With Inorganic Fluorine Containing Component (e.g., Hf, Etc.) Patents (Class 510/257)
  • Patent number: 9005367
    Abstract: A liquid composition comprising (A) at least one polar organic solvent, selected from the group consisting of solvents exhibiting in the presence of from 0.06 to 4% by weight of dissolved tetramethylammonium hydroxide (B), the weight percentage being based on the complete weight of the respective test solution (AB), a constant removal rate at 50° C. for a 30 nm thick polymeric barrier anti-reflective layer containing deep UV absorbing chromophoric groups, (B) at least one quaternary ammonium hydroxide, and (C) at least one aromatic amine containing at least one primary amino group, a method for its preparation and a method for manufacturing electrical devices, employing the liquid composition as a resist stripping composition and its use for removing negative-tone and positive-tone photoresists and post etch residues in the manufacture of 3D Stacked Integrated Circuits and 3D Wafer Level Packagings by way of patterning Through Silicon Vias and/or by plating and bumping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: BASF SE
    Inventor: Andreas Klipp
  • Patent number: 8951948
    Abstract: A liquid removal composition and process for removing sacrificial anti-reflective coating (SARC) material from a substrate having same thereon. The liquid removal composition includes at least one fluoride-containing compound, at least one organic solvent, optionally water, and optionally at least one chelating agent. The composition achieves at least partial removal of SARC material in the manufacture of integrated circuitry with minimal etching of metal species on the substrate, such as aluminum, copper and cobalt alloys, and without damage to low-k dielectric materials employed in the semiconductor architecture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Advanced Technology Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Melissa K. Rath, David D. Bernhard, Thomas H. Baum, David W. Minsek
  • Patent number: 8252195
    Abstract: The invention relates to compositions and methods that are useful in etching a metal surface. In particular, the invention relates to novel acid compositions and methods of using such compositions in etching a metal surface, preferably an aluminum surface prior to anodizing to dissolve impurities, imperfections, scale, and oxide. The compositions are effective in maintaining their etching capacity and in removing smut produced by the etching of a surface as well as in general cleaning.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2012
    Assignee: Houghton Technical Corp.
    Inventor: Mores Basaly
  • Patent number: 8216992
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an improved cleaning composition for cleaning metal surfaces such as aluminum and aluminum-containing alloys. The cleaning composition of the present invention comprises water and an ethoxylate of an alcohol having Formula R1—OH wherein R1 is a saturated or unsaturated, straight-chain or branched aliphatic having from 12 to 80 carbon atoms; an inorganic pH adjusting component; and at least one surfactant that is different than the ethoxylate set forth above. The cleaning composition of the present invention also has an average water-break-free percent reduction of less than 50% after 7 days aging of a working composition prepared from the cleaning composition. The present invention also provides a method of cleaning a metal surface with the cleaning composition of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Henkel KGaA
    Inventors: Andrew M. Hatch, Gary L. Rochfort, Richard D. Banaszak
  • Patent number: 8026201
    Abstract: The invention relates to compositions and methods of removing silicon-based anti-reflective coatings/hardmask layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: AZ Electronic Materials USA Corp.
