JP2019121709A - Wafer processing method and wafer processing device - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a wafer processing method capable of solving pattern collapse and particle problems, and a wafer processing device.SOLUTION: A wafer processing method includes: an oxide removing step (Fig. 1A and Fig. 1B) for removing an oxide Ox on a surface of a wafer W; a surface cleaning step for supplying a process liquid onto the wafer surface from which the oxide is removed, and cleaning the surface of the wafer by means of the process liquid; a hydrophobizing step (Fig. 1C) for supplying a hydrophobizing agent Sm onto the cleaned surface and hydrophobizing the surface of the wafer; and an atmosphere control step for controlling an atmosphere around the wafer into a low-oxygen atmosphere in which an oxygen concentration is lower than that in atmospheric air, during a period from the surface cleaning step to the hydrophobizing step.EFFECT: Hydrophobizing processing is performed after removing surface roughness caused by the oxide, surface roughness after the hydrophobizing is removed.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a substrate processing method and a substrate processing apparatus for processing a substrate. Substrates to be processed include, for example, substrates for semiconductor wafers, substrates for liquid crystal displays, substrates for flat panel displays (FPDs) such as organic EL (electroluminescence) display devices, substrates for optical disks, substrates for magnetic disks, and magneto-optical disks. Substrates, such as a substrate, a substrate for photomasks, a ceramic substrate, and a substrate for solar cells, are included.

In substrate processing by a single-wafer substrate processing apparatus, substrates are processed one by one. Specifically, the spin chuck holds the substrate substantially horizontal. Then, after the upper surface of the substrate is treated with the chemical solution, the upper surface of the substrate is rinsed by the rinse liquid. Thereafter, a spin dry process is performed to rotate the substrate at high speed to dry the upper surface of the substrate.
In the case where a fine pattern is formed on the surface of the substrate, the spin dry process may not be able to remove the rinse liquid that has entered the inside of the pattern. As a result, poor drying may occur. The liquid level (the interface between air and liquid) of the rinse liquid that has entered the inside of the pattern is formed in the pattern. Therefore, the surface tension of the liquid acts on the contact position between the liquid surface and the pattern. When the surface tension is large, the pattern is likely to collapse. Water, which is a typical rinse solution, has high surface tension, so pattern collapse in the spin-drying process can not be ignored.

  Therefore, a method using isopropyl alcohol (IPA), which is a low surface tension liquid having a surface tension lower than that of water, has been proposed (see, for example, Patent Document 1 below). Specifically, by supplying IPA to the upper surface of the substrate, water introduced into the inside of the pattern is replaced with IPA, and thereafter the upper surface of the substrate is dried by removing the IPA. However, even if the water that has entered the inside of the pattern is replaced with IPA, the pattern may collapse if the surface tension acts for a long time or if the pattern strength is low.

  Thus, Patent Document 2 discloses a substrate processing that reduces the surface tension to which the pattern is subjected by hydrophobizing the upper surface of the substrate with a silylating agent (hydrophobizing agent), and prevents the collapse of the pattern. Specifically, a silylating agent is supplied to the upper surface of the substrate, and the silylating agent supplied to the upper surface of the substrate flows from the center to the periphery of the upper surface of the substrate as the substrate rotates. Thereby, the entire top surface of the substrate is hydrophobized. Thereafter, the silylating agent remaining on the top surface of the substrate is washed away by IPA, and then the substrate is dried.

Unexamined-Japanese-Patent No. 2016-21597 JP 2012-222329 A

However, recent studies have shown that pattern collapse may occur even with such hydrophobization treatment. In addition, it has been found that relatively many particles are observed on the surface of the substrate that has been subjected to the hydrophobization treatment and dried.
The hypothesis by the inventor on this cause is as follows.
When the oxide is attached to the surface of the substrate to be hydrophobized, irregularities due to the oxide are generated on the surface of the substrate. When such a substrate surface is subjected to hydrophobization treatment, the functional group of the hydrophobizing agent reacts with the substrate material on the exposed surface of the substrate and reacts with the oxide surface in the part covered with the oxide. To form a hydrophobized film covering the exposed portion of the substrate and the oxide on the substrate surface. However, since the hydrophobizing agent is made of a material having a large molecular weight, the surface of the hydrophobized film is not only inherited as the unevenness due to the oxide, but larger unevenness is generated. That is, when the roughness due to the oxide is generated on the substrate surface, the roughness is further deteriorated by the hydrophobization treatment.

When a liquid (IPA in the example of Patent Document 2) is supplied to such a surface with poor roughness, or a liquid (for example, water or IPA) supplied before that remains, the liquid Pattern collapse occurs due to surface tension.
Moreover, the roughness amplified by the hydrophobization process may be detected as particles when the substrate surface is observed using a particle counter or the like.

  Therefore, an embodiment of the present invention provides a substrate processing method and a substrate processing apparatus that can improve the problem of pattern collapse and particles.

  In one embodiment of the present invention, an oxide removing step of removing an oxide on a surface of a substrate, supplying a treatment liquid to the surface of the substrate from which the oxide has been removed, and cleaning the surface of the substrate with the treatment liquid A surface cleaning process, a hydrophobizing process of supplying a hydrophobizing agent to the cleaned surface of the substrate to hydrophobize the surface of the substrate, and a period from the surface cleaning process to the hydrophobization process; And controlling the atmosphere around the substrate to a low oxygen atmosphere having a lower oxygen concentration than in the atmosphere.

  According to this method, the oxide on the surface of the substrate is removed, and then a surface cleaning step of cleaning the surface of the substrate with a processing solution is performed. In the hydrophobization step performed after the surface cleaning step, a hydrophobizing agent is supplied to the surface of the substrate to reform the surface of the substrate to be hydrophobic. During the period from the surface cleaning process to the hydrophobization process, the atmosphere around the substrate is controlled to a low oxygen atmosphere. Therefore, after the oxide on the surface of the substrate is removed, the surface of the substrate can be modified to be hydrophobic while suppressing the growth of new oxide on the surface. Therefore, since the substrate surface is modified to be hydrophobic while eliminating the unevenness of the substrate surface caused by the oxide, the surface of the modified substrate is uniformly hydrophobized and flat with less roughness. It is a surface. This solves the problem of pattern collapse and the problem of particles.

The treatment liquid used in the surface cleaning step is preferably a treatment liquid that does not oxidize the material of the substrate. Thus, it is possible to prevent the formation of new oxide resulting from the processing solution on the surface of the substrate during cleaning.
In one embodiment of the present invention, the low oxygen atmosphere is an atmosphere having an oxygen concentration in which oxygen is not dissolved in the treatment liquid. Thus, oxygen from the atmosphere is not dissolved in the processing solution in the surface cleaning step, so that the growth of the oxide on the surface of the substrate can be suppressed or prevented in the surface cleaning step.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the dissolved oxygen concentration in the treatment liquid is 100 ppb or less. Thereby, it is possible to reliably suppress or prevent the oxidation of the substrate material caused by the oxygen in the processing liquid in the surface cleaning step.
In one embodiment of the present invention, the oxide removing step includes a chemical solution removing step of supplying a chemical solution to the surface of the substrate to remove the oxide. For example, the chemical solution removes the oxide on the substrate surface by the etching action. In this case, it is preferable to use a chemical solution capable of selectively etching the oxide relative to the substrate material. However, in general, the oxide on the surface of the substrate can be removed by a short time etching process with a chemical solution of dilution concentration, so the oxide is contained in the substrate material (for example, the material forming the pattern on the substrate surface). Also, there is no risk of substantially changing the structure of the substrate surface.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the dissolved oxygen concentration in the chemical solution is 100 ppb or less. Thereby, in the chemical solution removing step, oxidation of the substrate material caused by oxygen in the chemical solution can be reliably suppressed or prevented.
In one embodiment of the present invention, the oxide removing step includes a heat removing step of removing at least a part of the oxide on the surface of the substrate by heating. In this case, the oxide is decomposed by thermal energy. More specifically, thermal energy can break the bond between the substrate material and the oxygen atom to remove the oxide. The removal of the oxide by heating is advantageous in that there is no loss of the substrate material (film reduction) due to the etching action as compared with the case of using a chemical solution.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the method further includes a degassing step of degassing oxygen in the processing liquid to be supplied to the surface of the substrate, and the surface cleaning step includes processing the processing liquid subjected to the degassing step on the substrate. Supply to the surface. Thereby, the amount of dissolved oxygen in the processing liquid can be reliably reduced, and the oxidation of the substrate material caused by the dissolved oxygen can be suppressed or prevented.
In one embodiment of the present invention, the surface cleaning process supplies a chemical solution for cleaning to the surface of the substrate, and a rinse solution is supplied to the surface of the substrate to replace the chemical solution with the rinse solution. And a rinse step. In this case, it is preferable that the chemical solution and the rinse solution be a treatment solution, and each solution that does not oxidize the substrate material be used. Thereby, the oxidation of the substrate material can be suppressed or prevented in any of the chemical solution cleaning step and the rinse step.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the hydrophobizing step includes a hydrophobizing agent supply step of supplying a liquid hydrophobizing agent in which a hydrophobizing substance is dissolved in a solvent. Then, the method further includes a pre-organic solvent supplying step of supplying an organic solvent miscible with the solvent of the hydrophobizing agent to the surface of the substrate after the surface cleaning step and before the hydrophobizing step.
In this method, the treatment liquid on the surface of the substrate is replaced by an organic solvent, and then a liquid hydrophobizing agent is supplied to the surface of the substrate. Since the organic solvent is miscible (ie, compatible) with the solvent of the hydrophobizing agent, the hydrophobizing agent efficiently displaces the organic solvent on the substrate surface. More specifically, even when a pattern is formed on the substrate surface, the organic solvent in the pattern can be replaced with a hydrophobizing agent. The organic solvent is preferably an organic solvent that does not oxidize the surface of the substrate. Thereby, the growth of the oxide on the surface of the substrate can be suppressed or prevented before the hydrophobizing agent is supplied, and the surface of the substrate can be uniformly hydrophobized.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the dissolved oxygen concentration in the organic solvent is 100 ppb or less. Thereby, the oxidation of the substrate material caused by the oxygen in the organic solvent can be reliably suppressed or prevented in the pre-organic solvent supply step.
In one embodiment of the present invention, the dissolved oxygen concentration in the hydrophobizing agent is 100 ppb or less. Thereby, it is possible to suppress or prevent the oxidation of the substrate material caused by the dissolved oxygen in the hydrophobizing agent in the hydrophobizing agent supply step.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the method further comprises the steps of: supplying an organic solvent to the surface of the substrate after the hydrophobizing step; and flowing away an excess hydrophobizing agent on the substrate; Including. Thereby, since the substrate surface can be hydrophobized with a proper amount of hydrophobizing agent, it is possible to avoid that the roughness of the substrate surface is deteriorated or the hydrophobic performance is lowered due to the excessive hydrophobizing agent.
In one embodiment of the present invention, the atmosphere control step includes a blocking member disposing step in which the blocking member is disposed to be opposed to the position close to the surface of the substrate, and the gap is not between the blocking member and the surface of the substrate. And an inert gas supply step of supplying an active gas.

In this method, the space where the surface of the substrate faces can be limited by arranging the blocking member so as to be close to and face the surface of the substrate. Then, by supplying an inert gas to the restricted space, the surface of the substrate is placed in an atmosphere of low oxygen concentration. Thereby, the growth of oxides on the surface of the substrate being processed can be suppressed or prevented.
In one embodiment of the present invention, the blocking member includes a facing portion facing the surface of the substrate, and an annular extension portion connected to a peripheral edge of the facing portion and surrounding the periphery of the substrate. In the atmosphere control step, the extended portion faces the peripheral edge of the substrate.

  Thus, the space in which the surface of the substrate faces is limited by the facing portion in the normal direction of the surface, and is limited by the annular extension portion in the direction parallel to the surface. Thus, the space facing the surface of the substrate forms a substantially closed space, and the closed space is supplied with an inert gas. Therefore, the surface of the substrate is placed in a stable atmosphere with low oxygen concentration, and in that state, surface cleaning treatment and the like are performed. Therefore, the growth of the oxide on the surface of the substrate being processed can be more reliably suppressed or prevented.

  One embodiment of the present invention provides an oxide removing unit for removing oxide on the surface of a substrate, and supplying a treatment liquid to the surface to clean the surface of the substrate from which the oxide on the surface has been removed. Processing solution supply unit, a hydrophobizing agent supply unit for supplying a hydrophobizing agent to the surface of the cleaned substrate to hydrophobize the surface of the substrate, and processing the surface of the substrate by the processing solution supply unit The atmosphere around the substrate is controlled to a low oxygen atmosphere having a lower concentration of oxygen than in the air during the period in which the solution is supplied and the period in which the hydrophobizing agent supply unit supplies the hydrophobizing agent to the surface of the substrate And an atmosphere control unit.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the atmosphere control unit controls the atmosphere around the substrate to a low oxygen atmosphere in which oxygen is not dissolved in the processing liquid.
In one embodiment of the present invention, the processing liquid supply unit supplies the processing liquid having a dissolved oxygen concentration of 100 ppb or less to the surface of the substrate.
In one embodiment of the present invention, the oxide removing unit includes an oxide removing chemical supply unit that supplies a chemical to the surface of the substrate to remove the oxide.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the oxide removing chemical solution supply unit supplies a chemical solution having a dissolved oxygen concentration of 100 ppb or less to the surface of the substrate.
In one embodiment of the present invention, the oxide removing unit includes a heat treatment unit that removes at least a part of the oxide on the surface of the substrate by heating.
In one embodiment of the present invention, the processing liquid supply unit includes a degassing unit for degassing oxygen in the processing liquid to be supplied to the surface of the substrate.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the processing liquid supply unit supplies a chemical liquid for cleaning to the surface of the substrate, and a rinse liquid for replacing the chemical liquid with a rinse liquid on the surface of the substrate. And a rinse liquid supply unit.
In one embodiment of the present invention, the hydrophobizing agent supply unit supplies a liquid hydrophobizing agent in which a hydrophobizing substance is dissolved in a solvent. Then, after the substrate processing apparatus cleans the surface of the substrate, before the hydrophobization of the surface of the substrate, an organic solvent before supplying the organic solvent miscible with the solvent of the hydrophobizing agent to the surface of the substrate It further includes a supply unit.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the pre-organic solvent supply unit supplies an organic solvent having a dissolved oxygen concentration of 100 ppb or less.
In one embodiment of the present invention, the hydrophobizing agent supply unit supplies a liquid hydrophobizing agent having a dissolved oxygen concentration of 100 ppb or less.
In one embodiment of the present invention, the substrate processing apparatus supplies an organic solvent to the surface of the substrate after hydrophobization of the surface of the substrate to flow away excess hydrophobizing agent on the substrate and then removes the organic solvent. It further includes a solvent supply unit.

