Patents by Inventor Philip Allan Kraus

Philip Allan 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: 20210134561
    Abstract: Systems and methods for tunable workpiece biasing in a plasma reactor are provided herein. In some embodiments, a system includes: a plasma chamber that performs plasma processing on a workpiece, a first pulsed voltage source, coupled directly to a workpiece, a second pulsed voltage source, coupled capacitively to the workpiece, and a biasing controller comprising one or more processors, and memory, wherein the memory comprises a set of computer instructions that when executed by the one or more processors, independently controls the first pulsed voltage source and the second pulsed voltage source based on one or more parameters of the first pulsed voltage source and the second pulsed voltage source in order to tailor ion energy distribution of the flux of ions directed to the workpiece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2021
    Publication date: May 6, 2021
    Inventors: Travis KOH, Philip Allan KRAUS, Leonid DORF, Prabu GOPALRAJA
  • Patent number: 10985009
    Abstract: Embodiments include a method for forming a carbon containing film. In an embodiment, the method comprises flowing a precursor gas into a processing chamber. For example the precursor gas comprises carbon containing molecules. In an embodiment, the method further comprises flowing a co-reactant gas into the processing chamber. In an embodiment, the method further comprises striking a plasma in the processing chamber. In an embodiment plasma activated co-reactant molecules initiate polymerization of the carbon containing molecules in the precursor gas. Embodiments may also include a method that further comprises depositing a carbon containing film onto a substrate in the processing chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2021
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Lakmal Charidu Kalutarage, Mark Saly, David Thompson, William John Durand, Kelvin Chan, Hanhong Chen, Philip Allan Kraus
  • Publication number: 20210098230
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein include a monolithic source array. In an embodiment, the monolithic source array comprises a dielectric plate having a first surface and a second surface opposite from the first surface. The monolithic source array may further comprise a plurality of protrusions that extend out from the first surface of the dielectric plate, wherein the plurality of protrusions and the dielectric plate are a monolithic structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2019
    Publication date: April 1, 2021
    Inventors: Thai Cheng Chua, Philip Allan Kraus
  • Publication number: 20210100076
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein include a housing for a source assembly. In an embodiment, the housing comprises a conductive body with a first surface and a second surface opposite from the first surface, and a plurality of openings through a thickness of the conductive body between the first surface and the second surface. In an embodiment, the housing further comprises a channel into the first surface of the conductive body, and a cover over the channel. In an embodiment, a first stem over the cover extends away from the first surface, and a second stem over the cover extends away from the first surface. In an embodiment, the first stem and the second stem open into the channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2019
    Publication date: April 1, 2021
    Inventors: James Carducci, Richard C. Fovell, Larry D. Elizaga, Silverst Rodrigues, Thai Cheng Chua, Philip Allan Kraus
  • Publication number: 20210098236
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein include a source for a processing tool. In an embodiment, the source comprises a dielectric plate having a first surface and a second surface opposite from the first surface, and a cavity into the first surface of the dielectric plate. In an embodiment, the cavity comprises a third surface that is between the first surface and the second surface. In an embodiment, the source further comprises a dielectric resonator extending away from the third surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2019
    Publication date: April 1, 2021
    Inventors: Joseph F. AuBuchon, James Carducci, Larry D. Elizaga, Richard C. Fovell, Philip Allan Kraus, Thai Cheng Chua
  • Publication number: 20210098231
    Abstract: Embodiments disclosed herein include a housing for a source array. In an embodiment, the housing comprises a conductive body, where the conductive body comprises a first surface and a second surface opposite from the first surface. In an embodiment a plurality of openings are formed through the conductive body and a channel is disposed into the second surface of the conductive body. In an embodiment, a cover is over the channel, and the cover comprises first holes that pass through a thickness of the cover. In an embodiment, the housing further comprises a second hole through a thickness of the conductive body. In an embodiment, the second hole intersects with the channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2019
    Publication date: April 1, 2021
    Inventors: James Carducci, Richard C. Fovell, Larry D. Elizaga, Silverst Rodrigues, Vladimir Knyazik, Philip Allan Kraus, Thai Cheng Chua
  • Patent number: 10957565
    Abstract: Embodiments include systems, devices, and methods for monitoring etch or deposition rates, or controlling an operation of a wafer fabrication process. In an embodiment, a processing tool includes a processing chamber having a liner wall around a chamber volume, and a monitoring device having a sensor exposed to the chamber volume through a hole in the liner wall. The sensor is capable of measuring, in real-time, material deposition and removal rates occurring within the chamber volume during the wafer fabrication process. The monitoring device can be moved relative to the hole in the liner wall to selectively expose either the sensor or a blank area to the chamber volume through the hole. Accordingly, the wafer fabrication process being performed in the chamber volume may be monitored by the sensor, and the sensor may be sealed off from the chamber volume during an in-situ chamber cleaning process. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Shimin Mao, Simon Huang, Ashish Goel, Anantha Subramani, Philip Allan Kraus
  • Patent number: 10943768
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein include an applicator frame for a processing chamber. In an embodiment, the applicator frame comprises a first major surface of the applicator frame and a second major surface of the applicator frame opposite the first major surface. In an embodiment, the applicator frame further comprises a through hole, wherein the through hole extends entirely through the applicator frame. In an embodiment, the applicator frame also comprises a lateral channel embedded in the applicator frame. In an embodiment the lateral channel intersects the through hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Hanh Nguyen, Thai Cheng Chua, Philip Allan Kraus
  • Patent number: 10937678
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for biasing regions of a substrate in a plasma assisted processing chamber are provided. Biasing of the substrate, or regions thereof, increases the potential difference between the substrate and a plasma formed in the processing chamber thereby accelerating ions from the plasma towards the active surfaces of the substrate regions. A plurality of bias electrodes herein are spatially arranged across the substrate support in a pattern that is advantageous for managing uniformity of processing results across the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2021
    Assignee: APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.
