U.S. patent application number 11/851976 was filed with the patent office on 2009-01-01 for method, apparatus for holding and treatment of a substrate.
This patent application is currently assigned to Infineon Technologies AG. Invention is credited to Gerald Lackner, Christian Maier, Francisco Santos Rodriguez.
Application Number | 20090004824 11/851976 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39133914 |
Filed Date | 2009-01-01 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090004824 |
Kind Code |
A2 |
Lackner; Gerald ; et
al. |
January 1, 2009 |
METHOD, APPARATUS FOR HOLDING AND TREATMENT OF A SUBSTRATE
Abstract
Some embodiments discussed relates to an apparatus for holding a
substrate, comprising a body with a surface for a semiconductor
wafer to rest on, with the surface having a first surface area on
which a first area of the semiconductor wafer can rest, and a
second surface area on which a second area of the semiconductor
wafer can rest, wherein the second surface area protrudes with
respect to the first surface area.
Inventors: |
Lackner; Gerald;
(Arnoldstein, AT) ; Maier; Christian; (Villach,
AT) ; Santos Rodriguez; Francisco; (Villach,
AT) |
Correspondence
Address: |
SCHWEGMAN, LUNDBERG & WOESSNER / INFINEON
P.O. BOX 2938
MINNEAPOLIS
MN
55402
UNITED STATES
612-373-6900
|
Assignee: |
Infineon Technologies AG
Am Campeon 1-12
Neubiberg
DE
85579
|
Prior
Publication: |
|
Document Identifier |
Publication Date |
|
US 20080064184 A1 |
March 13, 2008 |
|
|
Family ID: |
39133914 |
Appl. No.: |
11/851976 |
Filed: |
September 7, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
438/459; 269/309;
438/690 |
Current CPC
Class: |
H01L 21/68735 20130101;
H01L 2221/6834 20130101; H01L 21/268 20130101; H01L 21/304
20130101; H01L 21/3065 20130101; H01L 21/6835 20130101; H01L 21/683
20130101; H01L 21/30604 20130101; H01L 21/6875 20130101; H01L
21/02104 20130101; H01L 21/6838 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
438/459; 438/690;
269/309 |
International
Class: |
H01L 21/461 20060101
H01L021/461; B23Q 3/00 20060101 B23Q003/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Sep 7, 2006 |
DE |
10 2006 042 026.8 |
Claims
1. An apparatus for holding a substrate, comprising: a body with a
surface for a semiconductor wafer to rest on, with the surface
having: a first surface area on which a first area of the
semiconductor wafer can rest; and a second surface area on which a
second area of the semiconductor wafer can rest, wherein the second
surface area protrudes with respect to the first surface area.
2. The apparatus of claim 1, to have a semiconductor wafer which
rests both on the first surface area and on the second surface area
of the body.
3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the first area of the
semiconductor wafer is thicker by at least 50% of the thickness of
the second area of the semiconductor wafer.
4. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the first area of the
semiconductor wafer encloses the second area of the semiconductor
wafer.
5. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the surface is configured to
be connected in an interlocking manner with the first and second
areas of the semiconductor wafer.
6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first surface area of the
surface defines a first plane and the second surface area of the
surface defines a second plane such that the first plane and the
second plane are coplanar with respect to one another.
7. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the distance between the first
plane and the second plane is less than about 1000 microns.
8. The apparatus of claim 6, wherein the distance between the first
plane and the second plane is greater than about 100 microns.
9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first surface area and the
second surface area are concentric with respect to an axis.
10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first surface area is at
a distance (D) from the axis which is greater than about 50% of the
semiconductor wafer radius (R).
11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the first surface area and
the second surface area of the surface are rigidly coupled to each
another.
12. The apparatus of claims 1, wherein the first surface area and
the second surface area are formed integral with the body.
13. The apparatus of claim 1, therein the composition of the body
comprises aluminium.
14. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the body is concentric with
respect to an axis.
15. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first
surface area and the second surface area includes at least one
opening.
16. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the body includes a
dielectric layer.
17. The apparatus of claim 16, wherein the dielectric layer is
disposed on top of at least one of the first and the second surface
area.
18. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein at least one of the first and
the second surface area includes a conductive layer.
19. An apparatus for processing a substrate, comprising: a means
for separating a semiconductor wafer from a semiconductor wafer
chuck; a means for marking the semiconductor wafer; a means for
making contact with the semiconductor wafer; a means for pressing
the semiconductor wafer onto a body; and at least one voltage
source to provide a voltage between the body and the semiconductor
wafer.
20. A method of processing a semiconductor wafer comprising:
selectively removing a semiconductor wafer material on a main
surface of a semiconductor wafer having a first area and a second
area, the first area thicker than the second area; and disposing
the main surface of the semiconductor wafer on an apparatus for
holding the semiconductor wafer including a body with a surface,
the surface having a first surface area on which the first area can
rest and a second surface area on which the second area can rest,
wherein the second surface area protrudes with respect to the first
surface area.
21. The method of claim 20, wherein selectively removing the
semiconductor wafer material includes at least one selected from
the group consisting of mechanically grinding, dry etching,
wet-chemical etching, mechanical polishing and removing using a
laser.
Description
RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This patent application claims the benefit of priority,
under 35 U.S.C. Section 119, to German Patent Application Serial
Number 10 2006 042 026.8, filed on Sep. 7, 2006, which is
incorporated herein by reference.
BACKGROUND
[0002] The present invention relates to an apparatus for holding a
substrate, in particular a semiconductor substrate or wafer. The
present invention furthermore relates to a method for treatment of
a substrate.
[0003] Miniaturized components, for example integrated electrical
circuits, are increasingly being produced on planar substrates. The
prominent substrate type for components is semiconductor wafers
which, during processing, are used not only as a mount but, owing
to the capability to manipulate their conductance characteristics
and the capability to structure them finely, are normally
themselves part of the circuit. Hundreds of highly complex
electronic circuit units can thus be produced on one semiconductor
wafer.
[0004] In order to save space, to reduce costs and to improve the
functionality of the components, very small structures are grown,
applied to, etched or implanted in and on the semiconductor wafers.
During this process, the structures must be tested repeatedly on
the wafer and must be identified in order to verify the respective
process step. Finally, the semiconductor wafers are normally sawed
in order to obtain the individual circuit units (chips) from a
semiconductor wafer.
