Patents by Inventor Kyle M. Hanson

Kyle M. Hanson 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: 20250116028
    Abstract: Exemplary electroplating systems may include a vessel. The systems may include a head that is configured to hold a substrate. The head may be positionable within an interior of the vessel. The systems may include a spray jet array disposed within the interior of the vessel. The spray jet array may include a plate defining a plurality of apertures through a thickness of the plate. The systems may include at least one fluid pump that is fluidly coupled with an inlet end of each of the plurality of apertures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2023
    Publication date: April 10, 2025
    Applicant: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul R. McHugh, Gregory J. Wilson, Kyle M. Hanson, Nolan L. Zimmerman, Randy A. Harris, John L. Klocke, Eric J. Bergman, Keith Edward Ypma
  • Publication number: 20250006519
    Abstract: Method and systems for cleaning and wetting a semiconductor substrate, are provided. Methods and systems include forming an atmosphere in a basin housing the semiconductor substrate with a gas having a higher solubility in a wetting agent than oxygen. Methods and systems include spraying the wetting agent with a spray head onto the substrate while maintaining the atmosphere. Methods and systems include rotationally translating the semiconductor substrate, the spray head, or both the semiconductor substrate and the spray head, Methods and systems include wetting a plurality of features defined in the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2023
    Publication date: January 2, 2025
    Applicant: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Kyle M. Hanson, Eric J. Bergman, Gregory J. Wilson, Paul R. McHugh, Benjamin Clay Bradley, Aaron Paul Juntunen, Deepak Saagar Kalaikadal, Daniel Durado, Carl Campbell Stringer, James Jay Tripp, Jason A. Rye, John L. Klocke
  • Publication number: 20240337040
    Abstract: The present technology includes monolithic electroplating seals, such as electroplating seals formed utilizing additive manufacturing. Seals include an external seal member and an internal seal member. The external seal member includes an inner annular radius, an outer annular radius, and an external seal member body defined between an exterior surface and an interior surface opposite the exterior surface. The exterior surface is formed from at least one polymer layer having a porosity of less than or about 10 vol. % and the external seal member body includes a filler. The internal seal member is formed integrally with and extends along at least a portion of the interior surface of the external seal member from the inner annular radius towards the outer annular radius. The internal seal member includes a deformable thermoplastic elastomer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2023
    Publication date: October 10, 2024
    Applicant: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventor: Kyle M. Hanson
  • Publication number: 20240160117
    Abstract: Apparatus and method for substrate processing are described herein. More specifically, the apparatus and method are directed towards apparatus and method for performing a field guided post exposure bake operation on a semiconductor substrate. The apparatus is a processing module (100) and includes an upper portion (102) with an electrode (400) and a base portion (104) which is configured to support a substrate (500) on a substrate support surface (159). The upper portion (102) and the base portion (104) are actuated toward and away from one another using one or more arms (112) and form a process volume (404). The process volume (404) is filled with a process fluid and the processing module (100) is rotated about an axis (A). An electric field is applied to the substrate (500) by the electrode (400) before the process fluid is drained from the process volume (404).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2021
    Publication date: May 16, 2024
    Applicant: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Dmitry LUBOMIRSKY, Kyle M. HANSON, Douglas A. BUCHBERGER, Jr., Alan L. TSO, Rahul KOZHIKKALKANDI, Paul R. MCHUGH, Jiayi SUN, Qiwei LIANG, Nithin Thomas ALEX, Lancelot HUANG, Ellie Y. YIEH
  • Patent number: 11982008
    Abstract: An electroplating system has a vessel assembly holding an electrolyte. A weir thief electrode assembly in the vessel assembly includes a plenum inside of a weir frame. The plenum divided into at least a first, a second and a third virtual thief electrode segment. A plurality of spaced apart openings through the weir frame lead out of the plenum. A weir ring is attached to the weir frame and guides flow of current during electroplating. The electroplating system provides process determined radial and circumferential current density control and does not require changing hardware components during set up.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2023
