Patents by Inventor Neil Bassom
Neil Bassom 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: 12112918Abstract: An ion implantation system has a mass analyzing magnet having interior and exterior region and defining a first entrance, second entrance, and an exit. A first ion source defines a first ion beam directed toward the first entrance along a first beam path. A second ion source defines a second ion beam directed toward the second entrance along a second beam path. A magnet current source supplies a magnet current to the mass analyzing magnet. Magnet control circuitry controls a polarity of the magnet current based on a formation of the first or second ion beam. The mass analyzing magnet mass analyzes the respective first or second ion beam to define defining a mass analyzed ion beam along a mass analyzed beam path. At least one shield in the interior or exterior region prevents line-of-sight between the first and second ion sources. Beamline components modify the mass analyzed ion beam.Type: GrantFiled: October 4, 2023Date of Patent: October 8, 2024Assignee: Axcelis Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Wilhelm Platow, Neil Bassom
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Patent number: 12051561Abstract: An ion implantation system, ion source, and method are provided having a gaseous aluminum-based ion source material. The gaseous aluminum-based ion source material can be, or include, dimethylaluminum chloride (DMAC), where the DMAC is a liquid that transitions into vapor phase at room temperature. An ion source receives and ionizes the gaseous aluminum-based ion source material to form an ion beam. A low-pressure gas bottle supplies the DMAC as a gas to an arc chamber of the ion source by a primary gas line. A separate, secondary gas line supplies a co-gas, such as a fluorine-containing molecule, to the ion source, where the co-gas and DMAC reduce an energetic carbon cross-contamination and/or increase doubly charged aluminum.Type: GrantFiled: June 30, 2023Date of Patent: July 30, 2024Assignee: Axcelis Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Neil K. Colvin, Neil Bassom, Edward Moore
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Publication number: 20240029998Abstract: An ion implantation system has a mass analyzing magnet having interior and exterior region and defining a first entrance, second entrance, and an exit. A first ion source defines a first ion beam directed toward the first entrance along a first beam path. A second ion source defines a second ion beam directed toward the second entrance along a second beam path. A magnet current source supplies a magnet current to the mass analyzing magnet. Magnet control circuitry controls a polarity of the magnet current based on a formation of the first or second ion beam. The mass analyzing magnet mass analyzes the respective first or second ion beam to define defining a mass analyzed ion beam along a mass analyzed beam path. At least one shield in the interior or exterior region prevents line-of-sight between the first and second ion sources. Beamline components modify the mass analyzed ion beam.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 4, 2023Publication date: January 25, 2024Inventors: Wilhelm Platow, Neil Bassom
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Patent number: 11823858Abstract: An ion implantation system has a mass analyzing magnet having interior and exterior region and defining a first entrance, second entrance, and an exit. A first ion source defines a first ion beam directed toward the first entrance along a first beam path. A second ion source defines a second ion beam directed toward the second entrance along a second beam path. A magnet current source supplies a magnet current to the mass analyzing magnet. Magnet control circuitry controls a polarity of the magnet current based on a formation of the first or second ion beam. The mass analyzing magnet mass analyzes the respective first or second ion beam to define defining a mass analyzed ion beam along a mass analyzed beam path. At least one shield in the interior or exterior region prevents line-of-sight between the first and second ion sources. Beamline components modify the mass analyzed ion beam.Type: GrantFiled: March 28, 2022Date of Patent: November 21, 2023Assignee: Axcelis Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Wilhelm Platow, Neil Bassom
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Publication number: 20230352265Abstract: An ion implantation system, ion source, and method are provided having a gaseous aluminum-based ion source material. The gaseous aluminum-based ion source material can be, or include, dimethylaluminum chloride (DMAC), where the DMAC is a liquid that transitions into vapor phase at room temperature. An ion source receives and ionizes the gaseous aluminum-based ion source material to form an ion beam. A low-pressure gas bottle supplies the DMAC as a gas to an arc chamber of the ion source by a primary gas line. A separate, secondary gas line supplies a co-gas, such as a fluorine-containing molecule, to the ion source, where the co-gas and DMAC reduce an energetic carbon cross-contamination and/or increase doubly charged aluminum.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 30, 2023Publication date: November 2, 2023Inventors: Neil K. Colvin, Neil Bassom, Edward Moore
