Patents Assigned to Applied Materials
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Publication number: 20230010499Abstract: Exemplary integrated cluster tools may include a factory interface including a first transfer robot. The tools may include a wet clean system coupled with the factory interface at a first side of the wet clean system. The tools may include a load lock chamber coupled with the wet clean system at a second side of the wet clean system opposite the first side of the wet clean system. The tools may include a first transfer chamber coupled with the load lock chamber. The first transfer chamber may include a second transfer robot. The tools may include a thermal treatment chamber coupled with the first transfer chamber. The tools may include a second transfer chamber coupled with the first transfer chamber. The second transfer chamber may include a third transfer robot. The tools may include a metal deposition chamber coupled with the second transfer chamber.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 7, 2022Publication date: January 12, 2023Applicant: Applied Materials, Inc.Inventors: Brian K. Kirkpatrick, Steven C. H. Hung, Malcolm J. Bevan
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Patent number: 11552082Abstract: Memory devices and methods of forming memory devices are described. The memory devices comprise two work-function metal layers, where one work-function layer has a lower work-function than the other work-function layer. The low work-function layer may reduce gate-induced drain leakage current losses. Methods of forming memory devices are also described.Type: GrantFiled: August 25, 2020Date of Patent: January 10, 2023Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.Inventors: Sung-Kwan Kang, Gill Yong Lee, Sang Ho Yu, Shih Chung Chen, Jeffrey W. Anthis
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Patent number: 11551904Abstract: A system and method that allows higher energy implants to be performed, wherein the peak concentration depth is shallower than would otherwise occur is disclosed. The system comprises an ion source, an accelerator, a platen and a platen orientation motor that allows large tilt angles. The system may be capable of performing implants of hydrogen ions at an implant energy of up to 5 MeV. By tilting the workpiece during an implant, the system can be used to perform implants that are typically performed at implant energies that are less than the minimum implant energy allowed by the system. Additionally, the resistivity profile of the workpiece after thermal treatment is similar to that achieved using a lower energy implant. In certain embodiments, the peak concentration depth may be reduced by 3 ?m or more using larger tilt angles.Type: GrantFiled: September 9, 2020Date of Patent: January 10, 2023Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.Inventors: Venkataramana R. Chavva, KyuHa Shim, Hans Gossmann, Edwin Arevalo, Scott Falk, Rajesh Prasad
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Patent number: 11552244Abstract: Embodiments of magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) structures discussed herein employ seed layers of one or more layer of chromium (Cr), NiCr, NiFeCr, RuCr, IrCr, or CoCr, or combinations thereof. These seed layers are used in combination with one or more pinning layers, a first pinning layer in contact with the seed layer can contain a single layer of cobalt, or can contain cobalt in combination with bilayers of cobalt and platinum (Pt), iridium (Ir), nickel (Ni), or palladium (Pd), The second pinning layer can be the same composition and configuration as the first, or can be of a different composition or configuration. The MTJ stacks discussed herein maintain desirable magnetic properties subsequent to high temperature annealing.Type: GrantFiled: March 5, 2021Date of Patent: January 10, 2023Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.Inventors: Lin Xue, Chi Hong Ching, Rongjun Wang, Mahendra Pakala
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Patent number: 11551917Abstract: One or more embodiments described herein relate to abatement systems for reducing Br2 and Cl2 in semiconductor processes. In embodiments described herein, semiconductor etch processes are performed within process chambers. Thereafter, fluorinated greenhouse gases (F-GHGs), HBr, and Cl2 gases exit the process chamber and enter a plasma reactor. Reagent gases are delivered from a reagent gas delivery apparatus to the plasma reactor to mix with the process gases. Radio frequency (RF) power is applied to the plasma reactor, which adds energy and “excites” the gases within the process chamber. When HBr is energized, it forms Br2. Br2 and Cl2 are corrosive and toxic. However, the addition of H2O in the plasma reactor quenches the Br2 and Cl2 emissions, as the H atoms recombine with the Br atoms and the Cl atoms to form HBr and HCl. HBr and HCl are readily water-soluble and removed through a wet scrubber.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2020Date of Patent: January 10, 2023Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.Inventors: Joseph A. Van Gompel, James L'Heureux
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Patent number: 11552265Abstract: Devices comprising a resistance-switching polymer film are described. Also described are methods of making the devices comprising the resistance-switching polymer film.Type: GrantFiled: October 23, 2020Date of Patent: January 10, 2023Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.Inventors: Xinke Wang, John Sudijono, Xiao Gong
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Patent number: 11551965Abstract: Implementations of the present disclosure provide a process kit for an electrostatic chuck. In one implementation, a substrate support assembly is provided. The substrate support assembly includes an electrostatic chuck having a first recess formed in an upper portion of the electrostatic chuck. A process kit surrounds the electrostatic chuck. The process kit includes an inner ring and an outer ring disposed radially outward of the inner ring. The outer ring includes a second recess formed in an upper portion of the upper ring. The inner ring is positioned within and is supported by the first recess and the second recess. An upper surface of the inner ring and an upper surface of the outer ring are co-planar.Type: GrantFiled: October 18, 2019Date of Patent: January 10, 2023Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.Inventors: Andrew Nguyen, Xue Chang, Shahid Rauf, Jason A. Kenney
