Patents by Inventor D. V. Nirmal Ramaswamy

D. V. Nirmal Ramaswamy has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 11730069
    Abstract: The present disclosure includes memory cell structures and method of forming the same. One such method includes forming a memory cell includes forming, in a first direction, a select device stack including a select device formed between a first electrode and a second electrode; forming, in a second direction, a plurality of sacrificial material lines over the select device stack to form a via; forming a programmable material stack within the via; and removing the plurality of sacrificial material lines and etching through a portion of the select device stack to isolate the select device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2023
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott E. Sills, D. V. Nirmal Ramaswamy
  • Patent number: 11672191
    Abstract: A memory cell comprising a threshold switching material over a first electrode on a substrate. The memory cell includes a second electrode over the threshold switching material and at least one dielectric material between the threshold switching material and at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode. A memory material overlies the second electrode. The dielectric material may directly contact the threshold switching material and each of the first electrode and the second electrode. Memory cells including only one dielectric material between the threshold switching material and an electrode are disclosed. A memory device including the memory cells and methods of forming the memory cells are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 29, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2023
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Tsz W. Chan, D. V. Nirmal Ramaswamy, Qian Tao, Yongjun J. Hu, Everett A. McTeer
  • Publication number: 20220102630
    Abstract: Semiconductor memory devices, resistive memory devices, memory cell structures, and methods of forming a resistive memory cell are provided. One example method of a resistive memory cell can include a number of dielectric regions formed between two electrodes, and a barrier dielectric region formed between each of the dielectric regions. The barrier dielectric region serves to reduce an oxygen diffusion rate associated with the dielectric regions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 13, 2021
    Publication date: March 31, 2022
    Inventors: Matthew N. Rocklein, D.V. Nirmal Ramaswamy
  • Patent number: 11205657
    Abstract: Some embodiments include methods of forming semiconductor constructions. Alternating layers of n-type doped material and p-type doped material may be formed. The alternating layers may be patterned into a plurality of vertical columns that are spaced from one another by openings. The openings may be lined with tunnel dielectric, charge-storage material and blocking dielectric. Alternating layers of insulative material and conductive control gate material may be formed within the lined openings. Some embodiments include methods of forming NAND unit cells. Columns of alternating n-type material and p-type material may be formed. The columns may be lined with a layer of tunnel dielectric, a layer of charge-storage material, and a layer of blocking dielectric. Alternating layers of insulative material and conductive control gate material may be formed between the lined columns. Some embodiments include semiconductor constructions, and some embodiments include NAND unit cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 21, 2021
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: D. V. Nirmal Ramaswamy, Gurtej S. Sandhu
  • Patent number: 11201286
    Abstract: Semiconductor memory devices, resistive memory devices, memory cell structures, and methods of forming a resistive memory cell are provided. One example method of a resistive memory cell can include a number of dielectric regions formed between two electrodes, and a barrier dielectric region formed between each of the dielectric regions. The barrier dielectric region serves to reduce an oxygen diffusion rate associated with the dielectric regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2021
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew N. Rocklein, D. V. Nirmal Ramaswamy
  • Patent number: 11094706
    Abstract: Some embodiments include methods of forming semiconductor constructions. Alternating layers of n-type doped material and p-type doped material may be formed. The alternating layers may be patterned into a plurality of vertical columns that are spaced from one another by openings. The openings may be lined with tunnel dielectric, charge-storage material and blocking dielectric. Alternating layers of insulative material and conductive control gate material may be formed within the lined openings. Some embodiments include methods of forming NAND unit cells. Columns of alternating n-type material and p-type material may be formed. The columns may be lined with a layer of tunnel dielectric, a layer of charge-storage material, and a layer of blocking dielectric. Alternating layers of insulative material and conductive control gate material may be formed between the lined columns. Some embodiments include semiconductor constructions, and some embodiments include NAND unit cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: D. V. Nirmal Ramaswamy, Gurtej S. Sandhu
  • Patent number: 11094707
