Ion Bombardment Patents (Class 250/492.21)
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Patent number: 8816308Abstract: An RI manufacturing apparatus includes: an accelerator which accelerates charged particles; a target which is irradiated with the charged particle accelerated by the accelerator, thereby manufacturing a radioactive isotope; a built-in shield that may be a wall body which surrounds the accelerator and the target to shield radiation; and a target shield that may be a wall body which is disposed between the built-in shield and the accelerator and surrounds the target to shield the radiation.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2012Date of Patent: August 26, 2014Assignee: Sumitomo Heavy Industries, Ltd.Inventor: Hideki Tanaka
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Patent number: 8803110Abstract: Beam current is adjusted during ion implantation by adjusting one or more parameters of an ion source. The ion beam is generated or provided by a non-arc discharge based ion source, such as an electron gun driven ion source or an RF driven ion source. A beam current adjustment amount is determined. Then, one or more parameters of the ion source are adjusted according to the determined beam current adjustment amount. The beam current is provided having a modulated beam current.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2006Date of Patent: August 12, 2014Assignee: Axcelis Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Michael A. Graf, Edward C. Eisner, William F. DiVergilio, Daniel R. Tieger
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Patent number: 8803111Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for preparing a sample including: a sample stage that supports a sample; a focused ion beam column that applies a focused ion beam to the same sample and processes the sample; and an irradiation area setting unit that sets a focused-ion-beam irradiation area including a first irradiation area used to form an observation field irradiated with an electron beam in order to detect backscattered electrons and a second irradiation area used to form a tilted surface tilted with respect to the normal line of the observation field with an angle of 67.5° or more and less than 90°.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2013Date of Patent: August 12, 2014Assignee: Hitachi High-Tech Science CorporationInventor: Xin Man
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Patent number: 8796646Abstract: A method of depositing material onto a substrate at cryogenic temperatures using beam-induced deposition. A precursor gas is chosen from a group of compounds having a melting point that is lower than the cryogenic temperature of the substrate. Preferably the precursor gas is chosen from a group of compounds having a sticking coefficient that is between 0.5 and 0.8 at the desired cryogenic temperature. This will result in the precursor gas reaching equilibrium between precursor molecules adsorbed onto the substrate surface and precursor gas molecules desorbing from the substrate surface at the desired cryogenic temperature. Suitable precursor gases can comprise alkanes, alkenes, or alkynes. At a cryogenic temperature of between ?50° C. and ?85° C., hexane can be used as a precursor gas to deposit material; at a cryogenic temperature of between ?50° C. and ?180° C., propane can be used as a precursor gas.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2011Date of Patent: August 5, 2014Assignee: Fei CompanyInventors: Johannes Jacobus Lambertus Mulders, Petrus Hubertus Franciscus Trompenaars
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Patent number: 8796649Abstract: The support and electrode assemblies of the ion implanter are cooled by circulating a coolant through these parts during operation. The support for the arc chamber includes a one piece block of aluminum through which coolant passes and a hollow rectangular post on which the arc chamber sits with a space therebetween.Type: GrantFiled: November 29, 2012Date of Patent: August 5, 2014Assignee: ion Technology Solutions, LLCInventors: Manuel A. Jerez, Carlos F. Borges
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Patent number: 8796648Abstract: In a particle therapy treatment planning system for creating treatment plan data, the movement of a target (patient's affected area) is extracted from plural tomography images of the target, and the direction of scanning is determined by projecting the extracted movement on a scanning plane scanned by scanning magnets. Irradiation positions are arranged on straight lines parallel with the scanning direction making it possible to calculate a scanning path for causing scanning to be made mainly along the direction of movement of the target. The treatment planning system can thereby realize dose distribution with improved uniformity.Type: GrantFiled: October 17, 2013Date of Patent: August 5, 2014Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.Inventors: Rintaro Fujimoto, Yoshihiko Nagamine, Masumi Umezawa, Toru Umekawa, Yusuke Fujii, Hiroshi Akiyama
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Patent number: 8796644Abstract: The invention relates to a charged particle beam lithography system comprising: a charged particle optical column arranged in a vacuum chamber for projecting a charged particle beam onto a target, wherein the column comprises deflecting means for deflecting the charged particle beam in a deflection direction, a target positioning device comprising a carrier for carrying the target, and a stage for carrying and moving the carrier along a first direction, wherein the first direction is different from the deflection direction, wherein the target positioning device comprises a first actuator for moving the stage in the first direction relative to the charged particle optical column, wherein the carrier is displaceably arranged on the stage and wherein the target positioning device comprises retaining means for retaining the carrier with respect to the stage in a first relative position.Type: GrantFiled: August 17, 2009Date of Patent: August 5, 2014Assignee: Mapper Lithography IP B.V.Inventors: Jerry Peijster, Guido de Boer
