Thermal Treatment For Modifying The Properties Of Semiconductor Body, E.g., Annealing, Sintering (epo) Patents (Class 257/E21.324)
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Patent number: 11658023Abstract: A method for forming a semiconductor structure is provided, which comprises the following steps. A gate is formed by a method comprising the following steps. A gate dielectric layer is formed on a substrate. A gate electrode is formed on the gate dielectric layer. A nitride spacer is formed on a sidewall of the gate electrode. A phosphorus containing dielectric layer is formed on the gate. The phosphorus containing dielectric layer has a varied phosphorus dopant density distribution profile. The phosphorus containing dielectric layer comprises a phosphorus dopant density region on an upper surface of the gate and having a triangle-like shape.Type: GrantFiled: July 14, 2021Date of Patent: May 23, 2023Assignee: UNITED MICROELECTRONICS CORP.Inventors: Zhen-Zhen Wang, Jian-Jun Zhang
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Patent number: 10815122Abstract: A MEMS microphone comprises a substrate (110), a lower electrode layer (120), a sacrificial layer (130), a stress layer (140), and an upper electrode layer (150). The substrate (110) is centrally provided with a first opening (111), and the lower electrode layer (120) stretches across the substrate (110). The sacrificial layer (130), the stress layer (140), and the upper electrode layer (150) are sequentially laminated on the lower electrode layer (120), and a second opening (160) is provided on the sacrificial layer (130) and the stress layer (140). The second opening (160) is provided in correspondence with the first opening (111). A stress direction of the stress layer (140) is reverse to a warpage direction of the substrate (110).Type: GrantFiled: May 26, 2017Date of Patent: October 27, 2020Assignee: CSMC TECHNOLOGIES FAB2 CO., LTD.Inventor: Yonggang Hu
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Patent number: 10693023Abstract: A method of manufacturing an imaging apparatus includes: preparing a substrate comprising a wafer and a silicon layer arranged on the wafer, the wafer including a first semiconductor region made of single crystal silicon with an oxygen concentration not less than 2×1016 atoms/cm3 and not greater than 4×1017 atoms/cm3, the silicon layer including a second semiconductor region made of single crystal silicon with an oxygen concentration lower than the oxygen concentration in the first semiconductor region; annealing the substrate in an atmosphere containing oxygen and setting the oxygen concentration in the second semiconductor region within the range not less than 2×1016 atoms/cm3 and not greater than 4×1017 atoms/cm3; and forming a photoelectric conversion element in the second semiconductor region after the annealing.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2016Date of Patent: June 23, 2020Assignee: CANON KABUSHIKI KAISHAInventors: Toshihiro Shoyama, Hiroshi Takakusagi, Yasuo Yamazaki, Hideaki Ishino, Toshiyuki Ogawa
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Patent number: 10381271Abstract: A field effect transistor includes a fin having a stack of nanowire-like channel regions including at least first and a second nanowire-like channel regions, source and drain electrodes on opposite sides of the fin, a dielectric separation region including a dielectric material between the first and second nanowire-like channel regions, and a gate stack extending along a pair of sidewalls of the stack of nanowire-like channel regions. The dielectric separation region extending completely from a surface of the second nanowire-like channel region facing the first nanowire-like channel region to a surface of the first nanowire-like channel region facing the second nanowire-like channel region. The gate stack includes a gate dielectric layer and a metal layer on the gate dielectric layer. The metal layer of the gate stack does not extend between the first and second nanowire-like channel regions.Type: GrantFiled: June 4, 2018Date of Patent: August 13, 2019Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Mark S. Rodder, Borna J. Obradovic
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Patent number: 10312152Abstract: A CMOS circuit includes a partial GAA nFET and a partial GAA pFET. The nFET and the pFET each include a fin including a stack of nanowire-like channel regions and a dielectric separation region extending completely between first and second nanowire-like channel regions of the stack. The nFET and the pFET each also include a source electrode and a drain electrode on opposite sides of the fin, and a gate stack extending along a pair of sidewalls of the stack of nanowire-like channel regions. The gate stack includes a gate dielectric layer and a metal layer on the gate dielectric layer. The metal layer does not extend between the first and second nanowire-like channel regions. The channel heights of the nanowire-like channel regions of the partial GAA nFET and the partial GAA pFET are different.Type: GrantFiled: November 20, 2017Date of Patent: June 4, 2019Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Mark S. Rodder, Borna J. Obradovic, Joon Goo Hong, Seung Hun Lee, Pan Kwi Park, Seung Ryul Lee
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Patent number: 10002949Abstract: An object is, in a thin film transistor including an oxide semiconductor layer, to reduce contact resistance between the oxide semiconductor layer and source and drain electrode layers electrically connected to the oxide semiconductor layer. The source and drain electrode layers have a stacked-layer structure of two or more layers in which a layer in contact with the oxide semiconductor layer is formed using a metal whose work function is lower than the work function of the oxide semiconductor layer or an alloy containing such a metal. Layers other than the layer in contact with the oxide semiconductor layer of the source and drain electrode layers are formed using an element selected from Al, Cr, Cu, Ta, Ti, Mo, or W, an alloy containing any of these elements as a component, an alloy containing any of these elements in combination, or the like.Type: GrantFiled: September 18, 2014Date of Patent: June 19, 2018Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.Inventors: Shunpei Yamazaki, Suzunosuke Hiraishi, Kengo Akimoto, Junichiro Sakata
