Patents by Inventor Daniel B. Richardson

Daniel B. Richardson 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: 6782843
    Abstract: A plasma processing system is provided, having processor integral cooling passages for reducing an operating temperature thereof during processing of a wafer by the system. Cooling medium inlets and outlets are connected to the cooling passages to permit circulation of a cooling medium through the cooling passages. The baffle plate comprises a generally planar, apertured, gas distribution central portion surrounded by a flange into both of which the cooling passages may extend. Further, the baffle plate may have a non-apertured plate overlying and covering apertures in a central portion of the baffle plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2004
    Assignee: Axcelis Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: David W. Kinnard, Daniel B. Richardson
  • Publication number: 20030205328
    Abstract: A plasma processing system (10) is provided, having processor chamber walls (53) and/or a gas distribution or baffle plate (54) equipped with integral cooling passages (80, 156) for reducing an operating temperature thereof during processing of a wafer (18) by the system. Cooling medium inlets (158, 82) and outlets (160, 86) are connected to the cooling passages to permit circulation of a cooling medium through the cooling passages. Preferably, the chamber walls (53) and the gas distribution or baffle plate (54) are comprised of low-alloy anodized aluminum and the cooling passages are machined directly therein. The cooling medium may be either liquid (e.g., water) or gas (e.g., helium or nitrogen). The baffle plate (54) comprises a generally planar, apertured, gas distribution central portion (74) surrounded by a flange (78), into both of which the cooling passages may extend.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2003
    Publication date: November 6, 2003
    Inventors: David W. Kinnard, Daniel B. Richardson
  • Patent number: 6635117
    Abstract: A plasma processing system is provided, having processor integral cooling passages for reducing an operating temperature thereof during processing of a wafer by the system. Cooling medium inlets and outlets are connected to the cooling passages to permit circulation of a cooling medium through the cooling passages. The baffle plate comprises a generally planar, apertured, gas distribution central portion surrounded by a flange into both of which the cooling passages may extend. Further, the baffle plate may have a non-apertured plate overlying and covering apertures in a central portion of the baffle plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2003
    Assignee: Axcelis Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: David W. Kinnard, Daniel B. Richardson
  • Patent number: 6597003
    Abstract: A radiation source constructed in accordance with the invention is particularly suited for use in processing semiconductor wafers. An exemplary embodiment of the invention includes a base electrode having a two dimensional surface bounding one side of a radiation emitting region. An ionizable, excimer gas is present in the radiation emitting region. The excimer gas, when energized, emits radiation in the UV and/or VUV wavelengths. A two dimensional dielectric radiation transmissive layer bounds an opposite side of the radiation emitting region and transmits radiation to a wafer treatment region. Disposed between the dielectric radiation transmissive layer and a protective radiation transmissive window is a two dimensional matrix or screen electrode defining a plane generally parallel to the two dimensional surface of the base electrode region. A power supply coupled to the base and matrix electrodes to energize the electrodes and the eximer gas causing emission of UV and/or VUV radiation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2003
    Assignee: Axcelis Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan C. Janos, Daniel B. Richardson
  • Patent number: 6547458
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to optimization of the optical detection system for the use of optical emission spectroscopy in end-point detection. The optimization specifically addresses the needs of a radiant heated wafer system in a downstream process chamber environment. The present invention maximizes signal light from relevant reactions, maximizes signal-to noise and signal-to-background ratios, utilizes very small diagnostics access, collects light from the region of most intense light emission from endpoint processes, collects light from representative parts of an entire wafer with just one diagnostic access port to ensure complete end-point, and eliminates light signals from sources other than the wafer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 1999
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2003
    Assignee: Axcelis Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan C. Janos, Andre G. Cardoso, Daniel B. Richardson
  • Publication number: 20030015669
    Abstract: A radiation source constructed in accordance with the invention is particularly suited for use in processing semiconductor wafers. An exemplary embodiment of the invention includes a base electrode having a two dimensional surface bounding one side of a radiation emitting region. An ionizable, excimer gas is present in the radiation emitting region. The excimer gas, when energized, emits radiation in the UV and/or VUV wavelengths. A two dimensional dielectric radiation transmissive layer bounds an opposite side of the radiation emitting region and transmits radiation to a wafer treatment region. Disposed between the dielectric radiation transmissive layer and a protective radiation transmissive window is a two dimensional matrix or screen electrode defining a plane generally parallel to the two dimensional surface of the base electrode region. A power supply coupled to the base and matrix electrodes to energize the electrodes and the eximer gas causing emission of UV and/or VUV radiation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 12, 2001
    Publication date: January 23, 2003
    Applicant: Axcelis Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Alan C. Janos, Daniel B. Richardson
  • Patent number: 5655631
    Abstract: An adjustable chock for radio-controlled model airplanes, having two affixed restraining members that can adjustably seat against the front and rear side of model airplanes landing gear, thus preventing its unintentional movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1995
    Date of Patent: August 12, 1997
    Inventor: Daniel B. Richardson