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Patent number: 8790498Abstract: A method and device for ion beam processing of surfaces of a substrate positions the substrate to face an ion beam, and a new technologically-defined pattern of properties is established. According to the method, the current geometrical effect pattern of the ion beam on the surface of the substrate is adjusted depending on the known pattern of properties and the new technologically-defined pattern of properties, and depending upon the progress of the processing, by modifying the beam characteristic and/or by pulsing the ion beam. A device for carrying out the method includes a substrate support for holding at least one substrate, which can be moved along an Y-axis and an X-axis, and an ion beam source for generating an ion beam, which is perpendicular to the surface to be processed of the substrate in the Z-axis or which may be arranged in an axis, inclined in relation to the Z-axis. The distance between the ion beam source and the surface to be processed of the substrate may be fixed or variable.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2004Date of Patent: July 29, 2014Assignee: Roth & Rau AGInventors: Joachim Mai, Dietmar Roth, Bernd Rau, Karl-Heinz Dittrich
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Patent number: 8791438Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of an ion beam sample preparation apparatus and methods. The apparatus has disposed in a vacuum chamber at least one tilting ion beam irradiating means with intensity control, a rotation stage with rotation control, a sample holder, and an adjustable positioning stage that has two axes of positional adjustment that are operable to move the region of the sample being prepared by the ion beam relative to the ion beam. The apparatus may also include a vacuum-tight optical window for observing the sample and a shutter for protecting the optical window from debris while the sample is prepared in the ion beam.Type: GrantFiled: July 24, 2013Date of Patent: July 29, 2014Assignee: Gatan Inc.Inventors: Steven Thomas Coyle, John Andrew Hunt, Michael Patrick Hassel-Shearer
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Patent number: 8789826Abstract: A method for mounting a specimen on a specimen carrier for milling in an ex-situ lift-out (EXLO) milling process is described where “cross-section” specimens, plan view specimens, or bulk specimens may be lifted-out for analysis. The method comprising positioning the specimen on a recessed surface within a specimen carrier top surface so that a region to be milled is centered about a carrier opening formed through the specimen carrier. Peripheral edges of the specimen are then wedged against inwardly sloping side walls framing the recessed surface. Finally, the specimen is mounted to the specimen carrier so that a path of a milling beam intersects the region to be milled and carrier opening.Type: GrantFiled: August 27, 2013Date of Patent: July 29, 2014Assignee: EXpressLO LLCInventor: Lucille A. Giannuzzi
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Patent number: 8785889Abstract: An ion implantation system and process, in which the performance and lifetime of the ion source of the ion implantation system are enhanced, by utilizing isotopically enriched dopant materials, or by utilizing dopant materials with supplemental gas(es) effective to provide such enhancement.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2013Date of Patent: July 22, 2014Assignee: Advanced Technology Materials, Inc.Inventors: Robert Kaim, Joseph D. Sweeney, Anthony M. Avila, Richard S. Ray
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Patent number: 8779383Abstract: Isotopically enriched silicon precursor compositions are disclosed, as useful in ion implantation to enhance performance of the ion implantation system, in relation to corresponding ion implantation lacking such isotopic enrichment of the silicon precursor composition. The silicon dopant composition includes at least one silicon compound that is isotopically enriched above natural abundance in at least one of 28Si, 29Si, and 30Si, and may include a supplemental gas including at least one of a co-species gas and a diluent gas. Dopant gas supply apparatus for providing such silicon dopant compositions to an ion implanter are described, as well as ion implantation systems including such dopant gas supply apparatus.Type: GrantFiled: May 21, 2013Date of Patent: July 15, 2014Assignee: Advanced Technology Materials, Inc.Inventors: James J. Mayer, Richard S. Ray, Robert Kaim, Joseph D. Sweeney
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Patent number: 8779395Abstract: An ion implantation system for improving performance and extending lifetime of an ion source is disclosed whereby the selection, delivery, optimization and control of the flow rate of a co-gas into an ion source chamber is automatically controlled.Type: GrantFiled: December 1, 2011Date of Patent: July 15, 2014Assignee: Axcelis Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Neil K. Colvin, Tseh-Jen Hsieh
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Patent number: 8779399Abstract: The present invention provides an electrostatic deflector which deflects a plurality of charged particle beams, the deflector comprising a first electrode member including a plurality of first electrode pairs arranged along a first axis direction in an oblique coordinate system, and a second electrode member including a plurality of second electrode pairs arranged along a second axis direction in the oblique coordinate system, wherein each of the plurality of charged particle beams is deflected by a corresponding first electrode pair of the plurality of first electrode pairs, and a corresponding second electrode pair of the plurality of second electrode pairs.Type: GrantFiled: June 19, 2013Date of Patent: July 15, 2014Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventor: Toshiro Yamanaka
