Patents by Inventor Joung-Joo Lee

Joung-Joo Lee 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: 20250132146
    Abstract: A method of capping a metal layer includes performing a conversion process to reduce a metal oxide layer formed on a top surface of the metal layer and form a metal sulfide layer on the top surface of the metal layer, exposing the top surface of the metal layer to an oxidizing environment, and performing a removal process to remove the metal sulfide layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2023
    Publication date: April 24, 2025
    Inventors: Mohammad Mahdi TAVAKOLI, Chandan DAS, Bencherki MEBARKI, Joung Joo LEE, Jiecong TANG, Avgerinos V. GELATOS
  • Patent number: 12281387
    Abstract: Organometallic precursors and methods of depositing high purity metal films are discussed. Some embodiments utilize a method comprising exposing a substrate surface to an organometallic precursor comprising one or more of molybdenum (Mo), tungsten (W), osmium (Os), technetium (Tc), manganese (Mn), rhenium (Re) or ruthenium (Ru), and an iodine-containing reactant comprising a species having a formula RIx, where R is one or more of a C1-C10 alkyl, C3-C10 cycloalkyl, C2-C10 alkenyl, or C2-C10 alkynyl group, I is an iodine group and x is in a range of 1 to 4 to form a carbon-less iodine-containing metal film. Some embodiments advantageously provide methods of forming metal films having low carbon content (e.g., having greater than or equal to 95% metal species on an atomic basis), without using an oxidizing agent or a reductant.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2025
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Feng Q. Liu, Mark Saly, David Thompson, Annamalai Lakshmanan, Avgerinos V. Gelatos, Joung Joo Lee
  • Publication number: 20250051902
    Abstract: Transition metal dichalcogenide (TMDC) films and methods for conformally depositing TMDC films on a substrate surface are described. The substrate surface may have one or more features formed therein, one or more layers formed thereon, and combinations thereof. The substrate surface is exposed to a transition metal precursor and an oxidant to form a transition metal oxide film in a first phase. The transition metal oxide film is exposed to a chalcogenide precursor to convert the transition metal oxide film to the TMDC film in a second phase.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2023
    Publication date: February 13, 2025
    Applicant: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Chandan Das, Bencherki Mebarki, Jiecong Tang, Mohammed Mahdi Tavakoli, John Sudijono, Joung Joo Lee
  • Publication number: 20250022750
    Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure provide methods of forming interconnect structures in the manufacture of microelectronic devices. In one or more embodiments, microelectronic devices described herein comprise at least one top interconnect structure that is interconnected to at least one bottom interconnect structure. Embodiments of the disclosure relate to methods of improving barrier layer and metal liner properties in the interconnect structures without increasing capacitance and/or damaging other layers. In some embodiments, the barrier layer is treated with microwave radiation. The treatment process can be implemented in a processing tool including a modular high-frequency emission source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2024
    Publication date: January 16, 2025
    Applicant: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Shinjae Hwang, Yoon Ah Shin, Feng Chen, Bencherki Mebarki, Joung Joo Lee, Xianmin Tang
  • Patent number: 12191198
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods to provide electronic devices comprising tungsten film stacks are provided. A tungsten liner formed by physical vapor deposition is filled with a tungsten film formed by chemical vapor deposition directly over the tungsten liner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2025
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Feihu Wang, Joung Joo Lee, Xi Cen, Zhibo Yuan, Wei Lei, Kai Wu, Chunming Zhou, Zhebo Chen
  • Patent number: 12183631
    Abstract: Methods for forming interconnects on a substrate with low resistivity and high dopant interfaces. In some embodiments, a method includes depositing a first copper layer with a dopant with a first dopant content of 0.5 percent to 10 percent in the interconnect by sputtering a first copper-based target at a first temperature of zero degrees Celsius to 200 degrees Celsius, annealing the substrate at a second temperature of 200 degrees Celsius to 400 degrees Celsius to reflow the first copper layer, depositing a second copper layer with the dopant with a second dopant content of zero percent to 0.5 percent by sputtering a second copper-based target at the first temperature of zero degrees Celsius to 200 degrees Celsius, and annealing the substrate at a third temperature of 200 degrees Celsius to 400 degrees Celsius to reflow the second copper layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2022
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2024
    Assignee: APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.
