Rapid thermal processing technology is being investigated for many uses such as shallow junction diffusion and implant annealing. Most of these processes are done at temperatures above 700 C. It is desirable to use the rapid thermal processor for some low temperature applications such as hillock reduction because of the systems ability to heat up and cool down almost instantaneously as compared to conventional furnaces. Machine control for low temperature processing is more difficult than high temperature processing dur to the optical pyrometers inability to perform at its lower limit. Well documented nonlinear effects of wafer backside emissivity over a temperature range of 400C to 600C will also contribute to wafer to wafer temperature instability. In order to fully utilize the advantages of rapid thermal processing technology, it is imperative that the RTPs performance and repeatability at low temperatures be understood.

This paper will discuss the effect of wafer to wafer backside emissivity differences on wafer temperature for low temperature applications. Typical wafer to wafer backside emissivity variation is presented as well as the measurement error of the Peak “ACE” system. “ACE” (Automatic Compensation for Emissivity) can be used to correct for emissivity differences from wafer to wafer.

Effect of improper emissivity selection on actual wafer temperature is presented. Also actual wafer temperature sensitivity to changes in programmed temperature with constant, uncompensated emissivity is demonstrated.

Lamp current monitoring is discussed with supporting data to show the ability of it to be used as a day to day monitor of system performance. Also, The effects of lamp problems associated with idle current.