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).

  • Publication number: 20220324886
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2022
    Publication date: October 13, 2022
    Inventors: Brian J. Cardineau, William Earley, Stephen T. Meyers, Kai Jiang, Jeremy T. Anderson
  • Publication number: 20220299878
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2022
    Publication date: September 22, 2022
    Inventors: Stephen T. Meyers, Jeremy T. Anderson, Brian J. Cardineau, Joseph B. Edson, Kai Jiang, Douglas A. Keszler, Alan J. Telecky
  • Publication number: 20220291582
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 28, 2022
    Publication date: September 15, 2022
    Inventors: Stephen T. Meyers, Jeremy T. Anderson, Joseph B. Edson, Kai Jiang, Douglas A. Keszler, Michael K. Kocsis, Alan J. Telecky, Brian J. Cardineau
  • Patent number: 11392029
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: Inpria Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen T. Meyers, Jeremy T. Anderson, Joseph B. Edson, Kai Jiang, Douglas A. Keszler, Michael K. Kocsis, Alan J. Telecky, Brian J. Cardineau
  • Patent number: 11392028
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: Inpria Corporation
    Inventors: Brian J. Cardineau, William Earley, Stephen T. Meyers, Kai Jiang, Jeremy T. Anderson
  • Publication number: 20220187705
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2022
    Publication date: June 16, 2022
    Inventors: Kai Jiang, Stephen T. Meyers, Lauren B. McQuade, Jeremy T. Anderson, Brian J. Cardineau, Benjamin L. Clark, Dominick Smiddy, Margaret Wilson-Moses
  • Patent number: 11300876
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: Inpria Corporation
    Inventors: Kai Jiang, Stephen T. Meyers, Lauren B. McQuade, Jeremy T. Anderson, Brian J. Cardineau, Benjamin L. Clark, Dominick Smiddy, Margaret Wilson-Moses
  • Publication number: 20220028685
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 11, 2021
    Publication date: January 27, 2022
    Inventors: Mollie Waller, Brian J. Cardineau, Kai Jiang, Alan J. Telecky, Stephen T. Meyers, Benjamin L. Clark
  • Patent number: 11187986
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2021
    Assignee: Inpria Corporation
    Inventors: Mollie Waller, Brian J. Cardineau, Kai Jiang, Alan J. Telecky, Stephen T. Meyers, Benjamin L. Clark
  • Publication number: 20210347791
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2021
    Publication date: November 11, 2021
    Inventors: Brian J. Cardineau, Stephen T. Meyers, Kai Jiang, William Earley, Jeremy T. Anderson
  • Publication number: 20210271170
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2021
    Publication date: September 2, 2021
    Inventors: Alan J. Telecky, Jason K. Stowers, Douglas A. Keszler, Stephen T. Meyers, Peter de Schepper, Sonia Castellanos Ortega, Michael Greer, Kirsten Louthan
  • Patent number: 11098070
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 24, 2021
    Assignee: Inpria Corporation
    Inventors: Brian J. Cardineau, Stephen T. Meyers, Kai Jiang, William Earley, Jeremy T Anderson
  • Publication number: 20210048745
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2020
    Publication date: February 18, 2021
    Inventors: Stephen T. Meyers, Jeremy T. Anderson, Joseph B. Edson, Kai Jiang, Douglas A. Keszler, Michael K. Kocsis, Alan J. Telecky, Brian J. Cardineau
  • Publication number: 20200371439
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: August 6, 2020
    Publication date: November 26, 2020
    Inventors: Stephen T. Meyers, Jeremy T. Anderson, Brian J. Cardineau, Joseph B. Edson, Kai Jiang, Douglas A. Keszler, Alan J. Telecky
  • Publication number: 20200326627
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2020
    Publication date: October 15, 2020
    Inventors: Kai Jiang, Brian J. Cardineau, Lauren B. McQuade, Jeremy T. Anderson, Stephen T. Meyers, Michael Kocsis, Amrit K. Narasimhan
  • Patent number: 10775696
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2020
    Assignee: Inpria Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen T. Meyers, Jeremy T. Anderson, Brian J. Cardineau, Joseph B. Edson, Kai Jiang, Douglas A. Keszler, Alan J. Telecky
  • Publication number: 20200257196
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2020
    Publication date: August 13, 2020
    Inventors: Stephen T. Meyers, Jeremy T. Anderson, Brian J. Cardineau, Joseph B. Edson, Kai Jiang, Douglas A. Keszler, Alan J. Telecky
  • Patent number: 10732505
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: Inpria Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen T. Meyers, Jeremy T. Anderson, Brian J. Cardineau, Joseph B. Edson, Kai Jiang, Douglas A. Keszler, Alan J. Telecky
  • Publication number: 20200209756
    Abstract: 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: Application
    Filed: March 6, 2020
    Publication date: July 2, 2020
    Inventors: Mollie Waller, Brian J. Cardineau, Kai Jiang, Alan J. Telecky, Stephen T. Meyers, Benjamin L. Clark
  • Patent number: 10642153
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: Inpria Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen T. Meyers, Jeremy T. Anderson, Joseph Burton Edson, Kai Jiang, Douglas A. Keszler, Michael K. Kocsis, Alan J. Telecky, Brian J. Cardineau