Patents Assigned to Interuniversitair Microelektronica Centrum vzw (IMEC)
  • Publication number: 20090191674
    Abstract: The present invention recites a new method for manufacturing Group III-N field-effect devices, such as HEMT, MOSHFET, MISHFET devices or MESFET devices, grown by Metal-Organic Vapor Phase Expitaxy, with higher performance (power), by covering the surface with a thin SiN layer on the top AlGaN layer, in the reactor where the growth takes place at high temperature, prior cooling down the structure and loading the sample out of the reactor, as well as a method to produce some HEMT transistors on those heterostructures, by depositing the contact on the surface without any removal of the SiN layer by MOCVD. The present invention recites also a device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 4, 2009
    Publication date: July 30, 2009
    Applicant: Interuniversitair Microelektronica Centrum vzw (IMEC)
    Inventors: Marianne Germain, Joff Derluyn, Maarten Leys
  • Publication number: 20090184358
    Abstract: A method for fabricating a semiconductor device and the device made thereof are disclosed. In one aspect, the method includes providing a substrate comprising a semiconductor material. The method further includes patterning at least one fin in the substrate, the fin comprising a top surface, at least one sidewall surface, and at least one corner. A supersaturation of point defects is created in the at least one fin. The at least one fin is annealed and then cooled down such that semiconductor atoms of the semiconductor material migrate via the point defects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Publication date: July 23, 2009
    Applicants: INTERUNIVERSITAIR MICROELEKTRONICA CENTRUM VZW (IMEC), STMICROELECTRONICS (CROLLES2) SAS
    Inventors: Damien Lenoble, Rita Rooyackers
  • Publication number: 20090184376
    Abstract: A dual work function semiconductor device and method for fabricating the same are disclosed. In one aspect, a device includes a first and second transistor on a first and second substrate region. The first and second transistors include a first gate stack having a first work function and a second gate stack having a second work function respectively. The first and second gate stack each include a host dielectric, a gate electrode comprising a metal layer, and a second dielectric capping layer therebetween. The second gate stack further has a first dielectric capping layer between the host dielectric and metal layer. The metal layer is selected to determine the first work function. The first dielectric capping layer is selected to determine the second work function.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2009
    Publication date: July 23, 2009
    Applicants: Interuniversitair Microelektronica Centrum vzw (IMEC), Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd., Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Hag-Ju Cho, Anabela Veloso, HongYu Yu, Stefan Kubicek, Shou-Zen Chang
  • Publication number: 20090174003
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a dual work function semiconductor device is disclosed. In one aspect, the method relates to providing a substrate with a first and a second region. A gate dielectric is formed overlying the first and the second region. A metal gate layer is formed overlying the gate dielectric on the first and the second region. The metal gate layer has a first (as-deposited) work function that can be modified upon inducing strain thereon. The method further relates to selecting a first strain which induces a first pre-determined work function shift (?WF1) in the first (as-deposited) work function of the metal gate layer on the first region and selectively forming a first strained conductive layer overlying the metal gate layer on the first region, the first strained conductive layer exerting the selected first strain on the metal gate layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2008
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Applicants: Interuniversitair Microelektronica Centrum vzw (IMEC), Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd. (TSMC)
    Inventors: Shou-Zen Chang, Thomas Y. Hoffman, Geoffrey Pourtois, Hong Yu Yu
  • Publication number: 20090173359
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for in-situ cleaning of walls of a reaction chamber, e.g. reactive ion etching chamber, to remove contamination, e.g. copper comprising contamination from the walls. The method comprises converting the contamination, e.g. copper comprising contamination into a halide compound, e.g. copper halide compound and exposing the halide compound, e.g. copper halide compound to a photon comprising ambient, thereby initiating formation of volatile halide products, e.g. volatile copper halide products. The method furthermore comprises removing the volatile halide products, e.g. volatile copper halide products from the reaction chamber to avoid saturation of the volatile halide products, e.g. volatile copper halide products in the reaction chamber in order to avoid re-deposition of the volatile halide products, e.g. volatile copper halide products to the walls of the reaction chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2008
