating on planar surfaces.

Introduction

Spin coating technology is a universal and intensively used process for applying uniform thin films when no topography on the wafer is considered.

Resist Processing

Spray Coating Technology

Dosing accuracy of dispensed material and spin speed are some of the most important factors in spin coating processes. Other critical process parameters such as acceleration, precise positioning or possibility to perform a dynamic dispense rate also play a significant role in coat properties. EVG spin coaters are designed to control all of these critical parameters to ensure precise resist dispensing process control. Up to eight dispense lines without temperature control or up to four temperature-controlled dispense lines enhance process set-up supporting three different dispense modes to guarantee optimum results for an extensive range of resists with viscosities up to 52.000 cP. Static or dynamic center dispense mode is recommended for typical thin-film applications and standard viscosity. Area dispense mode optimizes uniformity and resist consumption by enabling extremely uniform thick resist layers for the use of high-viscosity resists like BCB or SU-8. Moreover, edge dispense mode is a typical application for etch protection purposes, especially for long-term etch processes. For this purpose, EVG systems are equipped with programmable swivel arms supporting various flat/notch designs. Additional functions – such as solvent-based pre-wetting, edge-bead removal and automatically solvent refillable sealed park position – support advanced process control and production requirements. The programmable suck-back function prevents surplus resist from dropping out of the nozzle tip on the wafer surface and thus secures conformal results throughout the whole wafer. Optional CoverSpin reduces the amount of resist material per wafer and avoids edge turbulence effects independent of the substrate shape. Overall, EVG’s spin coat module with a simulation-based low-turbulence design effectively supports resist-saving processes while providing high-uniformity results on planar or low-topography surfaces.

Features

Precise recipe-controlled resist dispensing process
Three different dispense modes for extensive range of photoresists with viscosities up to 52000 cP
Simulation-based low-turbulence design of coat module geometry
Programmable swivel arm supporting various flat/notch designs
Advanced process control with additional functions such as solvent-based pre-wetting or edge-bead removal
Automatically solvent refillable sealed park position
Programmable suck-back function
CoverSpin™ technology for improved coating uniformity and eliminated edge effects independent of the substrate shape
Smart process control and data analysis software features
- Integrated analysis features for process and machine control
- Parallel task/queueing task processing feature
- Equipment and process performance tracking feature
- Smart handling features
- Occurrences and alarms analysis
- Smart maintenance management and tracking