    Inventors: Ruzhi Zhang, Ping-Hung Lu
  • Patent number: 7687449
    Abstract: A method and cleaning composition for removing engine deposits from turbine components, in particular turbine disks and turbine shafts. This method comprises the following steps: (a) providing a turbine component having a surface with engine deposits thereon, wherein the turbine component comprises a nickel and/or cobalt-containing base metal; and (b) treating the surface of the turbine component with a cleaning composition to convert the engine deposits thereon to a removable smut without substantially etching the base metal of the turbine component. The cleaning composition comprises an aqueous solution that is substantially free of acetic acid and comprising: a nitrate ion source in an amount, by weight of the nitrate ion, of from about 470 to about 710 grams/liter; and a bifluoride ion source in an amount, by weight of the bifluoride ion, of from about 0.5 to about 15 grams/liter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: General Electric Company GE Aviation
    Inventors: John Matthew Powers, William Clarke Brooks
  • Patent number: 7562662
    Abstract: A cleaning method for removing foreign bodies during the fabrication of semiconductor devices including treating a substrate with a cleaning solution including an oxidizer to form a chemical oxide layer and then removing the chemical oxide layer, thereby removing foreign bodies from a surface of the semiconductor substrate. Accordingly, the foreign bodies can be substantially removed from the surface of the substrate without corroding a metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sang-Yong Kim, Sang-Jun Choi, Chang-Ki Hong
  • Patent number: 7521249
    Abstract: The present invention relates to the preparation of a sample. Preferably, the sample is a sample to be analyzed, for example for ingredient content, etc. Preferred samples include foods, cosmetics, paints, coatings, adhesives, tanning agents, fabrics, chemical compositions, dyestuffs, samples subject to forensic studies, etc. Samples prepared according to the invention method are digested in sulfuric acid, nitric acid, and one or more fluoride salts selected from LiF, NaF, RbF, CsF and KF and then preferably subjected to analysis for metal content, etc, for example using atomic absorption (“AA”) and inductively coupled plasma (“ICP”).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2009
    Assignee: L'Oreal
    Inventors: Jacob Rosen, Gregory Shmuylovich
  • Publication number: 20090090635
    Abstract: The invention relates to compositions and methods that are useful in etching a metal surface. In particular, the invention relates to novel acid compositions and methods of using such compositions in etching a metal surface, preferably an aluminum surface prior to anodizing to dissolve impurities, imperfections, scale, and oxide. The compositions are effective in maintaining their etching capacity and in removing smut produced by the etching of a surface as well as in general cleaning.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 17, 2008
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Applicant: Houghton Metal Finishing Company
    Inventor: Mores Basaly
  • Patent number: 7405189
    Abstract: A surface treatment composition and method for removing Si and reduced metal salt produced during etching of an aluminum die cast material (“ALDC material”) without generation of nitrogen oxide (NOx) or hydrogen fluoride (HF). In surface treatment of an ALDC material containing Si, Fe, Cu, Mn, Mg, Zn and Ni, the surface treatment composition for removing Si and reduced metal salt from the surface of the ALDC material after etching comprises hydrogen peroxide 300 to 950 g/l, fluorine ion-containing inorganic salt 1 to 300 g/l and balance water. The surface treatment method for removing Si and reduced metal salt from the surface of an ALDC material after etching comprises the step of dipping the ALDC material into the above described surface treatment composition. The aforementioned surface treatment composition effectively removes the Si and reduces metal salt impurities from the surface of the ALDC material without any problems such as NOx or HF gas which is harmful to the human and waste water treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Cheon Young Chemical Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Eul-Kyu Lee
  • Patent number: 7253111
    Abstract: The polishing solution is useful for preferentially removing barrier materials in the presence of nonferrous interconnect metals with limited erosion of dielectrics. The polishing solution comprises 0 to 20 weight percent oxidizer, at least 0.001 weight percent inhibitor for reducing removal rate of the nonferrous interconnect metals, 10 ppb to 4 weight percent complexing agent, 0 to 50 weight percent abrasive and balance water; and the solution having a pH of less than 7.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Rohm and Haas Electronic Materials CMP Holding, Inc.
    Inventors: Zhendong Liu, John Quanci, Robert E. Schmidt, Terence M. Thomas
  • Patent number: 7216653
    Abstract: A cleaning method for removing foreign bodies during the fabrication of semiconductor devices including treating a substrate with a cleaning solution including an oxidizer to form a chemical oxide layer and then removing the chemical oxide layer, thereby removing foreign bodies from a surface of the semiconductor substrate. Accordingly, the foreign bodies can be substantially removed from the surface of the substrate without corroding a metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2007