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Publication number: 20140192467Abstract: An aluminum oxide ceramic is formed into a sapphire component for an electronic device. Indicia are embedded into at least one major surface of the component, for example by ion implantation, where ions are fixed into a subsurface pattern layer. The subsurface pattern layer defines the indicia by altering an optical or chromatic property of the aluminum oxide material, so that the indicia are visible from an external surface of the component.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 8, 2013Publication date: July 10, 2014Applicant: Apple Inc.Inventor: Kelvin Kwong
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Patent number: 8772741Abstract: An ion implantation method includes reciprocally scanning an ion beam, mechanically scanning a wafer in a direction perpendicular to a beam scanning direction, and implanting ions into the wafer. The wafer is divided into a plurality of implantation regions, a beam scanning speed in the beam scanning direction is set to be varied for each of the implantation regions, an ion implantation amount distribution for each of the implantation regions is controlled by changing and controlling the beam scanning speed, and the ion implantation amount for each of the implantation regions is controlled and a beam scanning frequency and a beam scanning amplitude in the control of the beam scanning speed for each of the implantation regions is made to be constant by setting a wafer mechanical scanning speed and controlling the wafer mechanical scanning speed for each of the implantation regions.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2012Date of Patent: July 8, 2014Assignee: SEN CorporationInventors: Shiro Ninomiya, Akihiro Ochi, Yasuhiko Kimura, Yasuharu Okamoto, Toshio Yumiyama
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Patent number: 8772142Abstract: An ion implantation method includes reciprocally scanning an ion beam, mechanically scanning a wafer in a direction perpendicular to the ion beam scanning direction, implanting ions into the wafer, and generating an ion implantation amount distribution in a wafer surface of an isotropic concentric circle shape for correcting non-uniformity in the wafer surface in other semiconductor manufacturing processes, by controlling a beam scanning speed in the ion beam scanning direction and a wafer scanning speed in the mechanical scanning direction at the same time and independently using the respective control functions defining speed correction amounts.Type: GrantFiled: March 21, 2012Date of Patent: July 8, 2014Assignee: SEN CorporationInventors: Shiro Ninomiya, Tetsuya Kudo, Akihiro Ochi
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Patent number: 8772712Abstract: A compound contained in a sample is analyzed more accurately. Provided is an analysis method using TOF-SIMS in which first spectral data is obtained by irradiating the sample with a first primary ion, second spectral data is obtained by irradiating the sample with a second primary ion, and a surface of the sample is etched by an ion and then the surface of the sample is irradiated with the first primary ion or the second primary ion. The first primary ion is more likely to break a molecular structure of a molecule contained in the sample than the second primary ion.Type: GrantFiled: April 16, 2013Date of Patent: July 8, 2014Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hajime Kimura, Shunsuke Kiyomura
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Patent number: 8766214Abstract: The invention relates to a method of preparing and imaging a sample using a particle-optical apparatus, equipped with an electron column and an ion beam column, a camera system, a manipulator. The method comprises the steps of deriving a first ptychographic image of the sample from a first electron image, thinning the sample, and forming a second ptychographic image of the sample. In an embodiment of the invention the seed image used for the second image is the first ptychographic image. In another embodiment the second ptychographic image is the image of the layer removed during the thinning. In another embodiment the inner potential of the sample is determined and dopant concentrations are determined.Type: GrantFiled: June 17, 2013Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Assignee: FEI CompanyInventors: Brian Roberts Routh, Jr., Peter Christiaan Tiemeijer, Bart Jozef Janssen, Thomas G. Miller, David Foord, Ivan Lazić
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Patent number: 8766184Abstract: With a scanning electron microscope (SEM) adopting a commonly available exhaust system such as a turbo-molecular pump, an ion pump, or a rotary pump, and so forth, there is realized an apparatus capable of safely executing observation, or adsorption of a target substance that is high in rarity. Further, there is realized a safe SEM low in the risk of an electrical discharge by providing the apparatus with a probe, a means for replacing an atmosphere in a specimen chamber, with a predetermined gas, and a means for forming an image by detection of an ion current, and detection of an absorption current. Further, there is provided a means for controlling the polarity of a voltage applied to the probe. Still further, there is provided a control means for controlling a value of the voltage applied to the probe according to a degree of vacuum.Type: GrantFiled: November 2, 2011Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Assignee: Hitachi High-Technologies CorporationInventors: Haruhiko Hatano, Hiroyuki Suzuki, Yoshihiko Nakayama
