Ion Bombardment Patents (Class 250/492.21)
  • Publication number: 20100237231
    Abstract: An ion implantation apparatus with multiple operating modes is disclosed. The ion implantation apparatus has an ion source and an ion extraction means for forming a converging beam on AMU-non-dispersive plane therefrom. The ion implantation apparatus includes magnetic scanner prior to a magnetic analyzer for scanning the beam on the non-dispersive plane, the magnetic analyzer for selecting ions with specific mass-to-charge ratio to pass through a mass slit to project onto a substrate. A rectangular quadruple magnet is provided to collimate the scanned ion beam and fine corrections of the beam incident angles onto a target. A deceleration or acceleration system incorporating energy filtering is at downstream of the beam collimator. A two-dimensional mechanical scanning system for scanning the target is disclosed, in which a beam diagnostic means is build in.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2010
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Inventor: Jiong Chen
  • Publication number: 20100237232
    Abstract: An ion implantation apparatus with multiple operating modes is disclosed. The ion implantation apparatus has an ion source and an ion extraction means for forming a converging beam on AMU-non-dispersive plane therefrom. The ion implantation apparatus includes magnetic scanner prior to a magnetic analyzer for scanning the beam on the non-dispersive plane, the magnetic analyzer for selecting ions with specific mass-to-charge ratio to pass through a mass slit to project onto a substrate. A rectangular quadruple magnet is provided to collimate the scanned ion beam and fine corrections of the beam incident angles onto a target. A deceleration or acceleration system incorporating energy filtering is at downstream of the beam collimator. A two-dimensional mechanical scanning system for scanning the target is disclosed, in which a beam diagnostic means is built in.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2010
    Publication date: September 23, 2010
    Inventor: Jiong Chen
  • Patent number: 7800083
    Abstract: A plasma electron flood system, comprising a housing configured to contain a gas, and comprising an elongated extraction slit, and a cathode and a plurality of anodes residing therein and wherein the elongated extraction slit is in direct communication with an ion implanter, wherein the cathode emits electrons that are drawn to the plurality of anodes through a potential difference therebetween, wherein the electrons are released through the elongated extraction slit as an electron band for use in neutralizing a ribbon ion beam traveling within the ion implanter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Axcelis Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Bo H. Vanderberg, William F. DiVergilio
  • Patent number: 7800082
    Abstract: An electromagnet and related ion implanter system including active field containment are disclosed. The electromagnet provides a dipole magnetic field within a tall, large gap with minimum distortion and degradation of strength. In one embodiment, an electromagnet for modifying an ion beam includes: a ferromagnetic box structure including six sides; an opening in each of a first side and a second opposing side of the ferromagnetic box structure for passage of the ion beam therethrough; and a plurality of current-carrying wires having a path along an inner surface of the ferromagnetic box structure, the inner surface including the first side and the second opposing side and a third side and a fourth opposing side, wherein the plurality of current-carrying wires are positioned to pass around each of the openings of the first and second opposing sides.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Varian Semiconductor Equipment Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Peter L. Kellerman, Keneth H. Purser
  • Patent number: 7800053
    Abstract: Provided are a method of evaluating an ion irradiation effect, a process simulator and a device simulator, which allow the influence of ion irradiation on atoms making up a substrate to be evaluated with high accuracy. The method includes irradiating a sample with a beam of ions, and evaluating influence of the ions used for the irradiation on atoms making up the sample, provided that the sample is prepared by alternately and periodically stacking a plurality of thin film layers, and of the plurality of thin film layers, the layer of at least one kind is composed of an isotope layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Assignee: Keio University
    Inventors: Kohei Itoh, Yasuo Shimizu
  • Patent number: 7800075
    Abstract: A multifunction module for an electron beam column comprises upper and lower electrodes, and a central ring electrode. The upper and lower electrodes have multipoles and are capable of deflecting, or correcting an aberration of, an electron beam passing through the electrodes. A voltage can be applied to the central ring electrode independently of the voltages applied to the upper and lower electrodes to focus the electron beam on a substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2010
