Patents by Inventor Butch Berney

Butch Berney 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: 20230131233
    Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are described. An apparatus may include a processing chamber including chamber walls, a chamber heater configured to heat the walls, a pedestal positioned within the chamber and including a substrate heater having a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) configured to emit light with wavelengths in the range of 400 nanometers (nm) and 800 nm, a window positioned above the heater and having a material transparent to light with wavelengths in the range of 400 nm and 800 nm, and three or more substrate supports, each having a substrate support surface vertically offset from the window and configured to support a substrate such that the window and the substrate are offset by a nonzero distance.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2021
    Publication date: April 27, 2023
    Inventors: Nathan Lavdovsky, Butch Berney, Mark Naoshi Kawaguchi, Ji Zhu, Hongbo Si
  • Publication number: 20220308462
    Abstract: Systems and techniques for dry deposition of extreme ultra-violet-sensitive (EUV-sensitive) photoresist layers are discussed. In some such systems, a processing chamber may be provided that features a multi-plenum showerhead that is configured to receive a vaporized organometallic precursor in one plenum and a vaporized counter-reactant thereof in another plenum. The two vaporized reactants may be delivered to a reaction space within the processing chamber and over a wafer support that supports the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2020
    Publication date: September 29, 2022
    Inventors: Butch Berney, Alan M. Schoepp, Timothy William Weidman, Kevin Li Gu, Chenghao Wu, Katie Lynn Nardi, Boris Volosskiy, Clint Edward Thomas, Thad Nicholson
  • Publication number: 20210366738
    Abstract: A vapor delivery head for wet treatment of a substrate includes a body including an upper surface, a lower surface, an upper plenum and a lower plenum. A first bore is arranged on the upper surface of the body and fluidly connected to the upper plenum to supply heated fluid. A second bore is arranged on the upper surface of the body and connected to the upper plenum to remove heated fluid. A third bore is arranged on the upper surface of the body and connected to the lower plenum to receive a gas mixture. A plurality of through holes through the lower surface of the body are in fluid communication with the lower plenum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 21, 2019
    Publication date: November 25, 2021
    Inventors: Bhaskar BANDARAPU, David MUI, Karl-Heinz HOHENWARTER, Butch BERNEY, Nathan LAVDOVSKY, Christian PUTZI, Hongbo SI, Robert JOHNSON, Michael KLEMM, Bernhard LOIDL
  • Patent number: 10861719
    Abstract: An apparatus for processing wafer-shaped articles comprises a rotary chuck and a heating assembly that faces a wafer-shaped article when positioned on the rotary chuck. A liquid dispenser positioned so as to dispense liquid onto a surface of a wafer-shaped article that faces away from the rotary chuck when positioned on the rotary chuck. The heating assembly comprises an array of radiant heating elements distributed among at least five individually controllable groups. The liquid dispenser comprises one or more dispensing orifices configured to move a discharge point from a more central region of the rotary chuck to a more peripheral region of the rotary chuck. A controller controls power supplied to each of the at least five individually controllable groups of radiant heating elements based on a position of the discharge point of the liquid dispenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2020
    Assignee: Lam Research AG
    Inventors: David Mui, Butch Berney, Alois Goller, Michael Ravkin
  • Patent number: 10720343
    Abstract: An apparatus for processing wafer-shaped articles comprises a rotary chuck and a heating assembly that faces a wafer-shaped article when positioned on the rotary chuck. A liquid dispenser positioned so as to dispense liquid onto a surface of a wafer-shaped article that faces away from the rotary chuck when positioned on the rotary chuck. The heating assembly comprises an array of radiant heating elements distributed among at least five individually controllable groups. The liquid dispenser comprises one or more dispensing orifices configured to move a discharge point from a more central region of the rotary chuck to a more peripheral region of the rotary chuck. A controller controls power supplied to each of the at least five individually controllable groups of radiant heating elements based on a position of the discharge point of the liquid dispenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2020
    Assignee: Lam Research AG
    Inventors: David Mui, Butch Berney, Alois Goller, Mike Ravkin
  • Publication number: 20200227284
