Patents by Inventor Hsin Fu Tseng
Hsin Fu Tseng 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: 20240004318Abstract: To improve EUV emission stability, bumps and eaves are added to the interior wall of a rotating crucible that produces EUV light by vaporizing a pre-heated metal, such as tin, using a laser. The bumps and eaves prevent migration of debris and control liquid metal flow, which is otherwise distributed over time by the centrifugal forces generated as the crucible rotates. The bumps and eaves stabilize EUV emissions by changing turbulent liquid metal flow to a predominately laminar flow. Tin catchers of various designs are available to collect and recycle a significant portion of the debris and unused liquid metal. A closed crucible chamber design alleviates non-uniform heating issues.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 6, 2023Publication date: January 4, 2024Inventors: Tzu Jeng HSU, Shy-Jay LIN, Chih-Wei WEN, Hsin-Fu TSENG, Chien-Hsing LU, Chih-Chiang TU
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Publication number: 20240003827Abstract: In a mask review method, a vacuum is drawn in a vacuum chamber that contains an extreme ultraviolet (EUV) actinic mask review system including an EUV illuminator, a mask stage, a projection optics box, and an EUV imaging sensor. With the vacuum drawn, a position is adjusted of at least one component of the EUV actinic mask review system. After the adjusting and with the vacuum drawn, an actinic image is acquired of an EUV mask mounted on the mask stage using the EUV imaging sensor. The acquiring includes transmitting EUV light from the EUV illuminator onto the EUV mask and projecting at least a portion of the EUV light reflected by the EUV mask onto the EUV imaging sensor using the projection optics box.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 4, 2023Publication date: January 4, 2024Inventors: Chien-Lin Chen, Danping Peng, Chih-Chiang Tu, Chih-Wei Wen, Hsin-Fu Tseng
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Publication number: 20230213853Abstract: An inspection apparatus includes: a stage configured to receive a photomask; a radiation source configured to inspect the photomask; a mirror configured to direct a first radiation beam from the radiation source to the photomask at a first tilt angle; an aperture stop configured to receive a second radiation beam reflected from the photomask through an aperture of the aperture stop, wherein the aperture is tangent at a center of the aperture stop; and a detector configured to generate an image of the photomask according to the second radiation beam.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 17, 2023Publication date: July 6, 2023Inventors: CHIH-WEI WEN, HSIN-FU TSENG, CHIEN-LIN CHEN
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Patent number: 11614684Abstract: A method includes: receiving a photomask; patterning a wafer by directing a first radiation beam to the wafer through the photomask at a first tilt angle; and inspecting the photomask. The inspecting includes: directing a second radiation beam to the photomask at a second tilt angle greater than the first tilt angle; receiving a third radiation beam reflected from the photomask; and generating an image of the photomask according to the third radiation beam.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2021Date of Patent: March 28, 2023Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY LTD.Inventors: Chih-Wei Wen, Hsin-Fu Tseng, Chien-Lin Chen
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Publication number: 20220075262Abstract: A method includes: receiving a photomask; patterning a wafer by directing a first radiation beam to the wafer through the photomask at a first tilt angle; and inspecting the photomask. The inspecting includes: directing a second radiation beam to the photomask at a second tilt angle greater than the first tilt angle; receiving a third radiation beam reflected from the photomask; and generating an image of the photomask according to the third radiation beam.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 14, 2021Publication date: March 10, 2022Inventors: CHIH-WEI WEN, HSIN-FU TSENG, CHIEN-LIN CHEN
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Patent number: 10830912Abstract: A dual or multi-energy range x-ray image sensor is implemented as side-by-side pixel arrays on a planar and monolithic semiconductor substrate as part of an x-ray object detector. Each pixel array in this side-by-side monolithic arrangement is designed to be responsive to a particular x-ray energy range or spectrum (i.e. a high-energy (HE) range or a low-energy (LE) range) to provide high object sensitivity and material discrimination capabilities. The side-by-side monolithic construction of pixel arrays improves alignment and spacing precision for improved image alignment among different arrays specialized in detecting different energy levels and signatures. Furthermore, integrated signal processing circuitry, placed on a radiation-shielded periphery of the pixel arrays, enables improved detection performance with enhanced noise reduction and/or sensitivity.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2018Date of Patent: November 10, 2020Assignee: X-Scan Imaging CorporationInventor: Hsin-Fu Tseng
