Patents by Inventor Jed H. Rankin

Jed H. Rankin 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: 8765516
    Abstract: A reusable substrate and method for forming single crystal silicon solar cells are described. A method of forming a photovoltaic cell includes forming an intermediate layer on a monocrystalline silicon substrate, forming a monocrystalline silicon layer on the intermediate layer, and forming electrical features in the monocrystalline silicon layer. The method further includes forming openings in the monocrystalline silicon layer, and detaching the monocrystalline silicon layer from the substrate by selectively etching the intermediate layer through the openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Brent A. Anderson, Edward J. Nowak, Jed H. Rankin
  • Patent number: 8769445
    Abstract: A method and system arrangement for controlling and determining mask operation activities. Upon obtaining chip physical layout design data and running resolution enhancement technology on the chip physical layout design to generate mask features which may include any sub-resolution assist features, a placement sensitivity metric is determined for each of the generated mask features or edge fragments. In one alternative embodiment an edge placement sensitivity metric is determined for each edge of the generated mask features or edge fragments. The determined sensitivity metrics for each feature are classified and applied to subsequent mask operational activities such as post processing, write exposure and mask repair.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Emily E. Gallagher, Jed H. Rankin, Alan E. Rosenbluth
  • Patent number: 8735972
    Abstract: An SRAM cell and a method of forming an SRAM cell. The SRAM cell includes a first pass gate field effect transistor (FET) and a first pull-down FET sharing a first common source/drain (S/D) and a first pull-up FET having first and second S/Ds; a second pass gate FET and a second pull-down FET sharing a second common S/D and a second pull-up FET having first and second S/Ds; a first gate electrode common to the first pull-down FET and the first pull-up FET and physically and electrically contacting the first S/D of the first pull-up FET; a second gate electrode of the first pull-up FET; a third gate electrode common to the second pull-down FET and the second pull-up FET and physically and electrically contacting the first S/D of the second pull-up FET; and a fourth gate electrode of the first pull-up FET.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Brent A. Anderson, Edward J. Nowak, Jed H. Rankin
  • Patent number: 8658456
    Abstract: A tiltable micro-electro-mechanical (MEMS) system lens comprises a microscopic lens located on a front surface of a semiconductor-on-insulator (SOI) substrate and a semiconductor rim surrounding the periphery of the microscopic lens. Two horizontal semiconductor beams located at different heights are provided within a top semiconductor layer. The microscopic lens may be tilted by applying an electrical bias between the lens rim and one of the two semiconductor beams, thereby altering the path of an optical beam through the microscopic lens. An array of tiltable microscopic lenses may be employed to form a composite lens having a variable focal length may be formed. A design structure for such a tiltable MEMS lens is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: John J. Ellis-Monaghan, Jeffrey P. Gambino, Kirk D. Peterson, Jed H. Rankin
  • Patent number: 8652922
    Abstract: A method of forming a semiconductor structure includes forming a resistor on an insulator layer over a substrate and forming a trench in the resistor and into the substrate. The method also includes forming a liner on sidewalls of the trench and forming a core comprising a high thermal conductivity material in the trench and on the liner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph M. Lukaitis, Jed H. Rankin, Robert R. Robison, Dustin K. Slisher, Timothy D. Sullivan
  • Publication number: 20140030861
    Abstract: A lateral diffused metal-oxide-semiconductor field effect transistor (LDMOS transistor) employs a stress layer that enhances carrier mobility (i.e., on-current) while also maintaining a high breakdown voltage for the device. High breakdown voltage is maintained, because an increase in doping concentration of the drift region is minimized A well region and a drift region are formed in the substrate adjacent to one another. A first shallow trench isolation (STI) region is formed on and adjacent to the well region, and a second STI region is formed on and adjacent to the drift region. A stress layer is deposited over the LDMOS transistor and in the second STI region, which propagates compressive or tensile stress into the drift region, depending on the polarity of the stress layer. A portion of the stress layer can be removed over the gate to change the polarity of stress in the inversion region below the gate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2013
    Publication date: January 30, 2014
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Renata Camillo-Castillo, Erik M. Dahlstrom, Robert J. Gauthier, JR., Ephrem G. Gebreselasie, Richard A. Phelps, Jed H. Rankin, Yun Shi
  • Publication number: 20140021554