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Patent number: 8766210Abstract: Charged particle system are disclosed and include a first voltage source, a second voltage source electrically isolated from the first voltage source, a charged particle source electrically connected to the first voltage source, and an extractor electrically connected to the second voltage source. Methods relating to the charged particle systems are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2011Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Assignee: Carl Zeiss Microscopy, LLCInventors: Raymond Hill, John Notte, IV
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Patent number: 8764952Abstract: In a method of irradiating a gas cluster ion beam on a solid surface and smoothing the solid surface, the angle formed between the solid surface and the gas cluster ion beam is chosen to be between 1° and an angle less than 30°. In case the solid surface is relatively rough, the processing efficiency is raised by first irradiating a beam at an irradiation angle ? chosen to be something like 90° as a first step, and subsequently at an irradiation angle ? chosen to be 1° to less than 30° as a second step. Alternatively, the set of the aforementioned first step and second step is repeated several times.Type: GrantFiled: September 29, 2004Date of Patent: July 1, 2014Assignee: Japan Aviation Electronics Industry LimitedInventors: Akinobu Sato, Akiko Suzuki, Emmanuel Bourelle, Jiro Matsuo, Toshio Seki, Takaaki Aoki
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Patent number: 8759798Abstract: According to the present invention, an ion implantation system capable of implanting ions into a large substrate and reducing a manufacturing cost, and an ion implantation method using the same may be provided. The ion implantation system includes a plurality of ion implantation assemblies arranged in a line, each ion implantation assembly to implant ions into a partial region of the substrate. This allows for a compact ion implantation system to implant ions into a very large substrate. The substrate moves through the ion implantation system in a first direction, turns around, and then moves back through the ion implantation system in a second and opposite direction, where ions are implanted into the substrate while the substrate is moving in both directions. The path in the first direction can be spaced-apart from the path in the second direction to allow for two substrates to be processed simultaneously.Type: GrantFiled: September 20, 2011Date of Patent: June 24, 2014Assignee: Samsung Display Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hyun-Gue Kim, Sang-Soo Kim
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Patent number: 8759802Abstract: A method and apparatus for performing a slice and view technique with a dual beam system. The feature of interest in an image of a sample is located by machine vision, and the area to be milled and imaged in a subsequent slice and view iteration is determined through analysis of data gathered by the machine vision at least in part. A determined milling area may be represented as a bounding box around a feature, which dimensions can be changed in accordance with the analysis step. The FIB is then adjusted accordingly to slice and mill a new face in the subsequent slice and view iteration, and the SEM images the new face. Because the present invention accurately locates the feature and determines an appropriate size of area to mill and image, efficiency is increased by preventing the unnecessary milling of substrate that does not contain the feature of interest.Type: GrantFiled: January 7, 2013Date of Patent: June 24, 2014Assignee: FEI CompanyInventor: Ryan Tanner
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Patent number: 8755924Abstract: A charged particle beam writing method includes inputting layout information of a plurality of chips on which pattern formation is to be achieved, setting, using the layout information, a plurality of writing groups each being composed of at least one of the plurality of chips and each having writing conditions differing from each other, setting, for each of the plurality of writing groups, a frame which encloses a whole of all chip regions in the each of the plurality of writing groups, virtually dividing the frame into a plurality of stripe regions in a predetermined direction, with respect to the each of the plurality of writing groups, setting, using the plurality of stripe regions of all the plurality of writing groups, an order of each of the plurality of stripe regions such that a reference position of the each of the plurality of stripe regions is located in order in the predetermined direction regardless of the plurality of writing groups, and writing a pattern in the each of the plurality of stripeType: GrantFiled: September 2, 2010Date of Patent: June 17, 2014Assignee: NuFlare Technology, Inc.Inventor: Akihito Anpo
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Patent number: 8742373Abstract: A plasma is formed from one or more gases in a plasma chamber using at least a first power and a second power. A first ion species is generated at said first power and a second ion species is generated at said second power. In one embodiment, the first ion species and second ion species are implanted into a workpiece at two different energies using at least a first bias voltage and a second bias voltage. This may enable implantation to two different depths. These ion species may be atomic ions or molecular ions. The molecular ions may be larger than the gases used to form the plasma.Type: GrantFiled: December 10, 2010Date of Patent: June 3, 2014Assignee: Varian Semiconductor Equipment Associates, Inc.Inventors: Svetlana Radovanov, Ludovic Godet, Christopher R. Hatem
