Patents by Inventor Thomas A. Wallner

Thomas A. Wallner 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: 9412843
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device with an embedded layer, by anisotropically etching a substrate adjacent to an already formed gate structure. A dummy layer is deposited in the previously etched region, and a second spacer is formed next to the first spacer. The dummy layer is removed, and a second anisotropic etch is performed. A semiconductor substrate is then epitaxially grown in the etched out region to form the embedded layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2016
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Eric C. Harley, Judson R. Holt, Jin Z. Wallner, Thomas A. Wallner
  • Patent number: 9236398
    Abstract: Device structures and design structures for passive devices that may be used as electrostatic discharge protection devices in fin-type field-effect transistor integrated circuit technologies. A device region is formed in a trench and is coupled with a handle wafer of a semiconductor-on-insulator substrate. The device region extends through a buried insulator layer of the semiconductor-on-insulator substrate toward a top surface of a device layer of the semiconductor-on-insulator substrate. The device region is comprised of lightly-doped semiconductor material. The device structure further includes a doped region formed in the device region and that defines a junction. A portion of the device region is laterally positioned between the doped region and the buried insulator layer of the semiconductor-on-insulator substrate. Another region of the device layer may be patterned to form fins for fin-type field-effect transistors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 12, 2016
    Assignee: GLOBALFOUNDRIES INC.
    Inventors: William F. Clark, Jr., Robert J. Gauthier, Jr., Terence B. Hook, Junjun Li, Theodorus E. Standaert, Thomas A. Wallner
  • Publication number: 20150340465
    Abstract: A method of manufacturing a semiconductor device with an embedded layer, by anisotropically etching a substrate adjacent to an already formed gate structure. A dummy layer is deposited in the previously etched region, and a second spacer is formed next to the first spacer. The dummy layer is removed, and a second anisotropic etch is performed. A semiconductor substrate is then epitaxially grown in the etched out region to form the embedded layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2014
    Publication date: November 26, 2015
    Applicant: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Eric C. Harley, Judson R. Holt, Jin Z. Wallner, Thomas A. Wallner
  • Patent number: 9171935
    Abstract: A FinFET semiconductor device fabrication process includes forming a plurality of FinFET fins upon a semiconductor substrate, forming a first dielectric layer upon the semiconductor substrate so that an upper surface of the first dielectric layer is coplanar with upper surfaces of the FinFET fins, forming a plurality of dummy gates upon the FinFET fins and the first dielectric layer orthogonal to the FinFET fins, revealing the FinFET fins by removing first portions of the first dielectric layer from source-drain regions, removing the dummy gates, and subsequent to the removal of the dummy gates, revealing the FinFET fins by removing second portions of the first dielectric layer from channel regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2015
    Assignee: GlobalFoundries Inc.
