Patents by Inventor Raymond Nicholas Vrtis

Raymond Nicholas Vrtis 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: 20090054674
    Abstract: Low dielectric materials and films comprising same have been identified for improved performance when used as interlevel dielectrics in integrated circuits as well as methods for making same. In one aspect of the present invention, an organosilicate glass film is exposed to an ultraviolet light source wherein the film after exposure has an at least 10% or greater improvement in its mechanical properties (i.e., material hardness and elastic modulus) compared to the as-deposited film.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Applicant: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron Scott Lukas, Mark Leonard O'Neill, Jean Louise Vincent, Raymond Nicholas Vrtis, Mark Daniel Bitner, Eugene Joseph Karwacki, JR.
  • Patent number: 7470454
    Abstract: Low dielectric materials and films comprising same have been identified for improved performance when used as interlevel dielectrics in integrated circuits as well as methods for making same. In certain embodiments of the invention, there is provided a low-temperature process to remove at least a portion of at least one pore-forming material within a composite film thereby forming a porous film. The pore-forming material may be removed via exposure to at least one energy source, preferably an ultraviolet light source, in a non-oxidizing atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2008
    Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron Scott Lukas, Mark Leonard O'Neill, Mark Daniel Bitner, Jean Louise Vincent, Raymond Nicholas Vrtis, Eugene Joseph Karwacki, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7468290
    Abstract: Low dielectric materials and films comprising same have been identified for improved performance when used as interlevel dielectrics in integrated circuits as well as methods for making same. In one aspect of the present invention, an organosilicate glass film is exposed to an ultraviolet light source wherein the film after exposure has an at least 10% or greater improvement in its mechanical properties (i.e., material hardness and elastic modulus) compared to the as-deposited film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2008
    Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron Scott Lukas, Mark Leonard O'Neill, Jean Louise Vincent, Raymond Nicholas Vrtis, Mark Daniel Bitner, Eugene Joseph Karwacki, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20080271640
    Abstract: A porous organosilica glass (OSG) film consists of a single phase of a material represented by the formula SivOwCxHyFz, where v+w+x+y+z=100%, v is from 10 to 35 atomic %, w is from 10 to 65 atomic %, x is from 5 to 30 atomic %, y is from 10 to 50 atomic % and z is from 0 to 15 atomic %, wherein the film has pores and a dielectric constant less than 2.6. The film is provided by a chemical vapor deposition method in which a preliminary film is deposited from organosilane and/or organosiloxane precursors and pore-forming agents (porogens), which can be independent of, or bonded to, the precursors. The porogens are subsequently removed to provide the porous film. Compositions, such as kits, for forming the films include porogens and precursors. Porogenated precursors are also useful for providing the film.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2008
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Applicant: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond Nicholas Vrtis, Mark Leonard O'Neill, Jean Louise Vincent, Aaron Scott Lukas, Manchao Xiao, John Anthony Thomas Norman
  • Publication number: 20080268177
    Abstract: A chemical vapor deposition method for producing a porous organosilica glass film comprising: introducing into a vacuum chamber gaseous reagents including at least one precursor selected from the group consisting of an organosilane and an organosiloxane, and a porogen that is distinct from the precursor, wherein the porogen is a C4 to C14 cyclic hydrocarbon compound having a non-branching structure and a degree of unsaturation equal to or less than 2; applying energy to the gaseous reagents in the vacuum chamber to induce reaction of the gaseous reagents to deposit a preliminary film on the substrate, wherein the preliminary film contains the porogen; and removing from the preliminary film substantially all of the labile organic material to provide the porous film with pores and a dielectric constant less than 2.6.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2008
    Publication date: October 30, 2008
    Applicant: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond Nicholas Vrtis, Mark Leonard O'Neill, Jean Louis Vincent, Aaron Scott Lukas, Mary Kathryn Haas
  • Publication number: 20080199977
