Patents by Inventor Shibu Gangadharan

Shibu Gangadharan 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: 8394723
    Abstract: A method for adjusting the geometry of photomask patterns is provided. Such adjusted pattern can be employed to achieve pattern doubling in subsequent layers. A patterned photoresist mask is provided over an underlayer. A polymer layer is placed over the mask. The mask is selectively trimmed to generate individual mask features having an increased aspect ratio. Subsequent pattern layers can be formed on the trimmed mask pattern to generate a hard mask having increased pattern density. The hard mask is selectively etched and the material of the trimmed mask pattern is removed. The underlayer is then etched to achieve pattern transfer from the hard mask to the underlayer to achieve a final double density pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2013
    Assignee: Lam Research Corporation
    Inventors: Juan Valdivia, Shibu Gangadharan, Dave March, Charles Potter
  • Publication number: 20110163420
    Abstract: A method for adjusting the geometry of photomask patterns is provided. Such adjusted pattern can be employed to achieve pattern doubling in subsequent layers. A patterned photoresist mask is provided over an underlayer. A polymer layer is placed over the mask. The mask is selectively trimmed to generate individual mask features having an increased aspect ratio. Subsequent pattern layers can be formed on the trimmed mask pattern to generate a hard mask having increased pattern density. The hard mask is selectively etched and the material of the trimmed mask pattern is removed. The underlayer is then etched to achieve pattern transfer from the hard mask to the underlayer to achieve a final double density pattern.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2010
    Publication date: July 7, 2011
    Applicant: LAM RESEARCH CORPORATION
    Inventors: Juan Valdivia, Shibu Gangadharan, Dave March, Charles Potter
  • Patent number: 7767584
    Abstract: A method for providing substantially similar chamber condition before each wafer process operation in a semiconductor process chamber is provided. The method allows for prevention of transport of particle and metal contamination from chamber surfaces to the processed wafer. The method initiates with depositing a silicon containing layer over an inner surface of an empty semiconductor process chamber. Then, a wafer is introduced into the semiconductor process chamber after depositing the silicon containing layer. Next, a process operation is performed on the wafer. The process operation deposits a residue on the silicon containing layer. Next, an in-situ cleaning process is initiated upon completion of the processing operation and removal of the wafer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Lam Research Corporation
    Inventors: Harmeet Singh, Saurabh J. Ullal, Shibu Gangadharan
  • Patent number: 7667281
    Abstract: Broadly speaking, methods and an apparatus are provided for removing an inorganic material from a substrate. More specifically, the methods provide for removing the inorganic material from the substrate through exposure to a high density plasma generated using an inductively coupled etching apparatus. The high density plasma is set and controlled to isotropically contact particular regions of the inorganic material to allow for trimming and control of a critical dimension associated with the inorganic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Lam Research Corporation
    Inventors: C. Robert Koemtzopoulos, Shibu Gangadharan, Chris G. N. Lee, Alan Miller
  • Patent number: 7425277
    Abstract: Broadly speaking, methods and an apparatus are provided for removing an inorganic material from a substrate. More specifically, the methods provide for removing the inorganic material from the substrate through exposure to a high density plasma generated using an inductively coupled etching apparatus. The high density plasma is set and controlled to isotropically contact particular regions of the inorganic material to allow for trimming and control of a critical dimension associated with the inorganic material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2008
    Assignee: Lam Research Corporation
    Inventors: C. Robert Koemtzopoulos, Shibu Gangadharan, Chris G. N. Lee, Alan Miller
  • Publication number: 20070249177
    Abstract: Broadly speaking, methods and an apparatus are provided for removing an inorganic material from a substrate. More specifically, the methods provide for removing the inorganic material from the substrate through exposure to a high density plasma generated using an inductively coupled etching apparatus. The high density plasma is set and controlled to isotropically contact particular regions of the inorganic material to allow for trimming and control of a critical dimension associated with the inorganic material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2007
    Publication date: October 25, 2007
    Applicant: Lam Research Corporation
    Inventors: C. Koemtzopoulos, Shibu Gangadharan, Chris Lee, Alan Miller
  • Patent number: 7204913
    Abstract: A semiconductor processing chamber having a silicon containing pre-coat is provided. The chamber includes a top electrode in communication with a power supply and a processing chamber defined within a base, a sidewall extending from the base, and a top disposed on the sidewall. The processing chamber has an outlet enabling removal of fluids within the processing chamber and includes a substrate support where an outer surface of the substrate support coated with the removable silicon containing coating, wherein the silicon containing coating is a compound consisting essentially of silicon and one of bromine and chlorine. The chamber includes an inner surface defined by the base, the sidewall and the top, where the inner surface is coated with a removable silicon containing coating.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 17, 2007
    Assignee: Lam Research Corporation
    Inventors: Harmeet Singh, Saurabh J. Ullal, Shibu Gangadharan