    Inventors: Benyamin Buller, William J. DeVore, Juergen Frosien, Xinrong Jiang, Richard L. Lozes, Henry Thomas Pearce-Percy, Dieter Winkler, Steven T. Coyle, Helmut Banzhof
  • Publication number: 20100230617
    Abstract: Among other things, an accelerator is mounted on a gantry to enable the accelerator to move through a range of positions around a patient on a patient support. The accelerator is configured to produce a proton or ion beam having an energy level sufficient to reach any arbitrary target in the patient from positions within the range. The proton or ion beam passes essentially directly from the accelerator to the patient. In some examples, the synchrocyclotron has a superconducting electromagnetic structure that generates a field strength of at least 6 Tesla, produces a beam of particles having an energy level of at least 150 MeV, has a volume no larger than 4.5 cubic meters, and has a weight less than 30 Tons.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2009
    Publication date: September 16, 2010
    Inventor: KENNETH GALL
  • Patent number: 7791040
    Abstract: Aimed at providing an ion implantation apparatus elongated in period over which failure of a target work, due to deposition and release of ion species typically to and from the inner surface of a through-hole shaping a beam shape of ion beam, may be avoidable, reduced in frequency of exchange of an aperture component, and consequently improved in productivity, an aperture component shaping a beam shape has a taper opposed to the ion beam, in at least a part of inner surface of at least the through-hole, and has a thick thermal-sprayed film formed so as to cover the inner surface and therearound of the through-hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: NEC Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Minoru Ikeda, Toshio Iida
  • Patent number: 7791047
    Abstract: Thermal control is provided for an extraction electrode of an ion-beam producing system that prevents formation of deposits and unstable operation and enables use with ions produced from condensable vapors and with ion sources capable of cold and hot operation. Electrical heating of the extraction electrode is employed for extracting decaborane or octadecaborane ions. Active cooling during use with a hot ion source prevents electrode destruction, permitting the extraction electrode to be of heat-conductive and fluorine-resistant aluminum composition. The service lifetime of the system is enhanced by provisions for in-situ etch cleaning of the ion source and extraction electrode, using reactive halogen gases, and by having features that extend the service duration between cleanings, including accurate vapor flow control and accurate focusing of the ion beam optics.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2006
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Semequip, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas N. Horsky, Robert W. Milgate, III, George P. Sacco, Jr., Dale Conrad Jacobson, Wade Allen Krull
  • Patent number: 7791050
    Abstract: A specimen fabrication apparatus, including: an ion beam irradiating optical system to irradiate a sample placed in a chamber, with an ion beam; a specimen holder to mount a specimen separated by the irradiation with the ion beam; a holder cassette to hold the specimen holder; a sample stage to hold the sample and the holder cassette; and a probe to move the specimen to the specimen holder, wherein the holder cassette is transferred to outside of the chamber in a condition of holding the specimen holder with the specimen mounted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Hitachi, Ltd.
    Inventors: Satoshi Tomimatsu, Kaoru Umemura, Yuichi Madokoro, Yoshimi Kawanami, Yasunori Doi
  • Patent number: 7791049
    Abstract: A beam line before incidence on a beam scanner is arranged with an injector flag Faraday cup that detects a beam current by measuring a total beam amount of an ion beam to be able to be brought in and out thereto and therefrom. When the ion beam is shut off by placing the injector flag Faraday cup on a beam trajectory line, the ion beam impinges on graphite provided at the injector flag Faraday cup. At this occasion, even when the graphite is sputtered by the ion beam, since the injector flag Faraday cup is arranged on an upstream side of the beam scanner and the ion beam is shut off by the injector flag Faraday cup, particles of the sputtered graphite do not adhere to a peripheral member of the injector flag Faraday cup.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Sen Corporation an SHI and Axcelis Company
    Inventors: Mitsukuni Tsukihara, Yoshito Fujii
  • Patent number: 7791048
