Patent · US Expired

Ion implantation systems and methods utilizing a downstream gas source

US6891173B2 · kind B2 · utility

7Cited by
16References
31Claims
0Family size

Assignee

Inventors

Key dates

Filing dateOct 26, 2001
Grant dateMay 10, 2005
Priority date
Expiry dateMay 24, 2022

Classification

  • Technology area (CPC H)Electricity
  • CPC primaryH01J2237/31701
  • WIPO fieldElectrical machinery, apparatus, energy
  • WIPO sectorElectrical engineering

Abstract

Systems and methods that neutralize ion beams in implantation processes are provided. The methods involve introducing a gas into the ion beam. The gas, for example, can be introduced into a region defined by an electrode through which the ion beam travels. The gas increases the generation of electrons in the beam which, in turn, neutralizes the beam. The neutralized beam has a reduced tendency to diverge (i.e., greater beam stability) during transport which can increase the beam current delivered to the wafer and implant uniformity, amongst other advantages. The systems and methods are particularly useful in limiting the divergence of low energy ion beams.

Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.