    Inventors: Suketu Parikh, Alexander Jansen, Joung Joo Lee, Lequn Liu
  • Publication number: 20240404803
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to a low temperature non-plasma containing preclean process to selectively remove contaminants from the surface of a substrate, such as halogen containing and/or metal oxide containing contaminants. The non-plasma containing precleaning process is performed at a low temperature by use of a microwave source that is configured to provide microwave energy to the processing gases disposed within a processing chamber. The non-plasma low temperature preclean process is effective in reducing halogen containing residues, such as fluorine and chlorine containing residues formed on a surface of a substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 26, 2024
    Publication date: December 5, 2024
    Inventors: Yoon Ah SHIN, Jiajie CEN, Zhiyuan WU, Bencherki MEBARKI, Kevin KASHEFI, Joung Joo LEE, Xianmin TANG
  • Publication number: 20240404888
    Abstract: Methods for forming a semiconductor structure and semiconductor structures are described. The method comprises patterning a substrate to form a first opening and a second opening, the substrate comprising an n transistor and a p transistor, the first opening over the n transistor and the second opening over the p transistor. The substrate may be pre-cleaned. A ruthenium silicide (RuSi) layer is selectively deposited on the p transistor. A titanium silicide (TiSi) layer is formed on the n transistor and the p transistor. An optional barrier layer may be formed on the titanium silicide (TiSi) layer. The method may be performed in a processing chamber without breaking vacuum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 7, 2024
    Publication date: December 5, 2024
    Applicant: Applied Materuals, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Anthony Empante, Avgerinos V. Gelatos, Zhibo Yuan, Liqi Wu, Joung Joo Lee, Byunghoon Yoon
  • Publication number: 20240371771
    Abstract: Embodiments of the disclosure include an apparatus and method of forming a semiconductor structure that includes metal contacts with a low resistance. In some embodiments, the semiconductor device generally includes an interconnect. The interconnect generally includes a dielectric layer with a tungsten (W) plug formed therein, a feature formed in the dielectric layer and over the W plug, a liner layer formed on an exposed surface of the W plug and on sidewalls of the feature, an interruption layer formed on the liner layer, and a conductive material substantially filling the feature. The liner layer includes molybdenum (Mo) or W, and the interruption layer includes Mo.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2024
    Publication date: November 7, 2024
    Inventors: Sahil Jaykumar PATEL, Wei LEI, Tuerxun AILIHUMAER, Joung Joo LEE, Rongjun WANG, Xianmin TANG
  • Publication number: 20240360549
    Abstract: A method includes performing a reactant step of a deposition cycle of a deposition process to form a molybdenum (Mo)-based material, performing a Mo precursor step of the deposition cycle, and performing a treatment step of the deposition cycle. Performing the reactant step includes introducing a reactant, performing the Mo precursor step includes introducing a Mo precursor, and performing the treatment step includes introducing a treatment gas. The deposition process is performed at a temperature that is less than or equal to about 450° C.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2023
    Publication date: October 31, 2024
    Inventors: Feng Q. Liu, Byunghoon Yoon, Joung-Joo Lee, Avgerinos V. Gelatos, Mark J. Saly
  • Publication number: 20240327991
    Abstract: Embodiments herein describe a method of manufacturing an interconnect structure. The method includes depositing a selective tungsten layer on a tungsten containing surface, the tungsten containing surface is disposed within a feature, wherein the feature includes one or more surfaces that comprise a dielectric material, and the depositing of the selective tungsten layer results in a residue forming on the dielectric material. The method also includes performing a reducing reaction via exposing the residue and dielectric material to an organosilane containing precursor soak, wherein the organosilane containing precursor reduces the residue. The method further includes forming a conformal layer over the dielectric material and the selective tungsten layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2023
    Publication date: October 3, 2024
    Inventors: Mohammad Mahdi TAVAKOLI, Avgerinos V. GELATOS, Joung Joo LEE
  • Publication number: 20240331999
