Patents by Inventor Douglas James Tweet

Douglas James Tweet 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: 7800148
    Abstract: A CMOS active pixel sensor includes a silicon-on-insulator substrate having a silicon substrate with an insulator layer formed thereon and a top silicon layer formed on the insulator layer. A stacked pixel sensor cell includes a bottom photodiode fabricated on the silicon substrate, for sensing light of a longest wavelength; a middle photodiode fabricated on the silicon substrate, for sensing light of a medium wavelength, which is stacked above the bottom photodiode; and a top photodiode fabricated on the top silicon layer, for sensing light of a shorter wavelength, which is stacked above the middle and bottom photodiodes. Pixel transistor sets are fabricated on the top silicon layer and are associated with each pixel sensor cell by electrical connections which extend between each of the photodiodes and respective pixel transistor(s). CMOS control circuitry is fabricated adjacent to an array of active pixel sensor cells and electrically connected thereto.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Sharp Laboratories of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Jong-Jan Lee, Sheng Teng Hsu, Douglas James Tweet, Jer-Shen Maa
  • Publication number: 20080303072
    Abstract: A CMOS active pixel sensor includes a silicon-on-insulator substrate having a silicon substrate with an insulator layer formed thereon and a top silicon layer formed on the insulator layer. A stacked pixel sensor cell includes a bottom photodiode fabricated on the silicon substrate, for sensing light of a longest wavelength; a middle photodiode fabricated on the silicon substrate, for sensing light of a medium wavelength, which is stacked above the bottom photodiode; and a top photodiode fabricated on the top silicon layer, for sensing light of a shorter wavelength, which is stacked above the middle and bottom photodiodes. Pixel transistor sets are fabricated on the top silicon layer and are associated with each pixel sensor cell by electrical connections which extend between each of the photodiodes and respective pixel transistor(s). CMOS control circuitry is fabricated adjacent to an array of active pixel sensor cells and electrically connected thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2008
    Publication date: December 11, 2008
    Applicant: Sharp Laboratories of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Jong-Jan Lee, Sheng Teng Hsu, Douglas James Tweet, Jer-Shen Maa
  • Patent number: 7226504
    Abstract: A method of forming a SiGe layer having a relatively high germanium content and a relatively low threading dislocation density includes preparing a silicon substrate; depositing a layer of SiGe to a thickness of between about 100 nm to 500 nm, wherein the germanium content of the SiGe layer is greater than 20%, by atomic ratio; implanting H+ ions into the SiGe layer at a dose of between about 1·1016 cm?2 to 5·1016 cm?2, at an energy of between about 20 keV to 45 keV; patterning the SiGe layer with photoresist; plasma etching the structure to form trenches about regions; removing the photoresist; and thermal annealing the substrate and SiGe layer, to relax the SiGe layer, in an inert atmosphere at a temperature of between about 650° C. to 950° C. for between about 30 seconds and 30 minutes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2007
    Assignee: Sharp Laboratories of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Jer-Shen Maa, Douglas James Tweet, Tingkai Li, Jong-Jan Lee, Sheng Teng Hsu
  • Patent number: 6759695
    Abstract: An integrated circuit metal oxide semiconductor device comprises a gate region and a dielectric layer positioned therein, wherein the dielectric layer is substantially free of germanium diffused therein from a silicon germanium layer of the device. The method comprises depositing a dummy replacement gate, subjecting the device to high temperature processing, removing the dummy gate, and then depositing a dielectric material and a final gate material within the formed gate region. Because the dielectric material is deposited after high temperature processing of the device, there is negligible diffusion of germanium into the dielectric material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Sharp Laboratories of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Yanjun Ma, Douglas James Tweet, David Russell Evans
  • Patent number: 6746902
    Abstract: A method of forming a SiGe layer having a relatively high Ge content includes preparing a silicon substrate; depositing a layer of SiGe to a thickness of between about 100 nm to 500 nm, wherein the Ge content of the SiGe layer is equal to or greater than 22%, by molecular weight; implanting H+ ions into the SiGe layer at a dose of between about 1·1016 cm−2 to 5·1016 cm−2, at an energy of between about 20 keV to 45 keV; thermal annealing the substrate and SiGe layer, to relax the SiGe layer, in an inert atmosphere at a temperature of between about 650° C. to 950° C. for between about 30 seconds and 30 minutes; and depositing a layer of tensile-strained silicon on the relaxed SiGe layer to a thickness of between about 5 nm to 30 nm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2004