    Abstract: An apparatus for processing wafer-shaped articles comprises a rotary chuck and a heating assembly that faces a wafer-shaped article when positioned on the rotary chuck. A liquid dispenser positioned so as to dispense liquid onto a surface of a wafer-shaped article that faces away from the rotary chuck when positioned on the rotary chuck. The heating assembly comprises an array of radiant heating elements distributed among at least five individually controllable groups. The liquid dispenser comprises one or more dispensing orifices configured to move a discharge point from a more central region of the rotary chuck to a more peripheral region of the rotary chuck. A controller controls power supplied to each of the at least five individually controllable groups of radiant heating elements based on a position of the discharge point of the liquid dispenser.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2020
    Publication date: July 16, 2020
    Inventors: David Mui, Butch Berney, Alois Goller, Mike Ravkin
  • Patent number: 10679871
    Abstract: An apparatus for processing wafer-shaped articles comprises a rotary chuck and a heating assembly that faces a wafer-shaped article when positioned on the rotary chuck. A liquid dispenser positioned so as to dispense liquid onto a surface of a wafer-shaped article that faces away from the rotary chuck when positioned on the rotary chuck. The heating assembly comprises an array of radiant heating elements distributed among at least five individually controllable groups. The liquid dispenser comprises one or more dispensing orifices configured to move a discharge point from a more central region of the rotary chuck to a more peripheral region of the rotary chuck. A controller controls power supplied to each of the at least five individually controllable groups of radiant heating elements based on a position of the discharge point of the liquid dispenser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2020
    Assignee: Lam Research AG
    Inventors: David Mui, Butch Berney, Alois Goller, Mike Ravkin
  • Patent number: 10312117
    Abstract: An apparatus for processing wafer-shaped articles includes a rotary chuck adapted to hold a wafer-shaped article of a predetermined diameter thereon. A radiant heating plate faces a wafer-shaped article when positioned on the rotary chuck. The radiant heating plate includes radiant heating elements, but a central region of the radiant heating plate is free of radiant heating elements. The radiant heating plate further includes at least one refraction element that refracts radiation emitted by the radiant heating elements and passed through the at least one refraction element, toward the central region of the radiant heating plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: LAM RESEARCH AG
    Inventors: Hongbo Si, Bridget Hill, Butch Berney, Daniel Brien
  • Publication number: 20180047596
    Abstract: An apparatus for processing wafer-shaped articles includes a rotary chuck adapted to hold a wafer-shaped article of a predetermined diameter thereon. A radiant heating plate faces a wafer-shaped article when positioned on the rotary chuck. The radiant heating plate includes radiant heating elements, but a central region of the radiant heating plate is free of radiant heating elements. The radiant heating plate further includes at least one refraction element that refracts radiation emitted by the radiant heating elements and passed through the at least one refraction element, toward the central region of the radiant heating plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2016
    Publication date: February 15, 2018
    Inventors: Hongbo SI, Bridget HILL, Butch BERNEY, Daniel BRIEN
  • Publication number: 20170345681
    Abstract: An apparatus for processing wafer-shaped articles comprises a rotary chuck and a heating assembly that faces a wafer-shaped article when positioned on the rotary chuck. A liquid dispenser positioned so as to dispense liquid onto a surface of a wafer-shaped article that faces away from the rotary chuck when positioned on the rotary chuck. The heating assembly comprises an array of radiant heating elements distributed among at least five individually controllable groups. The liquid dispenser comprises one or more dispensing orifices configured to move a discharge point from a more central region of the rotary chuck to a more peripheral region of the rotary chuck. A controller controls power supplied to each of the at least five individually controllable groups of radiant heating elements based on a position of the discharge point of the liquid dispenser.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2016
    Publication date: November 30, 2017
    Inventors: David MUI, Butch BERNEY, Alois GOLLER, Mike RAVKIN
  • Patent number: 7611640
    Abstract: A plasma processing chamber for processing a substrate to form electronic components thereon is disclosed. The plasma processing chamber includes a plasma-facing component having a plasma-facing surface oriented toward a plasma in the plasma processing chamber during processing of the substrate, the plasma-facing component being electrically isolated from a ground terminal. The plasma processing chamber further includes a grounding arrangement coupled to the plasma-facing component, the grounding arrangement including a first resistance circuit disposed in a first current path between the plasma-facing component and the ground terminal. The grounding arrangement further includes a RF filter arrangement disposed in at least one other current path between the plasma-facing component and the ground terminal, wherein a resistance value of the first resistance circuit is selected to substantially eliminate arcing between the plasma and the plasma-facing component during the processing of the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Lam Research Corporation
