Patents by Inventor Gary Bultman

Gary Bultman 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: 9818633
    Abstract: An EFEM useful for transferring wafers to and from wafer processing modules comprises an enclosure having a controlled environment therein bounded by a front wall, a back wall, first and second side walls, a top wall, and a bottom wall. The first side wall and the second side wall include two or more wafer load ports wherein each wafer load port is adapted to receive a FOUP. The front wall includes wafer ports configured to attach to respective load locks operable to allow a wafer to be transferred to a front wall cluster processing tool. The back wall includes a wafer port adapted to be in operational relationship with a back wall cluster processing tool. A robot in the EFEM enclosure is operable to transfer wafers through the wafer load ports, the first front wall wafer port, the second front wall wafer port, and the back wall wafer port.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2017
    Assignee: LAM RESEARCH CORPORATION
    Inventors: Thorsten Lill, Vahid Vahedi, Candi Kristoffersen, Andrew D. Bailey, III, Meihua Shen, Rangesh Raghavan, Gary Bultman
  • Publication number: 20160111309
    Abstract: An EFEM useful for transferring wafers to and from wafer processing modules comprises an enclosure having a controlled environment therein bounded by a front wall, a back wall, first and second side walls, a top wall, and a bottom wall. The first side wall and the second side wall include two or more wafer load ports wherein each wafer load port is adapted to receive a FOUP. The front wall includes wafer ports configured to attach to respective load locks operable to allow a wafer to be transferred to a front wall cluster processing tool. The back wall includes a wafer port adapted to be in operational relationship with a back wall cluster processing tool. A robot in the EFEM enclosure is operable to transfer wafers through the wafer load ports, the first front wall wafer port, the second front wall wafer port, and the back wall wafer port.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2014
    Publication date: April 21, 2016
    Inventors: Thorsten Lill, Vahid Vahedi, Candi Kristoffersen, Andrew D. Bailey, III, Meihua Shen, Rangesh Raghavan, Gary Bultman
  • Publication number: 20130314710
    Abstract: Methods and systems for monitoring semiconductor fabrication processes are provided. A system may include a stage configured to support a specimen and coupled to a measurement device. The measurement device may include an illumination system and a detection system. The illumination system and the detection system may be configured such that the system may be configured to determine multiple properties of the specimen. For example, the system may be configured to determine multiple properties of a specimen including: but not limited to, critical dimension and overlay misregistration; defects and thin film characteristics; critical dimension and defects; critical dimension and thin film characteristics; critical dimension, thin film characteristics and defects; macro defects and micro defects; flatness, thin film characteristics and defects; overlay misregistration and flatness; an implant characteristic and defects; and adhesion and thickness.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2013
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicant: KLA-TENCOR TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ady Levy, Kyle A. Brown, Rodney Smedt, Gary Bultman, Mehrdad Nikoonahad, Dan Wack, John Fielden, Ibrahim Abdul-Halim
  • Patent number: 8502979
    Abstract: Methods and systems for monitoring semiconductor fabrication processes are provided. A system may include a stage configured to support a specimen and coupled to a measurement device. The measurement device may include an illumination system and a detection system. The illumination system and the detection system may be configured such that the system may be configured to determine multiple properties of the specimen. For example, the system may be configured to determine multiple properties of a specimen including: but not limited to, critical dimension and overlay misregistration; defects and thin film characteristics; critical dimension and defects; critical dimension and thin film characteristics; critical dimension, thin film characteristics and defects; macro defects and micro defects; flatness, thin film characteristics and defects; overlay misregistration and flatness; an implant characteristic and defects; and adhesion and thickness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2012
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2013
    Assignee: KLA-Tencor Technologies Corp.