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sang-Yong Kim, Sang-Jun Choi, Chang-Ki Hong
  • Patent number: 7199091
    Abstract: Recently, use is made of copper wiring as the wiring material for semiconductor devices, and of low dielectric constant films as the insulating film between the lines of wiring. In this connection, a photoresist stripper is in need which can inhibit corrosion or damage on the copper wiring or the Low-k film, and which has excellent property of removing ashed photoresist residues. The invention provides a photoresist stripper (hereinafter, referred to as the stripper of the invention) characterized in containing a tertiary amine compound, an alkaline compound, a fluoro compound, and an anionic surfactant; and a process for preparation of semiconductor devices using the stripper of the invention.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: Dongwoo Fine-Chem Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Masayuki Takashima
  • Patent number: 7166419
    Abstract: Compositions containing certain organic solvents and a fluorine source are capable of removing photoresist and etching residue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2007
    Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventor: Matthew Egbe
  • Patent number: 7160847
    Abstract: A method for chemical etching is disclosed for taking away oxidized film and removing cut as well as punched edge burs of harden-treated carbon steel (SK3, SK4 and SK5). Thereby, the fillet edge of the cut section is achieved. An oxidized film with a thickness of several micrometers is formed when a cut and punched steel is quenched and tempered at high temperature. Due to high strength and hardness of the steel, the oxidized film and edge burs are difficult to be removed by mechanical grinding. Therefore, a suitable electrolyte composes of only a little chemical reagent and oxidizer in deionized water is used to remove the oxidized film and punched bur simultaneously using chemical etching method.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 22, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2007
    Assignee: Chang Gung University
    Inventors: Ching-An Huang, Chun-Ching Hsu
  • Patent number: 7129029
    Abstract: Compositions containing certain organic solvents and a fluorine source are capable of removing photoresist and etching residue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventor: Matthew Egbe
  • Patent number: 7105475
    Abstract: A cleaning method for removing foreign bodies during the fabrication of semiconductor devices including treating a substrate with a cleaning solution including an oxidizer to form a chemical oxide layer and then removing the chemical oxide layer, thereby removing foreign bodies from a surface of the semiconductor substrate. Accordingly, the foreign bodies can be substantially removed from the surface of the substrate without corroding a metal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sang-Yong Kim, Sang-Jun Choi, Chang-Ki Hong
  • Patent number: 7041629
    Abstract: The inventive aqueous pickling agent on the basis of sulfuric acid or phosphoric acid and hydrogen fluoride for stainless steels, which pickling agent is free of wetting and emulsifying agents, contains (each as 100 wt-% substance) 1.5 to 16 wt-% sulfuric acid or 2.0 to 30 wt-% phosphoric acid as well as 0.5 to 14 wt-% hydrogen fluoride and 0.5 to 15.5 wt-% acid-soluble aromatic nitro compound. An iron(III) compound is not supplied to said pickling agent. Merely in the starting phase, an oxidizing agent can be supplied, which oxidizes iron(II) to form iron(III). As acid-soluble aromatic nitro compound m-nitrobenzene sulfonate and/or 3-nitrophthalate are particularly advantageous. The inventive pickling agent can be used as bath pickle and —when adding 2.5 to 5.5 wt-% magnesium and/or magnesium compound (calculated as Mg)—also as spraying pickle or brush pickle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2006
    Assignee: Chemetall GmbH
    Inventors: Eckart Schonfelder, Gunther Schwane, Harald Werner
  • Patent number: 7033978
    Abstract: Cleaning solutions for removing residuals from the surface of an integrated circuit device. Such cleaning solutions find particular application in the fabrication of a dual damascene structure following removal of excess portions of a silver-containing metal layer from a device surface. The cleaning solutions facilitate removal of particulate residuals as well as unremoved portions of the metal layer in a single cleaning process. The cleaning solutions are dilute aqueous solutions containing hydrogen peroxide and at least one acidic component and are substantially free of particulate material. Acidic components include carboxylic acids and their salts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 25, 2006
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Michael T. Andreas
  • Patent number: 7018560
    Abstract: An aqueous polishing composition comprises a corrosion inhibitor for limiting removal of an interconnect metal with an acidic pH. The composition includes an organic-containing ammonium salt formed with R1, R2, R3 and R4 are radicals, R1 has a carbon chain length of 2 to 15 carbon atoms. The organic-containing ammonium salt has a concentration that accelerates TEOS removal and decreases removal of at least one coating selected from the group consisting of SiC, SiCN, Si3N4 and SiCO.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2006
    Assignee: Rohm and Haas Electronic Materials CMP Holdings, Inc.