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Patent number: 9748358Abstract: A method for fabricating a semiconductor device comprises forming a replacement gate structure on a semiconductor layer of a substrate. The replacement gate structure at least including a polysilicon layer. After forming the replacement gate structure, a gate spacer is formed on the replacement gate structure. Atoms are implanted in an upper portion of the polysilicon layer. The implanting expands the upper portion of the polysilicon layer and a corresponding upper portion of the gate spacer in at least a lateral direction beyond a lower portion of the polysilicon layer and a lower portion of the spacer, respectively. After the atoms have been implanted, the polysilicon layer is removed to form a gate cavity. A metal gate stack is formed within the gate cavity. The metal gate stack includes an upper portion having a width that is greater than a width of a lower portion of the metal gate stack.Type: GrantFiled: December 18, 2015Date of Patent: August 29, 2017Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Victor Chan, Jin Ping Han, Shangbin Ko
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Patent number: 9659961Abstract: A metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET) with integrated passive structures and methods of manufacturing the same is disclosed. The method includes forming a stacked structure in an active region and at least one shallow trench isolation (STI) structure adjacent to the stacked structure. The method further includes forming a semiconductor layer directly in contact with the at least one STI structure and the stacked structure. The method further includes patterning the semiconductor layer and the stacked structure to form an active device in the active region and a passive structure of the semiconductor layer directly on the at least one STI structure.Type: GrantFiled: June 29, 2016Date of Patent: May 23, 2017Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATIONInventors: Anthony I. Chou, Arvind Kumar, Renee T. Mo, Shreesh Narasimha
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Patent number: 9460923Abstract: The present disclosure concerns a method involving: forming a strained silicon germanium layer by epitaxial growth over a silicon layer disposed on a substrate; implanting atoms to amorphize the silicon layer and a lower portion of the silicon germanium layer, without amorphizing a surface portion of the silicon germanium layer; and annealing, to at least partially relax the silicon germanium layer and to re-crystallize the lower portion of the silicon germanium layer and the silicon layer, so that the silicon layer becomes a strained silicon layer.Type: GrantFiled: March 20, 2014Date of Patent: October 4, 2016Assignees: STMicroelectronics (Crolles 2) SAS, Commisariat A L'Energie Atomique et aux Energies AlternativesInventors: Aomar Halimaoui, Jean-Michel Hartmann
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Patent number: 9236281Abstract: A multi-ingot furnace for the growth of crystalline semiconductor material has one or more heating devices for heating a hot zone in which crucibles containing semiconductor material are received. At least one of the heating devices is arranged to apply a predetermined differential heat flux profile across a horizontal cross-section of the semiconductor material in one or more of the crucibles, the predetermined differential heat flux profile being selected in dependence the position of the one or more crucibles in an array. In this manner, the heating device can at least partially compensate for differences in the temperature across the semiconductor material that arises from its geometric position in the furnace. This reduces the possibility of defects such as dislocations during the growth of a crystalline semiconductor material. Associated methods are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: July 19, 2012Date of Patent: January 12, 2016Assignee: REC SOLAR PTE, LTD.Inventors: Per Bakke, Egor Vladimirov, Pouria Homayonifar, Alexandre Teixeira
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Patent number: 9082692Abstract: Engineered substrates having epitaxial templates for forming epitaxial semiconductor materials and associated systems and methods are disclosed herein. In several embodiments, for example, an engineered substrate can be manufactured by forming a first semiconductor material at a front surface of a donor substrate. The first semiconductor material is transferred to first handle substrate to define a first formation structure. A second formation structure is formed to further include a second semiconductor material homoepitaxial to the first formation structure. The method can further include transferring the first portion of the second formation structure to a second handle substrate such that a second portion of the second formation structure remains at the first handle substrate.Type: GrantFiled: January 2, 2013Date of Patent: July 14, 2015Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventors: Vladimir Odnoblyudov, Martin F. Schubert
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Patent number: 9018021Abstract: A layer is deposited onto a semiconductor wafer by CVD in a process chamber having upper and lower covers, wherein the wafer front side temperature is measured; the wafer is heated to deposition temperature; the temperature of the upper process chamber cover is controlled to a target temperature by measuring the temperature of the center of the outer surface of the upper cover as the value of a controlled variable of an upper cover temperature control loop; a gas flow rate of process gas for depositing the layer is set; and a layer is deposited on the heated wafer front side during control of the upper cover temperature to the target temperature. A process chamber suitable therefor has a sensor for measuring the upper cover outer surface center temperature and a controller for controlling this temperature to a predetermined value.Type: GrantFiled: September 5, 2012Date of Patent: April 28, 2015Assignee: Siltronic AGInventor: Georg Brenninger
