Patents by Inventor Robert Michael Geffken

Robert Michael Geffken 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: 7838423
    Abstract: Methods of forming capping structures on one or more different material surfaces are provided. One embodiment includes disposing a semiconductor structure in a reduced pressure chamber, forming a capping GCIB within the reduced pressure chamber, and directing the capping GCIB onto at least one of the one or more different material surfaces, so as to form at least one capping structure on the one or more surfaces onto which the capping GCIB is directed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 23, 2010
    Assignee: TEL Epion Inc.
    Inventors: Arthur J. Learn, Steven R. Sherman, Robert Michael Geffken, John J. Hautala
  • Patent number: 7799683
    Abstract: Capping layer or layers on a surface of a copper interconnect wiring layer for use in interconnect structures for integrated circuits and methods and apparatus for forming improved integration interconnection structures for integrated circuits by the application of gas-cluster ion-beam processing. Reduced copper diffusion and improved electromigration lifetime result and the use of selective metal capping techniques and their attendant yield problems are avoided. Various cluster tool configurations including gas-cluster ion-beam processing modules for copper capping, cleaning, etching, and film formation steps are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Tel Epion, Inc.
    Inventors: Arthur J. Learn, Steven R. Sherman, Robert Michael Geffken, John J. Hautala
  • Publication number: 20090186482
    Abstract: Methods of forming capping structures on one or more different material surfaces are provided. One embodiment includes disposing a semiconductor structure in a reduced pressure chamber, forming a capping GCIB within the reduced pressure chamber, and directing the capping GCIB onto at least one of the one or more different material surfaces, so as to form at least one capping structure on the one or more surfaces onto which the capping GCIB is directed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2009
    Publication date: July 23, 2009
    Applicant: TEL EPION INC.
    Inventors: Arthur J. Learn, Steven R. Sherman, Robert Michael Geffken, John J. Hautala
  • Patent number: 6180498
    Abstract: Various alignment targets are disclosed having improved visibility. A first embodiment includes an alignment target having a first reflective layer of a first material such as tungsten having a roughened surface; and a second layer of a second material, such as aluminum, deposited on the first layer. The surface of the second layer is roughened by conforming with the roughened surface of the first layer to provide both layers with a uniform optical layers. The edges of the second layer provides an optical signal to contrast between the two layers for alignment. A second embodiment includes an alignment target with a plurality of parallel elongated trenches; a first material fills each of the trenches; and a patterned layer of a second material is deposited on top the elongated trenches and the insulator layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2001
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Michael Geffken, Robert Kenneth Leidy
  • Patent number: 6093630
    Abstract: The preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a structure and method for personalizing a semiconductor device in the context of a bump array connection to packaging, substrates and such. The preferred embodiment method uses a plurality of conduction lines on said semiconductor device, including a plurality of landing lines and personalization lines. Vias are opened to the plurality of landing lines and selectively opened to a portion of the personalization lines. Connections are made between the opened personalization lines with bumps deposited as part of the bump array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2000
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Michael Geffken, William Thomas Motsiff, Ronald R. Uttecht
  • Patent number: 5898227
    Abstract: Various alignment targets are disclosed having improved visibility. A first embodiment includes an alignment target having a first reflective layer of a first material such as tungsten having a roughened surface; and a second layer of a second material, such as aluminum, deposited on the first layer. The surface of the second layer is roughened by conforming with the roughened surface of the first layer to provide both layers with a uniform optical layers. The edges of the second layer provides an optical signal to contrast between the two layers for alignment. A second embodiment includes an alignment target with a plurality of parallel elongated trenches; a first material fills each of the trenches; and a patterned layer of a second material is deposited on top the elongated trenches and the insulator layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 18, 1997
    Date of Patent: April 27, 1999
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Michael Geffken, Robert Kenneth Leidy
  • Patent number: 5883435
    Abstract: The preferred embodiment of the present invention provides a structure and method for personalizing a semiconductor device in the context of a bump array connection to packaging, substrates and such. The preferred embodiment method uses a plurality of conduction lines on said semiconductor device, including a plurality of landing lines and personalization lines. Vias are opened to the plurality of landing lines and selectively opened to a portion of the personalization lines. Connections are made between the opened personalization lines with bumps deposited as part of the bump array.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 16, 1999
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Robert Michael Geffken, William Thomas Motsiff, Ronald R. Uttecht
  • Patent number: 5795819
    Abstract: A semiconductor interconnection consists of a corrosion resistant integrated fuse and Controlled, Collapse Chip Connection (C4) structure for the planar copper Back End of Line (BEOL). Non copper fuse material is directly connected to copper wiring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 18, 1998
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: William Thomas Motsiff, Robert Michael Geffken, Ronald Robert Uttecht
  • Patent number: 5731624
    Abstract: A semiconductor interconnection consists of a corrosion resistant integrated fuse and Controlled, Collapse Chip Connection (C4) structure for the planar copper Back End of Line (BEOL). Non copper fuse material is directly connected to copper wiring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: March 24, 1998
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: William Thomas Motsiff, Robert Michael Geffken, Ronald Robert Uttecht
  • Patent number: 5719070
    Abstract: A metallization composite comprises a refractory metal, nickel, and copper. The refractory metal is preferably titanium (Ti), but other suitable refractory metals such as zirconium and hafnium can also be utilized. An additional optional layer of gold can overlie the copper. The metallization composite is used to connect a solder contact to a semiconductor substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 2, 1996
    Date of Patent: February 17, 1998
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporaton
    Inventors: Herbert Carl Cook, Paul Alden Farrar, Sr., Robert Michael Geffken, William Thomas Motsiff, Adolf Ernest Wirsing