Patents by Inventor Taro Ikeda

Taro Ikeda 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: 11967485
    Abstract: There is provided a plasma processing apparatus including: a chamber having a processing space in which a plasma processing is performed on a substrate and a synthetic space in which electromagnetic waves are synthesized; a dielectric window configured to partition the processing space and the synthetic space; an antenna unit including a plurality of antennas configured to radiate the electromagnetic waves to the synthetic space; an electromagnetic wave output part configured to output the electromagnetic waves to the antenna unit; and a controller configured to control the antenna unit to function as the phased array antenna, wherein the plurality of antennas are helical antennas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Assignee: TOKYO ELECTRON LIMITED
    Inventors: Eiki Kamata, Taro Ikeda, Mikio Sato, Nobuhiko Yamamoto
  • Patent number: 11929234
    Abstract: A plasma processing apparatus capable of improving the in-plane uniformity of plasma and a lower stage used for the plasma processing apparatus are anticipated. In an exemplary embodiment, the lower stage is for a lower stage that generates plasma with an upper electrode. The lower stage includes: a lower dielectric body formed of ceramic, a lower electrode embedded in the lower dielectric body, and a heating element embedded in the lower dielectric body. The separation distance between the top surface of the lower dielectric body at the outer edge position thereof and the lower electrode is smaller than the separation distance between the top surface of the lower dielectric body in the central region thereof and the lower electrode. The lower electrode has an inclination region inclined with respect to the top surface between the outer edge position and the central region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2024
    Assignees: TOKYO ELECTRON LIMITED, TOHOKU UNIVERSITY
    Inventors: Taro Ikeda, Sumi Tanaka, Satoru Kawakami, Masaki Hirayama
  • Patent number: 11923170
    Abstract: The plasma processing apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment includes a processing container, a stage, an upper electrode, a dielectric plate, and a waveguide. The stage is provided in the processing container. The dielectric plate is provided above the stage with a space in the processing container interposed therebetween. The upper electrode is provided above the dielectric plate. The waveguide has an end and guides high frequency waves in a VHF band or a UHF band. The end is arranged to face the space to radiate high frequency waves to the space. The dielectric plate includes a conductive film. The conductive film is provided on an upper surface of the dielectric plate. The upper surface faces the upper electrode. The conductive film is electrically connected to the upper electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2024
    Assignee: TOKYO ELECTRON LIMITED
    Inventors: Satoru Kawakami, Hiroyuki Yamamoto, Taro Ikeda, Masaki Hirayama
  • Patent number: 11908663
    Abstract: Provided is a plasma processing apparatus capable of suppressing abnormal discharge. The plasma processing apparatus includes: an upper electrode and a lower electrode which are disposed inside a processing container so as to face each other inside the processing container; and a dielectric shower for gas introduction disposed below the upper electrode, wherein the plasma processing apparatus generates plasma in a space between the upper electrode and the lower electrode. The upper electrode includes: at least one slot configured to introduce VHF waves into the processing container; and a gas flow path provided independently of the at least one slot and in communication with the dielectric shower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2024
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Taro Ikeda, Toshifumi Kitahara
  • Publication number: 20240055231
    Abstract: A plasma treatment method according to the present disclosure includes a step (a) for continuously introducing electromagnetic waves into a chamber of a plasma treatment device. The electromagnetic waves are VHF waves or UHF waves. The electromagnetic waves are introduced into the chamber so as to form standing waves in the chamber along the lower surface of an upper electrode of the plasma treatment device. The plasma treatment method further includes a step (b) for periodically applying a negative voltage to the upper electrode while the step for continuously introducing the electromagnetic waves is being carried out. The plasma treatment method further includes a step (c) for supplying a treatment gas into the chamber only during the period of applying the negative voltage to the upper electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2022
    Publication date: February 15, 2024
    Inventor: Taro IKEDA
  • Publication number: 20240038500
    Abstract: A plasma processing apparatus includes: a shower head provided above a substrate supporter; a gas supply pipe extending vertically above a chamber to be connected to an upper center of the shower head; an introducer through which the gas supply pipe passes and into which an electromagnetic wave of a VHF or higher is introduced to activate a gas; and an electromagnetic-wave supply path connected to the gas supply pipe. The introducer has a first dissociation space arranged upstream of the shower head and to which a first gas is supplied. The chamber has a second dissociation space between the substrate supporter and the shower head. The first gas dissociated in the first dissociation space and a second gas from the gas supply pipe are joined in the second dissociation space where they are dissociated by a radio-frequency wave having a frequency lower than that of the electromagnetic wave.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2021
