Patents by Inventor Kevin Moraes

Kevin Moraes 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).

  • Publication number: 20160260896
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a magnetic layer having a pattern of magnetic properties on a substrate is described. The method includes using a metal nitride hardmask layer to pattern the magnetic layer by plasma exposure. The metal nitride layer is patterned using a nanoimprint patterning process with a silicon oxide pattern negative material. The pattern is developed in the metal nitride using a halogen and oxygen containing remote plasma, and is removed after plasma exposure using a caustic wet strip process. All processing is done at low temperatures to avoid thermal damage to magnetic materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2016
    Publication date: September 8, 2016
    Inventors: Roman GOUK, Steven VERHAVERBEKE, Alexander KONTOS, Adolph Miller ALLEN, Kevin MORAES
  • Patent number: 9343664
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a magnetic layer having a pattern of magnetic properties on a substrate is described. The method includes using a metal nitride hardmask layer to pattern the magnetic layer by plasma exposure. The metal nitride layer is patterned using a nanoimprint patterning process with a silicon oxide pattern negative material. The pattern is developed in the metal nitride using a halogen and oxygen containing remote plasma, and is removed after plasma exposure using a caustic wet strip process. All processing is done at low temperatures to avoid thermal damage to magnetic materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2016
    Assignee: APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.
    Inventors: Roman Gouk, Steven Verhaverbeke, Alexander Kontos, Adolph Miller Allen, Kevin Moraes
  • Publication number: 20150325446
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide processes to selectively form a cobalt layer on a copper surface over exposed dielectric surfaces. In one embodiment, a method for capping a copper surface on a substrate is provided which includes positioning a substrate within a processing chamber, wherein the substrate contains a contaminated copper surface and a dielectric surface, exposing the contaminated copper surface to a reducing agent while forming a copper surface during a pre-treatment process, exposing the substrate to a cobalt precursor gas to selectively form a cobalt capping layer over the copper surface while leaving exposed the dielectric surface during a vapor deposition process, and depositing a dielectric barrier layer over the cobalt capping layer and the dielectric surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 9, 2015
    Publication date: November 12, 2015
    Inventors: Sang-Ho YU, Kevin MORAES, Seshadri GANGULI, Hua CHUNG, See-Eng PHAN
  • Publication number: 20150214475
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a magnetic layer having a pattern of magnetic properties on a substrate is described. The method includes using a metal nitride hardmask layer to pattern the magnetic layer by plasma exposure. The metal nitride layer is patterned using a nanoimprint patterning process with a silicon oxide pattern negative material. The pattern is developed in the metal nitride using a halogen and oxygen containing remote plasma, and is removed after plasma exposure using a caustic wet strip process. All processing is done at low temperatures to avoid thermal damage to magnetic materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2015
    Publication date: July 30, 2015
    Inventors: Roman GOUK, Steven VERHAVERBEKE, Alexander KONTOS, Adolph Miller ALLEN, Kevin MORAES
  • Patent number: 8895450
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein provide a semiconductor device and methods and apparatuses of forming the same. The semiconductor device includes a substrate having a source and drain region and a gate electrode stack on the substrate between the source and drain regions. In one embodiment, the method includes positioning a substrate within a processing chamber, wherein the substrate includes a source and drain region, a gate dielectric layer between the source and drain regions, and a conductive film layer on the gate dielectric layer. The method also includes depositing a refractory metal nitride film layer on the conductive film layer, depositing a silicon-containing film layer on the refractory metal nitride film layer, and depositing a tungsten film layer on the silicon-containing film layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Yong Cao, Xianmin Tang, Srinivas Gandikota, Wei D. Wang, Zhendong Liu, Kevin Moraes, Muhammad M. Rasheed, Thanh X. Nguyen, Ananthkrishna Jupudi
  • Publication number: 20140268081