    Abstract: A method for restoring a dielectric constant of a layer of a silicon-containing dielectric material having a first dielectric constant and at least one surface, wherein the first dielectric constant of the layer of silicon-containing dielectric material has increased to a second dielectric constant, the method comprising the steps of: contacting the at least one surface of the layer of silicon-containing dielectric material with a silicon-containing fluid; and exposing the at least one surface of the layer of silicon-containing dielectric material to an energy source selected from the group consisting of: UV radiation, heat, and an electron beam, wherein the layer of silicon-containing dielectric material has a third dielectric constant that is lower than the second dielectric constant after exposing the layer of silicon-containing dielectric material to the energy source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2008
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Applicant: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott Jeffrey Weigel, Mark Leonard O'Neill, Raymond Nicholas Vrtis, Dino Sinatore
  • Patent number: 7404990
    Abstract: Low dielectric materials and films comprising same have been identified for improved performance when used as interlevel dielectrics in integrated circuits as well as methods for making same. In certain embodiments of the invention, there is provided a low-temperature process to remove at least a portion of at least one pore-forming phase within a multiphasic film thereby forming a porous film. The pore-forming phase may be removed via exposure to at least one energy source, preferably an ultraviolet light source, in a non-oxidizing atmosphere.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron Scott Lukas, Mark Leonard O'Neill, Mark Daniel Bitner, Jean Louise Vincent, Raymond Nicholas Vrtis, Eugene Joseph Karwacki, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7384471
    Abstract: A porous organosilica glass (OSG) film consists of a single phase of a material represented by the formula SivOwCxHyFz, where v+w+x+y+z=100%, v is from 10 to 35 atomic %, w is from 10 to 65 atomic %, x is from 5 to 30 atomic %, y is from 10 to 50 atomic % and z is from 0 to 15 atomic %, wherein the film has pores and a dielectric constant less than 2.6. The film is provided by a chemical vapor deposition method in which a preliminary film is deposited from organosilane and/or organosiloxane precursors and pore-forming agents (porogens), which can be independent of, or bonded to, the precursors. The porogens are subsequently removed to provide the porous film. Compositions, such as kits, for forming the films include porogens and precursors. Porogenated precursors are also useful for providing the film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond Nicholas Vrtis, Mark Leonard O'Neill, Jean Louise Vincent, Aaron Scott Lukas, Manchao Xiao, John Anthony Thomas Norman
  • Patent number: 7332445
    Abstract: A porous organosilicate glass (OSG) film: SivOwCxHyFz, where v+w+x+y+z=100%, v is 10 to 35 atomic %, w is 10 to 65 atomic %, x is 5 to 30 atomic %, y is 10 to 50 atomic % and z is 0 to 15 atomic %, has a silicate network with carbon bonds as methyl groups (Si—CH3) and contains pores with diameter less than 3 nm equivalent spherical diameter and dielectric constant less than 2.7. A preliminary film is deposited by a chemical vapor deposition method from organosilane and/or organosiloxane precursors, and independent pore-forming precursors. Porogen precursors form pores within the preliminary film and are subsequently removed to provide the porous film. Compositions, film forming kits, include organosilane and/or organosiloxane compounds containing at least one Si—H bond and porogen precursors of hydrocarbons containing alcohol, ether, carbonyl, carboxylic acid, ester, nitro, primary amine, secondary amine, and/or tertiary amine functionality or combinations.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron Scott Lukas, Mark Leonard O'Neill, Eugene Joseph Karwacki, Jr., Raymond Nicholas Vrtis, Jean Louise Vincent
  • Patent number: 7098149
    Abstract: Low dielectric materials and films comprising same have been identified for improved performance when used as interlevel dielectrics in integrated circuits as well as methods for making same. In one aspect of the present invention, an organosilicate glass film is exposed to an ultraviolet light source wherein the film after exposure has an at least 10% or greater improvement in its mechanical properties (i.e., material hardness and elastic modulus) compared to the as-deposited film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: Aaron Scott Lukas, Mark Leonard O'Neill, Jean Louise Vincent, Raymond Nicholas Vrtis, Mark Daniel Bitner, Eugene Joseph Karwacki, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7074489