    Publication date: February 1, 2024
    Inventors: Taro IKEDA, Satoru KAWAKAMI
  • Patent number: 11887825
    Abstract: A method of controlling a scanning-type plasma processing apparatus using a phased array antenna, includes observing light emission of plasma generated inside a processing container through observation windows provided at multiple positions in the processing container, calculating an in-plane distribution of values representing characteristics of the plasma on a substrate, based on data on the observed light emission of the plasma, and correcting a scanning pattern and/or a plasma density distribution of the plasma based on the calculated in-plane distribution of the values representing the characteristics of the plasma on the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2024
    Assignee: TOKYO ELECTRON LIMITED
    Inventors: Mikio Sato, Eiki Kamata, Taro Ikeda
  • Publication number: 20240030008
    Abstract: A plasma processing apparatus disclosed herein includes a stage disposed in a processing container and configured to mount thereon a substrate, a rotary driving mechanism configured to rotatably drive the stage, and a plurality of plasma sources provided on an upper wall of the processing container facing the stage. The plurality of plasma sources are not arranged axially symmetrically with respect to a rotation axis of the stage.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 17, 2023
    Publication date: January 25, 2024
    Inventors: Eiki KAMATA, Taro HAYAKAWA, Taro IKEDA
  • Publication number: 20240014005
    Abstract: A plasma processing apparatus includes a processing container having an opening in a sidewall, a partition wall that covers the opening and forms an internal space communicating with an inside of the processing container, an internal electrode that passes through the partition wall, is detachably and airtightly inserted into the internal space, and is supplied with RF power, and an external electrode provided outside the partition wall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2023
    Publication date: January 11, 2024
    Inventors: Hiroyuki MATSUURA, Nobuo MATSUKI, Taro IKEDA
  • Publication number: 20240014013
    Abstract: A plasma processing apparatus includes a processing container having an opening in a sidewall, a partition wall that covers the opening and defines an internal space communicating with an inside of the processing container, and an internal electrode that passes through the partition wall, is airtightly inserted into the internal space, and is supplied with RF power. A first gap is provided between the partition wall and the internal electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2023
    Publication date: January 11, 2024
    Inventors: Nobuo MATSUKI, Hiroyuki MATSUURA, Taro IKEDA
  • Patent number: 11851234
    Abstract: The present invention provides a plastic container with excellent slipping property for contents. According to the present invention, provided is a plastic container for storing contents, wherein the plastic container is a blow molded body, an innermost layer in contact with the contents is formed of a resin composition containing a base resin and filler particles, and an inner surface of the innermost layer is provided with concave and convex shapes due to presence of the filler particles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignees: KYORAKU CO., LTD., TOYO ALUMINIUM KABUSHIKI KAISHA
    Inventors: Tatsuro Aoki, Takayoshi Hosoya, Taro Ikeda, Hiroaki Awata
  • Patent number: 11842886
    Abstract: A plasma processing method includes: supplying a gas into a processing container; and intermittently supplying microwave powers output from a plurality of microwave introducing modules into the processing container. In the intermittently supplying the microwave powers, the supply of all the microwave powers from the plurality of microwave introducing modules is periodically in an OFF state for a given time.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 12, 2023
    Assignee: TOKYO ELECTRON LIMITED
    Inventors: Taro Ikeda, Hirokazu Ueda, Eiki Kamata, Mitsutoshi Ashida, Isao Gunji
  • Publication number: 20230386791
    Abstract: Disclosed is a plasma processing apparatus including a chamber and a waveguide structure. The waveguide structure is configured to propagate electromagnetic waves, which are VHF waves or UHF waves, in order to generate plasma within the chamber. The waveguide structure includes a resonator for electromagnetic waves. The resonator includes a first waveguide, a second waveguide, and a load impedance portion. The first waveguide has a first characteristic impedance. The second waveguide has a second characteristic impedance. The second waveguide is terminated at a short-circuit end having a ground potential. The load impedance portion is connected between the first waveguide and the second waveguide. The second characteristic impedance is greater than the first characteristic impedance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2021
    Publication date: November 30, 2023
    Inventors: Taro IKEDA, Satoru KAWAKAMI
  • Publication number: 20230343561