    Inventors: Arthur M Howald, Andras Kuthi, Andrew D. Bailey, III, Butch Berney
  • Patent number: 7086347
    Abstract: A plasma processing chamber for processing a substrate to form electronic components thereon is disclosed. The plasma processing chamber includes a plasma-facing component having a plasma-facing surface oriented toward a plasma in the plasma processing chamber during processing of the substrate, the plasma-facing component being electrically isolated from a ground terminal. The plasma processing chamber further includes a grounding arrangement coupled to the plasma-facing component, the grounding arrangement including a first resistance circuit disposed in a first current path between the plasma-facing component and the ground terminal. The grounding arrangement further includes a RF filter arrangement disposed in at least one other current path between the plasma-facing component and the ground terminal, wherein a resistance value of the first resistance circuit is selected to substantially eliminate arcing between the plasma and the plasma-facing component during the processing of the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2006
    Assignee: Lam Research Corporation
    Inventors: Arthur M. Howald, Andras Kuthi, Andrew D. Bailey, III, Butch Berney
  • Publication number: 20040149223
    Abstract: A plasma processing module for processing a substrate includes a plasma containment chamber having a feed gas inlet port capable of allowing a feed gas to enter the plasma containment chamber of the plasma processing module during the processing of the substrate. An inductively coupled source is used to energize the feed gas and striking a plasma within the plasma containment chamber. The specific configuration of the inductively coupled source causes the plasma to be formed such that the plasma includes a primary dissociation zone within the plasma containment chamber. A secondary chamber is separated from the plasma containment chamber by a plasma containment plate. The secondary chamber includes a chuck and an exhaust port. The chuck is configured to support the substrate during the processing of the substrate and the exhaust port is connected to the secondary chamber such that the exhaust port allows gases to be removed from the secondary chamber during the processing of the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2003
    Publication date: August 5, 2004
    Applicant: Lam Research Corporation
    Inventors: Wenli Z. Collison, Michael S. Barnes, Tuqiang Q. Ni, Butch Berney, Wayne W. Vereb, Brian K. McMillin
  • Patent number: 6692649
    Abstract: A plasma processing module for processing a substrate includes a plasma containment chamber having a feed gas inlet port capable of allowing a feed gas to enter the plasma containment chamber of the plasma processing module during the processing of the substrate. An inductively coupled source is used to energize the feed gas and striking a plasma within the plasma containment chamber. The specific configuration of the inductively coupled source causes the plasma to be formed such that the plasma includes a primary dissociation zone within the plasma containment chamber. A secondary chamber is separated from the plasma containment chamber by a plasma containment plate. The secondary chamber includes a chuck and an exhaust port. The chuck is configured to support the substrate during the processing of the substrate and the exhaust port is connected to the secondary chamber such that the exhaust port allows gases to be removed from the secondary chamber during the processing of the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2004
    Assignee: Lam Research Corporation
    Inventors: Wenli Z. Collison, Michael S. Barnes, Tuqiang O. Ni, Butch Berney, Wayne W. Vereb, Brian K. McMillin
  • Publication number: 20030205327
    Abstract: A plasma processing chamber for processing a substrate to form electronic components thereon is disclosed. The plasma processing chamber includes a plasma-facing component having a plasma-facing surface oriented toward a plasma in the plasma processing chamber during processing of the substrate, the plasma-facing component being electrically isolated from a ground terminal. The plasma processing chamber further includes a grounding arrangement coupled to the plasma-facing component, the grounding arrangement including a first resistance circuit disposed in a first current path between the plasma-facing component and the ground terminal. The grounding arrangement further includes a RF filter arrangement disposed in at least one other current path between the plasma-facing component and the ground terminal, wherein a resistance value of the first resistance circuit is selected to substantially eliminate arcing between the plasma and the plasma-facing component during the processing of the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2002
