Patents by Inventor Stephen T. Meyers
Stephen T. Meyers 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).
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Patent number: 11300876Abstract: Precursor solutions for radiation patternable coatings are formed with an organic solvent and monoalkyl tin trialkoxides in which the water content of the solvent is adjusted to be within 10 percent of a selected value. Generally, the water content of the solvent is adjusted through water addition, although water removal can also be used. In some embodiments, the adjusted water content of the solvent can be from about 250 ppm by weight to about 10,000 ppm by weight. With the appropriate selection of ligands, the adjusted precursor solutions can be stable for at least about 42 days, and in some cases at least 8 months.Type: GrantFiled: June 20, 2019Date of Patent: April 12, 2022Assignee: Inpria CorporationInventors: Kai Jiang, Stephen T. Meyers, Lauren B. McQuade, Jeremy T. Anderson, Brian J. Cardineau, Benjamin L. Clark, Dominick Smiddy, Margaret Wilson-Moses
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Publication number: 20220028685Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are described for removing edge bead on a wafer associated with a resist coating comprising a metal containing resist compositions. The methods can comprise applying a first bead edge rinse solution along a wafer edge following spin coating of the wafer with the metal based resist composition, wherein the edge bead solution comprises an organic solvent and an additive comprising a carboxylic acid, an inorganic fluorinated acid, a tetraalkylammonium compound, or a mixture thereof. Alternatively or additionally, the methods can comprise applying a protective composition to the wafer prior to performing an edge bead rinse. The protective composition can be a sacrificial material or an anti-adhesion material and can be applied only to the wafer edge or across the entire wafer in the case of the protective composition. Corresponding apparatuses for processing the wafers using these methods are presented.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 11, 2021Publication date: January 27, 2022Inventors: Mollie Waller, Brian J. Cardineau, Kai Jiang, Alan J. Telecky, Stephen T. Meyers, Benjamin L. Clark
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Patent number: 11187986Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are described for removing edge bead on a wafer associated with a resist coating comprising a metal containing resist compositions. The methods can comprise applying a first bead edge rinse solution along a wafer edge following spin coating of the wafer with the metal based resist composition, wherein the edge bead solution comprises an organic solvent and an additive comprising a carboxylic acid, an inorganic fluorinated acid, a tetraalkylammonium compound, or a mixture thereof. Alternatively or additionally, the methods can comprise applying a protective composition to the wafer prior to performing an edge bead rinse. The protective composition can be a sacrificial material or an anti-adhesion material and can be applied only to the wafer edge or across the entire wafer in the case of the protective composition. Corresponding apparatuses for processing the wafers using these methods are presented.Type: GrantFiled: March 6, 2020Date of Patent: November 30, 2021Assignee: Inpria CorporationInventors: Mollie Waller, Brian J. Cardineau, Kai Jiang, Alan J. Telecky, Stephen T. Meyers, Benjamin L. Clark
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Publication number: 20210347791Abstract: Organotin clusters are described with the formula R3Sn3(O2CR?)5?x(OH)2+x(?3-O) with 0?x<2; R=branched or cycloalkyl with 1 to 31 carbon atoms; R??H or alkyl with 1 to 20 carbon atoms. Three carboxylato ligands are bridging, and two OH ligands are bridging. The remaining two carboxylato ligands are in non-bridging configurations, and the non-bridging carboxylato ligands are exchangeable in solution. Solutions of these clusters are suitable for forming radiation sensitive coatings that can be used to pattern nanometer scale structures. The radiation sensitive coatings are particularly suitable for EUV patterning.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 20, 2021Publication date: November 11, 2021Inventors: Brian J. Cardineau, Stephen T. Meyers, Kai Jiang, William Earley, Jeremy T. Anderson
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Publication number: 20210271170Abstract: The processing of radiation patternable organometallic coatings is shown to be improved through the appropriate selection of post processing conditions between coating and development of the pattern. In particular, a coated wafer can be subjected to process delays to allow aging of the coating at various process points, in particular following irradiation. Process delays can be combined and interspersed with heating steps. The atmosphere above the coated wafer at various process steps can be adjusted to obtain desired improvements in the development of the pattern. Reactive gases can be beneficial with respect to improvement of coating properties.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 1, 2021Publication date: September 2, 2021Inventors: Alan J. Telecky, Jason K. Stowers, Douglas A. Keszler, Stephen T. Meyers, Peter de Schepper, Sonia Castellanos Ortega, Michael Greer, Kirsten Louthan
