Patents Assigned to Intevac, Inc.
  • Patent number: 11897811
    Abstract: A processing system for forming an optical coating on a substrate is provided, wherein the optical coating including an anti-reflective coating and an oleophobic coating, the system comprising: a linear transport processing section configured for processing and transporting substrate carriers individually and one at a time in a linear direction; at least one evaporation processing system positioned in the linear transport processing system, the evaporation processing system configured to form the oleophobic coating; a batch processing section configured to transport substrate carriers in unison about an axis; at least one ion beam assisted deposition processing chamber positioned in the batch processing section, the ion beam assisted deposition processing chamber configured to deposit layer of the anti-reflective coating; a plurality of substrate carriers for mounting substrates; and, means for transferring the substrate carriers between the linear transport processing section and the batch processing section
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: INTEVAC, INC.
    Inventors: Terry Bluck, Wendell Thomas Blonigan
  • Patent number: 11694913
    Abstract: A processing system is provided, including a vacuum enclosure having a plurality of process windows and a continuous track positioned therein; a plurality of processing chambers attached sidewalls of the vacuum enclosures, each processing chamber about one of the process windows; a loadlock attached at one end of the vacuum enclosure and having a loading track positioned therein; at least one gate valve separating the loadlock from the vacuum enclosure; a plurality of substrate carriers configured to travel on the continuous track and the loading track; at least one track exchanger positioned within the vacuum enclosure, the track exchangers movable between a first position, wherein substrate carriers are made to continuously move on the continuous track, and a second position wherein the substrate carriers are made to transfer between the continuous track and the loading track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2023
    Assignee: INTEVAC, INC.
    Inventor: Terry Bluck
  • Patent number: 11414748
    Abstract: A processing system is provided, including a vacuum enclosure having a plurality of process windows and a continuous track positioned therein; a plurality of processing chambers attached sidewalls of the vacuum enclosures, each processing chamber about one of the process windows; a loadlock attached at one end of the vacuum enclosure and having a loading track positioned therein; at least one gate valve separating the loadlock from the vacuum enclosure; a plurality of substrate carriers configured to travel on the continuous track and the loading track; at least one track exchanger positioned within the vacuum enclosure, the track exchangers movable between a first position, wherein substrate carriers are made to continuously move on the continuous track, and a second position wherein the substrate carriers are made to transfer between the continuous track and the loading track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: INTEVAC, INC.
    Inventor: Terry Bluck
  • Patent number: 11255013
    Abstract: The use of non-mass analyzed ion implanter is advantageous in such application as it generates ion implanting at different depth depending on the ions energy and mass. This allows for gaining advantage from lubricity offered as a result of the very light deposition on the surface, and at the same time the hardness provided by the intercalated ions implanted below it, providing benefits for cover glass, low E enhancement, and other similar materials. In further aspects, ion implantation is used to create other desirable film properties such anti-microbial and corrosion resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: INTEVAC, INC.
    Inventors: Terry Bluck, Babak Adibi
  • Patent number: 11236013
    Abstract: A processing system for forming an optical coating on a substrate is provided, wherein the optical coating including an anti-reflective coating and an oleophobic coating, the system comprising: a linear transport processing section configured for processing and transporting substrate carriers individually and one at a time in a linear direction; at least one evaporation processing system positioned in the linear transport processing system, the evaporation processing system configured to form the oleophobic coating; a batch processing section configured to transport substrate carriers in unison about an axis; at least one ion beam assisted deposition processing chamber positioned in the batch processing section, the ion beam assisted deposition processing chamber configured to deposit layer of the anti-reflective coating; a plurality of substrate carriers for mounting substrates; and, means for transferring the substrate carriers between the linear transport processing section and the batch processing section
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignee: INTEVAC, INC.
    Inventors: Terry Bluck, Wendell Thomas Blonigan
  • Patent number: 11187834
    Abstract: A multi-color dielectric coating is formed using interleaved layers of dielectric material, having alternating refractive index, to create reflections at selected wavelengths, thus appearing as different colors. Etching of selected layers at selected locations changes the color appearance of the etched locations, thus generating a coating having multiple colors. The thicknesses of the layers are chosen such that the path-length differences for reflections from different high-index layers are integer multiples of the wavelength for which the coating is designed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Assignee: INTEVAC, INC.
    Inventors: Terry Bluck, Paul Ramon Markoff Johnson, Alexander Vassilievich Demchuk
  • Patent number: 10955589
    Abstract: An optical coating, such as anti-reflective coating (ARC) or colored coating for optical devices, suitable especially for mobile devices. The ARC is made up of alternating layers of low refractive index and high refractive index. At least one of the layers, preferably the top layer, is made up of nano-laminate. The nano-laminate is a structure of alternating nano-layers, each nano-layer made out of a material having refractive index similar to the layer it replaces. Optionally, each of the layers are made up of nano-laminates, such that a layer having low refractive index is made up of nano-laminates of nano-layers having low refractive index, while high index layers are made up of nano-lamonate of nano-layers having high refractive index. Each of the nano-layers is of 2-10 nanometer thickness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: INTEVAC, INC.
