Patents by Inventor George P. Sacco

George P. Sacco 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: 8368309
    Abstract: Thermal control is provided for an extraction electrode of an ion-beam producing system that prevents formation of deposits and unstable operation and enables use with ions produced from condensable vapors and with ion sources capable of cold and hot operation. Electrical heating of the extraction electrode is employed for extracting decaborane or octadecaborane ions. Active cooling during use with a hot ion source prevents electrode destruction, permitting the extraction electrode to be of heat-conductive and fluorine-resistant aluminum composition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Assignee: SemEquip, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas N. Horsky, Robert W. Milgate, III, George P. Sacco, Jr., Dale Conrad Jacobson, Wade Allen Krull
  • Patent number: 7820981
    Abstract: The service lifetime of an ion source is enhanced or prolonged by the source having provisions for in-situ etch cleaning of the ion source and of an extraction electrode, using reactive halogen gases (F or Cl), and by having features that extend the service duration between cleanings. The latter include accurate vapor flow control, accurate focusing of the ion beam optics, and thermal control of the extraction electrode that prevents formation of deposits or prevents electrode destruction. An apparatus comprised of an ion source for generating dopant ions for semiconductor wafer processing is coupled to a remote plasma source which delivers F or Cl ions to the first ion source for the purpose of cleaning deposits in the first ion source and the extraction electrode. These methods and apparatus enable long equipment uptime when running condensable feed gases such as sublimated vapor sources, and are particularly applicable for use with so-called cold ion sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2010
    Assignee: Semequip, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas N. Horsky, Robert W. Milgate, III, George P. Sacco, Jr., Dale C. Jacobson, Wade A. Krull
  • Patent number: 7791047
    Abstract: Thermal control is provided for an extraction electrode of an ion-beam producing system that prevents formation of deposits and unstable operation and enables use with ions produced from condensable vapors and with ion sources capable of cold and hot operation. Electrical heating of the extraction electrode is employed for extracting decaborane or octadecaborane ions. Active cooling during use with a hot ion source prevents electrode destruction, permitting the extraction electrode to be of heat-conductive and fluorine-resistant aluminum composition. The service lifetime of the system is enhanced by provisions for in-situ etch cleaning of the ion source and extraction electrode, using reactive halogen gases, and by having features that extend the service duration between cleanings, including accurate vapor flow control and accurate focusing of the ion beam optics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Semequip, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas N. Horsky, Robert W. Milgate, III, George P. Sacco, Jr., Dale Conrad Jacobson, Wade Allen Krull
  • Publication number: 20100107980
    Abstract: Thermal control is provided for an extraction electrode of an ion-beam producing system that prevents formation of deposits and unstable operation and enables use with ions produced from condensable vapors and with ion sources capable of cold and hot operation. Electrical heating of the extraction electrode is employed for extracting decaborane or octadecaborane ions. Active cooling during use with a hot ion source prevents electrode destruction, permitting the extraction electrode to be of heat-conductive and fluorine-resistant aluminum composition. The service lifetime of the system is enhanced by provisions for in-situ etch cleaning of the ion source and extraction electrode, using reactive halogen gases, and by having features that extend the service duration between cleanings, including accurate vapor flow control and accurate focusing of the ion beam optics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2006
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Inventors: Thomas N. Horsky, Robert W. Milgate, III, George P. Sacco, JR., Dale Conrad Jacobson, Wade Allen Krull
  • Patent number: 7629590
    Abstract: The service lifetime of an ion source is enhanced or prolonged by the source having provisions for in-situ etch cleaning of the ion source and of an extraction electrode, using reactive halogen gases, and by having features that extend the service duration between cleanings. The latter include accurate vapor flow control, accurate focusing of the ion beam optics, and thermal control of the extraction electrode that prevents formation of deposits or prevents electrode destruction. An apparatus comprised of an ion source for generating dopant ions for semiconductor wafer processing is coupled to a remote plasma source which delivers F or Cl ions to the first ion source for the purpose of cleaning deposits in the first ion source and the extraction electrode. These methods and apparatus enable long equipment uptime when running condensable feed gases such as sublimated vapor sources, and are particularly applicable for use with so-called cold ion sources.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 8, 2009
    Assignee: Semequip, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas N. Horsky, Robert W. Milgate, III, George P. Sacco, Jr., Dale C. Jacobson, Wade A. Krull
  • Patent number: 7609003
