Patents by Inventor Robert J. O'Donnell

Robert J. O'Donnell 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: 6830622
    Abstract: A corrosion resistant component of semiconductor processing equipment such as a plasma chamber comprises a cerium oxide containing ceramic material as an outermost surface of the component. The cerium oxide containing ceramic material comprises one or more cerium oxides as the single largest constituent thereof. The component can be made entirely of the cerium oxide containing ceramic material or, alternatively, the cerium oxide containing ceramic can be provided as a layer on a substrate such as aluminum or an aluminum alloy, a ceramic material, stainless steel, or a refractory metal. The cerium oxide containing ceramic layer can be provided as a coating by a technique such as plasma spraying. One or more intermediate layers may be provided between the component and the cerium oxide containing ceramic coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignee: Lam Research Corporation
    Inventors: Robert J. O'Donnell, John E. Daugherty
  • Patent number: 6790242
    Abstract: A corrosion resistant component of semiconductor processing equipment such as a plasma chamber includes a fullerene containing surface and process for manufacturing thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2004
    Assignee: LAM Research Corporation
    Inventors: Robert J. O'Donnell, Christopher C. Chang, John E. Daugherty
  • Patent number: 6780787
    Abstract: Components of semiconductor processing apparatus are formed at least partially of erosion, corrosion and/or corrosion-erosion resistant ceramic materials. Exemplary ceramic materials can include at least one oxide, nitride, boride, carbide and/or fluoride of hafnium, strontium, lanthanum oxide and/or dysprosium. The ceramic materials can be applied as coatings over substrates to form composite components, or formed into monolithic bodies. The coatings can protect substrates from physical and/or chemical attack. The ceramic materials can be used to form plasma exposed components of semiconductor processing apparatus to provide extended service lives.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2004
    Assignee: Lam Research Corporation
    Inventor: Robert J. O'Donnell
  • Patent number: 6773751
    Abstract: A corrosion resistant component of semiconductor processing equipment such as a plasma chamber includes a boron nitride/yttria composite containing surface and process for manufacture thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2004
    Assignee: Lam Research Corporation
    Inventors: Robert J. O'Donnell, John E. Daugherty, Christopher C. Chang
  • Publication number: 20040137147
    Abstract: A corrosion resistant component of semiconductor processing equipment such as a plasma chamber includes a boron nitride/yttria composite containing surface and process for manufacture thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2003
    Publication date: July 15, 2004
    Inventors: Robert J. O'Donnell, John E. Daugherty, Christopher C. Chang
  • Publication number: 20040023047
    Abstract: A corrosion resistant component of semiconductor processing equipment such as a plasma chamber comprises zirconia toughened ceramic material as an outermost surface of the component. The component can be made entirely of the ceramic material or the ceramic material can be provided as a coating on a substrate such as aluminum or aluminum alloy, stainless steel, or refractory metal. The zirconia toughened ceramic can be tetragonal zirconia polycrystalline (TZP) material, partially-stabilized zirconia (PSZ), or a zirconia dispersion toughened ceramic (ZTC) such as zirconia-toughened alumina (tetragonal zirconia particles dispersed in Al2O3). In the case of a ceramic zirconia toughened coating, one or more intermediate layers may be provided between the component and the ceramic coating. To promote adhesion of the ceramic coating, the component surface or the intermediate layer surface may be subjected to a surface roughening treatment prior to depositing the ceramic coating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2003
    Publication date: February 5, 2004
    Inventors: Robert J. O'Donnell, Christopher C. Chang, John E. Daugherty
  • Publication number: 20040002221
    Abstract: Components of semiconductor processing apparatus comprise thermal sprayed yttria-containing coatings that provide erosion, corrosion and/or corrosion-erosion resistance in plasma atmospheres. The coatings can protect substrates from physical and/or chemical attack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2002
    Publication date: January 1, 2004
    Inventors: Robert J. O'Donnell, John E. Daugherty
  • Publication number: 20030181065
    Abstract: Components of semiconductor processing apparatus are formed at least partially of erosion, corrosion and/or corrosion-erosion resistant ceramic materials. Exemplary ceramic materials can include at least one oxide, nitride, boride, carbide and/or fluoride of hafnium, strontium, lanthanum oxide and/or dysprosium. The ceramic materials can be applied as coatings over substrates to form composite components, or formed into monolithic bodies. The coatings can protect substrates from physical and/or chemical attack. The ceramic materials can be used to form plasma exposed components of semiconductor processing apparatus to provide extended service lives.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2002
    Publication date: September 25, 2003
    Inventor: Robert J. O'Donnell
  • Patent number: 6620520
    Abstract: A corrosion resistant component of semiconductor processing equipment such as a plasma chamber comprises zirconia toughened ceramic material as an outermost surface of the component. The component can be made entirely of the ceramic material or the ceramic material can be provided as a coating on a substrate such as aluminum or aluminum alloy, stainless steel, or refractory metal. The zirconia toughened ceramic can be tetragonal zirconia polycrystalline (TZP) material, partially-stabilized zirconia (PSZ), or a zirconia dispersion toughened ceramic (ZTC) such as zirconia-toughened alumina (tetragonal zirconia particles dispersed in Al2O3). In the case of a ceramic zirconia toughened coating, one or more intermediate layers may be provided between the component and the ceramic coating. To promote adhesion of the ceramic coating, the component surface or the intermediate layer surface may be subjected to a surface roughening treatment prior to depositing the ceramic coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Lam Research Corporation
    Inventors: Robert J. O'Donnell, Christopher C. Chang, John E. Daugherty
  • Patent number: 6613442