    Inventors: Seong-Dong Kim, Myung-Hee Na, Jin Z. Wallner, Thomas A. Wallner, Qintao Zhang
  • Publication number: 20150255569
    Abstract: A FinFET semiconductor device fabrication process includes forming a plurality of FinFET fins upon a semiconductor substrate, forming a first dielectric layer upon the semiconductor substrate so that an upper surface of the first dielectric layer is coplanar with upper surfaces of the FinFET fins, forming a plurality of dummy gates upon the FinFET fins and the first dielectric layer orthogonal to the FinFET fins, revealing the FinFET fins by removing first portions of the first dielectric layer from source-drain regions, removing the dummy gates, and subsequent to the removal of the dummy gates, revealing the FinFET fins by removing second portions of the first dielectric layer from channel regions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 7, 2014
    Publication date: September 10, 2015
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Seong-Dong Kim, Myung-Hee Na, Jin Z. Wallner, Thomas A. Wallner, Qintao Zhang
  • Publication number: 20150054027
    Abstract: Device structures and design structures for passive devices that may be used as electrostatic discharge protection devices in fin-type field-effect transistor integrated circuit technologies. A device region is formed in a trench and is coupled with a handle wafer of a semiconductor-on-insulator substrate. The device region extends through a buried insulator layer of the semiconductor-on-insulator substrate toward a top surface of a device layer of the semiconductor-on-insulator substrate. The device region is comprised of lightly-doped semiconductor material. The device structure further includes a doped region formed in the device region and that defines a junction. A portion of the device region is laterally positioned between the doped region and the buried insulator layer of the semiconductor-on-insulator substrate. Another region of the device layer may be patterned to form fins for fin-type field-effect transistors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2014
    Publication date: February 26, 2015
    Inventors: William F. Clark, JR., Robert J. Gauthier, JR., Terence B. Hook, Junjun Li, Theodorus E. Standaert, Thomas A. Wallner
  • Patent number: 8946064
    Abstract: A method of forming a semiconductor device that includes providing a substrate including a semiconductor layer on a germanium-containing silicon layer and forming a gate structure on a surface of a channel portion of the semiconductor layer. Well trenches are etched into the semiconductor layer on opposing sides of the gate structure. The etch process for forming the well trenches forms an undercut region extending under the gate structure and is selective to the germanium-containing silicon layer. Stress inducing semiconductor material is epitaxially grown to fill at least a portion of the well trench to provide at least one of a stress inducing source region and a stress inducing drain region having a planar base.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas N. Adam, Judson R. Holt, Alexander Reznicek, Thomas A. Wallner
  • Patent number: 8916426
    Abstract: Device structures, design structures, and fabrication methods for passive devices that may be used as electrostatic discharge protection devices in fin-type field-effect transistor integrated circuit technologies. A device region is formed in a trench and is coupled with a handle wafer of a semiconductor-on-insulator substrate. The device region extends through a buried insulator layer of the semiconductor-on-insulator substrate toward a top surface of a device layer of the semiconductor-on-insulator substrate. The device region is comprised of lightly-doped semiconductor material. The device structure further includes a doped region formed in the device region and that defines a junction. A portion of the device region is laterally positioned between the doped region and the buried insulator layer of the semiconductor-on-insulator substrate. Another region of the device layer may be patterned to form fins for fin-type field-effect transistors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: William F. Clark, Jr., Robert J. Gauthier, Jr., Terence B. Hook, Junjun Li, Theodorus E. Standaert, Thomas A. Wallner
  • Patent number: 8787074
    Abstract: A static random access memory (SRAM) test structure includes a p-type source/drain implant region comprising contacts (CAs), wherein the CAs in the p-type source/drain implant region comprise a first plurality of bit line, ground, and node CAs, and wherein the CAs in the p-type source/drain implant region are grounded during an inspection of the SRAM test structure; and an ungrounded region, the ungrounded region being distinct from the p-type source/drain implant region and being ungrounded during the inspection of the SRAM test structure, the ungrounded region comprising contacts (CAs) and rectangular contacts (CArecs) comprising a second plurality of bit line, ground, and node CAs, and further comprising a first plurality of Vdd CAs and rectangular contacts (CArecs), and wherein a CA or CArec in the ungrounded region is grounded during the inspection in the event of a short to a CA in the p-type source/drain implant region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 22, 2014
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Oliver D. Patterson, Jin Zheng Wallner, Thomas A. Wallner, Shenzhi Yang