    Inventors: Zhendong Liu, John Quanci
  • Patent number: 6927198
    Abstract: A cleaning solution, method, and apparatus for cleaning semiconductor substrates after chemical mechanical polishing of copper films is described. The present invention includes a cleaning solution which combines deionized water, an organic compound, and a fluoride compound in an acidic pH environment for cleaning the surface of a semiconductor substrate after polishing a copper layer. Such methods of cleaning semiconductor substrates after copper CMP alleviate the problems associated with brush loading and surface and subsurface contamination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2005
    Assignee: Lam Research Corporation
    Inventors: Liming Zhang, Yuexing Zhao, Diane J. Hymes, Wilbur C. Krusell
  • Patent number: 6851432
    Abstract: An aqueous cleaning composition comprising an alkanolamine, a tetraalkylammonium hydroxide, nonmetallic fluoride salt, a corrosion inhibitor, e.g. ascorbic acid or its derivatives alone or in combination, balance water. Such cleaning compositions are effective to remove residues from plasma process generated organic, metal-organic materials, inorganic salts, oxides, hydroxides or complexes in combination with or exclusive of organic photoresist films at low temperatures with little corrosion of copper and attack of dielectric substrates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2005
    Assignee: Advanced Technology Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Shahriar Naghshineh, Yassaman Hashemi
  • Patent number: 6821351
    Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions, kits and processes for the brightening of metal surfaces by the application of the chemical compositions. These compositions act to release hydrofluoric acid as a brightening agent. The solutions are preferably mixed during application of the brightening composition to a metal surface by mixing the solutions immediately prior to or even during application of the solution. This can be readily accomplished by mixing two solutions, one having a fluoride source and the other having a strong acid to release hydrofluoric acid from the fluoride source, the mixing occurring immediately before spray application, during spraying, or immediately after spraying of the two solutions. Mixing may be done on-site, which means that mixing is performed at the site of use, usually on the same day of use or even within a few (less than 10) minutes of use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2004
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Guang-jong Jason Wei, David Daniel McSherry, Mark D. Levitt
  • Publication number: 20040211441
    Abstract: A method for chemical etching is disclosed for taking away oxidized film and removing cut as well as punched edge burs of harden-treated carbon steel (SK3, SK4 and SK5). Thereby, the fillet edge of the cut section is achieved. An oxidized film with a thickness of several micrometers is formed when a cut and punched steel is quenched and tempered at high temperature. Due to high strength and hardness of the steel, the oxidized film and edge burs are difficult to be removed by mechanical grinding. Therefore, a suitable electrolyte composes of only a little chemical reagent and oxidizer in deionized water is used to remove the oxidized film and punched bur simultaneously using chemical etching method.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2003
    Publication date: October 28, 2004
    Inventors: Ching-An Huang, Chun-Ching Hsu
  • Patent number: 6787293
    Abstract: A photoresist residue remover composition is provided that includes one type or two or more types of fluoride compound and one type or two or more types chosen from the group consisting of glyoxylic acid, ascorbic acid, glucose, fructose, lactose, and mannose (but excluding one that includes ammonium fluoride, a polar organic solvent, water, and ascorbic acid). There is also provided use of the photoresist residue remover composition for removing a photoresist residue and a sidewall polymer remaining after dry etching and after ashing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2004
    Assignees: Kanto Kagaku Kabushiki Kaisha, NEC Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Takuo Oowada, Norio Ishikawa, Hidemitsu Aoki, Kenichi Nakabeppu, Yoshiko Kasama
  • Patent number: 6773873
    Abstract: A semi-aqueous cleaning formulation useful for removing particles from semiconductor wafer substrates formed during a dry etching process for semiconductor devices, the cleaning formulation comprising a buffering system a polar organic solvent, and a fluoride source.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: Advanced Technology Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Ma. Fatima Seijo, William A. Wojtczak, David Bernhard, Thomas H. Baum, David Minsek
  • Patent number: 6673757
    Abstract: Particulate and metal ion contamination is removed from a surface, such as a semiconductor wafer containing copper damascene or dual damascene features, employing aqueous composition comprising a fluoride containing compound; a dicarboxylic acid and/or salt thereof; and a hydroxycarboxylic acid and/or salt thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Ashland Inc.
    Inventor: Emil Anton Kneer
  • Patent number: 6645926
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a maskant system for use with a fluoride cleaning system. The maskant system comprises a parting compound applied to a surface which requires protection and a chromium rich maskant for substantially preventing intergranular attack and which reduces a depletion zone. The parting compound contains colloidal silica, de-ionized water, fused alumina grains, and alumina powder. The maskant is comprised of chromium powder mixed with a binder, a wetting agent, a thickening agent, and water. The maskant system may be used to clean components formed from nickel-based or cobalt-based alloys using a fluoride cleaning system and has particular utility when components formed from single crystal nickel based alloys are cleaned using a fluoride cleaning system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 11, 2003
    Assignee: United Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Beth Kwiatkowski Abriles, Bryan W. Manis, Murali N. Madhava
  • Patent number: 6627587
    Abstract: An aqueous cleaning composition comprising an alkanolamine, a tetraalkylammonium hydroxide, nonmetallic fluoride salt, a corrosion inhibitor, e.g. ascorbic acid or its derivatives alone or in combination, balance water. Such cleaning compositions are effective to remove residues from plasma process generated organic, metal-organic materials, inorganic salts, oxides, hydroxides or complexes in combination with or exclusive of organic photoresist films at low temperatures with little corrosion of copper and attack of dielectric substrates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: ESC Inc.