    Abstract: A corrosion resistant component of semiconductor processing equipment such as a plasma chamber includes a boron nitride/yttria composite containing surface and process for manufacture thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 2, 2003
    Assignee: Lam Research Corporation
    Inventors: Robert J. O'Donnell, John E. Daugherty, Christopher C. Chang
  • Patent number: 6537429
    Abstract: A corrosion resistant component of semiconductor processing equipment such as a plasma chamber includes a diamond containing surface and process for manufacture thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 25, 2003
    Assignee: Lam Research Corporation
    Inventors: Robert J. O'Donnell, John E. Daugherty, Christopher C. Chang
  • Patent number: 6533910
    Abstract: A corrosion resistant component of semiconductor processing equipment such as a plasma chamber includes a carbonitride containing surface and process for manufacture thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 29, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Lam Research Corporation
    Inventors: Robert J. O'Donnell, John E. Daugherty, Christopher C. Chang
  • Patent number: 6475298
    Abstract: A method of improving the post-etch corrosion resistance of aluminum-containing wafers by performing a two-step post-etch passivation sequence which does not involve a plasma. In the first step the pressure is high, relative to typical passivation procedures, and the wafer temperature is relatively low. In the second step, the pressure is ramped down and the wafer temperature is ramped up. This two-step approach results in a more-efficient removal of chlorine from the wafer, and hence improved corrosion resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 13, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2002
    Assignee: Lam Research Corporation
    Inventors: Robert J. O'Donnell, Gregory J. Goldspring
  • Publication number: 20020142611
    Abstract: A corrosion resistant component of semiconductor processing equipment such as a plasma chamber comprises a cerium oxide containing ceramic material as an outermost surface of the component. The cerium oxide containing ceramic material comprises one or more cerium oxides as the single largest constituent thereof. The component can be made entirely of the cerium oxide containing ceramic material or, alternatively, the cerium oxide containing ceramic can be provided as a layer on a substrate such as aluminum or an aluminum alloy, a ceramic material, stainless steel, or a refractory metal. The cerium oxide containing ceramic layer can be provided as a coating by a technique such as plasma spraying. One or more intermediate layers may be provided between the component and the cerium oxide containing ceramic coating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2001
    Publication date: October 3, 2002
    Inventors: Robert J. O'Donnell, John E. Daugherty
  • Publication number: 20020094378
    Abstract: A corrosion resistant component of semiconductor processing equipment such as a plasma chamber includes a carbonitride containing surface and process for manufacture thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2000
    Publication date: July 18, 2002
    Inventors: Robert J. O'Donnell, John E. Daugherty, Christopher C. Chang
  • Publication number: 20020086501
    Abstract: A corrosion resistant component of semiconductor processing equipment such as a plasma chamber includes a diamond containing surface and process for manufacture thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2000
    Publication date: July 4, 2002
    Inventors: Robert J. O'Donnell, John E. Daugherty, Christopher C. Chang
  • Publication number: 20020086553
    Abstract: A corrosion resistant component of semiconductor processing equipment such as a plasma chamber includes a fullerene containing surface and process for manufacturing thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2000
    Publication date: July 4, 2002
    Inventors: Robert J. O'Donnell, Christopher C. Chang, John E. Daugherty
  • Publication number: 20020086545
    Abstract: A corrosion resistant component of a plasma chamber includes a liquid crystalline polymer. In a preferred embodiment, the liquid crystalline polymer (LCP) is provided on an aluminum component having an anodized or non-anodized surface. The liquid crystalline polymer can also be provided on an alumina component. The liquid crystalline polymer can be deposited by a method such as plasma spraying. The liquid crystalline polymer may also be provided as a preformed sheet or other shape adapted to cover the exposed surfaces of the reaction chamber. Additionally, the reactor components may be made entirely from liquid crystalline polymer by machining the component from a solid block of liquid crystalline polymer or molding the component from the polymer. The liquid crystalline polymer may contain reinforcing fillers such as glass or mineral fillers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2000
    Publication date: July 4, 2002
    Inventors: Robert J. O'Donnell, Christopher C. Chang, John E. Daugherty
  • Publication number: 20020086554
    Abstract: A corrosion resistant component of semiconductor processing equipment such as a plasma chamber includes a boron nitride/yttria composite containing surface and process for manufacture thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2000
    Publication date: July 4, 2002
    Inventors: Robert J. O'Donnell, John E. Daugherty, Christopher C. Chang
  • Publication number: 20020086153
    Abstract: A corrosion resistant component of semiconductor processing equipment such as a plasma chamber comprises zirconia toughened ceramic material as an outermost surface of the component. The component can be made entirely of the ceramic material or the ceramic material can be provided as a coating on a substrate such as aluminum or aluminum alloy, stainless steel, or refractory metal. The zirconia toughened ceramic can be tetragonal zirconia polycrystalline (TZP) material, partially-stabilized zirconia (PSZ), or a zirconia dispersion toughened ceramic (ZTC) such as zirconia-toughened alumina (tetragonal zirconia particles dispersed in Al2O3). In the case of a ceramic zirconia toughened coating, one or more intermediate layers may be provided between the component and the ceramic coating. To promote adhesion of the ceramic coating, the component surface or the intermediate layer surface may be subjected to a surface roughening treatment prior to depositing the ceramic coating.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 29, 2000
    Publication date: July 4, 2002
    Inventors: Robert J. O'Donnell, Christopher C. Chang, John E. Daugherty