    Inventors: Philip Allan Kraus, Thai Cheng Chua, Jaeyong Cho
  • Patent number: 10923320
    Abstract: Systems and methods for tunable workpiece biasing in a plasma reactor are provided herein. In some embodiments, a system includes: a plasma chamber that performs plasma processing on a workpiece, a first pulsed voltage source, coupled directly to a workpiece, a second pulsed voltage source, coupled capacitively to the workpiece, and a biasing controller comprising one or more processors, and memory, wherein the memory comprises a set of computer instructions that when executed by the one or more processors, independently controls the first pulsed voltage source and the second pulsed voltage source based on one or more parameters of the first pulsed voltage source and the second pulsed voltage source in order to tailor ion energy distribution of the flux of ions directed to the workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2021
    Assignee: APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.
    Inventors: Travis Koh, Philip Allan Kraus, Leonid Dorf, Prabu Gopalraja
  • Publication number: 20210028012
    Abstract: Embodiments include a method of processing a substrate. In an embodiment, the method comprises flowing one or more source gasses into a processing chamber, and inducing a plasma from the source gases with a plasma source that is operated in a first mode. In an embodiment, the method may further comprise biasing the substrate with a DC power source that is operated in a second mode. In an embodiment, the method may further comprise depositing a film on the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2020
    Publication date: January 28, 2021
    Inventors: Kelvin Chan, Travis Koh, Simon Huang, Philip Allan Kraus
  • Patent number: 10904996
    Abstract: Embodiments described herein generally relate to plasma assisted or plasma enhanced processing chambers. More specifically, embodiments herein relate to electrostatic chucking (ESC) substrate supports configured to provide pulsed DC voltage, and methods of applying a pulsed DC voltage, to a substrate during plasma assisted or plasma enhanced semiconductor manufacturing processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2021
    Assignee: APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.
    Inventors: Travis Lee Koh, Haitao Wang, Philip Allan Kraus, Vijay D. Parkhe, Daniel Distaso, Christopher A. Rowland, Mark Markovsky, Robert Casanova
  • Publication number: 20200402769
    Abstract: Embodiments include a plasma processing tool that includes a processing chamber, and a plurality of modular microwave sources coupled to the processing chamber. In an embodiment, the plurality of modular microwave sources include an array of applicators that are positioned over a dielectric body that forms a portion of an outer wall of the processing chamber. The array of applicators may be coupled to the dielectric body. Additionally, the plurality of modular microwave sources may include an array of microwave amplification modules. In an embodiment, each microwave amplification module may be coupled to at least one of the applicators in the array of applicators. According to an embodiment, the dielectric body be planar, non-planar, symmetric, or non-symmetric. In yet another embodiment, the dielectric body may include a plurality of recesses. In such an embodiment, at least one applicator may be positioned in at least one of the recesses.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2020
    Publication date: December 24, 2020
    Inventors: Thai Cheng Chua, Farzad Houshmand, Christian Amormino, Philip Allan Kraus
  • Publication number: 20200388998
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to a unitary electrical conduit that includes a central conductor, a socket coupled to a first end of the central conductor, a male insert coupled to a second end of the central conductor a dielectric sheath surrounding the central conductor, and an outer conductor surrounding the dielectric sheath, wherein a substantially 90 degree bend is formed along a length thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 3, 2020
    Publication date: December 10, 2020
    Inventors: Philip Allan KRAUS, Anantha K. SUBRAMANI
  • Publication number: 20200381280
    Abstract: Embodiments include a real time etch rate sensor and methods of for using a real time etch rate sensor. In an embodiment, the real time etch rate sensor includes a resonant system and a conductive housing. The resonant system may include a resonating body, a first electrode formed over a first surface of the resonating body, a second electrode formed over a second surface of the resonating body, and a sacrificial layer formed over the first electrode. In an embodiment, at least a portion of the first electrode is not covered by the sacrificial layer. In an embodiment, the conductive housing may secure the resonant system. Additionally, the conductive housing contacts the first electrode, and at least a portion of an interior edge of the conductive housing may be spaced away from the sacrificial layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2020
