Patents by Inventor Fabrice Letertre

Fabrice Letertre 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: 20210050248
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for fabricating a pseudo-substrate comprising the steps of providing a single crystal ingot, providing a handle substrate, cutting a thin slice from the single crystal ingot, and attaching the thin slice to the handle substrate to form a pseudo-substrate. According to the invention, the thickness of the thin slice is substantially equal or inferior to a critical thickness below which the slice, if taken alone, is no longer mechanically stable. The invention further relates to a semiconductor structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2020
    Publication date: February 18, 2021
    Inventors: Fabrice Letertre, Oleg Kononchuk
  • Patent number: 10910256
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for fabricating a pseudo-substrate comprising the steps of providing a single crystal ingot, providing a handle substrate, cutting a thin slice from the single crystal ingot, and attaching the thin slice to the handle substrate to form a pseudo-substrate. According to the invention, the thickness of the thin slice is substantially equal or inferior to a critical thickness below which the slice, if taken alone, is no longer mechanically stable. The invention further relates to a semiconductor structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: Soitec
    Inventors: Fabrice Letertre, Oleg Kononchuk
  • Patent number: 10672746
    Abstract: An integrated circuit includes a first chip including a high-voltage depletion-mode transistor and a second chip including an enhancement-mode device. The chips have first and second gate contact pads, first and second source contact pads and first and second drain contact pads, respectively, on their front sides. Chips are joined together via their front sides, and the area of the first chip is larger than that of the second chip. The first chip includes an additional contact pad on its front side that is electrically insulated from the high-voltage depletion-mode transistor and that contacts the second gate contact pad. The first gate contact pad contacts the second source contact pad and/or the first source contact pad contacts the second drain contact pad. The first gate contact pad and the additional contact pad extend at least partially into a peripheral portion of the first chip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 2, 2020
    Assignee: Exagan
    Inventors: Domenico Lo Verde, Laurent Guillot, Fabrice Letertre
  • Publication number: 20190378823
    Abstract: An integrated circuit includes a first chip including a high-voltage depletion-mode transistor and a second chip including an enhancement-mode device. The chips have first and second gate contact pads, first and second source contact pads and first and second drain contact pads, respectively, on their front sides. Chips are joined together via their front sides, and the area of the first chip is larger than that of the second chip. The first chip includes an additional contact pad on its front side that is electrically insulated from the high-voltage depletion-mode transistor and that contacts the second gate contact pad. The first gate contact pad contacts the second source contact pad and/or the first source contact pad contacts the second drain contact pad. The first gate contact pad and the additional contact pad extend at least partially into a peripheral portion of the first chip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 20, 2017
    Publication date: December 12, 2019
    Inventors: Domenico Lo Verde, Laurent Guillot, Fabrice Letertre
  • Patent number: 10002763
    Abstract: The invention relates to methods for fabricating a semiconductor substrate. In one embodiment, the method includes providing a support that includes a barrier layer thereon for preventing loss by diffusion of elements derived from dissociation of the support at epitaxial growth temperatures; providing a seed layer on the barrier layer, wherein the seed layer facilitates epitaxial growth of a single crystal III-nitride semiconductor layer thereon; epitaxially growing a nitride working layer on the thin seed layer; and removing the support to form the semiconductor substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2018
    Assignee: Soitec
    Inventors: Fabrice Letertre, Bruno Ghyselen, Olivier Rayssac, Pierre Rayssac, Gisèle Rayssac
  • Publication number: 20150243549
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for fabricating a pseudo-substrate comprising the steps of providing a single crystal ingot, providing a handle substrate, cutting a thin slice from the single crystal ingot, and attaching the thin slice to the handle substrate to form a pseudo-substrate. According to the invention, the thickness of the thin slice is substantially equal or inferior to a critical thickness below which the slice, if taken alone, is no longer mechanically stable. The invention further relates to a semiconductor structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2013
    Publication date: August 27, 2015
    Inventors: Fabrice Letertre, Oleg Kononchuk
  • Patent number: 9041165
    Abstract: A method for the formation of an at least partially relaxed strained material layer, comprises providing a seed substrate; patterning the seed substrate; growing a strained material layer on the patterned seed substrate; transferring the strained material layer from the patterned seed substrate to an intermediate substrate; and at least partially relaxing the strained material layer by a heat treatment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 26, 2015
    Assignee: SOITEC
    Inventors: Fabrice Letertre, Bruce Faure, Pascal Guenard
  • Patent number: 8991673
