Patents by Inventor Hirokazu Aizawa

Hirokazu Aizawa 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: 20230343606
    Abstract: A method for making forming a semiconductor package comprises forming a plurality of alignment marks in or on a carrier substrate; positioning and bonding a plurality of semiconductor dies to the carrier substrate based on the plurality of alignment marks; further processing the plurality of semiconductor dies into a reconstituted wafer; and decoupling the reconstituted wafer from the carrier substrate at an interface using a laser source. The alignment marks are interposed between the interface and the laser source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2022
    Publication date: October 26, 2023
    Applicant: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Kevin Ryan, Hirokazu Aizawa, Kaoru Maekawa, Satohiko Hoshino, Yoshihiro Tsutsumi
  • Publication number: 20230260801
    Abstract: A method of processing a substrate that includes: etching a recess in the substrate using a metal hard mask (MHM) layer as an etch mask, the substrate including a dielectric layer over a conductive layer the includes a first conductive material, a portion of the MHM layer remaining over top surfaces of the dielectric layer after the etching; depositing a sacrificial fill over the substrate to at least partially fill the recess; removing the remaining portion of the MHM layer to expose the top surfaces while protecting the recess with the sacrificial fill; removing the sacrificial fill from the recess after removing the MHM layer, the removing of the sacrificial fill including exposing a portion of the conductive layer; and depositing a second conductive material to fill the recess, the depositing of the second conductive material providing an electrical connection between the conductive layer and the second conductive material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2022
    Publication date: August 17, 2023
    Inventors: Angelique Raley, Hirokazu Aizawa, Kaoru Maekawa, Katie Lutker-Lee, Gerrit Leusink
  • Publication number: 20230253250
    Abstract: A method of processing a substrate that includes: selectively depositing a self-assembled monolayer (SAM) on a metal line of the substrate, the SAM being in contact with the metal line, a surface of the substrate further including a first dielectric material that surrounds the metal line; selectively depositing a second dielectric material over the first dielectric material; forming a dielectric layer by depositing a third dielectric material over the second dielectric material and the SAM; and patterning the dielectric layer
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2022
    Publication date: August 10, 2023
    Inventors: Dina H. Triyoso, Robert D. Clark, Hirokazu Aizawa
  • Patent number: 11380579
    Abstract: A self-aligned multiple patterning (SAMP) multi-color spacer patterning process is disclosed for formation of structures on substrates. Trenches and vias may be formed in the process. A trench memorization layer and a via memorization layer may be formed on the substrate. In one embodiment, the trench memorization layer and the via memorization layer are formed between the multi-color spacer patterning structures and a low-k interlayer dielectric layer. The use of the trench memorization layer and the via memorization layer allows the formation of trenches and vias in the low-k interlayer dielectric layer without causing damage to the low-k properties of the low-k interlayer dielectric layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 5, 2022
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Hirokazu Aizawa, Kaoru Maekawa, Akiteru Ko
  • Publication number: 20220139776
    Abstract: A method for filling recessed features with a low-resistivity metal includes providing a patterned substrate containing a recessed feature formed in a first layer and a second layer that is exposed in the recessed feature, pre-treating the substrate with a surface modifier that increases metal deposition selectivity on the second layer relative to on the first layer, and depositing a metal layer on the substrate by vapor phase deposition, where the metal layer is preferentially deposited on the second layer in the recessed feature. The method further includes removing metal nuclei deposited on the first layer, including on a field area and on sidewalls of the first layer in the recessed feature, to selectively form the metal layer on the second layer in the recessed feature, where the removing includes exposing the patterned substrate to an etching gas containing ozone.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 21, 2021
    Publication date: May 5, 2022
    Inventors: Kai-Hung Yu, David L. O'Meara, Hisashi Higuchi, Hirokazu Aizawa, Omid Zandi, Cory Wajda, Gerrit J. Leusink
  • Patent number: 11315789
    Abstract: Described herein is a method of bonding and/or debonding substrates. In one embodiment, at least one of the surfaces of the substrates to be bonded is comprised of an oxide. In one embodiment, the surfaces of both substrates comprise an oxide. A wet etch may then be utilized to debond the substrates by etching away the layers that have been bonded. In one embodiment, a fusion bonding process is utilized to bond two substrates, at least one substrate having a silicon oxide surface. In one exemplary etch, a dilute hydrofluoric (DHF) etch is utilized to etch the bonded silicon oxide surface, allowing for two bonded substrates to be debonded. In another embodiment, the silicon oxide may be a low density silicon oxide. In one embodiment, both substrates may have a surface layer of the low density silicon oxide which may be fusion bonded together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignee: TOKYO ELECTRON LIMITED
