Patents by Inventor Thomas Maximilia Gebhart

Thomas Maximilia Gebhart 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: 7264680
    Abstract: A method for cleaning a semiconductor workpiece having a metal layer in a processing chamber includes the steps of introducing a liquid solution including dissolved carbon dioxide onto the workpiece, and introducing ozone into the processing chamber. The ozone oxidizes contaminants on the workpiece, while the carbon dioxide inhibits corrosion of the metal layer. The liquid solution is preferably heated to a temperature greater than 40° C., and preferably comprises deionized water injected with carbon dioxide gas. The workpiece is preferably rotated within the processing chamber during the cleaning process. The ozone may be entrained in the liquid solution before the liquid solution is introduced onto the workpiece, or the ozone may be introduced separately into the processing chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 4, 2007
    Assignee: Semitool, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Maximilia Gebhart, Eric J. Bergman