Patents by Inventor Ranee Wai-Ling Kwong

Ranee Wai-Ling Kwong 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: 9235119
    Abstract: A method that forms a film of photoresist composition on a substrate and exposes a first and second region of the film to radiation through a first and second mask having a first and second image pattern, respectively. The photoresist composition includes a polymer comprising at least one acid labile group, a photosensitive acid generator capable of generating a first amount of acid upon exposure to a first dose of radiation and of generating a second amount of acid upon exposure to a second dose of radiation, and a photosensitive base generator capable of generating a first amount of base upon exposure to the first dose of radiation and of generating a second amount of base upon exposure to the second dose of radiation. The photosensitive acid generator includes (trifluoro-methylsulfonyloxy)-bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-5-ene-2,3-dicarboximide (MDT), N-hydroxy-naphthalimide dodecane sulfonate (DDSN), or a combination thereof. The photosensitive base generator includes a quaternary ammonium salt.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Assignee: GLOBALFOUNDRIES INC.
    Inventors: Kuang-Jung Chen, Wu-Song Huang, Ranee Wai-Ling Kwong, Sen Liu, Pushkara R. Varanasi
  • Publication number: 20140349237
    Abstract: A method that forms a film of photoresist composition on a substrate and exposes a first and second region of the film to radiation through a first and second mask having a first and second image pattern, respectively. The photoresist composition includes a polymer comprising at least one acid labile group, a photosensitive acid generator capable of generating a first amount of acid upon exposure to a first dose of radiation and of generating a second amount of acid upon exposure to a second dose of radiation, and a photosensitive base generator capable of generating a first amount of base upon exposure to the first dose of radiation and of generating a second amount of base upon exposure to the second dose of radiation. The photosensitive acid generator includes (trifluoro-methylsulfonyloxy)-bicyclo[2.2.1]hept-5-ene-2,3-dicarboximide (MDT), N-hydroxy-naphthalimide dodecane sulfonate (DDSN), or a combination thereof. The photosensitive base generator includes a quaternary ammonium salt.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2014
    Publication date: November 27, 2014
    Inventors: Kuang-Jung Chen, Wu-Song Huang, Ranee Wai-Ling Kwong, Sen Liu, Pushkara R. Varanasi
  • Patent number: 8846296
    Abstract: A composition is provided. The composition includes a polymer and a photosensitive acid generator capable of generating a first amount of acid upon exposure to a first dose of radiation and a second amount of acid upon exposure to a second dose of radiation. The second amount of acid is greater than the first amount of acid. The second dose is greater than the first dose. The composition includes a photosensitive base generator capable of generating a first amount of base upon exposure to the first dose and a second amount of base upon exposure to the second dose, where the first amount of base is greater than the first amount of acid and the second amount of base is less than the second amount of acid. The photosensitive base generator may include benzoin carbamates, O-carbamoylhydroxylamines, O-carbamoyloximes, aromatic sulfonamides, ?-lactones, N-(2-Arylethenyl)amides, azides, amides, oximines, quaternary ammonium salts, or amineimides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 30, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Kuang-Jung Chen, Wu-Song Huang, Ranee Wai-Ling Kwong, Sen Liu, Pushkara R. Varanasi
  • Patent number: 8835307
    Abstract: A method and a structure for reworking an antireflective coating (ARC) layer over a semiconductor substrate. The method includes providing a substrate having a material layer, forming a planarization layer on the material layer, forming an organic solvent soluble layer on the planarization layer, forming an ARC layer on the organic solvent soluble layer, forming a pattern in the ARC layer, and removing the organic solvent soluble layer and the ARC layer with an organic solvent while leaving the planarization layer unremoved. The structure includes a substrate having a material layer, a planarization layer on the material layer, an organic solvent soluble layer on the planarization layer, and an ARC layer on the organic solvent soluble layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Hakeem Akinmade-Yusuff, John A. Fitzsimmons, Ranee Wai-Ling Kwong
  • Patent number: 8568960
    Abstract: A method that forms a film of photoresist composition on a substrate and exposes a first and second region of the film to radiation through a first and second mask having a first and second image pattern, respectively. The photoresist composition includes a polymer including labile group(s), base soluble group(s), a photosensitive acid generator, and a photosensitive base generator. The photosensitive acid generator generates first and second amounts of acid upon exposure to first and second doses of radiation, respectively. The second amount of acid exceeds the first amount of acid. The second dose of radiation exceeds the first dose of radiation. The photosensitive base generator generates a first and second amount of base upon exposure to the first and second dose of radiation, respectively. The first amount of base exceeds the first amount of acid. The second amount of acid exceeds the second amount of base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Kuang-Jung Chen, Wu-Song Huang, Ranee Wai-Ling Kwong, Sen Liu, Pushkara R. Varanasi