    Inventors: Terry Bluck, Gaurav Saraf, James Craig Hunter, Changwan Hwang, Paul R. Markoff Johnson, Jae Ha Choi
  • Patent number: 10854772
    Abstract: A system for transporting substrates and precisely align the substrates horizontally and vertically. The system decouples the functions of transporting the substrates, vertically aligning the substrates, and horizontally aligning the substrates. The transport system includes a carriage upon which plurality of chuck assemblies are loosely positioned, each of the chuck assemblies includes a base having vertical alignment wheels to place the substrate in precise vertical alignment. A pedestal is configured to freely slide on the base. The pedestal includes a set of horizontal alignment wheels that precisely align the pedestal in the horizontal direction. An electrostatic chuck is magnetically held to the pedestal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2020
    Assignee: INTEVAC, INC.
    Inventors: Hoang Huy Vu, Babak Adibi, Terry Bluck
  • Patent number: 10752987
    Abstract: Disclosed is a substrate processing system which enables combined static and pass-by processing. Also, a system architecture is provided, which reduces footprint size. The system is constructed such that the substrates are processed therein vertically, and each chamber has a processing source attached to one sidewall thereof, wherein the other sidewall backs to a complementary processing chamber. The chamber system can be milled from a single block of metal, e.g., aluminum, wherein the block is milled from both sides, such that a wall remains and separates each two complementary processing chambers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2020
    Assignee: INTEVAC, INC.
    Inventors: Patrick Leahey, Eric Lawson, Charles Liu, Terry Bluck, Kevin P. Fairbairn, Robert L. Ruck, Samuel D. Harkness, IV
  • Patent number: 10692683
    Abstract: A novel photocathode employing a conduction band barrier is described. Incorporation of a barrier optimizes a trade-off between photoelectron transport efficiency and photoelectron escape probability. The barrier energy is designed to achieve a net increase in photocathode sensitivity over a specific operational temperature range.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 23, 2020
    Assignee: INTEVAC, INC.
    Inventors: Kenneth A. Costello, Verle W. Aebi, Michael Jurkovic, Xi Zeng
  • Patent number: 10679883
    Abstract: A system for processing wafers in a vacuum processing chamber. Carrier comprising a frame having a plurality of openings, each opening configured to accommodate one wafer. A transport mechanism configured to transport the plurality of carriers throughout the system. A plurality of wafer plates configured for supporting wafers. An attachment mechanism for attaching a plurality of wafer plates to each of the carriers, wherein each of the wafer plates is attached to a corresponding position at an underside of a corresponding carrier, such that each of the wafers positioned on one of the wafer carriers is positioned within one of the plurality of opening in the carrier. Mask attached over front side of one of the plurality of opening in the carrier. Alignment stage supports wafer plate under the opening in the carrier. A camera positioned to simultaneously image the mask and the wafer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: INTEVAC, INC.
    Inventors: Terry Bluck, Aaron Zanetto, William Eugene Runstadler, Jr., Terry Pederson
  • Patent number: 10636935
    Abstract: An ion implantation system having a grid assembly. The system includes a plasma source configured to provide plasma in a plasma region; a first grid plate having a plurality of apertures configured to allow ions from the plasma region to pass therethrough, wherein the first grid plate is configured to be biased by a power supply; a second grid plate having a plurality of apertures configured to allow the ions to pass therethrough subsequent to the ions passing through the first grid plate, wherein the second grid plate is configured to be biased by a power supply; and a substrate holder configured to support a substrate in a position where the substrate is implanted with the ions subsequent to the ions passing through the second grid plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2020
    Assignee: Intevac, Inc.
    Inventors: Babak Adibi, Moon Chun
  • Patent number: 10559710
    Abstract: A system for transporting substrates and precisely alignment the substrates to shadow masks. The system decouples the functions of transporting the substrates, vertically aligning the substrates, and horizontally aligning the substrates. The transport system includes a carriage upon which plurality of pedestals are loosely positioned, each of the pedestals includes a base having vertical alignment wheels to place the substrate in precise vertical alignment. Two sidebars are configured to freely slide on the base. Each of the sidebars includes a set of horizontal alignment wheels that precisely align the substrate in the horizontal direction. Substrate support claws are attached to the sidebars in precise alignment to the vertical alignment wheels and the horizontal alignment wheels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2020
    Assignee: INTEVAC, INC.
    Inventors: William Eugene Runstadler, Jr., Babak Adibi, Terry Bluck
  • Patent number: 10446430
    Abstract: A chuck for wafer processing that counters the deleterious effects of thermal expansion of the wafer. Also, a combination of chuck and shadow mask arrangement that maintains relative alignment between openings in the mask and the wafer in spite of thermal expansion of the wafer. A method for fabricating a solar cell by ion implant, while maintaining relative alignment of the implanted features during thermal expansion of the wafer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: INTEVAC, INC.
