Patents by Inventor Thoralf Kautzsch

Thoralf Kautzsch 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: 12137500
    Abstract: A light emitter device contains a heater structure configured to emit light if a predefined current flows through the heater structure. The heater structure is arranged at a heater carrier structure. The light emitter device contains an upper portion of a cavity located vertically between the heater carrier structure and a cover structure. The light emitter device contains a lower portion of the cavity located vertically between the heater carrier structure and at least a portion of a carrier substrate. The heater carrier structure contains a plurality of holes connecting the upper portion of the cavity and the lower portion of the cavity. A pressure within the cavity is less than 100 mbar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 5, 2024
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Thoralf Kautzsch, Heiko Froehlich, Uwe Rudolph, Alessia Scire, Maik Stegemann, Mirko Vogt
  • Patent number: 11594654
    Abstract: A method of generating a germanium structure includes performing an epitaxial depositing process on an assembly of a silicon substrate and an oxide layer, wherein one or more trenches in the oxide layer expose surface portions of the silicon substrate. The epitaxial depositing process includes depositing germanium onto the assembly during a first phase, performing an etch process during a second phase following the first phase in order to remove germanium from the oxide layer, and repeating the first and second phases. A germanium crystal is grown in the trench or trenches. An optical device includes a light-incidence surface formed by a raw textured surface of a germanium structure obtained by an epitaxial depositing process without processing the surface of the germanium structure after the epitaxial process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Andre Roeth, Henning Feick, Heiko Froehlich, Thoralf Kautzsch, Olga Khvostikova, Stefano Parascandola, Thomas Popp, Maik Stegemann, Mirko Vogt
  • Publication number: 20220326275
    Abstract: A capacitive microelectromechanical device is provided. The capacitive microelectromechanical device includes a semiconductor substrate, a support structure, an electrode element, a spring element, and a seismic mass. The support structure, for example, a pole, suspension or a post, is fixedly connected to the semiconductor substrate, which may comprise silicon. The electrode element is fixedly connected to the support structure. Moreover, the seismic mass is connected over the spring element to the support structure so that the seismic mass is displaceable, deflectable or movable with respect to the electrode element. Moreover, the seismic mass and the electrode element form a capacitor having a capacitance which depends on a displacement between the seismic mass and the electrode element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 28, 2022
    Publication date: October 13, 2022
    Applicant: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Thoralf KAUTZSCH, Steffen BIESELT, Heiko FROEHLICH, Andre ROETH, Maik STEGEMANN, Mirko VOGT, Bernhard WINKLER
  • Patent number: 11428661
    Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment, a method for producing a moisture sensor includes providing a substrate arrangement, applying a sensor structure, applying a first cover layer on the sensor structure, locally removing the planar cover layer arrangement to expose portions of an insulation layer, applying a third cover layer on the exposed portions of the insulation layer, exposing the planar cover layer arrangement covering the sensor structure, and applying a moisture-absorbing layer element on the planar cover layer arrangement covering the sensor structure to obtain the moisture sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignee: INFINEON TECHNOLOGIES AG
    Inventors: Marco Haubold, Heiko Froehlich, Thoralf Kautzsch, Olga Khvostikova, Marten Oldsen, Bernhard Straub
  • Patent number: 11422151
    Abstract: A capacitive microelectromechanical device is provided. The capacitive microelectromechanical device includes a semiconductor substrate, a support structure, an electrode element, a spring element, and a seismic mass. The support structure, for example, a pole, suspension or a post, is fixedly connected to the semiconductor substrate, which may comprise silicon. The electrode element is fixedly connected to the support structure. Moreover, the seismic mass is connected over the spring element to the support structure so that the seismic mass is displaceable, deflectable or movable with respect to the electrode element. Moreover, the seismic mass and the electrode element form a capacitor having a capacitance which depends on a displacement between the seismic mass and the electrode element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Inventors: Thoralf Kautzsch, Steffen Bieselt, Heiko Froehlich, Andre Roeth, Maik Stegemann, Mirko Vogt, Bernhard Winkler