[0005] In order to allow the structures to be produced, to be
tested and to be sawed on a semiconductor wafer, the semiconductor
wafers must be held in a well-defined position during the
processing, must be supplied with well-defined electrical
potentials, and/or must be subjected to well-defined environmental
parameters, such as temperature or pressure. For this purpose,
semiconductor wafers are normally placed on a semiconductor wafer
holder (chuck). Owing to the high sensitivity of the semiconductor
wafer surface to scratching, and the fragile nature of the brittle
semiconductor material as the semiconductor wafer diameter
increases, the semiconductor wafer holders must be designed such
that the semiconductor wafer can be placed down, held and passed on
again in a manner which protects it. The surface of the
semiconductor wafer holders should also be such that scratching of
the semiconductor wafers can be prevented.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0006] The invention will be explained in more detail in the
following text, by way of example, by means of the following
figures:
[0007] FIGS. 1a-1b show two mutually perpendicular sections through
an apparatus for holding a substrate with a first surface area and
a second surface area, in which a semiconductor wafer is placed on
the apparatus, according some embodiments of the invention.
[0008] FIG. 2 shows an apparatus for holding a substrate as in FIG.
1a, in which the second surface area is arranged such that it can
move with respect to the first surface area, according to some
embodiments of the invention.
[0009] FIG. 3 shows an apparatus for holding a substrate as in FIG.
1a, in which the first and the second surface areas are formed in
an interlocking manner with respect to the semiconductor wafer,
according to some embodiments of the invention.
[0010] FIG. 4 shows an apparatus for holding a substrate as in FIG.
1a, in which the tips of contact needles form the second surface
area, according to some embodiments of the invention.
[0011] FIG. 5 shows a measurement apparatus for measurement of a
semiconductor wafer, according to some embodiments of the
invention.
[0012] FIG. 6 shows an apparatus for marking and separation of a
substrate, according to some embodiments of the invention.
[0013] FIGS. 7a-7c show a method for treatment of a semiconductor
wafer, according to some embodiments of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0014] The following detailed description refers to the
accompanying drawings that show, by way of illustration, specific
details and embodiments in which the invention may be practiced.
These embodiments are described in sufficient detail to enable
those skilled in the art to practice the invention. Other
embodiments may be utilized and structural, logical, and electrical
changes may be made without departing from the scope of the
invention. The various embodiments are not necessarily mutually
exclusive, as some embodiments can be combined with one or more
other embodiments to form new embodiments. In this document, the
terms "a" or "an" are used, as is common in patent documents, to
include one or more than one. In this document, the term "or" is
used to refer to nonexclusive or, such that "A or B" includes "A
but not B," "B but not A," and "A and B," unless otherwise
indicated.
[0015] In the following description, the terms "wafer" and
"substrate" may be used interchangeably to refer generally to any
structure on which integrated circuits are formed and also to such
structured during various stages of integrated circuit fabrication.
The term "substrate" is understood to include a semiconductor
wafer. The term "substrate" is also used to refer to semiconductor
structures during processing and may include other layers that have
been fabricated thereupon. Both "wafer" and "substrate" include
doped and undoped semiconductors, epitaxial semiconductor layers
supported by a base semiconductor or insulator, as well as other
semiconductor structures well known to one skilled in the art.
[0016] The expression an apparatus for holding a substrate,
referred to in the following text as a substrate holder, can be
understood as meaning holding structures or table apparatuses which
can hold a substrate. If the substrate is a semiconductor wafer,
then the substrate holder is, for example, a semiconductor wafer
holder or a "chuck". The substrate holder comprises a body on which
the semiconductor wafer can be placed, so that the semiconductor
wafer is held by gravitation. In addition, the semiconductor wafer
may, however, also be held on the substrate holder, for example, by
a reduced pressure between the body and the substrate, by
electrostatic attraction force between the body and the substrate,
and/or by clamping apparatuses between the body and the substrate.
Holders such as these ensure that the semiconductor wafer is held
on the body even when the substrate holder is tilted, is
accelerated laterally, or if forces are applied to the substrate
wafer laterally with respect to the substrate plane.
[0017] In this context, the expression a "body" means one or more
body elements which are shaped such that they have a first and a
second surface area, on both of which the semiconductor wafer can
be placed. If the body is a one body element, then this may be
integral, which simplifies the production and control of the body.
In some embodiments, the body may be a solid body composed of a
solid conductive material, for example a metal such as aluminium,
copper or brass, or a solid insulating material, for example
ceramic, Teflon.RTM., a different plastic, etc.
[0018] The expression "semiconductor wafer" may mean a wafer which
is composed predominantly of a semiconductor material, that is to
say for example of silicon, germanium, or a compound such as SiC,
GaAs, SiGe, InP, GaN. Semiconductor wafers are sawed into wafers
from a monocrystalline crystal bar (ingot) in the form of a pillar.
The diameter of the semiconductor wafers corresponds to the
diameter of the crystal bar in the form of a pillar. The industry
standard for the diameter of the semiconductor wafers is 1 inch, 2
inches, 3 inches, 4 inches, 5 inches, 6 inches, 8 inches or 12
inches (or 300 mm). The thicknesses of the sawn semiconductor
wafers are more typically, depending on the application, between
300 and 800 micrometres.
[0019] The present invention relates to an apparatus for holding a
substrate, which comprises a body with a surface for a
semiconductor wafer to rest on, in which the surface has a first
surface area in which a first area of the semiconductor wafer can
rest, and a second surface area in which a second area of the
semiconductor wafer can rest, and in which the second surface area
projects with respect to the first surface area.
[0020] The apparatus for processing of a substrate may, for
example, be: (a) a separation apparatus for separation of the
semiconductor wafer; (b) a marking apparatus for marking of the
semiconductor wafer; (c) a contact-making apparatus for making
contact with the semiconductor wafer; (d) a vacuum apparatus for
pressing the semiconductor wafer onto the body; and/or (e) at least
one voltage source for application of a voltage between the body
and the semiconductor wafer.
[0021] The first surface area of the body, which projects with
respect to the second surface area of the body, makes it possible
for a semiconductor wafer with a stepped surface profile, for
example with a step, to rest on the body. This ensures that
semiconductor wafers which have been selectively thinned in one
surface area are mechanically supported both in the thin area and
in the thick area, so that the thin area does not bend excessively
or break.
[0022] In the following text, the expression selected thinning of a
semiconductor wafer can be understood as meaning removal of
semiconductor wafer material on subareas of a main surface of the
semiconductor wafer, so that the semiconductor wafer is thicker in
one or more first areas than in the one or more second areas in
which the surface material has been removed. In this case, the
surface material can be removed in subareas by, for example,
selective chemical or electrochemical etching, by mechanical plasma
or by laser methods.
