Patents by Inventor Ernest E. Allen

Ernest E. Allen 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: 20230083497
    Abstract: An ion source. The ion source may include a plasma chamber to house a plasma, and an extraction assembly, disposed along a side of the plasma chamber, and comprising at least one extraction aperture. The ion source may further include an antenna assembly, extending through the plasma chamber, along a first axis. The antenna assembly may include a dielectric enclosure, a plurality of conductive antennae, extending along the first axis within the dielectric enclosure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2021
    Publication date: March 16, 2023
    Applicant: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Alexandre Likhanskii, Peter F. Kurunczi, Ernest E. Allen
  • Patent number: 11424112
    Abstract: Embodiments herein include a transparent halo assembly for reducing an amount of sputtered material to minimize particle defects impacting a workpiece. In some embodiments, a halo assembly may include a first halo arranged around a semiconductor workpiece, and a mounting assembly coupling the first halo to a roplat. The first halo may include a first side opposite a second side, and a first end opposite a second end, wherein the first side is operable to receive an ion beam from an ion source. The first halo may further include a plurality of apertures extending between the first and second sides, wherein the plurality of apertures permit passage of a portion of the ion beam to pass therethrough, towards the mounting assembly. In some embodiments, the halo assembly may include a second halo positioned proximate the first halo, and a third halo disposed between the first halo and the mounting assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: Varian Semiconductor Equipment Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Ernest E. Allen, Costel Biloiu, Daniel McGillicuddy
  • Patent number: 10974276
    Abstract: A system that reduces the amount of water that enters a process chamber via a movable shaft is disclosed. The surface of the shaft is made hydrophobic. Any water droplets that are collected on the hydrophobic shaft are disposed at a high contact angle, making it more likely that these water droplets fall from the shaft. Further, any water that enters the process chamber is more readily removed from the shaft due to the lower energy of liberation. Reducing the amount of water in a process chamber may improve the lifetime of the components in the process chamber and may improve the yield of the workpieces being processed. This may be especially relevant when process gasses that contain halogens are employed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: Varian Semiconductor Equipment Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Ernest E. Allen, Jr., Jonathan David Fischer, Jeffrey E. Krampert
  • Publication number: 20200139401
    Abstract: A system that reduces the amount of water that enters a process chamber via a movable shaft is disclosed. The surface of the shaft is made hydrophobic. Any water droplets that are collected on the hydrophobic shaft are disposed at a high contact angle, making it more likely that these water droplets fall from the shaft. Further, any water that enters the process chamber is more readily removed from the shaft due to the lower energy of liberation. Reducing the amount of water in a process chamber may improve the lifetime of the components in the process chamber and may improve the yield of the workpieces being processed. This may be especially relevant when process gasses that contain halogens are employed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2020
    Publication date: May 7, 2020
    Inventors: Ernest E. Allen, JR., Jonathan David Fischer, Jeffrey E. Krampert
  • Patent number: 10569299
    Abstract: A system that reduces the amount of water that enters a process chamber via a movable shaft is disclosed. The surface of the shaft is made hydrophobic. Any water droplets that are collected on the hydrophobic shaft are disposed at a high contact angle, making it more likely that these water droplets fall from the shaft. Further, any water that enters the process chamber is more readily removed from the shaft due to the lower energy of liberation. Reducing the amount of water in a process chamber may improve the lifetime of the components in the process chamber and may improve the yield of the workpieces being processed. This may be especially relevant when process gasses that contain halogens are employed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: Varian Semiconductor Equipment Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Ernest E. Allen, Jr., Jonathan David Fischer, Jeffrey E. Krampert
  • Publication number: 20190299249
    Abstract: A system that reduces the amount of water that enters a process chamber via a movable shaft is disclosed. The surface of the shaft is made hydrophobic. Any water droplets that are collected on the hydrophobic shaft are disposed at a high contact angle, making it more likely that these water droplets fall from the shaft. Further, any water that enters the process chamber is more readily removed from the shaft due to the lower energy of liberation. Reducing the amount of water in a process chamber may improve the lifetime of the components in the process chamber and may improve the yield of the workpieces being processed. This may be especially relevant when process gasses that contain halogens are employed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2018
    Publication date: October 3, 2019
    Inventors: Ernest E. Allen, JR., Jonathan David Fischer, Jeffrey E. Krampert
  • Patent number: 10325752
    Abstract: An extraction set including an extraction plate, a blocker and the holding mechanism for the blocker is disclosed. The extraction set includes an extraction plate that may be constructed of titanium coated with a ceramic material. The extraction plate is attached to the ion source using pins. The extraction plate also includes raised outline in its inner surface which is used to secure the blocker to the inner surface of the extraction plate. The ends of the blocker are secured by two holders disposed on opposite sides of the extraction aperture. The mechanism used for attaching the extraction plate to the ion source also improves the temperature uniformity of the extraction plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: Varian Semiconductor Equipment Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Adam Moritz Calkins, Ernest E. Allen, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20190139758
