Patents by Inventor Antti Rahtu

Antti Rahtu 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).

  • Patent number: 10964534
    Abstract: Methods of producing metal-containing thin films with low impurity contents on a substrate by atomic layer deposition (ALD) are provided. The methods preferably comprise contacting a substrate with alternating and sequential pulses of a metal source chemical, a second source chemical and a deposition enhancing agent. The deposition enhancing agent is preferably selected from the group consisting of hydrocarbons, hydrogen, hydrogen plasma, hydrogen radicals, silanes, germanium compounds, nitrogen compounds, and boron compounds. In some embodiments, the deposition-enhancing agent reacts with halide contaminants in the growing thin film, improving film properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Assignee: ASM International
    Inventors: Antti Rahtu, Eva Tois, Kai-Erik Elers, Wei-Min Li
  • Publication number: 20190267231
    Abstract: Methods of producing metal-containing thin films with low impurity contents on a substrate by atomic layer deposition (ALD) are provided. The methods preferably comprise contacting a substrate with alternating and sequential pulses of a metal source chemical, a second source chemical and a deposition enhancing agent. The deposition enhancing agent is preferably selected from the group consisting of hydrocarbons, hydrogen, hydrogen plasma, hydrogen radicals, silanes, germanium compounds, nitrogen compounds, and boron compounds. In some embodiments, the deposition-enhancing agent reacts with halide contaminants in the growing thin film, improving film properties.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 14, 2019
    Publication date: August 29, 2019
    Inventors: Antti Rahtu, Eva Tois, Kai-Erik Elers, Wei-Min Li
  • Patent number: 10297444
    Abstract: Methods of producing metal-containing thin films with low impurity contents on a substrate by atomic layer deposition (ALD) are provided. The methods preferably comprise contacting a substrate with alternating and sequential pulses of a metal source chemical, a second source chemical and a deposition enhancing agent. The deposition enhancing agent is preferably selected from the group consisting of hydrocarbons, hydrogen, hydrogen plasma, hydrogen radicals, silanes, germanium compounds, nitrogen compounds, and boron compounds. In some embodiments, the deposition-enhancing agent reacts with halide contaminants in the growing thin film, improving film properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 21, 2019
    Assignee: ASM International N.V.
    Inventors: Antti Rahtu, Eva Tois, Kai-Erik Elers, Wei-Min Li
  • Publication number: 20180130666
    Abstract: Methods of producing metal-containing thin films with low impurity contents on a substrate by atomic layer deposition (ALD) are provided. The methods preferably comprise contacting a substrate with alternating and sequential pulses of a metal source chemical, a second source chemical and a deposition enhancing agent. The deposition enhancing agent is preferably selected from the group consisting of hydrocarbons, hydrogen, hydrogen plasma, hydrogen radicals, silanes, germanium compounds, nitrogen compounds, and boron compounds. In some embodiments, the deposition-enhancing agent reacts with halide contaminants in the growing thin film, improving film properties.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2017
    Publication date: May 10, 2018
    Inventors: Antti Rahtu, Eva Tois, Kai-Erik Elers, Wei-Min Li
  • Patent number: 9831094
    Abstract: Methods of producing metal-containing thin films with low impurity contents on a substrate by atomic layer deposition (ALD) are provided. The methods preferably comprise contacting a substrate with alternating and sequential pulses of a metal source chemical, a second source chemical and a deposition enhancing agent. The deposition enhancing agent is preferably selected from the group consisting of hydrocarbons, hydrogen, hydrogen plasma, hydrogen radicals, silanes, germanium compounds, nitrogen compounds, and boron compounds. In some embodiments, the deposition-enhancing agent reacts with halide contaminants in the growing thin film, improving film properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: ASM INTERNATIONAL N.V.
    Inventors: Antti Rahtu, Eva Tois, Kai-Erik Elers, Wei-Min Li
  • Patent number: 9587307
    Abstract: The invention relates generally to processes for enhancing the deposition of noble metal thin films on a substrate by atomic layer deposition. Treatment with gaseous halides or metalorganic compounds reduces the incubation time for deposition of noble metals on particular surfaces. The methods may be utilized to facilitate selective deposition. For example, selective deposition of noble metals on high-k materials relative to insulators can be enhanced by pretreatment with halide reactants. In addition, halide treatment can be used to avoid deposition on the quartz walls of the reaction chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: ASM INTERNATIONAL N.V.
