Semiconductor workpiece

Number of patents in Portfolio can not be more than 2000

United States of America Patent

PATENT NO 7898089
APP PUB NO 20080063853A1
SERIAL NO

11977909

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ATTORNEY / AGENT: (SPONSORED)

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Abstract

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The present invention provides an apparatus and method for use in processing semiconductor workpieces. The new apparatus and method allows for the production of thinner workpieces that at the same time remain strong. Particularly, a chuck is provided that includes a body, a retainer removeably attached to the body and a seal forming member. When a workpiece is placed on the chuck body and the retainer is engaged to the body, a peripheral portion of the back side of the workpiece is covered by the retainer while an interior region of the back side of the workpiece is exposed. The exposed back side of the workpiece is then subjected to a wet chemical etching process to thin the workpiece and form a relatively thick rim comprised of semiconductor material at the periphery of the workpiece. The thick rim or hoop imparts strength to the otherwise fragile, thinned semiconductor workpiece. Semiconductor workpieces made according to the present invention offer an improved structure for handling thinned wafers in conventional automated equipment. This results in improved yields and improved process efficiency.

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Patent Owner(s)

Patent OwnerAddress
SEMITOOL INCMONTANA

International Classification(s)

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Inventor(s)

Inventor Name Address # of filed Patents Total Citations
Dolechek, Kert L Kalispell, US 21 584
Thompson, Raymon F Kalispell, US 81 2192

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