Patents by Inventor Rama Puligadda

Rama Puligadda 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: 20100112305
    Abstract: New compositions and methods of using those compositions as bonding compositions are provided. The compositions comprise a cycloolefin copolymer dispersed or dissolved in a solvent system, and can be used to bond an active wafer to a carrier wafer or substrate to assist in protecting the active wafer and its active sites during subsequent processing and handling. The compositions form bonding layers that are chemically and thermally resistant, but that can also be softened or dissolved to allow the wafers to slide or be pulled apart at the appropriate stage in the fabrication process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2008
    Publication date: May 6, 2010
    Inventors: Wenbin Hong, Dongshun Bai, Tony D. Flaim, Rama Puligadda
  • Patent number: 7364835
    Abstract: Wet-recess (develop) gap-fill and bottom anti-reflective coatings based on a polyamic acid or polyester platform are provided. The polyamic acid platform allows imidization to form a polyimide when supplied with thermal energy. The gap-fill and bottom anti-reflective coatings are soluble in standard aqueous developers, and are useful for patterning via holes and trenches on semiconductor substrates in a dual damascene patterning scheme. In one embodiment, compositions composed of polyamic acids can be used as gap-filling (via-filling) materials having no anti-reflective function in a copper dual damascene process to improve iso-dense fill bias across different via arrays. In another embodiment, the same composition can be used for anti-reflective purposes, wherein the photoresist can be directly coated over the recessed surface, while it also acts as a fill material to planarize via holes on the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2008
    Assignee: Brewer Science Inc.
    Inventors: Mandar Bhave, Carlton A. Washburn, Rama Puligadda, Kevin Edwards
  • Patent number: 7132216
    Abstract: An improved light attenuating compound for use in the production of microdevices is provided. Broadly, the light attenuating compound is non-aromatic and can be directly incorporated (either physically or chemically) into photolithographic compositions such as bottom anti-reflective coatings (BARC) and contact or via hole fill materials. The preferred non-aromatic compounds of the invention are conjugated aliphatic and alicyclic compounds which greatly enhance the plasma etch rate of the composition. Furthermore, the light attenuating compounds are useful for absorbing light at shorter wavelengths. In one embodiment, the inventive compounds can be polymerized so as to serve as both the polymer binder of the composition as well as the light absorbing constituent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Assignee: Brewer Science Inc.
    Inventors: Xie Shao, Robert Cox, Shreeram V. Deshpande, Tony D. Flaim, Rama Puligadda
  • Patent number: 7038328
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an anti-reflective coating composition characterized by comprising a resin made from triazine compounds having at least two nitrogen atoms substituted a hydroxymethyl group and/or an alkoxymethyl group, and a light absorbing compound and/or a light absorbing resin. The present invention offers an anti-reflective coating composition for the anti-reflective coating having high light absorption property of the light used for the lithography process in the preparation of semiconductor device, showing high reflective light preventing effect, being used at thinner film thickness more than before, and having greater dry etching rate in comparison to photoresist layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: Brewer Science Inc.
    Inventors: Tomoyuki Enomoto, Keisuke Nakayama, Rama Puligadda
  • Publication number: 20050148170
    Abstract: Wet-recess (develop) gap-fill and bottom anti-reflective coatings based on a polyamic acid or polyester platform are provided. The polyamic acid platform allows imidization to form a polyimide when supplied with thermal energy. The gap-fill and bottom anti-reflective coatings are soluble in standard aqueous developers, and are useful for patterning via holes and trenches on semiconductor substrates in a dual damascene patterning scheme. In one embodiment, compositions composed of polyamic acids can be used as gap-filling (via-filling) materials having no anti-reflective function in a copper dual damascene process to improve iso-dense fill bias across different via arrays. In another embodiment, the same composition can be used for anti-reflective purposes, wherein the photoresist can be directly coated over the recessed surface, while it also acts as a fill material to planarize via holes on the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2004
    Publication date: July 7, 2005
    Inventors: Mandar Bhave, Carlton Washburn, Rama Puligadda, Kevin Edwards
  • Patent number: 6893684
    Abstract: Anti-reflective compositions and methods of using those compositions with low dielectric constant materials are provided. In one embodiment, the compositions include polymers comprising recurring monomers having unreacted ring members. In another embodiment, the polymers further comprise recurring monomers comprising ring members reacted with a light attenuating compound so as to open the ring. The compositions can be applied to dielectric layers so as to minimize or prevent reflection during the dual damascene process while simultaneously blocking via or photoresist poisoning which commonly occurs when organic anti-reflective coatings are applied to low dielectric constant layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2005
    Assignee: Brewer Science Inc.