    Inventors: Terry Bluck, Babak Adibi, Vinay Prabhakar, William Eugene Runstadler, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10425589
    Abstract: Dynamic range of a photosensor is controlled dynamically improving image detail especially in dark and bright areas of the image. At least one reset threshold and one reset value are set. At the end of the frame integration the value of the average pixel and the value of the brightest pixel that was not reset are determined and, based on that, at least one of the reset threshold and the reset value are changed. The change may reduce/increase the reset threshold such that more/less pixels are being reset, may reduce/increase the reset value thereby causing the pixels to be reset to a lower/higher value, or change the timing of the reset. In some embodiments, a calculated value for the reset threshold and the reset value are averaged with calculated values of prior N frames, and the result is applied to the next frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Assignee: INTEVAC, INC.
    Inventors: Simeon Su-Ming Trieu, Emil Abraham Wilke
  • Patent number: 10418260
    Abstract: A system for fan out chip encapsulation processing is provided, wherein a plurality of microchips are encapsulated in molding compound, the system comprising: an atmospheric loading camber, configured to load substrates onto carriers in atmospheric environment; an entry loadlock arrangement configured to introduce the carriers into vacuum environment of the system; a degas chamber positioned downstream of the loadlock arrangement within the vacuum environment, the degas chamber comprising a heating element and a pumping arrangement to remove gases emitted from the molding compound; an etch chamber positioned downstream of the degas chamber and within the vacuum environment, the etch chamber comprising an ion beam generator and an ion neutralizer; a metal sputtering chamber positioned downstream of the etch chamber and inside the vacuum environment; and, an exit loadlock arrangement configured to remove carriers from the vacuum environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: INTEVAC, INC.
    Inventors: Terry Bluck, Terry Pederson, William Eugene Runstadler, Jr.
  • Patent number: 10197802
    Abstract: A compact, lightweight, multi-wavelength display system which can be used for simultaneous viewing with both eyes is provided. The system utilizes a field flattener lens to remove abrasions introduced by the system's lenses. The system also uses a polarization selective optical element that reflects one linear polarization state while transmitting radiation of the orthogonal linear polarization state. The PS element is used in combination with a quarter wave plate and an optical element, the optical element including a partially reflective surface. The optical element may either be a single element or an optical doublet. In the latter configuration, the partially reflective surface is at the interface between the two singlets that comprise the doublet. The system also includes an image source that either alone, or in combination with other optical elements, produces circularly polarized light of the desired rotary sense.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2019
    Assignee: INTEVAC, INC.
    Inventor: Michael James Hoppe
  • Patent number: 10115617
    Abstract: A system for processing substrates in plasma chambers, such that all substrates transport and loading/unloading operations are performed in atmospheric environment, but processing is performed in vacuum environment. The substrates are transported throughout the system on carriers. The system's chambers are arranged linearly, such that carriers move from one chamber directly to the next. A conveyor, placed above or below the system's chambers, returns the carriers to the system's entry area after processing is completed. Loading and unloading of substrates may be performed at one side of the system, or loading can be done at the entry side and unloading at the exit side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2018
    Assignee: INTEVAC, INC.
    Inventors: Terry Bluck, Vinay Shah, Alexandru Riposan
  • Patent number: 10106883
    Abstract: A sputtering system having a processing chamber with an inlet port and an outlet port, and a sputtering target positioned on a wall of the processing chamber. A movable magnet arrangement is positioned behind the sputtering target and reciprocally slides behind the target. A conveyor continuously transports substrates at a constant speed past the sputtering target, such that at any given time, several substrates face the target between the leading edge and the trailing edge. In certain embodiments, the movable magnet arrangement slides at a speed that is at least several times faster than the constant speed of the conveyor. A rotating zone is defined behind the leading edge and trailing edge of the target, wherein the magnet arrangement decelerates when it enters the rotating zone and accelerates as it reverses direction of sliding within the rotating zone. In certain embodiments, magnet power and/or speed varies as function of direction of magnet travel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Assignee: INTEVAC, INC.
    Inventors: Vinay Shah, Alexandru Riposan, Terry Bluck, Vladimir Kudriavtsev
  • Patent number: 10062600
    Abstract: A system for processing substrates in plasma chambers, such that all substrates transport and loading/unloading operations are performed in atmospheric environment, but processing is performed in vacuum environment. The substrates are transported throughout the system on carriers. The system's chambers are arranged linearly, such that carriers move from one chamber directly to the next. A conveyor, placed above or below the system's chambers, returns the carriers to the system's entry area after processing is completed. The carriers are configured for supporting substrates of different sizes. The carriers are also configured for flipping the substrates such that both surfaces of the substrates may be processed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: Intevac, Inc.
    Inventors: Terry Bluck, Vinay Shah, Ian Latchford, Alexandru Riposan