    Abstract: A structure and a method of making the structure. The structure includes first and second semiconductor regions in a semiconductor substrate and separated by a region of trench isolation in the semiconductor substrate; a first gate electrode extending over the first semiconductor region; a second gate electrode extending over the second semiconductor region; a trench contained in the region of trench isolation and between and abutting the first and second semiconductor regions; and an electrically conductive strap in the trench, the strap electrically connecting the first and second semiconductor regions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 26, 2013
    Publication date: January 23, 2014
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Brent A. Anderson, Edward J. Nowak, Jed H. Rankin
  • Patent number: 8623719
    Abstract: A method and semiconductor structure includes an insulator layer on a substrate, a plurality of parallel fins above the insulator layer. Each of the fins has a central semiconductor portion and conductive end portions. At least one conductive strap is positioned within the insulator layer below the fins. The conductive strap can be perpendicular to the fins and contact the fins. The conductive strap includes recessed portions disposed within the insulator layer, below the plurality of fins, and between each of the plurality of fins, and projected portions disposed above the insulator layer, collinear with each of the plurality of fins. The conductive strap is disposed in at least one of a source region and a drain region of the semiconductor structure. A gate insulator contacts and covers the central semiconductor portion of the fins, and a gate conductor covers and contacts the gate insulator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Brent A. Anderson, Andres Bryant, Edward J. Nowak, Jed H. Rankin
  • Patent number: 8609453
    Abstract: A reusable substrate and method for forming single crystal silicon solar cells are described. A method of forming a photovoltaic cell includes forming an intermediate layer on a monocrystalline silicon substrate, forming a monocrystalline silicon layer on the intermediate layer, and forming electrical features in the monocrystalline silicon layer. The method further includes forming openings in the monocrystalline silicon layer, and detaching the monocrystalline silicon layer from the substrate by selectively etching the intermediate layer through the openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Brent A. Anderson, Edward J. Nowak, Jed H. Rankin
  • Patent number: 8591749
    Abstract: A phase-shifting photomask with a self aligned undercut rim-shifting element and methods for its manufacture are provided. One embodiment of the invention provides a method of manufacturing a phase-shifting photomask having a self aligned rim-shifting element, the method comprising: applying a patterning film to a first portion of a transparent substrate; etching the substrate to a depth to remove a second portion of the substrate not beneath the patterning film; etching the first portion of the substrate to undercut an area beneath the patterning film; and removing the patterning film, wherein the etched substrate forms a self-aligned undercut rim-shifting element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Brent A. Anderson, Jed H. Rankin
  • Patent number: 8592268
    Abstract: An improved semiconductor device manufactured using, for example, replacement gate technologies. The method includes forming a dummy gate structure having a gate stack and spacers. The method further includes forming a dielectric material adjacent to the dummy gate structure. The method further includes removing the spacers to form gaps, and implanting a halo extension through the gaps and into an underlying diffusion region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: John J. Ellis-Monaghan, Jeffrey P. Gambino, Kirk D. Peterson, Jed H. Rankin
  • Patent number: 8586950
    Abstract: A method and system for photomask pattern generation is provided, and more specifically, a method and system for feature function aware priority printing is provided. The method of printing a photolithographic mask includes fracturing mask design data into write shapes that are multiples of a spot size and passing fractured mask design data to a write tool. Additionally, the method includes writing one or more non-critical shapes according to one or more time-saving rules.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Brian N. Caldwell, Emily E. F. Gallagher, Steven C. Nash, Jed H. Rankin
  • Publication number: 20130299908
    Abstract: A method and structure comprise a field effect transistor structure that includes a first rectangular fin structure positioned on a substrate. The first rectangular fin structure has a bottom contacting the substrate, a top opposite the bottom, and sides between the top and the bottom. The structure additionally includes a second rectangular fin structure positioned on the substrate. Similarly, the second rectangular fin structure also has a bottom contacting the substrate, a top opposite the bottom, and sides between the top and the bottom. The sides of the second rectangular fin structure are parallel to the sides of the first rectangular fin structure. Further, a trench insulator is positioned on the substrate and is positioned between a side of the first rectangular fin structure and a side of the second rectangular fin structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2013
