Patents by Inventor Mahalingam Nandakumar

Mahalingam Nandakumar 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: 8558310
    Abstract: A method of forming an integrated circuit (IC) having at least one PMOS transistor includes performing PLDD implantation including co-implanting indium, carbon and a halogen, and a boron specie to establish source/drain extension regions in a substrate having a semiconductor surface on either side of a gate structure including a gate electrode on a gate dielectric formed on the semiconductor surface. Source and drain implantation is performed to establish source/drain regions, wherein the source/drain regions are distanced from the gate structure further than the source/drain extension regions. Source/drain annealing is performed after the source and drain implantation. The co-implants can be selectively provided to only core PMOS transistors, and the method can include a ultra high temperature anneal such as a laser anneal after the PLDD implantation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2013
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Mahalingam Nandakumar, Amitabh Jain
  • Patent number: 8138045
    Abstract: A method of forming sidewall spacers for a gate in a semiconductor device includes depositing a gate oxide layer over a gate and source/drain regions, and using a thermal anneal to oxidize silicon of the substrate and silicon of the gate after formation of the deposited oxide layer. A sidewall layer is deposited over the oxide layer following the oxidation, and the sidewall layer and oxide layer are patterned to form the sidewall spacers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2012
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Mahalingam Nandakumar, Said Ghneim, Frank Scott Johnson
  • Patent number: 8125035
    Abstract: Ultra high temperature (UHT) anneals above 1200 C for less than 100 milliseconds for PMOS transistors reduce end of range dislocations, but are incompatible with stress memorization technique (SMT) layers used to enhance NMOS on-state current. This invention reverses the conventional order of forming the NMOS first by forming PSD using carbon co-implants and UHT annealing them before implanting the NSD and depositing the SMT layer. End of range dislocation densities in the PSD space charge region below 100 cm?2 are achieved. Tensile stress in the PMOS from the SMT layer is significantly reduced. The PLDD may also be UHT annealed to reduce end of range dislocations close to the PMOS channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Mahalingam Nandakumar, Song Zhao, Amitabh Jain
  • Patent number: 8101476
    Abstract: A method for forming a tensile SiN stress layer for stress memorization enhancement of NMOS transistors with a high Si—H/N—H bond ratio that does not degrade PMOS transistors. A CMOS integrated circuit is processed through a NMOS source and drain implant but not through NMOS source and drain anneal. A SiN dielectric layer is deposited such that an area ratio of a Si—H peak to a N—H peak in a FTIR spectrum is greater than 7 and a tensile stress of the SiN dielectric is greater than 150 MPa. The CMOS integrated circuit is annealed after deposition of the SiN dielectric layer and the SiN dielectric layer is removed from at least a part of the integrated circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2012
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Kanan Garg, Haowen Bu, Mahalingam Nandakumar, Song Zhao
  • Patent number: 7968415
    Abstract: A method of fabricating a transistor (10) comprises forming source and drain regions (46) and (47) using a first sidewall (42) and (43) as a mask and forming a deep blanket source and drain regions (54) and (56) using a second sidewall (50) and (51) as a mask, the second sidewall (50) and (51) comprising at least part of the first sidewall (42) and (43).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2011
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventor: Mahalingam Nandakumar
  • Publication number: 20110147850
    Abstract: A method of forming an integrated circuit (IC) including a core and a non-core PMOS transistor includes forming a non-core gate structure including a gate electrode on a gate dielectric and a core gate structure including a gate electrode on a gate dielectric. The gate dielectric for the non-core gate structure is at least 2 ? of equivalent oxide thickness (EOT) thicker as compared to the gate dielectric for the core gate structure. P-type lightly doped drain (PLDD) implantation including boron establishes source/drain extension regions in the substrate. The PLDD implantation includes selective co-implanting of carbon and nitrogen into the source/drain extension region of the non-core gate structure. Source and drain implantation forms source/drain regions for the non-core and core gate structure, wherein the source/drain regions are distanced from the non-core and core gate structures further than their source/drain extension regions. Source/drain annealing is performed after source and drain implantation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2010
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Applicant: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Mahalingam Nandakumar, Amitabh Jain
  • Publication number: 20110147854
    Abstract: A method of forming an integrated circuit (IC) having at least one PMOS transistor includes performing PLDD implantation including co-implanting indium, carbon and a halogen, and a boron specie to establish source/drain extension regions in a substrate having a semiconductor surface on either side of a gate structure including a gate electrode on a gate dielectric formed on the semiconductor surface. Source and drain implantation is performed to establish source/drain regions, wherein the source/drain regions are distanced from the gate structure further than the source/drain extension regions. Source/drain annealing is performed after the source and drain implantation. The co-implants can be selectively provided to only core PMOS transistors, and the method can include a ultra high temperature anneal such as a laser anneal after the PLDD implantation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2010
