Plasma Cleaning Patents (Class 134/1.1)
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Patent number: 9543157Abstract: According to various embodiments, a method for processing a carrier may include: performing a dry etch process in a processing chamber to remove a first material from the carrier by an etchant, the processing chamber including an exposed inner surface including aluminum and the etchant including a halogen; and, subsequently, performing a hydrogen plasma process in the processing chamber to remove a second material from at least one of the carrier or the inner surface of the processing chamber.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2014Date of Patent: January 10, 2017Assignee: INFINEON TECHNOLOGIES AGInventors: Michael Renner, Lothar Brencher
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Patent number: 9528183Abstract: Implementations described herein generally relate to methods and apparatus for in-situ removal of unwanted deposition buildup from one or more interior surfaces of a semiconductor substrate processing chamber. In one implementation, a method for removing cobalt or cobalt containing deposits from one or more interior surfaces of a substrate processing chamber after processing a substrate disposed in the substrate processing chamber is provided. The method comprises forming a reactive species from the fluorine containing cleaning gas mixture, permitting the reactive species to react with the cobalt and/or the cobalt containing deposits to form cobalt fluoride in a gaseous state and purging the cobalt fluoride in gaseous state out of the substrate processing chamber.Type: GrantFiled: April 17, 2014Date of Patent: December 27, 2016Assignee: APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.Inventors: Kai Wu, Bo Zheng, Sang Ho Yu, Avgerinos V. Gelatos, Bhushan N. Zope, Jeffrey Anthis, Benjamin Schmiege
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Patent number: 9524877Abstract: A dry etching method according to the present invention is for etching a silicon layer as a processing target in a processing room, characterized by supplying an iodine heptafluoride-containing etching gas from a gas supply source at a supply pressure of 66 kPa to 0.5 MPa, evacuating the processing room to an internal pressure lower than the supply pressure of the etching gas and, while maintaining the etching gas at the supply pressure, introducing the etching gas into the evacuated processing room so as to etch the silicon layer by the etching gas. It is possible by this dry etching method to etch the silicon upon adiabatic expansion of the etching gas under mild pressure conditions, with no fear of equipment load and equipment cost increase, and achieve good uniformity of in-plane etching amount distribution.Type: GrantFiled: January 24, 2014Date of Patent: December 20, 2016Assignee: Central Glass Company, LimitedInventors: Akiou Kikuchi, Isamu Mori, Masanori Watari
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Patent number: 9502233Abstract: In order to extend the cycle of gas cleaning for a film-forming device, a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device includes: a substrate carry-in process for carrying a substrate into a processing chamber; a film forming process for laminating at least two types of films on the substrate in the processing chamber; a substrate carry-out process for carrying the film laminated substrate out from the processing chamber; an etching process for supplying an etching gas into the processing chamber while the substrate is not in the processing chamber after the substrate carry-out process. The etching process includes a first cleaning process for supplying a fluorine-containing gas activated by plasma excitation into the processing chamber as an etching gas; and a second cleaning process for supplying a fluorine-containing gas activated by heat into the processing chamber as an etching gas.Type: GrantFiled: March 22, 2013Date of Patent: November 22, 2016Assignee: HITACHI KOKUSAI ELECTRIC, INC.Inventors: Atsushi Sano, Masayuki Asai, Masahiro Yonebayashi
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Patent number: 9502221Abstract: A method includes receiving a voltage and current measured at an output of an RF generator of a first plasma system and calculating a first model etch rate based on the voltage and current, and a power. The method further includes receiving a voltage and current measured at an output of the RF generator of a second plasma system, determining a second model etch rate based on the voltage and current at the output of the RF generator of the second plasma system, and comparing the second model etch rate with the first model etch rate. The method includes adjusting a power at the output of the RF generator of the second plasma system to achieve the first model etch rate associated with the first plasma system upon determining that the second model etch rate does not match the first model etch rate. The method is executed by a processor.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2014Date of Patent: November 22, 2016Assignee: Lam Research CorporationInventors: John C. Valcore, Jr., Harmeet Singh, Henry Povolny
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Patent number: 9441290Abstract: A system and method for the removal of deposited material from the walls of a plasma chamber is disclosed. The system may have two modes; a normal operating mode and a cleaning mode. During the cleaning mode, the plasma is biased at a higher potential than the walls, thereby causing energetic ions from the plasma to strike the plasma wall, dislodging material previously deposited. This may be achieved through the use of one or more electrodes disposed in the plasma chamber, which are maintained at a first voltage during normal operating mode, and a second, higher voltage, during the cleaning mode.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2013Date of Patent: September 13, 2016Assignee: Varian Semiconductor Equipment Associates, Inc.Inventors: Bon-Woong Koo, Min-Sung Jeon, Yong-Tae Kim, Timothy J. Miller
