Ion Bombardment Patents (Class 250/492.21)
  • Patent number: 8816308
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2014
    Assignee: Sumitomo Heavy Industries, Ltd.
    Inventor: Hideki Tanaka
  • Patent number: 8803110
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Axcelis Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael A. Graf, Edward C. Eisner, William F. DiVergilio, Daniel R. Tieger
  • Patent number: 8803111
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 12, 2014
    Assignee: Hitachi High-Tech Science Corporation
    Inventor: Xin Man
  • Patent number: 8796646
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Fei Company
    Inventors: Johannes Jacobus Lambertus Mulders, Petrus Hubertus Franciscus Trompenaars
  • Patent number: 8796649
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: ion Technology Solutions, LLC
    Inventors: Manuel A. Jerez, Carlos F. Borges
  • Patent number: 8796648
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Rintaro Fujimoto, Yoshihiko Nagamine, Masumi Umezawa, Toru Umekawa, Yusuke Fujii, Hiroshi Akiyama
  • Patent number: 8796644
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 5, 2014
    Assignee: Mapper Lithography IP B.V.
    Inventors: Jerry Peijster, Guido de Boer
  • Patent number: 8790498
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Roth & Rau AG
    Inventors: Joachim Mai, Dietmar Roth, Bernd Rau, Karl-Heinz Dittrich
  • Patent number: 8791438
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: Gatan Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Thomas Coyle, John Andrew Hunt, Michael Patrick Hassel-Shearer
  • Patent number: 8789826
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2014
    Assignee: EXpressLO LLC
    Inventor: Lucille A. Giannuzzi
  • Patent number: 8785889
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: Advanced Technology Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Robert Kaim, Joseph D. Sweeney, Anthony M. Avila, Richard S. Ray
  • Patent number: 8779383
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Advanced Technology Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: James J. Mayer, Richard S. Ray, Robert Kaim, Joseph D. Sweeney
  • Patent number: 8779395
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Axcelis Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Neil K. Colvin, Tseh-Jen Hsieh
  • Patent number: 8779399
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Assignee: Canon Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Toshiro Yamanaka
  • Publication number: 20140192467
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2013
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: Apple Inc.
    Inventor: Kelvin Kwong
  • Patent number: 8772741
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: SEN Corporation
    Inventors: Shiro Ninomiya, Akihiro Ochi, Yasuhiko Kimura, Yasuharu Okamoto, Toshio Yumiyama
  • Patent number: 8772142
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: SEN Corporation
    Inventors: Shiro Ninomiya, Tetsuya Kudo, Akihiro Ochi
  • Patent number: 8772712
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 8, 2014
    Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hajime Kimura, Shunsuke Kiyomura
  • Patent number: 8766214
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: FEI Company
    Inventors: Brian Roberts Routh, Jr., Peter Christiaan Tiemeijer, Bart Jozef Janssen, Thomas G. Miller, David Foord, Ivan Lazić
  • Patent number: 8766184
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Haruhiko Hatano, Hiroyuki Suzuki, Yoshihiko Nakayama
  • Patent number: 8766210
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Carl Zeiss Microscopy, LLC
    Inventors: Raymond Hill, John Notte, IV
  • Patent number: 8764952
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Japan Aviation Electronics Industry Limited
    Inventors: Akinobu Sato, Akiko Suzuki, Emmanuel Bourelle, Jiro Matsuo, Toshio Seki, Takaaki Aoki
  • Patent number: 8759798
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Samsung Display Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hyun-Gue Kim, Sang-Soo Kim
  • Patent number: 8759802
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: FEI Company
    Inventor: Ryan Tanner
  • Patent number: 8755924
    Abstract: 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 stripe
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2014
    Assignee: NuFlare Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Akihito Anpo
  • Patent number: 8742373
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Varian Semiconductor Equipment Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Svetlana Radovanov, Ludovic Godet, Christopher R. Hatem
  • Patent number: 8742374
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: Nissin Ion Equipment Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Masao Naito
  • Patent number: 8735855
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: SEN Corporation
    Inventors: Shiro Ninomiya, Toshio Yumiyama, Yasuhiko Kimura, Tetsuya Kudo, Akihiro Ochi
  • Patent number: 8735815
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: EDAX, Inc.
    Inventors: Reinhard Buchhold, Brent Hammell, Joseph A. Nicolosi, Peter Antonie de Kloe
  • Patent number: 8729510
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Gatan Inc.
    Inventors: Steven Thomas Coyle, John Andrew Hunt
  • Patent number: 8729469
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: FEI Company
    Inventors: Michael Schmidt, Stacey Stone, Corey Senowitz
  • Patent number: 8729506
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2014
    Assignee: Southern Linac, LLC
    Inventors: Clark Bowlsbey, Edward Q. Castle, Jr., Kyle Bowlsbey
  • Patent number: 8723144
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Applied Materials Israel, Ltd.
    Inventors: Eitan Kidron, Dror Shemesh
  • Publication number: 20140127628
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2013
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: D2S, Inc.
    Inventors: Akira Fujimura, Ryan Pearman, Anatoly Aadamov
  • Patent number: 8716682
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Varian Semiconductor Equipment Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Anthony Renau, Ludovic Godet, Timothy J. Miller, Joseph C. Olson
  • Patent number: 8716681
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Hitomi Kawaguchiya, Mitsuo Koike
  • Patent number: 8710464
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Yuichi Madokoro, Tsuyoshi Onishi, Megumi Aizawa, Yukio Yoshizawa
  • Patent number: 8709269
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Applied Materials Israel, Ltd.
    Inventor: Dror Shemesh
  • Patent number: 8698108
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Varian Semiconductor Equipment Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph P. Dzengeleski, Eric Hermanson, Robert J. Mitchell, Tyler Rockwell, James W. Wilkinson, James Paul Buonodono, Frank Sinclair
  • Patent number: 8698106
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Varian Semiconductor Equipment Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Helen Maynard, George D. Papasouliotis
  • Patent number: 8698107
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Varian Semiconductor Equipment Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Ludovic Godet, Christopher J. Leavitt, Bon-Woong Koo, Anthony Renau
  • Patent number: 8698109
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Varian Semiconductor Equipment Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Ludovic Godet, Christopher J. Leavitt, Joseph C. Olson, Patrick M. Martin
  • Patent number: 8692215
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Axcelis Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: William D. Lee, William DiVergilio, Steve Drummond
  • Patent number: 8692217
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: FEI Company
    Inventors: Noel Smith, Clive D. Chandler, Mark W. Utlaut, Paul P. Tesch, Dave Tuggle
  • Patent number: 8692216
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2014
    Assignee: Sen Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroyuki Kariya, Masaki Ishikawa, Yoshiaki Inda, Takeshi Kurose, Takanori Yagita, Toshio Yumiyama
  • Patent number: 8686379
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Inventor: Joseph C. Robinson
  • Patent number: 8680490
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: LG Electronics Inc.
    Inventors: Gyeayoung Kwag, Sungbong Ma, Sungyeon Cho, Myungjun Shin, Taeyoung Kwon, Haejong Cho
  • Patent number: 8680491
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Nissin Ion Equipment Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Masayasu Tanjo
  • Patent number: 8674327
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: WD Media, LLC
    Inventors: Chin Yim Poon, Yew Ming Chiong, Paul C. Dorsey, Tatsuru Tanaka
  • Patent number: 8674321
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2014
    Assignee: Tiza Lab, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Vladimir V. Makarov, Sergey Macheret