    Abstract: Ion implantation with high brightness, ion beam by ionizing gas or vapor, e.g. of dimers, or decaborane, by direct electron impact ionization adjacent the outlet aperture (46, 176) of the ionization chamber (80; 175)). Preferably: conditions are maintained that produce a substantial ion density and limit the transverse kinetic energy of the ions to less than 0.7 eV; width of the ionization volume adjacent the aperture is limited to width less than about three times the width of the aperture; the aperture is extremely elongated; magnetic fields are avoided or limited; low ion beam noise is maintained; conditions within the ionization chamber are maintained that prevent formation of an arc discharge. With ion beam optics, such as the batch implanter of FIG. (20), or in serial implanters, ions from the ion source are transported to a target surface and implanted; advantageously, in some cases, in conjunction with acceleration-deceleration beam lines employing cluster ion beams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 1, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Assignee: Semequip, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas N. Horsky, Brian C. Cohen, Wade A. Krull, George P. Sacco, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7528550
    Abstract: An ion implantation is disclosed that includes an ionization chamber having a restricted outlet aperture and configured so that the gas or vapor in the ionization chamber is at a pressure substantially higher than the pressure within an extraction region into which the ions are to be extracted external to the ionization chamber. The vapor is ionized by direct electron impact ionization by an electron source that is in a region adjacent the outlet aperture of the ionization chamber to produce ions from the molecules of the gas or vapor to a density of at least 1010 cm?3 at the aperture while maintaining conditions that limit the transverse kinetic energy of the ions to less than about 0.7 eV. The beam is transported to a target surface and the ions of the transported ion beam are implanted into the target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2009
    Assignee: SemEquip, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas N. Horsky, Brian C. Cohen, Wade A. Krull, George P. Sacco, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7394202
    Abstract: An ion implantation is disclosed that includes an ionization chamber having a restricted outlet aperture and configured so that the gas or vapor in the ionization chamber is at a pressure substantially higher than the pressure within an extraction region into which the ions are to be extracted external to the ionization chamber. The vapor is ionized by direct electron impact ionization by an electron source that is in a region adjacent the outlet aperture of the ionization chamber to produce ions from the molecules of the gas or vapor to a density of at least 1010 cm?3 at the aperture while maintaining conditions that limit the transverse kinetic energy of the ions to less than about 0.7 eV. The beam is transported to a target surface and the ions of the transported ion beam are implanted into the target.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2008
    Assignee: Semequip, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas N. Horsky, Brian C. Cohen, Wade A. Krull, George P. Sacco, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20080121811
    Abstract: The service lifetime of an ion source is enhanced or prolonged by the source having provisions for in-situ etch cleaning of the ion source and of an extraction electrode, using reactive halogen gases, and by having features that extend the service duration between cleanings. The latter include accurate vapor flow control, accurate focusing of the ion beam optics, and thermal control of the extraction electrode that prevents formation of deposits or prevents electrode destruction. An apparatus comprised of an ion source for generating dopant ions for semiconductor wafer processing is coupled to a remote plasma source which delivers F or Cl ions to the first ion source for the purpose of cleaning deposits in the first ion source and the extraction electrode. These methods and apparatus enable long equipment uptime when running condensable feed gases such as sublimated vapor sources, and are particularly applicable for use with so-called cold ion sources.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2006
    Publication date: May 29, 2008
    Inventors: Thomas N. Horsky, Robert W. Milgate, George P. Sacco, Dale C. Jacobson, Wade A. Krull
  • Patent number: 7064491
    Abstract: Ion implantation with high brightness, ion beam by ionizing gas or vapor, e.g. of dimers, or decaborane, by direct electron impact ionization adjacent the outlet aperture (46, 176) of the ionization chamber (80; 175)). Preferably: conditions are maintained that produce a substantial ion density and limit the transverse kinetic energy of the ions to less than 0.7 eV; width of the ionization volume adjacent the aperture is limited to width less than about three times the width of the aperture; the aperture is extremely elongated; magnetic fields are avoided or limited; low ion beam noise is maintained; conditions within the ionization chamber are maintained that prevent formation of an arc discharge. With ion beam optics, such as the batch implanter of FIG. (20), or in serial implanters, ions from the ion source are transported to a target surface and implanted; advantageously, in some cases, in conjunction with acceleration-deceleration beam lines employing cluster ion beams.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2006
    Assignee: Semequip, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas N. Horsky, Brian C. Cohen, Wade A. Krull, George P. Sacco, Jr.
