Patents by Inventor Michael X. Yang

Michael X. Yang 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: 11495437
    Abstract: Processes for oxidation of a workpiece are provided. In one example, a method includes placing a workpiece on a workpiece support in a processing chamber. The method includes performing a pre-oxidation treatment process on the workpiece in the processing chamber to initiate oxide layer formation on the workpiece. The method includes performing a remote plasma oxidation process on the workpiece in the processing chamber to continue the oxide layer formation on the workpiece. Subsequent to performing the pre-oxidation treatment process and the remote plasma oxidation process, the method can include removing the workpiece from the processing chamber. In some embodiments, the remote plasma oxidation process can include generating a first plasma from a remote plasma oxidation process gas in a plasma chamber; filtering species generated in the plasma to generate a mixture having one or more radicals; and exposing the one or more radicals to the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Assignees: BEIJING E-TOWN SEMICONDUCTOR TECHNOLOGY, CO., LTD, MATTSON TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Ting Xie, Xinliang Lu, Hua Chung, Michael X. Yang
  • Patent number: 11495456
    Abstract: Processes for surface treatment of a workpiece are provided. In one example implementation, a method can include placing the workpiece on a workpiece support in a processing chamber. The method can include admitting a process gas into the processing chamber. The process gas can include an ozone gas. The method can include exposing the silicon nitride layer and the low-k dielectric layer to the process gas to modify a surface wetting angle of the silicon nitride layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Assignees: BEIJING E-TOWN SEMICONDUCTOR TECHNOLOGY, CO., LTD, MATTSON TECHNOLOGY, IN
    Inventors: Ting Xie, Xinliang Lu, Hua Chung, Michael X. Yang
  • Patent number: 11462413
    Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods for conducting an etch removal process on a workpiece are provided. The method can include generating a plasma from a deposition process gas in a plasma chamber using a plasma source to deposit a passivation layer on certain layers of a high aspect ratio structure. The method can include generating a plasma from an etch process gas in a plasma chamber using a plasma source to remove certain layers from the high aspect ratio structure. The method can include removing silicon nitride layers at a faster etch rate than silicon dioxide layers on the high aspect ratio structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignees: BEIJING E-TOWN SEMICONDUCTOR TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD., MATTSON TECHNOLOGY, INC
    Inventors: Shanyu Wang, Chun Yan, Hua Chung, Michael X. Yang, Tsai Wen Sung, Qi Zhang
  • Publication number: 20220223405
    Abstract: Processes and apparatuses for the treatment of semiconductor workpieces are provided. In some embodiments, a method can include placing the workpiece into a process chamber; vaporizing a solvent to create a vaporized solvent; introducing the vaporized solvent into the process chamber; and exposing the workpiece to the vaporized solvent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2022
    Publication date: July 14, 2022
    Inventors: Shuang Meng, Shawming Ma, Michael X. Yang
  • Patent number: 11387115
    Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods for conducting a silicon containing material removal process on a workpiece are provided. In one example implementation, the method can include generating species from a process gas in a first chamber using an inductive coupling element. The method can include introducing a fluorine containing gas with the species to create a mixture. The mixture can include exposing a silicon structure of the workpiece to the mixture to remove at least a portion of the silicon structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignees: BEIJING E-TOWN SEMICONDUCTOR TECHNOLOGY, CO., LTD, MATTSON TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Chun Yan, Tsai Wen Sung, Sio On Lo, Hua Chung, Michael X. Yang
  • Patent number: 11387111
    Abstract: Methods for material removal of a film, such as a metal nitride film, from a workpiece are provided. One example implementation is directed to a method for processing a workpiece. The workpiece can include a film (e.g., a metal nitride film). The method can include generating one or more species (e.g., hydrogen radicals, excited inert gas molecules, etc.). The method can include mixing alkyl halide with the one or more species to generate one or more alkyl radicals. The method can include exposing the film to the one or more alkyl radicals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignees: Mattson Technology, Inc., Beijing E-Town Semiconductor Technology, Co., LTD
    Inventors: Michael X. Yang, Hua Chung, Xinliang Lu
  • Publication number: 20220165561
    Abstract: Apparatus, systems, and methods for processing workpieces are provided. An arc lamp can include a tube. The arc lamp can include one or more inlets configured to receive water to be circulated through the arc lamp during operation as a water wall, the water wall configured to cool the arc lamp. The arc lamp can include a plurality of electrodes configured to generate a plasma in a forming gas introduced into the arc lamp via the one or more inlets. The forming gas can be or can include a mixture of a hydrogen gas and an inert gas, the hydrogen gas in the mixture having a concentration less than 4% by volume. The hydrogen gas can be introduced into the arc lamp prior to generating the plasma. The arc lamp may be used for processing workpieces.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2021
    Publication date: May 26, 2022