    Abstract: In an ion implanting apparatus and a method for implanting ions are provided. The ion implanting apparatus includes an ion source part, a substrate holding part, a beam current adjusting part, a doping quantity measuring part, and an ion beam control part. The ion source part generates an ion beam. The ion beam is irradiated onto the substrate and the ions are implanted into the substrate. The beam current adjusting part is disposed between the ion source part and the substrate holding part, to adjust a beam current. The doping quantity measuring part is disposed on substantially the same surface as the substrate, to measure ion doping quantity. The ion beam control part is connected to the doping quantity measuring part, to control the ion source part and the beam current adjusting part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Deok-Hoi Kim, Chung Yi
  • Patent number: 7786452
    Abstract: Ion sources, systems and methods are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: ALIS Corporation
    Inventors: Billy W. Ward, John A. Notte, IV, Louis S. Farkas, III, Randall G. Percival, Raymond Hill
  • Patent number: 7785060
    Abstract: A scanning arm assembly for multi-directional mechanical scanning of a semiconductor wafer or other substrate to be implanted includes a pair of drive arms connected by two linkage arms to form a quadrilateral. Rotary joints are provided to join adjacent arms together, and a substrate holder is provided on one linkage arm where it joins the other linkage arm. Thus, rotating the drive arms causes the substrate holder to move. Suitable control of the drive arms allows the substrate holder to be moved through an ion beam to follow many different paths and hence implant patterns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 31, 2010
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith Relleen, Tristan Holtam
  • Publication number: 20100206349
    Abstract: A thermoelectric material, and a thermoelectric element and a thermoelectric module including the thermoelectric material are disclosed. The thermoelectric material may have improved thermoelectric properties by irradiating the thermoelectric material with accelerated particles such as protons, neutrons, or ion beams. Thus, the thermoelectric material having excellent thermoelectric properties may be efficiently applied to various thermoelectric elements and thermoelectric modules.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2010
    Publication date: August 19, 2010
    Applicant: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Sang-mock LEE, Yong-seung KWON, Jong-soo RHYEE
  • Patent number: 7777203
    Abstract: A substrate holding apparatus for use in ion implanters includes two or more substrate holders that can adopt interchangeable positions, thereby allowing one substrate holder to scan a substrate through an ion beam while substrates can be swapped on the other substrate holder. The substrate holder assembly includes a base rotatable about a first axis and at least two support arms extending from the base to ends provided with substrate holders. Rotating the base allows the substrate holders to move between designated positions. One designated position may correspond to a position for implanting a substrate and another designated position may correspond to a loading/unloading station.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.
    Inventors: Keith Relleen, Tristan Holtam
  • Patent number: 7777194
    Abstract: A charged particle beam apparatus in which discharge is less likely to occur between a charged particle source, and an extraction electrode, and an acceleration electrode without the need for increasing the capacity of a high voltage power supply for extraction. The charged particle beam apparatus includes a charged particle source which emits charged particles, an extraction electrode which extracts the charged particles from the charge particle source and an acceleration electrode which accelerates the extracted charged particles. A surge absorber is electrically connected between at least two of the charged particle source, the extraction electrode, and the acceleration electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Hitachi High-Technologies Corporation
    Inventors: Hiroshi Morita, Ryozo Takeuchi, Ayumu Hatanaka
  • Publication number: 20100200774
    Abstract: A method of forming a thin film on a substrate is described. The method comprises depositing a first material layer on a substrate using a first gas cluster ion beam (GCIB), the first material layer comprising a first atomic constituent, and growing a second material layer from at least a surface portion of the first material layer by introducing a second atomic constituent using a second GCIB, the second material layer comprising a reaction product of the first and second atomic constituents.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 9, 2009
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Applicant: TEL Epion Inc.