    Abstract: Exemplary semiconductor processing methods may include providing a substrate to a processing region of a semiconductor processing chamber. The substrate may include an alternating stack of materials. A feature may extend through the alternating stack of materials. One material of the alternating stack of materials may include a silicon-containing material. A native oxide material may be disposed on at least a portion of exposed surfaces of the silicon-containing material. The methods may include performing a pre-clean treatment on the substrate. The methods may include providing a fluorine-containing precursor to the processing region. The methods may include contacting the substrate with the fluorine-containing precursor, wherein the contacting removes native oxide from the silicon-containing material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2024
    Publication date: October 3, 2024
    Applicant: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Ying-Bing Jiang, Avgerinos V. Gelatos, Joung Joo Lee, Bencherki Mebarki, Xianmin Tang, In Seok Hwang, Zhijun Chen
  • Publication number: 20240332023
    Abstract: The present disclosure relates to a method of selectively forming a silicide in high-aspect ratio structures by use of a multistep deposition process. A first precursor gas is delivered to a surface disposed within a processing region of a process chamber maintained at a first process pressure, where the substrate is maintained at a first temperature for a first period of time. A purge gas is delivered to for a second period of time after the first period of time has elapsed. A second precursor gas is delivered to the surface of the substrate. The second precursor being maintained at a second process pressure while the substrate is maintained at a second temperature for a third period of time. The purge gas is delivered to the processing region for a fourth period of time after the third period of time has elapsed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 29, 2024
    Publication date: October 3, 2024
    Inventors: Ying-Bing JIANG, In Seok HWANG, Zhijun CHEN, Avgerinos V. GELATOS, Joung Joo LEE, Xianmin TANG, Fredrick FISHBURN, Le ZHANG, Wangee KIM, Mahendra PAKALA
  • Patent number: 12104243
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for processing a substrate is provided herein. For example, a method for processing a substrate comprises depositing a silicide layer within a feature defined in a layer on a substrate, forming one of a metal liner layer or a metal seed layer atop the silicide layer within the feature via depositing at least one of molybdenum (Mo) or tungsten (W) using physical vapor deposition, and depositing Mo using at least one of chemical vapor deposition or atomic layer deposition atop the at least one of the metal liner layer or the metal seed layer, without vacuum break.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2024
    Assignee: APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.
    Inventors: Annamalai Lakshmanan, Jacqueline S. Wrench, Feihu Wang, Yixiong Yang, Joung Joo Lee, Srinivas Gandikota, Sang-heum Kim, Zhebo Chen, Gang Shen
  • Patent number: 12094785
    Abstract: Methods for forming a semiconductor structure and semiconductor structures are described. The method comprises patterning a substrate to form a first opening and a second opening, the substrate comprising an n transistor and a p transistor, the first opening over the n transistor and the second opening over the p transistor. The substrate may be pre-cleaned. A ruthenium silicide (RuSi) layer is selectively deposited on the p transistor. A titanium silicide (TiSi) layer is formed on the n transistor and the p transistor. An optional barrier layer may be formed on the titanium silicide (TiSi) layer. The method may be performed in a processing chamber without breaking vacuum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2024
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Anthony Empante, Avgerinos V. Gelatos, Zhibo Yuan, Liqi Wu, Joung Joo Lee, Byunghoon Yoon
  • Patent number: 12094699
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for processing substrates are disclosed. In some embodiments, a process chamber for processing a substrate includes: a body having an interior volume and a target to be sputtered, the interior volume including a central portion and a peripheral portion; a substrate support disposed in the interior volume opposite the target and having a support surface configured to support the substrate; a collimator disposed in the interior volume between the target and the substrate support; a first magnet disposed about the body proximate the collimator; a second magnet disposed about the body above the support surface and entirely below the collimator and spaced vertically below the first magnet; and a third magnet disposed about the body and spaced vertically between the first magnet and the second magnet. The first, second, and third magnets are configured to generate respective magnetic fields to redistribute ions over the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2023
    Date of Patent: September 17, 2024
    Assignee: APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.
