Patents by Inventor James A. Slinkman

James A. Slinkman 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: 20120168766
    Abstract: A lateral, extended drain, metal oxide semiconductor, field effect transistor (LEDMOSFET) with a high drain-to-body breakdown voltage (Vb) incorporates gate structure extensions on opposing sides of a drain drift region. The extensions are tapered such that a distance between each extension and the drift region increases linearly from one end adjacent to the channel region to another end adjacent to the drain region. In one embodiment, these extensions can extend vertically through the isolation region that surrounds the LEDMOSFET. In another embodiment, the extensions can sit atop the isolation region. In either case, the extensions create a strong essentially uniform horizontal electric field profile within the drain drift. Also disclosed are a method for forming the LEDMOSFET with a specific Vb by defining the dimensions of the extensions and a program storage device for designing the LEDMOSFET to have a specific Vb.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2011
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Michel J. Abou-Khalil, Alan B. Botula, Alvin J. Joseph, Theodore J. Letavic, James A. Slinkman
  • Publication number: 20120104496
    Abstract: At least one conductive via structure is formed from an interconnect-level metal line through a middle-of-line (MOL) dielectric layer, a shallow trench isolation structure in a top semiconductor layer, and a buried insulator layer to a bottom semiconductor layer. The shallow trench isolation structure laterally abuts at least two field effect transistors that function as a radio frequency (RF) switch. The at least one conductive via structure and the at interconnect-level metal line may provide a low resistance electrical path from the induced charge layer in a bottom semiconductor layer to electrical ground, discharging the electrical charge in the induced charge layer. The discharge of the charge in the induced charge layer thus reduces capacitive coupling between the semiconductor devices and the bottom semiconductor layer, and thus secondary coupling between components electrically disconnected by the RF switch is reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 9, 2012
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Alan B. Botula, Alvin J. Joseph, Edward J. Nowak, Yun Shi, James A. Slinkman
  • Patent number: 8133774
    Abstract: At least one conductive via structure is formed from an interconnect-level metal line through a middle-of-line (MOL) dielectric layer, a shallow trench isolation structure in a top semiconductor layer, and a buried insulator layer to a bottom semiconductor layer. The shallow trench isolation structure laterally abuts at least two field effect transistors that function as a radio frequency (RF) switch. The at least one conductive via structure and the at interconnect-level metal line may provide a low resistance electrical path from the induced charge layer in a bottom semiconductor layer to electrical ground, discharging the electrical charge in the induced charge layer. The discharge of the charge in the induced charge layer thus reduces capacitive coupling between the semiconductor devices and the bottom semiconductor layer, and thus secondary coupling between components electrically disconnected by the RF switch is reduced.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 13, 2012
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Alan B. Botula, Alvin J. Joseph, Edward J. Nowak, Yun Shi, James A. Slinkman
  • Publication number: 20120025345
    Abstract: A method, integrated circuit and design structure includes a silicon substrate layer having trench structures and an ion impurity implant. An insulator layer is positioned on and contacts the silicon substrate layer. The insulator layer fills the trench structures. A circuitry layer is positioned on and contacts the buried insulator layer. The circuitry layer comprises groups of active circuits separated by passive structures. The trench structures are positioned between the groups of active circuits when the integrated circuit structure is viewed from the top view. Thus, the trench structures are below the passive structures and are not below the groups of circuits when the integrated circuit structure is viewed from the top view.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2010
    Publication date: February 2, 2012
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: ALAN B. BOTULA, Alvin J. Joseph, James A. Slinkman, Randy L. Wolf
  • Patent number: 8026131
    Abstract: First doped semiconductor regions having the same type doping as a bottom semiconductor layer and second doped semiconductor regions having an opposite type doping are formed directly underneath a buried insulator layer of a semiconductor-on-insulator (SOI) substrate. The first doped semiconductor regions and the second doped semiconductor regions are electrically grounded or forward-biased relative to the bottom semiconductor layer at a voltage that is insufficient to cause excessive current due to forward-biased injection of minority carriers into the bottom semiconductor layer, i.e., at a potential difference not exceeding 0.6 V to 0.8V.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Alan B. Botula, Edward J. Nowak, James A. Slinkman