    Inventors: Edmund Burke, John J. Hautala, Michael Graf
  • Publication number: 20100200775
    Abstract: Deflections from a desired trajectory of an ion beam outputted from an analyzer magnet are corrected with real-time monitoring of the ion beam deflection. Conductive structures are located close to the boundary of the beam exit, where each conductive structure is electrically insulated from other conductive structures and the analyzer magnet. Then, during implantation of ions into a wafer, continuous measuring of any current appearing on each conductive structure occurs, such that any collision between the conductive structure(s) and the ion beam is real-time monitored. By properly adjusting the shape/location/number of the conductive structure(s), and by properly adjusting the relative geometric relation among the conductive structure(s) and the desired trajectory, both the deflected angle and the deflected direction can be real-time monitored. Hence, the on-going implantation process and the implanter can be adjusted/maintained.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 12, 2009
    Publication date: August 12, 2010
    Inventors: Wei-Cheng Lin, Nai-Yuan Cheng
  • Patent number: 7772573
    Abstract: An extraction electrode of an ion source is dividedly configured by a first extraction electrode and a second extraction electrode. DC power supplies which form a potential difference between the electrodes, a camera which takes an image of the ion beam to output image data of the ion beam, and a rear-stage beam instrument which measures the beam current of the ion beam that has passed through the analysis slit are disposed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2009
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Nissin Ion Equipment Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tetsuya Igo, Takatoshi Yamashita, Tadashi Ikejiri
  • Patent number: 7772571
    Abstract: To select a scan distance to be used in scanning a wafer with an implant beam, a dose distribution along a first direction is calculated based on size or intensity of the implant beam and a scan distance. The scan distance is the distance measured in the first direction between a first path and a final path of the implant beam scanning the wafer along a second direction in multiple paths. A relative velocity profile along the second direction is determined based on the dose distribution. Dose uniformity on the wafer is calculated based on the wafer being scanned using the relative velocity profile and the determined dose distribution. The scan distance is adjusted and the preceding steps are repeated until the calculated dose uniformity meets one or more uniformity criteria.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 8, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Advanced Ion Beam Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Cheng-Hui Shen, Donald Wayne Berrian, Jiong Chen
  • Patent number: 7772576
    Abstract: A shielding assembly for use in a semiconductor manufacturing apparatus, such as an ion implantation apparatus, includes one or more removable shielding members configured to cover inner surfaces of a mass analyzing chamber. The shielding assembly reduces process by-products from accumulating on the inner surfaces. In one embodiment, a shielding assembly includes first and second shielding members, each having a unitary construction and configured to cover a magnetic area in the mass analyzing chamber. The shielding members desirably are made entirely of graphite or impregnated graphite to minimize contamination of the semiconductor device being processed caused by metal particles eroded from the inner surfaces of the mass analyzing chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 24, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Toyo Tanso Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Cornel Danciu, Thomas Abels, Brian Good
  • Patent number: 7772564
    Abstract: The invention relates to an electron impact gas ion with high brightness and low energy spread. This high brightness is achieved by injecting electrons in a small ionization volume (from less than 1 ?m to several tens of micrometers in size) from one side and extracting ions from the other. The electrons injected are produced by a high brightness electron source, such as a field emitter or a Schottky emitter. In one embodiment of the invention the required high electron density in the ionization volume is realized by placing a field emitter close to the ionization volume (e.g. 30 ?m), without optics between source and ionization volume. In another embodiment of the invention the source is imaged onto a MEMS structure. Two small diaphragms of e.g. 50 nm are spaced e.g. 1 ?m apart. The electrons enter through one of these diaphragms, while the ions leave the ionization volume through the other one. The two diaphragms are manufactured by e.g.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Fei Company
    Inventors: Pieter Kruit, Vipin Nagnath Tondare
  • Patent number: 7772572
    Abstract: An apparatus includes a primary electrode and an acceleration electrode. The acceleration electrode or, alternatively, an additional secondary electrode contains a slot that extends obliquely through the acceleration electrode or through the secondary electrode. This measure allows secondary electrons to be produced in a highly effective manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventor: Andreas Kyek
  • Patent number: 7772544
    Abstract: Method and system for producing a neutral beam source is described. The neutral beam source comprises a plasma generation system for forming a first plasma in a first plasma region, a plasma heating system for heating electrons from the first plasma region in a second plasma region to form a second plasma, and a neutralizer grid for neutralizing ion species from the second plasma in the second plasma region. Furthermore, the neutral beam source comprises a pumping system that enables use of the neutral beam source for semiconductor processing applications, such as etching processes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 10, 2010
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Lee Chen, Merritt Funk
  • Publication number: 20100193472
    Abstract: A gas cluster ion beam (GCIB) processing system using multiple nozzles for forming and emitting at least one GCIB and methods of operating thereof are described. The GCIB processing system may be configured to treat a substrate, including, but not limited to, doping, growing, depositing, etching, smoothing, amorphizing, or modifying a layer thereupon. Furthermore, the GCIB processing system may be operated to produce a first GCIB and a second GCIB, and to irradiate a substrate simultaneously and/or sequentially with the first GCIB and second GCIB.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 26, 2010
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Applicant: TEL EPION INC.
