Location History:
- Puyallup, WA (US) (1991 - 1997)
- San Jose, CA (US) (1995 - 2001)
Company Filing History:
Years Active: 1991-2001
Title: The Innovations of Christopher S. Blair
Introduction
Christopher S. Blair is an esteemed inventor based in San Jose, California, renowned for his significant contributions to semiconductor technology. With a portfolio of 16 patents, he has played a vital role in advancing the field of microelectronics, particularly in the formation of cobalt salicide layers and silicided capacitors.
Latest Patents
Blair's latest patents showcase his expertise in enhancing the performance of metal-oxide-semiconductor (MOS) devices. His first patent, titled "Process for the formation of cobalt salicide layers employing a sputter etch surface preparation step," details a groundbreaking method for forming self-aligned cobalt silicide layers on MOS transistor structures. This process efficiently minimizes the creation of cobalt silicide bridges between source/drain regions and silicon gates by utilizing an optimized argon sputter etch surface preparation step prior to cobalt layer deposition, which operates with a DC bias of less than -278 volts.
In addition, his patent titled "Process for forming silicided capacitor utilizing oxidation barrier layer" outlines a unique approach for fabricating polysilicon-to-polysilicon capacitors. This process involves performing the capacitor anneal step in a nitrous oxide ambient, which forms a nitroxide layer that acts as a diffusion barrier for oxygen, thereby preventing unwanted oxidation during subsequent processing steps.
Career Highlights
Christopher Blair has made significant strides in the semiconductor industry during his tenure at National Semiconductor Corporation. His innovative techniques not only enhance device performance but also improve manufacturing efficiency. His work exemplifies the fusion of theoretical knowledge and practical application in semiconductor engineering.
Collaborations
Throughout his career, Blair has collaborated with notable professionals in the field, including Vida Ilderem and Ali A. Iranmanesh. These partnerships have allowed for the cross-pollination of ideas and skills, further driving advancements in semiconductor technologies.
Conclusion
Christopher S. Blair's contributions to the field of microelectronics through his innovative patents and collaborations demonstrate his commitment to revolutionizing semiconductor technology. His work not only addresses existing challenges but also paves the way for future advancements, solidifying his reputation as a leading inventor in the industry.