    Abstract: An automatic cutting device is described for cutting an assembly. The assembly includes a material having a weakened zone therein that defines a useful layer and being attached to a source substrate. The cutting device includes a cutting mechanism and a holding and positioning mechanism operatively associated with the cutting mechanism. The holding and positioning mechanism positions the material so that the cutting mechanism detaches the layer from the source substrate along the weakened zone. The cutting device also includes a control mechanism for adjusting at least two different portions of the assembly during detachment of the layer to facilitate a more precise detachment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2015
    Assignee: Soitec
    Inventors: Olivier Rayssac, Fabrice Letertre
  • Patent number: 8951887
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for fabricating a semiconductor that comprises providing a handle substrate comprising a seed substrate and a weakened sacrificial layer covering the seed substrate; joining the handle substrate with a carrier substrate; optionally treating the carrier substrate; detaching the handle substrate at the sacrificial layer to form the semiconductor structure; and removing any residue of the sacrificial layer present on the seed substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Soitec
    Inventors: Fabrice Letertre, Didier Landru
  • Patent number: 8759881
    Abstract: A heterostructure that includes, successively, a support substrate of a material having an electrical resistivity of less than 10?3 ohm·cm and a thermal conductivity of greater than 100 W·m?1·K?1, a bonding layer, a first seed layer of a monocrystalline material of composition AlxInyGa(1-x-y)N, a second seed layer of a monocrystalline material of composition AlxInyGa(1-x-y)N, and an active layer of a monocrystalline material of composition AlxInyGa(1-x-y)N, and being present in a thickness of between 3 and 100 micrometers. The materials of the support substrate, the bonding layer and the first seed layer are refractory at a temperature of greater than 750° C., the active layer and second seed layer have a difference in lattice parameter of less than 0.005 ?, the active layer is crack-free, and the heterostructure has a specific contact resistance between the bonding layer and the first seed layer that is less than or equal to 0.1 ohm·cm2.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2014
    Assignee: Soitec
    Inventors: Jean-Marc Bethoux, Fabrice Letertre, Chris Werkhoven, Ionut Radu, Oleg Kononchuck
  • Patent number: 8679946
    Abstract: A process for manufacturing a stacked structure comprising at least one thin layer bonded to a target substrate, in which a thin layer is formed by introduction gaseous species into an initial substrate, to form a weakened layer separating a film from the rest of the initial substrate, a first contact face of the thin layer is bonded to a face of an intermediate substrate by molecular adhesion, and the initial substrate is fractured at the weakened layer so as to expose a free face of the thin layer. The intermediate substrate is then removed in order to obtain the stacked structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique et aux Energies Alternatives
    Inventors: Hubert Moriceau, Bernard Aspar, Eric Jalaguier, Fabrice Letertre
  • Patent number: 8679942
    Abstract: Composite substrates are produced that include a strained III-nitride material seed layer on a support substrate. Methods of producing the composite substrate include developing a desired lattice strain in the III-nitride material to produce a lattice parameter substantially matching a lattice parameter of a device structure to be formed on the composite substrate. The III-nitride material may be formed with a Ga polarity or an N polarity. The desired lattice strain may be developed by forming a buffer layer between the III-nitride material and a growth substrate, implanting a dopant in the III-nitride material to modify its lattice parameter, or forming the III-nitride material with a coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) on a growth substrate with a different CTE.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2014
    Assignee: Soitec
    Inventors: Fabrice Letertre, Jean-Marc Bethoux, Alice Boussagol
  • Patent number: 8541290
    Abstract: A method of fabricating a device by providing an auxiliary substrate having a metal nitride layer disposed thereon where the nitride layer has a nitrogen face and an opposite face and a dislocation density that is less than about 106, with the nitrogen face of the nitride layer facing the auxiliary substrate; depositing at least one epitaxial nitride layer on the exposed opposite face of the nitride layer of the structure; depositing a further metal layer over at least a portion of the epitaxial nitride layer(s); bonding a final substrate on the deposited metal layer; and removing the auxiliary substrate to form the device from the final substrate and deposited layers. Preferably, the device that is formed includes a LED or laser.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Soitec
    Inventors: Fabrice Letertre, Bruce Faure
  • Patent number: 8507361
    Abstract: The invention relates to methods for fabricating a semiconductor substrate. In one embodiment, the method includes transferring a seed layer on to a support substrate; and depositing a working layer on the seed layer to form a composite substrate. The seed layer is made of a material that accommodates thermal expansion of the support substrate and of the working layer. In another embodiment, the method includes providing a source substrate with a weakened zone defining a nucleation layer, bonding a support substrate to the source substrate, detaching the nucleation layer and support substrate at the weakened zone by applying laser irradiation stress, depositing a semiconductor material upon the nucleation layer, bonding a target substrate to the deposited layer and removing the support substrate and nucleation layer. The result is a semiconductor substrate that includes the layer of semiconductor material on a support or target substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2013
    Assignee: Soitec
    Inventors: Fabrice Letertre, Bruno Ghyselen, Pierre Rayssac, Gisèle Rayssac