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Applicant: Interuniversitair Microelektronica Centrum vzw (IMEC)
    Inventor: Dries Dictus
  • Publication number: 20090175381
    Abstract: A digital receiver is disclosed. In one aspect, the receiver includes a receiving module for receiving packetized data. The receive may further include a first processing module for packet detection having a first programmable processor. The receiver may further include a second processing module for demodulation and packet decoding having a second programmable processor. The receiver may further include a first digital receive controller having a third processor arranged for being notified of detection of data by the first processing module and for activating the second processing module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 14, 2008
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Applicants: Interuniversitair Microelektronica Centrum vzw (IMEC), SAMSUNG Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Bruno Bougard
  • Publication number: 20090159972
    Abstract: A method of fabricating a multi-gate device is disclosed. In one aspect, the method includes providing a substrate having a first semiconductor layer with a first carrier mobility enhancing parameter, an insulating layer, a second semiconductor layer with a second carrier mobility enhancing parameter different from the first carrier mobility enhancing parameter. A first and second dielectric layer are then provided on the substrate. A first trench is formed in a first active region through the dielectric layers, the second semiconductor layer and the buried insulating layer. A first fin is formed in the first trench, protruding above the first dielectric layer and having the first carrier mobility enhancing parameter. A second trench is formed in a second active region through the dielectric layers. A second fin is formed in the second trench, protruding above the first dielectric layer and having the second mobility enhancing parameter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2008
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Applicant: INTERUNIVERSITAIR MICROELEKTRONICA CENTRUM VZW (IMEC)
    Inventors: Stefan Jakschik, Nadine Collaert
  • Publication number: 20090163143
    Abstract: A method for estimating transceiver non-idealities is disclosed. In one aspect, the method comprises generating a preamble comprising multiple sets of known training sequences with a synchronization part preceding an estimation part. The training sequences in the estimation part comprises at least two sequences which are (i) complementary Golay sequence pairs and (ii) selected to satisfy a predetermined correlation relationship chosen for estimation of a first non-ideality characteristic. A first estimate of a non-ideality characteristic is determined on the basis of the known training sequences of the synchronization part of the received preamble. The estimation part of the received preamble is compensated by this estimate. Another non-ideality characteristic is determined by the compensated estimation part, exploiting the predetermined correlation relationship.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Publication date: June 25, 2009
    Applicant: Interuniversitair Microelektronica Centrum vzw (IMEC)
    Inventor: Stefaan De Rore
  • Patent number: 7547625
    Abstract: One inventive aspect is related to a method of bonding two elements. The method comprises producing on a first element a first micropattern, comprising a first metal layer. The method further comprises producing on a second element a second micropattern, comprising a second metal layer. The method further comprises applying onto the first micropattern and/or on the second micropattern a layer of solder material. The method further comprises producing on at least one of the elements a patterned non-conductive adhesive layer around the micropattern on the element. The method further comprises joining the first micropattern and the second micropattern by means of a thermocompression or reflow method, wherein the producing of an adhesive layer is performed before the joining such that the first and second elements are secured to each other by the adhesive layer(s) after joining.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2009
    Assignee: Interuniversitair Microelektronica Centrum vzw (IMEC)
    Inventors: Eric Beyne, Riet Labie
  • Publication number: 20090151030
    Abstract: One inventive aspect is related to an atomic force microscopy probe. The probe comprises a tip configuration with two probe tips on one cantilever arm. The probe tips are electrically isolated from each other and of approximately the same height with respect to the cantilever arm. The outer surface of the tip configuration has the shape of a body with a base plane and an apex. The body is divided into two sub-parts by a gap located approximately symmetrically with respect to the apex and approximately perpendicular to the base plane. Another inventive aspect related to methods for producing such an AFM probe.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2009