  • Patent number: 8288271
    Abstract: A method and a structure for reworking an antireflective coating (ARC) layer over a semiconductor substrate. The method includes providing a substrate having a material layer, forming a planarization layer on the material layer, forming an organic solvent soluble layer on the planarization layer, forming an ARC layer on the organic solvent soluble layer, forming a pattern in the ARC layer, and removing the organic solvent soluble layer and the ARC layer with an organic solvent while leaving the planarization layer unremoved. The structure includes a substrate having a material layer, a planarization layer on the material layer, an organic solvent soluble layer on the planarization layer, and an ARC layer on the organic solvent soluble layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Hakeem Akinmade Yusuff, John A. Fitzsimmons, Ranee Wai-Ling Kwong
  • Publication number: 20120231554
    Abstract: A method and a structure for reworking an antireflective coating (ARC) layer over a semiconductor substrate. The method includes providing a substrate having a material layer, forming a planarization layer on the material layer, forming an organic solvent soluble layer on the planarization layer, forming an ARC layer on the organic solvent soluble layer, forming a pattern in the ARC layer, and removing the organic solvent soluble layer and the ARC layer with an organic solvent while leaving the planarization layer unremoved. The structure includes a substrate having a material layer, a planarization layer on the material layer, an organic solvent soluble layer on the planarization layer, and an ARC layer on the organic solvent soluble layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 10, 2012
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hakeem Akinmade Yusuff, John A. Fitzsimmons, Ranee Wai-Ling Kwong
  • Publication number: 20120214099
    Abstract: A composition. The composition includes a polymer and a photosensitive acid generator capable of generating a first amount of acid upon exposure to a first dose of radiation and a second amount of acid upon exposure to a second dose of radiation. The second amount of acid is greater than the first amount of acid. The second dose is greater than the first dose. The composition includes a photosensitive base generator capable of generating a first amount of base upon exposure to the first dose and a second amount of base upon exposure to the second dose, where the first amount of base is greater than the first amount of acid and the second amount of base is less than the second amount of acid. The photosensitive base generator may include benzoin carbamates, O-carbamoylhydroxylamines, O-carbamoyloximes, aromatic sulfonamides, ?-lactones, N-(2-Arylethenyl)amides, azides, amides, oximines, quaternary ammonium salts, or amineimides.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2012
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Kuang-Jung Chen, Wu-Song Huang, Ranee Wai-Ling Kwong, Sen Liu, Pushkara R. Varanasi
  • Publication number: 20120205786
    Abstract: A method and a structure for reworking an antireflective coating (ARC) layer over a semiconductor substrate. The method includes providing a substrate having a material layer, forming a planarization layer on the material layer, forming an organic solvent soluble layer on the planarization layer, forming an ARC layer on the organic solvent soluble layer, forming a pattern in the ARC layer, and removing the organic solvent soluble layer and the ARC layer with an organic solvent while leaving the planarization layer unremoved. The structure includes a substrate having a material layer, a planarization layer on the material layer, an organic solvent soluble layer on the planarization layer, and an ARC layer on the organic solvent soluble layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2012
    Publication date: August 16, 2012
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hakeem Akinmade-Yusuff, John A. Fitzsimmons, Ranee Wai-Ling Kwong
  • Patent number: 8236476
    Abstract: A method and a composition are provided. The composition includes a polymer and a photosensitive acid generator capable of generating a first amount of acid upon exposure to a first dose of radiation and a second amount of acid upon exposure to a second dose of radiation. The second amount of acid is greater than said first amount of acid. The second dose is greater than the first dose. The composition includes a photosensitive base generator capable of generating a first amount of base upon exposure to the first dose and a second amount of base upon exposure to the second dose, where the first amount of base is greater than the first amount of acid and the second amount of base is less than the second amount of acid. A method for exposing to radiation a film of a photoresist on a substrate is included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2012