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Patent number: 11098070Abstract: Organotin clusters are described with the formula R3Sn3(O2CR?)5-x(OH)2+x(?3-O) with 0?x<2; R=branched or cycloalkyl with 1 to 31 carbon atoms; R??H or alkyl with 1 to 20 carbon atoms. Three carboxylato ligands are bridging, and two OH ligands are bridging. The remaining two carboxylato ligands are in non-bridging configurations, and the non-bridging carboxylato ligands are exchangeable in solution. Solutions of these clusters are suitable for forming radiation sensitive coatings that can be used to pattern nanometer scale structures. The radiation sensitive coatings are particularly suitable for EUV patterning.Type: GrantFiled: November 19, 2018Date of Patent: August 24, 2021Assignee: Inpria CorporationInventors: Brian J. Cardineau, Stephen T. Meyers, Kai Jiang, William Earley, Jeremy T Anderson
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Publication number: 20210048745Abstract: Organometallic radiation resist compositions are described based on tin ions with alkyl ligands. Some of the compositions have branched alkyl ligands to provide for improved patterning contrast while maintaining a high degree of solution stability. Blends of compounds with distinct alkyl ligands can provide further improvement in the patterning. High resolution patterning with a half-pitch of no more than 25 nm can be achieved with a line width roughness of no more than about 4.5 nm. Synthesis techniques have been developed that allow for the formation of alkyl tin oxide hydroxide compositions with very low metal contamination.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 30, 2020Publication date: February 18, 2021Inventors: Stephen T. Meyers, Jeremy T. Anderson, Joseph B. Edson, Kai Jiang, Douglas A. Keszler, Michael K. Kocsis, Alan J. Telecky, Brian J. Cardineau
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Publication number: 20200371439Abstract: Organometallic precursors are described for the formation of high resolution lithography patterning coatings based on metal oxide hydroxide chemistry. The precursor compositions generally comprise ligands readily hydrolysable by water vapor or other OH source composition under modest conditions. The organometallic precursors generally comprise a radiation sensitive organo ligand to tin that can result in a coating that can be effective for high resolution patterning at relatively low radiation doses and is particularly useful for EUV patterning. The precursors compositions are readily processable under commercially suitable conditions. Solution phase processing with in situ hydrolysis or vapor based deposition can be used to form the coatings.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 6, 2020Publication date: November 26, 2020Inventors: Stephen T. Meyers, Jeremy T. Anderson, Brian J. Cardineau, Joseph B. Edson, Kai Jiang, Douglas A. Keszler, Alan J. Telecky
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Publication number: 20200326627Abstract: Developer compositions are described based on blends of solvents, in which the developers are particularly effective for EUV patterning using organometallic based patterning compositions. Methods for use of these developing compositions are described. The blends of solvents can be selected based on Hansen solubility parameters. Generally, one solvent has low polarity as express by the sum of ?P+?H, and a second solvent component of the developer has a higher value of ?P+?H. Corresponding solvent compositions are described.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 10, 2020Publication date: October 15, 2020Inventors: Kai Jiang, Brian J. Cardineau, Lauren B. McQuade, Jeremy T. Anderson, Stephen T. Meyers, Michael Kocsis, Amrit K. Narasimhan
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Patent number: 10775696Abstract: Organometallic precursors are described for the formation of high resolution lithography patterning coatings based on metal oxide hydroxide chemistry. The precursor compositions generally comprise ligands readily hydrolysable by water vapor or other OH source composition under modest conditions. The organometallic precursors generally comprise a radiation sensitive organo ligand to tin that can result in a coating that can be effective for high resolution patterning at relatively low radiation doses and is particularly useful for EUV patterning. The precursors compositions are readily processable under commercially suitable conditions. Solution phase processing with in situ hydrolysis or vapor based deposition can be used to form the coatings.Type: GrantFiled: January 3, 2019Date of Patent: September 15, 2020Assignee: Inpria CorporationInventors: Stephen T. Meyers, Jeremy T. Anderson, Brian J. Cardineau, Joseph B. Edson, Kai Jiang, Douglas A. Keszler, Alan J. Telecky
