Patents by Inventor Kelin J. Kuhn

Kelin J. Kuhn 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: 20240153995
    Abstract: A nanowire device having a plurality of internal spacers and a method for forming said internal spacers are disclosed. In an embodiment, a semiconductor device comprises a nanowire stack disposed above a substrate, the nanowire stack having a plurality of vertically-stacked nanowires, a gate structure wrapped around each of the plurality of nanowires, defining a channel region of the device, the gate structure having gate sidewalls, a pair of source/drain regions on opposite sides of the channel region; and an internal spacer on a portion of the gate sidewall between two adjacent nanowires, internal to the nanowire stack. In an embodiment, the internal spacers are formed by depositing spacer material in dimples etched adjacent to the channel region. In an embodiment, the dimples are etched through the channel region. In another embodiment, the dimples are etched through the source/drain region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2023
    Publication date: May 9, 2024
    Inventors: Seiyon KIM, Kelin J. KUHN, Tahir GHANI, Anand S. MURTHY, Mark ARMSTRONG, Rafael RIOS, Abhijit Jayant PETHE, Willy RACHMADY
  • Patent number: 11869939
    Abstract: A nanowire device having a plurality of internal spacers and a method for forming said internal spacers are disclosed. In an embodiment, a semiconductor device comprises a nanowire stack disposed above a substrate, the nanowire stack having a plurality of vertically-stacked nanowires, a gate structure wrapped around each of the plurality of nanowires, defining a channel region of the device, the gate structure having gate sidewalls, a pair of source/drain regions on opposite sides of the channel region; and an internal spacer on a portion of the gate sidewall between two adjacent nanowires, internal to the nanowire stack. In an embodiment, the internal spacers are formed by depositing spacer material in dimples etched adjacent to the channel region. In an embodiment, the dimples are etched through the channel region. In another embodiment, the dimples are etched through the source/drain region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: Sony Group Corporation
    Inventors: Seiyon Kim, Kelin J. Kuhn, Tahir Ghani, Anand S. Murthy, Mark Armstrong, Rafael Rios, Abhijit Jayant Pethe, Willy Rachmady
  • Publication number: 20230335594
    Abstract: A nanowire device of the present description may be produced with the incorporation of at least one hardmask during the fabrication of at least one nanowire transistor in order to assist in protecting an uppermost channel nanowire from damage that may result from fabrication processes, such as those used in a replacement metal gate process and/or the nanowire release process. The use of at least one hardmask may result in a substantially damage free uppermost channel nanowire in a multi-stacked nanowire transistor, which may improve the uniformity of the channel nanowires and the reliability of the overall multi-stacked nanowire transistor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2023
    Publication date: October 19, 2023
    Inventors: Seung Hoon Sung, Seiyon Kim, Kelin J. Kuhn, Willy Rachmady, Jack T. Kavalieros
  • Patent number: 11677003
    Abstract: A nanowire device of the present description may be produced with the incorporation of at least one hardmask during the fabrication of at least one nanowire transistor in order to assist in protecting an uppermost channel nanowire from damage that may result from fabrication processes, such as those used in a replacement metal gate process and/or the nanowire release process. The use of at least one hardmask may result in a substantially damage free uppermost channel nanowire in a multi-stacked nanowire transistor, which may improve the uniformity of the channel nanowires and the reliability of the overall multi-stacked nanowire transistor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: Sony Group Corporation
    Inventors: Seung Hoon Sung, Seiyon Kim, Kelin J. Kuhn, Willy Rachmady, Jack T. Kavalieros
  • Publication number: 20230170388
    Abstract: Techniques and methods related to strained NMOS and PMOS devices without relaxed substrates, systems incorporating such semiconductor devices, and methods therefor may include a semiconductor device that may have both n-type and p-type semiconductor bodies. Both types of semiconductor bodies may be formed from an initially strained semiconductor material such as silicon germanium. A silicon cladding layer may then be provided at least over or on the n-type semiconductor body. In one example, a lower portion of the semiconductor bodies is formed by a Si extension of the wafer or substrate. By one approach, an upper portion of the semiconductor bodies, formed of the strained SiGe, may be formed by blanket depositing the strained SiGe layer on the Si wafer, and then etching through the SiGe layer and into the Si wafer to form the semiconductor bodies or fins with the lower and upper portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2023