[0023] The selectivity can be made possible, for example, by means
of a mask which covers subareas of the semiconductor wafer surface
in order that they are not etched, or are etched only slightly, and
leaves other areas of the semiconductor wafer open, in order that
the etching can take place to a greater extent there. The etching
may, for example, be dry etching or wet etching. The selective
etching on the main surface of the semiconductor wafer thus results
in thick semiconductor wafer areas (first area) and thinned
semiconductor wafer areas (second area).
[0024] In many cases, semiconductor wafers are structured with a
different thickness such that they are thicker in the outer area
than in the inner area. The greater thickness in the outer area
provides a greater mechanical robustness for the substrate while in
the inner area, the thickness is reduced for a desired application.
The mechanical robustness is achieved, in particular, when the
outer thick area completely surrounds the inner thin area in the
semiconductor wafer plane. It is preferable for the first area and
the second area of the semiconductor wafer to be concentric with
respect to a common axis.
[0025] In the field of microelectronics, there is often interest in
minimizing the semiconductor chip thickness in order, for example,
to minimize the chip package thickness or, for power transistors,
the electrical resistance from the chip front face to the rear
face. In this case, semiconductor wafers produced in a standard
manner are often used for the production of the chips and are
subsequently selectively thinned in the inner area from a main
surface side, for example by means of masked etching, mechanical
grinding, dry or wet-chemical etching, mechanical polishing or
laser removal. This results in two areas with two different
thicknesses being produced on the semiconductor wafer. If, for
example, a concentric outer area of the semiconductor wafer is
masked during etching, then a "ring" with a thickness of, for
example, 100 to 1000 micrometres is left in the outer area of the
semiconductor wafer after the etching process and after removal of
the mask, while the thickness of the semiconductor wafer within
this ring is reduced, for example, to 30 to 500 micrometres,
depending on the thickness of the original material. The method for
selective thinning of a semiconductor wafer is known per se, and
will not be explained any further here.
[0026] It should be noted that there is no need for the thick area
of a semiconductor wafer to correspond to an external ring. The
thick area may just as well have a quadrilateral shape, may be a
ring with one or more interruptions, or may be located in the inner
area of the semiconductor wafer. Furthermore, there is no
limitation on the size of the semiconductor wafer used. The
semiconductor wafer can be either a 1 inch, 4 inch, 6 inch, 8 inch
or a 12 inch wafer. The thickness of the semiconductor wafer before
thinning may in each case be between 100 and 1000 micrometres or
more. The extent of thinning of the semiconductor wafer can be
controlled in a simple manner by the duration of material removal.
At the moment, the process typically starts with an 8 inch wafer
with a thickness of 725 micrometres, with the annular outer area
being thinned to 400 micrometres and the inner area of this "ring"
being thinned to 150 micrometres. In some embodiments, it can be
desirable to reduce the thicknesses in the inner area down to 40
micrometres.
[0027] The first surface area of the surface and the second surface
area of the surface are preferably arranged in a coplanar form with
respect to one another. The rigid arrangement is particularly
advantageous when the semiconductor wafers to be processed have the
same geometry and in particular the same thickness differences, so
that the same substrate holder can be used successively for a large
number of semiconductor wafers.
[0028] In some embodiments, the first and the second surface area
are arranged such that they can move or can be adjusted with
respect to one another. In this case, the substrate holder may hold
substrate wafers of different geometry in an interlocking manner.
For example, a springing in the body can ensure that a force which
forces the surface areas apart from one another acts between the
first and the second surface area, so that the second surface area
is pressed by the spring force against the thinned (second) area of
the semiconductor wafer. This also makes it possible to ensure the
interlocking nature, even when different semiconductor wafers are
thinned to different extents.
[0029] In some embodiments, the body has at least one opening in
the first and/or second surface area. A connection to a
reduced-pressure reservoir or to a vacuum pump can be produced via
an opening such as this, by means of which a reduced pressure is
produced in the area between the semiconductor wafer and the
surface of the substrate holder. A reduced pressure such as this
can press the semiconductor wafer onto the body, so that there is
good adhesion between the two. This is advantageous when lateral
forces press on the semiconductor wafer while contact is being
made, during sawing, during marking, and during removal from a
film, etc.
[0030] In some embodiments, the surface of the body can be
connected in an interlocking manner to the first and second area of
the semiconductor wafer to be placed on it. This makes it possible
to ensure that the semiconductor wafer rests on it over the entire
area, thus precluding bending of the semiconductor wafer even if
the second area of the semiconductor wafer is very thin.
Furthermore, the semiconductor wafer can produce the close contact,
which is provided by the interlocking nature, with the body,
resulting in a good electrical or thermal contact, when this is
desirable.
[0031] Interlocking connection includes a connection in which the
surface on the thinned side of the semiconductor wafer, preferably
over the entire area, rests as closely as possible on the surface
of the body of the substrate holder.
[0032] In this case, the distance between the surfaces in a
direction vertically with respect to the second, projecting surface
area should, for example, not be greater than 200 micrometres, and
preferably no greater than 100 micrometres, and even more
preferably no more than 50 micrometres. In the transitional area,
that is to say in the area in which the first surface area merges
into the second surface area, the distance between the surfaces of
the substrate holder body and the semiconductor wafer should, for
example, be no more than 1000 micrometres, and preferably no more
than 100 micrometres.
[0033] In one embodiment, the first surface area of the surface of
the body defines a first plane, and the second surface area of the
surface defines a second plane, which are coplanar with respect to
one another. This allows the semiconductor wafers which have two
different thicknesses to be placed on the body in an interlocking
manner. This is the case in particular when the thickness
difference between the first area and the second area of the
semiconductor wafer corresponds to the distance between the first
plane and the second plane. The distance between the first plane
and the second plane is preferably less than 1000 micrometres, and
is preferably less than 500 micrometres. On the other hand, it is
advantageous for the distance between the two planes to be greater
than 10 micrometres, or preferably greater than 200
micrometres.
[0034] In some embodiments, the first surface area and the second
surface area are preferably arranged concentrically with respect to
an axis. This allows concentric semiconductor wafers to be placed
on the surface of the body in an interlocking manner. Furthermore,
it is preferable for the distance between the first surface area
and the axis to be greater than 50%, and preferably greater than
95%, of the semiconductor wafer radius. This ensures a sufficiently
large thinned semiconductor wafer area.