    Assignee: Sharp Laboratories of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Jer-Shen Maa, Douglas James Tweet, Sheng Teng Hsu
  • Publication number: 20040077136
    Abstract: An integrated circuit metal oxide semiconductor device comprises a gate region and a dielectric layer positioned therein, wherein the dielectric layer is substantially free of germanium diffused therein from a silicon germanium layer of the device. The method comprises depositing a dummy replacement gate, subjecting the device to high temperature processing, removing the dummy gate, and then depositing a dielectric material and a final gate material within the formed gate region. Because the dielectric material is deposited after high temperature processing of the device, there is negligible diffusion of germanium into the dielectric material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 11, 2003
    Publication date: April 22, 2004
    Inventors: Yanjun Ma, Douglas James Tweet, David Russell Evans
  • Patent number: 6627919
    Abstract: A thermally stable nickel germanosilicide on SiGe integrated circuit device, and a method of making the same, is disclosed. During fabrication of the device iridium or cobalt is added at the Ni/SiGe interface to decrease the sheet resistance of the device. The device comprising nickel silicide with iridium on SiGe shows thermal stability at temperatures up to 800° C. The device comprising nickel silicide with cobalt on SiGe shows a decrease in the sheet resistance with temperature, i.e., the resistance remains low when annealing temperatures extend up to and beyond 800° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2003
    Assignee: Sharp Laboratories of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Jer-shen Maa, Douglas James Tweet, Sheng Teng Hsu
  • Patent number: 6620664
    Abstract: An integrated circuit metal oxide semiconductor device comprises a gate region and a dielectric layer positioned therein, wherein the dielectric layer is substantially free of germanium diffused therein from a silicon germanium layer of the device. The method comprises depositing a dummy replacement gate, subjecting the device to high temperature processing, removing the dummy gate, and then depositing a dielectric material and a final gate material within the formed gate region. Because the dielectric material is deposited after high temperature processing of the device, there is negligible diffusion of germanium into the dielectric material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Sharp Laboratories of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Yanjun Ma, Douglas James Tweet, David Russell Evans
  • Publication number: 20030146428
    Abstract: An integrated circuit metal oxide semiconductor device comprises a gate region and a dielectric layer positioned therein, wherein the dielectric layer is substantially free of germanium diffused therein from a silicon germanium layer of the device. The method comprises depositing a dummy replacement gate, subjecting the device to high temperature processing, removing the dummy gate, and then depositing a dielectric material and a final gate material within the formed gate region. Because the dielectric material is deposited after high temperature processing of the device, there is negligible diffusion of germanium into the dielectric material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2002
    Publication date: August 7, 2003
    Inventors: Yanjun Ma, Douglas James Tweet, David Russell Evans
  • Publication number: 20030143783
    Abstract: A method of forming a SiGe layer having a relatively high Ge content includes preparing a silicon substrate; depositing a layer of SiGe to a thickness of between about 100 nm to 500 nm, wherein the Ge content of the SiGe layer is equal to or greater than 22%, by molecular weight; implanting H+ ions into the SiGe layer at a dose of between about 1·1016 cm−2 to 5·1016 cm−2, at an energy of between about 20 keV to 45 keV; thermal annealing the substrate and SiGe layer, to relax the SiGe layer, in an inert atmosphere at a temperature of between about 650° C. to 950° C. for between about 30 seconds and 30 minutes; and depositing a layer of tensile-strained silicon on the relaxed SiGe layer to a thickness of between about 5 mn to 30 nm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2002
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Inventors: Jer-Shen Maa, Douglas James Tweet, Sheng Teng Hsu
  • Publication number: 20030140844
    Abstract: A method of forming a SiGe layer having a relatively high germanium content and a relatively low threading dislocation density includes preparing a silicon substrate; depositing a layer of SiGe to a thickness of between about 100 nm to 500 nm, wherein the germanium content of the SiGe layer is greater than 20%, by atomic ratio; implanting H+ ions into the SiGe layer at a dose of between about 1·1016 cm−2 to 5·1016 cm−2, at an energy of between about 20 keV to 45 keV; patterning the SiGe layer with photoresist; plasma etching the structure to form trenches about regions; removing the photoresist; and thermal annealing the substrate and SiGe layer, to relax the SiGe layer, in an inert atmosphere at a temperature of between about 650° C. to 950° C. for between about 30 seconds and 30 minutes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 31, 2002
