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).
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Patent number: 11430632Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: December 9, 2020Date of Patent: August 30, 2022Assignee: FEI CompanyInventors: Andrew Barnum, Mark J. Williamson
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Publication number: 20220181117Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: December 9, 2020Publication date: June 9, 2022Applicant: FEI CompanyInventors: Andrew Barnum, Mark J. Williamson
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Patent number: 8821682Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 1, 2010Date of Patent: September 2, 2014Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventors: Mark J. Williamson, Gurtej S. Sandhu, Justin R. Arrington
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Patent number: 8809074Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 5, 2013Date of Patent: August 19, 2014Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventors: Mark J. Williamson, Gurtej S. Sandhu, Justin R. Arrington
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Patent number: 8609542Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 4, 2013Date of Patent: December 17, 2013Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventors: Neal R. Rueger, Mark J. Williamson, Gurtej S. Sandhu, Justin R. Arrington
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Publication number: 20130295700Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: July 5, 2013Publication date: November 7, 2013Inventors: Mark J. Williamson, Gurtej S. Sandhu, Justin R. Arrington
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Patent number: 8414787Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: May 14, 2010Date of Patent: April 9, 2013Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventors: Neal R. Rueger, Mark J. Williamson, Gurtej S. Sandhu
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Patent number: 8389415Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 23, 2010Date of Patent: March 5, 2013Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventors: Neal R. Rueger, Mark J. Williamson, Gurtej S. Sandhu, Justin R. Arrington
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Patent number: 8026501Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 26, 2010Date of Patent: September 27, 2011Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventors: Mark J. Williamson, Paul M. Johnson, Shawn D. Lyonsmith, Gurtej S. Sandhu, Justin R. Arrington
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Publication number: 20110150860Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: April 7, 2010Publication date: June 23, 2011Applicant: 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
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Publication number: 20110139368Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: February 18, 2011Publication date: June 16, 2011Inventors: Mark J. Williamson, Gurtej S. Sandhu, Justin R. Arrington
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Publication number: 20110056625Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: November 12, 2010Publication date: March 10, 2011Inventors: Neal R. Rueger, Mark J. Williamson, Gurtej S. Sandhu
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Patent number: 7892978Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 10, 2006Date of Patent: February 22, 2011Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventors: Mark J. Williamson, Gurtej S. Sandhu, Justin R. Arrington
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Publication number: 20110017401Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 1, 2010Publication date: January 27, 2011Inventors: Mark J. Williamson, Gurtej S. Sandhu, Justin R. Arrington
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Publication number: 20100320384Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 26, 2010Publication date: December 23, 2010Inventors: Mark J. Williamson, Paul M. Johnson, Shawn D. Lyonsmith, Gurtel S. Sandhu, Justin R. Arrington
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Publication number: 20100314354Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: August 23, 2010Publication date: December 16, 2010Inventors: Neal R. Rueger, Mark J. Williamson, Gurtej S. Sandhu, Justin R. Arrington
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Publication number: 20100291099Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: June 17, 2010Publication date: November 18, 2010Applicant: 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
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Patent number: 7833427Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 14, 2006Date of Patent: November 16, 2010Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventors: Neal R. Rueger, Mark J. Williamson, Gurtej S. Sandhu
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Patent number: 7807062Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: July 10, 2006Date of Patent: October 5, 2010Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventors: Mark J. Williamson, Gurtej S. Sandhu, Justin R. Arrington
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Patent number: 7791071Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: August 14, 2006Date of Patent: September 7, 2010Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventors: Neal R. Rueger, Mark J. Williamson, Gurtej S. Sandhu, Justin R. Arrington