Patents by Inventor David J. Coumou
David J. Coumou has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Publication number: 20230187182Abstract: A method includes depositing a first layer of a first material onto a surface of a chamber component of a processing chamber. The first material comprises a polymer, the polymer having a dielectric strength of at least 40 MV/m. The method further includes depositing a second layer of a second material onto the first layer. The second material comprises a first ceramic material impregnated into the first polymer or a second polymer. The method further includes depositing a third layer. The third layer is of a third material. The third material includes the first ceramic material or a second ceramic material. The third material does not adhere to the first polymer or the second polymer. The third material does adhere to the first ceramic material or the second ceramic material of the second layer.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 10, 2021Publication date: June 15, 2023Inventors: Joseph Frederick Sommers, Joseph Frederick Behnke, Xue Yang Chang, Anwar Husain, Alexander Alhajj Sulyman, Timothy Joseph Franklin, David J. Coumou
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Patent number: 11531312Abstract: A power supply control system includes a power generator for providing a signal to a load. The power generator includes a power controller controlling a power amplifier. The power generator includes an adaptive controller for varying the output signal controlling the power amplifier. The adaptive controller compares an error between a measured output and a predicted output to determine adaptive values applied to the power controller. The power generator also includes a sensor that generates an output signal that is digitized and processed. The sensor signal is mixed with a constant K. The constant K is varied to vary the processing of the sensor output signal. The value K may be commutated based on the phase, frequency, or both phase and frequency, and the bandwidth of K is determined by coupled power in the sensor output signal.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2021Date of Patent: December 20, 2022Assignee: MKS Instruments, Inc.Inventors: David J. Coumou, Yuriy Elner, Aung Toe, Daniel M. Gill, Eldridge M. Mount, IV, Shaun Smith
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Publication number: 20210311448Abstract: A power supply control system includes a power generator for providing a signal to a load. The power generator includes a power controller controlling a power amplifier. The power generator includes an adaptive controller for varying the output signal controlling the power amplifier. The adaptive controller compares an error between a measured output and a predicted output to determine adaptive values applied to the power controller. The power generator also includes a sensor that generates an output signal that is digitized and processed. The sensor signal is mixed with a constant K. The constant K is varied to vary the processing of the sensor output signal. The value K may be commutated based on the phase, frequency, or both phase and frequency, and the bandwidth of K is determined by coupled power in the sensor output signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 16, 2021Publication date: October 7, 2021Applicant: MKS Instruments, Inc.Inventors: David J. COUMOU, Yuriy ELNER, Aung TOE, Daniel M. GILL, Eldridge M. MOUNT, IV, Shaun SMITH
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Patent number: 11042140Abstract: A power supply control system includes a power generator for providing a signal to a load. The power generator includes a power controller controlling a power amplifier. The power generator includes an adaptive controller for varying the output signal controlling the power amplifier. The adaptive controller compares an error between a measured output and a predicted output to determine adaptive values applied to the power controller. The power generator also includes a sensor that generates an output signal that is digitized and processed. The sensor signal is mixed with a constant K. The constant K is varied to vary the processing of the sensor output signal. The value K may be commutated based on the phase, frequency, or both phase and frequency, and the bandwidth of K is determined by coupled power in the sensor output signal.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2019Date of Patent: June 22, 2021Assignee: MKS Instruments, Inc.Inventors: David J. Coumou, Yuriy Elner, Aung Toe, Daniel M. Gill, Eldridge M. Mount, IV, Shaun Smith