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Applicant: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Mahalingam Nandakumar, Amitabh Jain
  • Publication number: 20100270622
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device as well as a semiconductor device. The method, among other steps, may include forming a gate structure over a substrate, and forming a strain inducing sidewall spacer proximate a sidewall of the gate structure, the strain inducing sidewall configured to introduce strain in a channel region below the gate structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2010
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Applicant: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Mahalingam NANDAKUMAR, Wayne A. BATHER, Narendra Singh MEHTA, Lahir Shaik ADAM
  • Publication number: 20100252887
    Abstract: A method for fabricating a transistor on a semiconductor wafer includes providing a partial transistor containing a gate stack, extension regions, and source/drain sidewalls. The method also includes performing a source/drain implant of the semiconductor wafer, forming a cap layer over the semiconductor wafer, and performing a source/drain anneal. In addition, the method includes performing a damage implant of the cap layer and removing the cap layer over the semiconductor wafer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2010
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Applicant: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Mahalingam Nandakumar, Wayne Bather, Narendra Singh Mehta
  • Publication number: 20100210081
    Abstract: A method for forming a tensile SiN stress layer for stress memorization enhancement of NMOS transistors with a high Si—H/N—H bond ratio that does not degrade PMOS transistors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2009
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Applicant: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Kanan GARG, Haowen BU, Mahalingam NANDAKUMAR, Song ZHAO
  • Patent number: 7772094
    Abstract: A method for semiconductor processing is provided, wherein a removal of one or more layers is aided by structurally weakening the one or more layers via ion implantation. A semiconductor substrate is provided having one or more primary layers formed thereon, and a secondary layer is formed over the one or more primary layers. One or more ion species are implanted into the secondary layer, therein structurally weakening the secondary layer, and a patterned photoresist layer is formed over the secondary layer. Respective portions of the secondary layer and the one or more primary layers that are not covered by the patterned photoresist layer are removed, and the patterned photoresist layer is further removed. At least another portion of the secondary layer is removed, wherein the structural weakening of the secondary layer increases a removal rate of the at least another portion of the secondary layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Texas Instuments Incorporated
    Inventors: Mahalingam Nandakumar, Wayne Bather, Narendra Singh Mehta
  • Publication number: 20100133624
    Abstract: Ultra high temperature (UHT) anneals above 1200 C for less than 100 milliseconds for PMOS transistors reduce end of range dislocations, but are incompatible with stress memorization technique (SMT) layers used to enhance NMOS on-state current. This invention reverses the conventional order of forming the NMOS first by forming PSD using carbon co-implants and UHT annealing them before implanting the NSD and depositing the SMT layer. End of range dislocation densities in the PSD space charge region below 100 cm?2 are achieved. Tensile stress in the PMOS from the SMT layer is significantly reduced. The PLDD may also be UHT annealed to reduce end of range dislocations close to the PMOS channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2010
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Applicant: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Mahalingam Nandakumar, Song Zhao, Amitabh Jain
  • Patent number: 7678637
    Abstract: Ultra high temperature (UHT) anneals above 1200 C for less than 100 milliseconds for PMOS transistors reduce end of range dislocations, but are incompatible with stress memorization technique (SMT) layers used to enhance NMOS on-state current. This invention reverses the conventional order of forming the NMOS first by forming PSD using carbon co-implants and UHT annealing them before implanting the NSD and depositing the SMT layer. End of range dislocation densities in the PSD space charge region below 100 cm?2 are achieved. Tensile stress in the PMOS from the SMT layer is significantly reduced. The PLDD may also be UHT annealed to reduce end of range dislocations close to the PMOS channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2010
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Mahalingam Nandakumar, Song Zhao, Amitabh Jain
  • Patent number: 7638402
    Abstract: A sidewall spacer pullback scheme is implemented in forming a transistor. The scheme, among other things, allows silicide regions of the transistor to be made larger, or rather have a larger surface area. The larger surface area has a lower resistance and thus allows voltages to be applied to the transistor more accurately. The scheme also allows transistors to be made slightly thinner so that the formation of voids in a layer of dielectric material formed over the transistors is mitigated. This mitigates yield loss by facilitating more predictable or otherwise desirable transistor behavior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2009
