Patents by Inventor Mark J. Williamson

Mark J. Williamson 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: 11430632
    Abstract: Reciprocal space map of specific sample locations is generated based on the sample images acquired by irradiating the sample with a charged particle beam at multiple incident angles. The incident angles are obtained by tilting the charged particle beam and/or the sample around two perpendicular axes within the sample plane. The reciprocal space map of a selected sample location is generated based on intensity of pixels corresponding to the location in the sample images.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignee: FEI Company
    Inventors: Andrew Barnum, Mark J. Williamson
  • Publication number: 20220181117
    Abstract: Reciprocal space map of specific sample locations is generated based on the sample images acquired by irradiating the sample with a charged particle beam at multiple incident angles. The incident angles are obtained by tilting the charged particle beam and/or the sample around two perpendicular axes within the sample plane. The reciprocal space map of a selected sample location is generated based on intensity of pixels corresponding to the location in the sample images.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2020
    Publication date: June 9, 2022
    Applicant: FEI Company
    Inventors: Andrew Barnum, Mark J. Williamson
  • Patent number: 8821682
    Abstract: Systems and methods of imaging and repairing defects on and below the surface of an integrated circuit (IC) are described. The method may be used in areas as small as one micron in diameter, and may remove the topmost material in the small spot, repeating with various layers, until a desired depth is obtained. An energetic beam, such as an electron beam, is directed at a selected surface location. The surface has an added layer of a solid, fluid or gaseous reactive material, such as a directed stream of a fluorocarbon, and the energetic beam disassociates the reactive material in the region of the beam into radicals that chemically attack the surface. After the defect location is exposed, the method uses the energetic beam to etch undesired materials, and deposit various appropriate materials to fill gaps, and restore the IC to an operational condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2014
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark J. Williamson, Gurtej S. Sandhu, Justin R. Arrington
  • Patent number: 8809074
    Abstract: A method provides a mechanism to examine physical properties and/or diagnose problems at a selected location of an integrated circuit. Such a method can include creating a layer of a reactive material a selected distance above and in proximity with a surface of the integrated circuit so that the reactive material can be evaluated to form chemical radicals above and in proximity to the surface of the integrated circuit. A portion of the reactive material can be excited. A portion of the surface of the integrated circuit can be removed to a selected level to evaluate an exposed electrical structure of the integrated circuit. The exposed electrical structure can be evaluated to determine a potential problem in the integrated circuit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2014
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark J. Williamson, Gurtej S. Sandhu, Justin R. Arrington
  • Patent number: 8609542
    Abstract: Methods may operate to position a sample within a processing chamber and operate on a surface of the sample. Further activities may include creating a layer of reactive material in proximity with the surface, and exciting a portion of the layer of reactive material in proximity with the surface to form chemical radicals. Additional activities may include removing a portion of the material in proximity to the excited portion of the surface to a predetermined level, and continuing the creating, exciting and removing actions until at least one of a plurality of stop criteria occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Neal R. Rueger, Mark J. Williamson, Gurtej S. Sandhu, Justin R. Arrington
  • Publication number: 20130295700
    Abstract: A method provides a mechanism to examine physical properties and/or diagnose problems at a selected location of an integrated circuit. Such a method can include creating a layer of a reactive material a selected distance above and in proximity with a surface of the integrated circuit so that the reactive material can be evaluated to form chemical radicals above and in proximity to the surface of the integrated circuit. A portion of the reactive material can be excited. A portion of the surface of the integrated circuit can be removed to a selected level to evaluate an exposed electrical structure of the integrated circuit. The exposed electrical structure can be evaluated to determine a potential problem in the integrated circuit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2013
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Inventors: Mark J. Williamson, Gurtej S. Sandhu, Justin R. Arrington
  • Patent number: 8414787
    Abstract: Methods and devices for selective etching in a semiconductor process are shown. Chemical species generated in a reaction chamber provide both a selective etching function and concurrently form a protective coating on other regions. An electron beam provides activation to selective chemical species. In one example, reactive species are generated from a plasma source to provide an increased reactive species density. Addition of other gasses to the system can provide functions such as controlling a chemistry in a protective layer during a processing operation. In one example an electron beam array such as a carbon nanotube array is used to selectively expose a surface during a processing operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Neal R. Rueger, Mark J. Williamson, Gurtej S. Sandhu
  • Patent number: 8389415