    Inventors: Rama Puligadda, James E. Lamb, III, Tony D. Flaim
  • Publication number: 20040072420
    Abstract: The present invention relates to an anti-reflective coating composition characterized by comprising a resin made from triazine compounds having at least two nitrogen atoms substituted a hydroxymethyl group and/or an alkoxymethyl group, and a light absorbing compound and/or a light absorbing resin. The present invention offers an anti-reflective coating composition for the anti-reflective coating having high light absorption property of the light used for the lithography process in the preparation of semiconductor device, showing high reflective light preventing effect, being used at thinner film thickness more than before, and having greater dry etching rate in comparison to photoresist layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2002
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Applicant: Brewer Science, Inc
    Inventors: Tomoyuki Enomoto, Keisuke Nakayama, Rama Puligadda
  • Publication number: 20040067441
    Abstract: An improved light attenuating compound for use in the production of microdevices is provided. Broadly, the light attenuating compound is non-aromatic and can be directly incorporated (either physically or chemically) into photolithographic compositions such as bottom anti-reflective coatings (BARC) and contact or via hole fill materials. The preferred non-aromatic compounds of the invention are conjugated aliphatic and alicyclic compounds which greatly enhance the plasma etch rate of the composition. Furthermore, the light attenuating compounds are useful for absorbing light at shorter wavelengths. In one embodiment, the inventive compounds can be polymerized so as to serve as both the polymer binder of the composition as well as the light absorbing constituent.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2003
    Publication date: April 8, 2004
    Inventors: Xie Shao, Robert Cox, Shreeram V. Deshpande, Tony D. Flaim, Rama Puligadda
  • Patent number: 6680160
    Abstract: Anti-reflective coatings formed from new polymers and having high etch rates are provided. Broadly, the coatings are formed from a polymer binder and a light attenuating compound. The polymer binder has halogen atoms bonded thereto, preferably to functional groups on the polymer binder rather than to the polymer backbone. Preferred polymer binders comprise acrylic polymers while it is preferred that the halogenated functional groups of the polymer binders be dihalogenated, and more preferably trihalogenated, with chlorine, fluorine, or bromine atoms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2004
    Assignee: Brewer Science, Inc.
    Inventors: Tomoyuki Enomoto, Ken-Ichi Mizusawa, Shin-Ya Arase, Rama Puligadda
  • Patent number: 6670425
    Abstract: Anti-reflective compositions and methods of using those compositions with low dielectric constant materials are provided. In one embodiment, the compositions include polymers comprising recurring monomers having unreacted epoxide groups. In another embodiment, the polymers further comprise recurring monomers comprising epoxide rings reacted with a light attenuating compound so as to open the ring. The compositions can be applied to dielectric layers so as to minimize or prevent reflection during the dual damascene process while simultaneously blocking via or photoresist poisoning which commonly occurs when organic anti-reflective coatings are applied to low dielectric constant layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2003
    Assignee: Brewer Science, Inc.