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Kuang-Jung Chen, Wu-Song Huang, Ranee Wai-Ling Kwong, Sen Liu, Pushkara R. Varanasi
  • Publication number: 20120178027
    Abstract: A method. The method forms a film of photoresist composition on a substrate and exposes a first and second region of the film to radiation through a first and second mask having a first and second image pattern, respectively. The photoresist composition includes a polymer including labile group(s), base soluble group(s), a photosensitive acid generator, and a photosensitive base generator. The photosensitive acid generator generates first and second amounts of acid upon exposure to first and second doses of radiation, respectively. The second amount of acid exceeds the first amount of acid. The second dose of radiation exceeds the first dose of radiation. The photosensitive base generator generates a first and second amount of base upon exposure to the first and second dose of radiation, respectively. The first amount of base exceeds the first amount of acid. The second amount of acid exceeds the second amount of base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2012
    Publication date: July 12, 2012
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kuang-Jung Chen, Wu-Song Huang, Ranee Wai-Ling Kwong, Sen Liu, Pushkara R. Varanasi
  • Patent number: 8202678
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an antireflective coating composition for applying between a substrate surface and a positive photoresist composition. The antireflective coating composition is developable in an aqueous alkaline developer. The antireflective coating composition comprises a polymer, which comprises at least one monomer unit containing one or more moieties selected from the group consisting of a lactone, maleimide, and an N-alkyl maleimide; and at least one monomer unit containing one or more absorbing moieties. The polymer does not comprise an acid labile group. The present invention also discloses a method of forming and transferring a relief image by using the inventive antireflective coating composition in photolithography.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Kuang-Jung J. Chen, Mahmoud Khojasteh, Ranee Wai-Ling Kwong, Margaret C. Lawson, Wenjie Li, Kaushal S. Patel, Pushkara R. Varanasi
  • Patent number: 8053172
    Abstract: Photolithography compositions and methods. A first layer of a first photoresist is formed on a substrate. A second layer of a second photoresist is formed directly onto the first layer. The second polymer of the second photoresist includes an absorbing moiety. The second layer is patternwise imaged and developed, resulting in removal of base-soluble regions. A relief pattern from the second layer remains. The relief pattern and the first layer are exposed to a second dose of the radiation. The polymer in the relief pattern absorbs a portion of the second dose. A fraction of the second dose passes through the at least one region of the relief pattern and exposes at least one region of the first layer. The relief pattern and base-soluble regions of the first layer are removed. A relief pattern from the first layer remains. A second photolithography method and a photoresist composition are also included.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Scott David Halle, Wu-Song Huang, Ranee Wai-Ling Kwong, Pushkara R. Varanasi
  • Patent number: 8021828
    Abstract: A structure and a photolithography method. The method includes forming a first layer of a first photoresist including a first polymer and a first photosensitive acid generator. A second layer of a second photoresist, including a second polymer having at least one phenyl or phenolic moiety, is formed directly onto the first layer. The second layer is patternwise imaged, resulting in exposing at least one first portion. The first portion is removed, revealing at least one first region of the first layer. A second portion of the second layer remains forming a structure having opaque regions. The structure and first region are exposed. The opaque regions shield from radiation at least one second region of the first layer, resulting in producing acid in the first region and in the structure. The structure and base-soluble regions of the first layer are removed. A structure is also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Wu-Song Huang, Ranee Wai-Ling Kwong, Pushkara R. Varanasi
  • Publication number: 20110101507
    Abstract: A method and a structure for reworking an antireflective coating (ARC) layer over a semiconductor substrate. The method includes providing a substrate having a material layer, forming a planarization layer on the material layer, forming an organic solvent soluble layer on the planarization layer, forming an ARC layer on the organic solvent soluble layer, forming a pattern in the ARC layer, and removing the organic solvent soluble layer and the ARC layer with an organic solvent while leaving the planarization layer unremoved. The structure includes a substrate having a material layer, a planarization layer on the material layer, an organic solvent soluble layer on the planarization layer, and an ARC layer on the organic solvent soluble layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 2, 2009
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Hakeem Akinmade Yusuff, John A. Fitzsimmons, Ranee Wai-Ling Kwong
