Patents by Inventor Eric J. White

Eric J. White 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: 20150267084
    Abstract: A composition and a method for chemical mechanical polishing. The composition includes a surfactant anion an alkyl alcohol and a diluent. The composition further includes abrasive particles and an oxidizer. The method includes providing the composition on a surface to be polished and polishing the surface by contacting the surface with a polishing pad.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2015
    Publication date: September 24, 2015
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Graham M. Bates, Michael T. Brigham, Joseph K. Comeau, Jason P. Ritter, Matthew T. Tiersch, Eva A. Shah, Eric J. White
  • Patent number: 9087839
    Abstract: Disclosed are semiconductor structures with metal lines and methods of manufacture which reduce or eliminate extrusion formation. The method includes forming a metal wiring comprising a layered structure of metal materials with an upper constraining layer. The method further includes forming a film on the metal wiring which prevents metal extrusion during an annealing process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2015
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shawn A. Adderly, Daniel A. Delibac, Zhong-Xiang He, Matthew D. Moon, Anthony C. Speranza, Timothy D. Sullivan, David C. Thomas, Eric J. White
  • Patent number: 9057004
    Abstract: A composition and a method for chemical mechanical polishing. The composition includes a surfactant anion an alkyl alcohol and a diluent. The composition further includes abrasive particles and an oxidizer. The method includes providing the composition on a surface to be polished and polishing the surface by contacting the surface with a polishing pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Graham M. Bates, Michael T. Brigham, Joseph K. Comeau, Jason P. Ritter, Matthew T. Tiersch, Eva A. Shah, Eric J. White
  • Publication number: 20150140809
    Abstract: The disclosure relates generally to integrated circuits (IC), IC interconnects, and methods of fabricating the same, and more particularly, high performance inductors. The IC includes at least one trench within a dielectric layer disposed on a substrate. The trench is conformally coated with a liner and seed layer, and includes an interconnect within. The interconnect includes a hard mask on the sidewalls of the interconnect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2015
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventors: David A. DeMuynck, Zhong-Xiang He, Daniel R. Miga, Matthew D. Moon, Daniel S. Vanslette, Eric J. White
  • Publication number: 20150137375
    Abstract: Approaches for fabricating copper wires in integrated circuits are provided. A method of manufacturing a semiconductor structure includes forming a wire opening in a mask. The method also includes electroplating a conductive material in the wire opening. The method additionally includes forming a cap layer on the conductive material. The method further includes removing the mask. The method still further includes forming spacers on sides of the conductive material. The method additionally includes forming a dielectric film on surfaces of the cap layer and the sidewall spacers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2014
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Inventors: Fen CHEN, Jeffrey P. GAMBINO, Zhong-Xiang HE, Trevor A. THOMPSON, Eric J. WHITE
  • Publication number: 20150137374
    Abstract: Approaches for fabricating copper wires in integrated circuits are provided. A method of manufacturing a semiconductor structure includes forming a wire opening in a mask. The method also includes electroplating a conductive material in the wire opening. The method additionally includes forming a cap layer on the conductive material. The method further includes removing the mask. The method still further includes forming spacers on sides of the conductive material. The method additionally includes forming a dielectric film on surfaces of the cap layer and the sidewall spacers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2013
    Publication date: May 21, 2015
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Fen CHEN, Jeffrey P. GAMBINO, Zhong-Xiang HE, Trevor A. THOMPSON, Eric J. WHITE
  • Patent number: 8956903
    Abstract: A method of forming at least one Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) cavity includes forming a first sacrificial cavity layer over a wiring layer and substrate. The method further includes forming an insulator layer over the first sacrificial cavity layer. The method further includes performing a reverse damascene etchback process on the insulator layer. The method further includes planarizing the insulator layer and the first sacrificial cavity layer. The method further includes venting or stripping of the first sacrificial cavity layer to a planar surface for a first cavity of the MEMS.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2015
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Russell T. Herrin, Christopher V. Jahnes, Anthony K. Stamper, Eric J. White
  • Publication number: 20150041932