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus may operate to position a sample within a processing chamber and operate on a surface of the sample. Further activities may include creating a layer of reactive material in proximity with the surface, and exciting a portion of the layer of reactive material in proximity with the surface to form chemical radicals. Additional activities may include removing a portion of the material in proximity to the excited portion of the surface to a predetermined level, and continuing the creating, exciting and removing actions until at least one of a plurality of stop criteria occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2013
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Neal R. Rueger, Mark J. Williamson, Gurtej S. Sandhu, Justin R. Arrington
  • Patent number: 8026501
    Abstract: A method that may be applied to imaging and identifying defects and contamination on the surface of an integrated circuit is described. An energetic beam, such as an electron beam, may be directed at a selected IC location having a layer of a solid, fluid, or gaseous reactive material formed over the surface. The energetic beam disassociates the reactive material in the region into chemical radicals that either chemically etch the surface preferentially, or deposit a thin layer of a conductive material over the local area around the energetic beam. The surface may be examined as various layers are selectively etched to decorate defects and/or as various layers are locally deposited in the area around the energetic beam. SEM imaging and other analytic methods may be used to identify the problem more easily.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2011
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark J. Williamson, Paul M. Johnson, Shawn D. Lyonsmith, Gurtej S. Sandhu, Justin R. Arrington
  • Publication number: 20110150860
    Abstract: The invention provides isolated nucleic acids molecules, designated 25869, 25934, 26335, 50365, 21117, 38692, 46508, 16816, 16839, 49937, 49931 and 49933 nucleic acid molecules. The invention also provides antisense nucleic acid molecules, recombinant expression vectors containing 25869, 25934, 26335, 50365, 21117, 38692, 46508, 16816, 16839, 49937, 49931 or 49933 nucleic acid molecules, host cells into which the expression vectors have been introduced, and nonhuman transgenic animals in which a 25869, 25934, 26335, 50365, 21117, 38692, 46508, 16816, 16839, 49937, 49931 or 49933 gene has been introduced or disrupted. The invention still further provides isolated 25869, 25934, 26335, 50365, 21117, 38692, 46508, 16816, 16839, 49937, 49931 or 49933 proteins, fusion proteins, antigenic peptides and anti-25869, 25934, 26335, 50365, 21117, 38692, 46508, 16816, 16839, 49937, 49931 or 49933 antibodies. Diagnostic and therapeutic methods utilizing compositions of the invention are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 7, 2010
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Applicant: Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Rory A.J. Curtis, Thomas Joseph Logan, Maria Alexandra Glucksmann, Rachel E. Meyers, Mark J. Williamson, Laura A. Rudolph-Owen, Miyoung Chun, Fong-Ying Tsai
  • Publication number: 20110139368
    Abstract: Apparatus and systems provide a mechanism to examine physical properties and/or diagnose problems at a selected location of an integrated circuit. Such apparatus and systems can include a source of an energetic beam directed at the selected location. The apparatus and systems may be used to provide examination and/or diagnostic methods that may be used in areas smaller than one micron in diameter and that may be used to remove IC layers, either selectively or non-selectively, until a desired depth is obtained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 18, 2011
    Publication date: June 16, 2011
    Inventors: Mark J. Williamson, Gurtej S. Sandhu, Justin R. Arrington
  • Publication number: 20110056625
    Abstract: Methods and devices for selective etching in a semiconductor process are shown. Chemical species generated in a reaction chamber provide both a selective etching function and concurrently form a protective coating on other regions. An electron beam provides activation to selective chemical species. In one example, reactive species are generated from a halogen and carbon containing gas source. Addition of other gasses to the system can provide functions such as controlling a chemistry in a protective layer during a processing operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2010
    Publication date: March 10, 2011
    Inventors: Neal R. Rueger, Mark J. Williamson, Gurtej S. Sandhu
  • Patent number: 7892978
    Abstract: A method of imaging and identifying materials, contamination, fabrication errors, and defects on and below the surface of an integrated circuit (IC) is described. The method may be used in areas smaller than one micron in diameter, and may remove IC layers, either selectively or non-selectively, until a desired depth is obtained. An energetic beam, such as an electron beam, is directed at a selected IC location. The IC has a layer of a solid, fluid or gaseous reactive material, such as a directed stream of a fluorocarbon, formed over the surface of the IC. The energetic beam disassociates the reactive material in or on the region into chemical radicals that chemically attack the surface. The surface may be examined as various layers are selectively removed in the controlled area spot etch, and SEM imaging may then be used to diagnose problems.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2011
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark J. Williamson, Gurtej S. Sandhu, Justin R. Arrington
  • Publication number: 20110017401
    Abstract: Systems and methods of imaging and repairing defects on and below the surface of an integrated circuit (IC) are described. The method may be used in areas as small as one micron in diameter, and may remove the topmost material in the small spot, repeating with various layers, until a desired depth is obtained. An energetic beam, such as an electron beam, is directed at a selected surface location. The surface has an added layer of a solid, fluid or gaseous reactive material, such as a directed stream of a fluorocarbon, and the energetic beam disassociates the reactive material in the region of the beam into radicals that chemically attack the surface. After the defect location is exposed, the method uses the energetic beam to etch undesired materials, and deposit various appropriate materials to fill gaps, and restore the IC to an operational condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2010