    Inventors: Ady Levy, Kyle A. Brown, Rodney Smedt, Gary Bultman, Mehrdad Nikoonahad, Dan Wack, John Fielden, Ibrahim Abdul-Halim
  • Publication number: 20130039460
    Abstract: Methods and systems for monitoring semiconductor fabrication processes are provided. A system may include a stage configured to support a specimen and coupled to a measurement device. The measurement device may include an illumination system and a detection system. The illumination system and the detection system may be configured such that the system may be configured to determine multiple properties of the specimen. For example, the system may be configured to determine multiple properties of a specimen including: but not limited to, critical dimension and overlay misregistration; defects and thin film characteristics; critical dimension and defects; critical dimension and thin film characteristics; critical dimension, thin film characteristics and defects; macro defects and micro defects; flatness, thin film characteristics and defects; overlay misregistration and flatness; an implant characteristic and defects; and adhesion and thickness.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2012
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: KLA-TENCOR TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ady Levy, Kyle A. Brown, Rodney Smedt, Gary Bultman, Mehrdad Nikoonahad, Dan Wack, John Fielden, Ibrahim Abdul-Halim
  • Patent number: 8179530
    Abstract: Methods and systems for monitoring semiconductor fabrication processes are provided. A system may include a stage configured to support a specimen and coupled to a measurement device. The measurement device may include an illumination system and a detection system. The illumination system and the detection system may be configured such that the system may be configured to determine multiple properties of the specimen. For example, the system may be configured to determine multiple properties of a specimen including: but not limited to, critical dimension and overlay misregistration; defects and thin film characteristics; critical dimension and defects; critical dimension and thin film characteristics; critical dimension, thin film characteristics and defects; macro defects and micro defects; flatness, thin film characteristics and defects; overlay misregistration and flatness; an implant characteristic and defects; and adhesion and thickness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: KLA-Tencor Technologies Corp.
    Inventors: Ady Levy, Kyle A. Brown, Rodney Smedt, Gary Bultman, Mehrdad Nikoonahad, Dan Wack, John Fielden, Ibrahim Abdul-Halim
  • Publication number: 20100271621
    Abstract: Methods and systems for monitoring semiconductor fabrication processes are provided. A system may include a stage configured to support a specimen and coupled to a measurement device. The measurement device may include an illumination system and a detection system. The illumination system and the detection system may be configured such that the system may be configured to determine multiple properties of the specimen. For example, the system may be configured to determine multiple properties of a specimen including: but not limited to, critical dimension and overlay misregistration; defects and thin film characteristics; critical dimension and defects; critical dimension and thin film characteristics; critical dimension, thin film characteristics and defects; macro defects and micro defects; flatness, thin film characteristics and defects; overlay misregistration and flatness; an implant characteristic and defects; and adhesion and thickness.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2010
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Applicant: KLA-TENCOR TECHNOLOGIES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ady Levy, Kyle A. Brown, Rodney Smedt, Gary Bultman, Mehrdad Nikoonahad, Dan Wack, John Fielden, Ibrahim Abdul-Halim
  • Patent number: 7751046
    Abstract: Methods and systems for monitoring semiconductor fabrication processes are provided. A system may include a stage configured to support a specimen and coupled to a measurement device. The measurement device may include an illumination system and a detection system. The illumination system and the detection system may be configured such that the system may be configured to determine multiple properties of the specimen. For example, the system may be configured to determine multiple properties of a specimen including, but not limited to, critical dimension and overlay misregistration. In this manner, a measurement device may perform multiple optical and/or non-optical metrology and/or inspection techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: KLA-Tencor Technologies Corp.
    Inventors: Ady Levy, Kyle A. Brown, Rodney Smedt, Gary Bultman, Mehrdad Nikoonahad, Dan Wack, John Fielden, Ibrahim Abdulhalim
  • Patent number: 7460981
    Abstract: Methods and systems for monitoring semiconductor fabrication processes are provided. A system may include a stage configured to support a specimen and coupled to a measurement device. The measurement device may include an illumination system and a detection system. The illumination system and the detection system may be configured such that the system may be configured to determine multiple properties of the specimen. For example, the system may be configured to determine multiple properties of a specimen including, but not limited to, a presence of macro and micro defects. In this manner, a measurement device may perform multiple optical and/or non-optical metrology and/or inspection techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2008
    Assignee: KLA-Tencor Technologies Corp.
