Patents by Inventor Xiaoxiong (John) Yuan
Xiaoxiong (John) Yuan 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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Patent number: 10593539Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing native oxides from a substrate surface is provided. In one aspect, the apparatus comprises a support assembly. In one embodiment, the support assembly includes a shaft coupled to a disk-shaped body. The disk-shaped body includes an upper surface, a lower surface and a cylindrical outer surface. A flange extends radially outward from the cylindrical outer surface. A fluid channel is formed in the disk-shaped body and is coupled to the heat transfer fluid conduit of the shaft. A plurality of grooves formed in the upper surface are coupled by a hole to the vacuum conduit of the shaft. A gas conduit formed through the disk-shaped body couples the gas conduit of the shaft to the cylindrical outer surface of the disk-shaped body.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2012Date of Patent: March 17, 2020Assignee: APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.Inventors: Chien-Teh Kao, Joel M. Huston, Mei Chang, Xiaoxiong (John) Yuan
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Patent number: 8846163Abstract: A method for removing native oxides from a substrate surface is provided. In one embodiment, the method comprises positioning a substrate having an oxide layer into a processing chamber, exposing the substrate to a gas mixture while forming a volatile film on the substrate and maintaining the substrate at a temperature below 65° C., heating the substrate to a temperature of at least about 75° C. to sublimate the volatile film and remove the oxide layer, and depositing a first layer on the substrate after heating the substrate.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2012Date of Patent: September 30, 2014Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.Inventors: Chien-Teh Kao, Jing-Pei (Connie) Chou, Chiukin (Steven) Lai, Sal Umotoy, Joel M. Huston, Son Trinh, Mei Chang, Xiaoxiong (John) Yuan, Yu Chang, Xinliang Lu, Wei W. Wang, See-Eng Phan
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Publication number: 20130008984Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide apparatuses and methods for atomic layer deposition (ALD), such as plasma-enhanced ALD (PE-ALD). In some embodiments, a PE-ALD chamber is provided which includes a chamber lid assembly coupled with a chamber body having a substrate support therein. In one embodiment, the chamber lid assembly has an inlet manifold assembly containing an annular channel encompassing a centralized channel, wherein the centralized channel extends through the inlet manifold assembly, and the inlet manifold assembly further contains injection holes extending from the annular channel, through a sidewall of the centralized channel, and to the centralized channel.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 14, 2012Publication date: January 10, 2013Applicant: APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.Inventors: Hyman Lam, Bo Zheng, Hua Ai, Michael Jackson, Xiaoxiong (John) Yuan, Hou Gong Wang, Salvador P. Umotoy, Sang Ho Yu
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Publication number: 20120267346Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing native oxides from a substrate surface is provided. In one aspect, the apparatus comprises a support assembly. In one embodiment, the support assembly includes a shaft coupled to a disk-shaped body. The disk-shaped body includes an upper surface, a lower surface and a cylindrical outer surface. A flange extends radially outward from the cylindrical outer surface. A fluid channel is formed in the disk-shaped body and is coupled to the heat transfer fluid conduit of the shaft. A plurality of grooves formed in the upper surface are coupled by a hole to the vacuum conduit of the shaft. A gas conduit formed through the disk-shaped body couples the gas conduit of the shaft to the cylindrical outer surface of the disk-shaped body.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 26, 2012Publication date: October 25, 2012Inventors: Chien-Teh Kao, Joel M. Huston, Mei Chang, Xiaoxiong (John) Yuan
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Patent number: 8291857Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide apparatuses and methods for atomic layer deposition (ALD), such as plasma-enhanced ALD (PE-ALD). In some embodiments, a PE-ALD chamber is provided which includes a chamber lid assembly coupled with a chamber body having a substrate support therein. In one embodiment, the chamber lid assembly has an inlet manifold assembly containing an annular channel encompassing a centralized channel, wherein the centralized channel extends through the inlet manifold assembly, and the inlet manifold assembly further contains injection holes extending from the annular channel, through a sidewall of the centralized channel, and to the centralized channel.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2009Date of Patent: October 23, 2012Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.Inventors: Hyman Lam, Bo Zheng, Hua Ai, Michael Jackson, Xiaoxiong (John) Yuan, Hou Gong Wang, Salvador P. Umotoy, Sang Ho Yu