  • Patent number: 8492244
    Abstract: The present invention provides methods for forming at least partially relaxed strained material layers on a target substrate. The methods include forming islands of the strained material layer on an intermediate substrate, at least partially relaxing the strained material islands by a first heat treatment, and transferring the at least partially relaxed strained material islands to the target substrate. The at least partial relaxation is facilitated by the presence of low-viscosity or compliant layers adjacent to the strained material layer. The invention also provides semiconductor structures having an at least partially relaxed strained material layer, and semiconductor devices fabricated using an at least partially relaxed strained material layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 7, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 23, 2013
    Assignee: Soitec
    Inventors: Pascal Guenard, Bruce Faure, Fabrice Letertre, Michael R. Krames, Nathan F. Gardner, Melvin B. McLaurin
  • Patent number: 8487295
    Abstract: Methods of fabricating semiconductor structures and devices include bonding a seed structure to a substrate using a glass. The seed structure may comprise a crystal of semiconductor material. Thermal treatment of the seed structure bonded to the substrate using the glass may be utilized to control a strain state within the seed structure. The seed structure may be placed in a state of compressive strain at room temperature. The seed structure bonded to the substrate using the glass may be used for growth of semiconductor material, or, in additional methods, a seed structure may be bonded to a first substrate using a glass, thermally treated to control a strain state within the seed structure and a second substrate may be bonded to an opposite side of the seed structure using a non-glassy material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Soitec
    Inventor: Fabrice Letertre
  • Patent number: 8486771
    Abstract: Methods of fabricating relaxed layers of semiconductor materials include forming structures of a semiconductor material overlying a layer of a compliant material, and subsequently altering a viscosity of the compliant material to reduce strain within the semiconductor material. The compliant material may be reflowed during deposition of a second layer of semiconductor material. The compliant material may be selected so that, as the second layer of semiconductor material is deposited, a viscosity of the compliant material is altered imparting relaxation of the structures. In some embodiments, the layer of semiconductor material may comprise a III-V type semiconductor material, such as, for example, indium gallium nitride. Methods of fabricating semiconductor structures and devices are also disclosed. Novel intermediate structures are formed during such methods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Soitec
    Inventors: Fabrice Letertre, Bruce Faure, Michael R. Krames, Nathan F. Gardner
  • Patent number: 8481408
    Abstract: A method for relaxing a layer of a strained material. The method includes depositing a first low-viscosity layer on a first face of a strained material layer; bonding a first substrate to the first low-viscosity layer to form a first composite structure; subjecting the composite structure to heat treatment sufficient to cause reflow of the first low-viscosity layer so as to at least partly relax the strained material layer; and applying a mechanical pressure to a second face of the strained material layer wherein the second face is opposite to the first face and with the mechanical pressure applied perpendicularly to the strained material layer during at least part of the heat treatment to relax the strained material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Soitec
    Inventors: Fabrice Letertre, Carlos Mazure, Michael R. Krames, Melvin B. McLaurin, Nathan F. Gardner
  • Patent number: 8481409
    Abstract: The invention relates to a process for manufacturing a stacked structure comprising at least one thin layer bonding to a target substrate, comprising the following steps: a) formation of a thin layer starting from an initial substrate, the thin layer having a free face called the first contact face, b) putting the first contact face into bonding contact with a face of an intermediate support, the structure obtained being compatible with later thinning of the initial substrate, c) thinning of the said initial substrate to expose a free face of the thin layer called the second contact face and opposite the first contact face, d) putting a face of the target substrate into bonding contact with at least part of the second contact face, the structure obtained being compatible with later removal of all or some of the intermediate support, e) removal of at least part of the intermediate support in order to obtain the said stacked structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: Commissariat a l'Energie Atomique
    Inventors: Hubert Moriceau, Bernard Aspar, Eric Jalaguier, Fabrice Letertre
  • Patent number: 8461014
    Abstract: Methods of fabricating semiconductor structures and devices include bonding a seed structure to a substrate using a glass. The seed structure may comprise a crystal of semiconductor material. Thermal treatment of the seed structure bonded to the substrate using the glass may be utilized to control a strain state within the seed structure. The seed structure may be placed in a state of compressive strain at room temperature. The seed structure bonded to the substrate using the glass may be used for growth of semiconductor material, or, in additional methods, a seed structure may be bonded to a first substrate using a glass, thermally treated to control a strain state within the seed structure and a second substrate may be bonded to an opposite side of the seed structure using a non-glassy material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2012
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2013
    Assignee: Soitec
    Inventor: Fabrice Letertre