Abstract: An ion implantation method and system that incorporate beam neutralization to mitigate beam blowup, which can be particularly problematic in low-energy, high-current ion beams. The beam neutralization component can be located in the system where blowup is likely to occur. The neutralization component includes a varying energizing field generating component that generates plasma that neutralizes the ion beam and thereby mitigates beam blowup. The energizing field is generated with varying frequency and/or field strength in order to maintain the neutralizing plasma while mitigating the creation of plasma sheaths that reduce the effects of the neutralizing plasma.

Abstract: An ion beam angle calibration and emittance measurement system, comprising a plate comprising an elongated slit therein, wherein the elongated slit positioned at a rotation center of the plate and configured to allow a first beam portion to pass therethrough. A beam current detector located downstream of the plate, wherein the beam current detector comprises a slit therein configured to permit a second beam portion of the first beam portion to pass therethrough, wherein the beam current detector is configured to measure a first beam current associated with the first beam portion. A beam angle detector is located downstream of the beam current detector and configured to detect a second beam current associated with the second beam portion. The plate, the current beam detector and the beam angle detector are configured to collectively rotate about the rotation center of the plate.

Abstract: Methods for implanting an ionized polyhedral borane cluster or a selected ionized lower mass byproduct into a workpiece generally includes vaporizing and ionizing a polyhedral borane cluster molecule in an ion source to create a plasma and produce ionized polyhedral borane cluster molecules and its ionized lower mass byproducts. The ionized polyhedral borane cluster molecules and lower mass byproducts within the plasma are then extracted to form an ion beam. The ion beam is mass analyzed with a mass analyzer magnet to permit selected ionized polyhedral borane cluster molecules or selected ionized lower mass byproducts to pass therethrough and implant into a workpiece.

Abstract: Aspects of the present invention relate to ion implantation systems that make use of a vapor compression cooling system. In one embodiment, a thermal controller in the vapor compression system sends refrigeration fluid though a compressor and a condenser according to an ideal vapor compression cycle to help limit or prevent undesired heating of a workpiece during implantation, or to actively cool the workpiece.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a system and a method for peeling a wafer off of an electrostatic clamp (ESC). The ESC removal system comprises a electrostatic clamp and a wafer electrically coupled and physically in contact with each other. A plurality of grippers or pins are arranged with respect to the wafer and the ESC to allow the wafer to be peeled off or removed section by section from the electrostatic clamp. The system and method allow the wafer to be removed with a much lower pull force than current systems and methods.

Abstract: An ion shower system is disclosed and comprises a plasma source operable to generate source gas ions within a chamber. The plasma source further comprises a plurality of conductor segments and a plurality of capacitors, wherein the conductor segments are serially connected through the plurality of capacitors. The plasma source further comprises an antenna drive circuit coupled to the plurality of conductor segments that provides power to the conductor segments and capacitors at a predetermined frequency. The ion shower system also comprises a source gas inlet that provides a source gas to the chamber. The conductor segments, capacitors and antenna drive circuit cooperatively provide energy to charged particles in the chamber, thereby energizing the charged particles and generating a plasma comprising source gas ions and electrons within the chamber due to ionizing collisions between the energized charged particles and the source gas.

Abstract: A workpiece or semiconductor wafer is tilted as a ribbon beam is swept up and/or down the workpiece. In so doing, the implant angle or the angle of the ion beam relative to the workpiece remains substantially constant across the wafer. This allows devices to be formed substantially consistently on the wafer. Resolving plates move with the beam as the beam is scanned up and/or down. This allows desired ions to impinge on the wafer, but blocks undesirable contaminants.

Abstract: An elevated temperature RF ion source system, comprising an ion source body, an RF antenna coil external to the ion source body, a vacuum enclosure surrounding both the outside surface of the ion source body and the RF antenna coil, at least one power supply, a gas delivery system operatively coupled to the ion source body, a vacuum condition between the outside surface of the ion source body and the RF antenna coil, the RF antenna coil operatively coupled to the at least one power supply, and a water cooling system operatively coupled to the RF antenna coil and the vacuum enclosure.

Abstract: An end station for an ion implantation system is provided, wherein the end station comprises a process chamber configured to receive an ion beam. A load lock chamber is coupled to the process chamber and configured to selectively introduce a workpiece into the process chamber. An electrostatic chuck within the process chamber is configured to selectively translate through the ion beam, and a shield within the process chamber is configured to selectively cover at least a portion of a clamping surface of the electrostatic chuck to protect the clamping surface from one or more contaminants associated with the ion beam. A docking station within the process chamber selectively retains the shield, and a transfer mechanism is configured to transfer a workpiece between the load lock chamber and the electrostatic chuck, and to transfer the shield between the docking station and the clamping surface of the electrostatic chuck.

Abstract: Ion implantation systems and scanning systems are provided, in which a focus adjustment component is provided to adjust a focal property of an ion beam to diminish zero field effects of the scanner upon the ion beam. The focal property may be adjusted in order to improve the consistency of the beam profile scanned across the workpiece, or to improve the consistency of the ion implantation across the workpiece. Methods are disclosed for providing a scanned ion beam to a workpiece, comprising scanning the ion beam to produce a scanned ion beam, adjusting a focal property of an ion beam in relation to zero field effects of the scanner upon the ion beam, and directing the ion beam toward the workpiece.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to an electrostatic chuck (ESC) with a compliant layer formed from TT-Kote® and a method of forming a clamping plate for an ESC. The ESC comprises a compliant layer having a low friction surface for reducing or eliminating particulates generated from thermal expansion. The method comprises forming a clamping member for a substrate comprising a ceramic material and a ceramic surface, and coating the ceramic surface with a compliant layer comprising an organic silicide or TT-Kote®.

Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention relates to a method for declamping a semiconductor wafer that is electrically adhered to a surface of an electrostatic chuck by a clamping voltage. In this method, the clamping voltage is deactivated. For a time following the deactivation, a first region of the wafer is lifted an first distance from the surface of the electrostatic chuck while a second region of the wafer remains adhered to the surface of the electrostatic chuck. A predetermined condition is monitored during the time. The second region is lifted from the surface of the electrostatic chuck when the predetermined condition is met.

Abstract: The present invention involves an ion beam angular measurement apparatus for providing feedback for a predetermined set ion beam angle comprising an arrangement of composite pillars formed on an insulating material and wherein the composite pillars selectively allow ion beams to penetrate a first layer of a pillar, wherein resistivity measurements are taken for each of the composite pillars before and after test ion beam implantation and wherein the resistivity measurements yield information relating to an angle of the ion beam during test.

Abstract: Front end of line (FEOL) plasma mediated ashing processes for removing organic material from a substrate generally includes exposing the substrate to the plasma to selectively remove photoresist, implanted photoresist, polymers and/or residues from the substrate, wherein the plasma contains a ratio of active nitrogen and active oxygen that is larger than a ratio of active nitrogen and active oxygen obtainable from plasmas of gas mixtures comprising oxygen gas and nitrogen gas. The plasma exhibits high throughput while minimizing and/or preventing substrate oxidation and dopant bleaching. Plasma apparatuses are also described.

Abstract: A method for manufacturing a semiconductor wafer electrostatic clamp, comprising providing a mounting plate, forming an insulative layer on an insulating portion of the mounting plate, forming a first electrode on a first portion of the mounting plate, forming a second electrode on a second portion of the mounting plate, forming a first segment having a first conductivity over the first electrode, forming a first region having a second conductivity over the first segment that creates an n-p type composite, forming a second segment having a third conductivity formed over the over the second electrode, forming a second region having a fourth conductivity formed over the second region that creates an p-n type composite.

Abstract: An electrostatic chuck and method for clamping a workpiece is provided. The ESC comprises a clamping plate having a clamping surface, and one or more electrodes. An electric potential applied to the one or more electrodes selectively clamps the workpiece to the clamping surface. A punch is operably coupled to the clamping plate and an electrical ground, wherein the punch comprises a trigger mechanism and a punch tip. The punch tip translates between extended and retracted positions, wherein a point of the punch tip is proud of the clamping surface when the punch tip is in the extended position. The punch tip is configured to translate toward the clamping surface upon clamping the workpiece to the clamping plate. Upon reaching the retracted position, the trigger mechanism imparts an impact force to the punch tip, forcing the punch tip into the workpiece and providing an electrical ground connection to the workpiece.

Abstract: An electrostatic chuck and method for clamping and de-clamping a workpiece is provided. The ESC comprises a clamping plate having a clamping surface, and one or more electrodes. An electric potential applied to the one or more electrodes selectively clamps the workpiece to the clamping surface. An arc pin operably coupled to the clamping plate and a power source provides an arc for penetrating an insulating layer of the workpiece. The arc pin is selectively connected to an electrical ground, wherein upon removal of the insulative layer of the workpiece, the arc pin provides an electrical ground connection to the workpiece.

Abstract: Apparatuses and processes for treating dielectric materials such as low k dielectric materials, premetal dielectric materials, barrier layers, and the like, generally comprise a radiation source module, a process chamber module coupled to the radiation source module; and a loadlock chamber module in operative communication with the process chamber and a wafer handler. The atmosphere of each one of the modules can be controlled as may be desired for different types of dielectric materials. The radiation source module includes a reflector, an ultraviolet radiation source, and a plate transmissive to the wavelengths of about 150 nm to about 300 nm, to define a sealed interior region, wherein the sealed interior region is in fluid communication with a fluid source.

Abstract: A ribbon ion beam system, comprising an ion source configured to generate a ribbon ion beam along a first beam path, wherein the ribbon ion beam enters a mass analysis magnet having a height dimension (h1) and a long dimension (w1) that is perpendicular to an xy plane, wherein the mass analysis magnet is configured with its momentum dispersive xy plane to receive the ribbon ion beam and to provide magnetic fields to transmit the ribbon ion beam along a second beam path, wherein the ribbon ion beam exiting the mass analysis magnet is divergent in the non-dispersive xz plane and convergent in the xy plane, a mass selection slit for receiving the divergent ribbon ion beam and selecting desired ion species of the ribbon ion beam exiting the mass analysis magnet, an angle correction device configured to receive the divergent ribbon ion beam exiting the mass selection slit into a parallel ribbon ion beam in the horizontal xz plane and a diverging ribbon ion beam in an xy plane along a third beam path, and wherein t

Abstract: Processes for sealing porous low k dielectric film generally comprises exposing the porous surface of the porous low k dielectric film to ultraviolet (UV) radiation at intensities, times, wavelengths and in an atmosphere effective to seal the porous dielectric surface by means of carbonization, oxidation, and/or film densification. The surface of the surface of the porous low k material is sealed to a depth less than or equal to about 20 nanometers, wherein the surface is substantially free of pores after the UV exposure.