    Publication date: December 3, 2020
    Inventors: Philip Allan Kraus, Timothy Joseph Franklin
  • Publication number: 20200381217
    Abstract: Embodiments include a modular microwave source. In an embodiment, the modular microwave source comprises a voltage control circuit, a voltage controlled oscillator, where an output voltage from the voltage control circuit drives oscillation in the voltage controlled oscillator. The modular microwave source may also include a solid state microwave amplification module coupled to the voltage controlled oscillator. In an embodiment, the solid state microwave amplification module amplifies an output from the voltage controlled oscillator. The modular microwave source may also include an applicator coupled to the solid state microwave amplification module, where the applicator is a dielectric resonator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 14, 2020
    Publication date: December 3, 2020
    Inventors: Philip Allan Kraus, Thai Cheng Chua
  • Publication number: 20200361766
    Abstract: Methods are provided for manufacturing well-controlled, solid-state nanopores and arrays thereof. In one aspect, methods for manufacturing nanopores and arrays thereof exploit a physical seam. One or more etch pits are formed in a topside of a substrate and one or more trenches, which align with the one or more etch pits, are formed in a backside of the substrate. An opening is formed between the one or more etch pits and the one or more trenches. A dielectric material is then formed over the substrate to fill the opening. Contacts are then disposed on the topside and the backside of the substrate and a voltage is applied from the topside to the backside, or vice versa, through the dielectric material to form a nanopore. In another aspect, the nanopore is formed at or near the center of the opening at a seam, which is formed in the dielectric material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2020
    Publication date: November 19, 2020
    Inventors: Philip Allan KRAUS, Joseph R. JOHNSON
  • Patent number: 10840086
    Abstract: Embodiments include a method of processing a substrate. In an embodiment, the method comprises flowing one or more source gasses into a processing chamber, and inducing a plasma from the source gases with a plasma source that is operated in a first mode. In an embodiment, the method may further comprise biasing the substrate with a DC power source that is operated in a second mode. In an embodiment, the method may further comprise depositing a film on the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Kelvin Chan, Travis Koh, Simon Huang, Philip Allan Kraus
  • Publication number: 20200357669
    Abstract: Embodiments include systems, devices, and methods for monitoring etch or deposition rates, or controlling an operation of a wafer fabrication process. In an embodiment, a processing tool includes a processing chamber having a liner wall around a chamber volume, and a monitoring device having a sensor exposed to the chamber volume through a hole in the liner wall. The sensor is capable of measuring, in real-time, material deposition and removal rates occurring within the chamber volume during the wafer fabrication process. The monitoring device can be moved relative to the hole in the liner wall to selectively expose either the sensor or a blank area to the chamber volume through the hole. Accordingly, the wafer fabrication process being performed in the chamber volume may be monitored by the sensor, and the sensor may be sealed off from the chamber volume during an in-situ chamber cleaning process. Other embodiments are also described and claimed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2020
    Publication date: November 12, 2020
    Inventors: Shimin Mao, Simon Huang, Ashish Goel, Anantha Subramani, Philip Allan Kraus
  • Patent number: 10830756
    Abstract: Methods of manufacturing well-controlled nanopores using directed self-assembly and methods of manufacturing free-standing membranes using selective etching are disclosed. In one aspect, one or more nanopores are formed by directed self-assembly with block co-polymers to shrink the critical dimension of a feature which is then transferred to a thin film. In another aspect, a method includes providing a substrate having a thin film over a highly etchable layer thereof, forming one or more nanopores through the thin film over the highly etchable layer, for example, by a pore diameter reduction process, and then selectively removing a portion of the highly etchable layer under the one or more nanopores to form a thin, free-standing membrane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Assignee: APPLIED MATERIALS, INC.
    Inventors: Ankit Vora, Kenichi Ohno, Philip Allan Kraus, Zohreh Hesabi, Joseph R. Johnson