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Patent number: 9018735Abstract: A silicon wafer and fabrication method thereof are provided. The silicon wafer includes a first denuded zone formed with a predetermined depth from a top surface of the silicon wafer, the first denuded zone being formed with a depth ranging from approximately 20 ?m to approximately 80 ?m from the top surface, and a bulk area formed between the first denuded zone and a backside of the silicon wafer, the bulk area having a concentration of oxygen uniformly distributed within a variation of 10% over the bulk area.Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2013Date of Patent: April 28, 2015Assignee: MagnaChip Semiconductor, Ltd.Inventor: Jung-Goo Park
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Patent number: 8999864Abstract: A silicon wafer for preventing a void defect in a bulk region from becoming source of contamination and slip generation in a device process is provided. And a heat-treating method thereof for reducing crystal defects such as COP in a region near the wafer surface to be a device active region is provided. The silicon wafer has a surface region 1 which is a defect-free region and a bulk region 2 including void defect of a polyhedron whose basic shape is an octahedron in which a corner portion of the polyhedron is in the curved shape and an inner-wall oxide film the void defect is removed. The silicon wafer is provided by performing a heat-treating method in which gas to be supplied, inner pressure of spaces and a maximum achievable temperature are set to a predetermined value when subjecting the silicon wafer produced by a CZ method to RTP.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2010Date of Patent: April 7, 2015Assignee: Global Wafers Japan Co., Ltd.Inventors: Takeshi Senda, Hiromichi Isogai, Eiji Toyoda, Koji Araki, Tatsuhiko Aoki, Haruo Sudo, Koji Izunome, Susumu Maeda, Kazuhiko Kashima, Hiroyuki Saito
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Patent number: 8980718Abstract: A method is provided for fabricating a PMOS transistor. The method includes providing a semiconductor substrate, and forming a dummy gate structure at least having a dummy gate, a high-K dielectric layer, and a sidewall spacer surrounding the high-K dielectric layer and the dummy gate on the semiconductor substrate. The method also includes forming a source region and a drain region in the semiconductor substrate at both sides of the dummy gate structure by an ion implantation process, and performing a first annealing process to enhance the ion diffusion. Further, the method includes forming an interlayer dielectric layer leveling with the surface of the dummy gate, and forming a trench by removing the dummy gate. Further, the method also includes performing a second annealing process, and forming a metal gate in the trench.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2013Date of Patent: March 17, 2015Assignee: Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp.Inventor: Yong Chen
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Patent number: 8952512Abstract: A wafer-level package structure of a light emitting diode and a manufacturing method thereof are provided in the present invention. The wafer-level package structure of a light emitting diode includes a die, a first insulating layer, at least two wires, bumps, an annular second insulating layer on the wires and the insulating layer, the annular second insulating layer surrounding an area between the bumps and there being spaces arranged between the second insulating layer and the bumps; a light reflecting cup on the second insulating layer; at least two discrete lead areas and leads in the lead areas. The technical solution of the invention reduces the area required for the substrate; and the electrodes can be extracted in the subsequent structure of the package without gold wiring to thereby further reduce the volume of the package.Type: GrantFiled: April 19, 2013Date of Patent: February 10, 2015Assignee: China Wafer Level CSP Ltd.Inventors: Junjie Li, Wenbin Wang, Qiuhong Zou, Guoqing Yu, Wei Wang
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Patent number: 8921174Abstract: Disclosed herein is a method for fabricating a complementary tunneling field effect transistor based on a standard CMOS IC process, which belongs to the field of logic devices and circuits of field effect transistors in ultra large scaled integrated (ULSI) circuits. In the method, an intrinsic channel and body region of a TFET are formed by means of complementary P-well and N-well masks in the standard CMOS IC process to form a well doping, a channel doping and a threshold adjustment by implantation. Further, a bipolar effect in the TFET can be inhibited via a distance between a gate and a drain on a layout so that a complementary TFET is formed. In the method according to the invention, the complementary tunneling field effect transistor (TFET) can be fabricated by virtue of existing processes in the standard CMOS IC process without any additional masks and process steps.Type: GrantFiled: June 14, 2012Date of Patent: December 30, 2014Assignee: Peking UniversityInventors: Ru Huang, Qianqian Huang, Zhan Zhan, Yingxin Qiu, Yangyuan Wang
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Patent number: 8916474Abstract: In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, a semiconductor module includes a first semiconductor package having a first semiconductor die, which is disposed in a first encapsulant. An opening is disposed in the first encapsulant. A second semiconductor package including a second semiconductor die is disposed in a second encapsulant. The second semiconductor package is disposed at least partially within the opening in the first encapsulant.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2013Date of Patent: December 23, 2014Assignee: Infineon Technologies AGInventors: Ralf Otremba, Josef H•glauer