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Patent number: 11798775Abstract: An ion source has an arc chamber with a first end and a second end. A first cathode at the first end of the arc chamber has a first cathode body and a first filament disposed within the first cathode body. A second cathode at the second end of the arc chamber has a second cathode body and a second filament disposed within the second cathode body. A filament switch selectively electrically couples a filament power supply to each of the first filament and the second filament, respectively, based on a position of the filament switch. A controller controls the position of the filament switch to alternate the electrical coupling of the filament power supply between the first filament and the second filament for a plurality of switching cycles based on predetermined criteria. The predetermined criteria can be a duration of operation of the first filament and second filament.Type: GrantFiled: September 30, 2021Date of Patent: October 24, 2023Assignee: Axcelis Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Wilhelm Platow, Neil Bassom, Jonathan David
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Publication number: 20230307210Abstract: An ion implantation system has a mass analyzing magnet having interior and exterior region and defining a first entrance, second entrance, and an exit. A first ion source defines a first ion beam directed toward the first entrance along a first beam path. A second ion source defines a second ion beam directed toward the second entrance along a second beam path. A magnet current source supplies a magnet current to the mass analyzing magnet. Magnet control circuitry controls a polarity of the magnet current based on a formation of the first or second ion beam. The mass analyzing magnet mass analyzes the respective first or second ion beam to define defining a mass analyzed ion beam along a mass analyzed beam path. At least one shield in the interior or exterior region prevents line-of-sight between the first and second ion sources. Beamline components modify the mass analyzed ion beam.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 28, 2022Publication date: September 28, 2023Inventors: Wilhelm Platow, Neil Bassom
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Patent number: 11756772Abstract: An ion source assembly and method has a source gas supply to provide a molecular carbon source gas to an ion source chamber. A source gas flow controller controls flow of the molecular carbon source gas to the ion source chamber. An excitation source excites the molecular carbon source gas to form carbon ions and radicals. An extraction electrode extracts the carbon ions from the ion source chamber, forming an ion beam. An oxidizing co-gas supply provides oxidizing co-gas to chamber. An oxidizing co-gas flow controller controls flow of the oxidizing co-gas to the chamber. The oxidizing co-gas decomposes and reacts with carbonaceous residues and atomic carbon forming carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide within the ion source chamber. A vacuum pump system removes the carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide, where deposition of atomic carbon within the ion source chamber is reduced and a lifetime of the ion source is increased.Type: GrantFiled: May 29, 2020Date of Patent: September 12, 2023Assignee: Axcelis Technologies, Inc.Inventors: David Sporleder, Neil Bassom, Neil K. Colvin, Mike Ameen, Xiao Xu
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Patent number: 11699563Abstract: An ion implantation system, ion source, and method are provided, where an ion source is configured to ionize an aluminum-based ion source material and to form an ion beam and a by-product including a non-conducting material. An etchant gas mixture has a predetermined concentration of fluorine and a noble gas that is in fluid communication with the ion source. The predetermined concentration of fluorine is associated with a predetermined health safety level, such as approximately a 20% maximum concentration of fluorine. The etchant gas mixture can have a co-gas with a concentration less than approximately 5% of argon. The aluminum-based ion source material can be a ceramic member, such as a repeller shaft, a shield, or other member within the ion source.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2021Date of Patent: July 11, 2023Assignee: Axcelis Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Neil K. Colvin, Neil Bassom, Xiao Xu
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Patent number: 11699565Abstract: An ion implantation system, ion source, and method are provided having a gaseous aluminum-based ion source material. The gaseous aluminum-based ion source material can be, or include, dimethylaluminum chloride (DMAC), where the DMAC is a liquid that transitions into vapor phase at room temperature. An ion source receives and ionizes the gaseous aluminum-based ion source material to form an ion beam. A low-pressure gas bottle supplies the DMAC as a gas to an arc chamber of the ion source by a primary gas line. A separate, secondary gas line supplies a co-gas, such as a fluorine-containing molecule, to the ion source, where the co-gas and DMAC reduce an energetic carbon cross-contamination and/or increase doubly charged aluminum.Type: GrantFiled: October 29, 2021Date of Patent: July 11, 2023Assignee: Axcelis Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Neil K. Colvin, Neil Bassom, Edward Moore