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Patent number: 9435035Abstract: Metalized plastic substrates, and methods thereof are provided herein. The method includes providing a plastic having a plurality of accelerators dispersed in the plastic. The accelerators have a formula ABO3, wherein A is one or more elements selected from Groups 9, 10, and 11 of the Periodic Table of Elements, B is one or more elements selected from Groups 4B and 5B of the Periodic Table of Elements, and O is oxygen. The method includes the step of irradiating a surface of plastic substrate to expose at least a first accelerator. The method further includes plating the irradiated surface of the plastic substrate to form at least a first metal layer on the at least first accelerator, and then plating the first metal layer to form at least a second metal layer.Type: GrantFiled: May 9, 2011Date of Patent: September 6, 2016Assignee: BYD Company LimitedInventors: Qing Gong, Liang Zhou, Weifeng Miao, Xiong Zhang
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Patent number: 9431357Abstract: A high frequency module wiring board includes a wiring section for high frequency transmission, and a solder resist layer formed upon the wiring section. The solder resist layer covers the wiring section so as to have an opening section at a part of the wiring section in a region extending within a predetermined distance from an input/output terminal of a chip component.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2012Date of Patent: August 30, 2016Assignee: Panasonic CorporationInventors: Ryosuke Shiozaki, Suguru Fujita
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Patent number: 9411250Abstract: A radiation system is configured to generate a radiation beam. The radiation system includes a radiation source configured to generate a plasma that emits radiation and debris, and a radiation collector configured to direct collected radiation to a radiation beam emission aperture. A magnetic field generator is configured to generate a magnetic field with a gradient in magnetic field strength to direct the plasma away from the radiation collector.Type: GrantFiled: April 30, 2009Date of Patent: August 9, 2016Assignee: ASML NETHERLANDS B.V.Inventors: Vadim Yevgenyevich Banine, Erik Roelof Loopstra, Vladimir Vitalevich Ivanov, Vladimir Mihailovitch Krivtsun
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Patent number: 9401272Abstract: A cleaning method includes (a) providing a process chamber after forming an oxide film on a substrate in the process chamber formed by a reaction tube and a manifold supporting the reaction tube by performing a cycle a predetermined number of times, the cycle including supplying a source gas to the substrate through a first nozzle in the manifold extending upward to an inside of the reaction tube, and supplying an oxidizing gas to the substrate through a second nozzle in the manifold extending upward to the inside of the reaction tube; and (b) cleaning an inside of the process chamber. The step (b) includes a first cleaning process of supplying a hydrogen fluoride gas into the reaction tube through the second nozzle; and a second cleaning process of supplying a hydrogen fluoride gas onto an inner wall surface of the manifold through a third nozzle disposed in the manifold.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2014Date of Patent: July 26, 2016Assignee: HITACHI KOKUSAI ELECTRIC INC.Inventors: Masato Terasaki, Naonori Akae, Hideki Horita
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Patent number: 9397011Abstract: Systems and methods for reducing copper contamination in a substrate processing system include performing a plasma process on a substrate in a processing chamber of a substrate processing system. A component is located in the processing chamber and is made of an alloy including copper. The plasma process uses a process gas mixture including molecular hydrogen. Prior to performing the plasma process on the substrate and before the substrate is arranged in the processing chamber, the component is conditioned in the processing chamber using a conditioning plasma process that includes a process gas mixture including molecular oxygen and forming gas.Type: GrantFiled: April 13, 2015Date of Patent: July 19, 2016Assignee: Lam Research CorporationInventors: Haoquan Fang, Yuk-Hong Ting, David Cheung
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Patent number: 9373497Abstract: Methods are provided for cleaning metal regions overlying semiconductor substrates. A method for removing material from a metal region comprises heating the metal region, forming a plasma from a gas comprising hydrogen and carbon dioxide, and exposing the metal region to the plasma.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2013Date of Patent: June 21, 2016Assignee: Novellus Systems, Inc.Inventors: David Chen, Haruhiro Harry Goto, Martina Su, Frank Greer, Shamsuddin Alokozai