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Patent number: 8742374Abstract: A hybrid ion implantation apparatus that is equipped with shaping masks that shape the two edges of a ribbon-like ion beam IB in the short-side direction, a profiler that measures the current distribution in the long-side direction of the ion beam IB shaped by the shaping masks, and an electron beam supply unit that supplies an electron beam EB across the entire region in the long-side direction of the ion beam IB prior to its shaping by the shaping masks, wherein the electron beam supply unit varies the supply dose of the electron beam EB at each location in the long-side direction of the ion beam IB according to results of measurements by the profiler.Type: GrantFiled: August 19, 2013Date of Patent: June 3, 2014Assignee: Nissin Ion Equipment Co., LtdInventor: Masao Naito
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Patent number: 8735855Abstract: An ion beam irradiation method comprises calculating a scan voltage correction function with the maximum beam scan width depending on the measurement result of a beam current measurement device, calculating each of more than one scan voltage correction functions corresponding to each of scheduled beam scan widths depending on the calculated scan voltage correction functions while satisfying dose uniformity in the horizontal direction, measuring a mechanical Y-scan position during the ion implantation, changing the scan voltage correction function as a function of the measured mechanical Y-scan position so that the beam scan area becomes a D-shaped multistage beam scan area corresponding to an outer periphery of a half of the wafer to thereby reduce the beam scan width, and changing a mechanical Y-scan speed depending on the change of the measurement result of a side cup current measurement device to thereby keep the dose uniformity in the vertical direction.Type: GrantFiled: June 7, 2011Date of Patent: May 27, 2014Assignee: SEN CorporationInventors: Shiro Ninomiya, Toshio Yumiyama, Yasuhiko Kimura, Tetsuya Kudo, Akihiro Ochi
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Patent number: 8735815Abstract: A system for electron pattern imaging includes: a device for converting electron patterns into visible light provided to receive an electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD) pattern from a sample and convert the EBSD pattern to a corresponding light pattern; a first optical system positioned downstream from the device for converting electron patterns into visible light for focusing the light pattern produced by the device for converting electron patterns into visible light; a camera positioned downstream from the first optical system for obtaining an image of the light pattern; an image intensifier positioned between the device for converting electron patterns into visible light and the camera for amplifying the light pattern produced by the device for converting electron patterns into visible light; and a device positioned within the system for protecting the image intensifier from harmful light.Type: GrantFiled: June 24, 2013Date of Patent: May 27, 2014Assignee: EDAX, Inc.Inventors: Reinhard Buchhold, Brent Hammell, Joseph A. Nicolosi, Peter Antonie de Kloe
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Patent number: 8729510Abstract: Disclosed are embodiments of an ion beam sample preparation apparatus and methods for using the embodiments. The apparatus comprises an ion beam irradiating means in a vacuum chamber that may direct ions toward a sample, a shield blocking a portion of the ions directed toward the sample, and a shield retention stage with shield retention means that replaceably and removably holds the shield in a position. The shield has datum features which abut complementary datum features on the shield retention stage when the shield is held in the shield retention stage. A retention stage lifting means allows the creation of a loading chamber that is isolated from the main vacuum chamber where sample ion beam milling takes place. A heat sink means is configured to conduct heat away from the sample undergoing sample preparation in the ion beam.Type: GrantFiled: April 21, 2013Date of Patent: May 20, 2014Assignee: Gatan Inc.Inventors: Steven Thomas Coyle, John Andrew Hunt
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Patent number: 8729469Abstract: An improved method for extracting and handling multiple samples for S/TEM analysis is disclosed. Preferred embodiments of the present invention make use of a micromanipulator that attaches multiple samples at one time in a stacked formation and a method of placing each of the samples onto a TEM grid. By using a method that allows for the processing of multiple samples, the throughput of sample prep in increased significantly.Type: GrantFiled: July 5, 2013Date of Patent: May 20, 2014Assignee: FEI CompanyInventors: Michael Schmidt, Stacey Stone, Corey Senowitz
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Patent number: 8729506Abstract: A replacement light apparatus includes a base plate, a grip plate, a bearing member, and a light source. The grip plate extends from a first surface of the base plate. The bearing member extends from a second surface of the base plate that is opposite the first surface. The bearing member includes a bearing surface disposed in a first plane that is perpendicular to a second plane, in which the base plate is disposed. The light source is mounted on the bearing surface of the bearing member and adapted to project a cone of light centered on an illumination axis that extends perpendicular to the bearing surface.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2012Date of Patent: May 20, 2014Assignee: Southern Linac, LLCInventors: Clark Bowlsbey, Edward Q. Castle, Jr., Kyle Bowlsbey