    Inventors: Rama Puligadda, James E. Lamb, III, Tony D. Flaim, Runhui Huang, Xie Shao
  • Publication number: 20030234387
    Abstract: Anti-reflective compositions and methods of using those compositions with low dielectric constant materials are provided. In one embodiment, the compositions include polymers comprising recurring monomers having unreacted ring members. In another embodiment, the polymers further comprise recurring monomers comprising ring members reacted with a light attenuating compound so as to open the ring. The compositions can be applied to dielectric layers so as to minimize or prevent reflection during the dual damascene process while simultaneously blocking via or photoresist poisoning which commonly occurs when organic anti-reflective coatings are applied to low dielectric constant layers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2002
    Publication date: December 25, 2003
    Applicant: Brewer Science, Inc.
    Inventors: Rama Puligadda, James E. Lamb, Tony D. Flaim
  • Patent number: 6663916
    Abstract: Anti-reflective compositions and methods of using those compositions with low dielectric constant materials are provided. In one embodiment, the compositions include polymers comprising recurring monomers having unreacted epoxide groups. In another embodiment, the polymers further comprise recurring monomers comprising epoxide rings reacted with a light attenuating compound so as to open the ring. The compositions can be applied to dielectric layers so as to minimize or prevent reflection during the dual damascene process while simultaneously blocking via or photoresist poisoning which commonly occurs when organic anti-reflective coatings are applied to low dielectric constant layers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2003
    Assignee: Brewer Science, Inc.
    Inventors: Rama Puligadda, James E. Lamb, III, Tony D. Flaim, Runhui Huang, Xie Shao
  • Patent number: 6653411
    Abstract: Improved anti-reflective coating compositions for use in integrated circuit manufacturing processes and methods of forming these compositions are provided. Broadly, the compositions are formed by heating a solution comprising a compound including specific compounds (e.g., alkoxy alkyl melamines, alkoxy alkyl benzoguanamines) under acidic conditions so as to polymerize the compounds and form polymers having an average molecular weight of at least about 1,000 Daltons. The monomers of the resulting polymers are joined to one another via linkage groups (e.g., —CH2—, —CH2—O—CH2—) which are bonded to nitrogen atoms on the respective monomers. The polymerized compound is mixed with a solvent and applied to a substrate surface after which it is baked to form an anti-reflective layer. The resulting layer has high k values and can be formulated for both conformal and planar applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2003
    Assignee: Brewer Science, Inc.
    Inventors: Rama Puligadda, Runhui Huang
  • Publication number: 20030065164
    Abstract: Improved anti-reflective coating compositions for use in integrated circuit manufacturing processes and methods of forming these compositions are provided. Broadly, the compositions are formed by heating a solution comprising a compound including specific compounds (e.g., alkoxy alkyl melamines, alkoxy alkyl benzoguanamines) under acidic conditions so as to polymerize the compounds and form polymers having an average molecular weight of at least about 1,000 Daltons. The monomers of the resulting polymers are joined to one another via linkage groups (e.g., —CH2—, —CH2—O—CH2—) which are bonded to nitrogen atoms on the respective monomers. The polymerized compound is mixed with a solvent and applied to a substrate surface after which it is baked to form an anti-reflective layer. The resulting layer has high k values and can be formulated for both conformal and planar applications.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 24, 2001
    Publication date: April 3, 2003
    Applicant: BREWER SCIENCE, INC.
    Inventors: Rama Puligadda, Runhui Huang
  • Patent number: 6524708
    Abstract: Improved anti-reflective coating compositions for use in integrated circuit manufacturing processes and methods of forming these compositions are provided. Broadly, the compositions are formed by heating a solution comprising a compound including specific compounds (e.g., alkoxy alkyl melamines, alkoxy alkyl benzoguanamines) under acidic conditions so as to polymerize the compounds and form polymers having an average molecular weight of at least about 1,000 Daltons. The monomers of the resulting polymers are joined to one another via linkage groups (e.g., —CH2—, —CH2—O—CH2—) which are bonded to nitrogen atoms on the respective monomers. The polymerized compound is mixed with a solvent and applied to a substrate surface after which it is baked to form an anti-reflective layer. The resulting layer has high k values, improved etch rates, and can be formulated for both conformal and planar applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2003
    Assignee: Brewer Science, Inc.
