Patents by Inventor Marc A. Bergendahl

Marc A. Bergendahl 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: 20180076034
    Abstract: Multi-angled deposition and masking techniques are provided to enable custom trimming and selective removal of spacers that are used for patterning features at sub-lithographic dimensions. For example, a method includes forming a sacrificial mandrel on a substrate, and forming first and second spacers on opposing sidewalls of the sacrificial mandrel. The first and second spacers are formed with an initial thickness Ts. A first angle deposition process is performed to deposit a material (e.g., insulating material or metallic material) at a first deposition angle A1 to form a first trim mask layer on an upper portion of the first spacer and the sacrificial mandrel while preventing the material from being deposited on the second spacer. A spacer etch process is performed to trim the first spacer to a first thickness T1, which is less than Ts, using the first trim mask layer as an etch mask.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2017
    Publication date: March 15, 2018
    Inventors: Marc A. Bergendahl, Sean D. Burns, Lawrence A. Clevenger, Christopher J. Penny, Michael Rizzolo
  • Publication number: 20180076033
    Abstract: Multi-angled deposition and masking techniques are provided to enable custom trimming and selective removal of spacers that are used for patterning features at sub-lithographic dimensions. For example, a method includes forming a sacrificial mandrel on a substrate, and forming first and second spacers on opposing sidewalls of the sacrificial mandrel. The first and second spacers are formed with an initial thickness TS. A first angle deposition process is performed to deposit a material (e.g., insulating material or metallic material) at a first deposition angle A1 to form a first trim mask layer on an upper portion of the first spacer and the sacrificial mandrel while preventing the material from being deposited on the second spacer. A spacer etch process is performed to trim the first spacer to a first thickness T1, which is less than TS, using the first trim mask layer as an etch mask.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 9, 2016
    Publication date: March 15, 2018
    Inventors: Marc A. Bergendahl, Sean D. Burns, Lawrence A. Clevenger, Christopher J. Penny, Michael Rizzolo
  • Publication number: 20180076035
    Abstract: Multi-angled deposition and masking techniques are provided to enable custom trimming and selective removal of spacers that are used for patterning features at sub-lithographic dimensions. For example, a method includes forming a sacrificial mandrel on a substrate, and forming first and second spacers on opposing sidewalls of the sacrificial mandrel. The first and second spacers are formed with an initial thickness TS. A first angle deposition process is performed to deposit a material (e.g., insulating material or metallic material) at a first deposition angle A1 to form a first trim mask layer on an upper portion of the first spacer and the sacrificial mandrel while preventing the material from being deposited on the second spacer. A spacer etch process is performed to trim the first spacer to a first thickness T1, which is less than TS, using the first trim mask layer as an etch mask.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2017
    Publication date: March 15, 2018
    Inventors: Marc A. Bergendahl, Sean D. Burns, Lawrence A. Clevenger, Christopher J. Penny, Michael Rizzolo
  • Publication number: 20180076225
    Abstract: Sub-fin removal techniques for SOI like isolation in finFET devices are provided. In one aspect, a method for forming a finFET device includes: etching partial fins in a substrate, wherein the partial fins include top portions of fins of the finFET device; forming a bi-layer spacer on the top portions of the fins; complete etching of the fins in the substrate to form bottom portions of the fins of the finFET device; depositing an insulator between the fins; recessing the insulator enough to expose a region of the fins not covered by the bi-layer spacer; removing the exposed region of the fins to create a gap between the top and bottom portions of the fins; filling the gap with additional insulator. A method for forming a finFET device is also provided where placement of the fin spacer occurs after (rather than before) insulator deposition. A finFET device is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 12, 2016
    Publication date: March 15, 2018
    Inventors: Marc A. Bergendahl, Kangguo Cheng, Gauri Karve, Fee Li Lie, Eric R. Miller, John R. Sporre, Sean Teehan
  • Publication number: 20180069000