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Patent number: 11009843Abstract: A power supply control system includes a power generator for providing a signal to a load. The power generator includes a power controller controlling a power amplifier. The power generator includes an adaptive controller for varying the output signal controlling the power amplifier. The adaptive controller compares an error between a measured output and a predicted output to determine adaptive values applied to the power controller. The power generator also includes a sensor that generates an output signal that is digitized and processed. The sensor signal is mixed with a constant K. The constant K is varied to vary the processing of the sensor output signal. The value K may be commutated based on the phase, frequency, or both phase and frequency, and the bandwidth of K is determined by coupled power in the sensor output signal.Type: GrantFiled: March 11, 2019Date of Patent: May 18, 2021Assignee: MKS Instruments, Inc.Inventors: David J. Coumou, Yuriy Elner, Aung Toe, Daniel M. Gill, Eldridge M. Mount, IV, Shaun Smith
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Patent number: 10998170Abstract: Plasma ion energy distribution for ions having different masses is controlled by controlling the relationship between a base RF frequency and a harmonic RF frequency. By the controlling the RF power frequencies, characteristics of the plasma process may be changed based on ion mass. The ions that dominate etching may be selectively based upon whether an ion is lighter or heavier than other ions. Similarly, atomic layer etch processes may be controlled such that the process may be switched between a layer modification step and a layer etch step though adjustment of the RF frequencies. Such switching is capable of being performed within the same gas phase of the plasma process. The control of the RF power includes controlling the phase difference and/or amplitude ratios between a base RF frequency and a harmonic frequency based upon the detection of one or more electrical characteristics within the plasma apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: April 8, 2019Date of Patent: May 4, 2021Assignee: Tokyo Electron LimitedInventors: Yusuke Yoshida, Sergey Voronin, Alok Ranjan, David J. Coumou, Scott E. White
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Patent number: 10910197Abstract: A matching network system for a radio frequency (RF) power delivery system includes a matching network having a variable tuning element. The matching network introduces a variable impedance between a RF power generator and a load. A stepper motor adjusts a position of the variable tuning element. The matching network system also includes a controller communicating with the matching network. The controller receives the position of the stepper motor and compares the position with a stored, predetermined position. The controller generates a position correction and applies the position correction to the position to provide improved repeatability or reproducibility.Type: GrantFiled: October 19, 2018Date of Patent: February 2, 2021Assignee: MKS Instruments, Inc.Inventor: David J. Coumou
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Patent number: 10821542Abstract: A radio frequency (RF) power delivery system includes a first RF generator and a second RF generator. The first RF generator operates as a master RF generator, and the second RF generator operates as a slave RF generator. The slave RF generator includes a detector for sensing an electrical characteristic of the RF signal of the slave RF generator. The slave RF generator also includes a detector for sensing an electrical characteristic of the RF signal from the master RF generator. Operation of the slave RF generator is controlled by a host or controller. The host or controller operates the slave RF generator in accordance with electrical properties determined by the second detector.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2013Date of Patent: November 3, 2020Assignee: MKS Instruments, Inc.Inventors: Nicholas Nelson, David J. Coumou
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Patent number: 10692698Abstract: A system for controlling RF power supplies applying power to a load, such as a plasma chamber, includes a master power supply and a slave power supply. The master power supply provides a control signal, such as a frequency and phase signal, to the slave power supply. The slave power supply receives the frequency and phase signal and also receives signals characteristic of the spectral emissions detected from the load. The slave RF power supply varies the phase and power of its RF output signal applied to the load. Varying the power controls the width of an ion distribution function, and varying the phase controls a peak of the ion distribution. Depending upon the coupling between the RF generators and the load, different spectral emissions are detected, including first harmonics, second harmonics, and, in the case of a dual frequency drive system, intermodulation distortion.Type: GrantFiled: July 11, 2019Date of Patent: June 23, 2020Assignee: MKS Instruments, Inc.Inventors: David J. Coumou, Ross Reinhardt, Yuriy Elner, Daniel M. Gill, Richard Pham