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Patent number: 8723144Abstract: An apparatus is disclosed for forming a sample of an object, extracting the sample from the object, and subjecting this sample to microanalysis including surface analysis and electron transparency analysis in a vacuum chamber. In some embodiments, a means is provided for imaging an object cross section surface of an extracted sample. Optionally, the sample is iteratively thinned and imaged within the vacuum chamber. In some embodiments, the sample is situated on a sample support including an optional aperture. Optionally, the sample is situated on a surface of the sample support such that the object cross section surface is substantially parallel to the surface of the sample support. Once mounted on the sample support, the sample is either subjected to microanalysis in the vacuum chamber, or loaded onto a loading station. In some embodiments, the sample is imaged with an electron beam substantially normally incident to the object cross section surface.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2005Date of Patent: May 13, 2014Assignee: Applied Materials Israel, Ltd.Inventors: Eitan Kidron, Dror Shemesh
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Publication number: 20140127628Abstract: A method for forming a pattern on a surface using charged particle beam lithography is disclosed, where the shots in an ordered set of input shots are modified within a subfield to reduce either a thermal variation or a maximum temperature of the surface during exposure by the charged particle beam writer. A method for fracturing or mask data processing is also disclosed, where an ordered set of shots is generated which will expose at least one subfield of a surface using a shaped beam charged particle beam writer, and where a temperature or a thermal variation generated on the surface during the exposure of one subfield is calculated. Additionally, a method for forming a pattern on a surface with an ordered set of shots using charged particle beam lithography is disclosed, in which a blanking period following a shot is lengthened to reduce the maximum temperature of the surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 1, 2013Publication date: May 8, 2014Applicant: D2S, Inc.Inventors: Akira Fujimura, Ryan Pearman, Anatoly Aadamov
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Patent number: 8716682Abstract: An ion implantation system may comprise a plasma source for providing a plasma and a workpiece holder arranged to receive a bias with respect to the plasma to attract ions across a plasma sheath toward the substrate. The system may also include an extraction plate arrangement comprising a multiplicity of different apertures each arranged to provide an ion beam having ions distributed over a range of angles of incidence on the workpiece, wherein a first ion beam extracted from a first aperture has a first beam profile that differs from a second ion beam extracted from a second aperture.Type: GrantFiled: April 4, 2011Date of Patent: May 6, 2014Assignee: Varian Semiconductor Equipment Associates, Inc.Inventors: Anthony Renau, Ludovic Godet, Timothy J. Miller, Joseph C. Olson
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Patent number: 8716681Abstract: In one embodiment, a sample processing method includes placing a sample on a sample placing module, and setting first processing boxes on one side of slice formation scheduled regions of the sample, and second processing boxes on the other side thereof. The method includes processing the sample by performing a primary scan which sequentially scans the first processing boxes with a continuously generated ion beam, and a secondary scan which sequentially scans the second processing boxes with a continuously generated ion beam, to form slices of the sample. The primary and secondary scans are performed so that a first scanning condition for scanning first regions within the first and second processing boxes is set different from a second scanning condition for scanning second regions between the first processing boxes and between the second processing boxes, to allow frame portions of the sample to remain in the second regions.Type: GrantFiled: August 30, 2013Date of Patent: May 6, 2014Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha ToshibaInventors: Hitomi Kawaguchiya, Mitsuo Koike
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Patent number: 8710464Abstract: Separation and the like of an excised specimen from a specimen are automatically performed. Marks for improving image recognition accuracy are provided in a region that becomes an excised specimen in a specimen and a region other than said region, or in a transfer means for transferring the excised specimen and a specimen holder capable of holding the excised specimen, and the relative movement of the excised specimen and the specimen, and the like are recognized with high accuracy by image recognition. In the sampling of a minute specimen using a focused ion beam, the detection of an end point of processing for separation of the excised specimen from the specimen, and the like are automatically performed. Thus, for example, unmanned specimen excision becomes possible, and preparation of a lot of specimens becomes possible.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2009Date of Patent: April 29, 2014Assignee: Hitachi High-Technologies CorporationInventors: Yuichi Madokoro, Tsuyoshi Onishi, Megumi Aizawa, Yukio Yoshizawa
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Patent number: 8709269Abstract: A method and a system for obtaining an image of a cross section of a specimen, the method includes: milling the specimen so as to expose a cross section of the specimen, in which the cross section comprises at least one first portion made of a first material and at least one second portion made of a second material; smoothing the cross section; performing gas assisted etching of the cross section so as generate a topography difference between the at least one first portion and the at least one second portion of the cross section; coating the cross section with a thin layer of conductive material; and obtaining an image of the cross section; wherein the milling, smoothing, performing, coating and obtaining are performed while the specimen is placed in a vacuum chamber.Type: GrantFiled: April 15, 2008Date of Patent: April 29, 2014Assignee: Applied Materials Israel, Ltd.Inventor: Dror Shemesh