    Abstract: An integrated extreme ultraviolet blank production system includes: a vacuum chamber for placing a substrate in a vacuum; a deposition system for depositing a multi-layer stack without removing the substrate from the vacuum; and a treatment system for treating a layer on the multi-layer stack to be deposited as an amorphous metallic layer. A physical vapor deposition chamber for manufacturing an extreme ultraviolet mask blank includes: a target, comprising molybdenum alloyed with boron. An extreme ultraviolet lithography system includes: an extreme ultraviolet light source; a mirror for directing light from the extreme ultraviolet light source; a reticle stage for placing an extreme ultraviolet mask blank with a multi-layer stack having an amorphous metallic layer; and a wafer stage for placing a wafer. An extreme ultraviolet blank includes: a substrate; a multi-layer stack having an amorphous metallic layer; and capping layers over the multi-layer stack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Ralf Hofmann, Kevin Moraes
  • Patent number: 8815724
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention described herein generally provide methods and apparatuses for forming cobalt silicide layers, metallic cobalt layers, and other cobalt-containing materials. In one embodiment, a method for forming a cobalt silicide containing material on a substrate is provided which includes exposing a substrate to at least one preclean process to expose a silicon-containing surface, depositing a cobalt silicide material on the silicon-containing surface, depositing a metallic cobalt material on the cobalt silicide material, and depositing a metallic contact material on the substrate. In another embodiment, a method includes exposing a substrate to at least one preclean process to expose a silicon-containing surface, depositing a cobalt silicide material on the silicon-containing surface, expose the substrate to an annealing process, depositing a barrier material on the cobalt silicide material, and depositing a metallic contact material on the barrier material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Seshadri Ganguli, Schubert S. Chu, Mei Chang, Sang-ho Yu, Kevin Moraes, See-Eng Phan
  • Publication number: 20140131308
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for forming a magnetic layer having a pattern of magnetic properties on a substrate is described. The method includes using a metal nitride hardmask layer to pattern the magnetic layer by plasma exposure. The metal nitride layer is patterned using a nanoimprint patterning process with a silicon oxide pattern negative material. The pattern is developed in the metal nitride using a halogen and oxygen containing remote plasma, and is removed after plasma exposure using a caustic wet strip process. All processing is done at low temperatures to avoid thermal damage to magnetic materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Inventors: Roman GOUK, Steven VERHAVERBEKE, Alexander KONTOS, Adolph Miller ALLEN, Kevin MORAES
  • Publication number: 20140042016
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein provide a semiconductor device and methods and apparatuses of forming the same. The semiconductor device includes a substrate having a source and drain region and a gate electrode stack on the substrate between the source and drain regions. In one embodiment, the method includes positioning a substrate within a processing chamber, wherein the substrate includes a source and drain region, a gate dielectric layer between the source and drain regions, and a conductive film layer on the gate dielectric layer. The method also includes depositing a refractory metal nitride film layer on the conductive film layer, depositing a silicon-containing film layer on the refractory metal nitride film layer, and depositing a tungsten film layer on the silicon-containing film layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2013
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Yong CAO, Xianmin TANG, Srinivas GANDIKOTA, Wei D. WANG, Zhendong LIU, Kevin MORAES, Muhammad M. RASHEED, Thanh X. NGUYEN, Ananthkrishna JUPUDI
  • Patent number: 8637390
    Abstract: Metal gate structures and methods for forming thereof are provided herein. In some embodiments, a method for forming a metal gate structure on a substrate having a feature formed in a high k dielectric layer may include depositing a first layer within the feature atop the dielectric layer; depositing a second layer comprising cobalt or nickel within the feature atop the first layer; and depositing a third layer comprising a metal within the feature atop the second layer to fill the feature, wherein at least one of the first or second layers forms a wetting layer to form a nucleation layer for a subsequently deposited layer, wherein one of the first, second, or third layers forms a work function layer, and wherein the third layer forms a gate electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Seshadri Ganguli, Sang Ho Yu, Sang-Hyeob Lee, Hyoung-Chan Ha, Wei Ti Lee, Hoon Kim, Srinivas Gandikota, Yu Lei, Kevin Moraes, Xianmin Tang
  • Patent number: 8558299
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein provide a semiconductor device and methods and apparatuses of forming the same. The semiconductor device includes a substrate having a source and drain region and a gate electrode stack on the substrate between the source and drain regions. The gate electrode stack includes a conductive film layer on a gate dielectric layer, a refractory metal nitride film layer on the conductive film layer, a silicon-containing film layer on the refractory metal nitride film layer, and a tungsten film layer on the silicon-containing film layer. In one embodiment, the method includes positioning a substrate within a processing chamber, wherein the substrate includes a source and drain region, a gate dielectric layer between the source and drain regions, and a conductive film layer on the gate dielectric layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Yong Cao, Xianmin Tang, Srinivas Gandikota, Wei D. Wang, Zhendong Liu, Kevin Moraes, Muhammad M. Rasheed, Thanh X. Nguyen, Ananthkrishna Jupudi