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Publication number: 20190179038Abstract: A dual or multi-energy range x-ray image sensor is implemented as side-by-side pixel arrays on a planar and monolithic semiconductor substrate as part of an x-ray object detector. Each pixel array in this side-by-side monolithic arrangement is designed to be responsive to a particular x-ray energy range or spectrum (i.e. a high-energy (HE) range or a low-energy (LE) range) to provide high object sensitivity and material discrimination capabilities. The side-by-side monolithic construction of pixel arrays improves alignment and spacing precision for improved image alignment among different arrays specialized in detecting different energy levels and signatures. Furthermore, integrated signal processing circuitry, placed on a radiation-shielded periphery of the pixel arrays, enables improved detection performance with enhanced noise reduction and/or sensitivity.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 10, 2018Publication date: June 13, 2019Inventor: Hsin-Fu Tseng
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Patent number: 10310106Abstract: A dual/multi-energy x-ray image sensor with stacked two-dimensional pixel arrays. Each pixel in one pixel array has a corresponding “overlaid” pixel in the other pixel array. The pixel arrays are stacked parallel and aligned so that they are nominally normal to the x-ray path, and so that a straight path taken by an x-ray photon from the x-ray source to a pixel in one pixel array will also nominally intersect the corresponding pixel in the other pixel array(s). The energy image sensor provides an x-ray scanning detector system, which has increased signal levels and signal-to-noise ratios over dual- or multi-energy detectors using linear diode arrays, specifically when the pixel arrays are TDI pixel arrays that offer higher sensitivities in high-speed line-scan applications. Signal processing circuitry is placed on a periphery of the pixel arrays and shielded. Dual-to-multiple energy applications can be accomplished by increasing the number of stacked pixel arrays.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2016Date of Patent: June 4, 2019Assignee: X-Scan Imaging CorporationInventors: Shizu Li, Linbo Yang, Nguyen Phuoc Luu, Chinlee Wang, Hsin-Fu Tseng
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Publication number: 20170115406Abstract: A dual/multi-energy x-ray image sensor with stacked two-dimensional pixel arrays. Each pixel in one pixel array has a corresponding “overlaid” pixel in the other pixel array. The pixel arrays are stacked parallel and aligned so that they are nominally normal to the x-ray path, and so that a straight path taken by an x-ray photon from the x-ray source to a pixel in one pixel array will also nominally intersect the corresponding pixel in the other pixel array(s). The energy image sensor provides an x-ray scanning detector system, which has increased signal levels and signal-to-noise ratios over dual- or multi-energy detectors using linear diode arrays, specifically when the pixel arrays are TDI pixel arrays that offer higher sensitivities in high-speed line-scan applications. Signal processing circuitry is placed on a periphery of the pixel arrays and shielded. Dual-to-multiple energy applications can be accomplished by increasing the number of stacked pixel arrays.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 24, 2016Publication date: April 27, 2017Inventors: Shizu Li, Linbo Yang, Nguyen Phuoc Luu, Chinlee Wang, Hsin-Fu Tseng
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Patent number: 8180022Abstract: An X-ray line-scan camera utilizes an image transferring means to alter the optical path and thus eliminates the X-ray radiation damage on the electrical components of the camera system. The camera comprises a layer of scintillating material, a fiber optic face plate (FOFP) block, and an array of image sensors. One face of the FOFP block is bonded to the surface of the image sensors. The layer of scintillating material is placed on other face of the FOFP block and used to convert an impinging X-ray beam into visible light. The FOFP block is used to transfer the visible light from the scintillating layer onto the image sensor array, which in turn converts the visible light into electrical video signals. The FOFP block has a rotation angle of 32 to 40 degree relative to the impinging X-ray beam to prevent direct impingement of the X-ray beam onto the image sensors.Type: GrantFiled: October 26, 2009Date of Patent: May 15, 2012Assignee: X-Scan Imaging CorporationInventors: Hsin-Fu Tseng, Linbo Yang
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Patent number: 8124938Abstract: A radiation damage resistant linear X-ray detector array system based on a unique buttable monolithic image sensor design and precision chip-on-board assembly technology includes at least one of the detector chips. Multiple chips of the image sensor may be butted end-to-end on a common printed circuit board to accommodate larger detection systems. A layer of scintillating material, such as Gd2O2S:Tb (GOS), CsI(Tl), or CdWO4, is placed on the image sensor to convert the impinging X-ray energies into visible light which can be detected efficiently by the image sensor array. A protective metal shield is fastened to the substrate to protect the sensitive circuits of the image sensor from X-ray radiation damage. A proper separation of sensitive circuits from the photodiode array on the sensor chip, coupled with precision registration of the sensor chips on the substrate, allows easy installation of the protective metal shield.Type: GrantFiled: August 18, 2008Date of Patent: February 28, 2012Assignee: X-Scan Imaging CorporationInventors: Hsin-Fu Tseng, Lin-Bo Yang, Shizu Li