  • Publication number: 20110221510
    Abstract: A doped contact region having an opposite conductivity type as a bottom semiconductor layer is provided underneath a buried insulator layer in a bottom semiconductor layer. At least one conductive via structure extends from an interconnect-level metal line through a middle-of-line (MOL) dielectric layer, a shallow trench isolation structure in a top semiconductor layer, and a buried insulator layer and to the doped contact region. The doped contact region is biased at a voltage that is at or close to a peak voltage in the RF switch that removes minority charge carriers within the induced charge layer. The minority charge carriers are drained through the doped contact region and the at least one conductive via structure. Rapid discharge of mobile electrical charges in the induce charge layer reduces harmonic generation and signal distortion in the RF switch. A design structure for the semiconductor structure is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2011
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Alan B. Botula, Alvin J. Joseph, Edward J. Nowak, Yun Shi, James A. Slinkman
  • Patent number: 7999320
    Abstract: A doped contact region having an opposite conductivity type as a bottom semiconductor layer is provided underneath a buried insulator layer in a bottom semiconductor layer. At least one conductive via structure extends from an interconnect-level metal line through a middle-of-line (MOL) dielectric layer, a shallow trench isolation structure in a top semiconductor layer, and a buried insulator layer and to the doped contact region. The doped contact region is biased at a voltage that is at or close to a peak voltage in the RF switch that removes minority charge carriers within the induced charge layer. The minority charge carriers are drained through the doped contact region and the at least one conductive via structure. Rapid discharge of mobile electrical charges in the induce charge layer reduces harmonic generation and signal distortion in the RF switch. A design structure for the semiconductor structure is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Alan B. Botula, Alvin J. Joseph, Edward J. Nowak, Yun Shi, James A. Slinkman
  • Publication number: 20110131542
    Abstract: Disclosed is semiconductor structure with an insulator layer on a semiconductor substrate and a device layer is on the insulator layer. The substrate is doped with a relatively low dose of a dopant having a given conductivity type such that it has a relatively high resistivity. Additionally, a portion of the semiconductor substrate immediately adjacent to the insulator layer can be doped with a slightly higher dose of the same dopant, a different dopant having the same conductivity type or a combination thereof. Optionally, micro-cavities are created within this same portion so as to balance out any increase in conductivity with a corresponding increase in resistivity. Increasing the dopant concentration at the semiconductor substrate-insulator layer interface raises the threshold voltage (Vt) of any resulting parasitic capacitors and, thereby reduces harmonic behavior. Also disclosed herein are embodiments of a method and a design structure for such a semiconductor structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 10, 2009
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Alan B. Botula, John J. Ellis-Monaghan, Alvin J. Joseph, Max G. Levy, Richard A. Phelps, James A. Slinkman, Randy L. Wolf
  • Publication number: 20110127529
    Abstract: Disclosed is semiconductor structure with an insulator layer on a semiconductor substrate and a device layer is on the insulator layer. The substrate is doped with a relatively low dose of a dopant having a given conductivity type such that it has a relatively high resistivity. Additionally, a portion of the semiconductor substrate immediately adjacent to the insulator layer can be doped with a slightly higher dose of the same dopant, a different dopant having the same conductivity type or a combination thereof. Optionally, micro-cavities are created within this same portion so as to balance out any increase in conductivity due to increased doping with a corresponding increase in resistivity. Increasing the dopant concentration at the semiconductor substrate-insulator layer interface raises the threshold voltage (Vt) of any resulting parasitic capacitors and, thereby reduces harmonic behavior. Also disclosed herein are embodiments of a method for forming such a semiconductor structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2009
    Publication date: June 2, 2011
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Alan B. Botula, John J. Ellis-Monaghan, Alvin J. Joseph, Max G. Levy, Richard A. Phelps, James A. Slinkman, Randy L. Wolf
  • Publication number: 20110117714
