Patents by Inventor Grant Willson

Grant Willson 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).

  • Patent number: 10239982
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the synthesis and utilization of block copolymer can that form sub-10 nm lamella nanostructures. Such methods have many uses including multiple applications in the semiconductor industry including production of templates for nanoimprint lithography.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2019
    Assignee: Board of Regents The University of Texas System
    Inventors: Carlton Grant Willson, Gregory Blachut, Michael Maher, Yusuke Asano, Christopher John Ellison
  • Patent number: 10139724
    Abstract: The concepts described herein involve the use of random copolymer top coats that can be spin coated onto block copolymer thin films and used to control the interfacial energy of the top coat-block copolymer interface. The top coats are soluble in aqueous weak base and can change surface energy once they are deposited onto the block copolymer thin film. The use of self-assembled block copolymers to produce advanced lithographic patterns relies on their orientation control in thin films. Top coats potentially allow for the facile orientation control of block copolymers which would otherwise be quite challenging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: Board of Regents The University of Texas System
    Inventors: C. Grant Willson, Christopher John Ellison, Takehiro Sleshimo, Julia Cushen, Christopher M. Bates, Leon Dean, Logan J. Santos, Erica L. Rausch
  • Patent number: 9834700
    Abstract: The present invention includes a diblock copolymer system that self-assembles at very low molecular weights to form very small features. In one embodiment, one polymer in the block copolymer contains silicon, and the other polymer is a polylactide. In one embodiment, the block copolymer is synthesized by a combination of anionic and ring opening polymerization reactions. In one embodiment, the purpose of this block copolymer is to form nanoporous materials that can be used as etch masks in lithographic patterning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2017
    Assignee: Board of Regents, The University of Texas System
    Inventors: Christopher J. Ellison, Carlton Grant Willson, Julia Cushen, Christopher M. Bates
  • Patent number: 9823568
    Abstract: A method for ordering block copolymers including forming a first layer having a first preference mode; and providing a reactive agent in selected regions of the first layer that modifies the selected regions to a second preference mode, wherein the selected regions define other regions of the first layer retaining the first preference mode thereby forming an alignment layer for block copolymers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2017
    Assignee: Board of Regents, The University of Texas System
    Inventors: C. Grant Willson, Christopher Ellison, Michael Maher, Christopher Bates, Dustin Janes
  • Patent number: 9802968
    Abstract: The present invention describes branched and functionalized siloxanes and methods for making such compounds. The compounds have a variety of uses. One preferred application is as novel planarizing material for lithogaphy, in which case functionalized branched siloxane, such as an epoxy-modified branched siloxane is particularly useful.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2017
    Assignee: Board of Regents, The University of Texas System
    Inventors: C. Grant Willson, Tsuyoshi Ogawa, Michael B Jacobsson
  • Publication number: 20170240681
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for the synthesis and utilization of block copolymer can that form sub-10 nm lamella nanostructures. Such methods have many uses including multiple applications in the semiconductor industry including production of templates for nanoimprint lithography.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2017
    Publication date: August 24, 2017
    Inventors: Carlton Grant Willson, Gregory Blachut, Michael Maher, Yusuke Asano, Christopher John Ellison
  • Publication number: 20170139326
    Abstract: A method for ordering block copolymers including forming a first layer having a first preference mode; and providing a reactive agent in selected regions of the first layer that modifies the selected regions to a second preference mode, wherein the selected regions define other regions of the first layer retaining the first preference mode thereby forming an alignment layer for block copolymers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2017
    Publication date: May 18, 2017
    Inventors: C. Grant Willson, Christopher Ellison, Michael Maher, Christopher Bates, Dustin Janes
  • Publication number: 20170037065
    Abstract: The present invention describes branched and functionalized siloxanes and methods for making such compounds. The compounds have a variety of uses. One preferred application is as novel planarizing material for lithogaphy, in which case functionalized branched siloxane, such as an epoxy-modified branched siloxane is particularly useful.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 9, 2016
    Publication date: February 9, 2017
    Inventors: C. Grant Willson, Tsuyoshi Ogawa, Michael B. Jacobsson
  • Patent number: 9557640
    Abstract: A method for ordering block copolymers including forming a first layer having a first preference mode; and providing a reactive agent in selected regions of the first layer that modifies the selected regions to a second preference mode, wherein the selected regions define other regions of the first layer retaining the first preference mode thereby forming an alignment layer for block copolymers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: Board of Regents, University of Texas System
    Inventors: C. Grant Willson, Christopher Ellison, Michael Maher, Christopher Bates, Dustin Janes
  • Patent number: 9434750
    Abstract: The present invention describes branched and functionalized siloxanes and methods for making such compounds. The compounds have a variety of uses. One preferred application is as novel planarizing material for lithography, in which case functionalized branched siloxane, such as an epoxy-modified branched siloxane is particularly useful.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 8, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: Board of Regents, The University of Texas System
    Inventors: C. Grant Willson, Tsuyoshi Ogawa, Michael B. Jacobsson
  • Patent number: 9314819
    Abstract: The use of self-assembled block copolymer structures to produce advanced lithographic patterns relies on control of the orientation of these structures in thin films. In particular, orientation of cylinders and lamellae perpendicular to the plane of the block copolymer film is required for most applications. The preferred method to achieve orientation is by heating. The present invention involves the use of polarity-switching top coats to control block copolymer thin film orientation by heating. The top coats can be spin coated onto block copolymer thin films from polar casting solvents and they change composition upon thermal annealing to become “neutral”. Top coats allow for the facile orientation control of block copolymers which would otherwise not be possible by heating alone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: Board of Regents, The University of Texas System
