\n\tNordson March, Concord, Calif., announces its new Sphere Series plasma treatment systems for wafer-level and 3D packaging applications. Based on Nordson March Trak Series, the systems consist of TropoSphere and StratoSphere. Both systems conduct descumming, ashing (photoresist\/polymer stripping), dielectric etching, wafer bumping, organic contamination removal, and wafer de-stress. Both systems support automated handling and processing of round and square wafers, and can process thin wafers with or without a carrier, depending on the wafer thickness.<\/p>\n
\n\tThe Sphere Series models are differentiated by the size of their chambers. The TropoSphere system has the smallest chamber. It is designed for high-throughput processing of semiconductor wafers and other flat substrates in sizes ranging from 76 mm (3 in.) to 200 mm (8 in.) diameter, for wafers held in open cassettes. The StratoSphere plasma system handles semiconductor wafers up to 300 mm (12 in.) diameter.<\/p>\n
\n\tBoth series utilize a patented plasma chamber design that provides exceptional etch uniformity and process repeatability. The control architecture enables short plasma cycle times with very low overhead, ensuring that throughput is maximized and cost of ownership is minimized.<\/p>\n
\n\t“This is an easy way to eliminate problems caused by contaminants that result from the semiconductor manufacturing process,” said Jonathan Doan, director of marketing, Nordson March. “Our plasma treatment can be used for both wafer cleaning and a variety of etching, ashing, and descum steps, along with contamination removal, surface roughening, increasing wettability, and enhancing bonding and adhesion strength.<\/p>\n