[0035] Alternatively (or additionally), the surface of the bodies
of the substrate holder may contain a dielectric layer. An
electrical field can be built up across this layer by means of an
external voltage between the semiconductor wafer and the body,
pressing the semiconductor wafer onto the surface of the body, and
holding it in position. The dielectric layer is preferably an
oxide, a ceramic or a polymer which has been grown on or applied to
the body.
[0036] The invention also relates to a method for treatment of a
substrate, in which a semiconductor wafer which is thicker in a
first surface area than in a second surface area is placed on an
apparatus for holding the semiconductor wafer, in which the
semiconductor wafer rests on it at least at one point in each case,
both in the first surface area and in the second surface area, and
in which the semiconductor wafer is processed on the apparatus.
[0037] If the processing of the semiconductor wafer involves the
semiconductor wafer being pressed onto the body, then this contact
pressure can be produced, for example, by production of a reduced
pressure between the semiconductor wafer and the body, by
production of an electrical voltage between the semiconductor wafer
and the body, or by mechanical springing.
[0038] If the processing of the semiconductor wafer involves
separation of the semiconductor wafer from a mount, then this
separation of the semiconductor wafer from the mount can be carried
out by means of the substrate holder, which, for example, is
pressed by means of a vacuum, electrostatic attraction or
mechanically onto the semiconductor wafer. The mount (for example
glass, adhesive) can then mechanically be separated from the
semiconductor wafer. The mount is, for example, used as a base for
the thinning process of the semiconductor wafer, and can be removed
again after the thinning process.
[0039] If the processing of the semiconductor wafer involves
coating or etching of the semiconductor wafer, then this coating
process is preferably carried out in a sputtering chamber or a
plasma reactor.
[0040] If the processing of the semiconductor wafer involves making
contact with the semiconductor wafer, then the body is used to
support the semiconductor wafer against the pressure of the
contact-making elements. The contact-making elements may be
individually adjustable contact needles, or else needle cards with
a set of preadjusted needles. The contact-making process can be
used to test the electrical serviceability of the circuits which
have been applied to the semiconductor wafer.
[0041] If the processing of the semiconductor wafer involves
marking of the semiconductor wafer, then the marking process is
preferably carried out using a marking system, a so-called ink
machine or an inker. In this method, for example, the circuit units
which have been identified as being defective can be marked with a
specific ink or by means of a laser, in order to reject them after
a separation process.
[0042] If the processing of the semiconductor wafer involves
separation of the semiconductor wafer, then the separation process
can be carried out, for example, by means of a saw or a laser, by
means of which the semiconductor wafers are broken up along
predetermined paths (scratch frame) to form individual chips. The
semiconductor wafer is preferably pressed onto the body during the
sawing process by means of a reduced pressure, electrostatic
attraction or by means of mechanical attachment to the body, so
that the semiconductor wafer is not moved over the body during the
sawing process.
[0043] If the processing of the semiconductor wafer involves
transportation of the semiconductor wafer, then the semiconductor
wafer is pressed onto the body during the transportation process,
preferably by means of reduced pressure, electrostatic attraction
or by means of mechanical attachment to the body, in order that the
semiconductor wafer does not become detached from the substrate
holder during transportation.
[0044] Various embodiments of the invention will now be described
with reference to the attached figures.
[0045] FIGS. 1a-1b show two mutually perpendicular sections through
an apparatus for holding a substrate with a first surface area and
a second surface area, in which a semiconductor wafer is placed on
the apparatus, according some embodiments of the invention. FIGS.
1a and 1b show a substrate holder 1 with a body 2 (substrate
holder), on which a semiconductor wafer 7, for example an 8-inch
silicon wafer, is placed. The semiconductor wafer 7 is selectively
thinned on one main surface 8, so that the semiconductor wafer 7
can be subdivided into a first area 7a, which has not been thinned
(a non-thinned area), and into a second area 7b which has been
thinned. In this case, the first area 7a is arranged in the edge
area of the semiconductor wafer, while the second (thinned) area 7b
is arranged in the inner area of the semiconductor wafer.
[0046] As shown in FIG. 1b, the first area 7a of the semiconductor
wafer surrounds the second area 7b of the semiconductor wafer in an
annular shape, so that the first area 7a and the second area 7b are
arranged concentrically with respect to the axis 12. The "ring"
provides the thinned semiconductor wafer with mechanical robustness
for the further processing. The larger the lateral width B of this
ring, the greater is the mechanical robustness of the semiconductor
wafer 7, but the smaller is the area in which thin chips can be
produced. The lateral width of the ring is thus preferably less
than 10%, but greater than 1%, of the semiconductor wafer radius
R.
[0047] Thinning of the semiconductor wafer 7 is normally necessary
when, for example, space or circuitry reasons make it necessary to
use chip thicknesses which are less than the thicknesses of
standard available semiconductor wafers. For example, for vertical
power transistors, it is desirable for the chip thickness to be
reduced down to 120 micrometres or even down to 40 micrometres, in
order to minimize the electrical resistance for the transverse
current flow, while in the case of sawing of, for example, 8-inch
wafers, thicknesses of about 400 micrometres are required. Thin
chip thicknesses are in this case achieved by thinning of the
semiconductor wafer from a thickness of about 400 micrometres to
about 120 micrometres or even to about 40 micrometres. These
figures are only by way of example, and may be widely different,
depending on the application. The thicknesses in the first area of
the semiconductor wafer are, however, preferably more than 50%
thicker than the thicknesses of the semiconductor wafer in the
second area.
[0048] FIGS. 1a and 1b also show the first surface area 5a and the
second surface area 5b of the body 2, in which the second surface
area 5b projects with respect to the first surface area 5a by a
protrusion V. This protrusion V allows both the first area 7a and
the second area 7b of the thinned semiconductor wafer 7 to rest on
the surface of the substrate holder 5. This allows the
semiconductor wafer 7 to be supported better, in order to prevent
excessive bending of the semiconductor wafer.
[0049] The protrusion V of the second surface area 5b with respect
to the first surface area 5a ideally corresponds to the thinning of
the semiconductor wafer 7, that is to say if semiconductor wafers
are used which have been thinned from 400 micrometres to 140
micrometres (260 micrometre thinning), then a protrusion V of 260
micrometres would ensure that the first and second areas 7a, 7b of
the semiconductor wafers 7 can each rest on the respective first
and second surface areas 5a, 5b of the substrate holder, without
the thinned second area 7b of the semiconductor wafer bending.