    Abstract: Embodiments herein include a transparent halo assembly for reducing an amount of sputtered material to minimize particle defects impacting a workpiece. In some embodiments, a halo assembly may include a first halo arranged around a semiconductor workpiece, and a mounting assembly coupling the first halo to a roplat. The first halo may include a first side opposite a second side, and a first end opposite a second end, wherein the first side is operable to receive an ion beam from an ion source. The first halo may further include a plurality of apertures extending between the first and second sides, wherein the plurality of apertures permit passage of a portion of the ion beam to pass therethrough, towards the mounting assembly. In some embodiments, the halo assembly may include a second halo positioned proximate the first halo, and a third halo disposed between the first halo and the mounting assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2017
    Publication date: May 9, 2019
    Applicant: Varian Semiconductor Equipment Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Ernest E. Allen, Costel Biloiu, Daniel McGillicuddy
  • Patent number: 10276340
    Abstract: A system for implanting ions into a workpiece while minimizing the generation of particles is disclosed. The system includes an ion source having an extraction plate with an extraction aperture. The extraction plate is electrically biased and may also be coated with a dielectric material. The workpiece is disposed on a platen and surrounded by an electrically biased shield. The shield may also be coated with a dielectric material. In operation, a pulsed DC voltage is applied to the shield and the platen, and ions are attracted from the ion source during this pulse. Since a pulsed voltage is used, the impedance of the thin dielectric coating is reduced, allowing the system to function properly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: Varian Semiconductor Equipment Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Morgan D. Evans, Ernest E. Allen, Jr., Tyler Burton Rockwell, Richard J. Hertel, Joseph Frederick Sommers, Christopher R. Campbell
  • Publication number: 20180122670
    Abstract: An apparatus may include a platen to hold a substrate. A substrate plane structure may be disposed in front of the platen. The substrate plane structure has an opening therein. The apparatus may further include a removable structure disposed in the opening of the substrate plane structure. The removable structure may have an opening exposing a surface of the platen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2016
    Publication date: May 3, 2018
    Inventors: Ernest E. Allen, Richard John Hertel, Jay R. Wallace, Keith A. Miller
  • Patent number: 9865433
    Abstract: A gas injection system, including an extraction plate having an extraction aperture for allowing passage of an ion beam through the extraction plate, the extraction plate further having a gas slot for expulsion of a residue removal gas from the extraction plate. The gas injection system may include a gas conduit extending through the extraction plate between the gas slot and a gas manifold, a gas source connected in fluid communication with the gas manifold, the gas source containing the residue removal gas. The gas manifold may include a valve adjustable between a first position, wherein the residue removal gas is allowed to flow into the extraction plate, and a second portion, wherein the residue removal gas can be vented from the extraction plate. The gas injection system may further include a manifold cover coupled to the gas manifold.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2018
    Assignee: Varian Semiconductor Equipment Associats, Inc.
    Inventors: Jay Wallace, Ernest E. Allen, Richard J. Hertel, Alexander C. Kontos, Shurong Liang, Jeffrey E. Krampert, Tyler Rockwell
  • Patent number: 9589769
    Abstract: A processing apparatus may include a plasma chamber to house a plasma; and an extraction assembly disposed along a side of the plasma chamber. The extraction assembly may be configured to direct ions from the plasma to a substrate, wherein the ions generate etched species comprising material that is etched from the substrate; and wherein the extraction assembly comprises at least one component having a recess that faces the substrate and is configured to intercept and retain the etched species.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2017
    Assignee: Varian Semiconductor Equipment Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Vijayakumar C. Venugopal, Richard J. Hertel, Vikram Singh, Ernest E. Allen
  • Patent number: 9287085
    Abstract: A processing apparatus including a process chamber, a plasma source disposed within the process chamber, wherein the plasma source is movable in a first direction and is configured to emit an ion beam along a second direction that is orthogonal to the first direction. The apparatus may further include a platen disposed within the process chamber for supporting a substrate, and an ion beam current sensor that is disposed adjacent to the platen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2016
    Assignee: Varian Semiconductor Equipment Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Ernest E. Allen, Jon Ballou, Kevin M. Daniels, James P. Buonodono, Joseph P. Dzengeleski
  • Publication number: 20160013030
    Abstract: A processing apparatus may include a plasma chamber to house a plasma; and an extraction assembly disposed along a side of the plasma chamber. The extraction assembly may be configured to direct ions from the plasma to a substrate, wherein the ions generate etched species comprising material that is etched from the substrate; and wherein the extraction assembly comprises at least one component having a recess that faces the substrate and is configured to intercept and retain the etched species.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 20, 2014