    Inventors: Xiaodong Wang, Joung Joo Lee, Fuhong Zhang, Martin Lee Riker, Keith A. Miller, William Fruchterman, Rongjun Wang, Adolph Miller Allen, Shouyin Zhang, Xianmin Tang
  • Publication number: 20240234209
    Abstract: Methods for forming a semiconductor structure and semiconductor structures are described. The method comprises patterning a substrate to form a first opening and a second opening, the substrate comprising an n transistor and a p transistor, the first opening over the n transistor and the second opening over the p transistor. The substrate is pre-cleaned. A molybdenum silicide (MoSi) layer is deposited on one or more of the p transistor and the n transistor. A titanium silicide (TiSi) layer is formed on the n transistor and the p transistor. A capping layer may be formed on the titanium silicide (TiSi) layer. The method may be an integrated method performed in a processing chamber without breaking vacuum.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2023
    Publication date: July 11, 2024
    Applicant: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Avgerinos V. Gelatos, Yang Hu, Thomas Anthony Empante, Gaurav Thareja, Joung Joo Lee, Shi You, Pranav Ramesh, Chi H. Ching, Nicolas Breil
  • Patent number: 12022650
    Abstract: Methods for DRAM device with a buried word line are described. The method includes forming a metal cap layer and a molybdenum conductor layer in a feature on a substrate. The method includes depositing the metal cap layer on the substrate by physical vapor deposition (PVD) and depositing the molybdenum conductor layer by atomic layer deposition (ALD) on the metal cap layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2023
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2024
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Yixiong Yang, Jacqueline S. Wrench, Yong Yang, Srinivas Gandikota, Annamalai Lakshmanan, Joung Joo Lee, Feihu Wang, Seshadri Ganguli
  • Publication number: 20240191354
    Abstract: Methods of depositing a metal silicide on a substrate are provided herein. In some embodiments, a method of depositing a metal silicide on a substrate having a silicon containing surface includes: creating a plasma comprising a first gas in a plasma region in a chemical vapor deposition (CVD) chamber, wherein the plasma region is disposed between a lid heater and a showerhead; flowing the first gas through a plurality of first openings of the showerhead to an activation region in the CVD chamber disposed between the showerhead and the substrate; flowing a second gas comprising a metal precursor in a non-plasma state through a plurality of second openings of the showerhead to the activation region, wherein the plurality of second openings are fluidly independent from the plurality of first openings within the showerhead; mixing the first gas with the second gas to activate the second gas in the activation region; and exposing the silicon containing surface of the substrate to the activated second gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2022
    Publication date: June 13, 2024
    Inventors: Ying-Bing JIANG, Joung Joo LEE, Xianmin TANG, Jiang LU, Avgerinos V. GELATOS, Dien-yeh WU, Weifeng YE, Yiyang WAN, Gary HOW, Joseph HERNANDEZ
  • Publication number: 20240194605
    Abstract: A semiconductor structure includes a first level comprising a metal layer within a first dielectric layer formed on a substrate, a second level formed on the first level, the second level comprising an interconnect within a second dielectric layer and a barrier layer formed around the interconnect, and a metal capping layer disposed at an interface between the metal layer and the interconnect, wherein the metal capping layer comprises tungsten (W) and has a thickness of between 20 ? and 40 ?.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2023
    Publication date: June 13, 2024
    Inventors: Mohammad Mahdi TAVAKOLI, Avgerinos V. GELATOS, Jiajie CEN, Kevin KASHEFI, Joung Joo LEE, Zhihui LIU, Yang ZHOU, Zhiyuan WU, Meng-Shan WU