Patents by Inventor Elham MOHIMI

Elham MOHIMI 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: 11869770
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer programs are presented for selective deposition of etch-stop layers for enhanced patterning during semiconductor manufacturing. One method includes an operation for adding a photo-resist material (M2) on top of a base material (M1) of a substrate, M2 defining a pattern for etching M1 in areas where M2 is not present above M1. The method further includes operations for conformally capping the substrate with an oxide material (M3) after adding M2, and for gap filling the substrate with filling material M4 after the conformally capping. Further, a stop-etch material (M5) is selectively grown on exposed surfaces of M3 and not on surfaces of M4 after the gap filling. Additionally, the method includes operations for removing M4 from the substrate after selectively growing M5, and for etching the substrate after removing M4 to transfer the pattern into M1. M5 adds etching protection to enable deeper etching into M1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: Lam Research Corporation
    Inventors: Nagraj Shankar, Kapu Sirish Reddy, Jon Henri, Pengyi Zhang, Elham Mohimi, Bhavin Jariwala, Arpan Pravin Mahorowala
  • Patent number: 11584986
    Abstract: Provided herein are methods for forming a layer on a substrate wherein the layer is formed selectively on a first region of the substrate relative to a second region having a composition different than the first region. Methods of the invention include selectively forming a layer using an inhibitor agent capable of reducing the average acidity of a first region of the substrate having a composition characterized by a plurality of hydroxyl groups. Methods of the invention include selectively forming a layer by exposure of the substrate to: (i) an inhibitor agent comprising a substituted or an unsubstituted amine group, a substituted or an unsubstituted pyridyl group, a carbonyl group, or a combination of these, and (ii) a precursor gas comprising one or more ligands selected from the group consisting of a carbonyl group, an allyl group, combination thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois
    Inventors: John R. Abelson, Elham Mohimi, Gregory S. Girolami, Sumeng Liu, Zhejun Zhang
  • Publication number: 20210358753
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer programs are presented for selective deposition of etch-stop layers for enhanced patterning during semiconductor manufacturing. One method includes an operation for adding a photo-resist material (M2) on top of a base material (M1) of a substrate, M2 defining a pattern for etching M1 in areas where M2 is not present above M1. The method further includes operations for conformally capping the substrate with an oxide material (M3) after adding M2, and for gap tilling the substrate with filling material M4 after the conformally capping. Further, a stop-etch material (M5) is selectively grown on exposed surfaces of M3 and not on surfaces of M4 after the gap filling. Additionally, the method includes operations for removing M4 from the substrate after selectively growing M5, and for etching the substrate after removing M4 to transfer the pattern into M1. M5 adds etching protection to enable deeper etching into M1.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2021
    Publication date: November 18, 2021
    Inventors: Nagraj Shankar, Kapu Sirish Reddy, Jon Henri, Pengyi Zhang, Elham Mohimi, Bhavin Jariwala, Arpan Pravin Mahorowala
  • Patent number: 11094542
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer programs are presented for selective deposition of etch-stop layers for enhanced patterning during semiconductor manufacturing. One method includes an operation for adding a photo-resist material (M2) on top of a base material (M1) of a substrate, M2 defining a pattern for etching M1 in areas where M2 is not present above M1. The method further includes operations for conformally capping the substrate with an oxide material (M3) after adding M2, and for gap filling the substrate with filling material M4 after the conformally capping. Further, a stop-etch material (M5) is selectively grown on exposed surfaces of M3 and not on surfaces of M4 after the gap filling. Additionally, the method includes operations for removing M4 from the substrate after selectively growing M5, and for etching the substrate after removing M4 to transfer the pattern into M1. M5 adds etching protection to enable deeper etching into M1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: Lam Research Corporation
    Inventors: Nagraj Shankar, Kapu Sirish Reddy, Jon Henri, Pengyi Zhang, Elham Mohimi, Bhavin Jariwala, Arpan Pravin Mahorowala
  • Patent number: 10745806
    Abstract: Showerheads for independently delivering different, mutually-reactive process gases to a wafer processing space are provided. The showerheads include a first gas distributor that has multiple plenum structures that are separated from one another by a gap, as well as a second gas distributor positioned above the first gas distributor. Isolation gas from the second gas distributor may be flowed down onto the first gas distributor and through the gaps in between the plenum structures of the first gas distributor, thereby establishing an isolation gas curtain that prevents the process gases released from each plenum structure from parasitically depositing on the plenum structures that provide other gases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: Lam Research Corporation