  • Patent number: 11393714
    Abstract: In a method for producing a buried cavity in a semiconductor substrate, trenches are produced in a surface of a semiconductor substrate down to a depth that is greater than cross-sectional dimensions of the respective trench in a cross section perpendicular to the depth, wherein a protective layer is formed on sidewalls of the trenches. Isotropic etching through bottom regions of the trenches is carried out. After carrying out the isotropic etching, the enlarged trenches are closed by applying a semiconductor epitaxial layer to the surface of the semiconductor substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2022
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Andre Roeth, Boris Binder, Thoralf Kautzsch, Uwe Rudolph, Maik Stegemann, Mirko Vogt
  • Publication number: 20220069156
    Abstract: A method of generating a germanium structure includes performing an epitaxial depositing process on an assembly of a silicon substrate and an oxide layer, wherein one or more trenches in the oxide layer expose surface portions of the silicon substrate. The epitaxial depositing process includes depositing germanium onto the assembly during a first phase, performing an etch process during a second phase following the first phase in order to remove germanium from the oxide layer, and repeating the first and second phases. A germanium crystal is grown in the trench or trenches. An optical device includes a light-incidence surface formed by a raw textured surface of a germanium structure obtained by an epitaxial depositing process without processing the surface of the germanium structure after the epitaxial process.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2021
    Publication date: March 3, 2022
    Inventors: Andre Roeth, Henning Feick, Heiko Froehlich, Thoralf Kautzsch, Olga Khvostikova, Stefano Parascandola, Thomas Popp, Maik Stegemann, Mirko Vogt
  • Patent number: 11239375
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a pressure sensitive transistor includes forming a channel region between first and second contact regions in a semiconductor substrate, forming a first isolation layer on a surface of the semiconductor substrate, forming a sacrificial structure on the first isolation layer and above the channel region, forming a semiconductor layer on the sacrificial structure and on the first isolation layer, wherein the semiconductor layer covers the sacrificial structure, removing the sacrificial structure for providing a cavity between the substrate and the semiconductor layer, wherein the semiconductor layer forms a membrane structure and forms a control electrode of the pressure sensitive transistor, forming a second isolation layer on the membrane structure and on the exposed portion of the surface of the semiconductor substrate, and forming contacting structures for the first contact region, the second contact region and the membrane structure of the pressure sensitive transistor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignee: INFINEON TECHNOLOGIES AG
    Inventors: Vladislav Komenko, Heiko Froehlich, Thoralf Kautzsch, Andrey Kravchenko, Bernhard Winkler
  • Patent number: 11078072
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) device, includes forming a cavity in a bulk semiconductor substrate; defining a movably suspended mass in the bulk semiconductor substrate by one or more trenches extending from a main surface area of the bulk semiconductor substrate to the cavity; arranging a cap structure on the main surface area of the bulk semiconductor substrate; and forming a capacitive structure. Forming the capacitive structure includes arranging a first electrode structure on the movably suspended mass; and providing a second electrode structure at the cap structure such that the first electrode structure and the second electrode structure are spaced apart in a direction perpendicular to the main surface area of the bulk semiconductor substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2021
    Inventors: Thoralf Kautzsch, Steffen Bieselt, Heiko Froehlich, Andre Roeth, Maik Stegemann, Mirko Vogt
  • Patent number: 11041757
    Abstract: A tunable Fabry-Perot (FP) filter element includes a first FP filter stack arranged at a movable first carrier element, and a second FP filter stack arranged in an opposing configuration to the first FP filter stack at a second carrier element, wherein, upon an actuation, the first carrier element with the first FP filter stack is vertically movable with respect to the second carrier element with the second FP filter stack, for adjusting the distance between the first and second opposing FP filter stack and wherein the movable first carrier element is formed as an SON structure (SON=silicon-on-nothing) in an SON substrate, wherein the SON structure is movable suspended by means of a mechanical spring element to the SON substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 22, 2021