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Patent number: 8698108Abstract: A system of measuring ion beam current in a process chamber using conductive liners is disclosed. A conductive liner is used to shield the walls of the process chamber. An ion measuring device, such as an ammeter, is used to measure the current created by the ions that impact the conductive liner. In some embodiments, a mechanism to contain secondary electrons generated in the process chamber is employed. Additionally, the ions that impact the scan system or workpiece may also be measured, thereby allowing the current of the entire ion beam to be measured.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2013Date of Patent: April 15, 2014Assignee: Varian Semiconductor Equipment Associates, Inc.Inventors: Joseph P. Dzengeleski, Eric Hermanson, Robert J. Mitchell, Tyler Rockwell, James W. Wilkinson, James Paul Buonodono, Frank Sinclair
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Patent number: 8698106Abstract: A method and apparatus are described herein which allow the progression of delamination of a film to be monitored. An interferometer is used to detect the onset and progression of thin film delamination. By projecting one or more wavelengths at a surface, and measuring the reflectance of these projected wavelengths, it is possible to monitor the progression of the delamination process. Testing has shown that different stages of the delamination process produce different reflectance graphs. This information can be used to establish implantation parameters, or can be used as an in situ monitor. The same techniques can be used for other applications. For example, in certain implantation systems, such as PECVD, a film of material may developed on the walls of the chamber. The techniques described herein can be used to monitor this separation, and determine when preventative maintenance may be performed on the chamber.Type: GrantFiled: April 23, 2009Date of Patent: April 15, 2014Assignee: Varian Semiconductor Equipment Associates, Inc.Inventors: Helen Maynard, George D. Papasouliotis
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Patent number: 8698107Abstract: A time-of-flight (TOF) ion sensor system for monitoring an angular distribution of ion species having an ion energy and incident on a substrate includes a drift tube wherein the ion sensor system is configured to vary an angle of the drift tube with respect to a plane of the substrate. The drift tube may have a first end configured to receive a pulse of ions from the ion species wherein heavier ions and lighter ions of the pulse of ions arrive in packets at a second end of the drift tube. An ion detector may be disposed at the second end of the ion sensor, wherein the ion detector is configured to detect the packets of ions derived from the pulse of ions and corresponding to respective different ion masses.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2011Date of Patent: April 15, 2014Assignee: Varian Semiconductor Equipment Associates, Inc.Inventors: Ludovic Godet, Christopher J. Leavitt, Bon-Woong Koo, Anthony Renau
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Patent number: 8698109Abstract: A computer readable storage medium containing program instructions for treating a photoresist relief feature on a substrate having an initial line roughness and an initial critical dimension, that, when executed cause a system to: direct ions toward the photoresist relief feature in a first exposure at a first angular range and at a first ion dose rate configured to reduce the initial line roughness to a second line roughness; and direct ions toward the photoresist relief feature in a second exposure at a second ion dose rate greater than the first ion dose rate, the second ion dose rate being configured to swell the photoresist relief feature.Type: GrantFiled: January 14, 2013Date of Patent: April 15, 2014Assignee: Varian Semiconductor Equipment Associates, Inc.Inventors: Ludovic Godet, Christopher J. Leavitt, Joseph C. Olson, Patrick M. Martin
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Patent number: 8692215Abstract: A workpiece scanning system is provided having a scan arm that rotates about a first axis and a chilled end effector rotatably coupled to the scan arm about a second axis for selectively securing a workpiece. The chilled end effector has a clamping plate and one or more cooling mechanisms for cooling the clamping plate. A bearing is positioned along the second axis and rotatably couples the end effector to the scan arm, and a seal is positioned along the second axis to provide a pressure barrier between an external environment and an internal environment. One or more of the bearing and seal can have a ferrofluid associated therewith. A heater assembly is positioned proximate to the bearing and seal, wherein the heater assembly selectively provides a predetermined amount of heat to the bearing and seal, therein increasing a propensity of the end effector to rotate about the second axis.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2011Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: Axcelis Technologies, Inc.Inventors: William D. Lee, William DiVergilio, Steve Drummond