    Publication date: January 14, 2016
    Inventors: Vijayakumar C. Venugopal, Richard J. Hertel, Vikram Singh, Ernest E. Allen
  • Publication number: 20150325405
    Abstract: A processing apparatus including a process chamber, a plasma source disposed within the process chamber, wherein the plasma source is movable in a first direction and is configured to emit an ion beam along a second direction that is orthogonal to the first direction. The apparatus may further include a platen disposed within the process chamber for supporting a substrate, and an ion beam current sensor that is disposed adjacent to the platen.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2014
    Publication date: November 12, 2015
    Inventors: Ernest E. Allen, Jon Ballou, Kevin M. Daniels, James P. Buonodono, Joseph P. Dzengeleski
  • Patent number: 8941082
    Abstract: A processing apparatus includes a process chamber defining an enclosed volume, and a dual sided workpiece assembly disposed in the enclosed volume. The dual sided workpiece assembly includes a base portion and a flip portion coupled to the base portion. The flip portion has a support surface configured to support at least one dual sided workpiece and is configured to rotate about a flipping axis. The processing apparatus also includes a controller configured to control the dual sided workpiece assembly to expose a first side of the at least one dual sided workpiece to accelerating ions in the process chamber during a first time interval and to expose a second side of the at least one dual sided workpiece to accelerating ions during a second time interval different than the first time interval by rotating the flip portion about the flipping axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 27, 2015
    Assignee: Varian Semiconductor Equipment Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard J. Hertel, Ernest E. Allen, Jr., Philip J. McGrail, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20140014854
    Abstract: A processing apparatus includes a process chamber defining an enclosed volume, and a dual sided workpiece assembly disposed in the enclosed volume. The dual sided workpiece assembly includes a base portion and a flip portion coupled to the base portion. The flip portion has a support surface configured to support at least one dual sided workpiece and is configured to rotate about a flipping axis. The processing apparatus also includes a controller configured to control the dual sided workpiece assembly to expose a first side of the at least one dual sided workpiece to accelerating ions in the process chamber during a first time interval and to expose a second side of the at least one dual sided workpiece to accelerating ions during a second time interval different than the first time interval by rotating the flip portion about the flipping axis.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 18, 2013
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Applicant: VARIAN SEMICONDUTOR EQUIPMENT ASSOCIATES, INC.
    Inventors: Richard J. Hertel, Ernest E. Allen, JR., Philip J. McGrail, JR.
  • Patent number: 8563407
    Abstract: A method includes positioning at least one dual sided workpiece on an assembly in a process chamber to expose a first side of the at least one dual sided workpiece, treating the first side of the at least one dual sided workpiece, reorienting a portion of the assembly in the process chamber to expose a second side of the at least one dual sided workpiece, the second side opposing the first side, and treating the second side. A processing apparatus including a process chamber defining an enclosed volume and a dual sided workpiece assembly disposed in the enclosed volume is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 22, 2013
    Assignee: Varian Semiconductor Equipment Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Richard J. Hertel, Ernest E. Allen, Jr., Philip J. McGrail, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20110226739
    Abstract: An apparatus for use within a process chamber is provided. The apparatus includes a liner adapted to cover the sidewalls of the process chamber, with apertures corresponding to various inlets and outlets in the process chamber. In addition, the liner has one or more apertures on its bottom surface, which allow particles to pass through the liner. The liner is designed to be shorter in height than the sidewalls of the process chamber. This allows the liner to be placed within the chamber such that its bottom surface is above the floor of the process chamber. This minimizes the possibility of particles that have fallen onto the process chamber floor becoming re-suspended at a later time. According to a second aspect of the disclosure, a bottom liner is provided. This liner can be used in conjunction with a conventional liner or in a process chamber without a liner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 19, 2010
    Publication date: September 22, 2011
    Applicant: VARIAN SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT ASSOCIATES, INC.
    Inventors: Ernest E. Allen, Appu Naveen George Thomas
  • Publication number: 20100260943
    Abstract: A method includes positioning at least one dual sided workpiece on an assembly in a process chamber to expose a first side of the at least one dual sided workpiece, treating the first side of the at least one dual sided workpiece, reorienting a portion of the assembly in the process chamber to expose a second side of the at least one dual sided workpiece, the second side opposing the first side, and treating the second side. A processing apparatus including a process chamber defining an enclosed volume and a dual sided workpiece assembly disposed in the enclosed volume is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 4, 2010
    Publication date: October 14, 2010
    Applicant: VARIAN SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT ASSOCIATES, INC.
    Inventors: Richard J. HERTEL, Ernest E. Allen, Philip J. McGrail, JR.