In one embodiment of the present invention, the atmosphere control unit includes a blocking member facing the surface of the substrate, and a blocking member arrangement unit in which the blocking member is disposed facing the surface close to the surface of the substrate, and And an inert gas supply unit for supplying an inert gas between the blocking member and the surface of the substrate.
In one embodiment of the present invention, the blocking member includes a facing portion facing the surface of the substrate, and an annular extending portion connected to a peripheral edge portion of the facing portion and surrounding the periphery of the substrate. Then, when the blocking member is disposed at a position close to the surface of the substrate by the blocking member placement unit, the extending portion faces the peripheral edge of the substrate.

1A to 1D are explanatory diagrams for explaining the principle of substrate processing according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view for explaining an internal layout of a substrate processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining a configuration example of a processing unit provided in the substrate processing apparatus. FIG. 4 is a block diagram for explaining the electrical configuration of the main part of the substrate processing apparatus. FIG. 5A is a flowchart for explaining an example of substrate processing by the substrate processing apparatus. FIG. 5B is a flowchart for explaining another example of substrate processing by the substrate processing apparatus. FIG. 6A is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining the state of chemical treatment (oxide removal step, surface cleaning step). FIG. 6B is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining the state of the rinse process after the chemical solution process. FIG. 6C is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining the state of the first organic solvent treatment. FIG. 6D is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining the state of the hydrophobization treatment. FIG. 6E is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining the state of the second organic solvent treatment. FIG. 7 is a schematic plan view for explaining the internal layout of a substrate processing apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining a configuration example of a heat treatment unit provided in the substrate processing apparatus of FIG. 7. FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining a configuration example of a processing unit provided in the substrate processing apparatus of FIG. 7. FIG. 10 is a block diagram for explaining the electrical configuration of the substrate processing apparatus of FIG. FIG. 11A is a flowchart for explaining an example of substrate processing by the substrate processing apparatus of FIG. 7. FIG. 11B is a flowchart for explaining another example of substrate processing by the substrate processing apparatus of FIG. 7. FIG. 12A is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining the state of the chemical treatment (surface cleaning step). FIG. 12B is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining the state of the rinse process (surface cleaning process) after the chemical solution process. FIG. 12C is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining the state of the first organic solvent treatment. FIG. 12D is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining the state of the hydrophobization treatment. FIG. 12E is a schematic cross-sectional view for describing the state of the second organic solvent treatment. FIG. 12F is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining the state of the rear substrate heating process. FIG. 12G is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining the state of the back substrate cooling process. FIG. 13 is a sequence diagram for explaining an example of control operation. FIG. 14 is a figure for demonstrating the desolvation effect | action by back substrate heat processing. FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining the dewatering action by the rear substrate heating process.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the attached drawings.
1A to 1D are explanatory diagrams for explaining the principle of substrate processing according to an embodiment of the present invention. The substrate to be processed is typically a silicon wafer, and more generally, a substrate on which a material susceptible to oxidation such as silicon, germanium or the like is present. The surface of the substrate may be, for example, the surface of a silicon wafer, or may be the surface of a pattern containing a material susceptible to oxidation such as silicon.

  FIG. 1A shows the surface condition of the silicon wafer W before processing. An oxide Ox is formed on the surface of the wafer W, and unevenness due to the oxide Ox is generated. The oxide Ox may be a natural oxide or may be an oxide produced by a chemical reaction with a chemical solution. Therefore, on the surface of the wafer W, there are a silicon exposed portion Wsi where silicon which is a substrate material is exposed, and an oxide portion Wox which is a surface of the oxide Ox.

  As shown in FIG. 1D, the wafer W having the surface condition of FIG. 1A as it is, that is, a hydrophobization treatment is performed by supplying a hydrophobizing agent to the wafer W in which the surface is made uneven by the oxide Ox. It is considered to be That is, the functional group (for example, silanol group) of the hydrophobization substance Sm bonds to the OH group (hydroxy group) in the silicon exposed portion Wsi or the OH group on the surface of the oxide Ox, and the molecule of the hydrophobization substance Sm Join together. Thus, a hydrophobized film covering the silicon exposed portion Wsi and the oxide portion Wox is formed. Since the molecules of the hydrophobization substance Sm are relatively large, an unevenness larger than the unevenness of the surface of the original wafer W is formed on the surface of the hydrophobization film, and the roughness is deteriorated. Therefore, the contact angle of the liquid is not so large, and sufficient flooding performance can not be obtained. In addition, the amplified roughness may be detected as particles when observed by the particle counter.

  In this embodiment, the wafer W of FIG. 1A is subjected to a process for removing the oxide Ox. Thereby, as shown in FIG. 1B, almost the entire surface of the wafer W becomes the silicon exposed portion Wsi by the exposure of the substrate material, and the surface roughness of the wafer W is improved. When the surface of the wafer W in this state is supplied with a hydrophobizing agent and subjected to a water repelling treatment, as shown in FIG. 1C, the functional group of the hydrophobization substance Sm is OH in the silicon exposed portion Wsi over almost the entire surface of the wafer W. Bond uniformly to the group. As a result, the molecules of the hydrophobization substance Sm follow the surface of the wafer W and are uniformly aligned, and a hydrophobized surface without unevenness is obtained. Such a surface has a large liquid contact angle, has sufficient water repelling performance, and does not have asperities that may be detected as particles.

It is not necessary to completely remove the oxide Ox on the wafer W, and after the oxide Ox is partially removed to improve the surface roughness, the hydrophobization treatment may be performed.
FIG. 2 is a schematic plan view for explaining the internal layout of the substrate processing apparatus 1 according to the embodiment of the present invention. The substrate processing apparatus 1 is a sheet-fed apparatus that processes silicon wafers W, which are an example of a substrate, one by one. In this embodiment, the wafer W is a disk-shaped substrate. The substrate processing apparatus 1 includes a plurality of processing units 2 for processing a wafer W with a processing solution, a load port LP on which a carrier C for storing a plurality of wafers W processed by the processing unit 2 is placed, and a load port It includes a transfer robot IR and CR for transferring the wafer W between the LP and the processing unit 2, and a control unit 3 for controlling the substrate processing apparatus 1. The transfer robot IR transfers the wafer W between the carrier C and the transfer robot CR. The transfer robot CR transfers the wafer W between the transfer robot IR and the processing unit 2. The plurality of processing units 2 have, for example, the same configuration.

  FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining a configuration example of the processing unit 2. The processing unit 2 includes a chamber 4 (see FIG. 2), a spin chuck 5, an opposing member 6, a support member 7, an inert gas supply unit 8, a first processing liquid supply unit 30, and a second processing liquid. It includes a supply unit 40, an organic solvent supply unit 10, a hydrophobizing agent supply unit 11, a support member lifting unit 12, and a processing cup 13.

  The spin chuck 5 rotates the wafer W around a vertical rotation axis A1 passing through the central portion of the wafer W while holding a single wafer W in a horizontal posture. The spin chuck 5 is housed in the chamber 4 (see FIG. 2). In the chamber 4, a port (not shown) for carrying the wafer W into the chamber 4 or unloading the wafer W from the chamber 4 is formed. The chamber 4 is provided with a shutter unit (not shown) that opens and closes the entrance.

  The spin chuck 5 includes a substrate holding unit 24, a rotating shaft 22, and an electric motor 23. The substrate holding unit 24 holds the wafer W horizontally. The substrate holding unit 24 includes a spin base 21 and a plurality of chuck pins 20. The spin base 21 has a disk shape along the horizontal direction. A plurality of chuck pins 20 are arranged on the top surface of the spin base 21 at intervals in the circumferential direction. The rotation shaft 22 is coupled to the center of the lower surface of the spin base 21. The rotation axis 22 extends in the vertical direction along the rotation axis A1. The electric motor 23 applies a rotational force to the rotating shaft 22. As the rotary shaft 22 is rotated by the electric motor 23, the spin base 21 of the substrate holding unit 24 is rotated. Thus, the wafer W is rotated in the rotation direction S around the rotation axis A1. The electric motor 23 constitutes a substrate rotation unit that rotates the wafer W around the rotation axis A1.

  The opposing member 6 is substantially circular in plan view. The rotation axis A1 is a vertical axis passing through the central portion of the facing member 6. The opposing member 6 is formed of resin in this embodiment. As a resin which forms the opposing member 6, PEEK (polyether ether ketone) etc. are mentioned. The facing member 6 is an example of a blocking member that blocks the atmosphere in the space 65 between the facing member 6 and the upper surface of the wafer W from the ambient atmosphere.

  The opposing member 6 is engageable with the substrate holding unit 24 by, for example, a magnetic force. Specifically, the opposing member 6 includes a plurality of first engagement portions 66. The first engagement portion 66 extends downward from the facing surface 60 a of the facing portion 60. The plurality of first engagement portions 66 are arranged at intervals in the rotational direction S. The substrate holding unit 24 includes a plurality of second engaging portions 76 that can be engaged with the plurality of first engaging portions 66 in a concavo-convex manner. The plurality of second engagement portions 76 are spaced apart from one another in the rotational direction S and fixed to the spin base 21.

  The opposing member 6 is integrally rotatable with the substrate holding unit 24 in a state in which the first engaging portions 66 of the opposing member 6 and the corresponding second engaging portions 76 of the substrate holding unit 24 are engaged. When the electric motor 23 rotates the spin base 21 when the opposing member 6 and the substrate holding unit 24 are engaged, the opposing member 6 rotates with the substrate holding unit 24. That is, the electric motor 23 also functions as an opposing member rotation unit that rotates the opposing member 6 around the rotation axis A1.

  The opposing member 6 includes an opposing portion 60, an extending portion 61, a cylindrical portion 62, and a plurality of flange portions 63. The facing portion 60 faces the upper surface of the wafer W from above. The facing portion 60 is formed in a disk shape. The facing portion 60 is disposed substantially horizontally above the spin chuck 5. The facing portion 60 has a facing surface 60 a facing the top surface of the wafer W. The facing surface 60 a is the lower surface of the facing portion 60. The extending portion 61 extends downward from the peripheral portion of the facing portion 60, and is annularly formed around the rotation axis A1. The inner circumferential surface 61a of the extending portion 61 forms a tapered surface which is inclined with respect to the vertical direction so as to go outward in the radial direction centering on the rotation axis A1 as it goes downward. The outer peripheral surface of the extending portion 61 extends in the vertical direction.

  Hereinafter, the radially inner side about the rotation axis A1 will be simply referred to as “radially inner side”, and the radially outer side about the rotation axis A1 will be simply referred to as “radially outer side”. When the facing member 6 is engaged with the substrate holding unit 24, the extending portion 61 surrounds the wafer W radially inward of the first guard 17, and the peripheral portion of the wafer W is laterally ) (See the two-dot chain line in FIG. 3).

The cylindrical portion 62 is fixed to the upper surface of the facing portion 60. The plurality of flange portions 63 are disposed at the upper end of the cylindrical portion 62 at intervals from each other in the circumferential direction (rotational direction S) of the cylindrical portion 62. Each flange portion 63 extends horizontally from the upper end of the cylindrical portion 62.
The processing solution used in the substrate processing apparatus 1 includes a chemical solution, a rinse solution, an organic solvent, a hydrophobizing agent, and the like.

The first processing liquid supply unit 30 and the second processing liquid supply unit 40 supply the chemical solution and the rinse liquid (processing liquid) to the central region of the upper surface of the wafer W. The central region of the upper surface of the wafer W is a region near the center of the upper surface of the wafer W including the intersection position of the upper surface of the wafer W and the rotation axis A1.
The first processing liquid supply unit 30 discharges the processing liquid toward the central region of the upper surface of the wafer W, the chemical liquid supply pipe 31 coupled to the processing liquid nozzle 33, and the processing liquid nozzle 33 as well. It includes a combined rinse liquid supply pipe 34, a chemical liquid valve 32 interposed in the chemical liquid supply pipe 31, and a rinse liquid valve 35 interposed in the rinse liquid supply pipe 34. An acid-based chemical solution such as hydrofluoric acid (hydrogen fluoride water: HF) is supplied to the chemical solution supply pipe 31 from a chemical solution supply source, for example. The chemical solution valve 32 opens and closes the flow passage in the chemical solution supply pipe 31. A rinse liquid such as DIW (deionized water) is supplied to the rinse liquid supply pipe 34 from a rinse liquid supply source. The rinse liquid valve 35 opens and closes the flow path in the rinse liquid supply pipe 34. The first processing liquid supply unit 30 (in particular, the part related to the chemical liquid supply) is an example of the oxide removing chemical liquid supply unit that supplies the chemical liquid for removing the oxide on the surface of the wafer W in this embodiment. It is also an example of the oxide removing unit. Further, the part related to the rinse liquid supply of the first processing liquid supply unit 30 is an example of the processing liquid cleaning unit that cleans the surface of the wafer W.