    Publication date: June 1, 2023
    Inventors: Stephen M. Cea, Roza Kotlyar, Harold W. Kennel, Anand S. Murthy, Glenn A. Glass, Kelin J. Kuhn, Tahir Ghani
  • Publication number: 20230111689
    Abstract: Nanowire structures having non-discrete source and drain regions are described. For example, a semiconductor device includes a plurality of vertically stacked nanowires disposed above a substrate. Each of the nanowires includes a discrete channel region disposed in the nanowire. A gate electrode stack surrounds the plurality of vertically stacked nanowires. A pair of non-discrete source and drain regions is disposed on either side of, and adjoining, the discrete channel regions of the plurality of vertically stacked nanowires.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 14, 2022
    Publication date: April 13, 2023
    Inventors: Stephen M. Cea, Annalisa Cappellani, Martin D. Giles, Rafael Rios, Seiyon Kim, Kelin J. Kuhn
  • Patent number: 11581406
    Abstract: Techniques and methods related to strained NMOS and PMOS devices without relaxed substrates, systems incorporating such semiconductor devices, and methods therefor may include a semiconductor device that may have both n-type and p-type semiconductor bodies. Both types of semiconductor bodies may be formed from an initially strained semiconductor material such as silicon germanium. A silicon cladding layer may then be provided at least over or on the n-type semiconductor body. In one example, a lower portion of the semiconductor bodies is formed by a Si extension of the wafer or substrate. By one approach, an upper portion of the semiconductor bodies, formed of the strained SiGe, may be formed by blanket depositing the strained SiGe layer on the Si wafer, and then etching through the SiGe layer and into the Si wafer to form the semiconductor bodies or fins with the lower and upper portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: Daedalus Prime LLC
    Inventors: Stephen M. Cea, Roza Kotlyar, Harold W. Kennel, Anand S. Murthy, Glenn A. Glass, Kelin J. Kuhn, Tahir Ghani
  • Patent number: 11552197
    Abstract: Nanowire structures having non-discrete source and drain regions are described. For example, a semiconductor device includes a plurality of vertically stacked nanowires disposed above a substrate. Each of the nanowires includes a discrete channel region disposed in the nanowire. A gate electrode stack surrounds the plurality of vertically stacked nanowires. A pair of non-discrete source and drain regions is disposed on either side of, and adjoining, the discrete channel regions of the plurality of vertically stacked nanowires.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: Google LLC
    Inventors: Stephen M. Cea, Annalisa Cappellani, Martin D. Giles, Rafael Rios, Seiyon Kim, Kelin J. Kuhn
  • Publication number: 20220262901
    Abstract: A nanowire device having a plurality of internal spacers and a method for forming said internal spacers are disclosed. In an embodiment, a semiconductor device comprises a nanowire stack disposed above a substrate, the nanowire stack having a plurality of vertically-stacked nanowires, a gate structure wrapped around each of the plurality of nanowires, defining a channel region of the device, the gate structure having gate sidewalls, a pair of source/drain regions on opposite sides of the channel region; and an internal spacer on a portion of the gate sidewall between two adjacent nanowires, internal to the nanowire stack. In an embodiment, the internal spacers are formed by depositing spacer material in dimples etched adjacent to the channel region. In an embodiment, the dimples are etched through the channel region. In another embodiment, the dimples are etched through the source/drain region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 24, 2022
    Publication date: August 18, 2022
    Inventors: Seiyon KIM, Kelin J. KUHN, Tahir GHANI, Anand S. MURTHY, Mark ARMSTRONG, Rafael RIOS, Abhijit Jayant PETHE, Willy RACHMADY
  • Publication number: 20220115505
    Abstract: Methods of fabricating a first contact to a semiconductor device, which fundamentally comprises providing a semiconductor device formed on a substrate. The substrate further includes a conductive surface. A dielectric layer is formed over the substrate and has an opening exposing the conductive surface. The opening extends an entire length of the semiconductor device, partway down the entire length of the device, extending from the device onto adjacent field of the device, or and a combination thereof. A barrier layer is formed within the opening. A copper containing material fills the opening to form a first contact to the semiconductor device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2021