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Patent number: 8692217Abstract: The present invention provides a plasma ion beam system that includes multiple gas sources and that can be used for performing multiple operations using different ion species to create or alter submicron features of a work piece. The system preferably uses an inductively coupled, magnetically enhanced ion beam source, suitable in conjunction with probe-forming optics sources to produce ion beams of a wide variety of ions without substantial kinetic energy oscillations induced by the source, thereby permitting formation of a high resolution beam.Type: GrantFiled: March 26, 2013Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: FEI CompanyInventors: Noel Smith, Clive D. Chandler, Mark W. Utlaut, Paul P. Tesch, Dave Tuggle
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Patent number: 8692216Abstract: A vertical profile, a horizontal profile, and an integrated current value of an ion beam are measured by a plurality of stationary beam measuring instruments and a movable or stationary beam measuring device. At a beam current adjustment stage before ion implantation, a control device simultaneously performs at least one of adjustment of a beam current to a preset value of the beam current, adjustment of a horizontal beam size that is necessary to secure uniformity of the horizontal ion beam density, and adjustment of a vertical beam size that is necessary to secure the uniformity of the vertical ion implantation distribution on the basis of a measurement value of the stationary beam measuring instruments and the movable or stationary beam measuring device.Type: GrantFiled: March 15, 2013Date of Patent: April 8, 2014Assignee: Sen CorporationInventors: Hiroyuki Kariya, Masaki Ishikawa, Yoshiaki Inda, Takeshi Kurose, Takanori Yagita, Toshio Yumiyama
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Patent number: 8686379Abstract: Systems for preparing solid samples for microscopic examination in cross section or planametric orientation. The sample preparation systems include a sample support, an excitation beam to remove material from the surface of the sample, and a beam shield that protects the sample from the excitation beam, where sequential vertical adjustment of the beam shield permits the selective exposure of a series of substantially planar sample surfaces.Type: GrantFiled: September 7, 2011Date of Patent: April 1, 2014Inventor: Joseph C. Robinson
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Patent number: 8680490Abstract: A solar cell, a solar cell manufacturing device, and a method for manufacturing the solar cell are discussed. The solar cell manufacturing device includes a chamber; an ion implantation unit configured to implant ions into a substrate inside the chamber and a mask positioned between the ion implantation unit and the substrate. The mask includes a first opening to form a lightly doped region having a first concentration at one surface of the substrate, a second opening to form a heavily doped region having a second concentration higher than the first concentration at the one surface of the substrate, and at least one connector formed to cross the second opening. The second opening includes finger openings formed in a first direction, and bus openings formed in a second direction crossing the first direction.Type: GrantFiled: September 25, 2012Date of Patent: March 25, 2014Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.Inventors: Gyeayoung Kwag, Sungbong Ma, Sungyeon Cho, Myungjun Shin, Taeyoung Kwon, Haejong Cho
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Patent number: 8680491Abstract: Provided is a method of controlling an ion implantation apparatus 100 which includes: a mass separator 3 for sorting out and outputting ions having a specific mass number and valence from an ion beam IB extracted from an ion source 2; an acceleration tube 4 for accelerating or decelerating the ion beam IB output from the mass separator 3; and an energy separator 5 for sorting out and outputting ions having a specific energy from the ion beam IB output from the acceleration tube 4. The method comprises, during an acceleration mode, controlling an acceleration voltage VA such that it is prevented from becoming 0 kV.Type: GrantFiled: March 1, 2012Date of Patent: March 25, 2014Assignee: Nissin Ion Equipment Co., LtdInventor: Masayasu Tanjo
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Patent number: 8674327Abstract: Systems and methods for uniformly implanting materials on substrates using directed magnetic fields are provided. One such system includes a chamber configured to receive a preselected material and to enclose a first substrate, first and second rotating assemblies configured to facilitate an implantation of the preselected material onto first and second surfaces of the first substrate and including first and second rotating magnet sub-assemblies configured to direct magnetic fields onto the first and second surfaces, and an RF energizer configured to apply RF energy to the first substrate, where the first magnetic field and the second magnetic field combine to form a resultant magnetic field that is substantially parallel along the first surface, and where the implantation of the preselected material onto the first substrate occurs based on a combination of the RF energy and the resultant magnetic field.Type: GrantFiled: May 10, 2012Date of Patent: March 18, 2014Assignee: WD Media, LLCInventors: Chin Yim Poon, Yew Ming Chiong, Paul C. Dorsey, Tatsuru Tanaka
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Patent number: 8674321Abstract: The present invention provides a method of obtaining a bright source of ions with narrow energy spread for focused ion beam applications using micro plasmas. As a preferred embodiment, a high pressure microplasma source operating in a normal glow discharge regime is used to produce a cold bright focused beam of Xe+ and/or Xe2+ ions having ion temperature of the order of 0.5-1 eV and a current density on the order of 0.1-1 A/cm2 or higher.Type: GrantFiled: May 22, 2012Date of Patent: March 18, 2014Assignee: Tiza Lab, L.L.C.Inventors: Vladimir V. Makarov, Sergey Macheret