    Abstract: Some embodiments include methods of forming semiconductor constructions. Alternating layers of n-type doped material and p-type doped material may be formed. The alternating layers may be patterned into a plurality of vertical columns that are spaced from one another by openings. The openings may be lined with tunnel dielectric, charge-storage material and blocking dielectric. Alternating layers of insulative material and conductive control gate material may be formed within the lined openings. Some embodiments include methods of forming NAND unit cells. Columns of alternating n-type material and p-type material may be formed. The columns may be lined with a layer of tunnel dielectric, a layer of charge-storage material, and a layer of blocking dielectric. Alternating layers of insulative material and conductive control gate material may be formed between the lined columns. Some embodiments include semiconductor constructions, and some embodiments include NAND unit cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: D.V. Nirmal Ramaswamy, Gurtej S. Sandhu
  • Publication number: 20210151676
    Abstract: A memory cell comprising a threshold switching material over a first electrode on a substrate. The memory cell includes a second electrode over the threshold switching material and at least one dielectric material between the threshold switching material and at least one of the first electrode and the second electrode. A memory material overlies the second electrode. The dielectric material may directly contact the threshold switching material and each of the first electrode and the second electrode. Memory cells including only one dielectric material between the threshold switching material and an electrode are disclosed. A memory device including the memory cells and methods of forming the memory cells are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2021
    Publication date: May 20, 2021
    Inventors: Tsz W. Chan, D. V. Nirmal Ramaswamy, Qian Tao, Yongjun J. Hu, Everett A. McTeer
  • Patent number: 10991882
    Abstract: A resistive memory element comprises a first electrode, an active material over the first electrode, a buffer material over the active material and comprising longitudinally extending, columnar grains of crystalline material, an ion reservoir material over the buffer material, and a second electrode over the ion reservoir material. A memory cell, a memory device, an electronic system, and a method of forming a resistive memory element are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher W. Petz, Yongjun Jeff Hu, Scott E. Sills, D. V. Nirmal Ramaswamy
  • Patent number: 10916586
    Abstract: Three dimensional memory arrays and methods of forming the same are provided. An example three dimensional memory array can include a stack comprising a plurality of first conductive lines separated from one another by at least an insulation material, and at least one conductive extension arranged to extend substantially perpendicular to the plurality of first conductive lines such that the at least one conductive extension intersects each of the plurality of first conductive lines. Storage element material is arranged around the at least one conductive extension, and a select device is arranged around the storage element material. The storage element material is radially adjacent an insulation material separating the plurality of first conductive lines, and the plurality of materials arranged around the storage element material are radially adjacent each of the plurality of first conductive lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2021
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: D. V. Nirmal Ramaswamy, Scott E. Sills, Gurtej S. Sandhu
  • Publication number: 20200343449
    Abstract: The present disclosure includes memory cell structures and method of forming the same. One such method includes forming a memory cell includes forming, in a first direction, a select device stack including a select device formed between a first electrode and a second electrode; forming, in a second direction, a plurality of sacrificial material lines over the select device stack to form a via; forming a programmable material stack within the via; and removing the plurality of sacrificial material lines and etching through a portion of the select device stack to isolate the select device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 13, 2020
    Publication date: October 29, 2020
    Inventors: Scott E. Sills, D.V. Nirmal Ramaswamy
  • Patent number: 10783961
    Abstract: Memory cells, memory systems and methods are described. In one embodiment, a memory cell includes electrodes and a memory element, and a first electrically conductive structure is formed within dielectric material providing the memory element in a low resistance state as a result of a first voltage of a first polarity being applied across the electrodes. Additionally, the first electrically conductive structure is removed from the dielectric material providing the memory element in a high resistance state as a result of a second voltage of a second polarity, which is opposite to the first polarity, being applied across the electrodes. A permanent and irreversible electrically conductive structure is formed within the dielectric material providing the memory element in the low resistance state as a result of a third voltage of the second polarity and having an increased potential compared with the second voltage being applied across the electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Wataru Otsuka, Takafumi Kunihiro, Tomohito Tsushima, Makoto Kitagawa, Jun Sumino, D. V. Nirmal Ramaswamy
  • Patent number: 10734581