    Inventors: Gary Bultman, Ady Levy, Kyle A. Brown, Mehrdad Nikoonahad, Dan Wack, John Fielden
  • Patent number: 7349090
    Abstract: Methods and systems for monitoring semiconductor fabrication processes are provided. A system may include a stage configured to support a specimen and coupled to a measurement device. The measurement device may include an illumination system and a detection system. The illumination system and the detection system may be configured such that the system may be configured to determine multiple properties of the specimen. For example, the system may be configured to determine multiple properties of a specimen including, but not limited to, a property of a specimen prior to, during, or subsequent to lithography. In this manner, a measurement device may perform multiple optical and/or non-optical metrology and/or inspection techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2008
    Assignee: KLA-Tencor Technologies Corp.
    Inventors: Dan Wack, Ady Levy, Kyle A. Brown, Gary Bultman, Mehrdad Nikoonahad, John Fielden
  • Patent number: 7196782
    Abstract: Methods and systems for monitoring semiconductor fabrication processes are provided. A system may include a stage configured to support a specimen and coupled to a measurement device. The measurement device may include an illumination system and a detection system. The illumination system and the detection system may be configured such that the system may be configured to determine multiple properties of the specimen. For example, the system may be configured to determine multiple properties of a specimen including, but not limited to, a thin film characteristic and an electrical property of a specimen. In this manner, a measurement device may perform multiple optical and/or non-optical metrology and/or inspection techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2007
    Assignee: KLA-Tencor Technologies Corp.
    Inventors: John Fielden, Ady Levy, Kyle A. Brown, Gary Bultman, Mehrdad Nikoonahad, Dan Wack
  • Patent number: 7139083
    Abstract: Methods and systems for monitoring semiconductor fabrication processes are provided. A system may include a stage configured to support a specimen and coupled to a measurement device. The measurement device may include an illumination system and a detection system. The illumination system and the detection system may be configured such that the system may be configured to determine multiple properties of the specimen. For example, the system may be configured to determine multiple properties of a specimen including, but not limited to, a composition and a thickness. In this manner, a measurement device may perform multiple optical and/or non-optical metrology and/or inspection techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignee: KLA-Tencor Technologies Corp.
    Inventors: John Fielden, Ady Levy, Kyle A. Brown, Gary Bultman, Mehrdad Nikoonahad, Dan Wack
  • Patent number: 7130029
    Abstract: Methods and systems for monitoring semiconductor fabrication processes are provided. A system may include a stage configured to support a specimen and coupled to a measurement device. The measurement device may include an illumination system and a detection system. The illumination system and the detection system may be configured such that the system may be configured to determine multiple properties of the specimen. For example, the system may be configured to determine multiple properties of a specimen including, but not limited to, an adhesion characteristic and a thickness. In this manner, a measurement device may perform multiple optical and/or non-optical metrology and/or inspection techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: KLA-Tencor Technologies Corp.
    Inventors: Dan Wack, Ady Levy, Kyle A. Brown, Gary Bultman, Mehrdad Nikoonahad, John Fielden
  • Patent number: 7106425
    Abstract: Methods and systems for monitoring semiconductor fabrication processes are provided. A system may include a stage configured to support a specimen and coupled to a measurement device. The measurement device may include an illumination system and a detection system. The illumination system and the detection system may be configured such that the system may be configured to determine multiple properties of the specimen. For example, the system may be configured to determine multiple properties of a specimen including, but not limited to, a presence of defects on the specimen and a thin film characteristic of the specimen. In this manner, a measurement device may perform multiple optical and/or non-optical metrology and/or inspection techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2006
    Assignee: KLA-Tencor Technologies Corp.