    Publication date: January 27, 2011
    Inventors: Mark J. Williamson, Gurtej S. Sandhu, Justin R. Arrington
  • Publication number: 20100320384
    Abstract: A method that may be applied to imaging and identifying defects and contamination on the surface of an integrated circuit is described. An energetic beam, such as an electron beam, may be directed at a selected IC location having a layer of a solid, fluid, or gaseous reactive material formed over the surface. The energetic beam disassociates the reactive material in the region into chemical radicals that either chemically etch the surface preferentially, or deposit a thin layer of a conductive material over the local area around the energetic beam. The surface may be examined as various layers are selectively etched to decorate defects and/or as various layers are locally deposited in the area around the energetic beam. SEM imaging and other analytic methods may be used to identify the problem more easily.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2010
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Inventors: Mark J. Williamson, Paul M. Johnson, Shawn D. Lyonsmith, Gurtel S. Sandhu, Justin R. Arrington
  • Publication number: 20100314354
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus may operate to position a sample within a processing chamber and operate on a surface of the sample. Further activities may include creating a layer of reactive material in proximity with the surface, and exciting a portion of the layer of reactive material in proximity with the surface to form chemical radicals. Additional activities may include removing a portion of the material in proximity to the excited portion of the surface to a predetermined level, and continuing the creating, exciting and removing actions until at least one of a plurality of stop criteria occurs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2010
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Inventors: Neal R. Rueger, Mark J. Williamson, Gurtej S. Sandhu, Justin R. Arrington
  • Publication number: 20100291099
    Abstract: The invention provides isolated nucleic acids molecules and proteins, designated 27411, 23413, 22438, 23553, 25278, 26212, NARC SC1, NARC 20A, NARC 1, NARC 12, NARC 13, NARC17, NARC 25, NARC 3, NARC 4, NARC 7, NARC 8, NARC 11, NARC 14A, NARC 15, NARC 16, NARC 19, NARC 20, NARC 26, NARC 27, NARC 28, NARC 30, NARC 5, NARC 6, NARC 9, NARC 10C, NARC 8B, NARC 9, NARC2A, NARC 16B, NARC 1C, NARC 1A, NARC 25, 86604 and 32222 nucleic acid molecules and proteins. The invention also provides antisense nucleic acid molecules, recombinant expression vectors containing said nucleic acid molecules, host cells into which the expression vectors have been introduced, nonhuman transgenic animals in which a said genes have been introduced or disrupted, fusion proteins, antigenic peptides and antibodies to said proteins. Diagnostic and therapeutic methods utilizing compositions of the invention are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2010
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Applicant: Millennium Pharmaceuticals, Inc.
    Inventors: Maria A. Glucksmann, Mark J. Williamson, Fong-Ying Tsai, Laura A. Rudolph-Owen, Rosanna Kapeller-Libermann, Rachel E. Meyers, Lillian Wei-Ming Chiang, John Joseph Hunter
  • Patent number: 7833427
    Abstract: Methods and devices for selective etching in a semiconductor process are shown. Chemical species generated in a reaction chamber provide both a selective etching function and concurrently form a protective coating on other regions. An electron beam provides activation to selective chemical species. In one example, reactive species are generated from a halogen and carbon containing gas source. Addition of other gasses to the system can provide functions such as controlling a chemistry in a protective layer during a processing operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Neal R. Rueger, Mark J. Williamson, Gurtej S. Sandhu
  • Patent number: 7807062
    Abstract: A method of imaging and repairing defects on and below the surface of an integrated circuit (IC) is described. The method may be used in areas as small as one micron in diameter, and may remove the topmost material in the small spot, repeating with various layers, until a desired depth is obtained. An energetic beam, such as an electron beam, is directed at a selected surface location. The surface has an added layer of a solid, fluid or gaseous reactive material, such as a directed stream of a fluorocarbon, and the energetic beam disassociates the reactive material in the region of the beam into radicals that chemically attack the surface. After the defect location is exposed, the method uses the energetic beam to etch undesired materials, and deposit various appropriate materials to fill gaps, and restore the IC to an operational condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 10, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark J. Williamson, Gurtej S. Sandhu, Justin R. Arrington
  • Patent number: 7791071
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus may operate to position a sample, including an imager lens surface, within a processing chamber. Further activities may include creating a layer of reactive material in proximity with the imager lens surface, and exciting a portion of the layer of reactive material in proximity with the imager lens surface to form chemical radicals. Additional activities may include removing a portion of the material in proximity to the excited portion of the imager lens surface to a predetermined level, and continuing the creating, exciting and removing actions until at least one of a plurality of stop criteria occurs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Neal R. Rueger, Mark J. Williamson, Gurtej S. Sandhu, Justin R. Arrington