[0050] It is also advantageous for the first and the second surface
areas 5a, 5b to be coplanar with respect to one another. This
allows the coplanar surfaces of the first area 7a and of the second
area 7b to rest on the surface 5 of the substrate holder 1 in the
entire overlapping area.
[0051] In some embodiments, substrate holder 1 is an integrally
produced body composed of metal, quartz, ceramic or for example
aluminium. If aluminium is used, the substrate holder 2 offers the
semiconductor wafer 7 adequate strength in order to support it
during processing steps such as electrical testing, sawing or
marking. Furthermore, the aluminium-oxide layer which is formed in
the atmosphere on the surface 5 of the body 2 offers a good barrier
in order to prevent diffusion of the body material into the
semiconductor wafer 7, which would contaminate the semiconductor
wafer. At the same time, the electrically insulating
aluminium-oxide layer can be used to build up an electrical field
between the semiconductor wafer 7 and the substrate holder 5, by
means of which the semiconductor wafer 7 is pressed against and
held on the substrate holder 5. The semiconductor wafer 7 can thus
be held in position on the substrate holder 5 even when a lateral
force is exerted on the semiconductor wafer 5, or if the substrate
holder is tilted or turned over during transportation.
[0052] At this point, it should be stated that aluminium is only
one of a large number of possible materials for the substrate
holder. Depending on the requirements for the treatment of the
semiconductor wafer, the materials which are used for the
semiconductor wafer may also be other metals, such as copper, gold
or alloys (brass) of these metals, for example brass. The materials
used may also be insulating materials, such as plastic, Teflon,
epoxy or ceramic. A coating of different materials is also
feasible. For example, it may be necessary to apply an insulating
thin layer to an electrically conductive substrate holder 7 in
order to electrically isolate the semiconductor wafer from the
substrate holder 5 or, as already mentioned, to apply an electrical
field.
[0053] It should also be stated that the rotational symmetry of the
substrate holder 1 illustrated in FIGS. 1a-1b is often
advantageous, but it is not necessary for the apparatus according
to the invention. For example, the projecting second surface area
may also be quadrilateral or polygonal with any desired number of
sides n (n=1, 2, 3, . . . ), or may be any desired rotation body.
The second surface area 5b may also be composed of a plurality of
surface area elements, which preferably have the same protrusion V
with respect to the first surface area 5a. In this case, the
substrate holder could have a plurality of projecting elements,
whose respective projecting surface elements support the thinned
(second) semiconductor wafer area 7b as points, at so many points
that the thinned semiconductor wafer area 7b cannot significantly
bend.
[0054] FIG. 2 shows an apparatus for holding a substrate as in FIG.
1a, in which the second surface area is arranged such that it can
move with respect to the first surface area, according to some
embodiments of the invention. In some embodiments, FIG. 2 includes
an embodiment similar to that shown in FIGS. 1a-b. However, the
body 1, in contrast to FIGS. 1a-b, is in the present case composed
of two body elements 2a, 2b, with the first body element 2a having
the first surface area 5a, and the second body element 2b having
the second surface area 5b. The two body elements 2a, 2b are
connected to one another such that the second surface area 5b can
be shifted in a vertical movement direction M with respect to the
first surface area 5a. The vertical movement direction M may, for
example, be produced by a sliding guide between the first body
element 2a and the second body element 2b. This makes it possible
to vary the protrusion V, so that it can be flexibly matched to
semiconductor wafers 7 with different degrees of thinning and
thicknesses.
[0055] Additionally, FIG. 2 shows, schematically, two compressed
springs 64, which force the first body element 2a and the second
body element 2b apart from one another (and thus the first surface
area 5a and the second surface area 5b apart from one another).
This allows the second surface area 5b of the substrate holder 1 to
be pressed against the second (thinned) area 7b of the
semiconductor wafer 7, in order to produce a touching contact. If
this pressure is less than the pressure resulting from the
intrinsic weight of the thinned area 5b, then the springing can be
used to reduce the bending of the thinned area 5b. In particular,
the springing can prevent bending of the thinned semiconductor
wafer area when additional forces are exerted on the thinned area,
for example when contact needles or probe cards are placed on the
thinned area 7b in order to test the electrical serviceability of
an integrated circuit on the semiconductor wafer.
[0056] FIG. 3 shows an apparatus for holding a substrate as in FIG.
1a, in which the first and the second surface areas are formed in
an interlocking manner with respect to the semiconductor wafer,
according to some embodiments of the invention. FIG. 3 shows a
further embodiment, in contrast to FIGS. 1a-b, where the first and
the second surface areas 5a, 5b are arranged such that the surface
5 of the substrate holder 1 is connected in an interlocking manner
to the semiconductor wafer 7. In particular, the second (thinned)
area 7b of the semiconductor wafer is essentially precisely of the
same size as the second (projecting) surface area 5b of the body 2,
and the protrusion V is of precisely the same size as the thinning
of the semiconductor wafer 7. This allows the entire thinned area
7b of the semiconductor wafer 7 to be supported when the
semiconductor wafer 7 is placed on the substrate holder 1. This
allows the thinned area to be loaded with a probe card everywhere,
or to be sawn, without the thinned area 5b of the semiconductor
wafer being bent or being broken. The gap between the first surface
area 5a and the first area 7a of the semiconductor wafer 7 is
preferably less than 100 micrometres, and as far as possible even
less than 50 micrometres, over the entire first surface area. In
the same way, the gap between the second surface area 5b and the
second area 7b of the semiconductor wafer 7 is as far as possible
less than 100 micrometres and as far as possible even less than 10
micrometres over the entire first surface area.
[0057] The interlocking nature is as far as possible also provided
in the transitional area 5c, that is to say the area in which the
first surface area 5b merges into the second surface area 5b. In
this area, it is preferably for the gap between the semiconductor
wafer 7 and the body 5 to be less than 1000 micrometres, and as far
as possible even less than 500 micrometres, over the entire first
transitional area 5c. The interlocking nature in the transitional
area 5c ensures that the semiconductor wafer 7 is also fixed at the
side, so that the semiconductor wafer 7 remains in position even
when lateral forces are exerted on the semiconductor wafer 7.
[0058] A further advantage of an interlocking connection between
the semiconductor wafer and the substrate holder body 2 is that a
force pressing on the substrate holder body 2 can be exerted on the
semiconductor wafer 7 without it being possible for the thinned
semiconductor wafer area 7b to bend. The pressing force allows the
semiconductor wafer 7 to be fixed better on the substrate holder
body 2.