    Abstract: Organofluorosilicate glass films contain both organic species and inorganic fluorines, exclusive of significant amounts of fluorocarbon species. Preferred films are represented by the formula SivOwCxHyFz, where v+w+x+y+z=100%, v is from 10 to 35 atomic %, w is from 10 to 65 atomic % y is from 10 to 50 atomic %, x is from 1 to 30 atomic %, z is from 0.1 to 15 atomic %, and x/z is optionally greater than 0.25, wherein substantially none of the fluorine is bonded to the carbon. In one embodiment there is provided a CVD method that includes: providing a substrate within a vacuum chamber; introducing into the vacuum chamber gaseous reagents including a fluorine-providing gas, an oxygen-providing gas and at least one precursor gas selected from an organosilane and an organosiloxane; and applying energy to the gaseous reagents in the chamber to induce reaction of the gaseous reagents and to form the film on the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2006
    Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Leonard O'Neill, Aaron Scott Lukas, Mark Daniel Bitner, Jean Louise Vincent, Raymond Nicholas Vrtis, Brian K. Peterson
  • Patent number: 6946158
    Abstract: The present invention is a process for enhancing the chemical vapor deposition of titanium nitride from a titanium containing precursor selected from the group consisting of tetrakis(dimethylamino)titanium, tetrakis(diethylamino)titanium and mixtures thereof, reacted with ammonia to produce the titanium nitride on a semiconductor substrate by the addition of organic amines, such as dipropylamine, in a range of approximately 10 parts per million by weight to 10% by weight, preferably 50 parts per million by weight to 1.0 percent by weight, most preferably 100 parts per million by weight to 5000 parts per million by weight to the titanium containing precursor wherein prior to the reaction, said titanium containing precursor is subjected to a purification process to remove hydrocarbon impurities from the titanium containing precursor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthias J. Jahl, Douglas W. Carson, Shantia Riahi, Raymond Nicholas Vrtis
  • Patent number: 6846515
    Abstract: A method for providing a porous organosilica glass (OSG) film that consists of a single phase of a material represented by the formula SivOwCxHyFz, v+w+x+y+z=100%, v is from 10 to 35 atomic %, w is from 10 to 65 atomic %, x is from 5 to 30 atomic %, y is from 10 to 50 atomic % and z is from 0 to 15 atomic %, wherein the film has pores and a dielectric constant less than 2.6 is disclosed herein. In one aspect of the present invention, the film is provided by a chemical vapor deposition method in which a preliminary film is deposited from organosilane and/or organosiloxane precursors and pore-forming agents (porogens), which can be independent of, or alternatively bonded to, the precursors. The porogens are subsequently removed to provide the porous film. In another aspect of the present invention, porogenated precursors are used for providing the film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2005
    Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: Raymond Nicholas Vrtis, Mark Leonard O'Neill, Jean Louise Vincent, Aaron Scott Lukas, Manchao Xiao, John Anthony Thomas Norman
  • Publication number: 20040241463
    Abstract: A chemical vapor deposition process for preparing a low dielectric constant organosilicate (OSG) having enhanced mechanical properties by adjusting the amount of organic groups, such as methyl groups, within the mixture is disclosed herein. In one embodiment of the present invention, the OSG film is deposited from a mixture comprising a first silicon-containing precursor that comprises from 3 to 4 Si—O bonds per Si atom, from 0 to 1 of bonds selected from the group consisting of Si—H, Si—Br, and Si—Cl bonds per Si atom and no Si—C bonds and a second silicon-containing precursor that comprises at least one Si—C bond per Si atom. In another embodiment of the present invention, the OSG film is deposited from a mixture comprising an asymmetric silicon-containing precursor. In either embodiment, the mixture may further contain a porogen precursor to provide a porous OSG film.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2004
    Publication date: December 2, 2004
    Inventors: Jean Louise Vincent, Mark Leonard O'Neill, Raymond Nicholas Vrtis, Aaron Scott Lukas, Brian Keith Peterson, Mark Daniel Bitner
  • Publication number: 20040197474
    Abstract: Organosilica glass and organic polymeric films useful for electronic devices and methods for making same are disclosed herein. In one embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a method for enhancing the chemical vapor deposition of a film comprising an organic species comprising: providing a substrate within a reaction chamber; introducing into the chamber gaseous chemical reagents comprising an organic precursor having carbon and hydrogen bonds contained therein and a rate enhancer wherein the rate enhancer is at least one member selected from the group consisting of an oxygen-containing compound; a peroxide compound having the formula R1OOR2; a peracid compound having the formula R3C(O)OC(O)R4; a fluorine-containing compound; and a heavy inert gas; and applying energy to the chemical reagents in the reaction chamber sufficient to induce the reaction of the reagents and deposit the film upon at least a portion of the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2003