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Patent number: 9355922Abstract: A method of conditioning internal surfaces of a plasma source includes flowing first source gases into a plasma generation cavity of the plasma source that is enclosed at least in part by the internal surfaces. Upon transmitting power into the plasma generation cavity, the first source gases ignite to form a first plasma, producing first plasma products, portions of which adhere to the internal surfaces. The method further includes flowing the first plasma products out of the plasma generation cavity toward a process chamber where a workpiece is processed by the first plasma products, flowing second source gases into the plasma generation cavity. Upon transmitting power into the plasma generation cavity, the second source gases ignite to form a second plasma, producing second plasma products that at least partially remove the portions of the first plasma products from the internal surfaces.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2014Date of Patent: May 31, 2016Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.Inventors: Soonam Park, Yufei Zhu, Edwin C. Suarez, Nitin K. Ingle, Dmitry Lubomirsky, Jiayin Huang
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Patent number: 9349978Abstract: An organic light emitting display device including: a plurality of first wirings extending in a first direction; and a plurality of second wirings extending in a second direction that crosses the first direction, wherein at least one of the plurality of first wirings includes a first conductive layer and a second conductive layer that extends from an upper portion of the first conductive layer to the same layer as the first conductive layer or a lower layer than the first conductive layer.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2013Date of Patent: May 24, 2016Assignee: Samsung Display Co., Ltd.Inventors: Ki-Nyeng Kang, Na-Young Kim, Dong-Gyu Kim, Soo-Beom Jo
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Patent number: 9330941Abstract: A manufacturing method of a package carrier is provided. A supporting board having an upper surface which a patterned circuit layer formed thereon is provided. A portion of the upper surface is exposed by the patterned circuit layer. An insulating layer and a conducting layer located at a first surface of the insulating layer are laminated onto the patterned circuit layer. The patterned circuit layer and the exposed portion of the upper surface are covered by the insulating layer. Plural conductive connection structures are formed on the patterned circuit layer. Plural of pads respectively connecting the conductive connection structures and exposing a portion of the first surface of the insulating layer is defined by patterning the conductive layer. The supporting board is removed so as to expose a second surface of the insulating layer. The second surface and a bonding surface of the patterned circuit layer are coplanar.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2012Date of Patent: May 3, 2016Assignee: Subtron Technology Co., Ltd.Inventor: Shih-Hao Sun
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Patent number: 9327324Abstract: A system and method are described, for use in cleaning of a vacuum chamber. The method comprising connecting a vacuum chamber to a plasma generating unit via a plasma connection port and connecting the vacuum chamber to a high vacuum pumping unit via a pumping port. A flow conductance through the plasma connection port to the vacuum chamber is controlled to limit passage of charged particles and cleaning substances produced in the plasma generating unit, to thereby maintain a working pressure inside the vacuum chamber while cleaning the vacuum chamber by said cleaning substances.Type: GrantFiled: February 26, 2013Date of Patent: May 3, 2016Assignee: Applied Materials Israel Ltd.Inventors: Lior Segev, Irit Ruach Nir, Guy Eitan
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Patent number: 9305814Abstract: A method of inspecting a substrate processing apparatus, which is capable of preventing product substrates from being supplied to a substrate processing chamber to be inspected, and inspecting the substrate processing chamber in desired timing. Product wafers W (product substrates) are inhibited from being conveyed into a processing unit to be inspected (substrate processing chamber) according to a selection of a menu option “QC MODE” by an operator, or in response to instruction from a host computer. A QC wafer is permitted to be conveyed from a carrier connected to an associated load port 24 into the processing unit to be inspected, in response to a notification the fact that a wafer stored in the carrier connected to the associated load port 24 is the QC wafer.Type: GrantFiled: December 20, 2005Date of Patent: April 5, 2016Assignee: TOKYO ELECTRON LIMITEDInventor: Masahiro Numakura
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Patent number: 9299558Abstract: A method of depositing a film that includes heterogeneously seasoning a processing chamber is provided. After a processing chamber is cleaned, a heterogeneous seasoning deposition is performed to stabilize the deposition rate drift before a substrate may be positioned therein. A film, such as a SiOx film, may then be deposited on the substrate. The substrate may then be removed from the processing chamber and replaced with a second substrate. A film may then be deposited on the second substrate. The substrate positioning, deposition, and substrate removal cycle may be repeated until the cleaning cycle is complete. The processing chamber may be cleaned a second time, and another series of substrates may be similarly processed.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2014Date of Patent: March 29, 2016Assignee: APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.Inventors: Lai Zhao, Gaku Furuta, Qunhua Wang, Soo Young Choi