The second processing liquid supply unit 40 discharges the processing liquid toward the central region of the upper surface of the wafer W, the chemical liquid supply pipe 41 coupled to the processing liquid nozzle 43, and the processing liquid nozzle 43 as well. It includes a combined rinse liquid supply pipe 44, a chemical liquid valve 42 interposed in the chemical liquid supply pipe 41, and a rinse liquid valve 45 interposed in the rinse liquid supply pipe 44. The chemical solution supply pipe 41 is supplied with, for example, an alkaline chemical solution such as SC1 (ammonia hydrogen peroxide solution mixed solution) from a chemical solution supply source. The chemical solution valve 42 opens and closes the flow passage in the chemical solution supply pipe 41. A rinse liquid such as CO ₂ water (carbonated water) is supplied to the rinse liquid supply pipe 44 from a rinse liquid supply source. The rinse liquid valve 45 opens and closes the flow path in the rinse liquid supply pipe 44. The second processing liquid supply unit 40 is an example of a processing liquid supply unit that supplies the processing liquid for cleaning the surface of the wafer W to the surface of the wafer W in this embodiment. In particular, the part related to the chemical liquid supply of the second processing liquid supply unit 40 constitutes a chemical liquid supply unit, and the part related to the rinse liquid supply constitutes a rinse liquid supply unit.

  Examples of the chemical solution are not limited to hydrofluoric acid and SC1. Chemical solutions discharged from the processing solution nozzles 33 and 43 include sulfuric acid, acetic acid, nitric acid, hydrochloric acid, hydrofluoric acid, buffered hydrofluoric acid (BHF), dilute hydrofluoric acid (DHF), ammonia water, hydrogen peroxide water, organic alkali ( For example, it may be a liquid containing at least one of TMAH: tetramethyl ammonium hydroxide etc., a surfactant, and a corrosion inhibitor. As an example of the medical fluid which mixed these, SPM (sulfuric acid hydrogen peroxide solution liquid mixture), SC1 (ammonia hydrogen peroxide solution liquid mixture), SC2 (hydrochloric acid hydrogen peroxide solution liquid) etc. are mentioned. However, when using an acid-based chemical solution and an alkaline-based chemical solution, it is possible to supply the respective chemical solutions from the first and second processing liquid supply units 30 and 40 so that their mixing can be avoided. preferable.

Further, the rinse liquid discharged from the processing liquid nozzles 33 and 43 is not limited to DIW or CO ₂ water. For example, even if the rinse liquid discharged from the treatment liquid nozzles 33 and 43 is electrolytic ion water, ozone water, ammonia water, hydrochloric acid water with a dilution concentration (for example, about 10 ppm to 100 ppm), reduced water (hydrogen water) Good. The rinse solution contains water.
The organic solvent supply unit 10 is a unit for supplying the organic solvent to the central region of the upper surface of the wafer W. The organic solvent supply unit 10 is connected to an organic solvent nozzle 50 for discharging the organic solvent toward the central region of the upper surface of the wafer W, an organic solvent supply pipe 51 coupled to the organic solvent nozzle 50, and the organic solvent supply pipe 51. And the mounted organic solvent valve 52. An organic solvent such as IPA is supplied to the organic solvent supply pipe 51 from an organic solvent supply source. The organic solvent valve 52 opens and closes the flow path in the organic solvent supply pipe 51. In this embodiment, the organic solvent supply unit 10 is an example of an organic solvent supply unit before supplying the organic solvent before hydrophobizing the surface of the wafer W, and after the hydrophobization of the surface of the wafer W, the organic solvent is supplied. It is an example of the after-supply organic solvent supply unit.

The organic solvent discharged from the organic solvent nozzle 50 is not limited to IPA. The organic solvent discharged from the organic solvent nozzle 50 is an organic solvent other than IPA that does not chemically react (poor reactivity) with the upper surface of the wafer W and a pattern (not shown) formed on the wafer W It is also good. More specifically, the organic solvent discharged from the organic solvent nozzle 50 is a liquid containing at least one of IPA, HFE (hydrofluoroether), methanol, ethanol, acetone and Trans-1, 2 dichloroethylene. It may be a solvent. However, the organic solvent supplied from the organic solvent nozzle 50 is preferably an organic solvent that is miscible (that is, compatible) with the solvent of the hydrophobizing agent supplied from the hydrophobizing agent supply unit 11. Furthermore, the organic solvent supplied from the organic solvent nozzle 50 is an organic solvent that is miscible (that is, compatible) with the rinse liquid (DIW, CO ₂ water, etc.) supplied from the processing liquid supply units 30, 40. Is preferred.

  The hydrophobizing agent supply unit 11 is a unit for supplying a liquid hydrophobizing agent to the central region of the upper surface of the wafer W. The hydrophobizing agent supply unit 11 hydrophobizes the hydrophobizing agent nozzle 80 discharging the hydrophobizing agent toward the central region of the upper surface of the wafer W, the hydrophobizing agent supply pipe 81 coupled to the hydrophobizing agent nozzle 80, and hydrophobizing And a hydrophobizing agent valve 82 interposed in the agent supply pipe 81. The hydrophobizing agent supply pipe 81 is supplied with a liquid hydrophobizing agent from a hydrophobizing agent supply source. The hydrophobizing agent valve 82 opens and closes the flow path in the hydrophobizing agent supply pipe 81.

  The hydrophobizing agent discharged from the hydrophobizing agent nozzle 80 is a liquid in which a hydrophobizing substance is dissolved in a solvent. As the hydrophobizing agent, it is possible to use, for example, a silicon-based hydrophobizing agent that hydrophobizes silicon itself and a compound containing silicon, or a metal-based hydrophobizing agent that hydrophobizes metal itself and a compound containing metal. The metal-based hydrophobizing agent includes, for example, at least one of an amine having a hydrophobic group and an organic silicon compound as a hydrophobizing substance. The silicon-based hydrophobizing agent is, for example, a silane coupling agent. The silane coupling agent includes, for example, at least one of HMDS (hexamethyldisilazane), TMS (tetramethylsilane), a fluorinated alkyl chlorosilane, an alkyldisilazane, and a non-chloro hydrophobizing agent as a hydrophobizing agent. . Non-chloro hydrophobizing agents include, for example, dimethylsilyldimethylamine, dimethylsilyldiethylamine, hexamethyldisilazane, tetramethyldisilazane, bis (dimethylamino) dimethylsilane, N, N-dimethylaminotrimethylsilane, N- ( At least one of trimethylsilyl) dimethylamine and an organosilane compound is included as a hydrophobizing substance. The solvent for dissolving the hydrophobizing substance may be at least one selected from aliphatic hydrocarbons, aromatic hydrocarbons, esters, alcohols, ethers and the like. More specifically, methanol, ethanol, IPA, butanol, ethylene glycol, propylene glycol, NMP (N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone), DMF (N, N-dimethylformamide), DMA (dimethylacetamide), DMSO (dimethylacetamide) Sulfoxide), hexane, toluene, PGMEA (propylene glycol monomethyl ether acetate), PGME (propylene glycol molar methyl ether), PGPE (propylene glycol monopropyl ether), PGEE (propylene glycol monoethyl ether), GBL (γ-butyrolactone), Acetylacetone, 3-pentanone, 2-heptanone, ethyl lactate, cyclohexanone, dibutyl ether, HFE (hydrofluoroether), ethyl nonaful B isobutyl ether, may be at least one selected from the group consisting of ethyl nonafluorobutyl ether and m- xylene hexafluoride.

  A degassing unit is provided to reduce dissolved oxygen in the processing liquid (chemical solution, rinse liquid, organic solvent and hydrophobizing agent) supplied to the wafer W. That is, degassing units 36, 46, 37, 47, 53, 83 are interposed between the chemical solution supply pipes 31, 41, the rinse liquid supply pipes 34, 44, the organic solvent supply pipe 51 and the hydrophobizing agent supply pipe 81, respectively. It is disguised. Therefore, the processing liquid in which the dissolved oxygen is reduced is supplied to the surface of wafer W. A degassing unit may be provided at each treatment liquid supply source. The degassing unit may be configured to discharge the dissolved oxygen in the treatment liquid by introducing (for example, introducing by bubbling) an inert gas into each treatment liquid.

  The inert gas supply unit 8 discharges the inert gas toward the central region of the upper surface of the wafer W, the inert gas supply pipe 91 coupled to the inert gas nozzle 90, and supplies the inert gas. And an inert gas valve 92 interposed in a tube 91. An inert gas such as nitrogen gas is supplied to the inert gas supply pipe 91 from an inert gas supply source. The inert gas valve 92 opens and closes the flow passage in the inert gas supply pipe 91.

The processing solution nozzles 33 and 43, the organic solvent nozzle 50, the hydrophobization agent nozzle 80, and the inert gas nozzle 90 are commonly accommodated in the nozzle accommodation member 38 in this embodiment. The lower end portion of the nozzle housing member 38 is opposed to the central region of the upper surface of the wafer W.
The supporting member 7 includes an opposing member supporting portion 70 for supporting the opposing member 6, a nozzle supporting portion 72 provided above the opposing member supporting portion 70 and supporting the nozzle accommodation member 38, the opposing member supporting portion 70 and the nozzle supporting And a vertically extending wall 71 connected to the portion 72. A space 75 is defined by the facing member support 70, the wall 71 and the nozzle support 72. The space 75 accommodates the upper end portion of the cylindrical portion 62 and the flange portion 63. The opposing member support 70 constitutes the lower wall of the support member 7. The nozzle support portion 72 constitutes an upper wall of the support member 7. The nozzle housing member 38 is attached substantially at the center of the nozzle support 72. The tip of the nozzle housing member 38 is located below the nozzle support 72. At the lower end of the nozzle housing member 38, the discharge ports of the nozzles 33, 43, 50, 80, 90 are disposed downward. These discharge ports vertically face the central region of the wafer W through a space in the cylindrical portion 62 of the facing member 6 and a through hole 60 b formed at the center of the facing portion 60.

  The opposing member support portion 70 supports the opposing member 6 (more specifically, the flange portion 63) from below. A cylindrical portion insertion hole 70 a into which the cylindrical portion 62 is inserted is formed at a central portion of the facing member support portion 70. Each flange portion 63 is formed with a positioning hole 63 a penetrating the flange portion 63 in the vertical direction. The opposing member support portion 70 is formed with an engagement protrusion 70 b engageable with the positioning hole 63 a of the corresponding flange portion 63. The engagement member 70b corresponding to each positioning hole 63a is engaged, whereby the opposing member is positioned relative to the support member in the rotational direction S.

  The support member elevating unit 12 raises and lowers the opposing member 6 together with the support member 7. The support member elevating unit 12 functions as an opposing member elevating unit that raises and lowers the opposing member 6. Therefore, the support member lifting unit 12 has a function as a blocking member arrangement unit in which the facing member 6 as the blocking member is disposed to face the position close to the surface of the wafer W. The supporting member lifting unit 12 includes, for example, a ball screw mechanism (not shown) and an electric motor (not shown) for applying a driving force to the ball screw mechanism.

  The support member lifting unit 12 can position the support member 7 at a predetermined height position between the upper position and the lower position. The lower position is a position where the support member 7 is closest to the upper surface of the substrate holding unit 24 in the movable range of the support member 7. The upper position is a position shown by a solid line in FIG. Specifically, the upper position is a position at which the support member 7 is most separated from the upper surface of the substrate holding unit 24 in the movable range of the support member 7.

  The support member 7 suspends and supports the opposing member 6 in a state of being located at the upper position. In this state, the facing member 6 is separated upward from the substrate holding unit 24. The support member 7 passes through the engaged position between the upper position and the lower position by being lifted and lowered by the support member lift unit 12. The engagement position is a position shown by a two-dot chain line in FIG. The engagement position is the height position of the support member 7 when the opposite member 6 is supported by the support member 7 from the lower side and the opposite member 6 and the substrate holding unit 24 are engaged. The support member 7 is spaced downward from the opposing member 6 in a state of being engaged with the substrate holding unit 24 when the support member 7 is at the lower position.

When the support member 7 is raised and lowered between the upper position and the engagement position, the opposing member 6 is raised and lowered integrally with the support member 7. The support member 7 is spaced downward from the opposing member 6 when positioned between the engaged position and the lower position. The opposing member 6 is maintained in engagement with the substrate holding unit 24 when the support member 7 is positioned between the engaged position and the lower position.
The processing cup 13 is disposed radially outward of the wafer W held by the spin chuck 5. The processing cup 13 includes an exhaust weir 26, a plurality of cups 14-16, a plurality of guards 17-19, and a plurality of guard lifting and lowering units 27-29. The plurality of cups include a first cup 14, a second cup 15 and a third cup 16. The plurality of guards include a first guard 17, a second guard 18 and a third guard 19. The plurality of guard lifting and lowering units include a first guard lifting and lowering unit 27, a second guard lifting and lowering unit 28, and a third guard lifting and lowering unit 29.

  The exhaust weir 26 surrounds the spin chuck 5. An exhaust pipe (not shown) for discharging air flowing into the chamber 4 (see FIG. 2) to the outside of the chamber 4 is connected to the exhaust pipe 26. The plurality of cups 14 to 16 and the plurality of guards 17 to 19 are disposed between the spin chuck 5 and the exhaust weir 26. Each of the plurality of cups 14 to 16 surrounds the wafer W. Each of the plurality of guards 17 to 19 surrounds the wafer W.