    Inventors: Martin D. Tabat, Matthew C. Gwinn, Robert K. Becker, Avrum Freytsis, Michael Graf
  • Publication number: 20100197125
    Abstract: An improved technique for processing a substrate is disclosed. In one particular exemplary embodiment, the technique may be realized as a method for processing a substrate. The method may comprise ion implanting a substrate disposed downstream of the ion source with ions generated in an ion source; and disposing a first portion of a mask in front of the substrate to expose the first portion of the mask to the ions, the mask being supported by the first and second mask holders, the mask further comprising a second portion wound in the first mask holder.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2010
    Publication date: August 5, 2010
    Applicant: VARIAN SEMICONDUCTOR EQUIPMENT ASSOICTES, INC.
    Inventors: Russell J. Low, William Weaver, Nicholas P.T. Bateman, Atul Gupta
  • Patent number: 7767986
    Abstract: An electrode assembly for use with an ion source chamber or as part of an ion implanter processing system to provide a uniform ion beam profile. The electrode assembly includes an electrode having an extraction slot with length L aligned with an aperture of the ion source chamber for extracting an ion beam. The electrode includes a plurality of segments partitioned within the length of the extraction slot where each of the segments is configured to be displaced in at least one direction with respect to the ion beam. A plurality of actuators are connected to the plurality of electrode segments for displacing one or more of the segments. By displacing at least one of the plurality of electrode segments, the current density of a portion of the ion beam corresponding to the position of the segment within the extraction slot is modified to provide a uniform current density beam profile associated with the extracted ion beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2008
    Date of Patent: August 3, 2010
    Assignee: Varian Semiconductor Equipment Associates, Inc.
    Inventors: Rajesh Dorai, Peter F. Kurunczi, Alexander S. Perel, Wilhelm P. Platow
  • Publication number: 20100187448
    Abstract: An arrangement for processing a substrate has an ion source for production of ions for processing the substrate using at least one process gas, and a process gas supply device, which is coupled to the ion source, in order to supply the process gas into the ion source. The process gas supply device has a tube composed of electrically insulating material, as well as a process gas supply regulator, which is designed such that the process gas is supplied at a pressure which is lower than the ambient pressure in the tube.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2008
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Applicant: L'air Liquide, Societe Anonyme Pour L'etude et L'Exploitation Des Procedes George Claude
    Inventors: Andreas Tikovsky, Matthias Laumbacher, Gerhard Reichl
  • Publication number: 20100187447
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to an apparatus and method of forming a thermos layer surrounding a chuck for holding a wafer during ion implantation. The thermos layer is located below a clamping surface, and comprises a vacuum gap and an outer casing encapsulating the vacuum gap. The thermos layer provides a barrier blocking condensation to the outside of the chuck within a process chamber by substantially preventing heat transfer between the chuck when it is cooled and the warmer environment within the process chamber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2009
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Applicant: Axcelis Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: William D. Lee, Ashwin M. Purohit, Marvin R. LaFontaine
  • Patent number: 7763872
    Abstract: A system for providing extreme ultraviolet (EUV) radiation comprises a laser source arranged to produce a laser beam having a focus; and a carrier movable relative to the laser source for carrying a surface material, the surface material when carried by the carrier providing a renewable target edge. The focussed beam is arranged to impinge on the target edge to produce an EUV radiation emitting plasma. The system is cooperable with a mirror for harnessing the EUV radiation by reflecting EUV radiation impinging thereon. The mirror comprises a substantially aspheric surface and means for supplying a reflecting liquid to at least partially coat the aspheric surface, the mirror being rotatable to centrifugally confine the liquid to the aspheric surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2010
    Assignee: University College Dublin, National University of Ireland, Dublin