    Publication date: April 14, 2022
    Inventors: Kelin J. KUHN, Kaizad MISTRY, Mark BOHR, Chris AUTH
  • Patent number: 11302777
    Abstract: A nanowire device having a plurality of internal spacers and a method for forming said internal spacers are disclosed. In an embodiment, a semiconductor device comprises a nanowire stack disposed above a substrate, the nanowire stack having a plurality of vertically-stacked nanowires, a gate structure wrapped around each of the plurality of nanowires, defining a channel region of the device, the gate structure having gate sidewalls, a pair of source/drain regions on opposite sides of the channel region; and an internal spacer on a portion of the gate sidewall between two adjacent nanowires, internal to the nanowire stack. In an embodiment, the internal spacers are formed by depositing spacer material in dimples etched adjacent to the channel region. In an embodiment, the dimples are etched through the channel region. In another embodiment, the dimples are etched through the source/drain region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2022
    Assignee: Sony Group Corporation
    Inventors: Seiyon Kim, Kelin J. Kuhn, Tahir Ghani, Anand S. Murthy, Mark Armstrong, Rafael Rios, Abhijit Jayant Pethe, Willy Rachmady
  • Publication number: 20220059656
    Abstract: Techniques and methods related to strained NMOS and PMOS devices without relaxed substrates, systems incorporating such semiconductor devices, and methods therefor may include a semiconductor device that may have both n-type and p-type semiconductor bodies. Both types of semiconductor bodies may be formed from an initially strained semiconductor material such as silicon germanium. A silicon cladding layer may then be provided at least over or on the n-type semiconductor body. In one example, a lower portion of the semiconductor bodies is formed by a Si extension of the wafer or substrate. By one approach, an upper portion of the semiconductor bodies, formed of the strained SiGe, may be formed by blanket depositing the strained SiGe layer on the Si wafer, and then etching through the SiGe layer and into the Si wafer to form the semiconductor bodies or fins with the lower and upper portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2021
    Publication date: February 24, 2022
    Inventors: Stephen M. Cea, Roza Kotlyar, Harold W. Kennel, Anand S. Murthy, Glenn A. Glass, Kelin J. Kuhn, Tahir Ghani
  • Patent number: 11195919
    Abstract: Techniques and methods related to strained NMOS and PMOS devices without relaxed substrates, systems incorporating such semiconductor devices, and methods therefor may include a semiconductor device that may have both n-type and p-type semiconductor bodies. Both types of semiconductor bodies may be formed from an initially strained semiconductor material such as silicon germanium. A silicon cladding layer may then be provided at least over or on the n-type semiconductor body. In one example, a lower portion of the semiconductor bodies is formed by a Si extension of the wafer or substrate. By one approach, an upper portion of the semiconductor bodies, formed of the strained SiGe, may be formed by blanket depositing the strained SiGe layer on the Si wafer, and then etching through the SiGe layer and into the Si wafer to form the semiconductor bodies or fins with the lower and upper portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 7, 2021
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Stephen M. Cea, Roza Kotlyar, Harold W. Kennel, Anand S. Murthy, Glenn A. Glass, Kelin J. Kuhn, Tahir Ghani
  • Patent number: 11139400
    Abstract: Non-planar semiconductor devices having hybrid geometry-based active regions are described. For example, a semiconductor device includes a hybrid channel region including a nanowire portion disposed above an omega-FET portion disposed above a fin-FET portion. A gate stack is disposed on exposed surfaces of the hybrid channel region. The gate stack includes a gate dielectric layer and a gate electrode disposed on the gate dielectric layer. Source and drain regions are disposed on either side of the hybrid channel region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2021
    Assignee: Google LLC
    Inventors: Seiyon Kim, Rafael Rios, Fahmida Ferdousi, Kelin J. Kuhn
  • Publication number: 20210257457