    Inventors: Shahriar Naghshineh, Yassaman Hashemi
  • Patent number: 6593282
    Abstract: A cleaning solution, method, and apparatus for cleaning semiconductor substrates after chemical mechanical polishing of copper films is described. The present invention includes a cleaning solution which combines deionized water, an organic compound, and an ammonium compound in an acidic pH environment for cleaning the surface of a semiconductor substrate after polishing a copper layer. Such methods of cleaning semiconductor substrates after copper CMP alleviate the problems associated with brush loading and surface and subsurface contamination.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2003
    Assignee: Lam Research Corporation
    Inventors: Xu Li, Yuexing Zhao, Diane J. Hymes, John M. de Larios
  • Patent number: 6579377
    Abstract: The present invention relates to compositions, kits and processes for the brightening of metal surfaces by the application of the chemical compositions. These compositions act to release hydrofluoric acid as a brightening agent. The solutions are preferably mixed during application of the brightening composition to a metal surface by mixing the solutions immediately prior to or even during application of the solution. This can be readily accomplished by mixing two solutions, one having a fluoride source and the other having a strong acid to release hydrofluoric acid from the fluoride source, the mixing occurring immediately before spray application, during spraying, or immediately after spraying of the two solutions. Mixing may be done on-site, which means that mixing is performed at the site of use, usually on the same day of use or even within a few (less than 10) minutes of use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 17, 2003
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Guang-jong Jason Wei, David Daniel McSherry, Mark D. Levitt
  • Publication number: 20030109396
    Abstract: A laundry detergent composition and method of laundering clothes is disclosed which relates to the inclusion of one or more wrinkle reducing ingredients in a laundry detergent product. The benefits are delivered to the laundered item during the cleaning step and, therefore, reduces the need for further wrinkle reducing steps when the items are taken from the dryer or after hang drying.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 27, 2001
    Publication date: June 12, 2003
    Inventors: Dennis Stephen Murphy, Michael Orchowski
  • Patent number: 6565664
    Abstract: An inexpensive and safe copper removal method in the fabrication of integrated circuits is described. Copper is stripped or removed by a chemical mixture comprising an ammonium salt, an amine, and water. The rate of copper stripping can be controlled by varying the concentration of the ammonium salt component and the amount of water in the mixture. Also a novel chemical mixture for stripping copper and removing copper contamination is provided. The novel chemical mixture for removing or stripping copper comprises an ammonium salt, an amine, and water. For example, the novel chemical mixture may comprise ammonium fluoride, water, and ethylenediamine in a ratio of 1:1:1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 20, 2003
    Assignee: Chartered Semiconductor Manufacturing Ltd.
    Inventors: Subhash Gupta, Simon Chooi, Paul Ho, Mei Sheng Zhou
  • Patent number: 6554912
    Abstract: Compositions for the removal of polymeric material from a substrate are provided where the compositions include a polyol compound selected from (C3-C20)alkanediols, substituted (C3—C20)alkanediols, (C3-C20)alkanetriols or substituted (C3-C20)alkanetriols, a glyco ether, at least 5% wt water based on the total weight of the composition, and a fluoride salt selected from ammonium fluoride, ammonium bifluoride, ammonium-tetramethylammonium bifluoride or mixtures thereof. Methods of removing polymeric material using these compositions are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: Shipley Company, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Javad J. Sahbari
  • Patent number: 6521575
    Abstract: A treatment solution (2) containing fluoride is added to a cleaning solution (1) drained from a cleaning tank (11). Fluoride is allowed to react with fluorosilicic acid in the cleaning solution to settle a precipitate (4) containing fluorosilicate, and the precipitate (4) is removed. The cleaning solution regenerated in a regeneration apparatus (10) is again returned to the cleaning tank (11), and used as a cleaning solution for a CRT panel (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2003
    Assignees: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd., Kaken Co.