    Publication date: October 7, 2004
    Inventors: Raymond Nicholas Vrtis, Aaron Scott Lukas, Mark Leonard O'Neill, Jean Louise Vincent, Mark Daniel Bitner, Eugene Joseph Karwacki, Brian Keith Peterson
  • Publication number: 20040175957
    Abstract: Low dielectric materials and films comprising same have been identified for improved performance when used as interlevel dielectrics in integrated circuits as well as methods for making same. In one aspect of the present invention, an organosilicate glass film is exposed to an ultraviolet light source wherein the film after exposure has an at least 10% or greater improvement in its mechanical properties (i.e., material hardness and elastic modulus) compared to the as-deposited film.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2003
    Publication date: September 9, 2004
    Inventors: Aaron Scott Lukas, Mark Leonard O'Neill, Jean Louise Vincent, Raymond Nicholas Vrtis, Mark Daniel Bitner, Eugene Joseph Karwacki
  • Publication number: 20040175501
    Abstract: Low dielectric materials and films comprising same have been identified for improved performance when used as interlevel dielectrics in integrated circuits as well as methods for making same. In one aspect of the present invention, an organosilicate glass film is exposed to an ultraviolet light source wherein the film after exposure has an at least 10% or greater improvement in its mechanical properties (i.e., material hardness and elastic modulus) compared to the as-deposited film.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2003
    Publication date: September 9, 2004
    Inventors: Aaron Scott Lukas, Mark Leonard O'Neill, Jean Louise Vincent, Raymond Nicholas Vrtis, Mark Daniel Bitner, Eugene Joseph Karwacki
  • Publication number: 20040096672
    Abstract: Low dielectric materials and films comprising same have been identified for improved performance when used as interlevel dielectrics in integrated circuits as well as methods for making same. In certain embodiments of the invention, there is provided a low-temperature process to remove at least a portion of at least one pore-forming phase within a multiphasic film thereby forming a porous film. The pore-forming phase may be removed via exposure to at least one energy source, preferably an ultraviolet light source, in a non-oxidizing atmosphere.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2002
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Inventors: Aaron Scott Lukas, Mark Leonard O'Neill, Mark Daniel Bitner, Jean Louise Vincent, Raymond Nicholas Vrtis, Eugene Joseph Karwacki
  • Publication number: 20040096593
    Abstract: Low dielectric materials and films comprising same have been identified for improved performance when used as interlevel dielectrics in integrated circuits as well as methods for making same. In certain embodiments of the invention, there is provided a low-temperature process to remove at least a portion of at least one pore-forming material within a composite film thereby forming a porous film. The pore-forming material may be removed via exposure to at least one energy source, preferably an ultraviolet light source, in a non-oxidizing atmosphere.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 21, 2003
    Publication date: May 20, 2004
    Inventors: Aaron Scott Lukas, Mark Leonard O'Neill, Mark Daniel Bitner, Jean Louise Vincent, Raymond Nicholas Vrtis, Eugene Joseph Karwacki
  • Patent number: 6716770
    Abstract: Organofluorosilicate glass films contain both organic species and inorganic fluorines, exclusive of significant amounts of fluorocarbon species. Preferred films are represented by the formula SivOwCxHyFz, where v+w+x+y+z=100%, v is from 10 to 35 atomic %, w is from 10 to 65 atomic % y is from 10 to 50 atomic %, x is from 1 to 30 atomic %, z is from 0.1 to 15 atomic %, and x/z is optionally greater than 0.25, wherein substantially none of the fluorine is bonded to the carbon. A CVD method includes: (a) providing a substrate within a vacuum chamber; (b) introducing into the vacuum chamber gaseous reagents including a fluorine-providing gas, an oxygen-providing gas and at least one precursor gas selected from an organosilane and an organosiloxane; and (c) applying energy to the gaseous reagents in the chamber to induce reaction of the gaseous reagents and to form the film on the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 6, 2004
    Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark Leonard O'Neill, Brian Keith Peterson, Jean Louise Vincent, Raymond Nicholas Vrtis