Each of the guards 17 to 19 receives the processing liquid splashing radially outward from the wafer W held by the spin chuck 5. The second guard 18 is disposed radially outward of the first guard 17. The third guard 19 is disposed radially outward of the second guard 18.
The first guard 17 has a first cylindrical portion 17A surrounding the spin chuck 5 radially inward of the exhaust weir 26 and a first cylindrical portion 17A extending from the first cylindrical portion 17A in a radially inward direction. And 1 inclined portion 17B. The second guard 18 extends radially inward from a second cylindrical portion 18A surrounding the spin chuck 5 radially inward of the exhaust weir 26 and radially outward of the first cylindrical portion 17A. And a second inclined portion 18B extending from the second cylindrical portion 18A so as to be directed upward according to. The third guard 19 extends radially inward from the third cylindrical portion 19A surrounding the spin chuck 5 radially inward of the exhaust weir 26 and radially outward of the second cylindrical portion 18A. And a third inclined portion 19B extending from the third cylindrical portion 19A in such a manner as to be directed upward according to.

The first inclined portion 17B is opposed to the second inclined portion 18B from below. The second inclined portion 18B is opposed to the third inclined portion 19B from below.
Each cup 14-16 has an upwardly open annular groove. The second cup 15 is disposed radially outward of the first cup 14. The third cup 16 is disposed radially outward of the second cup 15. The third cup 16 is provided integrally with the second guard 18. A recovery pipe (not shown) or a discharge pipe (not shown) is connected to the groove of each of the cups 14-16. At the bottom of each cup 14-16, the treatment liquid received by the corresponding guard 17-19 is introduced. The treatment liquid led to the bottom of each cup 14 to 16 is collected or discarded through the collection pipe or the discharge pipe.

The plurality of guard lifting and lowering units 27 to 29 drive the lifting and lowering of the plurality of guards 17 to 19 respectively. Each guard raising and lowering unit 27-29 includes, for example, a ball screw mechanism (not shown) and an electric motor (not shown) that applies a driving force thereto.
FIG. 4 is a block diagram for explaining the electrical configuration of the main part of the substrate processing apparatus 1. The control unit 3 includes a microcomputer, and controls a control target provided in the substrate processing apparatus 1 according to a predetermined program. More specifically, control unit 3 includes a processor (CPU) 3A and a memory 3B in which a program is stored, and processor 3A executes the program to perform various processes for substrate processing. It is configured to perform control. In particular, the control unit 3 controls the operations of the transfer robots IR and CR, the electric motor 23, the support member lifting unit 12, the guard lifting units 27-29, the valves 32, 35, 42, 45, 52, 82, 92, etc. .

FIG. 5A is a flow chart for explaining an example of substrate processing by the substrate processing apparatus 1, and mainly shows processing realized by the control unit 3 executing a program. 6A to 6E are schematic sectional views for explaining the example of the substrate processing.
In substrate processing by the substrate processing apparatus 1, for example, as shown in FIG. 5A, substrate loading (S1), chemical solution processing (S2), rinse processing (S3), first organic solvent processing (S4), hydrophobization processing (S5) , The second organic solvent processing (S6), the drying processing (S7) and the substrate unloading (S8) are performed in this order.

  First, before the wafer W is carried into the processing unit 2, the relative position between the opposing member 6 and the substrate holding unit 24 in the rotational direction S is such that the opposing member 6 and the substrate holding unit 24 can be engaged. Adjusted. Specifically, the electric motor 23 sets the position of the substrate holding unit 24 in the rotational direction S so that the first engaging portion 66 of the facing member 6 and the second engaging portion 76 of the substrate holding unit 24 overlap in plan view. adjust.

On the other hand, the unprocessed wafer W is transferred from the carrier C to the processing unit 2 by the transfer robots IR and CR, and transferred to the spin chuck 5 (S1: substrate loading). Thereafter, the wafer W is held horizontally by the chuck pin 20 at an interval upward from the upper surface of the spin base 21 until the wafer W is unloaded by the transfer robot CR (substrate holding process).
Then, the support member elevating unit 12 lowers the support member 7 located at the upper position to the lower position. The support member 7 passes through the engagement position before moving to the lower position. When the support member 7 reaches the engagement position, the opposing member 6 and the substrate holding unit 24 are engaged by the magnetic force. Thereby, the opposing member 6 is supported from below by the substrate holding unit 24 whose height position is fixed. When the facing member 6 is engaged with the substrate holding unit 24, the facing portion 60 of the facing member 6 is disposed close to the upper surface of the wafer W and faces the upper surface of the wafer W from above. On the other hand, the extending portion 61 of the facing member 6 faces the wafer W from the radially outer side and surrounds the peripheral edge of the wafer W. Further, when the facing member 6 is engaged with the substrate holding unit 24, the lower end portion of the extending portion 61 faces the spin base 21 from above. A slight gap is provided between the lower end portion of the extending portion 61 and the upper surface of the spin base 21. As described above, the opposing member 6 is disposed at a position where the inner peripheral surface of the extending portion 61 faces the wafer W from the radially outer side by the supporting member lifting unit 12 (blocking member arranging step).

When the support member 7 further descends from the engaged position, the opposing member 6 is released from the support by the support member 7. Specifically, the facing member support portion 70 of the support member 7 retracts downward from the flange portion 63 of the facing member 6.
And as shown to FIG. 6A, the supporting member 7 reaches a lower position. Then, the electric motor 23 is driven and rotation of the spin base 21 of the substrate holding unit 24 is started. Thereby, the wafer W held horizontally is rotated (substrate rotation step). The first engaging portion 66 provided on the facing member 6 is engaged with the second engaging portion 76 provided on the spin base 21. Therefore, the opposing member 6 rotates in synchronization with the wafer W (opposite member rotating step). Synchronous rotation means rotating at the same rotational speed in the same direction.

  Furthermore, the control unit 3 opens the inert gas valve 92 and discharges the inert gas from the inert gas nozzle 90 (inert gas supply step). Thus, the air in the processing space 65 between the spin base 21 and the facing portion 60 is replaced with an inert gas atmosphere. As a result, the periphery of the wafer W has a low oxygen atmosphere with an oxygen concentration lower than the atmospheric pressure. Thus, the atmosphere control step (S10) of controlling the space around the wafer W to a low oxygen atmosphere is continued until the wafer W is unloaded from the processing unit 2.

  In the state where such a low oxygen atmosphere is maintained, the chemical solution process (S2) is started. The rotation speed of the wafer W is controlled to the chemical processing speed (for example, 300 rpm). In the chemical solution process (S2), by supplying hydrofluoric acid (HF) as a chemical solution onto the wafer W from the process solution nozzle 33, the upper surface of the wafer W is subjected to a process such as etching. More specifically, by the supply of hydrofluoric acid, an oxide removing step (chemical solution removing step) is performed in which the oxide present on the surface of the wafer W is etched away. Further, the supply of hydrofluoric acid may also be a chemical solution cleaning process for cleaning the surface of the wafer W. The supplied hydrofluoric acid is a low oxygen concentration aqueous solution of hydrofluoric acid in which the concentration of dissolved oxygen in the liquid is reduced by the degassing unit 36. Specifically, it is preferable that the concentration of dissolved oxygen in the hydrofluoric acid discharged from the processing liquid nozzle 33 is 100 ppb or less, whereby the oxidation of the surface of the wafer W due to the dissolved oxygen can be avoided.

More specifically, referring to FIG. 6A, the first guard lifting and lowering unit 27 arranges the first guard 17 at the lower position, and the third guard lifting and lowering unit 29 arranges the third guard 19 at the upper position. Do. Then, the second guard lifting and lowering unit 28 arranges the second guard 18 at a height position capable of receiving the treatment liquid (guard arrangement step).
In this state, the drug solution valve 32 is opened. Thereby, a chemical solution (hydrofluoric acid) is supplied from the processing liquid nozzle 33 to the central region of the upper surface of the wafer W in a rotating state. The chemical solution spreads over the entire top surface of the wafer W by centrifugal force.

  The chemical solution is scattered radially outward from the wafer W by centrifugal force. The chemical solution scattered radially outward from the wafer W reaches the inner peripheral surface 61 a of the extending portion 61 of the facing member 6 opposed to the wafer W from the radial direction outward. Since the opposing member 6 is rotating together with the wafer W, the chemical solution adhering to the inner peripheral surface 61 a of the extending portion 61 is scattered radially outward of the extending portion 61 by the centrifugal force. The chemical solution scattered radially outward from the extension portion 61 is received by the second guard 18. The chemical solution received by the second guard 18 is guided to the second cup 15 along the second cylindrical portion 18A.

  After the chemical solution process (S2) for a fixed time, a rinse process (S3) is performed. The rotation speed of the wafer W is controlled to the rinse processing speed (for example, 300 rpm). In the rinse process, the upper surface of the wafer W is rinsed by replacing the hydrofluoric acid (chemical solution) on the wafer W with DIW as a rinse solution. This rinse process is also an example of a surface cleaning process for cleaning the surface of the wafer W. The supplied rinse liquid is a low oxygen concentration rinse liquid (e.g., DIW) whose dissolved oxygen concentration in the liquid has been reduced by the degassing unit 37. Specifically, it is preferable that the concentration of dissolved oxygen in the rinse liquid discharged from the processing liquid nozzle 33 is 100 ppb or less, whereby the oxidation of the surface of the wafer W due to the dissolved oxygen can be avoided.

  At the start of the rinse process (S2), the chemical solution valve 32 is closed, and the discharge of hydrofluoric acid from the process liquid nozzle 33 is stopped. Referring to FIG. 6B, the first guard lifting and lowering unit 27 keeps the first guard 17 in the lower position, and the third guard lifting and lowering unit 29 keeps the third guard 19 in the upper position. Then, the second guard lifting and lowering unit 28 arranges the second guard 18 at a height position capable of receiving the treatment liquid (guard arrangement step).

In this state, the rinse solution valve 35 is opened. Thus, the rinse liquid is supplied from the processing liquid nozzle 33 toward the central region of the upper surface of the wafer W in a rotating state. The rinse solution spreads over the entire top surface of the wafer W by centrifugal force. Thereby, the chemical solution on the wafer W is replaced by the rinse solution.
The mixed solution of the chemical solution and the rinse solution on the wafer W or the rinse solution is scattered radially outward from the wafer W by the centrifugal force. The mixed liquid or rinse liquid of the chemical solution and the rinse liquid scattered radially outward from the wafer W reaches the inner peripheral surface 61 a of the extending portion 61 of the facing member 6 opposed to the wafer W from the radial outer side. Since the opposing member 6 is rotating together with the wafer W, the mixed liquid or rinse liquid of the chemical solution and the rinse liquid adhering to the inner peripheral surface 61 a of the extended portion 61 is more radially oriented than the extended portion 61 by centrifugal force. Scatter outwards. The second guard 18 receives the mixed solution or the rinse solution of the chemical solution and the rinse solution that are scattered radially outward from the extension portion 61. The mixed solution or rinse liquid of the chemical solution and the rinse liquid received by the second guard 18 is guided to the second cup 15 along the second cylindrical portion 18A.

  After the rinse process (S3) for a fixed time, the first organic solvent process (S4, pre-organic solvent supply process) is performed. The rotation speed of the wafer W is controlled to the organic solvent processing speed (for example, 300 rpm). In the first organic solvent processing (S4), the rinse liquid on the wafer W is replaced with an organic solvent such as IPA. This organic solvent is an organic solvent miscible (compatible) with DIW which is a rinse liquid used in the rinse treatment (S3).

  Specifically, the rinse liquid valve 35 is closed. Thereby, the discharge of the rinse liquid from the processing liquid nozzle 33 is stopped. Then, referring to FIG. 6C, the first guard lifting and lowering unit 27 places the first guard 17 at the lower position. The second guard lifting unit 28 arranges the second guard 18 at the lower position. Furthermore, the third guard lifting and lowering unit 29 arranges the third guard 19 at a height position that can receive the processing liquid.

  Then, the organic solvent valve 52 is opened. Thereby, the organic solvent is supplied from the organic solvent nozzle 50 of the organic solvent supply unit 10 toward the central region of the upper surface of the wafer W in a rotating state. The organic solvent spreads over the entire top surface of the wafer W by centrifugal force. Thereby, the rinse liquid on the wafer W is replaced by the organic solvent. The organic solvent supplied at this time is a low oxygen concentration organic solvent in which the dissolved oxygen concentration in the liquid is reduced by the degassing unit 53. Specifically, it is preferable that the concentration of dissolved oxygen in the organic solvent discharged from the organic solvent nozzle 50 is 100 ppb or less, whereby the oxidation of the surface of the wafer W due to the dissolved oxygen can be avoided.

  The mixed solution of the rinse liquid and the organic solvent on the wafer W or the organic solvent is scattered radially outward from the wafer W by the centrifugal force. The mixed solution or organic solvent of the rinse liquid and the organic solvent scattered outward in the radial direction from the wafer W reaches the inner circumferential surface 61 a of the extending portion 61 of the opposing member 6 opposed to the wafer W from the radial direction outward. Since the opposing member 6 is rotating together with the wafer W, the mixed solution or organic solvent of the rinse liquid and the organic solvent adhering to the inner peripheral surface 61 a of the extending portion 61 has a diameter larger than that of the extending portion 61 by centrifugal force. Scatter in the outward direction. The third guard 19 receives the mixed solution or the organic solvent of the rinse liquid and the organic solvent, which are scattered radially outward from the extension portion 61. The mixed solution or organic solvent of the rinse liquid and the organic solvent received by the third guard 19 is led to the third cup 16 along the third cylindrical portion 19A.

  After the first organic solvent treatment (S4) for a fixed time, a hydrophobization treatment (S5) is performed. The rotation speed of the wafer W is controlled to the hydrophobization processing speed (for example, 500 rpm). In the hydrophobization process (S5), the organic solvent on the wafer W is replaced with a hydrophobizing agent. The hydrophobizing agent is a liquid in which a hydrophobizing substance is dissolved in a solvent. The solvent for the hydrophobizing agent is preferably miscible (compatible) with IPA supplied by the first organic solvent treatment (S4), as in PGMEA, for example. Thereby, the organic solvent (IPA) on the wafer W can be replaced.