    Inventors: Fergal O'Reilly, Patrick Hayden, Gerard O'Sullivan, Padraig Dunne
  • Publication number: 20100181500
    Abstract: A method comprises pre-cooling a first semiconductor wafer outside of a process chamber, from a temperature at or above 15° C. to a temperature below 5° C. The pre-cooled first wafer is placed inside the process chamber after performing the pre-cooling step. A low-temperature ion implantation is performed on the first wafer after placing the first wafer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2009
    Publication date: July 22, 2010
    Applicant: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chun-Lin Chang, Zin-Chang Wei, Hsin-Hsien Wu
  • Publication number: 20100181501
    Abstract: An ion implanter that comprises a chuck assembly having a chuck to clamp, hold, and cool a wafer is disclosed. The chuck is cooled by a cooling assembly circulated with a special coolant, such that the chuck can be maintained at very low temperatures. A mechanical design is provided to minimize the direct surface-to-surface contact area between the chuck and a base, which is employed to support the chuck. The mechanical design includes fasteners for providing mechanical support between the chuck and the base and thermal insulators for providing thermal insulation between the chuck and the base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 21, 2009
    Publication date: July 22, 2010
    Inventor: John D. Pollock
  • Patent number: 7759657
    Abstract: Methods for implanting an ionized polyhedral borane cluster or a selected ionized lower mass byproduct into a workpiece generally includes vaporizing and ionizing a polyhedral borane cluster molecule in an ion source to create a plasma and produce ionized polyhedral borane cluster molecules and its ionized lower mass byproducts. The ionized polyhedral borane cluster molecules and lower mass byproducts within the plasma are then extracted to form an ion beam. The ion beam is mass analyzed with a mass analyzer magnet to permit selected ionized polyhedral borane cluster molecules or selected ionized lower mass byproducts to pass therethrough and implant into a workpiece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Axcelis Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Daniel R. Tieger, Patrick R. Splinter
  • Patent number: 7759658
    Abstract: An ion implanting apparatus is provided. The ion implanting apparatus includes a beam scanner, a beam collimator and a unipotential lens which is disposed between said beam scanner and said beam collimator, and which includes first, second, third, and fourth electrodes arranged in an ion beam traveling direction while forming first, second, and third gaps, said first and fourth electrodes being electrically grounded, wherein positions of centers of curvature of said first and third gaps of said unipotential lens coincide with a position of a scan center of said beam scanner, and wherein a position of a center of curvature of said second gap of said unipotential lens is shifted from the position of the scan center of said beam scanner toward a downstream or upstream side in the ion beam traveling direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 6, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Assignee: Nissin Ion Equipment Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Yoshiki Nakashima
  • Publication number: 20100176306
    Abstract: A method comprises supplying a dopant gas in an arc chamber of an ion source. A dilutant is supplied to dilute the dopant gas. The dilutant comprises about 98.5 wt. % xenon and about 1.5 wt. % hydrogen. An ion beam is generated from the diluted dopant gas using the ion source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2009
    Publication date: July 15, 2010
    Applicant: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yu-Peng LIN, Wei-Ming YOU, Ruey-Yong DENG, Jiunn-Nan LIN, Sheng-Chien TUNG, Pin Chia SU
  • Patent number: 7755066
    Abstract: Techniques for uniformity tuning in an ion implanter system are disclosed. In one particular exemplary embodiment, the techniques may be realized as a method for ion beam uniformity tuning. The method may comprise generating an ion beam in an ion implanter system. The method may also comprise measuring a first ion beam current density profile along an ion beam path. The method may further comprise measuring a second ion beam current density profile along the ion beam path. In addition, the method may comprise determining a third ion beam current density profile along the ion beam path based at least in part on the first ion beam current density profile and the second ion beam current density profile.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: Varian Semiconductor Equipment Associates, Inc.
