Computational fluid dynamics modeling of a discrete feed atomic layer deposition reactor: Application to reactor design and operation

Novel transistor fabrication methods such as area-selective atomic layer deposition (AS-ALD) are crucial to improving nanopatterning, which is essential for facilitating transistor stacking in semiconducting wafers. However, transistor surfaces are subjected to nonuniformities during the initial AS-...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:	Computers & chemical engineering Vol. 178; p. 108400
Main Authors:	Tom, Matthew, Wang, Henrik, Ou, Feiyang, Yun, Sungil, Orkoulas, Gerassimos, Christofides, Panagiotis D.
Format:	Journal Article
Language:	English
Published:	Elsevier Ltd 01.10.2023
Subjects:	Area-selective atomic layer deposition Computational fluid dynamics modeling Reactor optimal design Reactor optimal operation Semiconductor manufacturing processes Computational fluid dynamics modeling Area-selective atomic layer deposition Reactor optimal operation Semiconductor manufacturing processes Reactor optimal design
ISSN:	0098-1354, 1873-4375
Online Access:	Get full text
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Summary:	Novel transistor fabrication methods such as area-selective atomic layer deposition (AS-ALD) are crucial to improving nanopatterning, which is essential for facilitating transistor stacking in semiconducting wafers. However, transistor surfaces are subjected to nonuniformities during the initial AS-ALD adsorption reactions that are attributed to steric hindrance effects. To minimize the role of steric hindrance generated by an oversaturation of reagent on the substrate surface, a discrete feed method is proposed for an ALD reactor configuration where reagent is introduced in short pulses through a perpendicular delivery system. An optimal reactor configuration is developed by modifying the inlet geometries of the reactor to ensure ideal fluid dynamics conditions (e.g., minimal vortices, radial flow distribution) are achieved. Detailed computational fluid dynamics simulations demonstrate the performance of the new reactor configuration and operational strategy. •Computational fluid dynamics modeling of a discrete feed ALD reactor.•Optimization of reagent delivery system.•Minimization of steric hindrance effects.•Reactor optimal operation is determined.
ISSN:	0098-1354 1873-4375
DOI:	10.1016/j.compchemeng.2023.108400