    Publication date: July 31, 2003
    Inventors: Jer-Shen Maa, Douglas James Tweet, Tingkai Li, Jong-Jan Lee, Sheng Teng Hsu
  • Publication number: 20030124780
    Abstract: A thermally stable nickel germanosilicide on SiGe integrated circuit device, and a method of making the same, is disclosed. During fabrication of the device iridium or cobalt is added at the Ni/SiGe interface to decrease the sheet resistance of the device. The device comprising nickel silicide with iridium on SiGe shows thermal stability at temperatures up to 800° C. The device comprising nickel silicide with cobalt on SiGe shows a decrease in the sheet resistance with temperature, i.e., the resistance remains low when annealing temperatures extend up to and beyond 800° C.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 12, 2002
    Publication date: July 3, 2003
    Applicant: Sharp Laboratories of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Jer-shen Maa, Douglas James Tweet, Sheng Teng Hsu
  • Patent number: 6583000
    Abstract: A method of forming a CMOS device includes preparing a silicon substrate, including forming plural device regions on the substrate; epitaxially forming a strained SiGe layer on the substrate, wherein the SiGe layer has a germanium content of between about 20% and 40%; forming a silicon cap layer epitaxially on the SiGe layer; depositing a gate oxide layer; depositing a first polysilicon layer; implanting H+ ions to a depth below the SiGe layer; forming a trench by shallow trench isolation which extends into the substrate; annealing the structure at a temperature of between about 700° C. to 900° C. for between about five minutes to sixty minutes; depositing an oxide layer and a second polysilicon layer, thereby filling the trench; planarizing the structure to the top of the level of the portion of the second polysilicon layer which is located in the trench; and completing the CMOS device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2003
    Assignee: Sharp Laboratories of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Sheng Teng Hsu, Jong-Jan Lee, Jer-shen Maa, Douglas James Tweet
  • Patent number: 6555874
    Abstract: A semiconductor structure includes, on a SOI substrate, a CMOS formed on the substrate; and a SiGe HBT formed on the substrate. A method of fabricating a semiconductor structure includes preparing a SOI substrate having plural active regions thereon; forming a CMOS on the SOI substrate in a first active region; and forming a SiGe HBT on the SOI substrate in another active region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2003
    Assignee: Sharp Laboratories of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Sheng Teng Hsu, Douglas James Tweet, Bruce Dale Ulrich, Hong Ying
  • Patent number: 6506637
    Abstract: A thermally stable nickel germanosilicide on SiGe integrated circuit device, and a method of making the same, is disclosed. During fabrication of the device iridium or cobalt is added at the Ni/SiGe interface to decrease the sheet resistance of the device. The device comprising nickel silicide with iridium on SiGe shows thermal stability at temperatures up to 800° C. The device comprising nickel silicide with cobalt on SiGe shows a decrease in the sheet resistance with temperature, i.e., the resistance remains low when annealing temperatures extend up to and beyond 800° C.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2003
    Assignee: Sharp Laboratories of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Jer-shen Maa, Douglas James Tweet, Sheng Teng Hsu
  • Publication number: 20020134982
    Abstract: A thermally stable nickel germanosilicide on SiGe integrated circuit device, and a method of making the same, is disclosed. During fabrication of the device iridium or cobalt is added at the Ni/SiGe interface to decrease the sheet resistance of the device. The device comprising nickel silicide with iridium on SiGe shows thermal stability at temperatures up to 800° C. The device comprising nickel silicide with cobalt on SiGe shows a decrease in the sheet resistance with temperature, i.e., the resistance remains low when annealing temperatures extend up to and beyond 800° C.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2001
    Publication date: September 26, 2002
    Inventors: Jer-shen Maa, Douglas James Tweet, Sheng Teng Hsu
  • Patent number: 6194310
    Abstract: A method of forming conducting diffusion barriers is provided. The method produces substantially amorphous conducting diffusion barriers by depositing materials with varying ratios of elements throughout the diffusion barrier. Diffusion barriers of metal nitride, metal silicon nitride, are deposited using CVD, PECVD, or ALCVD, by depositing material with a first ratio of elements and then depositing substantially identical material with a different ratio of elements. The actual elements used are the same, but the ratio is changed. By changing the ratio of the elements within the same diffusion barrier, density variations are produced, and the material is not able to form undesirable polycrystalline structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2000
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2001
    Assignee: Sharp Laboratories of America, Inc.
    Inventors: Sheng Teng Hsu, Douglas James Tweet, Wei Pan, David Russell Evans