Patents by Inventor Masaaki Komori

Masaaki Komori 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: 11513138
    Abstract: Provided is a semiconductor inspection device capable of high-speed response analysis as defect analysis of a fine-structured device constituting an LSI. Therefore, the semiconductor inspection device includes a vacuum chamber 3, a sample table 4 which is disposed in the vacuum chamber and on which a sample 6 is placed, an electron optical system 1 disposed such that an electron beam is emitted from above the sample, a plurality of probe units 24 connected to external devices 11 and 12 disposed outside the vacuum chamber via a coaxial cable 10, and an electrode 5 provided on or in the vicinity of the sample table. The probe unit 24 includes a measurement probe 8 configured to come into contact with the sample, a GND terminal 9 configured to come into contact with the electrode 5, and a probe holder 7 configured to hold the measurement probe and the GND terminal, connect a signal line of the coaxial cable to the measurement probe, and connect a GND line of the coaxial cable to the GND terminal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: Hitachi High-Tech Corporation
    Inventors: Masaaki Komori, Katsuo Oki
  • Patent number: 11391756
    Abstract: As a semiconductor device is miniaturized, a scribe area on a wafer also tends to decrease. Accordingly, it is necessary to reduce the size of a TEG arranged in the scribe area, and efficiently arrange an electrode pad for probe contact. Therefore, it is necessary to associate probes and the efficient layout of the electrode pad. The purpose of the present invention is to provide a technique for associating probes and the layout of an electrode pad of a TEG to facilitate the evaluation of electrical characteristics. According to the present invention, the above described problem can be solved by arranging a plurality of probes in a fan shape or manufacturing the probes with micro electro mechanical systems (MEMS) technology.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: Hitachi High-Tech Corporation
    Inventors: Ryo Hirano, Takayuki Mizuno, Tomohisa Ohtaki, Toru Fujimura, Shigehiko Kato, Yasuhiko Nara, Katsuo Ohki, Akira Kageyama, Masaaki Komori
  • Publication number: 20210270891
    Abstract: There is provided a semiconductor inspection device capable of detecting an abnormality with high sensitivity in a failure analysis of a fine-structured device. The semiconductor inspection device includes: a sample stage 6 on which a sample is placed; an electron optical system 1 configured to radiate an electron beam to the sample; a measurement probe 3 configured to come into contact with the sample; a measurement device 8 configured to measure an output from the measurement probe; and an information processing device 9 configured to acquire a measurement value of the output from the measurement probe in response to radiation of the electron beam to the sample.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2018
    Publication date: September 2, 2021
    Inventors: Masaaki KOMORI, Katsuo OKI
  • Publication number: 20210263075
    Abstract: Provided is a semiconductor inspection device capable of high-speed response analysis as defect analysis of a fine-structured device constituting an LSI. Therefore, the semiconductor inspection device includes a vacuum chamber 3, a sample table 4 which is disposed in the vacuum chamber and on which a sample 6 is placed, an electron optical system 1 disposed such that an electron beam is emitted from above the sample, a plurality of probe units 24 connected to external devices 11 and 12 disposed outside the vacuum chamber via a coaxial cable 10, and an electrode 5 provided on or in the vicinity of the sample table. The probe unit 24 includes a measurement probe 8 configured to come into contact with the sample, a GND terminal 9 configured to come into contact with the electrode 5, and a probe holder 7 configured to hold the measurement probe and the GND terminal, connect a signal line of the coaxial cable to the measurement probe, and connect a GND line of the coaxial cable to the GND terminal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 30, 2018
    Publication date: August 26, 2021
    Inventors: Masaaki KOMORI, Katsuo OKI
  • Publication number: 20210048450
    Abstract: As a semiconductor device is miniaturized, a scribe area on a wafer also tends to decrease. Accordingly, it is necessary to reduce the size of a TEG arranged in the scribe area, and efficiently arrange an electrode pad for probe contact. Therefore, it is necessary to associate probes and the efficient layout of the electrode pad. The purpose of the present invention is to provide a technique for associating probes and the layout of the electrode pads of a TEG so as to facilitate the evaluation of electrical characteristics. According to a method for manufacturing a semiconductor device of the present invention, the above-described problems can be solved by providing a layout of a TEG electrode pad corresponding to a plurality of probes arranged in a fan shape or probes manufactured by Micro Electro Mechanical Systems (MEMS) technology.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2018
    Publication date: February 18, 2021