    Inventors: Nagraj Shankar, Jeffrey D. Womack, Meliha Gozde Rainville, Emile C. Draper, Pankaj G. Ramnani, Feng Bi, Pengyi Zhang, Elham Mohimi, Kapu Sirish Reddy
  • Publication number: 20200168466
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer programs are presented for selective deposition of etch-stop layers for enhanced patterning during semiconductor manufacturing. One method includes an operation for adding a photo-resist material (M2) on top of a base material (M1) of a substrate, M2 defining a pattern for etching M1 in areas where M2 is not present above M1. The method further includes operations for conformally capping the substrate with an oxide material (M3) after adding M2, and for gap filling the substrate with filling material M4 after the conformally capping. Further, a stop-etch material (M5) is selectively grown on exposed surfaces of M3 and not on surfaces of M4 after the gap filling. Additionally, the method includes operations for removing M4 from the substrate after selectively growing M5, and for etching the substrate after removing M4 to transfer the pattern into M1. M5 adds etching protection to enable deeper etching into M1.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2020
    Publication date: May 28, 2020
    Inventors: Nagraj Shankar, Kapu Sirish Reddy, Jon Henri, Pengyi Zhang, Elham Mohimi, Bhavin Jariwala, Arpan Pravin Mahorowala
  • Patent number: 10643889
    Abstract: A method of improving selectivity of a metal in a selective deposition process. A pre-treatment process for the metal modifies the metal surface, and includes first reducing the metal to remove organic contamination from the metal followed by oxidation of the metal to allow a monolayer of a metal oxide to grow on the surface. This modification of the metal allows inhibitor molecules to adsorb on the metal oxide monolayer to improve selectivity.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: Lam Rasearch Corporation
    Inventors: Dennis Hausmann, Elham Mohimi, Pengyi Zhang, Paul C. Lemaire, Kashish Sharma, Alexander R. Fox, Nagraj Shankar, Kapu Sirish Reddy, David Charles Smith
  • Publication number: 20200063261
    Abstract: Showerheads for independently delivering different, mutually-reactive process gases to a wafer processing space are provided. The showerheads include a first gas distributor that has multiple plenum structures that are separated from one another by a gap, as well as a second gas distributor positioned above the first gas distributor. Isolation gas from the second gas distributor may be flowed down onto the first gas distributor and through the gaps in between the plenum structures of the first gas distributor, thereby establishing an isolation gas curtain that prevents the process gases released from each plenum structure from parasitically depositing on the plenum structures that provide other gases.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2019
    Publication date: February 27, 2020
    Inventors: Nagraj Shankar, Jeffrey D. Womack, Meliha Gozde Rainville, Emile C. Draper, Pankaj G. Ramnani, Feng Bi, Pengyi Zhang, Elham Mohimi, Kapu Sirish Reddy
  • Patent number: 10566194
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer programs are presented for selective deposition of etch-stop layers for enhanced patterning during semiconductor manufacturing. One method includes an operation for adding a photo-resist material (M2) on top of a base material (M1) of a substrate, M2 defining a pattern for etching M1 in areas where M2 is not present above M1. The method further includes operations for conformally capping the substrate with an oxide material (M3) after adding M2, and for gap filling the substrate with filling material M4 after the conformally capping. Further, a stop-etch material (M5) is selectively grown on exposed surfaces of M3 and not on surfaces of M4 after the gap filling. Additionally, the method includes operations for removing M4 from the substrate after selectively growing M5, and for etching the substrate after removing M4 to transfer the pattern into M1. M5 adds etching protection to enable deeper etching into M1.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2020
    Assignee: Lam Research Corporation
    Inventors: Nagraj Shankar, Kapu Sirish Reddy, Jon Henri, Pengyi Zhang, Elham Mohimi, Bhavin Jariwala, Arpan Pravin Mahorowala
  • Publication number: 20200043776
    Abstract: A method of improving selectivity of a metal in a selective deposition process. A pre-treatment process for the metal modifies the metal surface, and includes first reducing the metal to remove organic contamination from the metal followed by oxidation of the metal to allow a monolayer of a metal oxide to grow on the surface. This modification of the metal allows inhibitor molecules to adsorb on the metal oxide monolayer to improve selectivity.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2018
    Publication date: February 6, 2020
    Inventors: Dennis HAUSMANN, Elham MOHIMI, Pengyi ZHANG, Paul C. LEMAIRE, Kashish SHARMA, Alexander R. FOX, Nagraj SHANKAR, Kapu Sirish REDDY, David Charles SMITH
