Apparatus and methods for automatically handling die carriers are disclosed. In one example, a disclosed apparatus includes: at least one load port each configured for loading a die carrier operable to hold a plurality of dies; and an interface tool coupled to the at least one load port and a semiconductor processing unit. The interface tool comprises: a first robotic arm configured for transporting the die carrier from the at least one load port to the interface tool, and a second robotic arm configured for transporting the die carrier from the interface tool to the semiconductor processing unit for processing at least one die in the die carrier.

This technical disclosure describes a device that includes a recital pod and the method of making and maintaining the pod. The device includes a pod that includes a cover including a cover body; a baseplate including a baseplate body; and one or more mating surfaces formed on one or both of the baseplate body and the cover body to assemble between the cover and the baseplate to each other. The one or more mating surfaces each includes an outermost coating configured to be wear-resistant and lubricating, the outermost coating includes a composite metal plating, and the composite metal plating includes a metal plating with a lubricant embedded therein and/or layered over the metal plating.

This technical disclosure describes a device that includes a recital pod and the method of making and maintaining the pod. The device includes a pod that includes a cover including a cover body; a baseplate including a baseplate body; and one or more mating surfaces formed on one or both of the baseplate body and the cover body to assemble between the cover and the baseplate to each other. The one or more mating surfaces each includes an outermost coating configured to be wear-resistant and lubricating, the outermost coating includes a composite metal plating, and the composite metal plating includes a metal plating with a lubricant embedded therein and/or layered over the metal plating.

A reticle enclosure includes a base including a first surface, a cover including a second surface and coupled to the base with the first surface facing the second surface. The base and the cover form an internal space that includes a reticle. The reticle enclosure includes restraining mechanisms arranged in the internal space and for securing the reticle, and structures disposed adjacent the reticle in the internal space. The structures enclose the reticle at least partially, and limit passage of contaminants between the internal space and an external environment of the reticle enclosure. The structures include barriers disposed on the first and second surfaces. In other examples, a padding is installed in gaps between the barriers and the first and second surfaces. In other examples, the structures include wall structures disposed on the first and second surfaces and between the restraining mechanisms.

A reticle enclosure includes a base including a first surface, a cover including a second surface and coupled to the base with the first surface facing the second surface. The base and the cover form an internal space that includes a reticle. The reticle enclosure includes restraining mechanisms arranged in the internal space and for securing the reticle, and structures disposed adjacent the reticle in the internal space. The structures enclose the reticle at least partially, and limit passage of contaminants between the internal space and an external environment of the reticle enclosure. The structures include barriers disposed on the first and second surfaces. In other examples, a padding is installed in gaps between the barriers and the first and second surfaces. In other examples, the structures include wall structures disposed on the first and second surfaces and between the restraining mechanisms.

In a method of inspecting an outer surface of a mask pod, a stream of air is directed at a first location of a plurality of locations on the outer surface. One or more particles are removed by the directed stream of air from the first location on the outer surface. Scattered air from the first location of the outer surface is extracted and a number of particles in the extracted scattered air is determined as a sampled number of particles at the first location. The mask pod is moved and the stream of air is directed at other locations of the plurality of locations to determine the sampled number of particles in extracted scattered air at the other locations. A map of the particles on the outer surface of the mask pod is generated based on the sampled number of particles at the plurality of locations.

In a method of inspecting an outer surface of a mask pod, a stream of air is directed at a first location of a plurality of locations on the outer surface. One or more particles are removed by the directed stream of air from the first location on the outer surface. Scattered air from the first location of the outer surface is extracted and a number of particles in the extracted scattered air is determined as a sampled number of particles at the first location. The mask pod is moved and the stream of air is directed at other locations of the plurality of locations to determine the sampled number of particles in extracted scattered air at the other locations. A map of the particles on the outer surface of the mask pod is generated based on the sampled number of particles at the plurality of locations.

The instant disclosure discloses a reticle retaining system comprising an inner pod and an outer pod. The inner pod is configured to receive a reticle that includes a first identification feature. The inner pod comprises an inner base having a reticle accommodating region generally at a geometric center thereof and surrounded by a periphery region, and an inner cover configured to establish sealing engagement with the inner base. The inner base has a first observable zone defined in the reticle accommodating region correspondingly arranged to allow observation of the first identification feature. The outer pod is configured to receive the inner base. The outer pod comprises an outer base having a second observable zone defined thereon observably aligned to the first observable zone of the inner pod upon receiving the inner pod, and an outer cover configured to engage the outer base and cover the inner pod.

The instant disclosure discloses a reticle retaining system comprising an inner pod and an outer pod. The inner pod is configured to receive a reticle that includes a first identification feature. The inner pod comprises an inner base having a reticle accommodating region generally at a geometric center thereof and surrounded by a periphery region, and an inner cover configured to establish sealing engagement with the inner base. The inner base has a first observable zone defined in the reticle accommodating region correspondingly arranged to allow observation of the first identification feature. The outer pod is configured to receive the inner base. The outer pod comprises an outer base having a second observable zone defined thereon observably aligned to the first observable zone of the inner pod upon receiving the inner pod, and an outer cover configured to engage the outer base and cover the inner pod.

A method and a system for inspecting an extreme ultra violet mask and a mask pod for such masks is provided. An EUV mask inspection tool inspects a mask retrieved from a mask pod placed on the load port positioned exterior of the mask inspection tool. The inspection process is performed during a selected period of time. After the inspection process is initiated, a robotic handling mechanism such as a robotic arm or an AMHS picks up the mask pod and inspects the mask pod for foreign particles. A mask pod inspection tool determines whether the mask pod needs cleaning or replacing based on a selected swap criteria. The mask pod is retrieved from the mask pod inspection tool and placed on the load port before the selected period of time lapses. This method and system promotes a reduction in the overall time required for inspecting the mask and the mask pod.