    Inventors: Kenji Fujiwara, Hisanori Yatoh, Masao Gotoh, Juichi Sasada, Masanori Yamauchi, Katsuyoshi Tatenuma, Osamu Arai, Takuji Taguchi
  • Patent number: 6465404
    Abstract: Aqueous cleaning compositions in which the pH is controlled comprise an acidic metal cleaning compound; at least one nitrogen containing compound to provide a stabilized pH; an emulsifier, a nonionic surfactant and optionally at least one water soluble solvent having a vapor pressure of less than 4 mm Hg at 20° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Assignee: BBJ Environmental Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Herman Scriven, II, Robert G. Baker, Garland Corey
  • Patent number: 6462005
    Abstract: A cleaning agent for use in the manufacture of a semiconductor device comprising an aqueous solution containing a quarternary ammonium salt and a fluoro compound, or an aqueous solution containing a quarternary ammonium salt and a fluoro compound, as well as an organic solvent selected from the group consisting of amides, lactones, nitriles, alcohols and esters. In the semiconductor device manufacturing process, after forming a mask with a photoresist, a wiring structure is formed by dry etching of a conductive layer, wherein a protecting deposition film has been formed on side walls of the conductive layer. Use of the cleaning agent enables the protecting deposition film to be removed in a highly reliable manner with the surface of the conductive layer being decontaminated and cleaned such that no corrosion of the conductive layer occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2002
    Assignees: Texas Instruments Incorporated, Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Hideto Gotoh, Tetsuo Aoyama, Rieko Nakano, Hideki Fukuda
  • Patent number: 6440224
    Abstract: A method of treating a surface of a metal is provided. A source of fluoride ion is mixed with a source of acid to form hydrofluoric acid and, when applied to a metal surface to be treated, the hydrofluoric acid acts as a brightening agent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2002
    Assignee: Ecolab Inc.
    Inventors: Guang-jong Jason Wei, David Daniel McSherry, Mark D. Levitt
  • Publication number: 20020115580
    Abstract: An inexpensive and safe copper removal method in the fabrication of integrated circuits is described. Copper is stripped or removed by a chemical mixture comprising an ammonium salt, an amine, and water. The rate of copper stripping can be controlled by varying the concentration of the ammonium salt component and the amount of water in the mixture. Also a novel chemical mixture for stripping copper and removing copper contamination is provided. The novel chemical mixture for removing or stripping copper comprises an ammonium salt, an amine, and water. For example, the novel chemical mixture may comprise ammonium fluoride, water, and ethylenediamine in a ratio of 1:1:1.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2002
    Publication date: August 22, 2002
    Applicant: CHARTERED SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING LTD.
    Inventors: Subhash Gupta, Simon Chooi, Paul Ho, Mei Sheng Zhou
  • Patent number: 6407047
    Abstract: This invention provides an improved composition and process for pretreatment of aluminum prior to electroplating. The invention is an aqueous composition comprised of an acid, an oxidizing agent, and, optionally, a halogenated compound. This composition is useful in a process that effectively removes smut that results from the etching step of the aluminum pretreatment process. Alternatively, the composition can be used in a process which combines the etch and desmut steps in Al pretreatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2002
    Assignee: Atotech Deutschland GmbH
    Inventors: Maulik Dhanesh Mehta, Paul Andrew Butkovsky
  • Patent number: 6394114
    Abstract: An inexpensive and safe copper removal method in the fabrication of integrated circuits is described. Copper is stripped or removed by a chemical mixture comprising an ammonium salt, an amine, and water. The rate of copper stripping can be controlled by varying the concentration of the ammonium salt component and the amount of water in the mixture. Also a novel chemical mixture for stripping copper and removing copper contamination is provided. The novel chemical mixture for removing or stripping copper comprises an ammonium salt, an amine, and water. For example, the novel chemical mixture may comprise ammonium fluoride, water, and ethylenediamine in a ratio of 1:1:1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2002
    Assignee: Chartered Semiconductor Manufacturing Ltd.
    Inventors: Subhash Gupta, Simon Chooi, Paul Ho, Mei Sheng Zhou
  • Patent number: 6387859
    Abstract: A cleaner composition for removing from within a microelectronic fabrication a copper containing residue layer in the presence of a copper containing conductor layer, and a method for stripping from within a microelectronic fabrication the copper containing residue layer in the presence of the copper containing conductor layer. The cleaner composition comprises: (1) a hydroxyl amine material; (2) an ammonium fluoride material; and (3) a benzotriazole (BTA) material. The cleaner composition contemplates the method for stripping from within the microelectronic fabrication the copper containing residue layer in the presence of the copper containing conductor layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2002
    Assignee: Chartered Semiconductor Manufacturing Ltd.