  During the hydrophobization treatment (S5), the organic solvent valve 52 is closed. Thereby, the discharge of the organic solvent from the organic solvent nozzle 50 is stopped. Then, referring to FIG. 6D, the first guard lifting and lowering unit 27 keeps the first guard 17 in the lower position, and the second guard lifting and lowering unit 28 keeps the second guard 18 in the lower position. Then, the third guard lifting and lowering unit 29 arranges the third guard 19 at a height position at which the processing liquid can be received.

  Then, the hydrophobizing agent valve 82 is opened. Thus, the hydrophobizing agent is supplied from the hydrophobizing agent nozzle 80 of the hydrophobizing agent supply unit 11 toward the central region of the upper surface of the wafer W in a rotating state (hydrophobizing agent supply step). The hydrophobizing agent spreads over the entire top surface of the wafer W by centrifugal force. Thereby, the organic solvent on the wafer W is replaced by the hydrophobizing agent. The hydrophobizing agent supplied at this time is a low oxygen concentration hydrophobizing agent in which the concentration of dissolved oxygen in the liquid is reduced by the degassing unit 83. Specifically, it is preferable that the dissolved oxygen concentration in the hydrophobizing agent discharged from the hydrophobizing agent nozzle 80 is preferably 100 ppb or less, whereby the oxidation of the surface of the wafer W due to the dissolved oxygen can be avoided.

  The liquid mixture of the organic solvent and the hydrophobizing agent on the wafer W or the hydrophobizing agent is scattered radially outward from the wafer W by centrifugal force. The liquid mixture of the organic solvent and the hydrophobizing agent scattered outward in the radial direction from the wafer W or the hydrophobizing agent reaches the inner circumferential surface 61 a of the extending portion 61 of the facing member 6 facing the wafer W from the radial outside. . Since the opposing member 6 is rotating together with the wafer W, the mixture of the organic solvent and the hydrophobizing agent or the hydrophobizing agent attached to the inner peripheral surface 61 a of the extending portion 61 can be separated from the extending portion 61 by centrifugal force. It also scatters radially outward. The third guard 19 receives the mixed solution of the organic solvent and the hydrophobizing agent or the hydrophobizing agent that is scattered radially outward from the extension portion 61. The mixed solution of the organic solvent and the hydrophobizing agent received by the third guard 19 or the hydrophobizing agent is guided to the third cup 16 along the third cylindrical portion 19A.

  After the hydrophobization treatment (S5) for a fixed time, the second organic solvent treatment (S6, post organic solvent supply step) is performed. The rotation speed of the wafer W is controlled to the organic solvent processing speed (for example, 300 rpm). In the second organic solvent processing, the hydrophobizing agent on the wafer W is replaced with the organic solvent. This organic solvent is miscible (having compatibility) with the solvent of the hydrophobizing agent used in the hydrophobization treatment (S5), and is, for example, IPA.

  Specifically, the hydrophobization valve 82 is closed. Then, referring to FIG. 6E, the first guard lifting and lowering unit 27 keeps the first guard 17 in the lower position, and the second guard lifting and lowering unit 28 keeps the second guard 18 in the lower position. And the 3rd guard 19 is arrange | positioned by the 3rd guard raising / lowering unit 29 in the height position which can receive a process liquid (guard arrangement | positioning process).

  Then, the organic solvent valve 52 is opened. Thereby, the organic solvent is discharged from the organic solvent nozzle 50 toward the central region of the upper surface of the wafer W in a rotating state. The organic solvent spreads over the entire top surface of the wafer W by centrifugal force. Thereby, the hydrophobizing agent on the wafer W is replaced by the organic solvent. The organic solvent supplied at this time is a low oxygen concentration organic solvent in which the dissolved oxygen concentration in the liquid is reduced by the degassing unit 53. Specifically, it is preferable that the concentration of dissolved oxygen in the organic solvent discharged from the organic solvent nozzle 50 is 100 ppb or less, whereby the oxidation of the surface of the wafer W due to the dissolved oxygen can be avoided.

  The mixed solution of the organic solvent and the hydrophobizing agent on the wafer W or the organic solvent is scattered radially outward from the wafer W by centrifugal force. The mixed solution or organic solvent of the organic solvent and the hydrophobizing agent scattered outward in the radial direction from the wafer W reaches the inner circumferential surface of the extending portion 61 of the facing member 6 facing the wafer W from the radial direction outward. Since the opposing member 6 is rotating together with the wafer W, the liquid mixture of the organic solvent and the hydrophobizing agent attached to the inner peripheral surface of the extending portion 61 or the organic solvent has a diameter larger than that of the extending portion 61 by centrifugal force. Scatter in the outward direction. The third guard 19 receives the mixed solution of the organic solvent and the hydrophobizing agent or the organic solvent that is scattered radially outward of the extension portion 61. The liquid mixture or organic solvent of the organic solvent and the hydrophobizing agent received by the third guard 19 is guided to the third cup 16 along the third cylindrical portion 19A.

After the second organic solvent treatment (S6) for a predetermined time, a drying process (S7) is performed to shake off the liquid component on the upper surface of the wafer W by centrifugal force. Specifically, after the organic solvent valve 52 is closed, the wafer W is rotated at a high speed (drying processing speed, for example, 2000 rpm). Then, the electric motor 23 stops the rotation of the wafer W.
When the drying process (S7) is completed, the control unit 3 closes the inert gas valve 92 to stop the supply of the inert gas, and ends the atmosphere control step (S10).

After that, the transport robot CR enters the processing unit 2 and scoops out the processed wafer W from the spin chuck 5 and carries it out of the processing unit 2 (S8: substrate unloading). The wafer W is transferred from the transfer robot CR to the transfer robot IR, and is stored in the carrier C by the transfer robot IR.
As shown in FIG. 5B, after the chemical solution treatment with hydrofluoric acid (S2: oxide removal treatment) and the rinse treatment (S3) for washing away the hydrofluoric acid, the chemical solution cleaning treatment (S11) with another chemical solution (for example, SC1) is further performed. ) May be performed. In this case, after the subsequent rinse process (S12) for washing out the chemical solution (for example, SC1), the process after the first organic solvent process (S4) may be performed. The chemical solution cleaning process (S11) and the rinse process (S12) are an example of the surface cleaning process.

In the chemical solution cleaning process (S11) and the subsequent rinse process (S12), for example, the second process liquid supply unit 40 supplies the chemical solution and the rinse liquid.
More specifically, in order to execute the chemical solution cleaning process (S11), the control unit 3 opens the chemical solution valve 42 and discharges the chemical solution from the processing solution nozzle 43 toward the central region of the wafer W. The rotation speed of the wafer W is controlled to the chemical processing speed (for example, 300 rpm). Also, the heights of the guards 17 to 19 are controlled so that, for example, the first guard 17 receives the processing liquid.

  After the chemical solution cleaning process for a predetermined time, the control unit 3 closes the chemical solution valve 42 to end the chemical solution cleaning process. Further, the control unit 3 opens the rinse liquid valve 45 and discharges the rinse liquid from the processing liquid nozzle 43 toward the central region of the wafer W. Thereby, the chemical solution on the surface of the wafer W can be replaced with the rinse solution. The rotation speed of the wafer W is controlled to the rinse processing speed (for example, 300 rpm). Also, the heights of the guards 17 to 19 are controlled so that, for example, the first guard 17 receives the processing liquid. After the rinse process for a fixed time, the control unit 3 closes the rinse solution valve 45.

  In the chemical solution supplied in the chemical solution cleaning process (S11) and the rinse solution supplied in the rinse process (S12), the concentration of dissolved oxygen in the solution is reduced by the degassing units 46 and 47, respectively. Specifically, it is preferable that the concentration of dissolved oxygen in the chemical solution and the rinse solution discharged from the processing solution nozzle 43 is 100 ppb or less, whereby the oxidation of the surface of the wafer W due to the dissolved oxygen can be avoided.

  As described above, according to this embodiment, the oxide on the surface of the wafer W is removed (S2), and thereafter, the surface cleaning step (S2, S3, S11, S12) for cleaning the surface of the wafer W with the processing solution. ) Is executed. The processing solution to be used has low dissolved oxygen (for example, 100 ppb or less) and does not oxidize the material of the wafer W, so that new oxides resulting from the processing solution are not formed on the surface of the wafer W during cleaning. In the hydrophobization step (S5) performed after the surface cleaning step, a hydrophobizing agent is supplied to the surface of the wafer W to reform the surface of the wafer W to be hydrophobic. During the period from the surface cleaning process to the hydrophobization process, the atmosphere around the wafer W is controlled to a low oxygen atmosphere (S10). Therefore, after the oxide on the surface of the wafer W is removed, the surface of the wafer W can be modified to be hydrophobic while suppressing the growth of new oxide on the surface.

  As described above, the surface of the wafer W is modified to be hydrophobic while eliminating the unevenness of the surface of the wafer W caused by the oxide, so the surface of the modified wafer W is uniformly hydrophobized. And a flat surface with less roughness. Thereby, it is possible to suppress or prevent the collapse of the pattern on the surface of the wafer W in the second organic solvent treatment (S6) and the like. In addition, since the surface roughness is small, it is possible to suppress or prevent the occurrence of irregularities which may be detected as particles on the surface of the wafer W.

The low oxygen atmosphere is an atmosphere of oxygen concentration in which oxygen is not dissolved in the treatment liquid. Thereby, the growth of the oxide on the surface of the wafer W can be suppressed or prevented.
The oxide removing process is a chemical solution removing step of removing the oxide by the etching action of the chemical solution in the process example of FIGS. 5A and 5B. In this case, it is preferable to use a chemical solution capable of selectively etching the oxide relative to the substrate material, but in general, removal of the oxide on the surface of the wafer W is carried out by a short time etching process with a chemical solution of dilution concentration. Even if the substrate material (for example, the material forming the pattern on the surface of the wafer W) contains an oxide, it can be removed without substantially changing the structure of the substrate surface.

  Further, in this embodiment, after the hydrophobization treatment (S5), an organic solvent is supplied to the surface of the wafer W to flow an excess hydrophobizing agent on the wafer W to flow a second organic solvent treatment (S6: back organic) A solvent supply process is performed. As a result, the surface of the wafer W can be hydrophobized with an appropriate amount of hydrophobizing agent, thereby avoiding deterioration in the surface roughness of the wafer W or deterioration in hydrophobic performance due to the excessive hydrophobizing agent. it can.

  Further, in this embodiment, in the atmosphere control step (S10), the facing member 6 is disposed to face the position close to the surface of the wafer W, thereby limiting the space in which the surface of the wafer W faces. . Then, an inert gas is supplied to the restricted space. Thereby, the surface of the wafer W is placed in an atmosphere of low oxygen concentration, and therefore, the growth of oxide on the surface of the wafer W being processed can be suppressed or prevented.

  Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the facing member 6 is disposed close to and facing the surface of the wafer W, the space in which the surface of the wafer W faces is limited by the facing portion 60 in the normal direction of the surface. It is limited by the annular extension 61 from the direction parallel to the surface. Thus, the space facing the surface of the wafer W forms a substantially closed space, and an inert gas is supplied to the closed space. Therefore, the surface of the wafer W is placed in a stable atmosphere with a low oxygen concentration, and the surface cleaning process and the like are performed in that state. Therefore, the oxide can be more reliably suppressed or prevented from growing on the surface of the wafer W being processed.

FIG. 7 is a schematic plan view for explaining the internal layout of a substrate processing apparatus according to another embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 7, the same reference numerals are given to corresponding parts of the respective parts shown in FIG. 2 described above.
In this embodiment, the substrate processing apparatus 1 includes one heat treatment unit 100 and three processing units 2. That is, one of the four processing units in the substrate processing apparatus 1 of the first embodiment is replaced with the thermal processing unit 100. The transfer robot CR can carry in / out the wafer W to / from the thermal processing unit 100 and the three processing units 2, and can transfer the wafer W to / from the transfer robot IR. The heat treatment unit 100 can be used as an oxide removal unit for performing a heat removal process of removing an oxide on the surface by heating the wafer W.

  The transfer robot CR carries the unprocessed wafer W received from the transfer robot IR into the thermal processing unit 100. Then, the transfer robot CR carries out the wafer W, which has been subjected to the oxide removing process by the heat treatment unit 100, from the heat treatment unit 100 and carries it in to the processing unit 2. Further, the transfer robot CR takes out the wafer W subjected to the processing by the processing unit 2 from the processing unit 2 and delivers it to the transfer robot IR.

  FIG. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining a configuration example of the heat treatment unit 100. As shown in FIG. The heat treatment unit 100 may be a so-called annealing apparatus. More specifically, the thermal processing unit 100 includes a chamber 101 capable of sealing, a susceptor 102 for supporting the wafer W in the chamber 101, and a lamp heater unit 103 (for example, halogen for heating the wafer W supported by the susceptor 102). And a lamp heater unit). The chamber 101 is provided with a gate 107 which can be opened and closed. By opening the gate 107, the wafer W can be taken in and out of the chamber 101. The thermal processing unit 100 may further include a flash lamp unit 104 (for example, a xenon flash lamp unit, a krypton flash lamp unit, etc.) for flash heating the surface of the wafer W supported by the susceptor 102.