    Inventors: Suvi P. Haukka, Marko J. Tuominen, Antti Rahtu
  • Publication number: 20160118262
    Abstract: Methods of producing metal-containing thin films with low impurity contents on a substrate by atomic layer deposition (ALD) are provided. The methods preferably comprise contacting a substrate with alternating and sequential pulses of a metal source chemical, a second source chemical and a deposition enhancing agent. The deposition enhancing agent is preferably selected from the group consisting of hydrocarbons, hydrogen, hydrogen plasma, hydrogen radicals, silanes, germanium compounds, nitrogen compounds, and boron compounds. In some embodiments, the deposition-enhancing agent reacts with halide contaminants in the growing thin film, improving film properties.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2015
    Publication date: April 28, 2016
    Inventors: Antti Rahtu, Eva Tois, Kai-Erik Elers, Wei-Min Li
  • Patent number: 9127351
    Abstract: Methods of producing metal-containing thin films with low impurity contents on a substrate by atomic layer deposition (ALD) are provided. The methods preferably comprise contacting a substrate with alternating and sequential pulses of a metal source chemical, a second source chemical and a deposition enhancing agent. The deposition enhancing agent is preferably selected from the group consisting of hydrocarbons, hydrogen, hydrogen plasma, hydrogen radicals, silanes, germanium compounds, nitrogen compounds, and boron compounds. In some embodiments, the deposition-enhancing agent reacts with halide contaminants in the growing thin film, improving film properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: ASM International N.V.
    Inventors: Antti Rahtu, Eva Tois, Kai-Erik Elers, Wei-Min Li
  • Patent number: 8993055
    Abstract: Methods of producing metal-containing thin films with low impurity contents on a substrate by atomic layer deposition (ALD) are provided. The methods preferably comprise contacting a substrate with alternating and sequential pulses of a metal source chemical, a second source chemical and a deposition enhancing agent. The deposition enhancing agent is preferably selected from the group consisting of hydrocarbons, hydrogen, hydrogen plasma, hydrogen radicals, silanes, germanium compounds, nitrogen compounds, and boron compounds. In some embodiments, the deposition-enhancing agent reacts with halide contaminants in the growing thin film, improving film properties.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: ASM International N.V.
    Inventors: Antti Rahtu, Eva Tois, Kai-Erik Elers, Wei-Min Li
  • Patent number: 8685165
    Abstract: Atomic layer deposition (ALD) type processes for producing titanium containing oxide thin films comprise feeding into a reaction space vapor phase pulses of titanium alkoxide as a titanium source material and at least one oxygen source material, such as ozone, capable of forming an oxide with the titanium source material. In preferred embodiments the titanium alkoxide is titanium methoxide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2014
    Assignee: ASM International N.V.
    Inventors: Antti Rahtu, Raija Matero, Markku Leskela, Mikko Ritala, Timo Hatanpaa, Timo Hanninen, Marko Vehkamaki
  • Publication number: 20140087076
    Abstract: The invention relates generally to processes for enhancing the deposition of noble metal thin films on a substrate by atomic layer deposition. Treatment with gaseous halides or metalorganic compounds reduces the incubation time for deposition of noble metals on particular surfaces. The methods may be utilized to facilitate selective deposition. For example, selective deposition of noble metals on high-k materials relative to insulators can be enhanced by pretreatment with halide reactants. In addition, halide treatment can be used to avoid deposition on the quartz walls of the reaction chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2013
    Publication date: March 27, 2014
    Applicant: ASM International N.V.
    Inventors: Suvi P. Haukka, Marko J. Tuominen, Antti Rahtu
  • Patent number: 8501275
    Abstract: The invention relates generally to processes for enhancing the deposition of noble metal thin films on a substrate by atomic layer deposition. Treatment with gaseous halides or metalorganic compounds reduces the incubation time for deposition of noble metals on particular surfaces. The methods may be utilized to facilitate selective deposition. For example, selective deposition of noble metals on high-k materials relative to insulators can be enhanced by pretreatment with halide reactants. In addition, halide treatment can be used to avoid deposition on the quartz walls of the reaction chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: ASM International N.V.
    Inventors: Suvi P. Haukka, Marko J. Tuominen, Antti Rahtu
  • Publication number: 20120189774
    Abstract: The invention relates generally to processes for enhancing the deposition of noble metal thin films on a substrate by atomic layer deposition. Treatment with gaseous halides or metalorganic compounds reduces the incubation time for deposition of noble metals on particular surfaces. The methods may be utilized to facilitate selective deposition. For example, selective deposition of noble metals on high-k materials relative to insulators can be enhanced by pretreatment with halide reactants. In addition, halide treatment can be used to avoid deposition on the quartz walls of the reaction chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2011
    Publication date: July 26, 2012
    Applicant: ASM INTERNATIONAL N.V.