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Publication number: 20120244704Abstract: A method for removing native oxides from a substrate surface is provided. In one embodiment, the method comprises positioning a substrate having an oxide layer into a processing chamber, exposing the substrate to a gas mixture while forming a volatile film on the substrate and maintaining the substrate at a temperature below 65° C., heating the substrate to a temperature of at least about 75° C. to sublimate the volatile film and remove the oxide layer, and depositing a first layer on the substrate after heating the substrate.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 5, 2012Publication date: September 27, 2012Inventors: Chien-Teh KAO, Jing-Pei(Connie) CHOU, Chiukin(Steven) LAI, Sal UMOTOY, Joel M. HUSTON, Son TRINH, Mei CHANG, Xiaoxiong (John) YUAN, Yu CHANG, Xinliang LU, Wei W. WANG, See-Eng PHAN
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Publication number: 20120000422Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide apparatuses and methods for atomic layer deposition (ALD), such as plasma-enhanced ALD (PE-ALD). In some embodiments, a PE-ALD chamber is provided which includes a chamber lid assembly coupled with a chamber body having a substrate support therein. In one embodiment, the chamber lid assembly has an inlet manifold assembly containing an annular channel encompassing a centralized channel, wherein the centralized channel extends through the inlet manifold assembly, and the inlet manifold assembly further contains injection holes extending from the annular channel, through a sidewall of the centralized channel, and to the centralized channel.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 14, 2011Publication date: January 5, 2012Applicant: APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.Inventors: Hyman Lam, Bo Zheng, Hua Ai, Michael Jackson, Xiaoxiong (John) Yuan, Hou Gong Wang, Salvador P. Umotoy, Sang Ho Yu
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Publication number: 20110223755Abstract: A method for removing native oxides from a substrate surface is provided. In one embodiment, the method comprises positioning a substrate having an oxide layer into a processing chamber, generating a plasma of a reactive species from a gas mixture within the processing chamber, exposing the substrate to the reactive species while forming a volatile film on the substrate and maintaining the substrate at a temperature below 65° C., heating the substrate to a temperature of at least about 75° C. to vaporize the volatile film and remove the oxide layer, and depositing a first layer on the substrate after heating the substrate.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 20, 2011Publication date: September 15, 2011Inventors: CHIEN-TEH KAO, Jing-Pei(Connie) Chou, Chiukin(Steven) Lai, Sal Umotoy, Joel M. Huston, Son Trinh, Mei Chang, Xiaoxiong (John) Yuan, Yu Chang, Xinliang Lu, Wei W. Wang, See-Eng Phan
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Patent number: 7767024Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for removing native oxides from a substrate surface is provided which includes supporting a substrate containing silicon oxide within a processing chamber, generating a plasma of reactive species from a gas mixture within the processing chamber, cooling the substrate to a first temperature of less than about 65° C. within the processing chamber, and directing the reactive species to the cooled substrate to react with the silicon oxide thereon while forming a film on the substrate. The film usually contains ammonium hexafluorosilicate. The method further provides positioning the substrate in close proximity to a gas distribution plate, and heating the substrate to a second temperature of about 100° C. or greater within the processing chamber to sublimate or remove the film. The gas mixture may contain ammonia, nitrogen trifluoride, and a carrier gas.Type: GrantFiled: June 6, 2008Date of Patent: August 3, 2010Assignee: Appplied Materials, Inc.Inventors: Chien-Teh Kao, Jing-Pei (Connie) Chou, Chiukin (Steven) Lai, Sal Umotoy, Joel M. Huston, Son Trinh, Mei Chang, Xiaoxiong (John) Yuan, Yu Chang, Xinliang Lu, Wei W. Wang, See-Eng Phan
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Publication number: 20100003406Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide apparatuses and methods for atomic layer deposition (ALD), such as plasma-enhanced ALD (PE-ALD). In some embodiments, a PE-ALD chamber is provided which includes a chamber lid assembly coupled with a chamber body having a substrate support therein. In one embodiment, the chamber lid assembly has an inlet manifold assembly containing an annular channel encompassing a centralized channel, wherein the centralized channel extends through the inlet manifold assembly, and the inlet manifold assembly further contains injection holes extending from the annular channel, through a sidewall of the centralized channel, and to the centralized channel.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2009Publication date: January 7, 2010Applicant: APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.Inventors: Hyman Lam, Bo Zheng, Hua Ai, Michael Jackson, Xiaoxiong (John) Yuan, Hou Gong Wang, Salvador P. Umotoy, Sang Ho Yu