    Abstract: A method of forming a power rail to semiconductor devices comprising removing a portion of the gate structure forming a gate cut trench separating a first active region of fin structures from a second active region of fin structures. A conformal etch stop layer is formed in the gate cut trench. A fill material is formed on the conformal etch stop layer filling at least a portion of the gate cut trench. The fill material has a composition that is etched selectively to the conformal etch stop layer. A power rail is formed in the gate cut trench. The conformal etch stop layer obstructs lateral etching during forming the power rail to substantially eliminate power rail to gate structure shorting.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2016
    Publication date: March 8, 2018
    Inventors: Marc A. Bergendahl, Andrew M. Greene, Rajasekhar Venigalla
  • Publication number: 20180061946
    Abstract: A nano-sheet semiconductor structure and a method for fabricating the same. The nano-sheet structure includes a substrate and at least one alternating stack of semiconductor material layers and metal gate material layers. The nano-sheet semiconductor structure further comprises a source region and a drain region. A first plurality of epitaxially grown interconnects contacts the source region and the semiconductor layers in the alternating stack. A second plurality of epitaxially grown interconnects contacts the drain region and the semiconductor layers in the alternating stack. The method includes removing a portion of alternating semiconductor layers and metal gate material layers. A first plurality of interconnects is epitaxially grown between and in contact with the semiconductor layers and the source region. A second plurality of interconnects is epitaxially grown between and in contact with the semiconductor layers and the drain region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 26, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Marc A. BERGENDAHL, Kangguo CHENG, Eric R. MILLER, John R. SPORRE, Sean TEEHAN
  • Publication number: 20180061945
    Abstract: A nano-sheet semiconductor structure and a method for fabricating the same. The nano-sheet structure includes a substrate and at least one alternating stack of semiconductor material layers and metal gate material layers. The nano-sheet semiconductor structure further comprises a source region and a drain region. A first plurality of epitaxially grown interconnects contacts the source region and the semiconductor layers in the alternating stack. A second plurality of epitaxially grown interconnects contacts the drain region and the semiconductor layers in the alternating stack. The method includes removing a portion of alternating semiconductor layers and metal gate material layers. A first plurality of interconnects is epitaxially grown between and in contact with the semiconductor layers and the source region. A second plurality of interconnects is epitaxially grown between and in contact with the semiconductor layers and the drain region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2016
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Marc A. BERGENDAHL, Kangguo CHENG, Eric R. MILLER, John R. SPORRE, Sean TEEHAN
  • Publication number: 20180061992
    Abstract: A nano-sheet semiconductor structure and a method for fabricating the same. The nano-sheet structure includes a substrate and at least one alternating stack of semiconductor material layers and metal gate material layers. The nano-sheet semiconductor structure further comprises a source region and a drain region. A first plurality of epitaxially grown interconnects contacts the source region and the semiconductor layers in the alternating stack. A second plurality of epitaxially grown interconnects contacts the drain region and the semiconductor layers in the alternating stack. The method includes removing a portion of alternating semiconductor layers and metal gate material layers. A first plurality of interconnects is epitaxially grown between and in contact with the semiconductor layers and the source region. A second plurality of interconnects is epitaxially grown between and in contact with the semiconductor layers and the drain region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2017
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Marc A. BERGENDAHL, Kangguo CHENG, Eric R. MILLER, John R. SPORRE, Sean TEEHAN
  • Publication number: 20180061933
    Abstract: A backend-of-the-line (BEOL) semiconductor capacitor made by method, apparatus, or computer program product, through an airgap metallization process, patterning a first electrode by removing a portion of inter-layer dielectric for a desired capacitor area, depositing a dielectric for a capacitor insulator, filling the desired capacitor area to form a second electrode, polishing and capping the second electrode, and interconnecting the first electrode and the second electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 1, 2016
    Publication date: March 1, 2018
    Inventors: Marc A. Bergendahl, James J. Demarest, Christopher J. Penny, Christopher Waskiewicz
  • Patent number: 9905643