    Abstract: There is provided a plasma processing apparatus that converts a gas supplied into a processing container into a plasma to process a substrate, the plasma processing apparatus including: a microwave introduction window disposed in each of a plurality of openings formed in a ceiling wall of the processing container, the microwave introduction window being configured to supply power of microwaves into the processing container; and a plurality of grooves formed on the ceiling wall to surround the openings respectively, wherein widths between the grooves and the openings are not uniform with respect to circumferential directions of the openings.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2020
    Publication date: October 26, 2023
    Inventors: Satoshi ITOH, Masashi IMANAKA, Eiki KAMATA, Taro IKEDA, Shigenori OZAKI, Soudai EMORI
  • Publication number: 20230335876
    Abstract: There is provided a tuner that forms a part of an electromagnetic wave transmission path for supplying electromagnetic waves from a power supply to a load, and that matches an impedance on a power supply side and an impedance on a load side, comprising: a coaxial line including a cylindrical inner conductor and a cylindrical outer conductor disposed coaxially outside the inner conductor; an annular first dielectric constant changing material disposed in a space between the inner conductor and the outer conductor of the coaxial line, and having a variable dielectric constant; an annular second dielectric constant changing material spaced apart from the first dielectric constant changing material in a line length direction of the coaxial line, disposed in the space between the inner conductor and the outer conductor of the coaxial line, and having a variable dielectric constant; a first power supply portion configured to supply power to the first dielectric constant changing material; and a second power supply
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2021
    Publication date: October 19, 2023
    Inventors: Taro IKEDA, Eiki KAMATA
  • Publication number: 20230326716
    Abstract: A plasma processing apparatus includes a chamber having a processing space for performing plasma processing on a substrate and a synthesis space for synthesizing electromagnetic waves, a dielectric window configured to partition the processing space and the synthesis space, an antenna unit having a plurality of antennas that radiate the electromagnetic waves into the synthesis space and functioning as a phased array antenna, an electromagnetic wave output part configured to output the electromagnetic waves to the antenna unit, and a controller configured to cause the antenna unit to function as the phased array antenna. The dielectric window has a plurality of recesses on a surface thereof facing the processing space.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2021
    Publication date: October 12, 2023
    Inventors: Eiki KAMATA, Hiroshi KANEKO, Taro IKEDA
  • Patent number: 11784085
    Abstract: A plasma processing apparatus includes a stage provided in a chamber and having a heater therein, the stage being configured to place a substrate thereon, and an annular member provided around the stage to be spaced apart therefrom and formed of a dielectric material. At least one annular groove is formed in a lower surface of the annular member in a radial direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2023
    Assignee: TOKYO ELECTRON LIMITED
    Inventors: Taro Ikeda, Eiki Kamata
  • Publication number: 20230295797
    Abstract: A film forming method forms a film on a substrate by plasma in a processing container including a stage configured to hold the substrate thereon, wherein the film forming method includes: (a) a step of supplying a raw material gas and a reaction gas as a processing gas to the processing container; and (b) a step of generating plasma of the processing gas using a radio-frequency power of 100 MHz or higher.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2021
    Publication date: September 21, 2023
    Inventors: Nobuo MATSUKI, Yoshinori MORISADA, Takayuki KOMIYA, Satoru KAWAKAMI, Taro IKEDA, Toshihiko IWAO
  • Publication number: 20230260750
    Abstract: A plasma processing apparatus includes: a processing container; a stage in the processing container; an upper electrode provided to face a placement surface of the stage; and an exhaust duct provide to define a processing space inside the processing container together with the placement surface and the upper electrode, wherein a radial cross-section of an outer wall of the exhaust duct facing the processing space is an L-shape, the exhaust duct includes an exhaust hole communicating with an internal exhaust path, and the exhaust hole is configured such that, with respect to first and second lengths of two sides of the L-shape, a distance from a corner portion of the L-shape to the exhaust hole is equal to or less than each of the first and second lengths, the first length is 7 mm or more, and the second length is equal to or greater than the first length.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2023
    Publication date: August 17, 2023
    Inventor: Taro IKEDA
  • Patent number: 11721528
    Abstract: There is provided a plasma processing apparatus including: a processing container; a first electrode provided inside the processing container and connected to a high-frequency power supply; a second electrode provided inside the processing container to face the first electrode, the second electrode being grounded; and a film thickness calculator connected to at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode and configured to calculate a thickness of a film deposited on the at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2023
    Assignee: TOKYO ELECTRON LIMITED
    Inventors: Taro Ikeda, Mikio Sato, Eiki Kamata