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Publication number: 20090111280Abstract: A method for removing native oxides from a substrate surface is provided. In one embodiment, the method comprises positioning a substrate having an oxide layer into a processing chamber, generating a plasma of a reactive species from a gas mixture within the processing chamber, exposing the substrate to the reactive species while forming a volatile film on the substrate and maintaining the substrate at a temperature below 65° C., heating the substrate to a temperature of at least about 75° C. to vaporize the volatile film and remove the oxide layer, and depositing a first layer on the substrate after heating the substrate.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 4, 2008Publication date: April 30, 2009Applicant: APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.Inventors: Chien-Teh Kao, Jing-Pei (Connie) Chou, Chiukin (Steven) Lai, Sal Umotoy, Joel M. Huston, Son Trinh, Mei Chang, Xiaoxiong (John) Yuan, Yu Chang, Xinliang Lu, Wei W. Wang, See-Eng Phan
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Patent number: 7520957Abstract: A lid assembly for semiconductor processing is provided. In at least one embodiment, the lid assembly includes a first electrode comprising an expanding section that has a gradually increasing inner diameter. The lid assembly also includes a second electrode disposed opposite the first electrode. A plasma cavity is defined between the inner diameter of the expanding section of the first electrode and a first surface of the second electrode.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2005Date of Patent: April 21, 2009Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.Inventors: Chien-Teh Kao, Jing-Pei (Connie) Chou, Chiukin (Steven) Lai, Sal Umotoy, Joel M. Huston, Son Trinh, Mei Chang, Xiaoxiong (John) Yuan, Yu Chang, Xinliang Lu, Wei W. Wang, See-Eng Phan
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Publication number: 20090095621Abstract: A method and apparatus for removing native oxides from a substrate surface is provided. In one aspect, the apparatus comprises a support assembly. In one embodiment, the support assembly includes a shaft coupled to a disk-shaped body. The shaft has a vacuum conduit, a heat transfer fluid conduit and a gas conduit formed therein. The disk-shaped body includes an upper surface, a lower surface and a cylindrical outer surface. A thermocouple is embedded in the disk-shaped body. A flange extends radially outward from the cylindrical outer surface, wherein the lower surface of the disk-shaped body comprises one side of the flange. A fluid channel is formed in the disk-shaped body proximate the flange and lower surface. The fluid channel is coupled to the heat transfer fluid conduit of the shaft. A plurality of grooves are formed in the upper surface of the disk-shaped body, and are coupled by a hole in the disk-shaped body to the vacuum conduit of the shaft.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 23, 2008Publication date: April 16, 2009Inventors: Chien-Teh Kao, Joel M. Huston, Mei Chang, Xiaoxiong (John) Yuan
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Publication number: 20080268645Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for removing native oxides from a substrate surface is provided which includes supporting a substrate containing silicon oxide within a processing chamber, generating a plasma of reactive species from a gas mixture within the processing chamber, cooling the substrate to a first temperature of less than about 65° C. within the processing chamber, and directing the reactive species to the cooled substrate to react with the silicon oxide thereon while forming a film on the substrate. The film usually contains ammonium hexafluorosilicate. The method further provides positioning the substrate in close proximity to a gas distribution plate, and heating the substrate to a second temperature of about 100° C. or greater within the processing chamber to sublimate or remove the film. The gas mixture may contain ammonia, nitrogen trifluoride, and a carrier gas.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 6, 2008Publication date: October 30, 2008Inventors: CHIEN-TEH KAO, Jing-Pei (Connie) Chou, Chiukin (Steven) Lai, Sal Umotoy, Joel M. Huston, Son Trinh, Mei Chang, Xiaoxiong (John) Yuan, Yu Chang, Xinliang Lu, Wei W. Wang, See-Eng Phan