    Abstract: A method of forming at least one Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) cavity includes forming a first sacrificial cavity layer over a wiring layer and substrate. The method further includes forming an insulator layer over the first sacrificial cavity layer. The method further includes performing a reverse damascene etchback process on the insulator layer. The method further includes planarizing the insulator layer and the first sacrificial cavity layer. The method further includes venting or stripping of the first sacrificial cavity layer to a planar surface for a first cavity of the MEMS.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2014
    Publication date: February 12, 2015
    Inventors: Russell T. HERRIN, Christopher V. JAHNES, Anthony K. STAMPER, Eric J. WHITE
  • Publication number: 20140308771
    Abstract: Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) structures, methods of manufacture and design structures are disclosed. The method includes forming a Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) beam structure by venting both tungsten material and silicon material above and below the MEMS beam to form an upper cavity above the MEMS beam and a lower cavity structure below the MEMS beam.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2013
    Publication date: October 16, 2014
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Michael T. Brigham, Christopher V. Jahnes, Cameron E. Luce, Jeffrey C. Maling, William J. Murphy, Anthony K. Stamper, Eric J. White
  • Publication number: 20140291802
    Abstract: Disclosed are semiconductor structures with metal lines and methods of manufacture which reduce or eliminate extrusion formation. The method includes forming a metal wiring comprising a layered structure of metal materials with an upper constraining layer. The method further includes forming a film on the metal wiring which prevents metal extrusion during an annealing process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2013
    Publication date: October 2, 2014
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shawn A. Adderly, Daniel A. Delibac, Zhong-Xiang He, Matthew D. Moon, Anthony C. Speranza, Timothy D. Sullivan, David C. Thomas, Eric J. White
  • Patent number: 8829518
    Abstract: A test structure for measuring a Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) cavity height structure and calibration method. The method includes forming a sacrificial cavity material over a plurality of electrodes and forming an opening into the sacrificial cavity material. The method further includes forming a transparent or substantially transparent material in the opening to form a transparent or substantially transparent window. The method further includes tuning a thickness of the sacrificial cavity material based on measurements obtained through the transparent or substantially transparent window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 9, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Jeffrey C. Maling, Anthony K. Stamper, Eric J. White
  • Patent number: 8734665
    Abstract: A composition and a method for chemical mechanical polishing. The composition includes a surfactant anion an alkyl alcohol, a controlled amount of chloride ion source and a diluent. The composition further includes abrasive particles and an oxidizer. The method includes providing the composition on a surface to be polished and polishing the surface by contacting the surface with a polishing pad.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Graham M. Bates, Michael T. Brigham, Joseph K. Comeau, Jason P. Ritter, Eva A. Shah, Matthew T. Tiersch, Eric J. White
  • Publication number: 20140131893
    Abstract: Methods for planarizing layers of a material, such as a dielectric, and interconnect structures formed by the planarization methods. The method includes depositing a first dielectric layer on a top surface of multiple conductive features and on a top surface of a substrate between the conductive features. A portion of the first dielectric layer is selectively removed from the top surface of at least one of the conductive features without removing a portion the first dielectric layer that is between the conductive features. A second dielectric layer is formed on the top surface of the at least one of the conductive features and on a top surface of the first dielectric layer, and a top surface of the second dielectric layer is planarized. A layer operating as an etch stop is located between the top surface of at least one of the conductive features and the second dielectric layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2014
    Publication date: May 15, 2014
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Zhong-Xiang He, Anthony K. Stamper, Eric J. White
  • Patent number: 8710661
    Abstract: Methods for planarizing layers of a material, such as a dielectric, and interconnect structures formed by the planarization methods. The method includes depositing a first dielectric layer on a top surface of multiple conductive features and on a top surface of a substrate between the conductive features. A portion of the first dielectric layer is selectively removed from the top surface of at least one of the conductive features without removing a portion the first dielectric layer that is between the conductive features. A second dielectric layer is formed on the top surface of the at least one of the conductive features and on a top surface of the first dielectric layer, and a top surface of the second dielectric layer is planarized. A layer operating as an etch stop is located between the top surface of at least one of the conductive features and the second dielectric layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Zhong-Xiang He, Anthony K. Stamper, Eric J. White