[0059] By way of example, FIG. 3 shows two openings 20a in the
first surface area 5a, and two openings 20b in the second surface
area 5b, which can be connected via corresponding channels 22 to a
vacuum pump or to a reduced-pressure reservoir. This makes it
possible to produce a reduced pressure between the semiconductor
wafer 7 and the substrate holder body 3, which presses the thinned
area 7b and the thick area 7a uniformly onto the surface 5 of the
substrate holder body. Thus, in particular, the thinned area 7b of
the semiconductor wafer 7 rests firmly on the second surface
5b.
[0060] At this point, it should be stated that FIG. 3 is only
provided as a schematic and by way of example. In some embodiments,
it may be sufficient for the openings 20a, 20b to be arranged only
in the second surface area 5b, since only the thinned area 7b need
be pressed onto the substrate holder body 5b. Similarly, in some
embodiments, it is feasible for the openings 20a, 20b to be
arranged only in the first surface area 5b, in order to protect the
thinned area 7b from the pressing pressure.
[0061] Furthermore, there are design options as to how many
openings 20a, 20b are provided on the first and/or second surface
areas 5a, 5b, where these are intended to be arranged, and how
large they are intended to be. These options depend on how thin and
sensitive the thinned area 7b of the semiconductor wafer 7 is, how
powerful the pump is, etc. that is within the scope of what a
person skilled in the art that can be carried out for any given
application.
[0062] FIG. 4 shows an apparatus for holding a substrate as in FIG.
1a, in which the tips of contact needles form the second surface
area, according to some embodiments of the invention. FIG. 4 shows,
schematically, a further embodiment which, in some embodiments, is
the same as that in FIG. 2. In contrast to FIG. 2, in some
embodiments, FIG. 4 has a plurality of projecting contact needles
66, however, which each, at their tip, form second surface areas 5b
of the size of needle points. As indicated in FIG. 2, the contact
needles 66 can each be mounted on a spring 64, which springs 64
press the contact needles along a guide rail (not shown) in a
vertical movement direction M in the direction of the thinned area
7b of the semiconductor wafer 7. This makes it possible for each
contact needle 66 on the one hand to make an additional electrical
contact with the semiconductor wafer 7. At the same time, the
contact needles can support the thinned semiconductor wafer area
7b, in order that this does not droop or break outwards under
external pressure.
[0063] The embodiment shown in FIG. 4 is a further example, which
is representative of a large number of variation options. For
example, the number of needles can be adapted and varied as
required. Rounded or flattened contact bodies may be used instead
of the needles 66. The nature of the sprung suspension of the
contact needles 66 in the substrate holder body 2 can also be
varied in many ways. For example, instead of the springs, it is
possible to use elastic materials, such as an elastic medium
composed of a rubber, or a hydraulic drive, or a stepping motor.
For high-voltage components, the surface is typically composed of
gold. This allows the protrusion V to be matched to different
semiconductor wafer types. Furthermore, if the contact needles are
able to support the thinned semiconductor wafer area sufficiently,
the substrate holder body 2 can be provided with openings 20 in
order to allow a vacuum to be applied between the semiconductor
wafer 7 and the substrate holder body 2, for better retention.
[0064] FIG. 5 shows a measurement apparatus 100 for measurement of
a semiconductor wafer, according to some embodiments of the
invention. Apparatus 100 includes a substrate holder 1, a
semiconductor wafer 7 which has been thinned in the central area, a
contact-making apparatus 30 for making contact with the
semiconductor wafer 7, a voltage source 32, by means of which an
electrical voltage can be applied to the semiconductor wafer 7 via
the contact-making apparatus 30 and the thinned surface of the
semiconductor wafer 7, and a voltage measurement device 34, which
measures the voltage tapped off at a desired point in the circuit.
The above arrangement allows for testing of an electrical circuit
which is integrated on the thinned semiconductor wafer area 7b.
[0065] In some embodiments, the substrate holder body 2 has a first
surface area 5a and a second surface area 5b. The second surface
area 5b projects by a distance V with respect to the first surface
area 5a. The distance V corresponds to the thinning depth with
which the semiconductor wafer 7 was thinned in a previous thinning
process. The second surface areas 5a, 5b and the transitional area
5c, for example a step, are shaped such that they can be connected
in an interlocking manner to the semiconductor wafer 7, which has
been thinned selectively in the central area and whose geometry is
predetermined. The interlocking connection between the thinned
semiconductor wafer side and the surface areas 5a, 5b, 5c of the
substrate holder surface 5 is designed such that the gap between
the semiconductor wafer 7 and the surface of the substrate holder
body 2 is less than 50 micrometres everywhere. This results in the
semiconductor wafer 7 being supported well over the entire lower
face, in order to allow contact-making elements, for example
contact needles 64, to be placed on the upper face of the
semiconductor wafer 7, without destroying the thinned areas of the
semiconductor wafer 7.
[0066] In some embodiments, the substrate holder body 2 in FIG. 5
is an integral body composed of aluminium which is coated on its
surface with a thin layer 26 composed of gold or silver and with a
thickness, for example, of 50 micrometres. A good electrical
contact can be made between the substrate holder body 2 and the
thinned side of the semiconductor wafer 7 through the gold (or
silver) layer 26. This allows the thinned side of the semiconductor
wafer 7 to be earthed or, for example, to be used as a drain
contact for a vertical power transistor (not shown).
[0067] By way of example, the substrate holder body 2 also has six
openings 20a, 20b, which are connected to channels 22, which allow
connection to a vacuum pump. This makes it possible to press the
semiconductor wafer 7 onto the substrate holder body 2 by means of
a reduced pressure between the semiconductor wafer and the surface
5, 5a, 5b, so that a good electrical contact can be made between
the gold layer 26 and the thinned surface of the semiconductor
wafer 7.
[0068] The semiconductor wafer 7 in FIG. 5 is once again one of the
wafers which have been thinned in the inner area 7b, as have
already been described in the previous embodiments. By way of
example, it may be composed of silicon. The semiconductor wafer 7
may already have been processed to such an extent that one or more
integrated circuits, for example with one or more power transistors
with a gate connection and source connection (not shown in the
figure) have been integrated on the semiconductor wafer 7. That
surface of the semiconductor wafer 7 which is opposite the
integrated circuit may subsequently have been etched selectively
with respect to a concentric mask applied in advance in the central
area, that is to say in the second semiconductor wafer area 7b, to
such an extent that the electrical resistance from the circuit face
to the thinned face has fallen below a maximum permissible value.
