Optoelectronics
The role of UV technology in safeguarding microelectronics production
By Ken Kershner, global commercial director, Nuvonic T
he semiconductor industry is crucial in today’s tech landscape and is growing significantly. In January 2024, global semiconductor sales reached $47.6 billion, up 15.2
per cent from January 2023’s $41.3 billion, as reported by the Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA). However, ensuring the quality and security of microelectronics poses distinct challenges for the industry. As technology advances, with chips becoming smaller and the demand for digital advancements, artificial intelligence (AI), and Internet of Things (IoT) devices increasing, the industry must address concerns such as declining wafer/chip yield and the risks of contamination. This is where UV technology emerges as a fundamental solution, offering a sustainable approach to tackle these challenges and safeguard production processes.
Ensuring quality amid decreasing yields and contamination risks The semiconductor industry, known for its precision and innovation, is facing significant challenges as technology
advances. One of the main concerns is the decreasing yields of wafers and chips, which is directly linked to the progress in semiconductor technology. This decline in yields is a critical problem because it means there is less tolerance for any type of contamination during the fabrication processes.
Among the various sources of
contamination in semiconductor fabrication, ultrapure water (UPW) is a major concern. This water is essential for many processes in chip manufacturing, but it is prone to
26 June 2024
manufacturing, the effectiveness of UV technology becomes even more crucial. The ability of UV technology to efficiently eliminate TOC and maintain water purity within strict limits is essential for ensuring the quality, reliability, and functionality of semiconductor devices.
UV technology combats microbial contamination in water, air and surfaces
contamination due to its direct interaction with chips and wafers during fabrication. Any deviation from optimal purity levels can lead to defects, lower yields, and compromised performance of microelectronic components. Therefore, semiconductor manufacturers are increasingly focusing on implementing strong protocols to ensure the purity of UPW throughout the fabrication processes. These challenges are further intensified by the ongoing miniaturisation of chips and the demand for higher computing power in modern electronic devices. As chips become smaller and more complex, they also become more sensitive to
contaminants, requiring even stricter quality control measures.
A clean, efficient, and eco-friendly approach to water purification UV technology is highly efficient and effective in eliminating Total Organic Carbon (TOC) from water, especially in semiconductor manufacturing processes. In comparison to
Components in Electronics
other methods like chemical treatments, UV technology offers unique benefits that make it the preferred choice in the industry. A major advantage of UV technology is its capability to target and break down organic compounds in water without the need for additional chemicals or byproducts. Through UV oxidation, ultraviolet light is used to disrupt the molecular structure of organic contaminants, making them harmless and easy to remove. Unlike chemical treatments that can leave behind residual substances, UV treatment provides a clean and eco-friendly approach to water purification. Furthermore, UV technology is highly efficient in terms of energy consumption and operational costs. UV systems are designed to deliver precise doses of ultraviolet light, ensuring optimal treatment while minimising energy waste. This efficiency is particularly important in semiconductor manufacturing, where large amounts of water are utilized in various production stages. By reducing energy usage and operational expenses, UV technology contributes to the overall cost-effectiveness and sustainability of semiconductor production facilities. With the increasing demand for stringent TOC standards in advanced chip
While UV targets contamination in UPW, ensuring its purity by eliminating microbial growth and dissolved organics, it is also crucial to eliminate air and surface contamination in semiconductor manufacturing. UV prevents microbial growth on product-contact surfaces, improving yield rates and ensuring high- quality chip production. By acting as a barrier against contamination, UV technology upholds precision and reliability in semiconductor manufacturing.
Moreover, UV enhances occupational health and safety by reducing airborne microbial contaminants in semiconductor facilities. This creates a healthier working environment, improves overall well-being, and reduces the risk of contamination-related disruptions in the manufacturing process.
Emerging applications and advancements
UV technology continues to evolve with new applications and advancements, including UV dechlorination for UPW pretreatment and UV treatment for microelectronic product rinse water reuse. These developments highlight the important role UV technology will continue to play in the production of microelectronics. As the industry progresses, UV technology will be essential in maintaining quality, combating contamination, and meeting the changing needs of technology.
https://www.nuvonicuv.com/
www.cieonline.co.uk.uk
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