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Patent number: 11550224Abstract: Embodiments described herein relate to methods and apparatus for performing immersion field guided post exposure bake processes. Embodiments of apparatus described herein include a chamber body defining a processing volume. Electrodes may be disposed adjacent the process volume and process fluid is provided to the process volume via a plurality of fluid conduits to facilitate immersion field guided post exposure bake processes. A post process chamber for rinsing, developing, and drying a substrate is also provided.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2020Date of Patent: January 10, 2023Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.Inventors: Kyle M. Hanson, Gregory J. Wilson, Viachslav Babayan
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Patent number: 11551951Abstract: A method for controlling a temperature of a substrate support assembly is provided. A first direct current (DC) power is supplied to a heating element embedded in a zone of the substrate support assembly included in a processing chamber. A voltage is measured across the heating element. Similarly, a current is measured through the heating element. A temperature of the zone of the substrate support assembly is determined based on the voltage across the heating element and the current through the heating element. A temperature difference between the determined temperature of the zone and a target temperature for the zone is determined. A second DC power to deliver to the heating element is determined to achieve the target temperature based at least in part on the temperature difference. The second DC power is supplied to the heating element to cause the temperature of the zone to be modified to the target temperature.Type: GrantFiled: May 5, 2020Date of Patent: January 10, 2023Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.Inventors: Paul Zachary Wirth, Kiyki-Shiy Shang, Mikhail Taraboukhine
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Patent number: 11552283Abstract: A method of coating a flexible substrate in a roll-to-roll deposition system is described. The method includes unwinding the flexible substrate from an unwinding roll, the flexible substrate having a first coating on a first main side thereof; measuring a lateral positioning of the first coating while guiding the flexible substrate to a coating drum; adjusting a lateral position of the flexible substrate on the coating drum depending on the measured lateral positioning of the first coating; and depositing a second coating on the flexible substrate, particularly on a second main side of the flexible substrate opposite the first main side. Further described is a vacuum deposition apparatus for conducting the methods described herein.Type: GrantFiled: August 4, 2020Date of Patent: January 10, 2023Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.Inventors: Andreas Sauer, Thomas Deppisch, Mathew Dean Allison
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Patent number: 11549183Abstract: Provided are gas distribution apparatus with a showerhead having a front plate and a back plate spaced to form a gas volume, the front plate having an inner surface adjacent the gas volume and an outer surface with a plurality of apertures extending therethrough, the gas volume having a center region and an outer region; a first inlet in fluid communication with the center region of the gas volume, the inlet having an inside and an outside; and a mixer disposed on the inside of the inlet to increase gas flow temperature. Also provided are processing chamber apparatus and methods of depositing a film.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2020Date of Patent: January 10, 2023Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.Inventors: Ashutosh Agarwal, Sanjeev Baluja, Dhritiman Subha Kashyap, Kartik Shah, Yanjun Xia
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Patent number: 11550222Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to a multilayer stack used as a mask in extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography and methods for forming a multilayer stack. In one embodiment, the method includes forming a carbon layer over a film stack, forming a metal rich oxide layer on the carbon layer by a physical vapor deposition (PVD) process, forming a metal oxide photoresist layer on the metal rich oxide layer, and patterning the metal oxide photoresist layer. The metal oxide photoresist layer is different from the metal rich oxide layer and is formed by a process different from the PVD process. The metal rich oxide layer formed by the PVD process improves adhesion of the metal oxide photoresist layer and increases the secondary electrons during EUV lithography, which leads to decreased EUV dose energies.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2020Date of Patent: January 10, 2023Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.Inventors: Tejinder Singh, Lifan Yan, Abhijit B. Mallick, Daniel Lee Diehl, Ho-yung Hwang, Jothilingam Ramalingam
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Patent number: 11549181Abstract: Methods for the formation of films comprising Si, C, O and N are provided. Certain methods involve sequential exposures of a hydroxide terminated substrate surface to a silicon precursor and an alcohol-amine to form a film with hydroxide terminations. Certain methods involved sequential exposures of hydroxide terminated substrate surface to a silicon precursor and a diamine to form a film with an amine terminated surface, followed by sequential exposures to a silicon precursor and a diol to form a film with a hydroxide terminated surface.Type: GrantFiled: September 19, 2019Date of Patent: January 10, 2023Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.Inventors: Bhaskar Jyoti Bhuyan, Mark Saly