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Mahalingam Nandakumar, Amitava Chatterjee, Terrence J. Riley
  • Publication number: 20090286375
    Abstract: A method of forming sidewall spacers for a gate in a semiconductor device includes re-oxidizing/annealing silicon of the substrate and silicon of the gate after formation of the gate. The substrate is re-oxidized by performing an anneal in an inert atmosphere or ambient. The substrate may be re-oxidized/annealing after depositing an oxide layer covering the substrate and gate. Additionally, the substrate may be re-oxidized/annealing after forming the gate without depositing the oxide layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2008
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Inventors: Mahalingam Nandakumar, Said Ghneim, Frank Scott Johnson
  • Patent number: 7557022
    Abstract: Formation of an NMOS transistor is disclosed, where at least one of carbon, atomic fluorine and molecular fluorine (F2) are combined with implantations of at least one of arsenic, phosphorous and antimony. The dopant combinations can be used in LDD implantations to form source/drain extension regions, as well as in implantations to form halo regions and/or source/drain regions. The combinations of dopants help to reduce sheet resistance and increase carrier mobility, which in turn facilitates device scaling and desired device performance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2009
    Assignee: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Mahalingam Nandakumar, Amitabh Jain, Lahir Shaik Adam
  • Publication number: 20090166675
    Abstract: This disclosure relates to strain engineering to improve the performance of semiconductor components that include a strained region of the semiconductor substrate. The disclosure involves the amorphization of the target region and the recrystallization of the atomic lattice whilst imposing a strain on the region. The region so formed will form a strained lattice, wherein the strain is uniformly distributed throughout the region, and which retains the intrinsic strain even if the source of the mechanical strain is removed. The disclosure includes methods for forming semiconductor substrates having strained regions (such as semiconductor components having a strained channel region) and semiconductor components formed thereby, as well as variations having various properties and advantages.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 30, 2008
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Applicant: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventor: Mahalingam Nandakumar
  • Publication number: 20090170277
    Abstract: A method for semiconductor processing is provided, wherein a removal of one or more layers is aided by structurally weakening the one or more layers via ion implantation. A semiconductor substrate is provided having one or more primary layers formed thereon, and a secondary layer is formed over the one or more primary layers. One or more ion species are implanted into the secondary layer, therein structurally weakening the secondary layer, and a patterned photoresist layer is formed over the secondary layer. Respective portions of the secondary layer and the one or more primary layers that are not covered by the patterned photoresist layer are removed, and the patterned photoresist layer is further removed. At least another portion of the secondary layer is removed, wherein the structural weakening of the secondary layer increases a removal rate of the at least another portion of the secondary layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2008
    Publication date: July 2, 2009
    Applicant: Texas Instruments Incorporated
    Inventors: Mahalingam Nandakumar, Wayne Bather, Narendra Singh Mehta
  • Publication number: 20090079008
    Abstract: Ultra high temperature (UHT) anneals above 1200 C for less than 100 milliseconds for PMOS transistors reduce end of range dislocations, but are incompatible with stress memorization technique (SMT) layers used to enhance NMOS on-state current. This invention reverses the conventional order of forming the NMOS first by forming PSD using carbon co-implants and UHT annealing them before implanting the NSD and depositing the SMT layer. End of range dislocation densities in the PSD space charge region below 100 cm?2 are achieved. Tensile stress in the PMOS from the SMT layer is significantly reduced. The PLDD may also be UHT annealed to reduce end of range dislocations close to the PMOS channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2008
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Applicant: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Mahalingam Nandakumar, Song Zhao, Amitabh Jain
  • Publication number: 20090004805
    Abstract: A method for fabricating a transistor on a semiconductor wafer includes providing a partial transistor containing a gate stack, extension regions, and source/drain sidewalls. The method also includes performing a source/drain implant of the semiconductor wafer, forming a cap layer over the semiconductor wafer, and performing a source/drain anneal. In addition, the method includes performing a damage implant of the cap layer and removing the cap layer over the semiconductor wafer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2007
    Publication date: January 1, 2009
    Applicant: TEXAS INSTRUMENTS INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Mahalingam Nandakumar, Wayne Bather, Narendra Singh Mehta