    Inventors: Rama Puligadda, Runhui Huang
  • Patent number: 6512084
    Abstract: Improved anti-reflective coating compositions for use in integrated circuit manufacturing processes and methods of forming these compositions are provided. Broadly, the compositions are formed by heating a solution comprising a compound including specific compounds (e.g., alkoxy alkyl melamines, alkoxy alkyl benzoguanamines) under acidic conditions so as to polymerize the compounds and form polymers having an average molecular weight of at least about 1,000 Daltons. The monomers of the resulting polymers are joined to one another via linkage groups (e.g., —CH2—, —CH2—O—CH2—) which are bonded to nitrogen atoms on the respective monomers. The polymerized compound is mixed with a solvent and applied to a substrate surface after which it is baked to form an anti-reflective layer. The resulting layer has high k values, improved etch rates, and can be formulated for both conformal and planar applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Assignee: Brewer Science, Inc.
    Inventors: Rama Puligadda, Runhui Huang
  • Publication number: 20030004283
    Abstract: Anti-reflective compositions and methods of using those compositions with low dielectric constant materials are provided. In one embodiment, the compositions include polymers comprising recurring monomers having unreacted epoxide groups. In another embodiment, the polymers further comprise recurring monomers comprising epoxide rings reacted with a light attenuating compound so as to open the ring. The compositions can be applied to dielectric layers so as to minimize or prevent reflection during the dual damascene process while simultaneously blocking via or photoresist poisoning which commonly occurs when organic anti-reflective coatings are applied to low dielectric constant layers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2001
    Publication date: January 2, 2003
    Inventors: Rama Puligadda, James E. Lamb, Tony D. Flaim, Runhui Huang, Xie Shao
  • Publication number: 20020198333
    Abstract: Anti-reflective compositions and methods of using those compositions with low dielectric constant materials are provided. In one embodiment, the compositions include polymers comprising recurring monomers having unreacted epoxide groups. In another embodiment, the polymers further comprise recurring monomers comprising epoxide rings reacted with a light attenuating compound so as to open the ring. The compositions can be applied to dielectric layers so as to minimize or prevent reflection during the dual damascene process while simultaneously blocking via or photoresist poisoning which commonly occurs when organic anti-reflective coatings are applied to low dielectric constant layers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2002
    Publication date: December 26, 2002
    Inventors: Rama Puligadda, James E. Lamb, Tony D. Flaim, Runhui Huang, Xie Shao
  • Publication number: 20020192594
    Abstract: Anti-reflective coatings formed from new polymers and having high etch rates are provided. Broadly, the coatings are formed from a polymer binder and a light attenuating compound. The polymer binder has halogen atoms bonded thereto, preferably to functional groups on the polymer binder rather than to the polymer backbone. Preferred polymer binders comprise acrylic polymers while it is preferred that the halogenated functional groups of the polymer binders be dihalogenated, and more preferably trihalogenated, with chlorine, fluorine, or bromine atoms.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2002
    Publication date: December 19, 2002
    Inventors: Tomoyuki Enomoto, Ken-Ichi Mizusawa, Shin-Ya Arase, Rama Puligadda
  • Patent number: 6495305
    Abstract: Anti-reflective coatings formed from new polymers and having high etch rates are provided. Broadly, the coatings are formed from a polymer binder and a light attenuating compound. The polymer binder has halogen atoms bonded thereto, preferably to functional groups on the polymer binder rather than to the polymer backbone. Preferred polymer binders comprise acrylic polymers while it is preferred that the halogenated functional groups of the polymer binders be dihalogenated, and more preferably trihalogenated, with chlorine, fluorine, or bromine atoms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2000
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2002
    Inventors: Tomoyuki Enomoto, Ken-Ichi Mizusawa, Shin-Ya Arase, Rama Puligadda