The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document.
The patent badge is an abbreviated version of the USPTO patent document. The patent badge covers the following: Patent number, Date patent was issued, Date patent was filed, Title of the patent, Applicant, Inventor, Assignee, Attorney firm, Primary examiner, Assistant examiner, CPCs, and Abstract. The patent badge does contain a link to the full patent document (in Adobe Acrobat format, aka pdf). To download or print any patent click here.
Patent No.:
Date of Patent:
Nov. 22, 2005
Filed:
Oct. 13, 2003
Andrew M. Hoff, Tampa, FL (US);
Andrew M. Hoff, Tampa, FL (US);
University of South Florida, Tampa, FL (US);
Abstract
Method and apparatus for forming thin silicon oxide films on silicon carbide substrates utilizing an afterglow thermal reactor. The method of forming thin silicon oxide film includes the steps of loading a silicon carbide substrate within a tube, which tube is heated, and the contents pressure is controlled. An oxidizing gas is then passed through an afterglow reactor source or microwave cavity where the gas achieves an excited state of energy. When the neutral species of the excited gas contact the silicon carbide substrate within the heated region of the the tube, a thin silicon oxide film forms on the substrate, at a faster rate and lower temperature than has been known. The tube contents are maintained at a temperature between 600° C. to 1,200° C., and at a pressure less than 50 torr.