  • Publication number: 20120264291
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention described herein generally provide methods and apparatuses for forming cobalt silicide layers, metallic cobalt layers, and other cobalt-containing materials. In one embodiment, a method for forming a cobalt silicide containing material on a substrate is provided which includes exposing a substrate to at least one preclean process to expose a silicon-containing surface, depositing a cobalt silicide material on the silicon-containing surface, depositing a metallic cobalt material on the cobalt silicide material, and depositing a metallic contact material on the substrate. In another embodiment, a method includes exposing a substrate to at least one preclean process to expose a silicon-containing surface, depositing a cobalt silicide material on the silicon-containing surface, expose the substrate to an annealing process, depositing a barrier material on the cobalt silicide material, and depositing a metallic contact material on the barrier material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2012
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Applicant: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Seshadri Ganguli, Schubert S. Chu, Mei Chang, Sang-Ho Yu, Kevin Moraes, See-Eng Phan
  • Patent number: 8110489
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention described herein generally provide methods and apparatuses for forming cobalt silicide layers, metallic cobalt layers, and other cobalt-containing materials. In one embodiment, a method for forming a cobalt silicide containing material on a substrate is provided which includes exposing a substrate to at least one preclean process to expose a silicon-containing surface, depositing a cobalt silicide material on the silicon-containing surface, depositing a metallic cobalt material on the cobalt silicide material, and depositing a metallic contact material on the substrate. In another embodiment, a method includes exposing a substrate to at least one preclean process to expose a silicon-containing surface, depositing a cobalt silicide material on the silicon-containing surface, expose the substrate to an annealing process, depositing a barrier material on the cobalt silicide material, and depositing a metallic contact material on the barrier material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2012
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Seshadri Ganguli, Schubert S. Chu, Mei Chang, Sang-Ho Yu, Kevin Moraes, See-Eng Phan
  • Publication number: 20110303960
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein provide a semiconductor device and methods and apparatuses of forming the same. The semiconductor device includes a substrate having a source and drain region and a gate electrode stack on the substrate between the source and drain regions. The gate electrode stack includes a conductive film layer on a gate dielectric layer, a refractory metal nitride film layer on the conductive film layer, a silicon-containing film layer on the refractory metal nitride film layer, and a tungsten film layer on the silicon-containing film layer. In one embodiment, the method includes positioning a substrate within a processing chamber, wherein the substrate includes a source and drain region, a gate dielectric layer between the source and drain regions, and a conductive film layer on the gate dielectric layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2011
    Publication date: December 15, 2011
    Applicant: APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.
    Inventors: YONG CAO, Xianmin Tang, Srinivas Gandikota, Wei D. Wang, Zhendong Liu, Kevin Moraes, Muhammad M. Rasheed, Thanh X. Nguyen, Ananthkrishna Jupudi
  • Publication number: 20110298062
    Abstract: Metal gate structures and methods for forming thereof are provided herein. In some embodiments, a method for forming a metal gate structure on a substrate having a feature formed in a high k dielectric layer may include depositing a first layer within the feature atop the dielectric layer; depositing a second layer comprising cobalt or nickel within the feature atop the first layer; and depositing a third layer comprising a metal within the feature atop the second layer to fill the feature, wherein at least one of the first or second layers forms a wetting layer to form a nucleation layer for a subsequently deposited layer, wherein one of the first, second, or third layers forms a work function layer, and wherein the third layer forms a gate electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2011
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Applicant: APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.
