Patents by Inventor Tuqiang Ni

Tuqiang Ni 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: 20200321193
    Abstract: Disclosed are a gas showerhead, a method of manufacturing the same, and a plasma apparatus provided with the gas showerhead.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2020
    Publication date: October 8, 2020
    Inventors: Tuqiang NI, Zhaoyang XU, Jiawei JIANG
  • Publication number: 20200251345
    Abstract: Disclosed are a plasma reactor for ultra-high aspect ratio etching and an etching method therefor, wherein the plasma reactor comprises: a reaction chamber inside which a reaction space is formed; a base disposed at the bottom of the reaction space and configured for supporting a to-be-processed substrate; a gas showerhead disposed at the top inside the reaction chamber; wherein a first radio frequency power supply outputs a radio frequency power with a first frequency to the base or the gas showerhead so as to form and maintain plasma in the reaction chamber; and a second radio frequency power supply which outputs a radio frequency power with a second frequency to the base so as to control the ion energy incident to the base; wherein the first frequency is not less than 4 MHz, and the second frequency is not less than 10 KHz but not more than 300 KHz.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2020
    Publication date: August 6, 2020
    Inventors: Gerald Zheyao Yin, Yichuan Zhang, Jie Liang, Xingcai Su, Tuqiang Ni
  • Publication number: 20200214087
    Abstract: Disclosed are a plasma reactor and a heating apparatus therefor, wherein the heating apparatus comprises: a programmable power supply, a heater assembly, and a bandpass filter assembly, the heater assembly being configured for connecting with the programmable power supply via the bandpass filter assembly, the bandpass filter assembly including a plurality of bandpass filters, wherein the programmable power supply may input, based on match relationships between outputted AC heating powers and conduction frequencies of the bandpass filters BPF, an AC heating power to a matched heater unit to perform heating, thereby achieving zoned temperature control; the disclosures offer a simple circuit structure due to eliminating the need of switch elements, thereby offering a simple control manner.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2019
    Publication date: July 2, 2020
    Inventors: Kui Zhao, Dee Wu, Tuqiang Ni
  • Publication number: 20200211873
    Abstract: Disclosed are a temperature control apparatus for semiconductor processing equipment and a corresponding temperature control method, wherein each heating element in each row or each column in a heating element matrix forms a power return circuit with a same power source, respectively, and a same switch module is provided for the power return circuits of all heating elements in each column or each row of the heating element matrix; the input powers to the heating elements in an entire row or column controlled by each power output port of the power source are adjusted by adjusting the output power magnitude of the corresponding power source, and conduction/disconnection of the power return circuits of an entire column or row controlled by each switch module is controlled by controlling ON/OFF of each switch module.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2019
    Publication date: July 2, 2020
    Inventors: Kui Zhao, Hiroshi Iizuka, Dee Wu, Razon Zuo, Tuqiang Ni
  • Publication number: 20200194276
    Abstract: Disclosed is a capacitively coupled plasma etching apparatus, wherein an electrically conductive supporting rod where a lower electrode is fixed is connected to driving means, the driving means driving the electrically conductive support rod to move axially; besides, the lower electrode is fixed to the bottom of a chamber body via a retractable sealing part, causing the upper surface of the lower electrode to be hermetically sealed in an accommodation space in the chamber body; an electrical connection part is connected on the chamber body; the radio frequency current in the chamber body returns, via the electrical connection part, to the loop end of a radio frequency matcher.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2019
    Publication date: June 18, 2020
    Inventors: Yunwen Huang, Tuqiang Ni, Jie Liang, Jinlong Zhao
  • Publication number: 20200194275
    Abstract: Disclosed is a capacitively coupled plasma etching apparatus, wherein a lower electrode is fixed to a lower end of an electrically conductive supporting rod, a retractable electrically conductive part is fixed to the lower end of the electrically conductive supporting rod, wherein the retractable electrically conductive part being extended or retracted along an axial direction of the electrically conductive supporting rod; besides, the lower end of the retractable electrically conductive part is electrically connected with the output end of the radio-frequency matcher via an electrically connection portion, and the loop end of the radio-frequency matcher is fixed to the bottom of a chamber body.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2019
    Publication date: June 18, 2020
    Inventors: Yunwen Huang, Tuqiang Ni, Jie Liang, Jinlong Zhao, Lei Wu
  • Publication number: 20200194230
    Abstract: Disclosed is a capacitively coupled plasma etching apparatus, wherein a lower electrode is fixed to a lower end of an electrically conductive supporting rod, a telescope electrically conductive part is fixed to the lower end of the electrically conductive supporting rod, wherein the retractable electrically conductive part being telescoped along an axial direction of the electrically conductive supporting rod; besides, the lower end of the retractable electrically conductive part is electrically connected with the output end of the radio-frequency matcher via an electrically connection portion. In this way, the height of the lower electrode may be controlled through telescoping of the retractable electrically conductive part, such that the spacing between the upper and lower pads becomes adjustable.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 16, 2019
    Publication date: June 18, 2020
    Inventors: Yunwen Huang, Tuqiang Ni, Jie Liang, Jinlong Zhao, Lei Wu
  • Patent number: 10685811