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Patent number: 8906742Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for performing laser annealing in a manner that reduces or minimizes wafer surface temperature variations during the laser annealing process. The systems and methods include annealing the wafer surface with first and second laser beams that represent preheat and anneal laser beams having respective first and second intensities. The preheat laser beam brings the wafer surface temperate close to the annealing temperature and the anneal laser beam brings the wafer surface temperature up to the annealing temperature. The anneal laser beam can have a different wavelength, or the same wavelength but different orientation relative to the wafer surface. Reflectivity maps of the wafer surface at the preheat and anneal wavelengths are measured and used to select the first and second intensities that ensure good anneal temperature uniformity as a function of wafer position. The first and second intensities can also be selected to minimize edge damage or slip generation.Type: GrantFiled: August 29, 2013Date of Patent: December 9, 2014Assignee: Ultratech, Inc.Inventors: Xiaohua Shen, Yun Wang, Xiaoru Wang
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Patent number: 8883571Abstract: A method of manufacturing a transistor includes: forming an oxide semiconductor film and a gate electrode on a substrate, the oxide semiconductor film having a channel region, and the gate electrode facing the channel region; and forming an insulating film covering the gate electrode and the oxide semiconductor film. Infiltration of moisture from the insulating film into the oxide semiconductor film is suppressed by the substrate.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2013Date of Patent: November 11, 2014Assignee: Sony CorporationInventors: Narihiro Morosawa, Motohiro Toyota
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Patent number: 8884407Abstract: A device includes a tube extending in a longitudinal direction and a hollow channel arranged in the tube. An end part of the tube is formed such that first electromagnetic radiation paths extending in the tube and outside of the hollow channel in the longitudinal direction are focused in a first focus.Type: GrantFiled: December 4, 2012Date of Patent: November 11, 2014Assignee: Infineon Technologies AGInventors: Michael Sternad, Rainer Pelzer
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Patent number: 8878275Abstract: In one general aspect, an apparatus can include a channel region disposed in a semiconductor substrate, a gate dielectric disposed on the channel region and a drift region disposed in the semiconductor substrate adjacent to the channel region. The apparatus can further include a field plate having an end portion disposed between a top surface of the semiconductor substrate and the gate dielectric The end portion can include a surface in contact with the gate dielectric, the surface having a first portion aligned along a first plane non-parallel to a second plane along which a second portion of the surface is aligned, the first plane being non-parallel to the top surface of the semiconductor substrate and the second plane being non-parallel to the top surface of the semiconductor substrate.Type: GrantFiled: February 18, 2013Date of Patent: November 4, 2014Assignee: Fairchild Semiconductor CorporationInventors: Sunglyong Kim, Mark Schmidt, Christopher Nassar, Steven Leibiger
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Patent number: 8854614Abstract: A method of thermally treating a wafer includes loading a wafer into a process chamber having one or more regions of uniform temperature gradient and one or more regions of non-uniform temperature gradient. A defect is detected in the wafer. The wafer is aligned to position the defect within one of the one or more regions of uniform temperature gradient. A rapid thermal process is performed on the wafer in the process chamber while the defect is positioned within one of the one or more regions of uniform temperature gradient.Type: GrantFiled: December 14, 2012Date of Patent: October 7, 2014Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.Inventors: Jong-Hoon Kang, Taegon Kim, Hanmei Choi, Eunyoung Jo, Gonsu Kang, Sungho Kang, Sungho Heo
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Patent number: 8841182Abstract: Methods of treating metal-containing thin films, such as films comprising titanium carbide, with a silane/borane agent are provided. In some embodiments a film including titanium carbide is deposited on a substrate by an atomic layer deposition (ALD) process. The process may include a plurality of deposition cycles involving alternating and sequential pulses of a first source chemical that includes titanium and at least one halide ligand, a second source chemical that includes metal and carbon, where the metal and the carbon from the second source chemical are incorporated into the thin film, and a third source chemical, where the third source chemical is a silane or borane that at least partially reduces oxidized portions of the titanium carbide layer formed by the first and second source chemicals. The treatment can form a capping layer on the metal carbide film.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2013Date of Patent: September 23, 2014Assignee: ASM IP Holding B.V.Inventors: Jerry Chen, Vladimir Machkaoutsan, Brennan Milligan, Jan Willem Maes, Suvi Haukka, Eric Shero, Tom E. Blomberg, Dong Li
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Patent number: 8815743Abstract: A structure and method of forming through substrate vias in forming semiconductor components are described. In one embodiment, the invention describes a method of forming the through substrate via by filling an opening with a first fill material and depositing a first insulating layer over the first fill material, the first insulating layer not being deposited on sidewalls of the fill material in the opening, wherein sidewalls of the first insulating layer form a gap over the opening. The method further includes forming a void by sealing the opening using a second insulating layer.Type: GrantFiled: March 14, 2013Date of Patent: August 26, 2014Assignee: Infineon Technologies AGInventors: Albert Birner, Uwe Hoeckele, Thomas Kunstmann, Uwe Seidel