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2024
    Assignee: APPLIED Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul R. McHugh, Gregory J. Wilson, Kyle M. Hanson, John L. Klocke, Paul Van Valkenburg, Eric J. Bergman, Adam Marc McClure, Deepak Saagar Kalaikadal, Nolan Layne Zimmerman, Michael Windham, Mikael R. Borjesson
  • Publication number: 20240145251
    Abstract: Conditions at the perimeter of the wafer may be characterized and used to adjust current stolen by the weir thief electrodes during a plating process to generate more uniform film thicknesses. An electrode may be positioned in a plating chamber near the periphery of the wafer as the wafer rotates. To characterize the electrical contacts on the seal, a wafer with a seed layer may be loaded into the plating chamber, and a constant current may be driven through the electrode into the conductive layer on the wafer. As an electrical characteristic of this current varies, such as a voltage required to drive a constant current, a mapping characterizing the seal quality or the openings in the mask layer may be generated.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2022
    Publication date: May 2, 2024
    Applicant: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventor: Kyle M. Hanson
  • Patent number: 11788200
    Abstract: Exemplary electroplating apparatuses may include a system head operable to clamp a substrate. The system head may be operable to raise and lower the substrate between a plating bath, a first position above the plating bath, and a second position above the first position. The electroplating apparatuses may include a plating bath vessel adapted to hold the plating bath for electroplating on the substrate. The electroplating apparatuses may include a weir extending about the plating bath vessel. The electroplating apparatuses may include a first nozzle extending through the weir at a first radial position, and positioned to deliver fluid to the substrate at the first position above the plating bath. The electroplating apparatuses may include a second nozzle extending through the weir at a second radial position, and positioned to deliver fluid to the substrate at the second position above the plating bath.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 17, 2023
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Sam Lee, Kyle M. Hanson, Eric J. Bergman
  • Publication number: 20230313405
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present technology include electroplating methods that include providing a first portion of an electrolyte feedstock to a first compartment of an electrochemical cell. The first portion of an electrolyte feedstock may be characterized by an initial metal ion concentration and an initial acid concentration. The methods may include providing a second portion of an electrolyte feedstock to a second compartment of the electrochemical cell. The second compartment and first compartment may be separated by a first membrane. The methods may include providing an acidic solution to a third compartment of the electrochemical cell. The third compartment and second compartment may be separated by a second membrane. The acidic solution may be characterized by an initial acid concentration. The methods may include applying a current to an anode of the electrochemical cell. The anode of the electrochemical cell may be disposed proximate the first compartment and across from the first membrane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2023
    Publication date: October 5, 2023
    Applicant: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul R. McHugh, Gregory J. Wilson, Kwan Wook Roh, Kyle M. Hanson, Forrest G. Reinhart, David J. Reis, James E. Brown, Nolan L. Zimmerman
  • Publication number: 20230313406
    Abstract: Electroplating methods may include providing an electrolyte feedstock comprising copper to a first compartment of an electrochemical cell. The methods may include providing an acidic solution to a second compartment of the electrochemical cell. The first compartment and second compartment may be separated by a membrane. The methods may include applying a current to an anode of the electrochemical cell. The anode of the electrochemical cell may be disposed proximate the first compartment and across from the membrane. The methods may include forming an anolyte and catholyte precursor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2023
    Publication date: October 5, 2023
    Applicant: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Paul R. McHugh, Forrest G. Reinhart, Gregory J. Wilson, Kwan Wook Roh, Kyle M. Hanson, James E. Brown, David J. Reis