    Inventors: Michael X. Yang, Rolf Bremensdorfer, Dave Camm, Joseph Cibere, Dieter Hezler, Shawming Ma, Yun Yang
  • Patent number: 11315801
    Abstract: Methods for processing a workpiece are provided. The workpiece can include a ruthenium layer and a copper layer. In one example implementation, a method for processing a workpiece can include supporting a workpiece on a workpiece support. The method can include performing an ozone etch process on the workpiece to at least a portion of the ruthenium layer. The method can also include performing a hydrogen radical treatment process on a workpiece to remove at least a portion of an oxide layer on the copper layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2022
    Assignees: BEIJING E-TOWN SEMICONDUCTOR TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD, MATTSON TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: Qi Zhang, Haichun Yang, Hua Chung, Michael X. Yang
  • Patent number: 11289323
    Abstract: Processes and apparatuses for the treatment of semiconductor workpieces are provided. In some embodiments, a method can include placing the workpiece into a process chamber; vaporizing a solvent to create a vaporized solvent; introducing the vaporized solvent into the process chamber; and exposing the workpiece to the vaporized solvent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignees: Beijing E-Town Semiconductor Co, , Ltd., Mattson Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Shuang Meng, Shawming Ma, Michael X. Yang
  • Publication number: 20220084839
    Abstract: Systems and methods for etching titanium containing layers on a workpiece are provided. In one example, a method includes placing the workpiece on a workpiece support in a processing chamber. The workpiece includes a first layer and a second layer. The first layer is a titanium containing layer. The method includes admitting a process gas into the processing chamber. The process gas includes an ozone gas and a fluorine containing gas. The method includes exposing the first layer and the second layer on the workpiece to the process gas to at least partially etch the first layer at a greater etch rate relative to the second layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2021
    Publication date: March 17, 2022
    Inventors: Qi Zhang, Haichun Yang, Hua Chung, Ting Xie, Michael X. Yang
  • Patent number: 11276560
    Abstract: Systems and methods for processing a workpiece are provided. In one example, a method includes placing a workpiece on a workpiece support in a processing chamber. The workpiece has at least one material layer and at least one structure thereon. The method includes admitting a process gas into a plasma chamber, generating one or more species from the process gas, and filtering the one or more species to create a filtered mixture. The method further includes providing RF power to a bias electrode to generate a second mixture and exposing the workpiece to the second mixture to etch a least a portion of the material layer and to form a film on at least a portion of the material layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2022
    Assignees: Mattson Technology, Inc., Beijing E-Town Semiconductor Technology Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tsai Wen Sung, Chun Yan, Michael X. Yang
  • Publication number: 20220059321
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus for generating hydrogen radicals for processing a workpiece, such as a semiconductor workpiece, are provided. In one example implementation, a method can include generating one or more species in a plasma chamber from an inert gas by inducing a plasma in the inert gas using a plasma source; mixing hydrogen gas with the one or more species to generate one or more hydrogen radicals; and exposing the workpiece in a processing chamber to the one or more hydrogen radicals.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2021
    Publication date: February 24, 2022
    Inventors: Qi Zhang, Xinliang Lu, Hua Chung, Michael X. Yang
  • Patent number: 11195718
    Abstract: Systems and methods for processing a workpiece are provided. In one example, a method includes placing a workpiece on a workpiece support in a processing chamber. The method includes performing a spacer treatment process to expose the workpiece to species generated from a first process gas in a first plasma to perform a spacer treatment process on a spacer layer on the workpiece. The first plasma can be generated in the processing chamber. After performing the spacer treatment process, the method can include performing a spacer etch process to expose the workpiece to neutral radicals generated from a second process gas in a second plasma to etch at least a portion of the spacer layer on the workpiece. The second plasma can be generated in a plasma chamber that is remote from the processing chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignees: Beijing E-Town Semiconductor Technology Co., Ltd., Mattson Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Tsai Wen Sung, Chun Yan, Hua Chung, Michael X. Yang, Dixit V. Desai, Peter J. Lembesis
  • Publication number: 20210366727
    Abstract: Methods for processing a workpiece are provided. The workpiece can include a ruthenium layer and a copper layer. In one example implementation, a method for processing a workpiece can include supporting a workpiece on a workpiece support. The method can include performing an ozone etch process on the workpiece to at least a portion of the ruthenium layer. The method can also include performing a hydrogen radical treatment process on a workpiece to remove at least a portion of an oxide layer on the copper layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2021
    Publication date: November 25, 2021
    Inventors: Qi Zhang, Haichun Yang, Hua Chung, Michael X. Yang
  • Patent number: 11183397