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Publication number: 20230135525Abstract: An ion source has arc chamber having one or more radiation generating features, an arc chamber body enclosing an internal volume, and at least one gas inlet aperture defined therein. A gas source provides a gas such as a source species gas or a halide through the gas inlet aperture. The source species gas can be an aluminum-based ion source material such as dimethylaluminum chloride (DMAC). One or more shields positioned proximate to the gas inlet aperture provide a fluid communication between the gas inlet aperture and the internal volume, minimize a line-of-sight from the one or more radiation generating features to the gas inlet aperture, and substantially prevent thermal radiation from reaching the gas inlet aperture from the one or more radiation generating features.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 28, 2022Publication date: May 4, 2023Inventors: Neil K. Colvin, Neil Bassom, Joshua Abeshaus
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Publication number: 20230139138Abstract: An ion implantation system has an ion source to generate an ion beam, and a mass analyzer to define a first ion beam having desired ions at a first charge state. A first linear accelerator accelerates the first ion beam to a plurality of first energies. A charge stripper strips electrons from the desired ions defining a second ion beam at a plurality of second charge states. A first dipole magnet spatially disperses and bends the second ion beam at a first angle. A charge defining aperture passes a desired charge state of the second ion beam while blocking a remainder of the plurality of second charge states. A quadrupole apparatus spatially focuses the second ion beam, defining a third ion beam. A second dipole magnet bends the third ion beam at a second angle. A second linear accelerator accelerates the third ion beam. A final energy magnet bends the third ion beam at a third angle, and wherein an energy defining aperture passes only the desired ions at a desired energy and charge state.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 29, 2021Publication date: May 4, 2023Inventors: Wilhelm Platow, Shu Satoh, Neil Bassom
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Publication number: 20230100805Abstract: An ion source has an arc chamber with a first end and a second end. A first cathode at the first end of the arc chamber has a first cathode body and a first filament disposed within the first cathode body. A second cathode at the second end of the arc chamber has a second cathode body and a second filament disposed within the second cathode body. A filament switch selectively electrically couples a filament power supply to each of the first filament and the second filament, respectively, based on a position of the filament switch. A controller controls the position of the filament switch to alternate the electrical coupling of the filament power supply between the first filament and the second filament for a plurality of switching cycles based on predetermined criteria. The predetermined criteria can be a duration of operation of the first filament and second filament.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 30, 2021Publication date: March 30, 2023Inventors: Wilhelm Platow, Neil Bassom, Jonathan David
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Patent number: 11545330Abstract: An ion source has an arc chamber having first and second ends and an aperture plate to enclose a chamber volume. An extraction aperture is disposed between the first and second ends. A cathode is near the first end of the arc chamber, and a repeller is near the second end. A generally U-shaped first bias electrode is on a first side of the extraction aperture within the chamber volume. A generally U-shaped second bias electrode is on a second side of the extraction aperture within the chamber volume, where the first and second bias electrodes are separated by a first distance proximate to the extraction aperture and a second distance distal from the extraction aperture. An electrode power supply provides a first and second positive voltage to the first and second bias electrodes, where the first and second positive voltages differ by a predetermined bias differential.Type: GrantFiled: May 12, 2021Date of Patent: January 3, 2023Assignee: Axcelis Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Wilhelm Platow, Paul Silverstein, Neil Bassom, Marvin Farley, David Sporleder
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Publication number: 20220367138Abstract: An ion source has an arc chamber having first and second ends and an aperture plate to enclose a chamber volume. An extraction aperture is disposed between the first and second ends. A cathode is near the first end of the arc chamber, and a repeller is near the second end. A generally U-shaped first bias electrode is on a first side of the extraction aperture within the chamber volume. A generally U-shaped second bias electrode is on a second side of the extraction aperture within the chamber volume, where the first and second bias electrodes are separated by a first distance proximate to the extraction aperture and a second distance distal from the extraction aperture. An electrode power supply provides a first and second positive voltage to the first and second bias electrodes, where the first and second positive voltages differ by a predetermined bias differential.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 12, 2021Publication date: November 17, 2022Inventors: Wilhelm Platow, Paul Silverstein, Neil Bassom, Marvin Farley, David Sporleder