The thickness of the semiconductor wafer 7 in the thinned area may
then typically be, for example, 140 micrometres. The semiconductor
wafer 7 illustrated in FIG. 5 may, but need not be, a wafer that
has been prepared in this manner.
[0069] For illustrative reasons, the contact-making shape 30 is
shown only schematically. The figure shows two contact needles 66,
which are each attached to a manipulator 68 in order to allow the
contact needles to be moved vertically, and laterally with respect
to this, to a desired position on the semiconductor wafer 7. One of
the contact needles 66 is connected via a line to the voltage
source 32, that at the other end is connected to earth and to the
substrate holder body 2. This allows the contact needle 66 to be
set to a desired voltage relative to earth and relative to the
substrate holder body 2.
[0070] The second illustrated contact needle 66 in FIG. 5 is, in
contrast connected to a current measurement device 34. This contact
needle can thus measure voltages (which are produced by the
currents caused by the voltage source 32 from the front face to the
rear face of the semiconductor wafer 7) at different points in the
circuit.
[0071] The present measurement layout is clearly only one of a
large number of options. Probe cards are often used instead of two
or more manipulators 68 with needles 66, and have 10, 100 or even
more preadjusted needles. The more needles, the greater is the
pressure on the semiconductor wafer. The second surface area 5b,
which supports the thinned semiconductor wafer area 7b, allows the
forces produced by the probe card on the semiconductor wafer 7 to
be absorbed.
[0072] FIG. 6 shows, schematically, one embodiment of an apparatus
for separation of a substrate 200. An apparatus such as this may be
used, for example, to break up the semiconductor wafer 7 into 10,
100 or even more individual chips.
[0073] FIG. 6 once again shows a substrate holder 1, a
semiconductor wafer 7 which has been thinned in the central area
and has been placed on the substrate holder 1 in an interlocking
manner, and, schematically, a saw, which has partially penetrated
into the thinned (second) area of the semiconductor wafer 7 in
order to separate it.
[0074] The present substrate holder body 2 is largely identical to
the substrate holder body 2 in FIG. 5. The same reference symbols
thus relate to the same elements. In contrast to FIG. 5, the
substrate holder body in FIG. 6 does not, however, have any gold or
silver layer, but an insulating (dielectric) layer, for example an
aluminium-oxide layer 24. There is no need for a gold layer since,
during the sawing process, there is no need for an electrical
contact between the substrate holder body 2 and the semiconductor
wafer 7. The insulating aluminium-oxide layer 24 which is formed on
the aluminium also prevents diffusion of aluminium from the
substrate holder body 2 into the semiconductor wafer 7.
[0075] As in FIG. 5, the substrate holder body 2 in FIG. 6 has a
first surface area 5a and a second surface area 5b. The second
surface area 5b projects by a distance V with respect to the first
surface area 5a. The distance V corresponds to the thinning depth,
with which the semiconductor wafer 7 has been thinned in a previous
thinning process. The second surface areas 5a, 5b and the
transitional area 5c, for example a step, are shaped such that they
can be connected in an interlocking manner to the semiconductor
wafer 7 which has been thinned selectively in the central area and
whose geometry is predetermined. The interlocking connection
between the thinned semiconductor wafer side and the surface areas
5a, 5b, 5c of the substrate holder surface 5 is designed such that
the gap between the semiconductor wafer 7 and the surface of the
substrate holder body 2 is less than 50 micrometres everywhere. The
substrate holder body 2 in FIG. 6 is an integral body composed of
aluminium, on which a natural insulating aluminium-oxide layer 24
is grown.
[0076] Once again, by way of example, the substrate holder body 2
has six openings 20a, 20b, which are connected to channels 22 which
allow a connection to a vacuum pump. This makes it possible to
press the semiconductor wafer 7 against the substrate holder body 2
by means of a reduced pressure between the semiconductor wafer and
the surface 5, 5a, 5b, so that the semiconductor wafer 7 does not
slide while being sawn.
[0077] The semiconductor wafer 7 in FIG. 6 may be one of the wafers
which have been thinned in the inner area 7b, as in FIG. 5. The
sawing step is preferably carried out after the production of the
integrated circuit and after the electronic circuit test. After
being separated, those chips which originate from the thinned
(second) semiconductor wafer area 7b are preferably used for
further processing.
[0078] FIG. 6 shows an apparatus for marking and separation of a
substrate, according to some embodiments of the invention.
Apparatus shown in FIG. 6 includes a horizontal spindle saw 70,
which is used for separation of the semiconductor wafer 7. This has
a rapidly rotating diamond saw blade, which is passed in straight
lines over the semiconductor wafer. During the process, the saw
digs into the semiconductor wafer 7 until the wafer has been cut
through. The sawing process along a plurality of parallel lines in
mutually perpendicular directions allows the semiconductor wafer 7
to be broken up into numerous rectangular chips. Because of the
support by the first and second surface areas 5a and 5b of the
substrate holder, the thinned second area 7b of the semiconductor
wafer 7 cannot bend and break up in an uncontrolled manner during
the sawing process. Because of the interlocking connection between
the substrate holder 5 and the semiconductor wafer 7, the
semiconductor wafer also cannot be moved in an uncontrolled manner
during the sawing process. Even very thin semiconductor wafers can
be sawn in a controlled manner in this way. A laser (dry or water
guided) can also be used for the separation process.
[0079] FIG. 6 also shows, schematically, a marking apparatus 300,
which has an ink dispenser 301 and a manipulator 300 which can move
the ink dispenser in the vertical and horizontal directions in
order to allow it to move the ink dispenser 301 to any desired
point on the semiconductor wafer 7, in order to allow the
semiconductor wafer 7 to be marked with ink there. The marking may,
for example, comprise a dot with which a predetermined
semiconductor circuit element is provided in order to indicate that
this semiconductor circuit element is defective and, after being
separated by the saw 70, is to be thrown away. The marking
apparatus 301 can be used at a plurality of points during the
processing of the semiconductor wafer 7, for example during or
after the test.
[0080] By way of example, FIGS. 7a-7c show a method for treatment
of a semiconductor wafer 7, according to some embodiments of the
invention.
[0081] FIG. 7a shows a semiconductor wafer 7 with a homogeneous
thickness of, for example, 400 micrometres, after it has been
provided on one main surface 8 with a photosensitive varnish layer
which has subsequently been structured photolithographically to
form a mask 14. In the present case, the mask 14 has been
structured such that a "ring" with a lateral ring width B remained
only at the outer edge of the semiconductor wafer 7. The lateral
ring width is typically chosen such that it still provides
sufficient mechanical robustness to the semiconductor wafer 7 after
it has been thinned.
