Method and apparatus for continuous cleaning of substrate surfaces using ozone

摘要

The present invention provides new and improved methods and apparatus for removing contamination from surfaces of substrates. Existing techniques include plasma ashing, glow discharge or UV/ozone processes. The present invention includes cleaning the substrate surfaces by transporting the substrates to be cleaned through a first zone where the substrates are heated preferably in a nitrogen atmosphere and then to a second zone where the substrates are surrounded by an atmosphere of ozone. The organic contamination is thereby vaporized into vapor products including CO, CO2 and H2O.