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Patent number: 10666206Abstract: A radio frequency (RF) control system including a RF generator having a power amplifier that outputs a RF signal and a controller. A matching network receives the RF signal and generates at least one RF output signal. In a first mode of operation, the controller enables adjustment of the frequency of the RF signal and a tune element of the matching network to achieve an impedance match and in a second mode of operation the controller enables adjustment of only the tune element of the matching network to achieve an impedance match while the frequency is adjusted to a target frequency. The RF controls system operates in a continuous and pulse mode of operation.Type: GrantFiled: December 19, 2017Date of Patent: May 26, 2020Assignee: MKS Instruments, Inc.Inventors: David J. Coumou, Ross Reinhardt, Yuriy Elner, Daniel M. Gill
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Publication number: 20200126761Abstract: A matching network system for a radio frequency (RF) power delivery system includes a matching network having a variable tuning element. The matching network introduces a variable impedance between a RF power generator and a load. A stepper motor adjusts a position of the variable tuning element. The matching network system also includes a controller communicating with the matching network. The controller receives the position of the stepper motor and compares the position with a stored, predetermined position. The controller generates a positon correction and applies the position correction to the position to provide improved repeatability or reproducibility.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 19, 2018Publication date: April 23, 2020Inventor: David J. COUMOU
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Patent number: 10536130Abstract: A single input multiple output plasma control system includes a splitter that receives a single input and generates multiple outputs. Each output from the splitter is provided to a load. The splitter includes branch circuits connected between selected splitter outputs. The branch circuits control voltage, current, power, frequency, or phase between each branch to enable controlling a predetermined relationship between the voltage, current, power, impedance, frequency, or phase measured at each load.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2018Date of Patent: January 14, 2020Assignee: MKS Instruments, inc.Inventors: David J. Coumou, Dennis M. Brown, Jeongseok Jang, Jin Huh
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Publication number: 20190391547Abstract: A power supply control system includes a power generator for providing a signal to a load. The power generator includes a power controller controlling a power amplifier. The power generator includes an adaptive controller for varying the output signal controlling the power amplifier. The adaptive controller compares an error between a measured output and a predicted output to determine adaptive values applied to the power controller. The power generator also includes a sensor that generates an output signal that is digitized and processed. The sensor signal is mixed with a constant K. The constant K is varied to vary the processing of the sensor output signal. The value K may be commutated based on the phase, frequency, or both phase and frequency, and the bandwidth of K is determined by coupled power in the sensor output signal.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 11, 2019Publication date: December 26, 2019Applicant: MKS Instruments, Inc.Inventors: David J. COUMOU, Yuriy ELNER, Aung TOE, Daniel M. GILL, Eldridge M. MOUNT, IV, Shaun SMITH
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Publication number: 20190333738Abstract: A system for controlling RF power supplies applying power to a load, such as a plasma chamber, includes a master power supply and a slave power supply. The master power supply provides a control signal, such as a frequency and phase signal, to the slave power supply. The slave power supply receives the frequency and phase signal and also receives signals characteristic of the spectral emissions detected from the load. The slave RF power supply varies the phase and power of its RF output signal applied to the load. Varying the power controls the width of an ion distribution function, and varying the phase controls a peak of the ion distribution. Depending upon the coupling between the RF generators and the load, different spectral emissions are detected, including first harmonics, second harmonics, and, in the case of a dual frequency drive system, intermodulation distortion.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 11, 2019Publication date: October 31, 2019Applicant: MKS Instruments, Inc.Inventors: David J. COUMOU, Ross REINHARDT, Yuriy ELNER, Daniel M. GILL, Richard PHAM
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Publication number: 20190318913Abstract: Multiple harmonic frequency components are used for plasma excitation in a plasma process. Relative amplitude and/or phase shift between the different frequency components is controlled so as to provide desired ion energy plasma properties. The relative amplitude and/or phase shift may be controlled without direct and/or manual ion energy measurements. Rather, the ion energy within the plasma may be dynamically controlled by monitoring one or more electrical characteristics within the plasma apparatus, such as for example, impedance levels, electrical signals in the radio frequency (RF) generator, electrical signals in a the matching networks, and electrical signals in other circuits of the plasma processing apparatus. The monitoring and control of the ion energy may be accomplished dynamically during the plasma process so as to maintain a desired ion energy distribution.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 8, 2019Publication date: October 17, 2019Inventors: Yusuke Yoshida, Sergey Voronin, Alok Ranjan, David J. Coumou, Scott E. White