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Inventors: Brent A. Anderson, Edward J. Nowak, Jed H. Rankin
  • Publication number: 20130285145
    Abstract: A method and structure comprise a field effect transistor structure that includes a first rectangular fin structure and a second rectangular fin structure, both positioned on a substrate. The sides of the second rectangular fin structure are parallel to the sides of the first rectangular fin structure. Further, a trench insulator is positioned on the substrate and positioned between a side of the first rectangular fin structure and a side of the second rectangular fin structure. A gate conductor is positioned on the trench insulator, positioned over the sides and the top of the first rectangular fin structure, and positioned over the sides and the top of the second rectangular fin structure. The gate conductor runs perpendicular to the sides of the first rectangular fin structure and the sides of the second rectangular fin structure. Also, a gate insulator is positioned between the gate conductor and the first rectangular fin structure and between the gate conductor and the second rectangular fin structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2013
    Publication date: October 31, 2013
    Inventors: Brent A. Anderson, Edward J. Nowak, Jed H. Rankin
  • Patent number: 8569131
    Abstract: A structure and a method of making the structure. The structure includes first and second semiconductor regions in a semiconductor substrate and separated by a region of trench isolation in the semiconductor substrate; a first gate electrode extending over the first semiconductor region; a second gate electrode extending over the second semiconductor region; a trench contained in the region of trench isolation and between and abutting the first and second semiconductor regions; and an electrically conductive strap in the trench, the strap electrically connecting the first and second semiconductor regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Brent A. Anderson, Edward J. Nowak, Jed H. Rankin
  • Publication number: 20130270678
    Abstract: An integrated circuit (IC) and a method of making the same. In one embodiment, the IC includes: a substrate; an insulation layer over the substrate; a resistor over the insulation layer; a thermal gate over the resistor; and a heat sink connected to the thermal gate via a substrate contact, the heat sink adapted to receive thermal energy from the resistor via the thermal gate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2012
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Jed H. Rankin, Robert R. Robison, Dustin K. Slisher
  • Patent number: 8557647
    Abstract: A method for forming feature on a substrate includes forming at least one layer of a feature material on a substrate, patterning a photolithographic resist material on the at least one layer of the feature material, removing portions of the feature material to define a feature, depositing a masking material layer over the resist material and exposed regions of the substrate, modifying a portion of the substrate, and removing the masking material layer and the resist material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Brent A. Anderson, Edward J. Nowak, Jed H. Rankin
  • Patent number: 8546252
    Abstract: A structure and method to create a metal gate having reduced threshold voltage roll-off. A method includes: forming a gate dielectric material on a substrate; forming a gate electrode material on the gate dielectric material; and altering a first portion of the gate electrode material. The altering causes the first portion of the gate electrode material to have a first work function that is different than a second work function associated with a second portion of the gate electrode material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Brent A. Anderson, Edward J. Nowak, Jed H. Rankin
  • Patent number: 8541864
    Abstract: A method of forming a semiconductor structure includes forming a resistor on an insulator layer over a substrate, and forming at least one dielectric layer over the resistor. The method also includes forming a substrate contact through the at least one dielectric layer, through the resistor, through the insulator layer, and into the substrate. The substrate contact comprises a high thermal conductivity material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph M. Lukaitis, Jed H. Rankin, Robert R. Robison, Dustin K. Slisher, Timothy D. Sullivan
  • Publication number: 20130228835
    Abstract: An improved semiconductor device manufactured using, for example, replacement gate technologies. The method includes forming a dummy gate structure having a gate stack and spacers. The method further includes forming a dielectric material adjacent to the dummy gate structure. The method further includes removing the spacers to form gaps, and implanting a halo extension through the gaps and into an underlying diffusion region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 5, 2013
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: John J. ELLIS-MONAGHAN, Jeffrey P. GAMBINO, Kirk D. PETERSON, Jed H. RANKIN