    Inventor: Kwok Keung Paul Ho
  • Patent number: 6361712
    Abstract: A composition for selective etching of oxides over a metal. The composition contains water, hydroxylammonium salt, carboxylic acid, a fluorine containing compound, and optionally, a base. The pH of the composition is about 2 to 6.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2002
    Assignee: Arch Specialty Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: Kenji Honda, Michelle Elderkin
  • Patent number: 6355605
    Abstract: A cleaning composition and method are provided for removing iron stains and scale from the external surfaces of duck decoys. An illustrative composition contains hydrochloric acid, stannous chloride, ammonium bifluoride, and water. The compositions are applied to the duck decoys with a pressurized sprayer to discolor and dislodge the stain and scale and thereafter the decoys are water rinsed with a garden hose or the like to remove the dislodged material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2002
    Inventors: David L. Weller, Charles C. Hager, Jr.
  • Patent number: 6346505
    Abstract: A cleaning solution for electromaterials including hydrogen fluoride and either oxygen or hydrogen gas dissolved in water. The cleaning solution may alternatively include hydrogen fluoride, hydrochloric acid or nitric acid, and hydrogen or oxygen gas dissolved in water. Alternatively, the cleaning solution includes hydrogen fluoride, hydrogen peroxide and oxygen gas dissolved in water. The present invention also provides a method for cleaning electromaterials including applying an ultrasonic vibration to cleaning solution applied to electromaterials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 12, 2002
    Assignee: Kurita Water Industries, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hiroshi Morita, Tetsuo Mizuniwa, Junichi Ida
  • Patent number: 6323169
    Abstract: An aqueous resist stripping composition contains (a) an oxidizing agent, (b) a chelating agent, (c) a water-soluble fluorine compound, and optionally (d) an organic solvent. Also provided is a process of stripping resist films and resist residues remaining after etching treatment utilizing the aqueous resist stripping composition. In the process, corrosion of semiconductor materials, circuit-forming materials, insulating films, etc. is minimized and the rinsing is sufficiently made with only water without needing organic solvent such as alcohol.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2001
    Assignee: Mitsubishi Gas Chemical Company, Inc.
    Inventors: Kojiro Abe, Hideki Fukuda, Hisaki Abe, Taketo Maruyama
  • Patent number: 6316115
    Abstract: Formulations and a process are disclosed for chemically treating a surface of a product made from magnesium alloys. One formulation comprises an acid pickle comprising hydrofluoric acid and a binary alcohol and a second formulation comprises a conversion solution comprising nitric acid, permanganate, and ammonium acid difluoride. The process comprises degreasing the product with alkaline solution, rinsing the product with water, pickling the product with the acid pickle, rinsing the product with water, modifying the product using the modifying solution, rinsing the product with purified water, and drying the product by heating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2001
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Ind. Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tzu-Yang Lai, Kuo-Lun Huang, Yung-Chien Lin, Huey-Jong Guo
  • Patent number: 6310018
    Abstract: A homogeneous compositions containing a fluorinated solvent, hydrogen fluoride, and a co-solvent, and the use of these compositions for cleaning and etching of substrates is described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 30, 2001
    Assignee: 3M Innovative Properties Company
    Inventors: Frederick E. Behr, Lawrence A. Zazzera, Paul E. Rajtar, Michael J. Parent
  • Patent number: 6245155
    Abstract: A method for the removing of plasma etch residues on a substrate comprising the steps of: (i) contacting the substrate with a cleaning composition, and (ii) contacting the substrate with ozonated water. The preferred cleaning composition has a pH from 2 to 6 and comprises: (A) water; (B) at least one selected hydroxylammonium compound; and (C) at least one basic compound; and optionally (D) a chelating stabilizer; and optionally (E) a surfactant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 1998
    Date of Patent: June 12, 2001
    Assignee: Arch Specialty Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventors: Vincent G. Leon, Kenji Honda, Eugene F. Rothgery
  • Patent number: RE42128
    Abstract: Compositions containing certain organic solvents and a fluorine source are capable of removing photoresist and etching residue.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: Air Products and Chemicals, Inc.
    Inventor: Matthew Egbe