Patents by Inventor Philip A. Kraus

Philip A. Kraus 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).

  • Publication number: 20140191262
    Abstract: Devices are described including a component comprising an alloy of AlN and AlSb. The component has an index of refraction substantially the same as that of a semiconductor in the optoelectronic device, and has high transparency at wavelengths of light used in the optoelectronic device. The component is in contact with the semiconductor in the optoelectronic device. The alloy comprises between 0% and 100% AlN by weight and between 0% and 100% AlSb by weight. The semiconductor can be a III-V semiconductor such as GaAs or AlGaInP. The component can be used as a transparent insulator. The alloy can also be doped to form either a p-type conductor or an n-type conductor, and the component can be used as a transparent conductor. Methods of making and devices utilizing the alloy are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 10, 2013
    Publication date: July 10, 2014
    Applicant: Intermolecular Inc.
    Inventors: Philip Kraus, Thai Cheng Chua, Yoga Saripalli
  • Publication number: 20140170803
    Abstract: In some embodiments, Cu—In—Ga precursor films are deposited by co-sputtering from multiple targets. Specifically, the co-sputtering method is used to form layers that include In. The co-sputtering reduces the tendency for the In component to agglomerate and results in smoother, more uniform films. In some embodiments, the Ga concentration in one or more target(s) is between about 25 atomic % and about 66 atomic %. The deposition may be performed in a batch or in-line deposition system. If an in-line deposition system is used, the movement of the substrates through the system may be continuous or may follow a “stop and soak” method of substrate transport.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2012
    Publication date: June 19, 2014
    Applicant: INTERMOLECULAR, INC.
    Inventors: Teresa B. Sapirman, Philip A. Kraus, Sang M. Lee, Haifan Liang, Jeroen Van Duren
  • Publication number: 20140124817
    Abstract: An electrical contact is formed on a III-V semiconductor comprising gallium. The contact is formed by depositing a first layer comprising In, Au, and a dopant on the surface of a III-V semiconductor and a second layer comprising a conductive oxide on the first layer. The deposited layers are annealed in an inert atmosphere. The annealing causes the formation of a Ga—Au compound at the interface between the III-V semiconductor and the first layer. At least a portion of the dopant migrates into the III-V semiconductor such that the dopant provides n-type or p-type conductivity to the III-V semiconductor. The specific contact resistivity between the III-V semiconductor and the second layer is less than about 10?5 ?cm2. The layers are further annealed in an oxidizing atmosphere such that the indium in the first layer is oxidized to form indium oxide.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2012
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: INTERMOLECULAR, INC.
    Inventor: Philip Kraus
  • Publication number: 20140127887
    Abstract: Chemical vapor deposition (CVD) systems for forming layers on a substrate are disclosed. Embodiments of the system comprise at least two processing chambers that may be linked in a cluster tool. A first processing chamber provides a chamber having a controlled environmental temperature and pressure and containing a first environment for performing CVD on a substrate, and a second environment for contacting the substrate with a plasma; a substrate transport system capable of positioning a substrate for sequential processing in each environment, and a gas control system capable of maintaining isolation. A second processing chamber provides a CVD system. Methods of forming layers on a substrate comprise forming one or more layers in each processing chamber. The systems and methods are suitable for preparing Group III-V, Group II-VI or Group IV thin film devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: INTERMOLECULAR, INC.
    Inventors: Philip Kraus, Boris Borisov, Thai Cheng Chua, Sandeep Nijhawan
  • Publication number: 20140124788
    Abstract: Chemical vapor deposition (CVD) systems for forming layers on a substrate are disclosed. Embodiments of the system comprise at least two processing chambers that may be linked in a cluster tool. A first processing chamber provides a chamber having a controlled environmental temperature and pressure and containing a first environment for performing CVD on a substrate, and a second environment for contacting the substrate with a plasma; a substrate transport system capable of positioning a substrate for sequential processing in each environment, and a gas control system capable of maintaining isolation. A second processing chamber provides a CVD system. Methods of forming layers on a substrate comprise forming one or more layers in each processing chamber. The systems and methods are suitable for preparing Group III-V, Group II-VI or Group IV thin film devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 6, 2012
    Publication date: May 8, 2014
    Applicant: INTERMOLECULAR, INC.