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Patent number: 9275859Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for manufacturing a semiconductor light-emitting device using a neutral particle beam. According to the present invention, since the kinetic energy of the neutral particle beam is provided as a portion of the reaction energy for causing a nitride semiconductor single crystal thin film to be formed on a substrate, and the reaction energy is not provided as heat energy by heating a substrate as in the prior art, the substrate may be treated at a relatively low temperature. Furthermore, elements such as Si, Mg, and the like, which are solid elements required for doping are sprayed onto the substrate from a source which generates solid elements for doping together with the neutral particle beam to achieve high doping efficiency at a lower temperature.Type: GrantFiled: May 30, 2011Date of Patent: March 1, 2016Assignee: KOREA BASIC SCIENCE INSTITUTEInventors: Suk Jae Yoo, Seong Bong Kim
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Patent number: 9245796Abstract: A method of fabricating an interconnection structure according to an embodiment of the present invention, includes patterning a dielectric layer to form a first recession region, including a first nest-shaped recession region having a first width and a first line-shaped recession region having a second width, which is less than the first width. A guide spacer layer is formed on sidewalls of the first recession region to provide a second recession region including a second nest-shaped recession region in the first nest-shaped recession region. A self-assembling block copolymer material is formed to fill the second nest-shaped recession region. The self-assembling block copolymer material is annealed to form a polymer block domain and a polymer block matrix, surrounding the polymer block domain. The polymer block domain is removed to expose a portion of the dielectric layer. The exposed portion of the dielectric layer is etched to form a via cavity.Type: GrantFiled: October 28, 2015Date of Patent: January 26, 2016Assignee: SK Hynix Inc.Inventors: Keun Do Ban, Cheol Kyu Bok, Min Ae Yoo, Jong Cheon Park
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Patent number: 9208992Abstract: Methods for regulating ion energies in a plasma chamber are disclosed. An exemplary method includes placing a substrate in a plasma chamber, forming a plasma in the plasma chamber, controllably switching power to the substrate so as to apply a periodic voltage function to the substrate, and modulating, over multiple cycles of the periodic voltage function, the periodic voltage function responsive to a desired distribution of energies of ions at the surface of the substrate so as to effectuate the desired distribution of ion energies on a time-averaged basis.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2015Date of Patent: December 8, 2015Assignee: Advanced Energy Industries, Inc.Inventors: Victor Brouk, Randy Heckman, Daniel J. Hoffman
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Patent number: 9202744Abstract: A method of fabricating an interconnection structure according to an embodiment of the present invention, includes patterning a dielectric layer to form a first recession region, including a first nest-shaped recession region having a first width and a first line-shaped recession region having a second width, which is less than the first width. A guide spacer layer is formed on sidewalls of the first recession region to provide a second recession region including a second nest-shaped recession region in the first nest-shaped recession region. A self-assembling block copolymer material is formed to fill the second nest-shaped recession region. The self-assembling block copolymer material is annealed to form a polymer block domain and a polymer block matrix, surrounding the polymer block domain. The polymer block domain is removed to expose a portion of the dielectric layer. The exposed portion of the dielectric layer is etched to form a via cavity.Type: GrantFiled: December 17, 2014Date of Patent: December 1, 2015Assignee: SK Hynix Inc.Inventors: Keun Do Ban, Cheol Kyu Bok, Min Ae Yoo, Jong Cheon Park
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Patent number: 9170051Abstract: A reflow oven used to join electronic components to a substrate includes a chamber housing having surfaces that are in contact with heated air mixed with contaminants, including flux, and an intermediate layer selectively applied to the surfaces of the chamber housing. The reflow oven may include fabricating the intermediate layer with a foam material, including foaming polymers, e.g., epoxy, polyurethane, polyester, and silicone, or a non-foam material, including non-foaming polymers, e.g., polytetrafluoroethylene and polyimide. A method of treating surfaces of a reflow oven exposed to contaminants, including flux, is further disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: April 2, 2012Date of Patent: October 27, 2015Assignee: ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.Inventors: Douglas Ngai, Joo Yong Tay, Wen-Feng Liu, Roberto P. Loera, Steven Dwade Cook
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Patent number: 9169553Abstract: A substrate processing device comprises a reaction vessel 11 forming a space receiving a substrate 1 and adapted to have a plurality of reaction gases supplied thereto to perform desired processing of the substrate, an exhaust port 16 formed in the reaction vessel 11 for exhausting the reaction vessel 11, and a gas supply system 70A, 70B for supplying at least a plurality of reaction gases into the reaction vessel 11, the gas supply system 70A, 70B including a cleaning gas supply unit for supplying a cleaning gas to perform desired processing of the substrate 1 to thereby remove adherents in the reaction vessel 11, and a post-processing gas supply unit for supplying a post-processing gas capable of removing the elements contained in the cleaning gas remaining in the reaction vessel 11 after the adherents have been removed by supplying the cleaning gas, the post-processing gas containing all of the reaction gases used in performing desired processing of the substrate.Type: GrantFiled: June 8, 2011Date of Patent: October 27, 2015Assignee: HITACHI KOKUSAI ELECTRIC INC.Inventors: Masanori Sakai, Nobuhito Shima, Kazuyuki Okuda