  The heat treatment unit 100 further includes an exhaust unit 105 for exhausting the atmosphere in the chamber 101. The exhaust unit 105 includes an exhaust pipe 105a communicating with the inside of the chamber 101, and an exhaust valve 105b opening and closing a flow path of the exhaust pipe 105a. Further, the heat treatment unit 100 includes an inert gas supply unit 106 for supplying an inert gas into the chamber 101. The inert gas supply unit 106 includes an inert gas supply pipe 106 a communicating with the inside of the chamber 101 and an inert gas valve 106 b for opening and closing the flow path of the inert gas supply pipe 106 a. By exhausting the atmosphere in the chamber 101 by the exhaust unit 105 and supplying an inert gas into the chamber 101 by the inert gas supply unit 106, the atmosphere in the chamber 101 can be made into a low oxygen atmosphere. That is, the exhaust unit 105 and the inert gas supply unit 106 constitute an atmosphere control unit. Further, by supplying the inert gas from the inert gas supply unit 106, the wafer W after the heat treatment can also be cooled. That is, the inert gas supply unit 106 is an example of a cooling unit for cooling the wafer W after the heat treatment.

  FIG. 9 is a schematic cross-sectional view for explaining a configuration example of the processing unit 2. In FIG. 9, the same reference numerals are given to corresponding parts of the respective parts shown in FIG. 3 described above. The processing unit 2 includes a heater unit 110 for heating the wafer W held by the spin chuck 5. The heater unit 110 can be used as a post-heating unit that heats the wafer W after the hydrophobization treatment.

The heater unit 110 has the form of a disk-shaped hot plate. The heater unit 110 has an opposing surface 110 a facing the lower surface of the wafer W from below.
The heater unit 110 includes a plate body 111 and a heater 112. The plate body 111 is slightly smaller than the wafer W in plan view. The surface of the plate body 111 forms an opposing surface 110a. The heater 112 may be a resistor incorporated in the plate body 111. By energizing the heater 112, the facing surface 110a is heated. Electric power is supplied to the heater 112 from the heater energization unit 113 via a feeder line.

The heater unit 110 is disposed above the spin base 21. The processing unit 2 includes a heater elevating unit 114 that raises and lowers the heater unit 110 relative to the spin base 21. Heater elevating unit 114 includes, for example, a ball screw mechanism and an electric motor that applies a driving force thereto.
An elevation shaft 115 extending in the vertical direction along the rotation axis A1 is coupled to the lower surface of the heater unit 110. The elevation shaft 115 passes through a through hole 21 a formed at the center of the spin base 21 and a hollow rotation shaft 22. A feeder line 116 is passed through the elevating shaft 115. The heater elevating unit 114 can arrange the heater unit 110 at the lower position and the upper position and at any intermediate position therebetween by raising and lowering the heater unit 110 via the elevating shaft 115. When the heater unit 110 is located at the lower position, the distance between the facing surface 110a and the lower surface of the wafer W is, for example, 15 mm. Since the heater unit 110 moves (lifts) relative to the spin base 21, the distance between the lower surface of the wafer W and the facing surface 110 a of the heater unit 110 changes.

  The substrate processing apparatus 1 further includes a lower surface inert gas supply unit 120 for supplying an inert gas such as nitrogen gas toward the center of the lower surface of the wafer W held by the spin chuck 5. The lower surface inert gas supply unit 120 includes an inert gas supply pipe 121 and an inert gas valve 122 interposed in the inert gas supply pipe 121. The inert gas supply pipe 121 is inserted through the hollow lift shaft 115 and is inserted through the central opening (not shown) of the heater unit 110, and the upper end thereof is a discharge port facing the lower surface center of the wafer W from below. have.

  FIG. 10 is a block diagram for explaining the electrical configuration of the substrate processing apparatus 1 of this embodiment. In FIG. 10, the same reference numerals are given to corresponding parts of the respective parts shown in FIG. 4 described above. The control unit 3 controls the operations of the transport robots IR and CR, the electric motor 23, the support member elevating unit 12, the guard elevating units 27-29, the valves 32, 35, 42, 45, 52, 82, 92, 122, etc. . Further, the control unit 3 controls energization of each part of the heat treatment unit 100, in particular, the lamp heater unit 103 and the flash lamp unit 104, controls the exhaust operation by the exhaust unit 105, and deactivates the inert gas supply unit 106. It is programmed to control the gas supply. Furthermore, the control unit 3 is programmed to control the energization of the heater 112 by the heater energization unit 113 and to control the operation of the heater elevating unit 114.

FIG. 11A is a flowchart for explaining an example of substrate processing by the substrate processing apparatus 1 of this embodiment, and mainly shows processing realized by the control unit 3 executing a program. 12A to 12G are schematic sectional views for explaining the example of the substrate processing.
In the substrate processing by the substrate processing apparatus 1, for example, as shown in FIG. 11A, substrate loading (S21), substrate heating processing (S22), substrate cooling processing (S23), substrate conveyance (S24), chemical processing (S25), Rinse treatment (S26), first organic solvent treatment (S27), hydrophobization treatment (S28), second organic solvent treatment (S29), drying treatment (S30), post substrate heat treatment (S31), post substrate cooling treatment (S31) S32) and substrate unloading (S33) are performed in this order.

  More specifically, the transfer robot IR takes out the unprocessed wafer W from the carrier C. The transfer robot CR receives an unprocessed wafer W from the transfer robot IR, carries it into the chamber 101 of the thermal processing unit 100, places it on the susceptor 102, and retreats (S21: substrate carry-in). The control unit 3 heats the wafer W, for example, by energizing the lamp heater unit 103 (S22: substrate heating process). This substrate heating process is performed to supply the wafer W with thermal energy necessary to break the bond between the material of the wafer W (for example, silicon) and oxygen. That is, the substrate heating process (S22) is a heating and removing process (oxide removing process) for removing at least a part of the oxide on the surface of the wafer W by heating. More specifically, the wafer W is heated to 300 ° C. or more, more preferably 500 ° C. or more, still more preferably 700 ° C. or more. For example, energization of the lamp heater unit 103 may be controlled such that the wafer W is held at 750 ° C. for a predetermined time (for example, 20 seconds). Flash heating by the flash lamp unit 104 may be used in combination as needed.

  Prior to the substrate heating process (S22), the control unit 3 operates the exhaust unit 105 to exhaust the atmosphere in the chamber 101, and causes the inert gas supply unit 106 to supply an inert gas into the chamber 101. . Thereby, atmosphere control (S35) is performed to maintain the atmosphere around the wafer W in a low oxygen atmosphere. This atmosphere control is continued until the wafer W is unloaded from the thermal processing unit 100.

  After the substrate heating process (S22), a substrate cooling process (S23: cooling process) for bringing the wafer W close to room temperature is performed. Specifically, the control unit 3 stops the energization of the lamp heater unit 103. On the other hand, the supply of the inert gas by the inert gas supply unit 106 and the exhaust of the chamber 101 by the exhaust unit 105 are continued. Thus, the wafer W is cooled by heat exchange between the wafer W and the inert gas.

Then, when a predetermined cooling time has elapsed, the control unit 3 takes out the wafer W after the cooling processing from the thermal processing unit 100, and carries it into one of the processing units 2 (S24: substrate transfer).
Before the wafer W is carried into the processing unit 2, the relative position between the opposing member 6 and the substrate holding unit 24 in the rotational direction S is adjusted so that the opposing member 6 and the substrate holding unit 24 can be engaged. Ru. Specifically, the electric motor 23 sets the position of the substrate holding unit 24 in the rotational direction S so that the first engaging portion 66 of the facing member 6 and the second engaging portion 76 of the substrate holding unit 24 overlap in plan view. adjust.

  On the other hand, the unprocessed wafer W is transferred from the thermal processing unit 100 to the processing unit 2 by the transfer robot CR (see FIG. 7) and transferred to the spin chuck 5 (S24: substrate transfer). Thereafter, the wafer W is held horizontally by the chuck pin 20 at an interval upward from the upper surface of the spin base 21 until the wafer W is unloaded by the transfer robot CR (substrate holding process).

  Then, the support member elevating unit 12 lowers the support member 7 located at the upper position to the lower position. The support member 7 passes through the engagement position before moving to the lower position. When the support member 7 reaches the engagement position, the opposing member 6 and the substrate holding unit 24 are engaged by the magnetic force. Thereby, the opposing member 6 is supported from below by the substrate holding unit 24 whose height position is fixed. When the facing member 6 is engaged with the substrate holding unit 24, the facing portion 60 of the facing member 6 is disposed close to the upper surface of the wafer W and faces the upper surface of the wafer W from above. On the other hand, the extending portion 61 of the facing member 6 faces the wafer W from the radially outer side and surrounds the peripheral edge of the wafer W. Further, when the facing member 6 is engaged with the substrate holding unit 24, the lower end portion of the extending portion 61 faces the spin base 21 from above. A slight gap is provided between the lower end portion of the extending portion 61 and the upper surface of the spin base 21. As described above, the opposing member 6 is disposed at a position where the inner peripheral surface of the extending portion 61 faces the wafer W from the radially outer side by the supporting member lifting unit 12 (blocking member arranging step).

When the support member 7 further descends from the engaged position, the opposing member 6 is released from the support by the support member 7. Specifically, the facing member support portion 70 of the support member 7 retracts downward from the flange portion 63 of the facing member 6.
Then, as shown in FIG. 12A, the support member 7 reaches the lower position. Then, the electric motor 23 is driven and rotation of the spin base 21 of the substrate holding unit 24 is started. Thereby, the wafer W held horizontally is rotated (substrate rotation step). The first engaging portion 66 provided on the facing member 6 is engaged with the second engaging portion 76 provided on the spin base 21. Therefore, the opposing member 6 rotates in synchronization with the wafer W (opposite member rotating step). Synchronous rotation means rotating at the same rotational speed in the same direction.

  Furthermore, the control unit 3 opens the inert gas valve 92 to discharge the inert gas from the inert gas nozzle 90. Thus, the air in the processing space 65 between the spin base 21 and the facing portion 60 is replaced with an inert gas atmosphere. As a result, the periphery of the wafer W has a low oxygen atmosphere with an oxygen concentration lower than the atmospheric pressure. Thus, the atmosphere control step (S36) of controlling the space around the wafer W to a low oxygen atmosphere is continued until the wafer W is unloaded from the processing unit 2.

  In a state where such a low oxygen atmosphere is maintained, chemical solution processing (S25: chemical solution cleaning process, surface cleaning process) is started. The rotation speed of the wafer W is controlled to the chemical processing speed (for example, 300 rpm). In the chemical liquid process (S25), the upper surface of the wafer W is subjected to a chemical liquid cleaning process by supplying SC1 as a chemical liquid from the process liquid nozzle 43 onto the wafer W. The SC1 supplied at this time is a low oxygen concentration SC1 whose dissolved oxygen concentration in the liquid has been reduced by the degassing unit 46. Specifically, it is preferable that the concentration of dissolved oxygen in SC1 discharged from the processing solution nozzle 43 is 100 ppb or less, whereby the oxidation of the surface of the wafer W due to the dissolved oxygen can be avoided.

More specifically, referring to FIG. 12A, the third guard elevating unit 29 arranges the third guard 19 in the upper position, and the second guard elevating unit 28 arranges the second guard 18 in the upper position. Do. Then, the first guard lifting and lowering unit 27 arranges the first guard 17 at a height position capable of receiving the treatment liquid (guard arrangement step).
In this state, the drug solution valve 42 is opened. Thereby, the chemical liquid (SC1) is supplied from the processing liquid nozzle 43 to the central region of the upper surface of the wafer W in a rotating state. The chemical solution spreads over the entire top surface of the wafer W by centrifugal force.

  The chemical solution is scattered radially outward from the wafer W by centrifugal force. The chemical solution scattered radially outward from the wafer W reaches the inner peripheral surface 61 a of the extending portion 61 of the facing member 6 opposed to the wafer W from the radial direction outward. Since the opposing member 6 is rotating together with the wafer W, the chemical solution adhering to the inner peripheral surface 61 a of the extending portion 61 is scattered radially outward of the extending portion 61 by the centrifugal force. The chemical solution scattered radially outward from the extending portion 61 is received by the first guard 17. The chemical solution received by the first guard 17 is guided to the first cup 14 along the first cylindrical portion 17A.

After the chemical solution treatment (S25) for a predetermined time, a rinse treatment (S26: rinse step, surface cleaning step) is performed. The rotation speed of the wafer W is controlled to the rinse processing speed (for example, 300 rpm). In the rinse process, the upper surface of the wafer W is rinsed by replacing SC1 (chemical solution) on the wafer W with CO ₂ water as a rinse solution. The rinse liquid supplied at this time is a low oxygen concentration rinse liquid (for example, CO ₂ water) whose dissolved oxygen concentration in the liquid has been reduced by the degassing unit 47. Specifically, it is preferable that the concentration of dissolved oxygen in the rinse liquid discharged from the processing liquid nozzle 43 is 100 ppb or less, whereby the oxidation of the surface of the wafer W due to the dissolved oxygen can be avoided.

  At the start of the rinse process (S26), the chemical solution valve 42 is closed, and the discharge of SC1 from the process liquid nozzle 43 is stopped. Referring to FIG. 12B, the third guard lifting and lowering unit 29 keeps the third guard 19 in the upper position, and the second guard lifting and lowering unit 28 keeps the second guard 18 in the upper position. Then, the first guard lifting and lowering unit 27 arranges the first guard 17 at a height position capable of receiving the treatment liquid (guard arrangement step).