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Publication number: 20200257196Abstract: Organometallic precursors are described for the formation of high resolution lithography patterning coatings based on metal oxide hydroxide chemistry. The precursor compositions generally comprise ligands readily hydrolysable by water vapor or other OH source composition under modest conditions. The organometallic precursors generally comprise a radiation sensitive organo ligand to tin that can result in a coating that can be effective for high resolution patterning at relatively low radiation doses and is particularly useful for EUV patterning. The precursors compositions are readily processable under commercially suitable conditions. Solution phase processing with in situ hydrolysis or vapor based deposition can be used to form the coatings.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 29, 2020Publication date: August 13, 2020Inventors: Stephen T. Meyers, Jeremy T. Anderson, Brian J. Cardineau, Joseph B. Edson, Kai Jiang, Douglas A. Keszler, Alan J. Telecky
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Patent number: 10732505Abstract: Organometallic precursors are described for the formation of high resolution lithography patterning coatings based on metal oxide hydroxide chemistry. The precursor compositions generally comprise ligands readily hydrolysable by water vapor or other OH source composition under modest conditions. The organometallic precursors generally comprise a radiation sensitive organo ligand to tin that can result in a coating that can be effective for high resolution patterning at relatively low radiation doses and is particularly useful for EUV patterning. The precursors compositions are readily processable under commercially suitable conditions. Solution phase processing with in situ hydrolysis or vapor based deposition can be used to form the coatings.Type: GrantFiled: April 29, 2020Date of Patent: August 4, 2020Assignee: Inpria CorporationInventors: Stephen T. Meyers, Jeremy T. Anderson, Brian J. Cardineau, Joseph B. Edson, Kai Jiang, Douglas A. Keszler, Alan J. Telecky
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Publication number: 20200209756Abstract: Apparatuses and methods are described for removing edge bead on a wafer associated with a resist coating comprising a metal containing resist compositions. The methods can comprise applying a first bead edge rinse solution along a wafer edge following spin coating of the wafer with the metal based resist composition, wherein the edge bead solution comprises an organic solvent and an additive comprising a carboxylic acid, an inorganic fluorinated acid, a tetraalkylammonium compound, or a mixture thereof. Alternatively or additionally, the methods can comprise applying a protective composition to the wafer prior to performing an edge bead rinse. The protective composition can be a sacrificial material or an anti-adhesion material and can be applied only to the wafer edge or across the entire wafer in the case of the protective composition. Corresponding apparatuses for processing the wafers using these methods are presented.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 6, 2020Publication date: July 2, 2020Inventors: Mollie Waller, Brian J. Cardineau, Kai Jiang, Alan J. Telecky, Stephen T. Meyers, Benjamin L. Clark
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Patent number: 10642153Abstract: Organometallic radiation resist compositions are described based on tin ions with alkyl ligands. Some of the compositions have branched alkyl ligands to provide for improved patterning contrast while maintaining a high degree of solution stability. Blends of compounds with distinct alkyl ligands can provide further improvement in the patterning. High resolution patterning with a half-pitch of no more than 25 nm can be achieved with a line width roughness of no more than about 4.5 nm. Synthesis techniques have been developed that allow for the formation of alkyl tin oxide hydroxide compositions with very low metal contamination.Type: GrantFiled: October 22, 2015Date of Patent: May 5, 2020Assignee: Inpria CorporationInventors: Stephen T. Meyers, Jeremy T. Anderson, Joseph Burton Edson, Kai Jiang, Douglas A. Keszler, Michael K. Kocsis, Alan J. Telecky, Brian J. Cardineau
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Patent number: 10627719Abstract: Methods are described for removing edge bead on a wafer associated with a resist coating comprising a metal containing resist compositions. The methods can comprise applying a first bead edge rinse solution along a wafer edge following spin coating of the wafer with the metal based resist composition, wherein the edge bead solution comprises an organic solvent and an additive comprising a carboxylic acid, an inorganic fluorinated acid, a tetraalkylammonium compound, or a mixture thereof. Alternatively or additionally, the methods can comprise applying a protective composition to the wafer prior to performing an edge bead rinse. The protective composition can be a sacrificial material or an anti-adhesion material and can be applied only to the wafer edge or across the entire wafer in the case of the protective composition. Corresponding apparatuses for processing the wafers using these methods are presented.Type: GrantFiled: August 11, 2017Date of Patent: April 21, 2020Assignee: Inpria CorporationInventors: Mollie Waller, Brian J. Cardineau, Kai Jiang, Alan J. Telecky, Stephen T. Meyers, Benjamin L. Clark