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Patent number: 9142392Abstract: A self-cleaning radio frequency (RF) plasma source for a semiconductor manufacturing process is described. Various examples provide an RF plasma source comprising an RF antenna and a rotatable dielectric sleeve disposed around the RF antenna. The dielectric is positioned between a process chamber and cleaning chamber such that portions of the surface of the dielectric may be exposed to either the process chamber or the cleaning chamber. As material is deposited on the outer surface of the dielectric in the process chamber, the dielectric sleeve is rotated so that the portion containing the buildup is exposed to the cleaning chamber. A sputtering process in the cleaning chamber removes the buildup from the surface of the sleeve. The dielectric sleeve is then rotated so that it exposed to the process chamber. Other embodiments are disclosed and claimed.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2013Date of Patent: September 22, 2015Assignee: Varian Semiconductor Equipment Associates, Inc.Inventor: Neil J. Bassom
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Patent number: 9123507Abstract: The invention relates to an arrangement for transporting radicals. The arrangement includes a plasma generator and a guiding body. The plasma generator includes a chamber (2) in which a plasma may be formed. The chamber has an inlet (5) for receiving an input gas, and one or more outlets (6) for removal of at least one of the plasma and radicals created therein. The guiding body is hollow and is arranged for guiding radicals formed in the plasma towards an area or volume at which contaminant deposition is to be removed. The chamber inlet is coupled to a pressure device (40) for providing a pulsed pressure into the chamber so as to create a flow in the guiding body.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2013Date of Patent: September 1, 2015Assignee: MAPPER LITHOGRAPHY IP B.V.Inventors: Pieter Kruit, Marc Smits
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Patent number: 9105581Abstract: In a method of processing a substrate, a first plasma may be generated from a first reaction gas. A second plasma may be generated from a second reaction gas. The first plasma and the second plasma may be individually applied to the substrate. Thus, each of the at least two remote plasma sources may generate at least two plasmas under different process recipes, which may be optimized for processing the substrate. As a result, the substrate processed using the optimal plasmas may have a desired shape.Type: GrantFiled: June 5, 2014Date of Patent: August 11, 2015Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Sam Hyung-sam Kim, Gon-Jun Kim, Volynets Vladmir, Yong-Kyun Park, In-Cheol Song, Sang-Heon Lee, Sang-Jean Jeon
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Patent number: 9105451Abstract: A plasma processing apparatus performs generating plasma only with the carrier gas without the supply of the processing gas after the end of processing to the substrate.Type: GrantFiled: January 19, 2011Date of Patent: August 11, 2015Assignee: SUMITOMO HEAVY INDUSTRIES, LTD.Inventors: Hiroyuki Makino, Masaru Tanaka
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Publication number: 20150144154Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure generally relate to methods of removing etch by-products from the plasma processing chamber using carbon monoxide or carbon dioxide. In one embodiment, a method for dry cleaning a processing chamber includes exposing a chamber component disposed within the processing chamber in absence of a substrate disposed therein to a first cleaning gas mixture comprising carbon monoxide or carbon dioxide, wherein a portion of the chamber component has a film layer or residues deposited thereon, and the film layer or residues comprises a refractory metal and/or a metal silicide.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 24, 2014Publication date: May 28, 2015Inventors: Kee Young CHO, Sang Wook KIM, Joo Won HAN, Han Soo CHO
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Publication number: 20150136172Abstract: The present invention relates to a method for cleaning a phase plate (1) for a transmission electron microscope wherein said phase plate is etched before being irradiated for the first time in the TEM, and is then held in an ultra-pure holding atmosphere until the irradiation in the TEM.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 19, 2014Publication date: May 21, 2015Applicant: FEI CompanyInventors: Patrick Kurth, Steffen Pattai, Joerg Wamser
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Publication number: 20150136171Abstract: A plasma ashing system includes a process chamber including a substrate. A carrier gas supply supplies a carrier gas to the processing chamber. A plasma source is configured to create plasma to the process chamber. A liquid injection source is configured to at least one of inject a compound into the plasma or supply the compound into the plasma. The compound is normally a liquid at room temperature and at atmospheric pressure. A controller is configured to control the liquid injection source, to expose the substrate to the plasma for a predetermined period and to purge reactants from the processing chamber after the predetermined period.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 18, 2013Publication date: May 21, 2015Applicant: Lam Research CorporationInventors: Carlo Waldfried, Orlando Escorcia
