Patents by Inventor Adam M. McLaughlin

Adam M. McLaughlin has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20190304738
    Abstract: A foil liner comprising a plurality of foil layers is disclosed. The foil layers may each be an electrically conductive material that are stacked on top of each other. The spacing between adjacent foil layers may create a thermal gradient such that the temperature of the plasma is hotter than the temperature of the ion source chamber. In other embodiments, the foil layers may be assembly to sink the heat from the plasma so that the plasma is cooler than the temperature of the ion source chamber. In some embodiments, gaps or protrusions are disposed on one or more of the foil layers to affect the thermal gradient. In certain embodiments, one or more of the foil layers may be constructed of an insulating material to further affect the thermal gradient. The foil liner may be easily assembled, installed and replaced from within the ion source chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2018
    Publication date: October 3, 2019
    Inventors: Craig R. Chaney, Adam M. McLaughlin, James A. Sargent, Joshua M. Abeshaus
  • Patent number: 10418223
    Abstract: A foil liner comprising a plurality of foil layers is disclosed. The foil layers may each be an electrically conductive material that are stacked on top of each other. The spacing between adjacent foil layers may create a thermal gradient such that the temperature of the plasma is hotter than the temperature of the ion source chamber. In other embodiments, the foil layers may be assembly to sink the heat from the plasma so that the plasma is cooler than the temperature of the ion source chamber. In some embodiments, gaps or protrusions are disposed on one or more of the foil layers to affect the thermal gradient. In certain embodiments, one or more of the foil layers may be constructed of an insulating material to further affect the thermal gradient. The foil liner may be easily assembled, installed and replaced from within the ion source chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2019
    Assignee: Varian Semiconductor Equipment Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig R. Chaney, Adam M. McLaughlin, James A. Sargent, Joshua M. Abeshaus
  • Publication number: 20190252226
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes a method and apparatus for determining whether components in a semiconductor manufacturing system are authorized for use in that system. By embedding an identification feature in the component, it is possible for a controller to determine whether that component is qualified for use in the system. Upon detection of an unauthorized component, the system may alert the user or, in certain embodiments, stop operating of the system. This identification feature is embedded in a component by using an additive manufacturing process that allows the identification feature to be embedded in the component without subjecting the identification feature to extreme temperatures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2019
    Publication date: August 15, 2019
    Inventors: Craig R. Chaney, Adam M. McLaughlin
  • Patent number: 10347457
    Abstract: A system and method for varying the temperature of a faceplate for an ion source is disclosed. The faceplate is held against the chamber walls of the ion source by a plurality of fasteners. These fasteners may include tension springs or compression springs. By changing the length of the tension spring or compression spring when under load, the spring force of the spring can be increased. This increased spring force increases the compressive force between the faceplate and the chamber walls, creating improved thermal conductivity. In certain embodiments, the length of the spring is regulated by an electronic length adjuster. This electronic length adjuster is in communication with a controller that outputs an electrical signal indicative of the desired length of the spring. Various mechanisms for adjusting the length of the spring are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: Varian Semiconductor Equipment Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Alexander S. Perel, Sr., David P. Sporleder, Adam M. McLaughlin, Craig R. Chaney, Neil J. Bassom
  • Publication number: 20190189387
    Abstract: A system and method for varying the temperature of a faceplate for an ion source is disclosed. The faceplate is held against the chamber walls of the ion source by a plurality of fasteners. These fasteners may include tension springs or compression springs. By changing the length of the tension spring or compression spring when under load, the spring force of the spring can be increased. This increased spring force increases the compressive force between the faceplate and the chamber walls, creating improved thermal conductivity. In certain embodiments, the length of the spring is regulated by an electronic length adjuster. This electronic length adjuster is in communication with a controller that outputs an electrical signal indicative of the desired length of the spring. Various mechanisms for adjusting the length of the spring are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2017
    Publication date: June 20, 2019
    Inventors: Alexander S. Perel, David P. Sporleder, Adam M. McLaughlin, Craig R. Chaney, Neil J. Bassom
  • Publication number: 20190139742
    Abstract: A system that utilizes a component that controls thermal gradients and the flow of thermal energy by variation in density is disclosed. Methods of fabricating the component are also disclosed. The component is manufactured using additive manufacturing. In this way, the density of different regions of the component can be customized as desired. For example, a lattice pattern may be created in the interior of a region of the component to reduce the amount of material used. This reduces weight and also decreases the thermal conduction of that region. By using low density regions and high density regions, the flow of thermal energy can be controlled to accommodate the design constraints.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2017
    Publication date: May 9, 2019
    Inventors: Adam M. McLaughlin, Craig R. Chaney
  • Patent number: 10217654
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes a method and apparatus for determining whether components in a semiconductor manufacturing system are authorized for use in that system. By embedding an identification feature in the component, it is possible for a controller to determine whether that component is qualified for use in the system. Upon detection of an unauthorized component, the system may alert the user or, in certain embodiments, stop operating of the system. This identification feature is embedded in a component by using an additive manufacturing process that allows the identification feature to be embedded in the component without subjecting the identification feature to extreme temperatures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2019
    Assignee: Varian Semiconductor Equipment Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Craig R. Chaney, Adam M. McLaughlin
  • Publication number: 20170140956
    Abstract: A single piece ceramic platen is disclosed. This platen may be manufactured using additive manufacturing. The single piece ceramic platen may be manufactured using additive manufacturing processes. As such, the single piece ceramic platen may include a plurality of embedded features. Electrodes, cooling channels, heating elements, temperature sensors, strain gauges and back side gas channels may each be embedded in the electrode. Incorporation of cooling channels and heating elements allows the platen to operate over a wider range of temperatures. Further, these features may be disposed on a plurality of different depths following a planar or non-planar pathway. For example, the heating elements may be configured such that heating element in one region of the platen, such as an outer edge, are disposed closer to the top surface of the platen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2015
    Publication date: May 18, 2017
    Inventors: Adam M. McLaughlin, Jordan B. Tye