Patents by Inventor James M. Robert

James M. Robert 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: 8990961
    Abstract: Determination of non-linearity of a positioning scanner of a measurement tool is disclosed. In one embodiment, a method may include providing a probe of a measurement tool coupled to a positioning scanner; scanning a surface of a first sample with the surface at a first angle relative to the probe to attain a first profile; scanning the surface of the first sample with the surface at a second angle relative to the probe that is different than the first angle to attain a second profile; repeating the scannings to attain a plurality of first profiles and a plurality of second profiles; and determining a non-linearity of the positioning scanner using the different scanning angles to cancel out measurements corresponding to imperfections due to the surface of the sample. The non-linearity may be used to calibrate the positioning scanner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2015
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: George W. Banke, Jr., James M. Robert, Carlos Strocchia-Rivera
  • Publication number: 20110314576
    Abstract: Determination of non-linearity of a positioning scanner of a measurement tool is disclosed. In one embodiment, a method may include providing a probe of a measurement tool coupled to a positioning scanner; scanning a surface of a first sample with the surface at a first angle relative to the probe to attain a first profile; scanning the surface of the first sample with the surface at a second angle relative to the probe that is different than the first angle to attain a second profile; repeating the scannings to attain a plurality of first profiles and a plurality of second profiles; and determining a non-linearity of the positioning scanner using the different scanning angles to cancel out measurements corresponding to imperfections due to the surface of the sample. The non-linearity may be used to calibrate the positioning scanner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2011
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: George W. Banke, JR., James M. Robert, Carlos Strocchia-Rivera
  • Patent number: 8037736
    Abstract: Determination of non-linearity of a positioning scanner of a measurement tool is disclosed. In one embodiment, a method may include providing a probe of a measurement tool coupled to a positioning scanner; scanning a surface of a first sample with the surface at a first angle relative to the probe to attain a first profile; scanning the surface of the first sample with the surface at a second angle relative to the probe that is different than the first angle to attain a second profile; repeating the scannings to attain a plurality of first profiles and a plurality of second profiles; and determining a non-linearity of the positioning scanner using the different scanning angles to cancel out measurements corresponding to imperfections due to the surface of the sample. The non-linearity may be used to calibrate the positioning scanner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: George W. Banke, Jr., James M. Robert, Carlos Strocchia-Rivera
  • Patent number: 7895879
    Abstract: The invention generally relates to atomic resolution imaging, and, more particularly, to systems and methods for calibrating an atomic resolution measurement tool. A sample holder for holding test samples used in measuring linearity of an atomic force microscope is provided. The holder includes a body having a top surface, and a plurality of inclined regions formed in the body and spaced apart along the top surface. Each of the inclined regions is structured and arranged to hold a test sample used to measure linearity of an atomic force microscope at one of a plurality of predefined angles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventor: James M. Robert
  • Publication number: 20090178472
    Abstract: Determination of non-linearity of a positioning scanner of a measurement tool is disclosed. In one embodiment, a method may include providing a probe of a measurement tool coupled to a positioning scanner; scanning a surface of a first sample with the surface at a first angle relative to the probe to attain a first profile; scanning the surface of the first sample with the surface at a second angle relative to the probe that is different than the first angle to attain a second profile; repeating the scannings to attain a plurality of first profiles and a plurality of second profiles; and determining a non-linearity of the positioning scanner using the different scanning angles to cancel out measurements corresponding to imperfections due to the surface of the sample. The non-linearity may be used to calibrate the positioning scanner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 14, 2008
    Publication date: July 16, 2009
    Inventors: George W. Banke, JR., James M. Robert, Carlos Strocchia-Rivera
  • Publication number: 20090145247
    Abstract: The invention generally relates to atomic resolution imaging, and, more particularly, to systems and methods for calibrating an atomic resolution measurement tool. A sample holder for holding test samples used in measuring linearity of an atomic force microscope is provided. The holder includes a body having a top surface, and a plurality of inclined regions formed in the body and spaced apart along the top surface. Each of the inclined regions is structured and arranged to hold a test sample used to measure linearity of an atomic force microscope at one of a plurality of predefined angles.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 6, 2007
    Publication date: June 11, 2009
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINE CORPORATION
    Inventor: James M. Robert