    Inventors: Tomohisa OHTAKI, Takayuki MIZUNO, Ryo HIRANO, Toru FUJIMURA, Shigehiko KATO, Yasuhiko NARA, Katsuo OHKI, Akira KAGEYAMA, Masaaki KOMORI
  • Publication number: 20210033642
    Abstract: As a semiconductor device is miniaturized, a scribe area on a wafer also tends to decrease. Accordingly, it is necessary to reduce the size of a TEG arranged in the scribe area, and efficiently arrange an electrode pad for probe contact. Therefore, it is necessary to associate probes and the efficient layout of the electrode pad. The purpose of the present invention is to provide a technique for associating probes and the layout of an electrode pad of a TEG to facilitate the evaluation of electrical characteristics. According to the present invention, the above described problem can be solved by arranging a plurality of probes in a fan shape or manufacturing the probes with micro electro mechanical systems (MEMS) technology.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2018
    Publication date: February 4, 2021
    Inventors: Ryo HIRANO, Takayuki MIZUNO, Tomohisa OHTAKI, Toru FUJIMURA, Shigehiko KATO, Yasuhiko NARA, Katsuo OHKI, Akira KAGEYAMA, Masaaki KOMORI
  • Publication number: 20210025936
    Abstract: As a semiconductor device is miniaturized, a scribe area on a wafer also tends to decrease. Accordingly, it is necessary to reduce the size of a TEG arranged in the scribe area, and efficiently arrange an electrode pad for probe contact. Therefore, it is necessary to associate probes and the efficient layout of the electrode pad. The purpose of the present invention is to provide a technique for associating probes and the layout of the electrode pads of a TEG so as to facilitate the evaluation of electrical characteristics. According to an evaluation apparatus for a semiconductor device of the present invention, the above described problems can be solved by providing a plurality of probes arranged in a fan shape or probes manufactured by Micro Electro Mechanical Systems (MEMS) technology.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 6, 2018
    Publication date: January 28, 2021
    Inventors: Tomohisa OHTAKI, Takayuki MIZUNO, Ryo HIRANO, Toru FUJIMURA, Shigehiko KATO, Yasuhiko NARA, Katsuo OHKI, Akira KAGEYAMA, Masaaki KOMORI
  • Patent number: 10782340
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a prober device that shapes an input waveform of a dynamic electric signal to be input to one of probes, and observes an output waveform of the dynamic electric signal output through a sample, or preferably shapes the input waveform such that the output waveform of the dynamic electric signal output through the sample becomes approximately a pulse shape, when a response analysis of a dynamic signal is performed with respect to a fine-Structured device. With this, the response analysis of a high-speed dynamic signal equal to or greater than a megahertz level can be performed with respect to the fine-Structured device such as a minute transistor configuring an LSI.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: Hitachi High-Tech Corporation
    Inventors: Masaaki Komori, Katsuo Oki, Yasuhiko Nara, Takayuki Mizuno
  • Patent number: 10746171
    Abstract: A hydraulic pressure supply system includes a mechanical oil pump; an electric oil pump; an electric motor that drives the electric oil pump; a control device that controls the operation of the electric oil pump; and a hydraulic pressure measurement circuit that measures a hydraulic pressure of the outlet-side pipe of the electric oil pump. The control device starts supplying electric power to the electric motor to thereby start drive of the electric oil pump before the mechanical oil pump stops operating, and limits the power-supply current to the electric motor to a first current or less during a time period between the start of the drive of the electric oil pump and the time when the hydraulic pressure measured by the hydraulic pressure measurement circuit exceeds a prescribed outlet hydraulic pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 18, 2020
    Assignee: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masaaki Komori, Satoshi Kawamura
  • Publication number: 20180347416
    Abstract: A hydraulic pressure supply system includes: a mechanical oil pump; an electric oil pump; an electric motor that drives the electric oil pump; a control device that controls the operation of the electric oil pump by manipulating a power-supply voltage or a power-supply current to the electric motor; a check valve that is installed at an upstream position relative to a junction pipe of an outlet-side pipe of the mechanical oil pump and an outlet-side pipe of the electric oil pump; and a hydraulic pressure measurement circuit that measures a hydraulic pressure of the outlet-side pipe of the electric oil pump.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2015
    Publication date: December 6, 2018
    Applicant: MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC CORPORATION
    Inventors: Masaaki KOMORI, Satoshi KAWAMURA
  • Publication number: 20180299504