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Applicant: Interuniversitair Microelektronica Centrum vzw (IMEC)
    Inventor: Marc Fouchier
  • Patent number: 7541198
    Abstract: A method of forming a quantum system comprising computational elements, consisting of an insulated ring of superconductive material, and semi-closed rings, which are used as an interface or input/output facility between the quantum bit and the external world, is disclosed. Faraday induction is used to provide electromagnetic coupling between adjacent computational elements and between the computational elements with interface elements of the quantum system. Therefore the corresponding magnetic flux acts as an information carrier. Ferromagnetic cores are used to improve the magnetic coupling between adjacent elements of the quantum system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2009
    Assignees: Interuniversitair Microelektronica Centrum vzw (IMEC), Katholieke Universiteit Leuven
    Inventors: Wim Magnus, Christoph Kerner, Wim Schoenmaker
  • Publication number: 20090134453
    Abstract: A non-volatile memory device having a control gate on top of the second dielectric (interpoly or blocking dielectric), at least a bottom layer of the control gate in contact with the second dielectric being constructed in a material having a predefined high work-function and showing a tendency to reduce its work-function when in contact with a group of certain high-k materials after full device fabrication. At least a top layer of the second dielectric, separating the bottom layer of the control gate from the rest of the second dielectric, is constructed in a predetermined high-k material, chosen outside the group for avoiding a reduction in the work-function of the material of the bottom layer of the control gate. In the manufacturing method, the top layer is created in the second dielectric before applying the control gate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2008
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Applicants: Interuniversitair Microelektronica Centrum vzw (IMEC), Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd.
    Inventors: Bogdan Govoreanu, HongYu Yu, Hag-ju Cho
  • Publication number: 20090137102
    Abstract: A method for forming at least one quantum dot at least one predetermined location on a substrate is disclosed. In one aspect, the method comprises providing a layer of semiconductor material on an insulating layer on the substrate. The layer of semiconductor material is patterned so as to provide at least one line of semiconductor material having a width (wL) and having a local width variation at least one predetermined location where the at least one quantum dot has to be formed. The local width variation has an amplitude (A) of between about 20 nm and 35 nm higher than the width wL of the at least one line. The at least one line is patterned to form at least one quantum dot. A design for a lithographic mask for use with the method and a method for making such a design are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2008
    Publication date: May 28, 2009
    Applicant: Interuniversitair Microelektronica Centrum vzw (IMEC)
    Inventors: Rita Rooyackers, Frederik Leys, Axel Nackaerts
  • Publication number: 20090112344
    Abstract: A method for optimizing a design for a device is disclosed. Such an optimization is performed with respect to a predetermined metric, e.g. device speed, area, power consumption or yield. In one aspect, the method comprises obtaining a design for a device. The design comprises design components. The method also comprises determining from the design components at least one group of first design components that has a higher sensitivity to the predetermined metric than second design components. The first design components may be on the critical path in the design. The method further comprises tuning the first design components and the technology for manufacturing the first design components thus reducing the variability of the first design components and obtaining an optimized design with respect to the predetermined metric.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2008
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Applicant: Interuniversitair Microelektronica Centrum vzw (IMEC)
    Inventors: Axel Nackaerts, Gustaaf Verhaegen, Paul Marchal
  • Publication number: 20090107704
    Abstract: A composite substrate is disclosed. In one aspect, the substrate has a stretchable and/or flexible material. The substrate may further have patterned features embedded in the stretchable and/or flexible material. The patterned features have one or more patterned conducting layers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2009
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Applicants: Interuniversitair Microelektronica Centrum vzw (IMEC), Universiteit Gent
    Inventors: Jan Vanfleteren, Dominique Brosteaux, Fabrice Axisa
  • Publication number: 20090103069