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Patent number: 11552177Abstract: Metal gate stacks and integrated methods of forming metal gate stacks are disclosed. Some embodiments comprise NbN as a PMOS work function material at a thickness in a range of greater than or equal to 5 ? to less than or equal to 50 ?. The PMOS work function material comprising NbN has an effective work function of greater than or equal to 4.75 eV. Some embodiments comprise HfO2 as a high-? metal oxide layer. Some embodiments provide improved PMOS bandedge performance evidenced by improved flatband voltage. Some embodiments exclude transition metal niobium nitride materials as work function materials.Type: GrantFiled: September 4, 2020Date of Patent: January 10, 2023Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.Inventors: Srinivas Gandikota, Steven C. H. Hung, Mandyam Sriram, Jacqueline S. Wrench, Yixiong Yang, Yong Yang
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Publication number: 20230002893Abstract: Bottom-fed ampoules for a semiconductor manufacturing precursors and methods of use are described. The ampoules comprise an outer cylindrical wall and an inner cylindrical wall defining a flow channel in between and a bottom wall having a top surface with a plurality of concentric elongate walls, each wall comprising an opening offset from the opening in adjacent walls defining a gas exchange zone through which a carrier gas flows in contact with the precursor.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 2, 2021Publication date: January 5, 2023Applicant: Applied Materials, Inc.Inventors: David Marquardt, Carl White, Mohith Verghese
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Publication number: 20230005765Abstract: Exemplary semiconductor processing systems may include a processing chamber. The systems may include a remote plasma unit coupled with the processing chamber. The systems may include an adapter coupled between the remote plasma unit and the processing chamber. The adapter may be characterized by a first end and a second end opposite the first end. The remote plasma unit may be coupled with the adapter at the first end. The adapter may define a first central channel extending more than 50% of a length of the adapter from the first end of the adapter. The adapter may define a second central channel extending less than 50% of the length of the adapter from the second end of the adapter. The adapter may define a transition between the first central channel and the second central channel.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 2, 2021Publication date: January 5, 2023Applicant: Applied Materials, Inc.Inventors: Son T. Nguyen, Kenneth D. Schatz, Anh N. Nguyen, Soonwook Jung, Ryan Pakulski, Anchuan Wang, Zihui Li
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Publication number: 20230002888Abstract: Methods of depositing high purity metal films are discussed. Some embodiments utilize a method comprising exposing a substrate surface to an organometallic precursor comprising a metal selected from the group consisting of molybdenum (Mo), tungsten (W), osmium (Os), rhenium (Re), iridium (Ir), nickel (Ni) and ruthenium (Ru) and an iodine-containing reactant comprising a species having a formula RIx, where R is one or more of a C0-C10 alkyl, cycloalkyl, alkenyl, or alkynyl group and x is in a range of 1 to 4 to form a carbon-less iodine-containing metal film; and exposing the carbon-less iodine-containing metal film to a reductant to form a metal film. Some embodiments deposit a metal film with greater than or equal to 90% metal species on an atomic basis.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 1, 2021Publication date: January 5, 2023Applicant: Applied Materials, Inc.Inventors: Feng Q. Liu, Mark Saly, David Thompson
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Publication number: 20230002885Abstract: Physical vapor deposition methods for reducing the particulates deposited on the substrate are disclosed. The pressure during sputtering can be increased to cause agglomeration of the particulates formed in the plasma. The agglomerated particulates can be moved to an outer portion of the process chamber prior to extinguishing the plasma so that the agglomerates fall harmlessly outside of the diameter of the substrate.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 9, 2022Publication date: January 5, 2023Applicant: Applied Materials, Inc.Inventors: Halbert Chong, Lei Zhou, Adolph Miller Allen, Vaibhav Soni, Kishor Kalathiparambil, Vanessa Faune, Song-Moon Suh
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Publication number: 20230005780Abstract: Exemplary substrate support assemblies may include an electrostatic chuck body defining a substrate support surface. The support assemblies may include a support stem coupled with the electrostatic chuck body. The support assemblies may include an electrode embedded within the electrostatic chuck body proximate the substrate support surface. The support assemblies may include a ground electrode embedded within the electrostatic chuck body. The support assemblies may include one or more channels formed within the electrostatic chuck body between the electrode and the ground electrode.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 8, 2022Publication date: January 5, 2023Applicant: Applied Materials, Inc.Inventor: Vijay D. Parkhe
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Publication number: 20230005945Abstract: Methods of forming memory structures are discussed. Specifically, methods of forming 3D NAND devices are discussed. Some embodiments form memory structures with a metal nitride barrier layer, an ?-tungsten layer, and a bulk metal material. The barrier layer comprises a TiXN or TaXN material, where X comprises a metal selected from one or more of aluminum (Al), silicon (Si), tungsten (W), lanthanum (La), yttrium (Yt), strontium (Sr), or magnesium (Mg).Type: ApplicationFiled: September 9, 2022Publication date: January 5, 2023Applicant: Applied Materials, Inc.Inventors: Jacqueline S. Wrench, Yixiong Yang, Yong Wu, Wei V. Tang, Srinivas Gandikota, Yongjing Lin, Karla M Bernal Ramos, Shih Chung Chen