    Abstract: A nano-sheet semiconductor structure and a method for fabricating the same. The nano-sheet structure includes a substrate and at least one alternating stack of semiconductor material layers and metal gate material layers. The nano-sheet semiconductor structure further comprises a source region and a drain region. A first plurality of epitaxially grown interconnects contacts the source region and the semiconductor layers in the alternating stack. A second plurality of epitaxially grown interconnects contacts the drain region and the semiconductor layers in the alternating stack. The method includes removing a portion of alternating semiconductor layers and metal gate material layers. A first plurality of interconnects is epitaxially grown between and in contact with the semiconductor layers and the source region. A second plurality of interconnects is epitaxially grown between and in contact with the semiconductor layers and the drain region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Marc A. Bergendahl, Kangguo Cheng, Eric R. Miller, John R. Sporre, Sean Teehan
  • Patent number: 9893166
    Abstract: Forming a dummy gate on a semiconductor device is disclosed. A first sacrificial layer is formed on a fin, and a second sacrificial layer is formed on the first sacrificial layer. A first hardmask layer is formed on the second sacrificial layer, and a second hardmask layer is formed on the first hardmask layer and patterned. The first hardmask layer is laterally recessed in a lateral direction under the second hardmask layer. The first and second sacrificial layers are etched to a corresponding width of the first hardmask layer. A spacer layer is formed on the fin, the first sacrificial layer, second sacrificial layer, the first hardmask layer and the second hardmask layer. The spacer layer is etched until it remains on a sidewall of the first sacrificial layer, the second sacrificial layer and the first hardmask layer, wherein the first and second sacrificial layers form the dummy gate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2018
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Marc A. Bergendahl, Kangguo Cheng, Fee Li Lie, Eric R. Miller, John R. Sporre, Sean Teehan
  • Publication number: 20180006151
    Abstract: In an embodiment, this invention relates to a vertical field-effect transistor component including a bottom source-drain layer and a method of creating the same. The method of forming a bottom source-drain layer of a vertical field-effect transistor component can comprise forming an anchor structure on a substrate. A sacrificial layer can be deposited on a middle region of the substrate and a channel layer can be deposited on the sacrificial layer. A plurality of vertical fins can be formed on the substrate and the sacrificial layer can be removed such that the plurality of vertical fins in the middle region form a plurality of floating fins having a gap located between the plurality of floating fins and the substrate. The bottom source-drain layer can then be formed such that the bottom source-drain layer fills in the gap.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 13, 2017
    Publication date: January 4, 2018
    Inventors: Marc A. Bergendahl, Kangguo Cheng, Fee Li Lie, Shogo Mochizuki, Junli Wang
  • Publication number: 20170373167
    Abstract: Techniques relate to a gate stack for a semiconductor device. A vertical fin is formed on a substrate. The vertical fin has an upper portion and a bottom portion. The upper portion of the vertical fin has a recessed portion on sides of the upper portion. A gate stack is formed in the recessed portion of the upper portion of the vertical fin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 14, 2017
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Marc A. Bergendahl, Kangguo Cheng, Fee Li Lie, Eric R. Miller, John R. Sporre, Sean Teehan
  • Publication number: 20170373166
    Abstract: Techniques relate to a gate stack for a semiconductor device. A vertical fin is formed on a substrate. The vertical fin has an upper portion and a bottom portion. The upper portion of the vertical fin has a recessed portion on sides of the upper portion. A gate stack is formed in the recessed portion of the upper portion of the vertical fin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2016
    Publication date: December 28, 2017
    Inventors: Marc A. Bergendahl, Kangguo Cheng, Fee Li Lie, Eric R. Miller, John R. Sporre, Sean Teehan
  • Publication number: 20170365525
