Steven M Zuniga

Soquel, CA, United States of America

Steven M Zuniga

This inventor holds 184 USPTO granted patents and 46 published patent applications and 10 EPO patents, primarily in Chemical Mechanical Polishing (CPC class B24B37-32). Top assignees: Applied Materials, Inc., Gtat Corporation, Twin Creeks Technologies, Inc.. Active years: 1998-2026.

IDiyas Innovation Intelligence. (2026). Inventor Profile: Steven M Zuniga. Retrieved from https://idiyas.com/inventor/steven-m-zuniga

Data source: USPTO (United States Patent and Trademark Office) public patent records. Weekly synchronization. How IDiyas builds this profile

USPTO Granted Patents = 184 

% Patents Active = 80.4

 

Average Co-Inventor Count = 3.0

ph-index = 29

Forward Citations = 2,590(Granted Patents)

Forward Citations (Not Self Cited) = 1,879(Dec 10, 2025)


Inventors with similar research interests:

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Location History:

  • Soquell, CA (US) (1999)
  • Santa Clara, CA (US) (1998 - 2005)
  • Soquel, CA (US) (1999 - 2024)

Company Filing History:


Years Active: 1998-2026

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Areas of Expertise:
Chemical Mechanical Polishing
Modular Polishing Systems
Substrate Handling
Dual Membrane Carrier Head
Polishing Carrier Head
Retaining Ring
Wafer Processing Tools
Polishing Modules
Vibration Measurement
Contactless Edge Control
Polishing Platens
Substrate Cleaning
184 patents (USPTO):Explore Patents

Title: Steven M Zuniga: The Innovative Mind behind 143 Patents

Introduction:

The world of technology and innovation is fueled by brilliant minds like Steven M Zuniga. Hailing from Soquel, CA, Steven has emerged as a prolific inventor with an impressive portfolio of 143 patents. Through his groundbreaking inventions and contributions, he has left a lasting impact on the field of wafer processing and chemical mechanical polishing apparatus.

Latest Patents:

Among Steven M Zuniga's notable recent inventions is the "Carrier Head with Segmented Substrate Chuck". This invention enhances chemical mechanical polishing apparatus by introducing an annular segmented chuck, which allows for independent vertical movement of concentric rings through pressurizable chambers. This innovation enables efficient substrate handling and enhances substrate-chucking capabilities in wafer processing.

Another significant patent by Zuniga is the "Wafer Processing Tools and Methods Thereof". This invention revolutionizes the wafer processing devices, incorporating a wafer exchanger with movable blades capable of receiving and transferring wafers between various stations. The ability to remove and place wafers with precision improves efficiency and effectiveness in wafer processing, benefiting industries reliant on this technology.

Career Highlights:

Steven M Zuniga boasts an illustrious career that witnessed his remarkable contributions to leading companies in the field. He has made significant innovations while working with Applied Materials, Inc and Applied Materials GmbH. His relentless pursuit of excellence and commitment to innovative problem-solving have earned him recognition within the industry.

Collaborations:

In his journey of innovation, Zuniga has collaborated with notable individuals in the field. Notably, he has worked alongside Hung Chih Chen, a fellow innovator whose expertise has complemented Zuniga's own skills. Moreover, Zuniga has also collaborated with Jeonghoon Oh, further highlighting his ability to collaborate with diverse talents to achieve breakthroughs in the field.

Conclusion:

Steven M Zuniga, with his extensive repertoire of 143 patents, has made remarkable contributions to the realm of wafer processing and chemical mechanical polishing apparatus. His inventions have streamlined processes, enhanced efficiency, and paved the way for future advancements. As the world continues to evolve, we eagerly anticipate the next wave of groundbreaking innovations from this brilliant mind.

Profile summary based on public USPTO records.
Data Sources: USPTO Patent Grant XML, Patent Center, EPO & CIPO • Normalized by IDiyas Innovation Graph. Methodology & provenance architecturePlease report any incorrect information to [email protected]
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