Hybrid Ion Implanter Discharge Detection System

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Solution Overview

Problem

In semiconductor manufacturing, accurately detecting discharge events during ion implantation is challenging, particularly when relying solely on Faraday cup measurements, which can lead to inconsistencies in ion beam stability and affect the performance of manufactured semiconductor products.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a hybrid scanning ion implanter with multiple detection units, including dose cups and power supply voltage measurement units, to detect potential discharge events and determine the ion beam state, allowing for precise control and adjustment of ion implantation conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If only a Faraday cup is used to measure beam current, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision of discharge events is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedischarge event detection accuracyVSAvoiddetection system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple detection units (Faraday cup, beam monitor, power supply voltage measurement units) into an integrated detection system. These units work together to comprehensively monitor beam current, detect discharge events, and measure power supply variations, thereby improving measurement precision without requiring a completely new complex system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The detection system is designed with multi-functional units that can perform various measurement tasks. The Faraday cup measures beam current, the beam monitor detects discharge events, and power supply voltage measurement units monitor electrical parameters. This multi-functionality allows accurate discharge event detection while avoiding the need for separate specialized devices for each measurement type

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If multiple detection units are implemented, then the measurement precision of ion beam state is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveion beam state detection accuracyVSAvoiddetection system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The detection system is segmented into multiple independent detection units, each responsible for specific measurement functions. This segmentation allows each unit to be optimized for its specific task while maintaining overall system manageability. The modular structure enables accurate ion beam state detection without creating an unmanageably complex monolithic system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a control unit that acts as an intermediary, coordinating the multiple detection units and processing their outputs. This intermediary component integrates information from various sensors and provides centralized control, thereby managing system complexity while enabling comprehensive ion beam state monitoring through multiple detection channels

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Manufacturing precision

If discharge events are not accurately detected, then the ease of operation is high, but the manufacturing precision of semiconductor products deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesemiconductor product performance consistencyVSAvoidion implantation process monitoring complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The detection units provide real-time feedback on discharge events and ion beam state to the control system. This feedback mechanism enables automatic detection and response to discharge events, ensuring manufacturing precision without requiring manual monitoring and intervention. The system self-regulates based on detected conditions, maintaining product consistency while reducing operational burden

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary detection of discharge events and ion beam state changes before they affect semiconductor product quality. By detecting potential issues in advance and enabling preventive actions, the system ensures manufacturing precision while simplifying operation through automated early warning and response mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This approach enables accurate detection and management of discharge events, ensuring consistent ion beam stability and improving the productivity and performance of semiconductor products by allowing for real-time adjustments during the ion implantation process.

Implementation Method 1

an ion source, an extraction electrode, a mass analysis magnet device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectIonization: Ionisation

Implementation Method 2

a function of generating an ion beam which is ionized by an ion source and then accelerated

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical acceleration: Electric Field

Implementation Method 3

a mass analysis magnet device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic deflection: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 4

a process for implanting ions into a semiconductor wafer (hereinafter, referred to as an 'ion implantation process') is performed

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectIon implantation: Ion Implantation

Data Source

PatentUS9379030B2Ion implantation method and ion implantation apparatus
Publication Date: 2016.06.28 SUMITOMO HEAVY IND ION TECH
  • US9379030B2 patent drawing
  • US9379030B2 patent drawing
  • US9379030B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Provided is an ion implantation method of transporting ions generated by an ion source to a wafer and implanting the ions into the wafer by irradiating an ion beam on the wafer, including, during the ion implantation into the wafer, using a plurality of detection units which can detect an event having a possibility of discharge and determining a state of the ion beam based on existence of detected event having a possibility of discharge and a degree of influence of the event on the ion beam.