    Inventors: Suvi P. Haukka, Marko J. Tuominen, Antti Rahtu
  • Patent number: 8025922
    Abstract: The invention relates generally to processes for enhancing the deposition of noble metal thin films on a substrate by atomic layer deposition. Treatment with gaseous halides or metalorganic compounds reduces the incubation time for deposition of noble metals on particular surfaces. The methods may be utilized to facilitate selective deposition. For example, selective deposition of noble metals on high-k materials relative to insulators can be enhanced by pretreatment with halide reactants. In addition, halide treatment can be used to avoid deposition on the quartz walls of the reaction chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: ASM International N.V.
    Inventors: Suvi P. Haukka, Marko J. Tuominen, Antti Rahtu
  • Patent number: 7704896
    Abstract: Germanium has higher mobility than silicon and therefore is considered to be a good alternative semiconductor for CMOS technology. Surface treatments a can facilitate atomic layer deposition (ALD) of thin films, such as high-k dielectric layers, on germanium substrates. Surface treatment can comprise the formation of a thin layer of GeOx or GeOxNy. After surface treatment and prior to deposition of the desired thin film, a passivation layer may be deposited on the substrate. The passivation layer may be, for example, a metal oxide layer deposited by ALD.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: ASM International, N.V.
    Inventors: Suvi P. Haukka, Marko Tuominen, Antti Rahtu
  • Patent number: 7377976
    Abstract: A method is provided for growing thin oxide films on the surface of a substrate by alternatively reacting the surface of the substrate with a metal source material and an oxygen source material. The oxygen source material is preferably a metal alkoxide. The metal source material may be a metal halide, hydride, alkoxide, alkyl, a cyclopentadienyl compound, or a diketonate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Inventors: Mikko Ritala, Antti Rahtu, Markku Leskela, Kaupo Kukli
  • Publication number: 20080072819
    Abstract: Atomic layer deposition (ALD) type processes for producing titanium containing oxide thin films comprise feeding into a reaction space vapour phase pulses of titanium alkoxide as a titanium source material and at least one oxygen source material, such as ozone, capable of forming an oxide with the titanium source material. In preferred embodiments the titanium alkoxide is titanium methoxide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2007
    Publication date: March 27, 2008
    Applicant: ASM INTERNATIONAL N.V.
    Inventors: Antti Rahtu, Raija Matero, Markku Leskela, Mikko Ritala, Timo Hatanpaa, Timo Hanninen, Marko Vehkamaki
  • Publication number: 20070148350
    Abstract: Methods of producing metal-containing thin films with low impurity contents on a substrate by atomic layer deposition (ALD) are provided. The methods preferably comprise contacting a substrate with alternating and sequential pulses of a metal source chemical, a second source chemical and a deposition enhancing agent. The deposition enhancing agent is preferably selected from the group consisting of hydrocarbons, hydrogen, hydrogen plasma, hydrogen radicals, silanes, germanium compounds, nitrogen compounds, and boron compounds. In some embodiments, the deposition-enhancing agent reacts with halide contaminants in the growing thin film, improving film properties.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2006
    Publication date: June 28, 2007
    Inventors: Antti Rahtu, Eva Tois, Kai-Erik Elers, Wei-Min Li
  • Publication number: 20070123060
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for deposition of a film on a substrate in a reaction chamber by an atomic layer deposition (ALD) or chemical vapor deposition (CVD) process include providing one or more reactants, and providing a volatile neutral coordinating ligand capable of coordinating at least one selected from the following: (i) one of the reactants; (ii) a reaction by-product formed during the deposition process. The neutral coordinating ligand thus improves volatility of either reactants and/or by-products, either in the gas phase or aiding in removal of species from reaction space surfaces. The neutral coordinating ligand is provided during the deposition process, either during or after reactant supply.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2006
    Publication date: May 31, 2007
    Inventor: Antti Rahtu
  • Publication number: 20070036892
    Abstract: The invention relates generally to processes for enhancing the deposition of noble metal thin films on a substrate by atomic layer deposition. Treatment with gaseous halides or metalorganic compounds reduces the incubation time for deposition of noble metals on particular surfaces. The methods may be utilized to facilitate selective deposition. For example, selective deposition of noble metals on high-k materials relative to insulators can be enhanced by pretreatment with halide reactants. In addition, halide treatment can be used to avoid deposition on the quartz walls of the reaction chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2006
    Publication date: February 15, 2007
    Inventors: Suvi Haukka, Marko Tuominen, Antti Rahtu