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Publication number: 20150136173Abstract: The cleaning process of cleaning an imprinting mold including a release layer coupled via siloxane bonds to a substrate of that release layer includes a first cleaning step and a second cleaning step. In the first cleaning step, the angle of contact of the surface of the release layer with water is made small, and in the second cleaning step, the alkali cleaning agent is brought in contact with the release layer that has gone through the first cleaning step.Type: ApplicationFiled: December 15, 2014Publication date: May 21, 2015Inventors: Noriko YAMADA, Akiko AMANO
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Publication number: 20150135993Abstract: A method of treating particles by disaggregating, deagglomerating, exfoliating, cleaning, functionalising, doping, decorating and/or repairing said particles, in which the particles are subjected to plasma treatment in a treatment chamber containing a plurality of electrodes which project therein and wherein plasma is generated by said electrodes which are moved during the plasma treatment to agitate the particles.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 12, 2014Publication date: May 21, 2015Inventors: John Buckland, Dylan Walters
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Patent number: 9017486Abstract: A method for cleaning a deposition chamber includes forming a deposited layer over an interior surface of the deposition chamber, wherein the deposited layer has a deposited layer stress and a deposited layer modulus; forming a cleaning layer over the deposited layer, wherein a material comprising the cleaning layer is selected such that the cleaning layer adheres to the deposited layer, and has a cleaning layer stress and a cleaning layer modulus, wherein the cleaning layer stress is higher than the deposited layer stress, and wherein the cleaning layer modulus is higher than the deposited layer modulus; and removing the deposited layer and the cleaning layer from the interior of the deposition chamber.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2010Date of Patent: April 28, 2015Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Tien-Jen Cheng, Zhengwen Li, Keith Kwong Hon Wong
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Patent number: 9017487Abstract: A method for cleaning a deposition chamber includes forming a deposited layer over an interior surface of the deposition chamber, wherein the deposited layer has a deposited layer stress and a deposited layer modulus; forming a cleaning layer over the deposited layer, wherein a material comprising the cleaning layer is selected such that the cleaning layer adheres to the deposited layer, and has a cleaning layer stress and a cleaning layer modulus, wherein the cleaning layer stress is higher than the deposited layer stress, and wherein the cleaning layer modulus is higher than the deposited layer modulus; and removing the deposited layer and the cleaning layer from the interior of the deposition chamber.Type: GrantFiled: February 28, 2013Date of Patent: April 28, 2015Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Tien-Jen J. Cheng, Zhengwen Li, Keith Kwong Hon Wong
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Patent number: 9013046Abstract: Internal nodes of a constituent integrated circuit (IC) package of a multichip module (MCM) are protected from excessive charge during plasma cleaning of the MCM. The protected nodes are coupled to an internal common node of the IC package by respectively associated discharge paths. The common node is connected to a bond pad of the IC package. During MCM assembly, and before plasma cleaning, this bond pad receives a wire bond to a ground bond pad on the MCM substrate.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2013Date of Patent: April 21, 2015Assignees: Sandia Corporation, Honeywell Federal Manufacturing & Technologies, LLCInventors: Christopher T. Rodenbeck, Michael Girardi
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Publication number: 20150101634Abstract: A system and method of improving the performance and extending the lifetime of an ion source is disclosed. The ion source includes an ion source chamber, a suppression electrode and a ground electrode. In the processing mode, the ion source chamber may be biased to a first positive voltage, while the suppression electrode is biased to a negative voltage to attract positive ions from within the chamber through an aperture and toward the workpiece. In the cleaning mode, the ion beam is defocused so that it strikes the suppression electrode and the ground electrode. The voltages applied to the ion source chamber and the electrodes are pulsed to minimize the possibility of glitches during this cleaning mode.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 10, 2013Publication date: April 16, 2015Inventors: Christopher J. Leavitt, Peter F. Kurunczi