  • Publication number: 20190352777
    Abstract: Showerheads for independently delivering different, mutually-reactive process gases to a wafer processing space are provided. The showerheads include a first gas distributor that has multiple plenum structures that are separated from one another by a gap, as well as a second gas distributor positioned above the first gas distributor. Isolation gas from the second gas distributor may be flowed down onto the first gas distributor and through the gaps in between the plenum structures of the first gas distributor, thereby establishing an isolation gas curtain that prevents the process gases released from each plenum structure from parasitically depositing on the plenum structures that provide other gases.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 17, 2018
    Publication date: November 21, 2019
    Inventors: Nagraj Shankar, Jeffrey D. Womack, Meliha Gozde Rainville, Emile C. Draper, Pankaj G. Ramnani, Feng Bi, Pengyi Zhang, Elham Mohimi, Kapu Sirish Reddy
  • Patent number: 10472716
    Abstract: Showerheads for independently delivering different, mutually-reactive process gases to a wafer processing space are provided. The showerheads include a first gas distributor that has multiple plenum structures that are separated from one another by a gap, as well as a second gas distributor positioned above the first gas distributor. Isolation gas from the second gas distributor may be flowed down onto the first gas distributor and through the gaps in between the plenum structures of the first gas distributor, thereby establishing an isolation gas curtain that prevents the process gases released from each plenum structure from parasitically depositing on the plenum structures that provide other gases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: Lam Research Corporation
    Inventors: Nagraj Shankar, Jeffrey D. Womack, Meliha Gozde Rainville, Emile C. Draper, Pankaj G. Ramnani, Feng Bi, Pengyi Zhang, Elham Mohimi, Kapu Sirish Reddy
  • Publication number: 20190341256
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and computer programs are presented for selective deposition of etch-stop layers for enhanced patterning during semiconductor manufacturing. One method includes an operation for adding a photo-resist material (M2) on top of a base material (M1) of a substrate, M2 defining a pattern for etching M1 in areas where M2 is not present above M1. The method further includes operations for conformally capping the substrate with an oxide material (M3) after adding M2, and for gap filling the substrate with filling material M4 after the conformally capping. Further, a stop-etch material (M5) is selectively grown on exposed surfaces of M3 and not on surfaces of M4 after the gap filling. Additionally, the method includes operations for removing M4 from the substrate after selectively growing M5, and for etching the substrate after removing M4 to transfer the pattern into M1. M5 adds etching protection to enable deeper etching into M1.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 7, 2018
    Publication date: November 7, 2019
    Inventors: Nagraj Shankar, Kapu Sirish Reddy, Jon Henri, Pengyi Zhang, Elham Mohimi, Bhavin Jariwala, Arpan Pravin Mahorowala
  • Patent number: 10103057
    Abstract: Provided herein are methods for selectively forming layers of metal films on one portion of a substrate while leaving adjacent portions of the substrate uncoated. The methods provide for selectively depositing metal films on a conductive surface, such as ruthenium oxide, disposed on or near an insulating portion of the substrate, such as a silicon dioxide (SiO2) surface. The invention provides methods to simultaneously contact the substrate surface with both the precursor gas and the inhibitor agent leading to the selective formation of metal nuclei on the conductive portion of the substrate. In the methods described, nuclei are selectively formed by a disproportionation reaction occurring on the conductive portion of the substrate but not on the insulating portion of the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2018
    Assignee: The Board of Trustees of the University of Illinois
    Inventors: John Abelson, Shaista Babar, Elham Mohimi, Gregory Girolami
  • Publication number: 20160148839
    Abstract: Provided herein are methods for selectively forming layers of metal films on one portion of a substrate while leaving adjacent portions of the substrate uncoated. The methods provide for selectively depositing metal films on a conductive surface, such as ruthenium oxide, disposed on or near an insulating portion of the substrate, such as a silicon dioxide (SiO2) surface. The invention provides methods to simultaneously contact the substrate surface with both the precursor gas and the inhibitor agent leading to the selective formation of metal nuclei on the conductive portion of the substrate. In the methods described, nuclei are selectively formed by a disproportionation reaction occurring on the conductive portion of the substrate but not on the insulating portion of the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2015
    Publication date: May 26, 2016
    Inventors: John ABELSON, Shaista BABAR, Elham MOHIMI, Gregory GIROLAMI