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Patent number: 8759198Abstract: A method for fabricating an integrated circuit (IC) includes initial oxidizing of a semiconductor surface of a substrate. The substrate is heated after the initial oxidizing using a plurality of furnace processing steps which each include a peak processing temperature between 800° C. and 1300° C. The furnace processing steps include at least one accelerated processing step having an accelerated ramp portion in a temperature range between 800° C. and 1250° C. providing an accelerated ramp-up rate and/or an |accelerated ramp-down rate| of at least (?) 5.5° C./min.Type: GrantFiled: August 13, 2012Date of Patent: June 24, 2014Assignee: Texas Instruments IncorporatedInventors: Bradley David Sucher, Rick L. Wise
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Patent number: 8741720Abstract: A semiconductor device and method to form a semiconductor device is described. The semiconductor includes a gate stack disposed on a substrate. Tip regions are disposed in the substrate on either side of the gate stack. Halo regions are disposed in the substrate adjacent the tip regions. A threshold voltage implant region is disposed in the substrate directly below the gate stack. The concentration of dopant impurity atoms of a particular conductivity type is approximately the same in both the threshold voltage implant region as in the halo regions. The method includes a dopant impurity implant technique having sufficient strength to penetrate a gate stack.Type: GrantFiled: April 5, 2013Date of Patent: June 3, 2014Assignee: Intel CorporationInventors: Giuseppe Curello, Ian R. Post, Nick Lindert, Walid M. Hafez, Chia-Hong Jan, Mark T. Bohr
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Patent number: 8603899Abstract: At present, a forming process of a base film through an amorphous silicon film is conducted in respective film forming chambers in order to obtain satisfactory films. When continuous formation of the base film through the amorphous silicon film is performed in a single film forming chamber with the above film formation condition, crystallization is not sufficiently attained in a crystallization process. By forming the amorphous silicon film using silane gas diluted with hydrogen, crystallization is sufficiently attained in the crystallization process even with the continuous formation of the base film through the amorphous silicon film in the single film forming chamber.Type: GrantFiled: October 25, 2012Date of Patent: December 10, 2013Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.Inventors: Taketomi Asami, Mitsuhiro Ichijo, Satoshi Toriumi
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Patent number: 8603850Abstract: To provide a method for manufacturing a solar cell, whereby solar cells can be mass-produced by a simple process at low cost. A first conductivity-type silicon powder (11) is prepared, a silicon powder layer (11a) is formed by disposing the powder in the form of a layer, the powder layer is melted by heating the powder layer to the melting point of silicon or higher, and a first conductivity-type silicon layer (11b) is formed by cooling the melted layer. A second conductivity-type silicon powder (12) is prepared, a second conductivity-type silicon powder layer (12a) is formed by disposing the powder in the form of a layer on the first conductivity-type silicon layer (11b), the powder layer is melted by heating the powder layer to the melting point of silicon or higher, and a second conductivity-type silicon layer (12b) is formed by cooling the melted layer.Type: GrantFiled: August 22, 2012Date of Patent: December 10, 2013Assignee: Sanki Dengyo Co., Ltd.Inventors: Hiroaki Oka, Nariaki Oka
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Patent number: 8586454Abstract: A two-step hydrogen anneal process has been developed for use in fabricating semiconductor nanowires for use in non-planar semiconductor devices. In the first part of the two-step hydrogen anneal process, which occurs prior to suspending a semiconductor nanowire, the initial roughness of at least the sidewalls of the semiconductor nanowire is reduced, while having at least the bottommost surface of the nanowire pinned to an uppermost surface of a substrate. After performing the first hydrogen anneal, the semiconductor nanowire is suspended and then a second hydrogen anneal is performed which further reduces the roughness of all exposed surfaces of the semiconductor nanowire and reshapes the semiconductor nanowire. By breaking the anneal into two steps, smaller semiconductor nanowires at a tight pitch survive the process and yield.Type: GrantFiled: February 5, 2013Date of Patent: November 19, 2013Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Jeffrey W. Sleight, Sarunya Bangsaruntip
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Patent number: 8574985Abstract: Methods for depositing high-K dielectrics are described, including depositing a first electrode on a substrate, wherein the first electrode is chosen from the group consisting of platinum and ruthenium, applying an oxygen plasma treatment to the exposed metal to reduce the contact angle of a surface of the metal, and depositing a titanium oxide layer on the exposed metal using at least one of a chemical vapor deposition process and an atomic layer deposition process, wherein the titanium oxide layer comprises at least a portion rutile titanium oxide.Type: GrantFiled: March 3, 2011Date of Patent: November 5, 2013Assignees: Intermolecular, Inc., Elpida Memory, Inc.Inventors: Xiangxin Rui, Sunil Shanker, Sandra Malhotra, Imran Hashim, Edward Haywood