    Inventors: Kiyotaka Imai, Hirokazu Aizawa, Hiroshi Maeda, Kaoru Maekawa, Yuji Mimura, Harunobu Suenaga
  • Publication number: 20210343586
    Abstract: A self-aligned multiple patterning (SAMP) multi-color spacer patterning process is disclosed for formation of structures on substrates. Trenches and vias may be formed in the process. A trench memorization layer and a via memorization layer may be formed on the substrate. In one embodiment, the trench memorization layer and the via memorization layer are formed between the multi-color spacer patterning structures and a low-k interlayer dielectric layer. The use of the trench memorization layer and the via memorization layer allows the formation of trenches and vias in the low-k interlayer dielectric layer without causing damage to the low-k properties of the low-k interlayer dielectric layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2020
    Publication date: November 4, 2021
    Inventors: Hirokazu Aizawa, Kaoru Maekawa, Akiteru Ko
  • Publication number: 20200343092
    Abstract: Described herein is a method of bonding and/or debonding substrates. In one embodiment, at least one of the surfaces of the substrates to be bonded is comprised of an oxide. In one embodiment, the surfaces of both substrates comprise an oxide. A wet etch may then be utilized to debond the substrates by etching away the layers that have been bonded. In one embodiment, a fusion bonding process is utilized to bond two substrates, at least one substrate having a silicon oxide surface. In one exemplary etch, a dilute hydrofluoric (DHF) etch is utilized to etch the bonded silicon oxide surface, allowing for two bonded substrates to be debonded. In another embodiment, the silicon oxide may be a low density silicon oxide. In one embodiment, both substrates may have a surface layer of the low density silicon oxide which may be fusion bonded together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 17, 2019
    Publication date: October 29, 2020
    Inventors: Kiyotaka Imai, Hirokazu Aizawa, Hiroshi Maeda, Kaoru Maekawa, Yuji Mimura, Harunobu Suenaga
  • Publication number: 20200303253
    Abstract: Embodiments of systems and methods for semiconductor back end of line (BEOL) interconnect using multiple materials in a fully self-aligned via (FSAV) process. In an embodiment, a method includes receiving a substrate with a patterned structure formed on a surface of the substrate. A method may also include depositing a first interconnect material in a first region of the patterned structure. Such methods may also include depositing a second interconnect material in a second region of the patterned structure, wherein the first interconnect material is different from the second interconnect material, and wherein the first region and the second region include a common layer of the patterned structures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2019
    Publication date: September 24, 2020
    Inventors: Hirokazu Aizawa, Kaoru Maekawa
  • Patent number: 10777456
    Abstract: Embodiments of systems and methods for semiconductor back end of line (BEOL) interconnect using multiple materials in a fully self-aligned via (FSAV) process. In an embodiment, a method includes receiving a substrate with a patterned structure formed on a surface of the substrate. A method may also include depositing a first interconnect material in a first region of the patterned structure. Such methods may also include depositing a second interconnect material in a second region of the patterned structure, wherein the first interconnect material is different from the second interconnect material, and wherein the first region and the second region include a common layer of the patterned structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Hirokazu Aizawa, Kaoru Maekawa
  • Patent number: 10734278
    Abstract: A process is provided in which low-k layers are protected from etch damage by the use of a selectively formed protection layer which forms on the low-k layer. In one embodiment, the low-k layers may be low-k dielectric layers utilized in BEOL process steps. In one embodiment, the selectively formed protection layer may be formed by a selective deposition process which selectively forms layers on the low-k dielectric but not over the conductor layer. The selectively formed protection layer may then be utilized to protect the low-k layer from a plasma etch that is utilized to recess the conductor. In this manner, a conductor (for example metal) may be recessed in a low-k dielectric layer via a plasma etch process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: TOKYO ELECTRON LIMITED
    Inventors: Hirokazu Aizawa, Karthikeyan Pillai, Nicholas Joy, Kandabara Tapily
  • Publication number: 20190385906
    Abstract: A process is provided in which low-k layers are protected from etch damage by the use of a selectively formed protection layer which forms on the low-k layer. In one embodiment, the low-k layers may be low-k dielectric layers utilized in BEOL process steps. In one embodiment, the selectively formed protection layer may be formed by a selective deposition process which selectively forms layers on the low-k dielectric but not over the conductor layer. The selectively formed protection layer may then be utilized to protect the low-k layer from a plasma etch that is utilized to recess the conductor. In this manner, a conductor (for example metal) may be recessed in a low-k dielectric layer via a plasma etch process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2019