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Patent number: 9006690Abstract: A method is disclosed for reducing particle contamination in an ion implantation system, wherein an ion beam is created via the ion source operating in conjunction with an extraction electrode assembly. A cathode voltage is applied to the ion source for generating ions therein, and a suppression voltage is applied to the extraction assembly for preventing electrons in the ion beam from being drawn into the ion source. The suppression voltage is selectively modulated, thereby inducing a current flow or an arc discharge through the extraction assembly to remove deposits on surfaces thereof to mitigate subsequent contamination of workpieces.Type: GrantFiled: May 3, 2013Date of Patent: April 14, 2015Assignee: Axcelis Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Neil K. Colvin, Jincheng Zhang
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Publication number: 20150096268Abstract: A method of preparing a sealing surface of a container for application of a seal. A lip of the container may be heated, rinsed, and dried to establish the sealing surface. Then the seal may be applied to the sealing surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 3, 2013Publication date: April 9, 2015Applicant: Owens-Brockway Glass Container Inc.Inventors: Brian J Brozell, Brian J Chisholm, Joseph E Olsavsky
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Publication number: 20150096589Abstract: Embodiments of the invention generally relate to methods of removing and/or cleaning a substrate surface having refractory metal portions disposed thereon using water vapor plasma treatment. In one embodiment, a method for cleaning a surface of a substrate includes positioning a substrate in a processing chamber, the substrate having a refractory metal disposed thereon, forming a process gas comprising water vapor, maintaining a process pressure in the processing chamber above about 0.5 Torr, forming a plasma in the process gas to form an activated water vapor and exposing the refractory metal to the activated water vapor.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 3, 2013Publication date: April 9, 2015Inventors: Danny Chien LU, Yi ZHOU, Changhun LEE
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Patent number: 8999068Abstract: Provided is a chamber cleaning method capable of efficiently removing a CF-based shoulder deposit containing Si and Al deposited on an outer periphery of an ESC. A mixed gas of an O2 gas and a F containing gas is supplied toward an outer periphery 24a of an ESC 24 at a pressure ranging from about 400 mTorr to about 800 mTorr; plasma generated from the mixed gas is irradiated onto the outer periphery 24a of the ESC 24; an O2 single gas as a mask gas is supplied to the top surface of ESC 24 except the outer periphery 24a; and the shoulder deposit 50 adhered to the outer periphery 24a is decomposed and removed while preventing the top surface of ESC 24 except the outer periphery 24a from being exposed to a F radical.Type: GrantFiled: September 1, 2010Date of Patent: April 7, 2015Assignee: Tokyo Electron LimitedInventors: Masanobu Honda, Hidetoshi Hanaoka, Taichi Hirano, Takanori Mimura, Manabu Iwata, Taketoshi Okajo
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Patent number: 8992689Abstract: Methods for removing halogen-containing residues from a substrate are provided. By combining the heat-up and plasma abatement steps, the manufacturing throughput can be improved. Further, by appropriately controlling the pressure in the abatement chamber, the removal efficiency can be improved as well.Type: GrantFiled: February 29, 2012Date of Patent: March 31, 2015Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.Inventors: Adauto Diaz, Andrew Nguyen, Benjamin Schwarz, Eu Jin Lim, Jared Ahmad Lee, James P. Cruse, Li Zhang, Scott M. Williams, Xiaoliang Zhuang, Zhuang Li
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Patent number: 8980009Abstract: The invention is directed to a method for at least partially removing a contamination layer (15) from an optical surface (14a) of an EUV-reflective optical element (14) by bringing a cleaning gas into contact with the contamination layer. In the method, a jet (20) of cleaning gas is directed to the contamination layer (15) for removing material from the contamination layer (15). The contamination layer (15) is monitored for generating a signal indicative of the thickness of the contamination layer (15) and the jet (20) of cleaning gas is controlled by moving the jet (20) of cleaning gas relative to the optical surface (14a) using this signal as a feedback signal. A cleaning arrangement (19 to 24) for carrying out the method is also disclosed. The invention also relates to a method for generating a jet (20) of cleaning gas and to a corresponding cleaning gas generation arrangement.Type: GrantFiled: March 7, 2013Date of Patent: March 17, 2015Assignees: Carl Zeiss SMT GmbH, ASML Netherlands B.V.Inventors: Dirk Heinrich Ehm, Arnold Storm, Johannes Hubertus Josephina Moors, Bastiaan Theodoor Wolschrijn, Thomas Stein, Edwin te Sligte
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Patent number: 8981251Abstract: An atmospheric pressure plasma source includes a body including a distal end, a blade extending from the distal end and terminating at a blade edge, a plasma-generating unit, and a plasma outlet communicating with the plasma-generating unit and positioned at the distal end. The plasma outlet is oriented at a downward angle generally toward the blade edge, wherein the plasma outlet provides a plasma path directed generally toward the blade edge. The plasma may be applied to the coating at an interface between the coating and an underlying substrate. While applying the plasma, the blade is moved into contact with the coating at the interface, wherein the blade assists in separating the coating from the substrate while one or more components of the coating react with energetic species of the plasma.Type: GrantFiled: November 6, 2013Date of Patent: March 17, 2015Assignee: AP Solutions, Inc.Inventors: Peter Joseph Yancey, Jeffrey Kingsley