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Patent number: 8575009Abstract: A two-step hydrogen anneal process has been developed for use in fabricating semiconductor nanowires for use in non-planar semiconductor devices. In the first part of the two-step hydrogen anneal process, which occurs prior to suspending a semiconductor nanowire, the initial roughness of at least the sidewalls of the semiconductor nanowire is reduced, while having at least the bottommost surface of the nanowire pinned to an uppermost surface of a substrate. After performing the first hydrogen anneal, the semiconductor nanowire is suspended and then a second hydrogen anneal is performed which further reduces the roughness of all exposed surfaces of the semiconductor nanowire and reshapes the semiconductor nanowire. By breaking the anneal into two steps, smaller semiconductor nanowires at a tight pitch survive the process and yield.Type: GrantFiled: March 8, 2012Date of Patent: November 5, 2013Assignee: International Business Machines CorporationInventors: Jeffrey W. Sleight, Sarunya Bangsaruntip
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Patent number: 8546805Abstract: Systems and methods are disclosed for performing laser annealing in a manner that reduces or minimizes wafer surface temperature variations during the laser annealing process. The systems and methods include annealing the wafer surface with first and second laser beams that represent preheat and anneal laser beams having respective first and second intensities. The preheat laser beam brings the wafer surface temperate close to the annealing temperature and the anneal laser beam brings the wafer surface temperature up to the annealing temperature. The anneal laser beam can have a different wavelength, or the same wavelength but different orientation relative to the wafer surface. Reflectivity maps of the wafer surface at the preheat and anneal wavelengths are measured and used to select first and second intensities that ensure good anneal temperature uniformity as a function of wafer position.Type: GrantFiled: January 27, 2012Date of Patent: October 1, 2013Assignee: Ultratech, Inc.Inventors: Xiaohua Shen, Yun Wang, Xiaoru Wang
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Patent number: 8541828Abstract: Methods for depositing high-K dielectrics are described, including depositing a first electrode on a substrate, wherein the first electrode is chosen from the group consisting of platinum and ruthenium, applying an oxygen plasma treatment to the exposed metal to reduce the contact angle of a surface of the metal, and depositing a titanium oxide layer on the exposed metal using at least one of a chemical vapor deposition process and an atomic layer deposition process, wherein the titanium oxide layer includes at least a portion of rutile titanium oxide.Type: GrantFiled: November 5, 2012Date of Patent: September 24, 2013Assignee: Intermolecular, Inc.Inventors: Imran Hashim, Edward L. Haywood, Sandra G. Malhotra, Xiangxin Rui, Sunil Shanker
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Patent number: 8486813Abstract: A silicon wafer and fabrication method thereof are provided. The silicon wafer includes a first denuded zone formed with a predetermined depth from a top surface of the silicon wafer, the first denuded zone being formed with a depth ranging from approximately 20 ?m to approximately 80 ?m from the top surface, and a bulk area formed between the first denuded zone and a backside of the silicon wafer, the bulk area having a concentration of oxygen uniformly distributed within a variation of 10% over the bulk area.Type: GrantFiled: June 1, 2011Date of Patent: July 16, 2013Assignee: Magnachip Semiconductor, Ltd.Inventor: Jung-Goo Park
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Patent number: 8476645Abstract: Thermal management solutions for higher power LEDs. In accordance with embodiments, a heat sink, preferably copper, is connected directly to the thermal pad of an LED. Directly connecting the LED thermal pad to the copper heat sink reduces the thermal resistance between the LED package and the heat sink, and more efficiently conducts heat away from the LED through the copper heat sink. In embodiments, the copper heat sink is directly soldered to the LED thermal pad.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2010Date of Patent: July 2, 2013Assignee: Uni-Light LLCInventors: Gary A. McDaniel, Chip Akins
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Patent number: 8445336Abstract: A method of fabricating a polycrystalline silicon (poly-Si) layer includes providing a substrate, forming an amorphous silicon (a-Si) layer on the substrate, forming a thermal oxide layer to a thickness of about 10 ? to 50 ? on the a-Si layer, forming a metal catalyst layer on the thermal oxide layer, and annealing the substrate to crystallize the a-Si layer into the poly-Si layer using a metal catalyst of the metal catalyst layer. Thus, the a-Si layer can be crystallized into a poly-Si layer by a super grain silicon (SGS) crystallization method. Also, the thermal oxide layer may be formed during the dehydrogenation of the a-Si layer so that an additional process of forming a capping layer required for the SGS crystallization method can be omitted, thereby simplifying the fabrication process.Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2010Date of Patent: May 21, 2013Assignee: Samsung Display Co., Ltd.Inventors: Tae-Hoon Yang, Ki-Yong Lee, Jin-Wook Seo, Byoung-Keon Park, Kil-Won Lee
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Patent number: 8426243Abstract: There is provided an amorphous oxide semiconductor including hydrogen and at least one element of indium (In) and zinc (Zn), the amorphous oxide semiconductor containing one of hydrogen atoms and deuterium atoms of 1×1020 cm?3 or more to 1×1022 cm?3 or less, and a density of bonds between oxygen and hydrogen except bonds between excess oxygen (OEX) and hydrogen in the amorphous oxide semiconductor being 1×1018 cm?3 or less.Type: GrantFiled: January 18, 2012Date of Patent: April 23, 2013Assignee: Canon Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Ryo Hayashi, Hideyuki Omura, Hideya Kumomi, Yuzo Shigesato