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a semiconductor device includes forming a first semiconductor layer on a substrate having a {100} crystallographic surface orientation, forming a second semiconductor layer on the substrate, patterning the first semiconductor layer and the second semiconductor layer into a first plurality of fins and a second plurality of fins, respectively, wherein the first and second plurality of fins extend vertically with respect to the substrate, covering the first plurality of fins and a portion of the substrate corresponding to the first plurality of fins, and epitaxially growing semiconductor layers on exposed portions of the second plurality of fins and on exposed portions of the substrate, wherein the epitaxially grown semiconductor layers on the exposed portions of the second plurality of fins increase a critical dimension of each of the second plurality of fins.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2017
    Publication date: December 21, 2017
    Inventors: Marc A. Bergendahl, Kangguo Cheng, John R. Sporre, Sean Teehan
  • Publication number: 20170352657
    Abstract: A method of forming a semiconductor device that includes forming a trench adjacent to a gate structure to expose a contact surface of one of a source region and a drain region. A sacrificial spacer may be formed on a sidewall of the trench and on a sidewall of the gate structure. A metal contact may then be formed in the trench to at least one of the source region and the drain region. The metal contact has a base width that is less than an upper surface width of the metal contact. The sacrificial spacer may be removed, and a substantially conformal dielectric material layer can be formed on sidewalls of the metal contact and the gate structure. Portions of the conformally dielectric material layer contact one another at a pinch off region to form an air gap between the metal contact and the gate structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 7, 2016
    Publication date: December 7, 2017
    Inventors: Marc A. Bergendahl, Kangguo Cheng, Fee Li Lie, Eric R. Miller, John R. Sporre, Sean Teehan
  • Publication number: 20170330754
    Abstract: Methods of forming semiconductor fins include forming first spacers on a first sidewall of each of a plurality of mandrels using an angled deposition process. A second sidewall of one or more of the plurality of mandrels is masked. Second spacers are formed on a second sidewall of all unmasked mandrels. The second sidewall of the one or more of the plurality of mandrels is unmasked. The mandrels are etched away. Fins are formed from a substrate using the first and second spacers as a mask.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2017
    Publication date: November 16, 2017
    Inventors: Marc A. Bergendahl, Kangguo Cheng, John R. Sporre, Sean Teehan
  • Publication number: 20170330755
    Abstract: Methods of forming semiconductor fins include forming first spacers on a first sidewall of each of a plurality of mandrels using an angled deposition process. A second sidewall of one or more of the plurality of mandrels is masked. Second spacers are formed on a second sidewall of all unmasked mandrels. The second sidewall of the one or more of the plurality of mandrels is unmasked. The mandrels are etched away. Fins are formed from a substrate using the first and second spacers as a mask.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 20, 2017
    Publication date: November 16, 2017
    Inventors: Marc A. Bergendahl, Kangguo Cheng, John R. Sporre, Sean Teehan
  • Publication number: 20170330753
    Abstract: Methods of forming semiconductor fins include forming first spacers on a first sidewall of each of a plurality of mandrels using an angled deposition process. A second sidewall of one or more of the plurality of mandrels is masked. Second spacers are formed on a second sidewall of all unmasked mandrels. The second sidewall of the one or more of the plurality of mandrels is unmasked. The mandrels are etched away. Fins are formed from a substrate using the first and second spacers as a mask.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2016
    Publication date: November 16, 2017
    Inventors: Marc A. Bergendahl, Kangguo Cheng, John R. Sporre, Sean Teehan
  • Publication number: 20170323951
    Abstract: Forming a dummy gate on a semiconductor device is disclosed. A first sacrificial layer is formed on a fin, and a second sacrificial layer is formed on the first sacrificial layer. A first hardmask layer is formed on the second sacrificial layer, and a second hardmask layer is formed on the first hardmask layer and patterned. The first hardmask layer is laterally recessed in a lateral direction under the second hardmask layer. The first and second sacrificial layers are etched to a corresponding width of the first hardmask layer. A spacer layer is formed on the fin, the first sacrificial layer, second sacrificial layer, the first hardmask layer and the second hardmask layer. The spacer layer is etched until it remains on a sidewall of the first sacrificial layer, the second sacrificial layer and the first hardmask layer, wherein the first and second sacrificial layers form the dummy gate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2017
    Publication date: November 9, 2017
    Inventors: Marc A. Bergendahl, Kangguo Cheng, Fee Li Lie, Eric R. Miller, John R. Sporre, Sean Teehan