Andrew J McCutcheon

Title: The Innovations of Andrew J McCutcheon

Introduction

Andrew J McCutcheon is a notable inventor based in West Linn, Oregon. He has made significant contributions to the field of electrochemical reactors and semiconductor processing. With a total of 3 patents, McCutcheon has demonstrated his expertise and innovative spirit in various technological advancements.

Latest Patents

One of his latest patents is titled "Dynamically Variable Field Shaping Element." This invention is utilized in an electrochemical reactor for the treatment of substrates, such as electroplating or electropolishing. The patent describes a method where the surface area of a field-shaping shield, its distance between the anode and cathode, and its angular orientation are varied during treatment. This variation helps to screen the applied field and compensate for potential drop along the radius of a wafer. The shield establishes an inverse potential drop in the electrolytic fluid, overcoming the resistance of a thin film of conductive metal on the wafer.

Another significant patent by McCutcheon is "Edge Bevel Removal of Copper from Silicon Wafers." This invention outlines chemical etching methods and associated modules for removing metal from the edge bevel region of a semiconductor wafer. The methods apply liquid etchant precisely at the edge bevel region under viscous flow conditions. This ensures that the etchant is applied to the front edge area and flows over the side edge and onto the back edge without splattering onto the active circuit region of the wafer. The disclosed embodiment is particularly effective at preventing streaking and narrowing the metal taper, allowing for subsequent chemical mechanical polishing.

Career Highlights

Andrew J McCutcheon is currently employed at Novellus Systems Incorporated, where he continues to innovate and contribute to advancements in semiconductor technology. His work has had a significant impact on the efficiency and effectiveness of electrochemical processes.

Collaborations

Throughout his career, McCutcheon has collaborated with notable colleagues, including Robert J Contolini and Steven T Mayer. These collaborations have further enhanced his contributions to the field.

Conclusion

Andrew J McCutcheon is a distinguished inventor whose work in electrochemical reactors and semiconductor processing has led to valuable patents. His innovative approaches continue to shape the future of technology in these fields.