    Assignee: INFINEON TECHNOLOGIES DRESDEN GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventor: Thoralf Kautzsch
  • Patent number: 11015980
    Abstract: An infrared radiation sensor comprises a substrate, a membrane formed in or at the substrate, a first counter electrode, a second counter electrode, and a composite comprising at least two layers of materials having different coefficients of thermal expansion. At least a portion of the membrane forms a deflectable electrode and the deflectable electrode is electrically floating. A first capacitance is formed between the deflectable electrode and the first counter electrode, and a second capacitance is formed between the deflectable electrode and the second counter electrode. The membrane comprises the composite or is supported at the substrate by the composite. The membrane comprises an absorption region configured to cause deformation of the composite by absorbing infrared radiation, the deformation resulting in a deflection of the deflectable electrode, which causes a change of the first and second capacitances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Vladislav Komenko, Heiko Froehlich, Thoralf Kautzsch, Andrey Kravchenko
  • Patent number: 10948513
    Abstract: An electronic device is based on a single crystal semiconductor substrate. A cavity is formed in the semiconductor substrate. Further, a movably suspended mass is defined by one or more trenches extending from one side of the semiconductor substrate to the cavity. A first electrode layer is provided on the suspended mass. Further, a cover layer covering the suspended mass is provided. The cover layer includes a second electrode layer arranged opposite to the first electrode layer and spaced therefrom by a gap.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: March 16, 2021
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventor: Thoralf Kautzsch
  • Publication number: 20210013087
    Abstract: In a method for producing a buried cavity in a semiconductor substrate, trenches are produced in a surface of a semiconductor substrate down to a depth that is greater than cross-sectional dimensions of the respective trench in a cross section perpendicular to the depth, wherein a protective layer is formed on sidewalls of the trenches. Isotropic etching through bottom regions of the trenches is carried out. After carrying out the isotropic etching, the enlarged trenches are closed by applying a semiconductor epitaxial layer to the surface of the semiconductor substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2020
    Publication date: January 14, 2021
    Inventors: Andre ROETH, Boris BINDER, Thoralf KAUTZSCH, Uwe RUDOLPH, Maik STEGEMANN, Mirko VOGT
  • Patent number: 10870575
    Abstract: A semiconductor device may include a stress decoupling structure to at least partially decouple a first region of the semiconductor device and a second region of the semiconductor device. The stress decoupling structure may include a set of trenches that are substantially perpendicular to a main surface of the semiconductor device. The first region may include a micro-electro-mechanical (MEMS) structure. The semiconductor device may include a sealing element to at least partially seal openings of the stress decoupling structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2020
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies Dresden GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Horst Theuss, Bernhard Knott, Thoralf Kautzsch, Mirko Vogt, Maik Stegemann, Andre Roeth, Marco Haubold, Heiko Froehlich, Wolfram Langheinrich, Steffen Bieselt
  • Publication number: 20200300886
    Abstract: A capacitive microelectromechanical device is provided. The capacitive microelectromechanical device includes a semiconductor substrate, a support structure, an electrode element, a spring element, and a seismic mass. The support structure, for example, a pole, suspension or a post, is fixedly connected to the semiconductor substrate, which may comprise silicon. The electrode element is fixedly connected to the support structure. Moreover, the seismic mass is connected over the spring element to the support structure so that the seismic mass is displaceable, deflectable or movable with respect to the electrode element. Moreover, the seismic mass and the electrode element form a capacitor having a capacitance which depends on a displacement between the seismic mass and the electrode element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2020
    Publication date: September 24, 2020
    Applicant: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Thoralf KAUTZSCH, Steffen BIESELT, Heiko FROEHLICH, Andre ROETH, Maik STEGEMANN, Mirko VOGT, Bernhard WINKLER
  • Publication number: 20200290867