    Inventors: Philip Kraus, Boris Borisov, Thai Cheng Chua, Sandeep Nijhawan
  • Patent number: 8652861
    Abstract: HPC techniques are applied to the screening and evaluating the materials, process parameters, process sequences, and post deposition treatment processes for the development of ohmic contact stacks for optoelectronic devices. Simple test structures are employed for initial screening of basic materials properties of candidate materials for each layer within the stack. The use of multiple site-isolated regions on a single substrate allows many material and/or process conditions to be evaluated in a timely and cost effective manner. Interactions between the layers as well as interactions with the substrate can be investigated in a straightforward manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 18, 2014
    Assignee: Intermolecular, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip Kraus, Sandeep Nijhawan
  • Publication number: 20140034957
    Abstract: Devices are described including a first component and a second component, wherein the first component comprises a Group III-N semiconductor and the second component comprises a bimetallic oxide containing tin, having an index of refraction within 15% of the index of refraction of the Group III-N semiconductor, and having negligible extinction coefficient at wavelengths of light emitted or absorbed by the Group III-N semiconductor. The first component is in optical contact with the second component. Exemplary bimetallic oxides include Sn1-xBixO2 where x?0.10, Zn2SnO2, Sn1-xAlxO2 where x?0.18, and Sn1-xMgxO2 where x?0.16. Methods of making and using the devices are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2012
    Publication date: February 6, 2014
    Applicant: Intermolecular, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip Kraus, Minh-Huu Le, Sandeep Nijhawan
  • Publication number: 20140014965
    Abstract: Chemical vapor deposition (CVD) systems and methods for forming layers on a substrate are disclosed. Embodiments of the system comprise a chamber having a controlled environmental temperature and pressure and containing a first environment for performing CVD on a substrate, and a second environment for contacting the substrate with a plasma; a substrate transport system capable of positioning a substrate for sequential processing in each environment, and a gas control system capable of maintaining site isolation. Methods of forming layers on a substrate comprise forming a first layer from a precursor on a substrate in a CVD environment, contacting the substrate with plasma in a plasma environment, wherein the forming and contacting steps are performed in the unitary system and repeating the forming and contacting steps until a layer of desired thickness is formed. The forming and contacting steps can be performed to form devices having multiple distinct layers, such as Group III-V thin film devices.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2012
    Publication date: January 16, 2014
    Inventors: Philip A. Kraus, Thai Cheng Chua, Timothy Joseph Franklin, Sandeep Nijhawan
  • Publication number: 20130313566
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for depositing thin films incorporating the use of a surfactant are described. Methods and apparatuses include a deposition process and system comprising multiple isolated processing regions which enables rapid repetition of sub-monolayer deposition of thin films. The use of surfactants allows the deposition of high quality epitaxial films at lower temperatures having low values of surface roughness. The deposition of Group III-V thin films such as GaN is used as an example.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 1, 2013
    Publication date: November 28, 2013
    Applicant: Intermolecular, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip A. Kraus, Boris Borisov, Thai Cheng Chua, Sandeep Nijhawan, Yoga Saripalli
  • Patent number: 8524581
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for depositing thin films incorporating the use of a surfactant are described. Methods and apparatuses include a deposition process and system comprising multiple isolated processing regions which enables rapid repetition of sub-monolayer deposition of thin films. The use of surfactants allows the deposition of high quality epitaxial films at lower temperatures having low values of surface roughness. The deposition of Group III-V thin films such as GaN is used as an example.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Intermolecular, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip A. Kraus, Boris Borisov, Thai Cheng Chua, Sandeep Nijhawan, Yoga Saripalli
  • Publication number: 20130171350
    Abstract: A metal-organic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) system is provided for high throughput processing. The system comprises a chamber containing a substrate support system comprising a plurality of substrate support planets operable to support one or more substrates, and a gas emission system operable to provide a plurality of isolated environments suitable for depositing uniform layers on the substrates. The MOCVD system is operable to independently vary one or more process parameters in each isolated environment, and to provide common process parameters to all substrates for depositing one or more layers on all substrates. Methods of forming uniform layers on a substrate are provided wherein at least one of the layers is deposited in an isolated environment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2011
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Applicant: Intermolecular Inc.
    Inventors: Philip A. Kraus, Tony P. Chiang, Timothy Joseph Franklin, Chi-I Lang, Sandeep Nijhawan
  • Publication number: 20130171805
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for depositing thin films incorporating the use of a surfactant are described. Methods and apparatuses include a deposition process and system comprising multiple isolated processing regions which enables rapid repetition of sub-monolayer deposition of thin films. The use of surfactants allows the deposition of high quality epitaxial films at lower temperatures having low values of surface roughness. The deposition of Group III-V thin films such as GaN is used as an example.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2011
    Publication date: July 4, 2013
    Applicant: Intermolecular Inc.
    Inventors: Philip A. Kraus, Boris Borisov, Thai Cheng Chua, Sandeep Nijhawan, Yoga Saripalli
  • Publication number: 20130130481
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus for generating and delivering atomic hydrogen to the growth front during the deposition of a III-V film are provided. The apparatus adapts HWCVD technology to a system wherein the Group III precursor and the Group V precursor are delivered to the surface in isolated processing environments within the system. Multiple HWCVD units may be incorporated so that the atomic hydrogen parameters may be varied in a combinatorial manner for the development of III-V films.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 22, 2011
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicant: Intermolecular, Inc.