  • Patent number: 8636917
    Abstract: A solution for forming a polishing slurry, the polishing slurry and related methods are disclosed. The solution for forming a polishing slurry may include 1H-benzotriazole (BTA) dissolved in an ionic surfactant such as a sodium alkyl sulfate solution, and perhaps a polyacrylic acid (PAA) solution. The solution can be filtered and used in a polishing slurry. This approach to solubilizing BTA results in a high BTA concentration in a polishing slurry without addition of foreign components to the slurry or increased safety hazard. In addition, the solution is easier to ship because it is very stable (e.g., can be frozen and thawed) and has less volume compared to conventional approaches. Further, the polishing slurry performance is vastly improved due to the removal of particles that can cause scratching.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph K. V. Comeau, Marina M. Katsnelson, Matthew T. Tiersch, Eric J. White
  • Patent number: 8518817
    Abstract: The disclosure relates generally to semiconductor device fabrication, and more particularly to methods of electroplating used in semiconductor device fabrication. A method of electroplating includes: immersing an in-process substrate into an electrolytic plating solution to form a first metal layer on the in-process substrate; then performing a first chemical-mechanical polish to a liner on the in-process substrate followed by immersing the in-process substrate into the electrolytic plating solution to form a second metal layer on the first metal layer and the liner; and performing a second chemical-mechanical polish to the liner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2013
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Felix P. Anderson, Zhong-Xiang He, Anthony K. Stamper, Eric J. White
  • Publication number: 20130092651
    Abstract: A composition and a method for chemical mechanical polishing. The composition includes a surfactant anion an alkyl alcohol, a controlled amount of chloride ion source and a diluent. The composition further includes abrasive particles and an oxidizer. The method includes providing the composition on a surface to be polished and polishing the surface by contacting the surface with a polishing pad.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 12, 2011
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Graham M. Bates, Michael T. Brigham, Joseph K. Comeau, Jason P. Ritter, Eva A. Shah, Matthew T. Tiersch, Eric J. White
  • Publication number: 20130078811
    Abstract: A composition and a method for chemical mechanical polishing. The composition includes a surfactant anion an alkyl alcohol and a diluent. The composition further includes abrasive particles and an oxidizer. The method includes providing the composition on a surface to be polished and polishing the surface by contacting the surface with a polishing pad.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Graham M. Bates, Michael T. Brigham, Joseph K. Comeau, Jason P. Ritter, Matthew T. Tiersch, Eva A. Shah, Eric J. White
  • Publication number: 20130062603
    Abstract: A test structure for measuring a Micro-Electro-Mechanical System (MEMS) cavity height structure and calibration method. The method includes forming a sacrificial cavity material over a plurality of electrodes and forming an opening into the sacrificial cavity material. The method further includes forming a transparent or substantially transparent material in the opening to form a transparent or substantially transparent window. The method further includes tuning a thickness of the sacrificial cavity material based on measurements obtained through the transparent or substantially transparent window.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2011
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jeffrey C. Maling, Anthony K. Stamper, Eric J. White
  • Patent number: 8328892
    Abstract: A solution for forming a polishing slurry, the polishing slurry and related methods are disclosed. The solution for forming a polishing slurry may include 1 H-benzotriazole (BTA) dissolved in an ionic surfactant such as a sodium alkyl sulfate solution, and perhaps a polyacrylic acid (PAA) solution. The solution can be filtered and used in a polishing slurry. This approach to solubilizing BTA results in a high BTA concentration in a polishing slurry without addition of foreign components to the slurry or increased safety hazard. In addition, the solution is easier to ship because it is very stable (e.g., can be frozen and thawed) and has less volume compared to conventional approaches. Further, the polishing slurry performance is vastly improved due to the removal of particles that can cause scratching.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 11, 2012
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph K. V. Comeau, Marina M. Katsnelson, Matthew T. Tiersch, Eric J. White