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Publication number: 20200064733Abstract: Organometallic radiation resist compositions are described based on tin ions with alkyl ligands. Some of the compositions have branched alkyl ligands to provide for improved patterning contrast while maintaining a high degree of solution stability. Blends of compounds with distinct alkyl ligands can provide further improvement in the patterning. High resolution patterning with a half-pitch of no more than 25 nm can be achieved with a line width roughness of no more than about 4.5 nm. Synthesis techniques have been developed that allow for the formation of alkyl tin oxide hydroxide compositions with very low metal contamination.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 5, 2019Publication date: February 27, 2020Inventors: Stephen T. Meyers, Jeremy T. Anderson, Joseph B. Edson, Kai Jiang, Douglas A. Keszler, Michael K. Kocsis, Alan J. Telecky, Brian J. Cardineau
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Publication number: 20190391486Abstract: Precursor solutions for radiation patternable coatings are formed with an organic solvent and monoalkyl tin trialkoxides in which the water content of the solvent is adjusted to be within 10 percent of a selected value. Generally, the water content of the solvent is adjusted through water addition, although water removal can also be used. In some embodiments, the adjusted water content of the solvent can be from about 250 ppm by weight to about 10,000 ppm by weight. With the appropriate selection of ligands, the adjusted precursor solutions can be stable for at least about 42 days, and in some cases at least 8 months.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 20, 2019Publication date: December 26, 2019Inventors: Kai Jiang, Stephen T. Meyers, Lauren B. McQuade, Jeremy T. Anderson, Brian J. Cardineau, Benjamin L. Clark, Dominick Smiddy, Margaret Wilson-Moses
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Publication number: 20190369489Abstract: Organometallic solutions have been found to provide high resolution radiation based patterning using thin coatings. The patterning can involve irradiation of the coated surface with a selected pattern and developing the pattern with a developing agent to form the developed image. The patternable coatings may be susceptible to positive-tone patterning or negative-tone patterning based on the use of an organic developing agent or an aqueous acid or base developing agent. The radiation sensitive coatings can comprise a metal oxo/hydroxo network with organic ligands. A precursor solution can comprise an organic liquid and metal polynuclear oxo-hydroxo cations with organic ligands having metal carbon bonds and/or metal carboxylate bonds.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 9, 2019Publication date: December 5, 2019Inventors: Stephen T. Meyers, Douglas A. Keszler, Kai Jiang, Jeremy T. Anderson, Andrew Grenville
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Publication number: 20190308998Abstract: Patterning compositions are described based on organo tin dodecamers with hydrocarbyl ligands, oxo ligands, hydroxo ligands and carboxylato ligands. Alternative dodecamer embodiments have organo tin ligands in place of hydrocarbyl ligands. The organo tin ligands can be incorporated into the dodecamers from a monomer with the structure (RCC)3SnQ, where R is a hydrocarbyl group and Q is a alkyl tin moiety with a carbon bonded to the Sn atom of the monomer and with a Sn bonded as a replacement of a quaternary carbon atom with bonds to 4 carbon atoms. Some or all of the carboxylato and hydroxyl ligands can be replaced with fluoride ions. Good EUV patterning results are obtained with the dodecamer based patterning compositions.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 4, 2019Publication date: October 10, 2019Inventors: Brian J. Cardineau, William Earley, Stephen T. Meyers, Kai Jiang, Jeremy T. Anderson
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Patent number: 10416554Abstract: Organometallic solutions have been found to provide high resolution radiation based patterning using thin coatings. The patterning can involve irradiation of the coated surface with a selected pattern and developing the pattern with a developing agent to form the developed image. The patternable coatings may be susceptible to positive-tone patterning or negative-tone patterning based on the use of an organic developing agent or an aqueous acid or base developing agent. The radiation sensitive coatings can comprise a metal oxo/hydroxo network with organic ligands. A precursor solution can comprise an organic liquid and metal polynuclear oxo-hydroxo cations with organic ligands having metal carbon bonds and/or metal carboxylate bonds.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2018Date of Patent: September 17, 2019Assignee: Inpria CorporationInventors: Stephen T. Meyers, Douglas A. Keszler, Kai Jiang, Jeremy T. Anderson, Andrew Grenville