    Abstract: The present disclosure includes memory cell structures and method of forming the same. One such method includes forming a memory cell includes forming, in a first direction, a select device stack including a select device formed between a first electrode and a second electrode; forming, in a second direction, a plurality of sacrificial material lines over the select device stack to form a via; forming a programmable material stack within the via; and removing the plurality of sacrificial material lines and etching through a portion of the select device stack to isolate the select device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 4, 2020
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott E. Sills, D. V. Nirmal Ramaswamy
  • Patent number: 10707220
    Abstract: Ferroelectric memory and methods of forming the same are provided. An example memory cell can include a buried recessed access device (BRAD) formed in a substrate and a ferroelectric capacitor formed on the BRAD.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 7, 2020
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Ashonita A. Chavan, Alessandro Calderoni, D. V. Nirmal Ramaswamy
  • Publication number: 20200212299
    Abstract: Semiconductor memory devices, resistive memory devices, memory cell structures, and methods of forming a resistive memory cell are provided. One example method of a resistive memory cell can include a number of dielectric regions formed between two electrodes, and a barrier dielectric region formed between each of the dielectric regions. The barrier dielectric region serves to reduce an oxygen diffusion rate associated with the dielectric regions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2020
    Publication date: July 2, 2020
    Inventors: Matthew N. Rocklein, D.V. Nirmal Ramaswamy
  • Patent number: 10699784
    Abstract: The present disclosure includes apparatuses and methods for sensing a resistive memory cell. A number of embodiments include performing a sensing operation on a memory cell to determine a current value associated with the memory cell, applying a programming signal to the memory cell, and determining a data state of the memory cell based on the current value associated with the memory cell before applying the programming signal and a current value associated with the memory cell after applying the programming signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2020
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: D.V. Nirmal Ramaswamy, Gurtej S. Sandhu, Lei Bi, Adam D. Johnson, Brent Keeth, Alessandro Calderoni, Scott E. Sills
  • Patent number: 10622061
    Abstract: Methods, devices, and systems associated with oxide based memory are described herein. In one or more embodiments, a method of forming an oxide based memory cell includes forming a first electrode, forming a tunnel barrier, wherein a first portion of the tunnel barrier includes a first material and a second portion of the tunnel barrier includes a second material, forming an oxygen source, and forming a second electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: D. V. Nirmal Ramaswamy, Gurtej S. Sandhu
  • Patent number: 10586923
    Abstract: Semiconductor memory devices, resistive memory devices, memory cell structures, and methods of forming a resistive memory cell are provided. One example method of a resistive memory cell can include a number of dielectric regions formed between two electrodes, and a barrier dielectric region formed between each of the dielectric regions. The barrier dielectric region serves to reduce an oxygen diffusion rate associated with the dielectric regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2020
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew N. Rocklein, D. V. Nirmal Ramaswamy
  • Publication number: 20200013955
    Abstract: A resistive memory element comprises a first electrode, an active material over the first electrode, a buffer material over the active material and comprising longitudinally extending, columnar grains of crystalline material, an ion reservoir material over the buffer material, and a second electrode over the ion reservoir material. A memory cell, a memory device, an electronic system, and a method of forming a resistive memory element are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 27, 2019
    Publication date: January 9, 2020
    Inventors: Christopher W. Petz, Yongjun Jeff Hu, Scott E. Sills, D. V. Nirmal Ramaswamy
  • Patent number: 10510773
    Abstract: An apparatus comprises field-effect transistor (FET) structures stacked horizontally and vertically in a three-dimensional memory array architecture, gates extending vertically and spaced horizontally between the plurality of FET structures, and a ferroelectric material separating the FET structures and the gates. Individual ferroelectric FETs (FeFETs) are formed at intersections of the FET structures, the gates, and the ferroelectric material. Another apparatus comprises a plurality of bit lines and word lines. Each bit line has at least two sides that are coupled with a ferroelectric material such that each bit line is shared by neighboring gates to form a plurality of FeFETs. A method of operating a memory array comprises applying a combination of voltages to a plurality of word lines and digit lines for a desired operation for a plurality of FeFET memory cells, at least one digit line having the plurality of FeFET memory cells accessible by neighboring gates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2019
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: D. V. Nirmal Ramaswamy, Adam D. Johnson