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Publication number: 20150069273Abstract: Free radicals that combine with debris that is created by converting a target mixture to plasma that emits EUV light are received at a first opening defined by a first end of a conduit, the conduit including a material that passes the free radicals and the conduit including a sidewall that extends away from the first opening and defines at least one other opening, the at least one other positioned to release the free radicals toward an element that accumulates the debris on a surface. The free radicals in the conduit are directed toward the at least one other opening. The free radicals are passed through the at least one other opening and to the surface of the element to remove the debris from the surface of the element without removing the element from the EUV light source.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 9, 2013Publication date: March 12, 2015Inventors: Silvia De Dea, Alexander I. Ershov, Brandon Verhoff, Gregory Wilson, Bruno M. La Fontaine
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Patent number: 8974602Abstract: The present invention discloses a method of reducing contamination in a CVD chamber. The method comprises cleaning the CVD chamber with first cleaning gases containing NF3; removing the particles in the CVD chamber with second cleaning gases containing N2; further removing the particles in the CVD chamber with third cleaning gases containing O2; and seasoning an amorphous carbon layer with mixed gases containing C2H2 and an inert gas.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2013Date of Patent: March 10, 2015Assignee: Shanghia Huali Microelectronics CorporationInventors: Yadan Zhu, Jun Zhou
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Patent number: 8969209Abstract: A method for removing oxide is described. A substrate is provided, including an exposed portion whereon a native oxide layer has been formed. A removing oxide process is performed to the substrate using nitrogen trifluoride (NF3) and ammonia (NH3) as a reactant gas, wherein the volumetric flow rate of NF3 is greater than that of NH3.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2013Date of Patent: March 3, 2015Assignee: United Microelectronics Corp.Inventors: Yen-Chu Chen, Teng-Chun Tsai, Chien-Chung Huang, Keng-Jen Liu
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Patent number: 8961694Abstract: The invention relates to a plasma generator (1) for cleaning an object. The plasma generator (1) comprises a plasma chamber (2) and a support structure (6) arranged in the plasma chamber for supporting the object (7) to be cleaned. Further, the plasma generator comprises an electromagnetic shield (5a, 5b, 5c) counteracting a flow of charged plasma particles flowing from a plasma generating region towards the object, and a plasma source (8). In addition, the plasma generator comprises an additional plasma source (9,10) to form a composition of plasma sources that are arranged to generate in the plasma generating region plasmas, respectively, that mutually interact during operation of the plasma generator so as to force plasma particles to flow in a diffusely closed flow path.Type: GrantFiled: December 21, 2007Date of Patent: February 24, 2015Assignee: Nederlandse Organisatie Voor Toegepast-Natuurwetenschappelijk Onderzoek TNOInventors: Fokko Pieter Wieringa, Norbertus Benedictus Koster, Roland van Vliet, Hubert Adriaan van Mierlo
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Publication number: 20150050812Abstract: A method for cleaning a processing chamber, for example, a strip chamber, configured for processing a wafer is provided which includes the steps of introducing an oxygen-containing gas into the processing chamber, generating an oxygen plasma from the oxygen-containing gas in the processing chamber, establishing a pressure of the oxygen plasma in the processing chamber of at least 1 Torr and maintaining the pressure of at least 1 Torr for at least 40 seconds. A system is also provided including a strip chamber for receiving and stripping the wafer and including a gas inlet and plasma generator means, as well as a controller configured for performing, when no wafer is present in the strip chamber, controlling inflow of an oxygen-containing gas into the processing chamber through the gas inlet and controlling the plasma generator means to generate an oxygen plasma.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 13, 2013Publication date: February 19, 2015Applicant: GLOBALFOUNDRIES Inc.Inventor: Elliot John Smith
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Patent number: 8956461Abstract: An apparatus used for rapid removal of polymer films from plasma confinement rings while minimizing erosion of other plasma etch chamber components is disclosed. The apparatus includes a center assembly, an electrode plate, a confinement ring stack, a first plasma source, and a second plasma source. The electrode plate is affixed to a surface of the center assembly with a channel defined along the external circumference therein. A first plasma source is disposed within the channel and along the external circumference of the center assembly, wherein the first plasma source is configured to direct a plasma to the inner circumferential surface of the confinement ring stack. A second plasma source located away from the first plasma source is configured to perform processing operations on a substrate within the etch chamber.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2010Date of Patent: February 17, 2015Assignee: Lam Research CorporationInventors: Eric Hudson, Andreas Fischer