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Publication number: 20220139664Abstract: An ion implantation system, ion source, and method are provided having a gaseous aluminum-based ion source material. The gaseous aluminum-based ion source material can be, or include, dimethylaluminum chloride (DMAC), where the DMAC is a liquid that transitions into vapor phase at room temperature. An ion source receives and ionizes the gaseous aluminum-based ion source material to form an ion beam. A low-pressure gas bottle supplies the DMAC as a gas to an arc chamber of the ion source by a primary gas line. A separate, secondary gas line supplies a co-gas, such as a fluorine-containing molecule, to the ion source, where the co-gas and DMAC reduce an energetic carbon cross-contamination and/or increase doubly charged aluminum.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 29, 2021Publication date: May 5, 2022Inventors: Neil K. Colvin, Neil Bassom, Edward Moore
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Publication number: 20220139662Abstract: An ion implantation system, ion source, and method are provided, where an ion source is configured to ionize an aluminum-based ion source material and to form an ion beam and a by-product including a non-conducting material. An etchant gas mixture has a predetermined concentration of fluorine and a noble gas that is in fluid communication with the ion source. The predetermined concentration of fluorine is associated with a predetermined health safety level, such as approximately a 20% maximum concentration of fluorine. The etchant gas mixture can have a co-gas with a concentration less than approximately 5% of argon. The aluminum-based ion source material can be a ceramic member, such as a repeller shaft, a shield, or other member within the ion source.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 4, 2021Publication date: May 5, 2022Inventors: Neil K. Colvin, Neil Bassom, Xiao Xu
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Patent number: 11244800Abstract: An ion source for forming a plasma has a cathode with a cavity and a cathode surface defining a cathode step. A filament is disposed within the cavity, and a cathode shield has a cathode shield surface at least partially encircling the cathode surface. A cathode gap is defined between the cathode surface and the cathode shield surface, where the cathode gap defines a tortured path for limiting travel of the plasma through the gap. The cathode surface can have a stepped cylindrical surface defined by a first cathode diameter and a second cathode diameter, where the first cathode diameter and second cathode diameter differ from one another to define the cathode step. The stepped cylindrical surface can be an exterior surface or an interior surface. The first and second cathode diameters can be concentric or axially offset.Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2021Date of Patent: February 8, 2022Assignee: Axcelis Technologies, Inc.Inventors: Wilhelm Platow, Neil Bassom, Shu Satoh, Paul Silverstein, Marvin Farley
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Publication number: 20220013323Abstract: An ion implantation system has an aluminum trichloride source material. An ion source is configured to ionize the aluminum trichloride source material and form an ion beam. The ionization of the aluminum trichloride source material further forms a by-product having a non-conducting material containing chlorine. A hydrogen introduction apparatus is configured to introduce a reducing agent including hydrogen to the ion source. The reducing agent is configured to alter a chemistry of the non-conducting material to produce a volatile gas by-product. A beamline assembly is configured to selectively transport the ion beam, and an end station is configured to accept the ion beam for implantation of ions into a workpiece.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 4, 2021Publication date: January 13, 2022Inventors: Neil K. Colvin, Neil Bassom, Xiangyang Wu
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Publication number: 20210398765Abstract: An ion source for forming a plasma has a cathode with a cavity and a cathode surface defining a cathode step. A filament is disposed within the cavity, and a cathode shield has a cathode shield surface at least partially encircling the cathode surface. A cathode gap is defined between the cathode surface and the cathode shield surface, where the cathode gap defines a tortured path for limiting travel of the plasma through the gap. The cathode surface can have a stepped cylindrical surface defined by a first cathode diameter and a second cathode diameter, where the first cathode diameter and second cathode diameter differ from one another to define the cathode step. The stepped cylindrical surface can be an exterior surface or an interior surface. The first and second cathode diameters can be concentric or axially offset.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 26, 2021Publication date: December 23, 2021Inventors: Wilhelm Platow, Neil Bassom, Shu Satoh, Paul Silverstein, Marvin Farley