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Publication number: 20110096904Abstract: A radiation damage resistant linear X-ray detector system based on a unique image transferring principle to alter the optical path and thus reduces or eliminates the X-ray radiation damage on the electrical components of the detector system. The system includes a layer of scintillating material, a fiber optic face plate (FOFP), and an array of image sensors. One face of the FOFP is bonded to the surface of the image sensors. The layer of scintillating material, such as Gd2O2S:Tb (GOS or GADOX), CsI(TI), or CdWO4, is placed on other face of the FOFP and used to convert the impinging X-ray energies into visible light which can be detected efficiently by the image sensor array. The FOFP is used to transfer the visible light from the scintillating layer onto the image sensor array after the X-ray flux has been converted.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 26, 2009Publication date: April 28, 2011Inventors: Hsin-Fu Tseng, Linbo Yang
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Patent number: 7463717Abstract: A radiation damage resistant linear X-ray detector array system based on a unique focusing principle reduces or eliminates the X-ray radiation damage on the electrical components of the detector system. The system includes a layer of scintillating material, a rod lens array, and an array of image sensors. The layer of scintillating material, such as Gd2O2S:Tb (GOS or GADOX), CsI(TI), or CdWO4, is placed on an image plane and used to convert the impinging X-ray energies into visible light which can be detected efficiently by the image sensor array. The rod lens array is used to focus the visible light after the X-ray flux has been converted. The photon energy of the visible light is collected with a scanning image sensor array that converts the photon energy proportionally into electrical video signals and enables the signals to be processed using standard signal and image processing software and equipment.Type: GrantFiled: February 15, 2008Date of Patent: December 9, 2008Assignee: X-Scan Imaging CorporationInventor: Hsin-Fu Tseng
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Patent number: 7463716Abstract: A radiation damage resistant linear X-ray detector array system based on a unique focusing principle reduces or eliminates the X-ray radiation damage on the electrical components of the detector system. The system includes a layer of scintillating material, a rod lens array, and an array of image sensors. The layer of scintillating material, such as Gd2O2S:Tb (GOS or GADOX), CsI(TI), or CdWO4, is placed on an image plane and used to convert the impinging X-ray energies into visible light which can be detected efficiently by the image sensor array. The rod lens array is used to focus the visible light after the X-ray flux has been converted. The photon energy of the visible light is collected with a scanning image sensor array that converts the photon energy proportionally into electrical video signals and enables the signals to be processed using standard signal and image processing software and equipment.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2006Date of Patent: December 9, 2008Assignee: X-Scan Imaging CorporationInventor: Hsin-Fu Tseng
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Publication number: 20080152087Abstract: A radiation damage resistant linear X-ray detector array system based on a unique focusing principle reduces or eliminates the X-ray radiation damage on the electrical components of the detector system. The system includes a layer of scintillating material, a rod lens array, and an array of image sensors. The layer of scintillating material, such as Gd2O2S:Tb (GOS or GADOX), CsI(TI), or CdWO4, is placed on an image plane and used to convert the impinging X-ray energies into visible light which can be detected efficiently by the image sensor array. The rod lens array is used to focus the visible light after the X-ray flux has been converted. The photon energy of the visible light is collected with a scanning image sensor array that converts the photon energy proportionally into electrical video signals and enables the signals to be processed using standard signal and image processing software and equipment.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 15, 2008Publication date: June 26, 2008Inventor: Hsin-Fu Tseng