In this state, the rinse solution valve 45 is opened. Thus, the rinse liquid is supplied from the processing liquid nozzle 43 toward the central region of the upper surface of the wafer W in a rotating state. The rinse solution spreads over the entire top surface of the wafer W by centrifugal force. Thereby, the chemical solution on the wafer W is replaced by the rinse solution.
The mixed solution of the chemical solution and the rinse solution on the wafer W or the rinse solution is scattered radially outward from the wafer W by the centrifugal force. The mixed liquid or rinse liquid of the chemical solution and the rinse liquid scattered radially outward from the wafer W reaches the inner peripheral surface 61 a of the extending portion 61 of the facing member 6 opposed to the wafer W from the radial outer side. Since the opposing member 6 is rotating together with the wafer W, the mixed liquid or rinse liquid of the chemical solution and the rinse liquid adhering to the inner peripheral surface 61 a of the extended portion 61 is more radially oriented than the extended portion 61 by centrifugal force. Scatter outwards. The first guard 17 receives the mixed solution or the rinse solution of the chemical solution and the rinse solution, which are scattered radially outward from the extension portion 61. The mixed solution or the rinse solution of the chemical solution and the rinse solution received by the first guard 17 is guided to the first cup 14 through the first cylindrical portion 17A.

After the rinse process (S26) for a fixed time, the first organic solvent process (S27, pre-organic solvent supply process) is performed. The rotation speed of the wafer W is controlled to the organic solvent processing speed (for example, 300 rpm). In the first organic solvent processing (S27), the rinse liquid on the wafer W is replaced with an organic solvent such as IPA. This organic solvent is an organic solvent miscible (compatible) with CO ₂ water, which is a rinse liquid used in the rinse treatment (S26).

  Specifically, the rinse liquid valve 45 is closed. As a result, the discharge of the rinse liquid from the processing liquid nozzle 43 is stopped. Then, referring to FIG. 12C, the first guard lifting and lowering unit 27 places the first guard 17 at the lower position. The second guard lifting unit 28 arranges the second guard 18 at the lower position. Furthermore, the third guard lifting and lowering unit 29 arranges the third guard 19 at a height position that can receive the processing liquid.

  Then, the organic solvent valve 52 is opened. Thereby, the organic solvent is supplied from the organic solvent nozzle 50 of the organic solvent supply unit 10 toward the central region of the upper surface of the wafer W in a rotating state. The organic solvent spreads over the entire top surface of the wafer W by centrifugal force. Thereby, the rinse liquid on the wafer W is replaced by the organic solvent. The organic solvent supplied at this time is a low oxygen concentration organic solvent in which the dissolved oxygen concentration in the liquid is reduced by the degassing unit 53. Specifically, it is preferable that the concentration of dissolved oxygen in the organic solvent discharged from the organic solvent nozzle 50 is 100 ppb or less, whereby the oxidation of the surface of the wafer W due to the dissolved oxygen can be avoided.

  The mixed solution of the rinse liquid and the organic solvent on the wafer W or the organic solvent is scattered radially outward from the wafer W by the centrifugal force. The mixed solution or organic solvent of the rinse liquid and the organic solvent scattered outward in the radial direction from the wafer W reaches the inner circumferential surface 61 a of the extending portion 61 of the opposing member 6 opposed to the wafer W from the radial direction outward. Since the opposing member 6 is rotating together with the wafer W, the mixed solution or organic solvent of the rinse liquid and the organic solvent adhering to the inner peripheral surface 61 a of the extending portion 61 has a diameter larger than that of the extending portion 61 by centrifugal force. Scatter in the outward direction. The third guard 19 receives the mixed solution or the organic solvent of the rinse liquid and the organic solvent, which are scattered radially outward from the extension portion 61. The mixed solution or organic solvent of the rinse liquid and the organic solvent received by the third guard 19 is led to the third cup 16 along the third cylindrical portion 19A.

  After the first organic solvent treatment (S27) for a fixed time, a hydrophobization treatment (S28) is performed. The rotation speed of the wafer W is controlled to the hydrophobization processing speed (for example, 500 rpm). In the hydrophobization process (S28), the organic solvent on the wafer W is replaced with a hydrophobizing agent. The hydrophobizing agent is a liquid in which a hydrophobizing substance is dissolved in a solvent. The solvent for the hydrophobizing agent is preferably miscible (compatible) with IPA supplied in the first organic solvent treatment (S27), as in PGMEA, for example. Thereby, the organic solvent (IPA) on the wafer W can be replaced.

  During the hydrophobization treatment (S28), the organic solvent valve 52 is closed. Thereby, the discharge of the organic solvent from the organic solvent nozzle 50 is stopped. Then, referring to FIG. 12D, the first guard lifting and lowering unit 27 keeps the first guard 17 in the lower position, and the second guard lifting and lowering unit 28 keeps the second guard 18 in the lower position. Then, the third guard lifting and lowering unit 29 arranges the third guard 19 at a height position at which the processing liquid can be received.

  Then, the hydrophobizing agent valve 82 is opened. Thus, the hydrophobizing agent is supplied from the hydrophobizing agent nozzle 80 of the hydrophobizing agent supply unit 11 toward the central region of the upper surface of the wafer W in a rotating state (hydrophobizing agent supply step). The hydrophobizing agent spreads over the entire top surface of the wafer W by centrifugal force. Thereby, the organic solvent on the wafer W is replaced by the hydrophobizing agent. The hydrophobizing agent supplied at this time is a low oxygen concentration hydrophobizing agent in which the concentration of dissolved oxygen in the liquid is reduced by the degassing unit 83. Specifically, it is preferable that the dissolved oxygen concentration in the hydrophobizing agent discharged from the hydrophobizing agent nozzle 80 is preferably 100 ppb or less, whereby the oxidation of the surface of the wafer W due to the dissolved oxygen can be avoided.

  The liquid mixture of the organic solvent and the hydrophobizing agent on the wafer W or the hydrophobizing agent is scattered radially outward from the wafer W by centrifugal force. The liquid mixture of the organic solvent and the hydrophobizing agent scattered outward in the radial direction from the wafer W or the hydrophobizing agent reaches the inner circumferential surface 61 a of the extending portion 61 of the facing member 6 facing the wafer W from the radial outside. . Since the opposing member 6 is rotating together with the wafer W, the mixture of the organic solvent and the hydrophobizing agent or the hydrophobizing agent attached to the inner peripheral surface 61 a of the extending portion 61 can be separated from the extending portion 61 by centrifugal force. It also scatters radially outward. The third guard 19 receives the mixed solution of the organic solvent and the hydrophobizing agent or the hydrophobizing agent that is scattered radially outward from the extension portion 61. The mixed solution of the organic solvent and the hydrophobizing agent received by the third guard 19 or the hydrophobizing agent is guided to the third cup 16 along the third cylindrical portion 19A.

  After the hydrophobization treatment (S28) for a predetermined time, the second organic solvent treatment (S29. Post organic solvent supply step) is performed. The rotation speed of the wafer W is controlled to the organic solvent processing speed (for example, 300 rpm). In the second organic solvent processing, the hydrophobizing agent on the wafer W is replaced with the organic solvent. This organic solvent is miscible (having compatibility) with the solvent of the hydrophobizing agent used in the hydrophobization treatment (S28), and is, for example, IPA.

  Specifically, the hydrophobization valve 82 is closed. Then, referring to FIG. 12E, the first guard lifting and lowering unit 27 keeps the first guard 17 in the lower position, and the second guard lifting and lowering unit 28 keeps the second guard 18 in the lower position. And the 3rd guard 19 is arrange | positioned by the 3rd guard raising / lowering unit 29 in the height position which can receive a process liquid (guard arrangement | positioning process).

  Then, the organic solvent valve 52 is opened. Thereby, the organic solvent is discharged from the organic solvent nozzle 50 toward the central region of the upper surface of the wafer W in a rotating state. The organic solvent spreads over the entire top surface of the wafer W by centrifugal force. Thereby, the hydrophobizing agent on the wafer W is replaced by the organic solvent. The organic solvent supplied at this time is a low oxygen concentration organic solvent in which the dissolved oxygen concentration in the liquid is reduced by the degassing unit 53. Specifically, it is preferable that the concentration of dissolved oxygen in the organic solvent discharged from the organic solvent nozzle 50 is 100 ppb or less, whereby the oxidation of the surface of the wafer W due to the dissolved oxygen can be avoided.

  The mixed solution of the organic solvent and the hydrophobizing agent on the wafer W or the organic solvent is scattered radially outward from the wafer W by centrifugal force. The mixed solution or organic solvent of the organic solvent and the hydrophobizing agent scattered outward in the radial direction from the wafer W reaches the inner circumferential surface of the extending portion 61 of the facing member 6 facing the wafer W from the radial direction outward. Since the opposing member 6 is rotating together with the wafer W, the liquid mixture of the organic solvent and the hydrophobizing agent attached to the inner peripheral surface of the extending portion 61 or the organic solvent has a diameter larger than that of the extending portion 61 by centrifugal force. Scatter in the outward direction. The third guard 19 receives the mixed solution of the organic solvent and the hydrophobizing agent or the organic solvent that is scattered radially outward of the extension portion 61. The liquid mixture or organic solvent of the organic solvent and the hydrophobizing agent received by the third guard 19 is guided to the third cup 16 along the third cylindrical portion 19A.

After the second organic solvent treatment (S29) for a predetermined time, a drying process (S30) is performed to shake off the liquid component on the upper surface of the wafer W by centrifugal force. Specifically, after the organic solvent valve 52 is closed, the wafer W is rotated at a high speed (drying processing speed, for example, 2000 rpm).
After the drying process (S30) for a fixed time, the control unit 3 decelerates the rotation of the wafer W (for example, reduces it to 300 rpm), and heats the wafer W by the heater unit 110 as shown in FIG. 12F. Thereby, a post substrate heating process (S31: heating and dewatering process) for volatilizing the solvent component of the hydrophobizing agent remaining on the wafer W is performed.

  Thereafter, when a predetermined time passes, control unit 3 stops heating by heater unit 110, accelerates the rotation of wafer W again (for example, to 2000 rpm) again, and cools wafer W to room temperature. A substrate cooling process (S32) is performed. As shown in FIG. 12G, in the post substrate cooling process (S32), the inert gas is blown to the upper and lower surfaces of the wafer W by opening the inert gas valves 92 and 122. At this time, it is preferable that the atmosphere in the processing space 65 be quickly replaced by setting all of the guards 17 to 19 in the lower position. When a predetermined time passes, the control unit 3 controls the electric motor 23 to stop the rotation of the wafer W.

When the rear substrate cooling process (S32) is completed, the control unit 3 closes the inert gas valves 92 and 122 to stop the supply of the inert gas, and ends the atmosphere control step (S36).
Thereafter, the transport robot CR enters the processing unit 2 and scoops out the processed wafer W from the spin chuck 5 and carries it out of the processing unit 2 (S31: substrate unloading). The wafer W is transferred from the transfer robot CR to the transfer robot IR, and is stored in the carrier C by the transfer robot IR.

  As shown in FIG. 11B, before the chemical solution cleaning process by SC1 (S25) and the rinse process by which SC1 is washed away (S26), the chemical solution process by hydrofluoric acid (S41: oxide removing process, chemical solution removing process) and hydrofluoric acid are washed away A rinse process (S42) may be performed. Thus, the wafer W can be cleaned after the trace amount of oxide on the surface of the wafer W is reliably removed (chemical solution removal processing) by the etching action of the hydrofluoric acid. In this case, the atmosphere control process (S36) is started before the oxide removal process (S41) using a chemical solution.

In the oxide removing process (S41) using the chemical solution and the subsequent rinsing process (S42), for example, the chemical solution (hydrofluoric acid) and the rinse solution are supplied from the first processing liquid supply unit 30.
More specifically, in order to execute the oxide removing process (S41) using the chemical solution, the control unit 3 opens the chemical solution valve 32, and discharges the chemical solution from the processing solution nozzle 33 toward the central region of the wafer W. The rotation speed of the wafer W is controlled to the chemical processing speed (for example, 300 rpm). Also, the heights of the guards 17 to 19 are controlled so that, for example, the second guard 18 receives the treatment liquid (see FIG. 6A). After the chemical liquid discharge for a predetermined time, the control unit 3 closes the chemical liquid valve 32 to complete the oxide removing process by the chemical liquid.

  Furthermore, the control unit 3 opens the rinse solution valve 35 and discharges the rinse solution from the processing solution nozzle 33 toward the central region of the wafer W. Thereby, the chemical solution on the surface of the wafer W can be replaced with the rinse solution. The rotation speed of the wafer W is controlled to the rinse processing speed (for example, 300 rpm). Further, the heights of the guards 17 to 19 are controlled so that, for example, the second guard 18 receives the processing liquid (see FIG. 6B). After the rinse process for a fixed time, the control unit 3 closes the rinse solution valve 35.

  In the chemical solution supplied in the oxide removing process (S42) using the chemical solution and the rinse solution supplied in the rinse process (S42), the concentration of dissolved oxygen in the solution is reduced by the degassing units 36 and 37, respectively. Specifically, it is preferable that the concentration of dissolved oxygen in the chemical solution and the rinse solution discharged from the processing solution nozzle 33 is 100 ppb or less, thereby avoiding the oxidation of the surface of the wafer W caused by the dissolved oxygen.

  Thus, in this embodiment, the oxide removing process includes a heat removing step (S22) of removing at least a part of the oxide on the surface of the wafer W by heating. In this case, the oxide is decomposed by thermal energy. More specifically, thermal energy can break the bond between the substrate material and the oxygen atom to remove the oxide. The removal of the oxide by heating is advantageous in that there is no loss of the substrate material (film reduction) due to the etching action as compared with the case of using a chemical solution.

FIG. 13 is a sequence diagram (time chart) for explaining an example of the control operation of the processing unit 2 by the control unit 3. The rotation number of the wafer W by the spin chuck 5 and the heating of the wafer W by the heater unit 110 are mainly described. And control contents regarding
The initial position of the heater unit 110 is the lower position (see FIG. 9), and the position from the lower surface of the wafer W to the facing surface 110a is long. For example, when the wafer W to be processed is loaded, the control unit 3 starts energization of the heater unit 110. The control unit 3 holds the heater unit 110 at the lower position during chemical solution processing (S25, S41) and rinse processing (S26, S42) (see FIGS. 12A and 12B). Therefore, wafer W is not substantially heated.