    Inventors: Thai Cheng Chua, Timothy Joseph Franklin, Philip Kraus
  • Publication number: 20130045587
    Abstract: Epitaxial films are grown by alternately exposed to precursor dosing regions, inert gas plasma regions, hydrogen-containing plasma regions, chlorine-containing plasma and metrology regions, or regions where an atomic hydrogen source is located. Alternately, laser irradiation techniques may be substituted for the plasma energy in some of the processing regions. The film growth process can be implemented at substrate temperatures between about 25 C and about 600 C, together with optional exposures to laser irradiation to cause the surface of the film to melt or to experience a near-melt condition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2011
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: Intermolecular, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip A. Kraus, Dipankar Pramanik, Boris Borisov
  • Patent number: 8377803
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for the deposition of thin films is described. In embodiments, systems and methods for epitaxial thin film formation are provided, including systems and methods for forming binary compound epitaxial thin films. Methods and systems of embodiments of the invention may be used to form direct bandgap semiconducting binary compound epitaxial thin films, such as, for example, GaN, InN and AlN, and the mixed alloys of these compounds, e.g., (In, Ga)N, (Al, Ga)N, (In, Ga, Al)N. Methods and apparatuses include a multistage deposition process and system which enables rapid repetition of sub-monolayer deposition of thin films.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Intermolecular, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip A. Kraus, Thai Cheng Chua, Sandeep Nijhawan
  • Patent number: 8323754
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a method for forming a dielectric stack on a substrate is provided which includes depositing a first layer of a dielectric material on a substrate surface, exposing the first layer to a nitridation process, depositing a second layer of the dielectric material on the first layer, exposing the second layer to the nitridation process, and exposing the substrate to an anneal process. In another embodiment, a method for forming a dielectric material on a substrate is provided which includes depositing a metal oxide layer substantially free of silicon on a substrate surface, exposing the metal oxide layer to a nitridation process, and exposing the substrate to an anneal process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 4, 2012
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Olsen, Pravin K. Narwankar, Shreyas S. Kher, Randhir Thakur, Shankar Muthukrishnan, Philip A. Kraus
  • Patent number: 8318590
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for the deposition of thin films is described. In embodiments, systems and methods for epitaxial thin film formation are provided, including systems and methods for forming binary compound epitaxial thin films. Methods and systems of embodiments of the invention may be used to form direct bandgap semiconducting binary compound epitaxial thin films, such as, for example, GaN, InN and AlN, and the mixed alloys of these compounds, e.g., (In, Ga)N, (Al, Ga)N, (In, Ga, Al)N. Methods and apparatuses include a multistage deposition process and system which enables rapid repetition of sub-monolayer deposition of thin films.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Intermolecular, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip A. Kraus, Thai Cheng Chua, Sandeep Nijhawan
  • Publication number: 20120208357
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for the deposition of thin films is described. In embodiments, systems and methods for epitaxial thin film formation are provided, including systems and methods for forming binary compound epitaxial thin films. Methods and systems of embodiments of the invention may be used to form direct bandgap semiconducting binary compound epitaxial thin films, such as, for example, GaN, InN and AlN, and the mixed alloys of these compounds, e.g., (In, Ga)N, (Al, Ga)N, (In, Ga, Al)N. Methods and apparatuses include a multistage deposition process and system which enables rapid repetition of sub-monolayer deposition of thin films.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2012
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Applicant: Intermolecular, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip A. Kraus, Sandeep Nijhawan, Thai Cheng Chua
  • Publication number: 20120208352
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for the deposition of thin films is described. In embodiments, systems and methods for epitaxial thin film formation are provided, including systems and methods for forming binary compound epitaxial thin films. Methods and systems of embodiments of the invention may be used to form direct bandgap semiconducting binary compound epitaxial thin films, such as, for example, GaN, InN and AlN, and the mixed alloys of these compounds, e.g., (In, Ga)N, (Al, Ga)N, (In, Ga, Al)N. Methods and apparatuses include a multistage deposition process and system which enables rapid repetition of sub-monolayer deposition of thin films.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2012
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Applicant: Intermolecular, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip A. Kraus, Sandeep Nijhawan, Thai Cheng Chua
  • Patent number: 8143147
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for the deposition of thin films is described. In embodiments, systems and methods for epitaxial thin film formation are provided, including systems and methods for forming binary compound epitaxial thin films. Methods and systems of embodiments of the invention may be used to form direct bandgap semiconducting binary compound epitaxial thin films, such as, for example, GaN, InN and AlN, and the mixed alloys of these compounds, e.g., (In, Ga)N, (Al, Ga)N, (In, Ga, Al)N. Methods and apparatuses include a multistage deposition process and system which enables rapid repetition of sub-monolayer deposition of thin films.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 27, 2012
    Assignee: Intermolecular, Inc.
    Inventors: Philip A. Kraus, Sandeep Nijhawan, Thai Cheng Chua