    Publication date: December 19, 2019
    Inventors: Hirokazu Aizawa, Karthikeyan Pillai, Nicholas Joy, Kandabara Tapily
  • Publication number: 20100327447
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device includes forming a barrier metal film including a high melting point metal in a concave portion formed in an insulating film formed over a substrate; forming a seed alloy film including copper and an impurity metal different from the copper over the barrier metal film so as to fill a portion of the concave portion; forming a plated metal film containing copper as a major ingredient over the seed alloy film so as to fill the concave portion; first heat-treating the seed alloy film and the plated metal film at 200° C. or higher and for ten minutes or less; removing the plated metal film, the seed alloy film, and the barrier metal film which are exposed to the outside of the concave portion, after the first heat-treating; and second heat-treating the seed alloy film and the plated metal film.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2010
    Publication date: December 30, 2010
    Applicant: NEC ELECTRONICS CORPORATION
    Inventors: Manabu Iguchi, Hirokazu Aizawa
  • Publication number: 20090215254
    Abstract: A design support system which supports designing a semiconductor device is provided. The design support system includes a gate film information acquisition section and a maximum allowable antenna ratio setting section. The gate film information acquisition section acquires information on the thickness of the gate insulating film of a semiconductor device which has been designed. The gate insulating film thickness refers to a physical film thickness. The maximum allowable antenna ratio setting section sets maximum allowable antenna ratios for a gate electrode according to the film thickness information acquired by the gate film information acquisition section. Hence, a designer designing a semiconductor device can set concrete values when changing maximum allowable antenna ratios according to the thickness of the gate insulating film.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2009
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Applicant: NEC Electronics Corporation
    Inventor: Hirokazu Aizawa
  • Patent number: 7190011
    Abstract: There is provided a technique for obtaining improved maximum allowed value for the antenna ratio while inhibiting the damage on the gate insulating film of the MOSFET. A semiconductor device having a configuration that comprises a silicon substrate, a contact interlayer film, a first interconnect interlayer film, a first via interlayer film and a second interconnect interlayer film, all of which are sequentially formed in this order, comprises two protective diodes, which are coupled to a MOSFET via the second interconnect.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2007
    Assignee: NEC Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Hirokazu Aizawa, Hiroyasu Minda
  • Patent number: 6998712
    Abstract: In a provided semiconductor device, a plurality of seal rings each made of a conductive material is formed along a periphery of the semiconductor chip and as to surround the circuit formation portion, the seal rings being connected with the semiconductor substrate and being buried in the plurality of wiring insulating films in such a manner as to extend over the wiring insulating films, and one or more slit-like notches are formed at specified positions in the plurality of seal rings in such a manner that the respective slit-like notches in two seal rings being adjacent to each other are not aligned.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2006
    Assignee: NEC Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Norio Okada, Hirokazu Aizawa, Hiroyasu Minda
  • Publication number: 20050233517
    Abstract: There is provided a technique for obtaining improved maximum allowed value for the antenna ratio while inhibiting the damage on the gate insulating film of the MOSFET. A semiconductor device having a configuration that comprises a silicon substrate, a contact interlayer film, a first interconnect interlayer film, a first via interlayer film and a second interconnect interlayer film, all of which are sequentially formed in this order, comprises two protective diodes, which are coupled to a MOSFET via the second interconnect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 14, 2005
    Publication date: October 20, 2005
    Inventors: Hirokazu Aizawa, Hiroyasu Minda
  • Publication number: 20040150070
    Abstract: In a provided semiconductor device, a plurality of seal rings each made of a conductive material is formed along a periphery of the semiconductor chip and as to surround the circuit formation portion, the seal rings being connected with the semiconductor substrate and being buried in the plurality of wiring insulating films in such a manner as to extend over the wiring insulating films, and one or more slit-like notches are formed at specified positions in the plurality of seal rings in such a manner that the respective slit-like notches in two seal rings being adjacent to each other are not aligned.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2003
    Publication date: August 5, 2004
    Applicant: NEC Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Norio Okada, Hirokazu Aizawa, Hiroyasu Minda