  • Publication number: 20040104682
    Abstract: Ion implantation with high brightness, ion beam by ionizing gas or vapor, e.g. of dimers, or decaborane, by direct electron impact ionization adjacent the outlet aperture (46, 176) of the ionization chamber (80; 175)). Preferably: conditions are maintained that produce a substantial ion density and limit the transverse kinetic energy of the ions to less than 0.7 eV; width of the ionization volume adjacent the aperture is limited to width less than about three times the width of the aperture; the aperture is extremely elongated; magnetic fields are avoided or limited; low ion beam noise is maintained; conditions within the ionization chamber are maintained that prevent formation of an arc discharge. With ion beam optics, such as the batch implanter of FIG. (20), or in serial implanters, ions from the ion source are transported to a target surface and implanted; advantageously, in some cases, in conjunction with acceleration-deceleration beam lines employing cluster ion beams.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2004
    Publication date: June 3, 2004
    Inventors: Thomas N. Horsky, Brian F. Cohen, Wade A. Krull, George P. Sacco Jr.
  • Patent number: 5929450
    Abstract: A high temperature gas stream optical flame sensor for flame detection in gas turbine engines, and method for fabricating same is provided. The sensor generally comprises a silicon carbide photodiode and silicon carbide based amplification hardware for generating a signal indicative of the presence of the flame. In a preferred embodiment, the photodiode and amplification hardware are disposed within a sensor housing and the photodiode is situated within a fuel/air premixer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1999
    Assignee: Ametek Aerospace Products, Inc.
    Inventors: William M. Glasheen, Deidre E. Cusack, Helmar R. Steglich, George P. Sacco
  • Patent number: 5763888
    Abstract: A high temperature gas stream optical flame sensor for flame detection in gas turbine engines, and method for fabricating same is provided. The sensor generally comprises a silicon carbide photodiode and silicon carbide based amplification hardware for generating a signal indicative of the presence of the flame. In a preferred embodiment, the photodiode and amplification hardware are disposed within a sensor housing and the photodiode is situated within a fuel/air premixer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 9, 1998
    Assignee: Ametek Aerospace Products, Inc.
    Inventors: William M. Glasheen, Deidre E. Cusack, Helmar R. Steglich, George P. Sacco
  • Patent number: 5670784
    Abstract: A high temperature gas stream optical flame sensor for flame detection in gas turbine engines, the sensor generally comprising a silicon carbide photodiode and silicon carbide based amplification hardware for generating a signal indicative of the presence of the flame, in some embodiments the photodiode and amplification hardware being disposed within a sensor housing, in another embodiment for use in an aeroderivative premixed combustion system, the photodiode being situated within a fuel/air premixer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1994
    Date of Patent: September 23, 1997
    Assignee: Ametek Aerospace Products
    Inventors: Diedre E. Cusack, William M. Glasheen, George P. Sacco, Jr., Helmar R. Steglich