    Abstract: Systems and methods for etching titanium containing layers on a workpiece are provided. In one example, a method includes placing the workpiece on a workpiece support in a processing chamber. The workpiece includes a first layer and a second layer. The first layer is a titanium containing layer. The method includes admitting a process gas into the processing chamber. The process gas includes an ozone gas and a fluorine containing gas. The method includes exposing the first layer and the second layer on the workpiece to the process gas to at least partially etch the first layer at a greater etch rate relative to the second layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2021
    Assignees: Beijing E-Town Semiconductor Technology, Co., LTD, Mattson Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Qi Zhang, Haichun Yang, Hua Chung, Ting Xie, Michael X. Yang
  • Publication number: 20210343506
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for processing a workpiece using a plasma are provided. In one example implementation, an apparatus can include a processing chamber. The apparatus can include a plasma chamber comprising a dielectric tube defining a sidewall. The apparatus can include an inductively coupled plasma source. The inductively coupled plasma source can include an RF generator configured to energize an induction coil disposed about the dielectric tube. The apparatus can include a separation grid separating the processing chamber from the plasma chamber. The apparatus can include a controller configured to operate the inductively coupled plasma source in a pulsed mode. During the pulsed mode the RF generator is configured to apply a plurality of pulses of RF power to the induction coil. A frequency of pulses can be in a range of about 1 kHz to about 100 kHz.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2021
    Publication date: November 4, 2021
    Inventors: Ting Xie, Haochen Li, Shuang Meng, Qiqun Zhang, Dave Kohl, Shawming Ma, Haichun Yang, Hua Chung, Ryan M. Pakulski, Michael X. Yang
  • Patent number: 11164727
    Abstract: Processes for removing photoresist layer(s) from a workpiece, such as a semiconductor are provided. In one example implementation, a method for processing a workpiece can include supporting a workpiece on a workpiece support. The workpiece can have a photoresist layer and a low-k dielectric material layer. The method can include performing a hydrogen radical etch process on the workpiece to remove at least a portion of the photoresist layer. The method can also include exposing the workpiece to an ozone process gas to remove at least a portion of the photoresist layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignees: Beijing E-Town Semiconductor Technology Co., Ltd., Mattson Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Ting Xie, Hua Chung, Bin Dong, Xinliang Lu, Haichun Yang, Michael X. Yang
  • Patent number: 11164725
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and apparatus for generating hydrogen radicals for processing a workpiece, such as a semiconductor workpiece, are provided. In one example implementation, a method can include generating one or more species in a plasma chamber from an inert gas by inducing a plasma in the inert gas using a plasma source; mixing hydrogen gas with the one or more species to generate one or more hydrogen radicals; and exposing the workpiece in a processing chamber to the one or more hydrogen radicals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignees: Beijing E-Town Semiconductor Technology Co., Ltd., Mattson Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Qi Zhang, Xinliang Lu, Hua Chung, Michael X. Yang
  • Patent number: 11164742
    Abstract: Processes for selective deposition of material on a workpiece are provided. In one example, the method includes placing a workpiece on a workpiece support in a processing chamber. The workpiece has a first material and a second material. The second material is different from the first material. The method includes performing an organic radical based surface treatment process on the workpiece to modify an adsorption characteristic of the first material selectively relative to the second material such that the first material has a first adsorption characteristic and the second material has a second adsorption characteristic. The second adsorption characteristic being different from the first adsorption characteristic. The method includes performing a deposition process on the workpiece such that a material is selectively deposited on the first material relative to the second material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2021
    Assignees: Beijing E-Town Semiconductor Technology Co., Ltd., Mattson Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael X. Yang, Hua Chung, Xinliang Lu
  • Publication number: 20210257196
    Abstract: Plasma processing apparatus and methods are provided. In one example implementation, the plasma processing apparatus includes a processing chamber. The plasma processing apparatus includes a pedestal disposed in the processing chamber. The pedestal is operable to support a workpiece. The plasma processing apparatus includes a plasma chamber disposed above the processing chamber in a vertical direction. The plasma chamber includes a dielectric sidewall. The plasma processing apparatus includes a separation grid separating the processing chamber from the plasma chamber. The plasma processing apparatus includes a first plasma source proximate the dielectric sidewall. The first plasma source is operable to generate a remote plasma in the plasma chamber above the separation grid. The plasma processing apparatus includes a second plasma source. The second plasma source is operable to generate a direct plasma in the processing chamber below the separation grid.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2021
    Publication date: August 19, 2021
    Inventors: Shawming Ma, Hua Chung, Michael X. Yang, Dixit V. Desai, Ryan M. Pakulski