    Abstract: A switchable matching network and an inductively coupled plasma processing apparatus having such network are disclosed. The switchable matching network enables selection between two bias power frequencies. The network is particularly suitable for an inductively-coupled plasma processing apparatus. The switchable matching network comprises: a first match circuit having a first input port connected to a first signal source and a first output port coupled to a load; a second match circuit having a second input port connected to a second signal source and a second output port coupled to the load; a switching device having a first connection port, a second connection port and a third connection port, the first connection port connected to the first input port and the second connection port connected to the second output port; a variable capacitor connected between ground and the third connection port of the switching device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2020
    Assignee: ADVANCED MICRO-FABRICATION EQUIPMENT INC. CHINA
    Inventors: Kui Zhao, Hiroshi Iizuka, Tuqiang Ni, Xiaobei Pang
  • Patent number: 10685814
    Abstract: A system for processing substrates having an atmospheric front end and a vacuum main frame, primary processing chambers attached to the main frame, a loadlock positioned between the front end and the main frame, and at least one secondary processing chamber attached to the loadlock.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2020
    Assignee: ADVANCED MICRO-FABRICATION EQUIPMENT INC. CHINA
    Inventors: Heng Tao, Tuqiang Ni, Qian Wang
  • Publication number: 20200161104
    Abstract: Disclosed is a plasma reactor, comprising: a reaction chamber; a base disposed at the bottom of the reaction chamber, configured for supporting a substrate; an RF power supply which outputs an RF power into the reaction chamber, wherein the base includes an electrostatic chuck, the electrostatic chunk including a set of heaters, the set of heaters including a plurality of heating modules, wherein each heating module includes one heater and one electronic switch which are connected in series, the heater in each heating module being connected to one of the heating power source and the ground, and the electronic switch being connected to the other one of the heating power source and the ground; a heating controller including a receive end configured for receiving a temperature control signal, and further a drive signal output end connected to the electronic switch, configured for outputting a drive signal of the electronic switch, wherein the heating controller further comprises at least one optoelectrical drive
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2019
    Publication date: May 21, 2020
    Inventors: Tuqiang Ni, Steven Lee, Sha Rin, Zhou Xiaofeng, Mei Rui
  • Publication number: 20200090908
    Abstract: A switchable matching network and an inductively coupled plasma processing apparatus having such network are disclosed. The switchable matching network enables selection between two bias power frequencies. The network is particularly suitable for an inductively-coupled plasma processing apparatus. The switchable matching network comprises: a first match circuit having a first input port connected to a first signal source and a first output port coupled to a load; a second match circuit having a second input port connected to a second signal source and a second output port coupled to the load; a switching device having a first connection port, a second connection port and a third connection port, the first connection port connected to the first input port and the second connection port connected to the second output port; a variable capacitor connected between ground and the third connection port of the switching device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 17, 2019
    Publication date: March 19, 2020
    Inventors: Kui Zhao, Hiroshi Iizuka, Tuqiang Ni, Xiaobei Pang
  • Publication number: 20200083087
    Abstract: Disclosed are a lift pin assembly, an electrostatic chuck with the lift pin assembly, and a processing apparatus where the electrostatic chuck is located. The lift pin assembly comprises: a lift pin, a lift pin receiving channel connected to a pressure control device, one end of the lift pin receiving channel proximal to a wafer being provided with a sealing ring, an upper surface of the sealing ring being in contact with a back face of the wafer during processing to avoid a gas at the back face of the wafer from entering the lift pin receiving channel, thereby enabling the pressure control device to independently control the pressure in the lift pin receiving channel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 12, 2019
    Publication date: March 12, 2020
    Inventors: Tuqiang Ni, Rubin Ye, Manus Wong, Jie Liang, Leyi Tu, Ziyang Wu
  • Patent number: 10529577
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a device of changing the gas flow pattern in the process chamber and a wafer processing method and system; a gas introduced from the gas inlet to the process chamber will process the wafer in the process chamber; a gas center ring is set in the process chamber to adjust the gas flow pattern, which includes a fixed component under the gas inlet and above the wafer, and a movable ring could locate in the first position or the second position respectively; when the movable ring is in the first position, the gas is delivered downwards to the wafer via the first opening set on the fixed component; when the movable ring is in the second position, the gas is delivered downwards to the wafer via the second opening set on the movable ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2020
    Assignee: ADVANCED MICRO-FABRICATION EQUIPMENT INC. CHINA
    Inventors: TuQiang Ni, ZhiLin Huang
  • Publication number: 20190338408
    Abstract: A plasma processing chamber having advanced coating for the showerhead and for an extended bottom electrode. The extended bottom electrode can be formed by one or more of the focus ring, cover ring, and plasma confinement ring. The extended electrode can be formed using a one-piece composite cover ring. The composite cover ring may be made of Al2O3 and include a Y2O3 plasma resistant coating. The plasma confinement ring may include a flow equalization ion shield that may also be provided with the plasma resistant coating. The plasma resistant coating of the extended electrode may have elements matching that of the showerhead.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2019
    Publication date: November 7, 2019