    Inventor: Morgan D. Evans
  • Patent number: 7755067
    Abstract: An ion implantation apparatus reciprocally scans an ion beam extracted from an ion source and passed through a mass analysis magnet apparatus and a mass analysis slit and irradiates to a wafer. The ion beam is converged and shaped by providing a first quadrupole vertical focusing electromagnet at a section of a beam line from an outlet of the mass analysis magnet apparatus before incidence of the mass analysis slit and providing a second quadrupole vertical focusing electromagnet having an effective magnetic field effect larger than that of the first quadrupole focusing electromagnet at a section of the beam line from an outlet of the mass analysis slit before incidence on the beam scanner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: SEN Corporation
    Inventors: Mitsukuni Tsukihara, Takanori Yagita, Yoshitaka Amano, Mitsuaki Kabasawa
  • Patent number: 7755065
    Abstract: A focused ion beam apparatus includes a plasma generator having a plasma torch therein, which lets plasma flow out while being kept inside, a differential exhaust chamber that is connected to the plasma torch via the torch orifice to cause adiabatic expansion of the plasma flowing out of the plasma torch to form a supersonic flow of the plasma, a drawing orifice provided at the differential exhaust chamber at a position facing the torch orifice to draw ions from the supersonic flow of the plasma, a drawing electrode that electrostatically accelerates ions having passed through the drawing orifice to further draw ions, and an ion optical system that focuses the ions drawn from the drawing electrode and causing the ions to enter the sample by optically manipulating the ions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2010
    Assignee: SII NanoTechnology Inc.
    Inventors: Yoshitomo Nakagawa, Kenichi Nishinaka
  • Publication number: 20100171048
    Abstract: In an ion implanting apparatus 10 including a separation slit 20 which receives an ion beam 1 having passed through a mass-separation electromagnet 17 and allows a desired type of ion to selectively pass therethrough, the separation slit 20 is operable to vary a shape of a gap through which the ion beam 1 passes. In addition, the ion implanting apparatus 10 includes a variable slit 30 which is disposed between an extraction electrode system 15 and the mass-separation electromagnet 17 so as to form a gap through which the ion beam 1 passes and is operable to vary a shape of the gap so as to shield a part of the ion beam 1 extracted from the ion source 12. The ion implanting apparatus 10 may include both or one of the separation slit 20 and the variable slit 30.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2007
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Applicant: IHI CORPORATION
    Inventors: Ichiro Nakamoto, Hiroshi Horai, Tatsuya Sodekoda, Masahiro Yoshida
  • Patent number: 7750321
    Abstract: A positioning device for positioning an aperture plate in an ion beam of an ion implantation system has two fixture parts that can be moved relative to each other by means of at least one positioning drive, of which the one fixture part can be connected or is connected to an abutment point that is disposed in a fixed location relative to an ion beam source, and the other fixture part can be connected or is connected to the aperture plate. An adjustment device has a fixture device and a display device. By means of the position-changing device, it is possible to change the position of at least one of the fixture parts relative to the positioning drive. By means of the display device it is possible to check whether the fixture parts are in a predetermined position relative to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Micronas GmbH
    Inventor: Gabriel Kienlen
  • Patent number: 7750323
    Abstract: An ion implanter and a method for implanting a wafer are provided, wherein the method includes the following steps. First, a wafer has at least a first portion requiring a first doping density and a second portion requiring a second doping density is provided. The first doping density is larger than the second doping density. Thereafter, the first portion is scanned by an ion beam with a first scanning parameter value, and the second portion is scanned by the ion beam with a second scanning parameter value. The first scanning parameter value can be a first scan velocity, and the second scanning parameter value can be a second scan velocity different than the first scan velocity. Alternatively, the first scanning parameter value can be a first beam current, and the second scanning parameter value can be a second beam current different than the first beam current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Advanced Ion Beam Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Zhimin Wan, Cheng-Hui Shen, Ko-Chuan Jen
  • Patent number: 7750320
    Abstract: A workpiece or semiconductor wafer is tilted as a ribbon beam is swept up and/or down the workpiece. In so doing, the implant angle or the angle of the ion beam relative to the workpiece remains substantially constant across the wafer. This allows devices to be formed substantially consistently on the wafer. Resolving plates move with the beam as the beam is scanned up and/or down. This allows desired ions to impinge on the wafer, but blocks undesirable contaminants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Axcelis Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph Ferrara, Bo H. Vanderberg, Michael A. Graf
  • Patent number: 7750322
    Abstract: Ion implanters are especially suited to meet process dose and energy demands associated with fabricating photovoltaic devices by ion implantation followed by cleaving.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: Twin Creeks Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Thomas Parrill, Aditya Agarwal
  • Patent number: 7750324