  • Publication number: 20230272546
    Abstract: Electroplating methods and systems are described that include adding a metal-ion-containing starting solution to a catholyte to increase a metal ion concentration in the catholyte to a first metal ion concentration. The methods and systems further include measuring the metal ion concentration in the catholyte while the metal ions electroplate onto a substrate and the catholyte reaches a second metal ion concentration that is less than the first metal ion concentration. The methods and systems additionally include adding a portion of an anolyte directly to the catholyte when the catholyte reaches the second metal ion concentration. The addition of the portion of the anolyte increases the metal ion concentration in the catholyte to a third metal ion concentration that is greater than or about the first metal ion concentration.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2023
    Publication date: August 31, 2023
    Applicant: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Kwan Wook Roh, Charles Sharbono, Kyle M. Hanson
  • Patent number: 11697887
    Abstract: Electroplating systems may include an electroplating chamber. The systems may also include a replenish assembly fluidly coupled with the electroplating chamber. The replenish assembly may include a first compartment housing anode material. The first compartment may include a first compartment section in which the anode material is housed and a second compartment section separated from the first compartment section by a divider. The replenish assembly may include a second compartment fluidly coupled with the electroplating chamber and electrically coupled with the first compartment. The replenish assembly may also include a third compartment electrically coupled with the second compartment, the third compartment including an inert cathode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2023
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Nolan L. Zimmerman, Charles Sharbono, Gregory J. Wilson, Paul R. McHugh, Paul Van Valkenburg, Deepak Saagar Kalaikadal, Kyle M. Hanson
  • Patent number: 11686005
    Abstract: Electroplating methods and systems are described that include adding a metal-ion-containing starting solution to a catholyte to increase a metal ion concentration in the catholyte to a first metal ion concentration. The methods and systems further include measuring the metal ion concentration in the catholyte while the metal ions electroplate onto a substrate and the catholyte reaches a second metal ion concentration that is less than the first metal ion concentration. The methods and systems additionally include adding a portion of an anolyte directly to the catholyte when the catholyte reaches the second metal ion concentration. The addition of the portion of the anolyte increases the metal ion concentration in the catholyte to a third metal ion concentration that is greater than or about the first metal ion concentration.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Kwan Wook Roh, Charles Sharbono, Kyle M. Hanson
  • Publication number: 20230167573
    Abstract: An electroplating system has a vessel assembly holding an electrolyte. A weir thief electrode assembly in the vessel assembly includes a plenum inside of a weir frame. The plenum divided into at least a first, a second and a third virtual thief electrode segment. A plurality of spaced apart openings through the weir frame lead out of the plenum. A weir ring is attached to the weir frame and guides flow of current during electroplating. The electroplating system provides process determined radial and circumferential current density control and does not require changing hardware components during set up.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2023
    Publication date: June 1, 2023
    Inventors: Paul R. McHugh, Gregory J. Wilson, Kyle M. Hanson, John L. Klocke, Paul Van Valkenburg, Eric J. Bergman, Adam Marc McClure, Deepak Saagar Kalaikadal, Nolan Layne Zimmerman, Michael Windham, Mikael R. Borjesson
  • Patent number: 11578422
    Abstract: An electroplating system has a vessel assembly holding an electrolyte. A weir thief electrode assembly in the vessel assembly includes a plenum inside of a weir frame. The plenum divided into at least a first, a second and a third virtual thief electrode segment. A plurality of spaced apart openings through the weir frame lead out of the plenum. A weir ring is attached to the weir frame and guides flow of current during electroplating. The electroplating system provides process determined radial and circumferential current density control and does not require changing hardware components during set up.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 24, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.
