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).

  • Publication number: 20170133587
    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: December 5, 2016
    Publication date: May 11, 2017
    Inventors: Christopher W. Petz, Yongjun Jeff Hu, Scott E. Sills, D.V. Nirmal Ramaswamy
  • Publication number: 20170098660
    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: Application
    Filed: December 15, 2016
    Publication date: April 6, 2017
    Inventors: D.V. Nirmal Ramaswamy, Adam D. Johnson
  • Patent number: 9576805
    Abstract: Memories, systems, and methods for forming memory cells are disclosed. One such memory cell includes a charge storage node that includes nanodots over a tunnel dielectric and a protective film over the nanodots. In another memory cell, the charge storage node includes nanodots that include a ruthenium alloy. Memory cells can include an inter-gate dielectric over the protective film or ruthenium alloy nanodots and a control gate over the inter-gate dielectric. The protective film and ruthenium alloy can be configured to protect at least some of the nanodots from vaporizing during formation of the inter-gate dielectric.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: D. V. Nirmal Ramaswamy, Matthew N. Rocklein, Rhett T. Brewer
  • Patent number: 9564576
    Abstract: Multi-bit ferroelectric memory devices and methods of forming the same are provided. One example method of forming a multi-bit ferroelectric memory device can include forming a first ferroelectric material on a first side of a via, removing a material to expose a second side of the via, and forming second ferroelectric material on the second side of the via at a different thickness compared to the first side of the via.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Kamal M. Karda, F. Daniel Gealy, D. V. Nirmal Ramaswamy, Chandra V. Mouli
  • Patent number: 9553263
    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: November 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2017
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher W. Petz, Yongjun Jeff Hu, Scott E. Sills, D. V. Nirmal Ramaswamy
  • Patent number: 9530794
    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: December 28, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2016
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: D. V. Nirmal Ramaswamy, Adam D. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20160336342
    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: Application
    Filed: July 28, 2016
    Publication date: November 17, 2016
    Inventors: D.V. Nirmal Ramaswamy, Gurtej S. Sandhu
  • Patent number: 9466795
    Abstract: Memory cells with recessed electrode contacts and methods of forming the same are provided. An example memory cell can include an electrode contact formed in a substrate. An upper surface of the electrode contact is recessed a distance relative to an upper surface of the substrate. A first portion of a memory element is formed on an upper surface of the electrode contact and the upper surface of the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2016
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott E. Sills, D. V. Nirmal Ramaswamy
  • Patent number: 9431422
    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: January 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2016
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: D. V. Nirmal Ramaswamy, Gurtej S. Sandhu
  • Patent number: 9419220
    Abstract: A method of forming a resistive memory element comprises forming an oxide material over a first electrode. The oxide material is exposed to a plasma process to form a treated oxide material. A second electrode is formed on the treated oxide material. Additional methods of forming a resistive memory element, as well as related resistive memory elements, resistive memory cells, and resistive memory devices are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2016
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: D. V. Nirmal Ramaswamy, Sanh D. Tang, Alessandro Torsi, Muralikrishnan Balakrishnan, Xiaonan Chen, John K. Zahurak
  • Patent number: 9397145
    Abstract: A memory structure comprises first conductive lines extending in a first direction over portions of a base structure, storage element structures extending in the first direction over the first conductive lines, isolated electrode structures overlying portions of the storage element structures, select device structures extending in a second direction perpendicular to the first direction over the isolated electrode structures, second conductive lines extending in the second direction over the select device structures, additional select device structures extending in the second direction over the second conductive lines, additional isolated electrode structures overlying portions of the additional select device structures, additional storage element structures extending in the first direction over the additional isolated electrode structures, and third conductive lines extending in the first direction over the additional storage element structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 19, 2016
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Scott E. Sills, D. V. Nirmal Ramaswamy
  • Publication number: 20160203861
    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: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2016
    Publication date: July 14, 2016
    Applicant: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Wataru Otsuka, Takafumi Kunihiro, Tomohito Tsushima, Makoto Kitigawa, Jun Sumino, D. V. Nirmal Ramaswamy
  • Publication number: 20160118405
    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 plurality of FeFET memory cells accessible by neighboring gates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 28, 2015
    Publication date: April 28, 2016
    Inventors: D. V. Nirmal Ramaswamy, Adam D. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20160118402
    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: Application
    Filed: January 4, 2016
    Publication date: April 28, 2016
    Inventors: D.V. Nirmal Ramaswamy, Gurtej S. Sandhu
  • Patent number: 9293196
    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: March 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 22, 2016
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Wataru Otsuka, Takafumi Kunihiro, Tomohito Tsushima, Makoto Kitigawa, Jun Sumino, D. V. Nirmal Ramaswamy
  • Publication number: 20160072044
    Abstract: Multi-bit ferroelectric memory devices and methods of forming the same are provided. One example method of forming a multi-bit ferroelectric memory device can include forming a first ferroelectric material on a first side of a via, removing a material to expose a second side of the via, and forming second ferroelectric material on the second side of the via at a different thickness compared to the first side of the via.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 13, 2015
    Publication date: March 10, 2016
    Inventors: Kamal M. Karda, F. Daniel Gealy, D.V. Nirmal Ramaswamy, Chandra V. Mouli
  • Patent number: 9281044
    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 faun 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 plurality of FeFET memory cells accessible by neighboring gates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: March 8, 2016
    Assignee: MICRON TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: D. V. Nirmal Ramaswamy, Adam D. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20160064655
    Abstract: A method of forming a ferroelectric memory cell. The method comprises forming an electrode material exhibiting a desired dominant crystallographic orientation. A hafnium-based material is formed over the electrode material and the hafnium-based material is crystallized to induce formation of a ferroelectric material having a desired crystallographic orientation. Additional methods are also described, as are semiconductor device structures including the ferroelectric material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2015
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Inventors: Qian Tao, Matthew N. Rocklein, Beth R. Cook, D.V. Nirmal Ramaswamy
  • Publication number: 20160064666
    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: September 3, 2014
    Publication date: March 3, 2016
    Inventors: Tsz W. Chan, D.V. Nirmal Ramaswamy, Qian Tao, Yongjun Jeff Hu, Everett A. McTeer
  • Patent number: 9263675
    Abstract: Some embodiments include a switching component which includes a selector region between a pair of electrodes. The selector region contains silicon doped with one or more of nitrogen, oxygen, germanium and carbon. Some embodiments include a memory unit which includes a memory cell and a select device electrically coupled to the memory cell. The select device has a selector region between a pair of electrodes. The selector region contains semiconductor doped with one or more of nitrogen, oxygen, germanium and carbon. The select device has current versus voltage characteristics which include snap-back voltage behavior.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: D. V. Nirmal Ramaswamy