    Inventors: Carlton Grant Willson, Christopher John Ellison, Takehiro Seshimo, Julia Cushen, Christopher M Bates, Leon Dean, Logan J Santos, Erica L Rausch, Michael Maher
  • Patent number: 9317922
    Abstract: A system and method for recognition of images may include the use of alignment markers. The image recognized may be a pattern from an array, a character, a number, a shape, and/or irregular shapes. The pattern may be formed by elements in an array such as an identification marking and/or a sensor array. More particularly, the system and method relate to discriminating between images by accounting for the orientation of the image. The size and/or location of alignment markers may provide information about the orientation of an image. Information about the orientation of an image may reduce false recognitions. The system and method of image recognition may be used with identification markings, biosensors, micro-fluidic arrays, and/or optical character recognition systems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: Board of Regents The University of Texas System
    Inventors: Jason E. Meiring, Timothy B. Michaelson, C. Grant Willson
  • Patent number: 9223202
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is an automatic fluid dispensing method and system for dispensing fluid on the surface of a plate-like material, or substrate, including a semiconductor wafer for imprint lithography processes. The dispensing method uses fluid dispenser and a substrate stage that may generate relative lateral motions between a fluid dispenser tip a substrate. Also described herein are methods and devices for creating a planar surface on a substrate using a substantially unpatterned planar template.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2015
    Assignee: Board of Regents, The University of Texas System
    Inventors: Byung-Jin Choi, Sidlgata V. Sreenivasan, Carlton Grant Willson, Mattherw E. Colburn, Todd C. Bailey, John G. Ekerdt
  • Publication number: 20150370159
    Abstract: The present invention involves the use of random copolymer top coats that can be spin coated onto block copolymer thin films and used to control the interfacial energy of the top coat-block copolymer interface. The top coats are soluble in aqueous weak base and can change surface energy once they are deposited onto the block copolymer thin film. The use of self-assembled block copolymers to produce advanced lithographic patterns relies on their orientation control in thin films. Top coats potentially allow for the facile orientation control of block copolymers which would otherwise be quite challenging.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2015
    Publication date: December 24, 2015
    Inventors: Carlton Grant Willson, Christopher John Ellison, Takehiro Sleshimo, Julia Cushen, Christopher M. Bates, Leon Dean, Logan J. Santos, Erica L. Rausch
  • Publication number: 20150353763
    Abstract: The present invention includes a diblock copolymer system that self-assembles at very low molecular weights to form very small features. In one embodiment, one polymer in the block copolymer contains silicon, and the other polymer is a polylactide. In one embodiment, the block copolymer is synthesized by a combination of anionic and ring opening polymerization reactions. In one embodiment, the purpose of this block copolymer is to form nanoporous materials that can be used as etch masks in lithographic patterning.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2015
    Publication date: December 10, 2015
    Inventors: Christopher J. Ellison, Carlton Grant Willson, Julia Cushen, Christopher M. Bates
  • Patent number: 9157008
    Abstract: Random copolymer top coats are described that can be spin coated onto block copolymer thin films and used to control the interfacial energy of the top coat-block copolymer interface. The top coats are soluble in aqueous weak base and can change surface energy once they are deposited onto the block copolymer thin film. The use of self-assembled block copolymers to produce advanced lithographic patterns relies on their orientation control in thin films.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: BOARD OF REGENTS, THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS SYSTEM
    Inventors: Carlton Grant Willson, Christopher John Ellison, Takehiro Seshimo, Julia Cushen, Christopher M. Bates, Leon Dean, Logan J. Santos, Erica L. Rausch
  • Patent number: 9156863
    Abstract: The present invention describes branched and functionalized siloxanes and methods for making such compounds. The compounds have a variety of uses. One preferred application is as novel planarizing material for lithography, in which case functionalized branched siloxane, such as an epoxy-modified branched siloxane is particularly useful.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: BOARD OF REGENTS, THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS SYSTEM
    Inventors: C. Grant Willson, Tsuyoshi Ogawa, B. Michael Jacobsson
  • Publication number: 20150274757
    Abstract: The present invention describes branched and functionalized siloxanes and methods for making such compounds. The compounds have a variety of uses. One preferred application is as novel planarizing material for lithography, in which case functionalized branched siloxane, such as an epoxy-modified branched siloxane is particularly useful.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2015
    Publication date: October 1, 2015
    Inventors: C. Grant Willson, Tsuyoshi Ogawa, Michael B. Jacobsson
  • Publication number: 20150261090
    Abstract: A method for ordering block copolymers including forming a first layer having a first preference mode; and providing a reactive agent in selected regions of the first layer that modifies the selected regions to a second preference mode, wherein the selected regions define other regions of the first layer retaining the first preference mode thereby forming an alignment layer for block copolymers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2015
    Publication date: September 17, 2015
    Inventors: C. Grant Willson, Christopher Ellison, Michael Maher, Christopher Bates, Dustin Janes
  • Patent number: 9120947
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a method the synthesis and utilization of random, cross-linked, substituted polystyrene copolymers as polymeric cross-linked surface treatments (PXSTs) to control the orientation of physical features of a block copolymer deposited over the first copolymer. Such methods have many uses including multiple applications in the semiconductor industry including production of templates for nanoimprint lithography.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2015
    Assignee: BOARD OF REGENTS, THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS SYSTEM
    Inventors: C. Grant Willson, Christopher M. Bates, Jeffrey Strahan, Christopher John Ellison