    Inventors: Xiaoming HE, Li ZHANG, Xingjian CHEN, Tuqiang NI, Zhaoyang XU
  • Publication number: 20190194802
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure disclose a plasma process apparatus with low particle contamination and a method of operating the same, wherein the plasma process apparatus comprises a chamber body and a liner, wherein a dielectric window is provided above the liner; the chamber body, the liner, and the dielectric window enclose a reaction space; a base for placing a wafer is provided at a bottom portion inside the reaction space; a vacuum pump device for pumping a gas out of the reaction space and maintaining a low pressure therein is provided below the base; a shutter for shuttering between an opening on a chamber body sidewall and an opening on a liner sidewall is provided inside the chamber body, for blocking contamination particles in the gas from flowing from a transfer module to the reaction space; a groove is provided at a lower portion of the liner, wherein a flowing space enclosed by a liner outer wall below the shutter and a chamber body inner wall is in communication with an inner space of t
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2018
    Publication date: June 27, 2019
    Inventors: Tuqiang NI, Rason ZUO, Shenjian LIU, Xingjian CHEN, Lei WAN
  • Publication number: 20190139745
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a dual-station vacuum processor that pumps uniformly, comprising two vacuum processing chambers that may act as a process processing chamber, and an offset-pumping port and a vacuum pump which are common to and communicate with the two vacuum processing chambers, wherein a damper having a set thickness in a vertical direction is provided in a region proximal to the offset-pumping port in each vacuum processing chamber, so as to lower a pumping rate of gas at the pumping port proximal end and balance the pumping rate with the pumping rate of the gas at the pumping port distal end, thereby ameliorating the impact of chamber offset on the uniformity process processing. The present invention may further provide, in a rib as the damper, a channel in communication with the atmospheric environment outside of the chamber, so as to facilitate connection between a cable pipeline in the chamber and the outside.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2017
    Publication date: May 9, 2019
    Inventors: Yuejun GONG, Rason ZUO, Tuqiang NI, Dee WU, Ning ZHOU, Kelvin CHEN
  • Patent number: 10187965
    Abstract: A plasma confinement apparatus, and method for confining a plasma are described and which includes, in one form of the invention, a plurality of electrically insulated components which are disposed in predetermined spaced relation, one relative to the others, and surrounding a processing region of a plasma processing apparatus, and wherein a plurality of passageways are defined between the respective insulated components; and at least one electrically conductive and grounded component forms an electrical field shielding for the processing region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 16, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: ADVANCED MICRO-FABRICATION EQUIPMENT, INC. CHINA
    Inventors: Tuqiang Ni, Jinyuan Chen, Qing Qian, Yuehong Fu, Zhaoyang Xu, Xusheng Zhou, Ye Wang
  • Publication number: 20190006155
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a plasma reactor having a function of tuning low frequency RF power distribution, comprising: a reaction chamber in which an electrically conductive base is provided, the electrically conductive base being connected to a low frequency RF source via a first match, an electrostatic chuck being provided on the electrically conductive base, an upper surface of the electrostatic chuck being configured for fixing a to-be-processed substrate, an outer sidewall of the electrically conductive base being coated with at least one layer of plasma corrosion-resistance dielectric layer, a coupling ring made of a dielectric material surrounding an outer perimeter of the base, a focus ring being disposed above the coupling ring, the focus ring being arranged surround the electrostatic chuck and be exposed to a plasma during a plasma processing procedure; the plasma reactor further comprising an annular electrode that is disposed above the coupling ring but below the focus ring; a wire, a first
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2018
    Publication date: January 3, 2019
    Inventors: Kui Zhao, Shenjian Liu, Tuqiang Ni
  • Publication number: 20170186592
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a multi-zone active-matrix temperature control system, the control system having a temperature control matrix and a gate driver; the temperature control matrix comprising: N*M temperature control modules forming a N-row M-column matrix, a power supply line, and a power return line; each temperature control module comprising: a temperature control unit adapts to be heated up by electrical power for temperature controlling; a semiconductor switch provided with a gate electrode connected with the gate driver, two ends of the gate, which turn on or off, being connected with the power supply line, and with the power return line through the temperature control unit, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2016
    Publication date: June 29, 2017
    Inventors: Tuqiang Ni, Rason Zuo, Dee Wu, Sha Rin
  • Publication number: 20170186585
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electrode structure for ICP etcher, including: inductive coils, inductive coil connectors, connect rods and sleeve; in which, inductive coils are set on insulation window and insulation window is set on chamber lid; two ends of the connect rods respectively connect inductive coils and inductive coil connectors; the sleeve is made of conductive material and grounded; first end of the sleeve is covered by a cap while the second is opening; the cap has holes, and the connect rods are set pass through the holes and isolated from the cap; the opening of sleeve is set toward inductive coils, and the inductive coils are shielded inside the sleeve. This invention shields electromagnetic field generated by inductive coil connectors outside the sleeve to avoid influence of even electromagnetic field generated to inductive coils, and guarantee even etching.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2016
    Publication date: June 29, 2017
    Inventors: Rason Zuo, Dee Wu, Tuqiang Ni