  The control unit 3 raises the heater unit 110 during the first organic solvent treatment (S27) and the second organic solvent treatment (S29), and places the heater unit 110 at an approach position close to the lower surface of the wafer W (FIG. 12C, See Figure 12E). A space is secured between the lower surface of the wafer W, which allows rotation of the wafer W. The rotation number of the wafer W in the first organic solvent processing (S27) and the second organic solvent processing (S29) is, for example, 300 rpm. As the heater unit 110 is disposed close to the wafer W, the wafer W is heated. Thus, the replacement of the rinse liquid by the organic solvent can be efficiently advanced.

  The control unit 3 holds the heater unit 110 at the lower position in the hydrophobization process (S28) (see FIG. 12D). Therefore, wafer W is not substantially heated. Thereby, the volatilization of the solvent of the hydrophobizing agent can be suppressed, the hydrophobizing agent can be spread over the entire surface of the wafer W, and replacement of the organic solvent by the hydrophobizing agent can be achieved. The rotation speed of the wafer W in the hydrophobization process is, for example, 500 rpm.

In the drying process (S30), the number of rotations of the wafer W is accelerated to, for example, 2000 rpm. Thereby, the organic solvent on the wafer W is removed out of the wafer W by centrifugal force.
In the rear substrate heating process (S31), the control unit 3 reduces the rotational speed of the wafer W to, for example, 300 rpm. Further, the control unit 3 raises the heater unit 110 and places the heater unit 110 at an approach position close to the lower surface of the wafer W, as shown in FIG. 12F. Thus, the temperature of wafer W is raised to, for example, about 200.degree. By such post-substrate heat treatment (S31), the solvent component and the water in the hydrophobizing agent film formed on the surface of the wafer W are evaporated. That is, the post-substrate heat treatment (S31) is a desolvation treatment and a dehydration treatment. The post-substrate heating process is preferably a process for raising the temperature of the wafer W to at least the boiling point of the solvent of the hydrophobizing agent liquid. For example, the solvent of the hydrophobizing agent solution may be PGMEA, in which case the boiling point is around 110 ° C.

  In the subsequent post substrate cooling process (S32), control unit 3 accelerates the rotational speed of wafer W to, for example, 2000 rpm. As shown in FIG. 12G, the heater unit 110 is disposed at the lower position. Thus, the wafer W exchanges heat with the inert gas supplied from above and below, and is cooled to room temperature. When the back substrate cooling process is completed, the control unit 3 stops the rotation of the wafer W, that is, the rotation of the spin chuck 5 and unloads the processed wafer W from the processing unit 2 by the transport robot CR.

  FIG. 14 is a view for explaining the desolvation action by the rear substrate heating process (S31). When the surface of the wafer W is treated with a hydrophobizing agent, the surface of the wafer W is silylated to become a hydrophobic surface. Dust 130 easily adheres to this hydrophobic surface. The main component of the dust 130 is C (carbon), and when there is an excess solvent, it is considered to be in the form of a latex including the solvent 131. Therefore, the rubbish 130 can be reduced by evaporating the solvent 131 in the rubbish 130 by the post-substrate heat treatment (S31), whereby the particle performance can be improved.

  FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining the dewatering action by the rear substrate heating process (S31). If water remains on the surface of the wafer W, water molecules 141 intervene in the bond between the hydrophobizing agent molecule 140 and the material of the wafer W (for example, silicon), resulting in an incomplete bond. The post-substrate heat treatment (S31) has a dehydrating action to remove water molecules 141 intervening in the binding, thereby reducing or eliminating incomplete binding. For example, in the presence of the molecule 140 of the hydrophobizing agent in an incompletely bonded state, the reaction residue of the organic matter may easily adhere to the hydrophobizing agent film. By reducing or eliminating incomplete bonds by dehydration treatment, it is possible to avoid deterioration of particle performance due to the incomplete bonding state.

As mentioned above, although two embodiment of this invention was described, this invention can be implemented also in another form.
For example, the post-substrate heating process (S31) described in the second embodiment can also be performed in the first embodiment. In this case, the processing unit 2 preferably has the configuration of FIG. 9 in which the heater unit 110 is incorporated.

For the post-substrate heating process (S31), heating by an infrared lamp, a laser, heating steam (steam) or the like may be applied instead of or in addition to the heating by the heater unit 110. It is not necessary to heat the wafer W from the lower surface, and heating from the upper surface may be applied. For example, an infrared lamp may be disposed above the wafer W.
Further, the post substrate heating process (S31) does not have to be performed in the processing unit 2, and may be carried to another unit by the carrier robot CR.

In the processes of FIGS. 11A and 11B, the post-substrate heating process (S31) and the post-substrate cooling process (S32) may be omitted.
The atmosphere in the transfer chamber in which the transfer robot CR is disposed may be controlled to a low oxygen atmosphere to suppress or prevent the growth of oxide during transfer.
In the second embodiment, the heat treatment unit 100 is incorporated in the substrate processing apparatus 1. However, the heat treatment for oxide removal may be performed in an apparatus different from the substrate processing apparatus 1.

  In addition, various design changes can be made within the scope of matters described in the claims.

W Wafer Ox Oxide Wsi Silicon Exposed Part Wox Oxide Part Sm Hydrophobic Substance IR Transport Robot CR Transport Robot 1 Substrate Processing Device 2 Processing Unit 3 Control Unit 4 Chamber 5 Spin Chuck 6 Counter Member 7 Support Member 8 Inert Gas Supply Unit DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 organic solvent supply unit 11 hydrophobization agent supply unit 12 support member raising / lowering unit 20 chuck pin 21 spin base 22 rotating shaft 23 electric motor 24 substrate holding unit 26 exhaust chamber 30 1st process liquid supply unit 31 chemical liquid supply pipe 32 chemical liquid valve 33 Treatment liquid nozzle 34 Rinsing liquid supply pipe 35 Rinsing liquid valve 36 Degassing unit 37 Degassing unit 40 Second processing liquid supply unit 41 Chemical liquid supply pipe 42 Chemical liquid valve 43 Processing liquid nozzle 44 Rinsing liquid supply pipe 45 Rinsing liquid valve 46 Degassing Knit 47 Degassing unit 50 Organic solvent nozzle 51 Organic solvent supply pipe 52 Organic solvent valve 53 Degassing unit 60 Counterpart 61 Extension part 62 Tubular part 70 Counterpart support part 72 Nozzle support part 80 Hydrophobization agent nozzle 81 Hydrophobization Agent supply pipe 82 Hydrophobization valve 83 Degassing unit 90 Inert gas nozzle 91 Inert gas supply pipe 92 Inert gas valve 100 Heat treatment unit 101 Chamber 102 Susceptor 103 Lamp heater unit 104 Flash lamp unit 105 Exhaust unit 106 Inert gas supply unit DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 110 heater unit 113 heater electricity supply unit 114 heater raising / lowering unit 120 lower surface inert gas supply unit 121 inert gas supply pipe 122 inert gas valve

Claims (28)

An oxide removing step of removing the oxide on the surface of the substrate;
A surface cleaning step of supplying a processing solution to the surface of the substrate from which the oxide has been removed, and cleaning the surface of the substrate with the processing solution;
Supplying a hydrophobizing agent to the cleaned surface of the substrate to hydrophobize the surface of the substrate;
An atmosphere control step of controlling the atmosphere around the substrate to a low oxygen atmosphere having an oxygen concentration lower than that in the atmosphere during the period from the surface cleaning step to the hydrophobization step;
A substrate processing method including:   The substrate processing method according to claim 1, wherein the low oxygen atmosphere is an atmosphere having an oxygen concentration in which oxygen is not dissolved in the processing liquid.   The substrate processing method of Claim 1 or 2 whose dissolved oxygen concentration in the said process liquid is 100 ppb or less.   The substrate processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the oxide removing step includes a chemical solution removing step of supplying a chemical solution to the surface of the substrate to remove the oxide.   The substrate processing method according to claim 4, wherein the dissolved oxygen concentration in the chemical solution is 100 ppb or less.   The substrate processing method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the oxide removing step includes a heat removing step of removing at least a part of the oxide on the surface of the substrate by heating.   The method further includes a degassing step of degassing oxygen in the processing liquid to be supplied to the surface of the substrate, and the surface cleaning step supplies the processing liquid subjected to the degassing step to the surface of the substrate. The substrate processing method as described in any one of -6.   The surface cleaning process includes a chemical solution cleaning process of supplying a chemical solution for cleaning to the surface of the substrate, and a rinse process of supplying a rinse solution to the surface of the substrate to replace the chemical solution with the rinse solution. The substrate processing method as described in any one of claim | item 1-7. The hydrophobizing step includes a hydrophobizing agent supplying step of supplying a liquid hydrophobizing agent in which a hydrophobizing substance is dissolved in a solvent,
The method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising, before the hydrophobization step, the organic solvent supply step of supplying an organic solvent miscible with the solvent of the hydrophobizing agent to the surface of the substrate after the surface cleaning step. The substrate processing method according to claim 1.   The substrate processing method according to claim 9, wherein the dissolved oxygen concentration in the organic solvent is 100 ppb or less.   The substrate processing method according to any one of 1 to 10, wherein the dissolved oxygen concentration in the hydrophobizing agent is 100 ppb or less.   The organic solvent is supplied to the surface of the substrate after the hydrophobization step, and an excess of the hydrophobizing agent on the substrate is further removed, and the method further includes an organic solvent supply step. The substrate processing method as described in.   A blocking member disposing step in which the blocking member is disposed opposite to the blocking member at a position close to the surface of the substrate; and an inert gas for supplying an inert gas between the blocking member and the surface of the substrate. The substrate processing method as described in any one of Claims 1-12 including a supply process.   The blocking member includes a facing portion facing the surface of the substrate, and an annular extension portion connected to a peripheral edge portion of the facing portion and surrounding the periphery of the substrate, wherein the extension control is performed in the atmosphere control process The substrate processing method according to claim 13, wherein the portion faces the peripheral edge of the substrate. An oxide removing unit for removing the oxide on the surface of the substrate;
A processing liquid supply unit for supplying a processing liquid to the surface in order to clean the surface of the substrate from which the oxide on the surface has been removed;
A hydrophobizing agent supply unit for supplying a hydrophobizing agent to the surface of the cleaned substrate to hydrophobize the surface of the substrate;
The atmosphere around the substrate is set to the atmosphere during the period in which the processing liquid is supplied to the surface of the substrate by the processing liquid supply unit and the period in which the hydrophobizing agent is supplied to the surface of the substrate by the hydrophobizing agent supply unit. An atmosphere control unit that controls the low oxygen atmosphere having a lower oxygen concentration than the medium atmosphere;
Substrate processing equipment, including:   The substrate processing apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the atmosphere control unit controls the atmosphere around the substrate to a low oxygen atmosphere in which oxygen is not dissolved in the processing liquid.   The substrate processing apparatus according to claim 15, wherein the processing liquid supply unit supplies a processing liquid having a dissolved oxygen concentration of 100 ppb or less to the surface of the substrate.   The substrate processing apparatus according to any one of claims 15 to 17, wherein the oxide removing unit includes an oxide removing chemical supply unit that supplies a chemical solution to the surface of the substrate to remove the oxide.   The substrate processing apparatus according to claim 18, wherein the oxide removing chemical solution supply unit supplies a chemical solution having a dissolved oxygen concentration of 100 ppb or less to the surface of the substrate.   The substrate processing apparatus according to any one of claims 15 to 19, wherein the oxide removing unit includes a heat treatment unit that removes at least a part of the oxide on the surface of the substrate by heating.   The substrate processing apparatus according to any one of claims 15 to 20, wherein the processing liquid supply unit includes a degassing unit for degassing oxygen in the processing liquid to be supplied to the surface of the substrate.   The processing liquid supply unit includes: a chemical liquid supply unit that supplies a chemical liquid for cleaning to the surface of the substrate; and a rinse liquid supply unit that supplies a rinse liquid for replacing the chemical liquid with a rinse liquid to the surface of the substrate The substrate processing apparatus according to any one of claims 15 to 21. The hydrophobizing agent supply unit supplies a liquid hydrophobizing agent in which a hydrophobizing substance is dissolved in a solvent,
The apparatus further comprises a pre-organic solvent supply unit for supplying an organic solvent miscible with the solvent for the hydrophobizing agent to the surface of the substrate after cleaning the surface of the substrate and before hydrophobizing the surface of the substrate. The substrate processing apparatus as described in any one of 15-22.   The substrate processing apparatus according to claim 23, wherein the pre-organic solvent supply unit supplies an organic solvent having a dissolved oxygen concentration of 100 ppb or less.   The substrate processing apparatus according to any one of claims 15 to 24, wherein the hydrophobizing agent supply unit supplies a liquid hydrophobizing agent having a dissolved oxygen concentration of 100 ppb or less.   The organic solvent is supplied to the surface of the substrate after the hydrophobization of the surface of the substrate, and an organic solvent is further supplied after the excess hydrophobizing agent on the substrate is removed, further comprising an organic solvent supply unit. The substrate processing apparatus according to any one of the preceding claims.   A blocking member facing the surface of the substrate, a blocking member arrangement unit facing the blocking member at a position close to the surface of the substrate, the blocking member, and the surface of the substrate and the substrate The substrate processing apparatus according to any one of claims 15 to 26, further comprising: an inert gas supply unit configured to supply an inert gas between them. The blocking member includes a facing portion facing the surface of the substrate, and an annular extending portion connected to a peripheral edge of the facing portion and surrounding the periphery of the substrate, and the blocking member disposed by the blocking member placement unit The substrate processing apparatus according to claim 27, wherein the extended portion faces the peripheral edge of the substrate when is disposed at a position close to the surface of the substrate.

Images