  • Patent number: 8569840
    Abstract: A high-k gate dielectric layer and a metal gate layer are formed and patterned to expose semiconductor surfaces in a bipolar junction transistor region, while covering a CMOS region. A disposable material portion is formed on a portion of the exposed semiconductor surfaces in the bipolar junction transistor area. A semiconductor layer and a dielectric layer are deposited and patterned to form gate stacks including a semiconductor portion and a dielectric gate cap in the CMOS region and a cavity containing mesa over the disposable material portion in the bipolar junction transistor region. The disposable material portion is selectively removed and a base layer including an epitaxial portion and a polycrystalline portion fills the cavity formed by removal of the disposable material portion. The emitter formed by selective epitaxy fills the cavity in the mesa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas A. Wallner, Ebenezer E. Eshun, Daniel J. Jaeger, Phung T. Nguyen
  • Publication number: 20130256748
    Abstract: Device structures, design structures, and fabrication methods for passive devices that may be used as electrostatic discharge protection devices in fin-type field-effect transistor integrated circuit technologies. A device region is formed in a trench and is coupled with a handle wafer of a semiconductor-on-insulator substrate. The device region extends through a buried insulator layer of the semiconductor-on-insulator substrate toward a top surface of a device layer of the semiconductor-on-insulator substrate. The device region is comprised of lightly-doped semiconductor material. The device structure further includes a doped region formed in the device region and that defines a junction. A portion of the device region is laterally positioned between the doped region and the buried insulator layer of the semiconductor-on-insulator substrate. Another region of the device layer may be patterned to form fins for fin-type field-effect transistors.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2012
    Publication date: October 3, 2013
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: William F. Clark, JR., Robert J. Gauthier, JR., Terence B. Hook, Junjun Li, Theodorus E. Standaert, Thomas A. Wallner
  • Publication number: 20130094315
    Abstract: A static random access memory (SRAM) test structure includes a p-type source/drain implant region comprising contacts (CAs), wherein the CAs in the p-type source/drain implant region comprise a first plurality of bit line, ground, and node CAs, and wherein the CAs in the p-type source/drain implant region are grounded during an inspection of the SRAM test structure; and an ungrounded region, the ungrounded region being distinct from the p-type source/drain implant region and being ungrounded during the inspection of the SRAM test structure, the ungrounded region comprising contacts (CAs) and rectangular contacts (CArecs) comprising a second plurality of bit line, ground, and node CAs, and further comprising a first plurality of Vdd CAs and rectangular contacts (CArecs), and wherein a CA or CArec in the ungrounded region is grounded during the inspection in the event of a short to a CA in the p-type source/drain implant region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 14, 2011
    Publication date: April 18, 2013
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Oliver D. Patterson, Jin Zheng Wallner, Thomas A. Wallner, Shenzhi Yang
  • Publication number: 20120326168
    Abstract: A method of forming a semiconductor device that includes providing a substrate including a semiconductor layer on a germanium-containing silicon layer and forming a gate structure on a surface of a channel portion of the semiconductor layer. Well trenches are etched into the semiconductor layer on opposing sides of the gate structure. The etch process for forming the well trenches forms an undercut region extending under the gate structure and is selective to the germanium-containing silicon layer. Stress inducing semiconductor material is epitaxially grown to fill at least a portion of the well trench to provide at least one of a stress inducing source region and a stress inducing drain region having a planar base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2012
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Thomas N. Adam, Judson R. Holt, Alexander Reznicek, Thomas A. Wallner
  • Publication number: 20120319166
    Abstract: A method of forming a semiconductor device that includes providing a substrate including a semiconductor layer on a germanium-containing silicon layer and forming a gate structure on a surface of a channel portion of the semiconductor layer. Well trenches are etched into the semiconductor layer on opposing sides of the gate structure. The etch process for forming the well trenches forms an undercut region extending under the gate structure and is selective to the germanium-containing silicon layer. Stress inducing semiconductor material is epitaxially grown to fill at least a portion of the well trench to provide at least one of a stress inducing source region and a stress inducing drain region having a planar base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 16, 2011
    Publication date: December 20, 2012
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Thomas N. Adam, Judson R. Holt, Alexander Reznicek, Thomas A. Wallner
