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Lam Research

Vector Express

DepositionProduced 2007–Lam Research Vector Express family
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Lam Vector Express is a plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition tool. Lam Vector Express is part of Lam's 300 mm VECTOR platform. Lam Vector Express was introduced in 2007.[1][2]

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Produced

2007–

Performance

up to 40%[1]

What it is

The Vector Express is a plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition platform.[1][4]

The Vector Express is part of the Novellus VECTOR platform lineage and was introduced as an enhancement to the 300 mm VECTOR PECVD platform.[1][4]

How it works

The Vector Express uses multi-station sequential processing architecture, and the SmartSoak feature controls wafer heat-up separately from film deposition.[1][4]

The Vector Express also incorporates automated wafer monitoring, precision high speed mechanical components, and advanced materials delivery technology.[1][4]

Where it fits in the process flow

The Vector Express is used for thin film processing in semiconductor fabrication.[1][4]

The Vector Express is positioned for tool extendibility at the 45 nm node and beyond.[1][4]

Applications

The Vector Express is used for dielectric film deposition.[1][4]

The Vector Express is capable of depositing all dielectric films required for advanced dual damascene structures.[1][4]

The Vector Express supports TEOS oxide and silane spacer oxide processes.[1][4]

What do the numbers mean?

Wafer handling2

Wafer size
12 inch[2]
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Wafer size
300 mm[1]
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Gas & chemistry2

System type
PECVD (Plasma-Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition)[3]
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Process type
Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD), plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD)[2]
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Performance2

Process throughput improvement
up to 40%[1]
Accurate?
Throughput improvement
up to 40%[1]
Accurate?

Configuration & options8

Manufacturer
Lam[2]
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Model
Vector Express[2]
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Category
Deposition[3]
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Platform size
300 mm VECTOR platform[1]
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OEM
Lam Research[2]
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Platform
VECTOR platform[1]
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Process node extendibility
45nm node and beyond[1]
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Process feature
SmartSoak processing feature[1]
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Vintage & configurations

  1. 2007Production start[1]

    VECTOR Express was to be in production release in the second quarter of 2007.

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What does it need to run?

Site utility requirements, footprint, and infrastructure needed to install and operate this tool. Sourced from public records.

  • System typePECVD (Plasma-Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition)[3]
  • Process typeChemical Vapor Deposition (CVD), plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD)[2]

Where are the manuals?

Generated from public-source data on file. Enter your email to access — nothing is published; details are routed privately.

Not publicly documented

Field notes

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Frequently asked questions

What kinds of materials are deposited by this class of tool?General reference — not yet source-verified

Machines of this class can be used with conductive, insulating, barrier, or functional film materials, depending on the process chemistry and source method.

Why is controlled atmosphere important in deposition?General reference — not yet source-verified

A controlled chamber environment helps manage film purity, uniformity, adhesion, and repeatability while reducing unwanted contamination or reactions.

What process outcomes matter most for deposition tools?General reference — not yet source-verified

Key goals are uniform coverage, stable film composition, controlled thickness, and compatibility with the surrounding process sequence.

Not publicly documented

The following facts about the Vector Express are absent from this record as of this revision. First-hand knowledge or a citation closes a gap; every submission is reviewed before publication.

  • No publicly documented variants, configuration options, or revision breakpoints of the Vector Express are on record.

    Answerable by: an OEM product catalog or an engineer who ordered or specified the tool

  • The control-system platform and OS era of the Vector Express are not on record.

    Answerable by: an engineer who operated it or OEM installation records

  • No publicly documented failure modes or field errata for the Vector Express are on record.

    Answerable by: a field service engineer, process engineer, or maintenance technician

  • The process node or technology generation of the Vector Express is not on record.

    Answerable by: an OEM datasheet or a fab qualification report

  • No publicly documented compatible parts, consumables, or accessories for the Vector Express are on record.

    Answerable by: an OEM parts catalog or a service engineer

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Sources & citations

Sources (5)Every fact above is drawn from these public sources
  1. [1]newsroom.lamresearch.com — newsroom.lamresearch.comnewsroom.lamresearch.com
  2. [2]Equipment inventory listing
  3. [3]waferpedia.comwaferpedia.com
  4. [4]Lam Research Investor Relations - Press Releases — investor.lamresearch.cominvestor.lamresearch.com
  5. [5]Equipment inventory listing
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Last updated Oct 13, 2026.

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