    Abstract: A sensor for sensing contamination in an application system is disclosed. In one aspect, the sensor comprises a capping layer. The sensor is adapted to cause a first reflectivity change upon initial formation of a first contamination layer on the capping layer when the sensor is provided in the system. The first reflectivity change is larger than an average reflectivity change upon formation of a thicker contamination layer on the capping layer and larger than an average reflectivity change upon formation of an equal contamination on the actual mirrors of the optics of the system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2008
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Applicant: Interuniversitair Microelektronica Centrum vzw (IMEC)
    Inventors: Rik Jonckheere, Anne-Marie Goethals, Gian Francesco Lorusso, Ivan Pollentier
  • Publication number: 20090090971
    Abstract: A semiconductor device is disclosed. The device comprises a first MOSFET transistor. The transistor comprises a substrate, a first high-k dielectric layer upon the substrate, a first dielectric capping layer upon the first high-k dielectric, and a first gate electrode made of a semiconductor material of a first doping level and a first conductivity type upon the first dielectric capping layer. The first dielectric capping layer comprises Scandium.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2008
    Publication date: April 9, 2009
    Applicants: Interuniversitair Microelektronica Centrum vzw (IMEC), TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Shih-Hsun Chang, Lars-Ake Ragnarsson
  • Publication number: 20090085167
    Abstract: The present invention is related to the field of semiconductor processing and, more particularly, to the formation of low resistance layers on germanium substrates. One aspect of the present invention is a method comprising: providing a substrate on which at least one area of a germanium layer is exposed; depositing over the substrate and said germanium area a metal, e.g., Co or Ni; forming over said metal, a capping layer consisting of a silicon oxide containing layer, of a silicon nitride layer, or of a tungsten layer, preferably of a SiO2 layer; then annealing for metal-germanide formation; then removing selectively said capping layer and any unreacted metal, wherein the temperature used for forming said capping layer formation is lower than the annealing temperature.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2008
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Applicant: Interuniversitair Microelektronica Centrum vzw (IMEC)
    Inventors: David Brunco, Marc Meuris
  • Publication number: 20090079494
    Abstract: A method of operating a quantum system comprising computational elements, including an insulated ring of superconductive material, and semi-closed rings used as an interface between the computational elements and the external world, is disclosed. In one aspect, the method comprises providing an electrical signal, e.g. a current, in an input ring magnetically coupled to a computational element, which generates a magnetic field in the computational element and sensing the change in the current and/or voltage of an output element magnetically coupled to the computational element. The electrical input signal can be an AC signal or a DC signal. The computational element is electromagnetically coupled with other adjacent computational elements and/or with the interface elements. The corresponding magnetic flux between the computational elements and/or the interface elements acts as an information carrier. Ferromagnetic cores are used to improve the magnetic coupling between adjacent elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2008
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Applicants: Interuniversitair Microelektronica Centrum vzw (IMEC), Katholieke Universiteit Leuven
    Inventors: Christoph Kerner, Wim Magnus, Dusan Golubovic
  • Publication number: 20090072222
    Abstract: Preferred embodiments provide a method for forming at least one catalyst nanoparticle on at least one sidewall of a three-dimensional structure on a main surface of a substrate, the main surface lying in a plane and the sidewall of the three-dimensional structure lying in a plane substantially perpendicular to the plane of the main surface of the substrate. The method comprises obtaining a three-dimensional structure on the main surface, the three-dimensional structure comprising catalyst nanoparticles embedded in a non-catalytic matrix and selectively removing at least part of the non-catalytic matrix at the sidewalls of the three-dimensional structure to thereby expose at least one catalyst nanoparticle. According to preferred embodiments a method is also provided for forming at least one elongated nanostructure, such as e.g. a nanowire or carbon nanotube, using the catalyst nanoparticles formed by the method according to preferred embodiments as a catalyst.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2008
    Publication date: March 19, 2009
    Applicant: Interuniversitair Microelektronica Centrum vzw (IMEC)
    Inventors: Aleksandar Radisic, Philippe M. Vereecken