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a prober device that shapes an input waveform of a dynamic electric signal to be input to one of probes, and observes an output waveform of the dynamic electric signal output through a sample, or preferably shapes the input waveform such that the output waveform of the dynamic electric signal output through the sample becomes approximately a pulse shape, when a response analysis of a dynamic signal is performed with respect to a fine-Structured device. With this, the response analysis of a high-speed dynamic signal equal to or greater than a megahertz level can be performed with respect to the fine-Structured device such as a minute transistor configuring an LSI.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2016
    Publication date: October 18, 2018
    Applicant: Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Masaaki KOMORI, Katsuo OKI, Yasuhiko NARA, Takayuki MIZUNO
  • Patent number: 8178840
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to obtain a clear absorbed current image without involving the difference in gain of amplifier between inputs, from absorbed currents detected by using a plurality of probes and to improve measurement efficiency. In the present invention, a plurality of probes are brought in contact with a specimen. While irradiating the specimen with an electron beam, currents flowing in the probes are measured. Signals from at least two probes are input to a differential amplifier. An output of the differential amplifier is amplified. On the basis of the amplified output and scanning information of the electron beam, an absorbed current image is generated. According to the invention, a clear absorbed current image can be obtained without involving the difference in gain of amplifier between inputs. Thus, measurement efficiency in a failure analysis of a semiconductor device can be improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 15, 2012
    Assignee: Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Tomoharu Obuki, Hiroshi Toyama, Yasuhiro Mitsui, Munetoshi Fukui, Yasuhiko Nara, Tohru Ando, Katsuo Ooki, Tsutomu Saito, Masaaki Komori
  • Publication number: 20110291692
    Abstract: Provided is an apparatus for automatically detecting a failure position on a specified wiring line. The apparatus and a method for automatically detecting the failure position even on a long wiring line by applying a probe and an electron beam onto a sample and using an image of the current absorbed by the sample are provided. The apparatus obtains an absorbed current image, while laterally moving at right angle with the probe applied onto the sample, and based on the obtained absorbed current image, correction is performed by means of both an image shift and a stage. Countermeasures are taken, using a stage not having a sample rotating stage, against factors including a hardware factor of not moving at a correct angle, such as backlash, the wiring line is accurately and continuously displayed even when the apparatus moves to the ends of the long wiring line, and the failure position is detected, while the apparatus automatically reciprocates several times between the both ends of the wiring line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 20, 2010
    Publication date: December 1, 2011
    Inventors: Tohru Ando, Masaaki Komori, Takao Matsuura
  • Patent number: 8040146
    Abstract: There are provided an inspection apparatus and method that can locally perform sample temperature regulation, so that the sample drift can be suppressed. There are included a sample stage 109 that holds a semiconductor sample 118, multiple probes 106 used to measure electrical characteristics of a semiconductor device on the semiconductor sample 118, a power source that applies voltage and/or current to the probe 106, a detector that measures electrical characteristics of the semiconductor device on the sample with which the probe is brought into contact, and an electromagnetic wave irradiating mechanism that irradiates electromagnetic wave on a measurement section of the semiconductor sample 118.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2011
    Assignee: Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Takeshi Sunaoshi, Kouichi Kurosawa, Takeshi Sato, Masaaki Komori
  • Publication number: 20100123474
    Abstract: There are provided an inspection apparatus and method that can locally perform sample temperature regulation, so that the sample drift can be suppressed. There are included a sample stage 109 that holds a semiconductor sample 118, multiple probes 106 used to measure electrical characteristics of a semiconductor device on the semiconductor sample 118, a power source that applies voltage and/or current to the probe 106, a detector that measures electrical characteristics of the semiconductor device on the sample with which the probe is brought into contact, and an electromagnetic wave irradiating mechanism that irradiates electromagnetic wave on a measurement section of the semiconductor sample 118.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2010
    Publication date: May 20, 2010
    Applicant: Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Takeshi Sunaoshi, Kouichi Kurosawa, Takeshi Sato, Masaaki Komori
  • Publication number: 20100116986