    Abstract: A charged particle beam lithography apparatus includes a first block area divider configured to divide a pattern forming area into a plurality of first block areas in order to make a number of shots when forming a pattern substantially equal; an area density calculator configured to calculate, using a plurality of small areas obtained by virtually dividing the pattern forming area into mesh areas of a predetermined size smaller than all of the first block areas, a pattern area density of each small area positioned therein for each of the first block areas; a second block area divider configured to re-divide the pattern forming area divided into the plurality of first block areas into a plurality of second block areas of a uniform size, which is larger than the small area; a corrected dose calculator configured to calculate, using the pattern area density of each small area, a proximity effect-corrected dose in each corresponding small area positioned inside the second block area for each of the second block a
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2010
    Assignee: NuFlare Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Susumu Oogi, Hitoshi Higurashi, Akihito Anpo, Toshiro Yamamoto
  • Publication number: 20100163756
    Abstract: One embodiment of the invention relates to a circuit board for testing upsets caused by charged particles delivered under testing conditions. The circuit board comprises a device under test including an internal memory, a memory control unit to generate test patterns for comparison with data read from stored areas within the internal memory of the device under test, and a memory that is configured to only store error data. Other embodiments are described and claimed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2009
    Publication date: July 1, 2010
    Inventor: Richard McPeak
  • Patent number: 7745804
    Abstract: An ion implantation method for achieving angular uniformity throughout a workpiece and application thereof are provided. The ion beam has at least one beamlet striking the workpiece surface with corresponding incident angles. The workpiece is mapped to an imaginary planar coordinate system. The incident angle of a center beamlet of the ion beam has a projection on the coordinate system forming a projection angle with an axis thereof. A workpiece orientation of the workpiece is adjusted based on the projection angle such that the contribution of each beamlet to the overall ion beam intensity upon striking the workpiece surface is rendered substantially the same from respective directions of each of the coordinate axes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: Advanced Ion Beam Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Zhimin Wan
  • Patent number: 7745803
    Abstract: An ion doping apparatus includes: a chamber 11; a discharge section 13 for discharging a gaseous content from within the chamber 11; an ion source 12 being provided in the chamber 11 and including an inlet 14 through which to introduce a gas containing an element to be used for doping, the ion source 12 decomposing the gas introduced through the inlet 14 to generate ions containing the element to be used for doping; an acceleration section 23 for pulling out from the ion source 12 the ions generated at the ion source 12 and accelerating the ions toward a target object held in the chamber; and a beam current meter 26 for measuring a beam current caused by the accelerated ions. The beam current is measured by the beam current meter 26 a plurality of times, and if a result of the measurements indicates a stability of the beam current, the ion doping apparatus automatically begins to implant into the target object the ions containing the element to be used for doping.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 29, 2010
    Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
    Inventor: Ken Nakanishi
  • Publication number: 20100155624
    Abstract: A focused ion beam apparatus includes: a focused ion beam irradiating mechanism configured to irradiate a sample with a focused ion beam; a detector configured to detect a secondary charged particle generated by irradiating the sample with the focused beam; an image generating unit configured to generate an sample image of the sample; a processing area setting unit configured to set a processing area image including a plurality of pixels corresponding to positions of irradiation of the focused ion beam on the sample image; a position of irradiation setting unit configured to set coordinates of the pixels included in the processing area image; a beam setting unit configured to set a dose amount of the focused ion beam irradiated from the focused ion beam irradiating mechanism according to intensities; and an interpolating unit configured to perform an interpolating process on the processing area image.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 5, 2009
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Inventors: Makoto Sato, Masahiro Kiyohara, Junichi Tashiro
  • Publication number: 20100155623
    Abstract: Ion implantation systems and scanning systems are provided, in which a focus adjustment component is provided to adjust a focal property of an ion beam to diminish zero field effects of the scanner upon the ion beam. The focal property may be adjusted in order to improve the consistency of the beam profile scanned across the workpiece, or to improve the consistency of the ion implantation across the workpiece. Methods are disclosed for providing a scanned ion beam to a workpiece, comprising scanning the ion beam to produce a scanned ion beam, adjusting a focal property of an ion beam in relation to zero field effects of the scanner upon the ion beam, and directing the ion beam toward the workpiece.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 18, 2008
    Publication date: June 24, 2010
    Applicant: Axcelis Technologies, Inc
    Inventor: Edward C. Eisner