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Patent number: 8410000Abstract: The method for producing a photovoltaic cell includes applying, on a partial region of one surface side of a semiconductor substrate, a first p-type diffusion layer forming composition including a p-type impurity-containing glass powder and a dispersion medium; applying, on at least a region other than the partial region on the surface of the semiconductor substrate, a second p-type diffusion layer forming composition which includes a p-type impurity-containing glass powder and a dispersion medium and in which a concentration of the p-type impurity is lower than that of the first p-type diffusion layer forming composition, where the first p-type diffusion layer forming composition is applied; heat-treating the semiconductor substrate on which the first p-type diffusion layer forming composition and the second p-type diffusion layer forming composition are applied to form a p-type diffusion layer; and forming an electrode on the partial region.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2011Date of Patent: April 2, 2013Assignee: Hitachi Chemical Company, Ltd.Inventors: Youichi Machii, Masato Yoshida, Takeshi Nojiri, Kaoru Okaniwa, Mitsunori Iwamuro, Shuuichirou Adachi, Akihiro Orita, Tetsuya Satou, Keiko Kizawa
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Patent number: 8405175Abstract: The present invention generally relates to a thermal processing apparatus and method that permits a user to index one or more preselected light sources capable of emitting one or more wavelengths to a collimator. Multiple light sources may permit a single apparatus to have the capability of emitting multiple, preselected wavelengths. The multiple light sources permit the user to utilize multiple wavelengths simultaneously to approximate “white light”. One or more of a frequency, intensity, and time of exposure may be selected for the wavelength to be emitted. Thus, the capabilities of the apparatus and method are flexible to meet the needs of the user.Type: GrantFiled: April 28, 2011Date of Patent: March 26, 2013Assignee: Applied Materials, Inc.Inventor: Stephen Moffatt
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Patent number: 8404599Abstract: The method for producing a photovoltaic cell includes applying, on a partial region of one surface side of a semiconductor substrate, a first n-type diffusion layer forming composition including an n-type impurity-containing glass powder and a dispersion medium; applying, on at least a region other than the partial region on the surface of the semiconductor substrate, a second n-type diffusion layer forming composition which includes an n-type impurity-containing glass powder and a dispersion medium and in which a concentration of the n-type impurity is lower than that of the first n-type diffusion layer forming composition, where the first n-type diffusion layer forming composition is applied; heat-treating the semiconductor substrate on which the first n-type diffusion layer forming composition and the second n-type diffusion layer forming composition are applied to form an n-type diffusion layer; and forming an electrode on the partial region.Type: GrantFiled: November 17, 2011Date of Patent: March 26, 2013Assignee: Hitachi Chemical Company, Ltd.Inventors: Youichi Machii, Masato Yoshida, Takeshi Nojiri, Kaoru Okaniwa, Mitsunori Iwamuro, Shuuichirou Adachi, Akihiro Orita, Tetsuya Satou, Keiko Kizawa
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Patent number: 8399936Abstract: A structure and method of forming through substrate vias in forming semiconductor components are described. In one embodiment, the invention describes a method of forming a through substrate via by partially filling an opening with a fill material, and forming a first insulating layer over the first fill material thereby forming a gap over the opening. The method further includes forming a second insulating layer to close the gap thereby forming an enclosed cavity within the opening.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2010Date of Patent: March 19, 2013Assignee: Infineon Technologies AGInventors: Albert Birner, Uwe Hoeckele, Thomas Kunstmann, Uwe Seidel
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Patent number: 8399948Abstract: Disclosed are a light emitting device and a light emitting device package having the same. The light emitting device includes a first conductive type semiconductor layer; an active layer including a barrier layer and a well layer alternately disposed on the first conductive type semiconductor layer; and a second conductive type semiconductor layer on the active layer. At least one well layer includes an indium cluster having a density of 1E11/cm2 or more.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2010Date of Patent: March 19, 2013Assignee: LG Innotek Co., Ltd.Inventors: Ho Sang Yoon, Sang Kyun Shim
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Patent number: 8399341Abstract: The invention is to provide a method for heat treating a silicon wafer reducing grown-in defects while suppressing generation of slip during RTP and improving surface roughness of the wafer. The method performing a first heat treatment while introducing a rare gas, the first heat treatment comprising the steps of rapidly heating the wafer to T1 of 1300° C. or higher and the melting point of silicon or lower, keeping the wafer at T1, rapidly cooling the wafer to T2 of 400-800° C. and keeping the wafer at T2; and performing a second heat treatment while introducing an oxygen gas in an amount of 20-100 vol. %, the second heat treatment comprising the steps of keeping the wafer at T2, rapidly heating the wafer from T2 to T3 of 1250° C. or higher and the melting point of silicon or lower, keeping the wafer at T3 and rapidly cooling the wafer.Type: GrantFiled: May 17, 2010Date of Patent: March 19, 2013Assignee: Covalent Materials CorporationInventors: Takeshi Senda, Hiromichi Isogai, Eiji Toyoda, Kumiko Murayama, Koji Araki, Tatsuhiko Aoki, Haruo Sudo, Koji Izunome, Susumu Maeda, Kazuhiko Kashima