    Abstract: A method for manufacturing a microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) device, includes forming a cavity in a bulk semiconductor substrate; defining a movably suspended mass in the bulk semiconductor substrate by one or more trenches extending from a main surface area of the bulk semiconductor substrate to the cavity; arranging a cap structure on the main surface area of the bulk semiconductor substrate; and forming a capacitive structure. Forming the capacitive structure includes arranging a first electrode structure on the movably suspended mass; and providing a second electrode structure at the cap structure such that the first electrode structure and the second electrode structure are spaced apart in a direction perpendicular to the main surface area of the bulk semiconductor substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2020
    Publication date: September 17, 2020
    Applicant: Infineon Technologies Dresden GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Thoralf KAUTZSCH, Steffen BIESELT, Heiko FROEHLICH, Andre ROETH, Maik STEGEMANN, Mirko VOGT
  • Publication number: 20200253000
    Abstract: A light emitter device contains a heater structure configured to emit light if a predefined current flows through the heater structure. The heater structure is arranged at a heater carrier structure. The light emitter device contains an upper portion of a cavity located vertically between the heater carrier structure and a cover structure. The light emitter device contains a lower portion of the cavity located vertically between the heater carrier structure and at least a portion of a carrier substrate. The heater carrier structure contains a plurality of holes connecting the upper portion of the cavity and the lower portion of the cavity. A pressure within the cavity is less than 100 mbar.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 24, 2020
    Publication date: August 6, 2020
    Inventors: Thoralf Kautzsch, Heiko Froehlich, Uwe Rudolph, Alessia Scire, Maik Stegemann, Mirko Vogt
  • Publication number: 20200232848
    Abstract: A tunable Fabry-Perot (FP) filter element includes a first FP filter stack arranged at a movable first carrier element, and a second FP filter stack arranged in an opposing configuration to the first FP filter stack at a second carrier element, wherein, upon an actuation, the first carrier element with the first FP filter stack is vertically movable with respect to the second carrier element with the second FP filter stack, for adjusting the distance between the first and second opposing FP filter stack and wherein the movable first carrier element is formed as an SON structure (SON=silicon-on-nothing) in an SON substrate, wherein the SON structure is movable suspended by means of a mechanical spring element to the SON substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2019
    Publication date: July 23, 2020
    Inventor: Thoralf Kautzsch
  • Patent number: 10707362
    Abstract: Embodiments related to controlling of photo-generated charge carriers are described and depicted. At least one embodiment provides a semiconductor substrate comprising a photo-conversion region to convert light into photo-generated charge carriers; a region to accumulate the photo-generated charge carriers; a control electrode structure including a plurality of control electrodes to generate a potential distribution such that the photo-generated carriers are guided towards the region to accumulate the photo-generated charge carriers based on signals applied to the control electrode structure; a non-uniform doping profile in the semiconductor substrate to generate an electric field with vertical field vector components in at least a part of the photo-conversion region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Thomas Bever, Henning Feick, Dirk Offenberg, Stefano Parascandola, Ines Uhlig, Thoralf Kautzsch, Dirk Meinhold, Hanno Melzner
  • Patent number: 10684306
    Abstract: A capacitive microelectromechanical device is provided. The capacitive microelectromechanical device includes a semiconductor substrate, a support structure, an electrode element, a spring element, and a seismic mass. The support structure, for example, a pole, suspension or a post, is fixedly connected to the semiconductor substrate, which may comprise silicon. The electrode element is fixedly connected to the support structure. Moreover, the seismic mass is connected over the spring element to the support structure so that the seismic mass is displaceable, deflectable or movable with respect to the electrode element. Moreover, the seismic mass and the electrode element form a capacitor having a capacitance which depends on a displacement between the seismic mass and the electrode element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2020
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Steffen Bieselt, Heiko Froehlich, Thoralf Kautzsch, Andre Roeth, Maik Stegemann, Mirko Vogt, Bernhard Winkler