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Publication number: 20080031418Abstract: A radiation damage resistant linear X-ray detector array system based on a unique focusing principle reduces or eliminates the X-ray radiation damage on the electrical components of the detector system. The system includes a layer of scintillating material, a rod lens array, and an array of image sensors. The layer of scintillating material, such as Gd2O2S:Tb (GOS or GADOX), CsI(TI), or CdWO4, is placed on an image plane and used to convert the impinging X-ray energies into visible light which can be detected efficiently by the image sensor array. The rod lens array is used to focus the visible light after the X-ray flux has been converted. The photon energy of the visible light is collected with a scanning image sensor array that converts the photon energy proportionally into electrical video signals and enables the signals to be processed using standard signal and image processing software and equipment.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 4, 2006Publication date: February 7, 2008Inventor: Hsin-Fu Tseng
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Publication number: 20050094222Abstract: A Contact Image Sensor (CIS) system with high resolution, high sensitivity, low noise, low-power dissipation, and low-cost scanning has a CIS pixel structure that utilizes a junction photodiode as a detector element and a single-stage, high-gain, low-power inverter functioning as a charge integrating amplifier. The inverter clamps the photodetector at a fixed bias voltage and removes any signal charge generated by the incident light. A very small integrating capacitor is used on the integrating inverter amplifier for high pixel gain. The pixel further includes a noise cancellation circuit to eliminate the reset noise of the integrating capacitor. The pixel signal is then read out by a differential stage to cancel the dark offset. This structure allows the implementation of high-performance CIS arrays using low-cost standard CMOS manufacturing process.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 29, 2003Publication date: May 5, 2005Inventors: Hsin-Fu Tseng, Zhong Mo
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Patent number: 6501865Abstract: A dynamic threshold two-level A/D converter, also termed a tracking digitizer circuit. The module circuitry includes a comparator circuit and a tracking low-pass filter circuit. The dynamic thresholding module takes the output signals from a CIS module and develops a tracking (variable) background signal. The tracking background signal is then compared to the output signals from the CIS in a comparator. The comparator outputs a two-level (binary) output digital signal. The circuit is designed to be used in conjunction with a scanning device, particularly a CIS system. The circuit can be used in a wide variety of applications that require pre-processed digitized video signals. The dynamic thresholding module's circuitry can be implemented quite simply. Moreover, the circuit provides a very low cost and a low parts density module that can easily be incorporated with existing CIS modules without substantially increasing the size of the CIS module or the cost to manufacture the unit.Type: GrantFiled: February 16, 2000Date of Patent: December 31, 2002Assignee: Peripheral Imaging CorporationInventors: Satoru C. Tanaka, Hsin Fu Tseng, Pheng Tan
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Patent number: 6381378Abstract: A dynamic threshold two-level A/D converter, also termed a tracking digitizer circuit. The module circuitry includes a comparator circuit and a tracking low-pass filter circuit. The dynamic thresholding module takes the output signals from a CIS module and develops a tracking (variable) background signal. The tracking background signal is then compared to the output signals from the CIS in a comparator. The comparator outputs a two-level (binary) output digital signal. The circuit is designed to be used in conjunction with a scanning device, particularly a CIS system. The circuit can be used in a wide variety of applications that require pre-processed digitized video signals. The dynamic thresholding module's circuitry can be implemented quite simply. Moreover, the circuit provides a very low cost and a low parts density module that can easily be incorporated with existing CIS modules without substantially increasing the size of the CIS module or the cost to manufacture the unit.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 1999Date of Patent: April 30, 2002Assignee: Peripheral Imaging CorporationInventors: Satoru C. Tanaka, Hsin-Fu Tseng, Pheng Tan
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Patent number: 6025935Abstract: A Contact Image Sensor (CIS) system utilizing a phototransistor sensing element that consists of a mechanism to pre-charge or inject a "background charge" into the storage node and allow the charge to reset through the same output base-to-emitter junction. This pre-charge and reset process removes the residual image and replenishes the charge lost by the base-to-emitter sub-threshold leakage current. Furthermore, the reset of the injected charge through the same output base-to-emitter junction automatically sets the phototransistor to an initial dark level, which is at the start of a linear region of the response versus illumination curve, and thus substantially improves the photo-response linearity.Type: GrantFiled: December 31, 1997Date of Patent: February 15, 2000Assignee: Peripheral Imaging CorporationInventor: Hsin-Fu Tseng