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Publication number: 20190318916Abstract: Plasma ion energy distribution for ions having different masses is controlled by controlling the relationship between a base RF frequency and a harmonic RF frequency. By the controlling the RF power frequencies, characteristics of the plasma process may be changed based on ion mass. The ions that dominate etching may be selectively based upon whether an ion is lighter or heavier than other ions. Similarly, atomic layer etch processes may be controlled such that the process may be switched between a layer modification step and a layer etch step though adjustment of the RF frequencies. Such switching is capable of being performed within the same gas phase of the plasma process. The control of the RF power includes controlling the phase difference and/or amplitude ratios between a base RF frequency and a harmonic frequency based upon the detection of one or more electrical characteristics within the plasma apparatus.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 8, 2019Publication date: October 17, 2019Inventors: Yusuke Yoshida, Sergey Voronin, Alok Ranjan, David J. Coumou, Scott E. White
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Patent number: 10395895Abstract: A system for controlling RF power supplies applying power to a load, such as a plasma chamber, includes a master power supply and a slave power supply. The master power supply provides a control signal, such as a frequency and phase signal, to the slave power supply. The slave power supply receives the frequency and phase signal and also receives signals characteristic of the spectral emissions detected from the load. The slave RF power supply varies the phase and power of its RF output signal applied to the load. Varying the power controls the width of an ion distribution function, and varying the phase controls a peak of the ion distribution. Depending upon the coupling between the RF generators and the load, different spectral emissions are detected, including first harmonics, second harmonics, and, in the case of a dual frequency drive system, intermodulation distortion.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2015Date of Patent: August 27, 2019Assignee: MKS Instruments, Inc.Inventors: David J. Coumou, Ross Reinhardt, Yuriy Elner, Daniel M. Gill, Richard Pham
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Patent number: 10304669Abstract: An RF generator in a dual frequency RF generation system. The RF generator detects IMD components resulting from interaction of the two frequencies. The IMD is reduced by adjusting the phase of the RF signal output by the RF generator. In various configurations, the IMD may also be reduced by applying a power adjustment value.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2018Date of Patent: May 28, 2019Assignee: MKS Instruments, Inc.Inventors: David J. Coumou, Dennis M. Brown, Eldridge M. Mount, IV
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Patent number: 10269546Abstract: An RF generator in a dual frequency RF generation system. The RF generator detects IMD components resulting from interaction of the two frequencies. The IMD is reduced by adjusting the phase of the RF signal output by the RF generator. In various configurations, the IMD may also be reduced by applying a power adjustment value.Type: GrantFiled: January 21, 2018Date of Patent: April 23, 2019Assignee: MKS Instruments, Inc.Inventors: David J. Coumou, Dennis M. Brown, Eldridge M. Mount, IV
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Patent number: 10229816Abstract: An eVC including coarse and fine tuning networks. The coarse tuning network includes a circuit: receiving a RF input signal from a RF generator; outputting a RF output signal to a reference terminal or load; and receiving a DC bias voltage. The circuit is switched between first and second states. A capacitance of the circuit is based on the DC bias voltage while in the first state and is not based on the DC bias voltage while in the second state. The fine tuning network is connected in parallel with the coarse tuning network and includes a varactor. The varactor includes: a first diode receiving the RF input signal; and a second diode connected in a back-to-back configuration with the first diode and outputting a RF output signal to the reference terminal or load. A capacitance of the varactor is based on a second received DC bias voltage.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2016Date of Patent: March 12, 2019Assignee: MKS Instruments, Inc.Inventors: David J. Coumou, Dennis M Brown, Aaron T. Radomski, Mariusz Oldziej, Yogendra K. Chawla, Daniel J. Lincoln