    Abstract: A method of forming an isolation region is provided that in one embodiment substantially reduces divot formation. In one embodiment, the method includes providing a semiconductor substrate, forming a first pad dielectric layer on an upper surface of the semiconductor substrate and forming a trench through the first pad dielectric layer into the semiconductor substrate. In a following process sequence, the first pad dielectric layer is laterally etched to expose an upper surface of the semiconductor substrate that is adjacent the trench, and the trench is filled with a trench dielectric material, wherein the trench dielectric material extends atop the upper surface of the semiconductor substrate adjacent the trench and abuts the pad dielectric layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 19, 2009
    Publication date: May 19, 2011
    Inventors: Max Levy, Natalie Feilchenfeld, Richard Phelps, BethAnn Rainey, James Slinkman, Steven H. Voldman, Michael Zierak, Hubert Enichlmair, Martin Knaipp, Bernhard Loeffler, Rainer Minixhofer, Jong-Mun Park, Georg Roehrer
  • Patent number: 7944550
    Abstract: A method of detecting local mechanical stress in integrated devices is provided, the method comprising: enabling the detection of a photovoltage difference between a scan probe device and a surface portion of an integrated device, the scan probe device being configured to deflect in response to the photovoltage difference; measuring the deflection of the scan probe device in response to the photovoltage difference between the scan probe device and the surface portion of the integrated device; and calculating a local stress level within the integrated device by determining a local work function of the surface portion of the integrated device based upon the deflection of the scan probe device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Lloyd Bumm, Daminda Dahayanaka, Philip V. Kaszuba, Leon Moszkowicz, James A. Slinkman
  • Patent number: 7883990
    Abstract: A method of forming a semiconductor-on-insulator (SOI) substrate using a thermal annealing process to provide a semiconductor base wafer having a thin high resistivity surface layer that is positioned at the interface with the buried insulating layer is provided. Specifically, the inventive method fabricates an a semiconductor-on-insulator (SOI) substrate having an SOI layer and a semiconductor base wafer that are separated, at least in part, by a buried insulating layer, wherein the semiconductor base wafer includes a high resistivity (HR) surface layer located on a lower resistivity semiconductor portion of the semiconductor base wafer, and the HR surface layer forms an interface with the buried insulating layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Max Levy, Dale Martin, Gerd Pfeiffer, James A. Slinkman
  • Patent number: 7868423
    Abstract: A structure for a semiconductor device includes an isolated MOSFET (e.g., NFET) having triple-well technology adjacent to an isolated PFET which itself is adjacent to an isolated NFET. The structure includes a substrate in which is formed a deep n-band region underneath any n-wells, p-wells and p-band regions within the substrate. One p-band region is formed above the deep n-band region and underneath the isolated p-well for the isolated MOSFET, while another p-band region is formed above the deep n-band region and underneath all of the p-wells and n-wells, including those that are part of the isolated PFET and NFET devices within the substrate. The n-wells for the isolated MOSFET are connected to the deep n-band region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: John J. Benoit, David S. Collins, Natalie B. Feilchenfeld, Michael L. Gautsch, Xuefeng Liu, Robert M. Rassel, Stephen A. St. Onge, James A. Slinkman
  • Patent number: 7826038
    Abstract: A method for adjusting the flatness of a lithographic mask includes determining an initial mask flatness of the mask, determining an applied stress for bringing the mask to a desired mask flatness, and determining a mounting temperature of a pellicle frame to be mounted to the mask, the mounting temperature corresponding to the applied stress. The actual temperature of the pellicle frame is adjusted to the determined mounting temperature, and the pellicle frame is mounted to the mask at the mounting temperature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Emily F. Gallagher, Louis M. Kindt, James A. Slinkman, Richard E. Wistron
  • Patent number: 7812347
    Abstract: A method for measuring an integrated circuit (IC) structure by measuring an imprint of the structure, a method for preparing a test site for the above measuring, and IC so formed. The method for preparing the test site includes incrementally removing the structure from the substrate so as to reveal an imprint of the removed bottom surface of the structure in a top surface of the substrate. The imprint can then be imaged using an atomic force microscope (AFM). The image can be used to measure the bottom surface of the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2010
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: George W. Banke, Jr., Andrew Deering, Philip V. Kaszuba, Leon Moszkowicz, James Robert, James A. Slinkman
  • Publication number: 20100244934