  • Patent number: 8232172
    Abstract: Stress enhanced transistor devices and methods of fabricating the same are provided. In one embodiment, a transistor device comprises: a gate conductor disposed above a semiconductor substrate between a pair of dielectric spacers, wherein the semiconductor substrate comprises a channel region underneath the gate conductor and recessed regions on opposite sides of the channel region, wherein the recessed regions undercut the dielectric spacers to form undercut areas of the channel region; and epitaxial source and drain regions disposed in the recessed regions of the semiconductor substrate and extending laterally underneath the dielectric spacers into the undercut areas of the channel region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2012
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas N. Adam, Judson R. Holt, Thomas A. Wallner
  • Publication number: 20120139056
    Abstract: A high-k gate dielectric layer and a metal gate layer are formed and patterned to expose semiconductor surfaces in a bipolar junction transistor region, while covering a CMOS region. A disposable material portion is formed on a portion of the exposed semiconductor surfaces in the bipolar junction transistor area. A semiconductor layer and a dielectric layer are deposited and patterned to form gate stacks including a semiconductor portion and a dielectric gate cap in the CMOS region and a cavity containing mesa over the disposable material portion in the bipolar junction transistor region. The disposable material portion is selectively removed and a base layer including an epitaxial portion and a polycrystalline portion fills the cavity formed by removal of the disposable material portion. The emitter formed by selective epitaxy fills the cavity in the mesa.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2012
    Publication date: June 7, 2012
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Thomas A. Wallner, Ebenezer E. Eshun, Daniel J. Jaeger, Phung T. Nguyen
  • Patent number: 8129234
    Abstract: A high-k gate dielectric layer and a metal gate layer are formed and patterned to expose semiconductor surfaces in a bipolar junction transistor region, while covering a CMOS region. A disposable material portion is formed on a portion of the exposed semiconductor surfaces in the bipolar junction transistor area. A semiconductor layer and a dielectric layer are deposited and patterned to form gate stacks including a semiconductor portion and a dielectric gate cap in the CMOS region and a cavity containing mesa over the disposable material portion in the bipolar junction transistor region. The disposable material portion is selectively removed and a base layer including an epitaxial portion and a polycrystalline portion fills the cavity formed by removal of the disposable material portion. The emitter formed by selective epitaxy fills the cavity in the mesa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2012
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas A. Wallner, Ebenezer E. Eshun, Daniel J. Jaeger, Phung T. Nguyen
  • Patent number: 8124534
    Abstract: A process including forming a silicon layer over a semiconductor wafer having features thereon and then selectively ion implanting in the silicon layer to form ion implanted regions. The step of selectively ion implanting is repeated as many times as necessary to obtain a predetermined number and density of features. Thereafter, the silicon layer is etched to form openings in the silicon layer that were formerly occupied by the ion implanted regions. The opened areas in the silicon layer form a mask for further processing of the semiconductor wafer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Jin Wallner, Thomas A. Wallner, Ying Zhang
  • Patent number: 8062951
    Abstract: An epitaxial layer of silicon (Si) or silicon-germanium (SiGe) extends over the edge of silicon trench isolation (STI), thereby increasing the effective width of an active silicon region (RX) bordered by the STI. The RX region may have a <100> crystal orientation. An effective width of an FET device formed in the RX region may be increased, therefore performance may be improved with same density. Isolation may not be degraded since RX-to-RX distance is same at bottom. Junction capacitance may be reduced since part of the RX is on STI.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Xiangdong Chen, Kenneth J. Stein, Thomas A. Wallner
  • Publication number: 20110159655
    Abstract: Stress enhanced transistor devices and methods of fabricating the same are provided. In one embodiment, a transistor device comprises: a gate conductor disposed above a semiconductor substrate between a pair of dielectric spacers, wherein the semiconductor substrate comprises a channel region underneath the gate conductor and recessed regions on opposite sides of the channel region, wherein the recessed regions undercut the dielectric spacers to form undercut areas of the channel region; and epitaxial source and drain regions disposed in the recessed regions of the semiconductor substrate and extending laterally underneath the dielectric spacers into the undercut areas of the channel region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2011
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Thomas N. Adam, Judson R. Holt, Thomas A. Wallner