    Inventors: Gary Bultman, Ady Levy, Kyle A. Brown, Mehrdad Nikoonahad, Dan Wack, John Fielden
  • Publication number: 20060072807
    Abstract: Methods and systems for monitoring semiconductor fabrication processes are provided. A system may include a stage configured to support a specimen and coupled to a measurement device. The measurement device may include an illumination system and a detection system. The illumination system and the detection system may be configured such that the system may be configured to determine multiple properties of the specimen. For example, the system may be configured to determine multiple properties of a specimen including, but not limited to, a presence of macro and micro defects. In this manner, a measurement device may perform multiple optical and/or non-optical metrology and/or inspection techniques.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2004
    Publication date: April 6, 2006
    Inventors: Gary Bultman, Ady Levy, Kyle Brown, Mehrdad Nikoonahad, Dan Wack, John Fielden
  • Patent number: 7006235
    Abstract: Methods and systems for monitoring semiconductor fabrication processes are provided. A system may include a stage configured to support a specimen and coupled to a measurement device. The measurement device may include an illumination system and a detection system. The illumination system and the detection system may be configured such that the system may be configured to determine multiple properties of the specimen. For example, the system may be configured to determine multiple properties of a specimen including, but not limited to, overlay and flatness. In this manner, a measurement device may perform multiple optical and/or non-optical metrology and/or inspection techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2006
    Assignee: KLA-Tencor Technologies Corp.
    Inventors: Ady Levy, Kyle A. Brown, Mehrdad Nikoonahad, Gary Bultman, Dan Wack, John Fielden
  • Patent number: 6950196
    Abstract: Methods and systems for monitoring semiconductor fabrication processes are provided. A system may include a stage configured to support a specimen and coupled to a measurement device. The measurement device may include an illumination system and a detection system. The illumination system and the detection system may be configured such that the system may be configured to determine multiple properties of the specimen. For example, the system may be configured to determine multiple properties of a specimen including, but not limited to, a thickness of a structure on a specimen and at least one additional property of the specimen. In this manner, a measurement device may perform multiple optical and/or non-optical metrology and/or inspection techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Assignee: KLA-Tencor Technologies Corp.
    Inventors: John Fielden, Ady Levy, Kyle A. Brown, Gary Bultman, Mehrdad Nikoonahad, Dan Wack
  • Patent number: 6946394
    Abstract: Methods and systems for monitoring semiconductor fabrication processes are provided. A system may include a stage configured to support a specimen and coupled to a measurement device. The measurement device may include an illumination system and a detection system. The illumination system and the detection system may be configured such that the system may be configured to determine multiple properties of the specimen. For example, the system may be configured to determine multiple properties of a specimen including, but not limited to, a characteristic of a layer formed on a specimen by a deposition process. In this manner, a measurement device may perform multiple optical and/or non-optical metrology and/or inspection techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2005
    Assignee: KLA-Tencor Technologies
    Inventors: John Fielden, Ady Levy, Kyle A. Brown, Gary Bultman, Mehrdad Nikoonahad, Dan Wack
  • Patent number: 6919957
    Abstract: Methods and systems for monitoring semiconductor fabrication processes are provided. A system may include a stage configured to support a specimen and coupled to a measurement device. The measurement device may include an illumination system and a detection system. The illumination system and the detection system may be configured such that the system may be configured to determine multiple properties of the specimen. For example, the system may be configured to determine multiple properties of a specimen including, but not limited to, critical dimension, a presence of defects, and a thin film characteristic. In this manner, a measurement device may perform multiple optical and/or non-optical metrology and/or inspection techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2005
    Assignee: KLA-Tencor Technologies Corp.
    Inventors: Mehrdad Nikoonahad, Ady Levy, Kyle A. Brown, Gary Bultman, Dan Wack, John Fielden
  • Patent number: 6917419
    Abstract: Methods and systems for monitoring semiconductor fabrication processes are provided. A system may include a stage configured to support a specimen and coupled to a measurement device. The measurement device may include an illumination system and a detection system. The illumination system and the detection system may be configured such that the system may be configured to determine multiple properties of the specimen. For example, the system may be configured to determine multiple properties of a specimen including, but not limited to, flatness, a presence of defects, and a thin film characteristic. In this manner, a measurement device may perform multiple optical and/or non-optical metrology and/or inspection techniques.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2005
    Assignee: KLA-Tencor Technologies Corp.
    Inventors: John Fielden, Ady Levy, Kyle A. Brown, Gary Bultman, Mehrdad Nikoonahad, Dan Wack