    Abstract: A nanowire device of the present description may be produced with the incorporation of at least one hardmask during the fabrication of at least one nanowire transistor in order to assist in protecting an uppermost channel nanowire from damage that may result from fabrication processes, such as those used in a replacement metal gate process and/or the nanowire release process. The use of at least one hardmask may result in a substantially damage free uppermost channel nanowire in a multi-stacked nanowire transistor, which may improve the uniformity of the channel nanowires and the reliability of the overall multi-stacked nanowire transistor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2021
    Publication date: August 19, 2021
    Inventors: Seung Hoon Sung, Seiyon Kim, Kelin J. Kuhn, Willy Rachmady, Jack T. Kavalieros
  • Publication number: 20210226006
    Abstract: Methods of forming microelectronic structures are described. Embodiments of those methods include forming a nanowire device comprising a substrate comprising source/drain structures adjacent to spacers, and nanowire channel structures disposed between the spacers, wherein the nanowire channel structures are vertically stacked above each other.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 8, 2021
    Publication date: July 22, 2021
    Inventors: Kelin J. Kuhn, Seiyon Kim, Rafael Rios, Stephen M. Cea, Martin D. Giles, Annalisa Cappellani, Titash Rakshit, Peter Chang, Willy Rachmady
  • Patent number: 11024714
    Abstract: A nanowire device of the present description may be produced with the incorporation of at least one hardmask during the fabrication of at least one nanowire transistor in order to assist in protecting an uppermost channel nanowire from damage that may result from fabrication processes, such as those used in a replacement metal gate process and/or the nanowire release process. The use of at least one hardmask may result in a substantially damage free uppermost channel nanowire in a multi-stacked nanowire transistor, which may improve the uniformity of the channel nanowires and the reliability of the overall multi-stacked nanowire transistor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 2018
    Date of Patent: June 1, 2021
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Seung Hoon Sung, Seiyon Kim, Kelin J. Kuhn, Willy Rachmady, Jack T. Kavalieros
  • Patent number: 10991799
    Abstract: Methods of forming microelectronic structures are described. Embodiments of those methods include forming a nanowire device comprising a substrate comprising source/drain structures adjacent to spacers, and nanowire channel structures disposed between the spacers, wherein the nanowire channel structures are vertically stacked above each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2021
    Assignee: Sony Corporation
    Inventors: Kelin J. Kuhn, Seiyon Kim, Rafael Rios, Stephen M. Cea, Martin D. Giles, Annalisa Cappellani, Titash Rakshit, Peter Chang, Willy Rachmady
  • Publication number: 20210050418
    Abstract: A nanowire device having a plurality of internal spacers and a method for forming said internal spacers are disclosed. In an embodiment, a semiconductor device comprises a nanowire stack disposed above a substrate, the nanowire stack having a plurality of vertically-stacked nanowires, a gate structure wrapped around each of the plurality of nanowires, defining a channel region of the device, the gate structure having gate sidewalls, a pair of source/drain regions on opposite sides of the channel region; and an internal spacer on a portion of the gate sidewall between two adjacent nanowires, internal to the nanowire stack. In an embodiment, the internal spacers are formed by depositing spacer material in dimples etched adjacent to the channel region. In an embodiment, the dimples are etched through the channel region. In another embodiment, the dimples are etched through the source/drain region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 4, 2020
    Publication date: February 18, 2021
    Inventors: Seiyon KIM, Kelin J. KUHN, Tahir GHANI, Anand S. MURTHY, Mark ARMSTRONG, Rafael RIOS, Abhijit Jayant PETHE, Willy RACHMADY
  • Patent number: 10825752
    Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure describe techniques and configurations for integrated thermoelectric cooling. In one embodiment, a cooling assembly includes a semiconductor substrate, first circuitry disposed on the semiconductor substrate and configured to generate heat when in operation and second circuitry disposed on the semiconductor substrate and configured to remove the heat by thermoelectric cooling. Other embodiments may be described and/or claimed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: Intel Corporation
    Inventors: Lei Jiang, Edwin B. Ramayya, Daniel Pantuso, Rafael Rios, Kelin J. Kuhn, Seiyon Kim