    Inventors: Paul R. McHugh, Gregory J. Wilson, Kyle M. Hanson, John L. Klocke, Paul Van Valkenburg, Eric J. Bergman, Adam Marc McClure, Deepak Saagar Kalaikadal, Nolan Layne Zimmerman, Michael Windham, Mikael R. Borjesson
  • Patent number: 11550224
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein relate to methods and apparatus for performing immersion field guided post exposure bake processes. Embodiments of apparatus described herein include a chamber body defining a processing volume. Electrodes may be disposed adjacent the process volume and process fluid is provided to the process volume via a plurality of fluid conduits to facilitate immersion field guided post exposure bake processes. A post process chamber for rinsing, developing, and drying a substrate is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Kyle M. Hanson, Gregory J. Wilson, Viachslav Babayan
  • Publication number: 20220259756
    Abstract: Exemplary electroplating apparatuses may include a system head operable to clamp a substrate. The system head may be operable to raise and lower the substrate between a plating bath, a first position above the plating bath, and a second position above the first position. The electroplating apparatuses may include a plating bath vessel adapted to hold the plating bath for electroplating on the substrate. The electroplating apparatuses may include a weir extending about the plating bath vessel. The electroplating apparatuses may include a first nozzle extending through the weir at a first radial position, and positioned to deliver fluid to the substrate at the first position above the plating bath. The electroplating apparatuses may include a second nozzle extending through the weir at a second radial position, and positioned to deliver fluid to the substrate at the second position above the plating bath.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2022
    Publication date: August 18, 2022
    Applicant: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Sam Lee, Kyle M. Hanson, Eric J. Bergman
  • Patent number: 11352711
    Abstract: Cleaning substrates or electroplating system components may include methods of rinsing a substrate at a semiconductor plating chamber. The methods may include moving a head from a plating bath to a first position. The head may include a substrate coupled with the head. The methods may include rotating the head for a first period of time to sling bath fluid back into the plating bath. A residual amount of bath fluid may remain. The methods may include delivering a first fluid to the substrate from a first fluid nozzle to at least partially expel the residual amount of bath fluid back into the plating bath. The methods may include moving the head to a second position. The methods may include rotating the head for a second period of time. The methods may also include delivering a second fluid across the substrate from a second fluid nozzle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2022
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Sam Lee, Kyle M. Hanson, Eric J. Bergman
  • Publication number: 20220145489
    Abstract: An electroplating system has a vessel assembly holding an electrolyte. A weir thief electrode assembly in the vessel assembly includes a plenum inside of a weir frame. The plenum divided into at least a first, a second and a third virtual thief electrode segment. A plurality of spaced apart openings through the weir frame lead out of the plenum. A weir ring is attached to the weir frame and guides flow of current during electroplating. The electroplating system provides process determined radial and circumferential current density control and does not require changing hardware components during set up.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 24, 2022
    Publication date: May 12, 2022
    Inventors: Paul R. McHugh, Gregory J. Wilson, Kyle M. Hanson, John L. Klocke, Paul Van Valkenburg, Eric J. Bergman, Adam Marc McClure, Deepak Saagar Kalaikadal, Nolan Layne Zimmerman, Michael Windham, Mikael R. Borjesson
  • Publication number: 20220127747
    Abstract: Electroplating systems may include an electroplating chamber. The systems may also include a replenish assembly fluidly coupled with the electroplating chamber. The replenish assembly may include a first compartment housing anode material. The first compartment may include a first compartment section in which the anode material is housed and a second compartment section separated from the first compartment section by a divider. The replenish assembly may include a second compartment fluidly coupled with the electroplating chamber and electrically coupled with the first compartment. The replenish assembly may also include a third compartment electrically coupled with the second compartment, the third compartment including an inert cathode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2020
    Publication date: April 28, 2022
    Applicant: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Nolan L. Zimmerman, Charles Sharbono, Gregory J. Wilson, Paul R. McHugh, Paul Van Valkenburg, Deepak Saagar Kalaikadal, Kyle M. Hanson
  • Patent number: 11274377
    Abstract: Electroplating system seals may include an annular busbar characterized by an inner annular radius and an outer annular radius. The annular busbar may include a plurality of contact extensions. The seals may include an external seal member characterized by an inner annular radius and an outer annular radius. The external seal member may be vertically aligned with and extend inward of the contact extensions at the inner annular radius of the external seal member. The external seal member may include an interior surface at least partially facing the contact extensions. The seals may also include an internal seal member extending a first distance along the interior surface of the external seal member from the inner annular radius. The internal seal member may include a deformable material configured to support a substrate between the internal seal member and the plurality of contact extensions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Kyle M. Hanson, Manjunatha Vishwanatha Adagoor, Karthikeyan Balaraman, Karthick Vasu, Shailesh Chouriya