    Inventors: SESHADRI GANGULI, SANG Ho YU, SANG-HYEOB LEE, HYOUNG-CHAN HA, WEI TI LEE, HOON KIM, SRINIVAS GANDIKOTA, YU LEI, KEVIN MORAES, XIANMIN TANG
  • Publication number: 20110124192
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention described herein generally provide methods and apparatuses for forming cobalt silicide layers, metallic cobalt layers, and other cobalt-containing materials. In one embodiment, a method for forming a cobalt silicide containing material on a substrate is provided which includes exposing a substrate to at least one preclean process to expose a silicon-containing surface, depositing a cobalt silicide material on the silicon-containing surface, depositing a metallic cobalt material on the cobalt silicide material, and depositing a metallic contact material on the substrate. In another embodiment, a method includes exposing a substrate to at least one preclean process to expose a silicon-containing surface, depositing a cobalt silicide material on the silicon-containing surface, expose the substrate to an annealing process, depositing a barrier material on the cobalt silicide material, and depositing a metallic contact material on the barrier material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2011
    Publication date: May 26, 2011
    Inventors: Seshadri Ganguli, Schubert S. Chu, Mei Chang, Sang-Ho Yu, Kevin Moraes, See-Eng Phan
  • Publication number: 20100304027
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide methods for processing substrates within a substrate processing system. In one embodiment, the method provides depositing a material on a substrate within a vapor deposition chamber coupled to a buffer chamber contained within a mainframe while maintaining a pressure of about 1×10?6 Torr or lower within a transfer chamber contained within the mainframe. The method further includes transferring the substrate from the vapor deposition chamber to the buffer chamber by a substrate handling robot while flowing a gas into the buffer chamber, evacuating the vapor deposition chamber, and maintaining a greater internal pressure within the buffer chamber than in the vapor deposition chamber. In some embodiments, the method includes transferring the substrate from the transfer chamber to a PVD chamber coupled to the transfer chamber by another substrate handling robot and depositing another material on the substrate within the PVD chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 27, 2010
    Publication date: December 2, 2010
    Applicant: APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.
    Inventors: Wei Ti Lee, Lai Ta, Srinivas Guggilla, Kevin Moraes, Olkan Cuvalci, Regan Young, John Mazzocco
  • Publication number: 20090269507
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide processes to selectively form a cobalt layer on a copper surface over exposed dielectric surfaces. In one embodiment, a method for capping a copper surface on a substrate is provided which includes positioning a substrate within a processing chamber, wherein the substrate contains a contaminated copper surface and a dielectric surface, exposing the contaminated copper surface to a reducing agent while forming a copper surface during a pre-treatment process, exposing the substrate to a cobalt precursor gas to selectively form a cobalt capping layer over the copper surface while leaving exposed the dielectric surface during a vapor deposition process, and depositing a dielectric barrier layer over the cobalt capping layer and the dielectric surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2008
    Publication date: October 29, 2009
    Inventors: Sang-Ho Yu, Kevin Moraes, Seshadri Ganguli, Hua Chung, See-Eng Phan
  • Publication number: 20070202254
    Abstract: Embodiments of the invention described herein generally provide methods and apparatuses for forming cobalt silicide layers, metallic cobalt layers, and other cobalt-containing materials. In one embodiment, a method for forming a cobalt silicide containing material on a substrate is provided which includes exposing a substrate to at least one preclean process to expose a silicon-containing surface, depositing a cobalt silicide material on the silicon-containing surface, depositing a metallic cobalt material on the cobalt silicide material, and depositing a metallic contact material on the substrate. In another embodiment, a method includes exposing a substrate to at least one preclean process to expose a silicon-containing surface, depositing a cobalt silicide material on the silicon-containing surface, expose the substrate to an annealing process, depositing a barrier material on the cobalt silicide material, and depositing a metallic contact material on the barrier material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2007
    Publication date: August 30, 2007
    Inventors: SESHADRI GANGULI, SCHUBERT CHU, MEI CHANG, SANG-HO YU, KEVIN MORAES, SEE-ENG PHAN