  • Publication number: 20090291392
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an antireflective coating composition for applying between a substrate surface and a positive photoresist composition. The antireflective coating composition is developable in an aqueous alkaline developer. The antireflective coating composition comprises a polymer, which comprises at least one monomer unit containing one or more moieties selected from the group consisting of a lactone, maleimide, and an N-alkyl maleimide; and at least one monomer unit containing one or more absorbing moieties. The polymer does not comprise an acid labile group. The present invention also discloses a method of forming and transferring a relief image by using the inventive antireflective coating composition in photolithography.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 4, 2009
    Publication date: November 26, 2009
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kuang-Jung J. Chen, Mahmoud Khojasteh, Ranee Wai-Ling Kwong, Margaret C. Lawson, Wenjie Li, Kaushal S. Patel, Pushkara R. Varanasi
  • Publication number: 20090214981
    Abstract: Photolithography compositions and methods. A first layer of a first photoresist is formed on a substrate. A second layer of a second photoresist is formed directly onto the first layer. The second polymer of the second photoresist includes an absorbing moiety. The second layer is patternwise imaged and developed, resulting in removal of base-soluble regions. A relief pattern from the second layer remains. The relief pattern and the first layer are exposed to a second dose of the radiation. The polymer in the relief pattern absorbs a portion of the second dose. A fraction of the second dose passes through the at least one region of the relief pattern and exposes at least one region of the first layer. The relief pattern and base-soluble regions of the first layer are removed. A relief pattern from the first layer remains. A second photolithography method and a photoresist composition are also included.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2008
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Scott David Halle, Wu-Song Huang, Ranee Wai-Ling Kwong, Pushkara R. Varanasi
  • Publication number: 20090214959
    Abstract: A structure and a photolithography method. The method includes forming a first layer of a first photoresist including a first polymer and a first photosensitive acid generator. A second layer of a second photoresist, including a second polymer having at least one phenyl or phenolic moiety, is formed directly onto the first layer. The second layer is patternwise imaged, resulting in exposing at least one first portion. The first portion is removed, revealing at least one first region of the first layer. A second portion of the second layer remains forming a structure having opaque regions. The structure and first region are exposed. The opaque regions shield from radiation at least one second region of the first layer, resulting in producing acid in the first region and in the structure. The structure and base-soluble regions of the first layer are removed. A structure is also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2008
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Wu-Song Huang, Ranee Wai-Ling Kwong, Pushkara R. Varanasi
  • Patent number: 7563563
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an antireflective coating composition for applying between a substrate surface and a positive photoresist composition. The antireflective coating composition is developable in an aqueous alkaline developer. The antireflective coating composition comprises a polymer, which comprises at least one monomer unit containing one or more moieties selected from the group consisting of a lactone, maleimide, and an N-alkyl maleimide; and at least one monomer unit containing one or more absorbing moieties. The polymer does not comprise an acid labile group. The present invention also discloses a method of forming and transferring a relief image by using the inventive antireflective coating composition in photolithography.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Kuang-Jung J. Chen, Mahmoud Khojasteh, Ranee Wai-Ling Kwong, Margaret C. Lawson, Wenjie Li, Kaushal S. Patel, Pushkara R. Varanasi
  • Publication number: 20090176174
    Abstract: A method and a composition. The composition includes a polymer and a photosensitive acid generator capable of generating a first amount of acid upon exposure to a first dose of radiation and a second amount of acid upon exposure to a second dose of radiation. The second amount of acid is greater than said first amount of acid. The second dose is greater than the first dose. The composition includes a photosensitive base generator capable of generating a first amount of base upon exposure to the first dose and a second amount of base upon exposure to the second dose, where the first amount of base is greater than the first amount of acid and the second amount of base is less than the second amount of acid. A method for exposing to radiation a film of a photoresist on a substrate is included.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2008
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kuang-Jung Chen, Wu-Song Huang, Ranee Wai-Ling Kwong, Sen Liu, Pushkara R. Varanasi