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Patent number: 7396480Abstract: A method for removing native oxides from a substrate surface is provided. In at least one embodiment, the method includes supporting the substrate surface in a vacuum chamber and generating reactive species from a gas mixture within the chamber. The substrate surface is then cooled within the chamber and the reactive species are directed to the cooled substrate surface to react with the native oxides thereon and form a film on the substrate surface. The substrate surface is then heated within the chamber to vaporize the film.Type: GrantFiled: May 24, 2005Date of Patent: July 8, 2008Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.Inventors: Chien-Teh Kao, Jing-Pei (Connie) Chou, Chiukin (Steven) Lai, Sal Umotoy, Joel M. Huston, Son Trinh, Mei Chang, Xiaoxiong (John) Yuan, Yu Chang, Xinliang Lu, Wei W. Wang, See-Eng Phan
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Publication number: 20050221552Abstract: A substrate support assembly and method for supporting a substrate are provided. In at least one embodiment, the support assembly includes a body having one or more fluid conduits disposed therethrough, and a support member disposed on a first end of the body. The support member includes one or more fluid channels formed in an upper surface thereof, wherein each fluid channel is in communication with the one or more of the fluid conduits. The support assembly also includes a cooling medium source in fluid communication with the one or more fluid conduits, and a first electrode having a plurality of holes formed therethrough. The first electrode is disposed on the upper surface of the support member such that each of the plurality of holes is in fluid communication with at least one of the one or more fluid channels formed in the upper surface of the support member.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 24, 2005Publication date: October 6, 2005Inventors: Chien-Teh Kao, Jing-Pei (Connie) Chou, Chiukin (Steven) Lai, Sal Umotoy, Joel Huston, Son Trinh, Mei Chang, Xiaoxiong (John) Yuan, Yu Chang, Xinliang Lu, Wei Wang, See-Eng Phan
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Publication number: 20050218507Abstract: A lid assembly for semiconductor processing is provided. In at least one embodiment, the lid assembly includes a first electrode comprising an expanding section that has a gradually increasing inner diameter. The lid assembly also includes a second electrode disposed opposite the first electrode. A plasma cavity is defined between the inner diameter of the expanding section of the first electrode and a first surface of the second electrode.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 24, 2005Publication date: October 6, 2005Inventors: Chien-Teh Kao, Jing-Pei (Connie) Chou, Chiukin (Steven) Lai, Sal Umotoy, Joel Huston, Son Trinh, Mei Chang, Xiaoxiong (John) Yuan, Yu Chang, Xinliang Lu, Wei Wang, See-Eng Phan
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Publication number: 20050205110Abstract: A method for removing native oxides from a substrate surface is provided. In at least one embodiment, the method includes supporting the substrate surface in a vacuum chamber and generating reactive species from a gas mixture within the chamber. The substrate surface is then cooled within the chamber and the reactive species are directed to the cooled substrate surface to react with the native oxides thereon and form a film on the substrate surface. The substrate surface is then heated within the chamber to vaporize the film.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 24, 2005Publication date: September 22, 2005Inventors: Chien-Teh Kao, Jing-Pei (Connie) Chou, Chiukin (Steven) Lai, Sal Umotoy, Joel Huston, Son Trinh, Mei Chang, Xiaoxiong (John) Yuan, Yu Chang, Xinliang Lu, Wei Wang, See-Eng Phan
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Patent number: 6375748Abstract: A substrate support having a removable edge ring, which is made of a material having a lower coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE), than that of the substrate support is provided. The edge ring and the substrate support are configured for pin and slot coupling. Specifically, either the edge ring, or the substrate support comprises a plurality of pins, and the other of the edge ring or the substrate support comprises a plurality of hollow regions or slots in which the pins may be inserted. The slots are at least as wide as a corresponding one of the plurality of pins and extend in the direction in which the substrate support expands and contracts during thermal cycling. Each of the slots extends a length which is sufficient to compensate for the difference between the CTE of the substrate support and the CTE of the edge ring, over the range of process temperatures to which the apparatus is exposed. Preferably the susceptor is made of aluminum, and the edge ring is made of ceramic.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 1999Date of Patent: April 23, 2002Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.Inventors: Joseph Yudovsky, Tom Madar, Salvador Umotoy, Son Ngoc Trinh, Lawrence C. Lei, Anzhong (Andrew) Chang, Xiaoxiong (John) Yuan