    Abstract: At least one conductive via structure is formed from an interconnect-level metal line through a middle-of-line (MOL) dielectric layer, a shallow trench isolation structure in a top semiconductor layer, and a buried insulator layer to a bottom semiconductor layer. The shallow trench isolation structure laterally abuts at least two field effect transistors that function as a radio frequency (RF) switch. The at least one conductive via structure and the at interconnect-level metal line may provide a low resistance electrical path from the induced charge layer in a bottom semiconductor layer to electrical ground, discharging the electrical charge in the induced charge layer. The discharge of the charge in the induced charge layer thus reduces capacitive coupling between the semiconductor devices and the bottom semiconductor layer, and thus secondary coupling between components electrically disconnected by the RF switch is reduced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2009
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Alan B. Botula, Alvin J. Joseph, Edward J. Nowak, Yun Shi, James A. Slinkman
  • Publication number: 20100200927
    Abstract: A semiconductor-on-insulator substrate and a related semiconductor structure, as well as a method for fabricating the semiconductor-on-insulator substrate and the related semiconductor structure, provide for a multiple order radio frequency harmonic suppressing region located and formed within a base semiconductor substrate at a location beneath an interface of a buried dielectric layer with the base semiconductor substrate within the semiconductor-on-insulator substrate. The multiple order radio frequency harmonic suppressing region may comprise an ion implanted atom, such as but not limited to a noble gas atom, to provide a suppressed multiple order radio frequency harmonic when powering a radio frequency device, such as but not limited to a radio frequency complementary metal oxide semiconductor device (or alternatively a passive device), located and formed within and upon a surface semiconductor layer within the semiconductor structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2009
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Joseph R. Greco, Kevin Munger, Richard A. Phelps, Jennifer C. Robbins, William Savaria, James A. Slinkman, Randy L. Wolf
  • Publication number: 20100156510
    Abstract: First doped semiconductor regions having the same type doping as a bottom semiconductor layer and second doped semiconductor regions having an opposite type doping are formed directly underneath a buried insulator layer of a semiconductor-on-insulator (SOI) substrate. The first doped semiconductor regions and the second doped semiconductor regions are electrically grounded or forward-biased relative to the bottom semiconductor layer at a voltage that is insufficient to cause excessive current due to forward-biased injection of minority carriers into the bottom semiconductor layer, i.e., at a potential difference not exceeding 0.6 V to 0.8V.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2008
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Alan B. Botula, Edward J. Nowak, James A. Slinkman
  • Publication number: 20100156526
    Abstract: A doped contact region having an opposite conductivity type as a bottom semiconductor layer is provided underneath a buried insulator layer in a bottom semiconductor layer. At least one conductive via structure extends from an interconnect-level metal line through a middle-of-line (MOL) dielectric layer, a shallow trench isolation structure in a top semiconductor layer, and a buried insulator layer and to the doped contact region. The doped contact region is biased at a voltage that is at or close to a peak voltage in the RF switch that removes minority charge carriers within the induced charge layer. The minority charge carriers are drained through the doped contact region and the at least one conductive via structure. Rapid discharge of mobile electrical charges in the induce charge layer reduces harmonic generation and signal distortion in the RF switch. A design structure for the semiconductor structure is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2008
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Alan B. Botula, Alvin J. Joseph, Edward J. Nowak, Yun Shi, James A. Slinkman
  • Publication number: 20100117122
    Abstract: A structure for a semiconductor device includes an isolated MOSFET (e.g., NFET) having triple-well technology adjacent to an isolated PFET which itself is adjacent to an isolated NFET. The structure includes a substrate in which is formed a deep n-band region underneath any n-wells, p-wells and p-band regions within the substrate. One p-band region is formed above the deep n-band region and underneath the isolated p-well for the isolated MOSFET, while another p-band region is formed above the deep n-band region and underneath all of the p-wells and n-wells, including those that are part of the isolated PFET and NFET devices within the substrate. The n-wells for the isolated MOSFET are connected to the deep n-band region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2008
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Inventors: John J. Benoit, David S. Collins, Natalie B. Feilchenfeld, Michael L. Gautsch, Xuefeng Liu, Robert M. Rassel, Stephen A. St Onge, James A. Slinkman