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to obtain a clear absorbed current image without involving the difference in gain of amplifier between inputs, from absorbed currents detected by using a plurality of probes and to improve measurement efficiency. In the present invention, a plurality of probes are brought in contact with a specimen. While irradiating the specimen with an electron beam, currents flowing in the probes are measured. Signals from at least two probes are input to a differential amplifier. An output of the differential amplifier is amplified. On the basis of the amplified output and scanning information of the electron beam, an absorbed current image is generated. According to the invention, a clear absorbed current image can be obtained without involving the difference in gain of amplifier between inputs. Thus, measurement efficiency in a failure analysis of a semiconductor device can be improved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2010
    Publication date: May 13, 2010
    Applicant: Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Tomoharu Obuki, Hiroshi Toyama, Yasuhiro Mitsui, Munetoshi Fukui, Yasuhiko Nara, Tohru Ando, Katsuo Ooki, Tsutomu Saito, Masaaki Komori
  • Patent number: 7663390
    Abstract: There are provided an inspection apparatus and method that can locally perform sample temperature regulation, so that the sample drift can be suppressed. There are included a sample stage 109 that holds a semiconductor sample 118, multiple probes 106 used to measure electrical characteristics of a semiconductor device on the semiconductor sample 118, a power source that applies voltage and/or current to the probe 106, a detector that measures electrical characteristics of the semiconductor device on the sample with which the probe is brought into contact, and an electromagnetic wave irradiating mechanism that irradiates electromagnetic wave on a measurement section of the semiconductor sample 118.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Takeshi Sunaoshi, Kouichi Kurosawa, Takeshi Sato, Masaaki Komori
  • Patent number: 7663104
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to obtain a clear absorbed current image without involving the difference in gain of amplifier between inputs, from absorbed currents detected by using a plurality of probes and to improve measurement efficiency. In the present invention, a plurality of probes are brought in contact with a specimen. While irradiating the specimen with an electron beam, currents flowing in the probes are measured. Signals from at least two probes are input to a differential amplifier. An output of the differential amplifier is amplified. On the basis of the amplified output and scanning information of the electron beam, an absorbed current image is generated. According to the invention, a clear absorbed current image can be obtained without involving the difference in gain of amplifier between inputs. Thus, measurement efficiency in a failure analysis of a semiconductor device can be improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2010
    Assignee: Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Tomoharu Obuki, Hiroshi Toyama, Yasuhiro Mitsui, Munetoshi Fukui, Yasuhiko Nara, Tohru Ando, Katsuo Ooki, Tsutomu Saito, Masaaki Komori
  • Publication number: 20090009203
    Abstract: There are provided an inspection apparatus and method that can locally perform sample temperature regulation, so that the sample drift can be suppressed. There are included a sample stage 109 that holds a semiconductor sample 118, multiple probes 106 used to measure electrical characteristics of a semiconductor device on the semiconductor sample 118, a power source that applies voltage and/or current to the probe 106, a detector that measures electrical characteristics of the semiconductor device on the sample with which the probe is brought into contact, and an electromagnetic wave irradiating mechanism that irradiates electromagnetic wave on a measurement section of the semiconductor sample 118.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2008
    Publication date: January 8, 2009
    Inventors: Takeshi SUNAOSHI, Kouichi KUROSAWA, Takeshi SATO, Masaaki KOMORI
  • Publication number: 20080203297
    Abstract: An object of the present invention is to obtain a clear absorbed current image without involving the difference in gain of amplifier between inputs, from absorbed currents detected by using a plurality of probes and to improve measurement efficiency. In the present invention, a plurality of probes are brought in contact with a specimen. While irradiating the specimen with an electron beam, currents flowing in the probes are measured. Signals from at least two probes are input to a differential amplifier. An output of the differential amplifier is amplified. On the basis of the amplified output and scanning information of the electron beam, an absorbed current image is generated. According to the invention, a clear absorbed current image can be obtained without involving the difference in gain of amplifier between inputs. Thus, measurement efficiency in a failure analysis of a semiconductor device can be improved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 27, 2008
    Publication date: August 28, 2008
    Applicant: Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Tomoharu OBUKI, Hiroshi Toyama, Yasuhiro Mitsui, Munetoshi Fukui, Yasuhiko Nara, Tohru Ando, Katsuo Ooki, Tsutomu Saito, Masaaki Komori