    Publication date: November 6, 2003
    Inventors: Arthur M. Howald, Andras Kuthi, Andrew D. Bailey, Butch Berney
  • Publication number: 20010023741
    Abstract: A plasma processing module for processing a substrate includes a plasma containment chamber having a feed gas inlet port capable of allowing a feed gas to enter the plasma containment chamber of the plasma processing module during the processing of the substrate. An inductively coupled source is used to energize the feed gas and striking a plasma within the plasma containment chamber. The specific configuration of the inductively coupled source causes the plasma to be formed such that the plasma includes a primary dissociation zone within the plasma containment chamber. A secondary chamber is separated from the plasma containment chamber by a plasma containment plate. The secondary chamber includes a chuck and an exhaust port. The chuck is configured to support the substrate during the processing of the substrate and the exhaust port is connected to the secondary chamber such that the exhaust port allows gases to be removed from the secondary chamber during the processing of the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 18, 2001
    Publication date: September 27, 2001
    Inventors: Wenli Z. Collison, Michael S. Barnes, Tuqiang O. Ni, Butch Berney, Wayne W. Vereb, Brian K. McMillin
  • Publication number: 20010019903
    Abstract: A method of depositing a dielectric film on a substrate in a process chamber of an inductively coupled plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition reactor. Gap filling between electrically conductive lines on a semiconductor substrate and depositing a cap layer are achieved. Films having significantly improved physical characteristics including reduced film stress are produced by heating the substrate holder on which the substrate is positioned in the process chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 5, 2001
    Publication date: September 6, 2001
    Inventors: Paul Kevin Shufflebotham, Brian McMillin, Alex Demos, Huong Nguyen, Butch Berney, Monique Ben-Dor
  • Patent number: 6270862
    Abstract: A plasma processing system for processes such as chemical vapor deposition includes a plasma processing chamber, a substrate holder for supporting a substrate within the processing chamber, a dielectric member having an interior surface facing the substrate holder, the dielectric member forming a wall of the processing chamber a gas supply for supplying gas to the chamber, directed towards the substrate, and an RF energy source such as a planar coil which inductively couples RF energy through the dielectric member and into the chamber to energize the process gas into a plasma state. The gas supply may comprise a primary gas ring and a secondary gas ring for supplying gases or gas mixtures into the chamber. The gas supply may further include injectors attached to the primary gas ring which inject gas into the chamber, directed toward the substrate. The plasma processing system may also include a cooling mechanism for cooling the primary gas ring during processing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2001
    Assignee: Lam Research Corporation
    Inventors: Brian McMillin, Huong Nguyen, Michael Barnes, Butch Berney
  • Patent number: 6203657
    Abstract: A plasma processing module for processing a substrate includes a plasma containment chamber having a feed gas inlet port capable of allowing a feed gas to enter the plasma containment chamber of the plasma processing module during the processing of the substrate. An inductively coupled source is used to energize the feed gas and striking a plasma within the plasma containment chamber. The specific configuration of the inductively coupled source causes the plasma to be formed such that the plasma includes a primary dissociation zone within the plasma containment chamber. A secondary chamber is separated from the plasma containment chamber by a plasma containment plate. The secondary chamber includes a chuck and an exhaust port. The chuck is configured to support the substrate during the processing of the substrate and the exhaust port is connected to the secondary chamber such that the exhaust port allows gases to be removed from the secondary chamber during the processing of the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 31, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: Lam Research Corporation
    Inventors: Wenli Z. Collison, Michael S. Barnes, Tuqiang Q. Ni, Butch Berney, Wayne W. Vereb, Brian K. McMillin
  • Patent number: 6184158
    Abstract: A method of depositing a dielectric film on a substrate in a process chamber of an inductively coupled plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition reactor. Gap filling between electrically conductive lines on a semiconductor substrate and depositing a cap layer are achieved. Films having significantly improved physical characteristics including reduced film stress are produced by heating the substrate holder on which the substrate is positioned in the process chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Assignee: Lam Research Corporation
    Inventors: Paul Kevin Shufflebotham, Brian McMillin, Alex Demos, Huong Nguyen, Butch Berney, Monique Ben-Dor