Method and apparatus for preparing a sample for optical analysis and method of controlling the apparatus

摘要

A method for preparing a sample for its optical analysis in the manufacture of a semiconductor device includes the step of drying a liquid formed on the semiconductor wafer until the concentration of contaminants contained in the liquid is of a sufficiently high level for the optical analyzer to adequately detect the contaminants. The liquid may be of a film formed on the wafer and dissolved into liquid drops, or deionized water or various chemicals to which the wafer is exposed during a manufacturing process. The apparatus includes a chuck for bringing the wafer into and out of a processing chamber, a guide for guiding the chuck, a piston cylinder for driving the chuck along the guide to a processing position, and a gas supplying system which directs nitrogen gas onto the wafer for drying the liquid. Appropriate controls are provided so that the apparatus can be operated automatically or manually.