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Patent number: 8389422Abstract: A rapid thermal processing device and methods are provided for thermal processing of samples such as semiconductor wafers. The device has components including a stamp (35) having a stamping surface and a heater or cooler (40) to bring it to a selected processing temperature, a sample holder (20) for holding a sample (10) in position for intimate contact with the stamping surface; and positioning components (25) for moving the stamping surface and the stamp (35) in and away from intimate, substantially non-pressured contact. Methods for using and making such devices are also provided. These devices and methods allow inexpensive, efficient, easily controllable thermal processing.Type: GrantFiled: August 31, 2007Date of Patent: March 5, 2013Assignee: Alliance for Sustainable Energy, LLCInventors: Pauls Stradins, Qi Wang
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Patent number: 8354349Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a plurality of wiring lines which are provided on an upper side of a semiconductor substrate and which have connection pad portions, and columnar electrodes are provided on the connection pad portions of the wiring lines. A first sealing film is provided around the columnar electrodes on the upper side of the semiconductor substrate and on the wiring lines. A second sealing film is provided on the first sealing film. The first sealing film is made of a resin in which fillers are not mixed, and the second sealing film is made of a material in which fillers are mixed in a resin.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2010Date of Patent: January 15, 2013Assignee: Casio Computer Co., Ltd.Inventor: Junji Shiota
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Patent number: 8324011Abstract: The present invention provides a method of annealing a semiconductor by applying a temperature-dependant phase switch layer to a semiconductor structure. The temperature-dependant phase switch layer changes phase from amorphous to crystalline at a predetermined temperature. When the semiconductor structure is annealed, electromagnetic radiation passes through the temperature-dependant phase switch layer before reaching the semiconductor structure. When a desired annealing temperature is reached the temperature-dependant phase switch layer substantially blocks the electromagnetic radiation from reaching the semiconductor structure. As a result, the semiconductor is annealed at a consistent temperature across the wafer. The temperature at which the temperature-dependant phase switch layer changes phase can be controlled by an ion implantation process.Type: GrantFiled: September 11, 2007Date of Patent: December 4, 2012Assignee: GLOBALFOUNDRIES Singapore Pte. Ltd.Inventors: Chyiu Hyia Poon, Alex See, Mei Sheng Zhou
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Patent number: 8304327Abstract: At present, a forming process of a base film through an amorphous silicon film is conducted in respective film forming chambers in order to obtain satisfactory films. When continuous formation of the base film through the amorphous silicon film is performed in a single film forming chamber with the above film formation condition, crystallization is not sufficiently attained in a crystallization process. By forming the amorphous silicon film using silane gas diluted with hydrogen, crystallization is sufficiently attained in the crystallization process even with the continuous formation of the base film through the amorphous silicon film in the single film forming chamber.Type: GrantFiled: February 25, 2010Date of Patent: November 6, 2012Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.Inventors: Taketomi Asami, Mitsuhiro Ichijo, Satoshi Toriumi
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Patent number: 8288184Abstract: A production method for producing a semiconductor device capable of improving surface flatness and suppressing a variation in electrical characteristics of the semiconductor chip, and improving production yield. The production method includes the steps of: forming a first insulating film on a semiconductor substrate and on a conductive pattern film formed on the semiconductor substrate and reducing a thickness of the first insulating film in a region where the conductive pattern film is arranged by patterning; forming a second insulating film and polishing the second insulating film, thereby forming a flattening film; implanting a substance for cleavage into the semiconductor substrate through the flattening film, thereby forming a cleavage layer; transferring the semiconductor chip onto a substrate with an insulating surface so that the chip surface on the side opposite to the semiconductor substrate is attached thereto; and separating the semiconductor substrate from the cleavage layer.Type: GrantFiled: October 14, 2008Date of Patent: October 16, 2012Assignee: Sharp Kabushiki KaishaInventors: Michiko Takei, Yutaka Takafuji, Yasumori Fukushima, Kazuhide Tomiyasu, Steven Roy Droes
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Patent number: 8263421Abstract: An object is to provide a manufacturing method of a microcrystalline semiconductor film with favorable quality over a large-area substrate. After forming a gate insulating film over a gate electrode, in order to improve quality of a microcrystalline semiconductor film formed in an initial stage, glow discharge plasma is generated by supplying high-frequency powers with different frequencies, and a lower part of the film near an interface with the gate insulating film is formed under a first film formation condition, which is low in film formation rate but results in a good quality film. Thereafter, an upper part of the film is deposited under a second film formation condition with higher film formation rate, and further, a buffer layer is stacked on the microcrystalline semiconductor film.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2010Date of Patent: September 11, 2012Assignee: Semiconductor Energy Laboratory Co., Ltd.Inventors: Shunpei Yamazaki, Sachiaki Teduka, Satoshi Toriumi, Makoto Furuno, Yasuhiro Jinbo, Koji Dairiki, Hideaki Kuwabara