[0082] FIG. 7a also shows, optionally and schematically, three
integrated circuits 18, which are integrated on the unmasked main
surface (active main surface) of the semiconductor wafer 7. The
integrated circuits 18 have been applied to the semiconductor wafer
7 with the aid of conventional microelectronic production methods.
After this, the active side of the semiconductor wafer 7 was then
first of all applied to a mount 16, for example a flexible film or
a polymer mat (for example epoxy resins). The mount 16 allows the
semiconductor wafer 7 to be transported in a protected manner, and
protects the integrated circuits 18 during the following etching
and processing steps.
[0083] FIG. 7a also shows, schematically, the etching step 70 which
is carried out after the masking process in order to selectively
thin the semiconductor wafer with respect to the mask 14 on the
main surface 8. This results in the masked area of the
semiconductor wafer remaining in order to form a "thick" first area
7a, while the unmasked area is thinned to a desired extent by the
etching process. The thinning process can typically be carried out,
for example, from 400 micrometres to 140 micrometres, in which case
these values can be varied as desired, depending on the purpose and
the original semiconductor wafer material. The etching process can
be carried out, for example, wet-chemically or dry-chemically.
[0084] In this context, it should be mentioned that the annular
structuring of the semiconductor wafer 7 is only one of a large
number of options. If, by way of example, the semiconductor wafer
is very large, for example 12 inches, and if the thinning of the
semiconductor wafer is intended to be very intensive in order to
obtain a very thin "fertilized" area 7b for example of less than 50
micrometres, then it is feasible to design the mask such that
cruciform mask webs, for example, remain on the semiconductor wafer
rather than or in addition to the outer ring, after the thinning
process. These "webs" can additionally support the fertilized area
(second area) of the semiconductor wafer during the further
treatment, and protect it against being broken.
[0085] FIG. 7b shows the semiconductor wafer 7 after the selective
etching step and after the removal of the mask 14, for example by
combustion. This leaves the semiconductor wafer 7 with an annular
"thick" area 7a and a thinned area 7b surrounded by the ring. Only
the ring remains of the original surface 8. The active main surface
is also covered by the mount 16.
[0086] FIG. 7c shows a further process step, in which the
semiconductor wafer has been flipped and its etched surface has
first of all been placed on the substrate holder body 2 (chuck).
The chuck has two surface areas, (a) the first surface area 5a and
(b) the surface area 5b, which projects by the protrusion V beyond
the first surface area. The protrusion V is designed such that it
corresponds precisely to the thinning in the previous selective
etching step. In consequence, both the thick area 7a and the
thinned area 7b of the semiconductor wafer 7 rest on it, so that
the thinned area 7b is stabilized on the chuck 2 for further
processing.
[0087] In addition to the thinned area 7b being supported by the
chuck 2, the chuck also has 5 channels 22 via which the chuck 2 is
connected to a vacuum reservoir 27 and to a vacuum pump 28. The
pump 28 makes it possible to produce a reduced pressure via the
channels 22 in the area between the semiconductor wafer and the
chuck surface, that is to say between the semiconductor wafer 7 and
the first surface area 5a and the second surface area 5b, by means
of which the semiconductor wafer 7 is held on the chuck 2, even
when the chuck is tilted.
[0088] The reduced pressure between the semiconductor wafer 7 and
the chuck surface also makes it possible for the mount 16 to be
pulled off the sensitive thinned semiconductor wafer area 7b
without damaging or breaking the thinned area 7b. This is possible
because the reduced pressure presses the thinned semiconductor
wafer area 7b onto the planar second surface 5b of the chuck 2,
thus preventing the mount from pulling the thinned area 7b upwards
when it is pulled off the semiconductor wafer 7.
[0089] Furthermore, a method is provided herein for treatment of a
substrate, which comprises selective removal of semiconductor wafer
material on one main surface (8) of a semiconductor wafer (7), such
that the semiconductor wafer is thicker in a first area (7a) of the
semiconductor wafer (7) than in a second area (7a) of the
semiconductor wafer (7), as well as application of the main surface
(8) of the semiconductor wafer (7) to an apparatus for holding the
semiconductor wafer (1), with both the first area (7a) and the
second area (7b) resting on the apparatus (1) for holding the
semiconductor wafer.
[0090] Also provided herein is a method for treatment of a
substrate comprising selective removal of semiconductor wafer
material on a main surface (8) of a semiconductor wafer (7), such
that the semiconductor wafer is thicker in a first area (7a) of the
semiconductor wafer (7) than in a second area (7a) of the
semiconductor wafer (7), and application of the main surface (8) of
the semiconductor wafer (7) to an apparatus for holding the
semiconductor wafer (1) in which both the first area (7a) and the
second area (7b) rest on the apparatus (1) for holding the
semiconductor wafer. Additionally, the removal of the semiconductor
wafer material is carried out by mechanical grinding, dry or
wet-chemical etching, mechanical polishing and/or laser
removal.
[0091] In some embodiments, the semiconductor wafer (7) is
processed by means of at least one of the following steps, namely:
pressing of the semiconductor wafer (7) onto the apparatus for
holding the substrate described earlier, providing a separation of
the semiconductor wafer (7) from a mount (or a chuck), coating of
the semiconductor wafer (7), making contact with the semiconductor
wafer (7), etching of the semiconductor wafer (7), marking of the
semiconductor wafer (7), breaking up the semiconductor wafer (7);
and transportation of the semiconductor wafer (7). Additionally, in
some embodiments, the second area (7b) of the semiconductor wafer
(7) rests on a surface which occupies at least half the area of the
semiconductor wafer (7).
[0092] Finally, it should once again be stated that the embodiments
explained in this description are only examples and do not limit
the invention. In particular, it is obvious to a person skilled in
the art that the individual features of the embodiments can be
combined or developed further depending on the application without
this combination departing from the idea of the invention. For
example, while the figures show exemplary embodiments in which the
semiconductor wafer 7 is pressed onto the surface 5 of the
substrate holder body 2 by means of a reduced pressure, each of
these examples may, for example, use mechanical brackets rather
than a reduced pressure, which brackets press the semiconductor
wafer 7 onto the surface 5 of the substrate holder body 2.
Alternatively, it is also possible to use an electrical field,
which is built up by means of an external voltage between the
semiconductor wafer 7 and the substrate holder body 2, and thus
presses the semiconductor wafer 7 onto the surface 5 of the
substrate holder body 2.
* * * * *