Abstract: An exemplary NAND string memory array includes at least one plane of memory cells, said memory cells comprising thin film modifiable conductance switch devices and which cells are arranged in a plurality of series-connected NAND strings, said NAND strings including a series select device at each end thereof. Another exemplary NAND string memory array includes a group of more than four adjacent NAND strings within the same memory block each associated with a respective global bit line not shared by the other NAND string of the group. Another exemplary NAND string memory array includes NAND strings on identical pitch as their respective global bit lines.

Abstract: A dual-gate device is formed over and insulated from a semiconductor substrate which may include additional functional circuits that can be interconnected to the dual-gate device. The dual-gate device includes two semiconductor devices formed on opposite surfaces of a common active semiconductor region which is provided a thickness and material sufficient to isolate the semiconductor devices from electrostatically interacting. In one embodiment, one of the semiconductor devices includes a charge storing layer, such as an ONO layer. Such a dual-gate device is suitable for use in a non-volatile memory array.

Abstract: An exemplary NAND string memory array includes at least one plane of memory cells, said memory cells comprising thin film modifiable conductance switch devices and which cells are arranged in a plurality of series-connected NAND strings, and NAND strings including a series select device at each end thereof. Another exemplary NAND string memory array includes a group of more than four adjacent NAND strings within the same memory block each associated with a respective global bit line not shared by the other NAND string of the group. Another exemplary NAND string memory array includes NAND strings on identical pitch as their respective global bit lines.

Abstract: The present invention generally provides a batch processing chamber having a quartz chamber, at least one heater block, an inject assembly coupled to one side of the quartz chamber, and an exhaust assembly coupled to an opposite side of the quartz chamber. In one embodiment, the inject assembly is independently temperature controlled. In another embodiment, at least one temperature sensor is disposed outside the quartz chamber.

Abstract: An apparatus for batch processing of a wafer is disclosed. In one embodiment the batch processing apparatus includes a bell jar furnace having a diffuser disposed between gas inlets and the substrate positioned within the furnace to direct flows within the chamber around the perimeter of the substrate.

Abstract: Embodiments of the invention provide methods for forming a material on a substrate which includes exposing a plurality of substrates within a batch process chamber to a first oxidizing gas during a pretreatment process, exposing the substrates sequentially to a precursor and a second oxidizing gas during an ALD cycle and repeating the ALD cycle to form a material on the substrates. In a preferred example, a hafnium precursor is used during the ALD process to form a hafnium-containing material, such as hafnium oxide. In one example, the first and second oxidizing gases are the same oxidizing gases. In a preferred example, the first and second oxidizing gases are different oxidizing gases, such that the pretreatment process contains ozone and the ALD process contains water vapor.

Abstract: An improved method for fabricating a three dimensional monolithic memory with increased density. The method includes forming conductors preferably comprising tungsten, then filling and planarizing; above the conductors forming semiconductor elements preferably comprising two diode portions and an antifuse, then filling and planarizing; and continuing to form conductors and semiconductor elements in multiple stories of memories. The arrangement of processing steps and the choice of materials decreases aspect ratio of each memory cell, improving the reliability of gap fill and preventing etch undercut.

Abstract: A dual-gate device is formed over and insulated from a semiconductor substrate which may include additional functional circuits that can be interconnected to the dual-gate device. The dual-gate device includes two semiconductor devices formed on opposite surfaces of a common active semiconductor region which is provided a thickness and material sufficient to isolate the semiconductor devices from electrostatically interacting. In one embodiment, one of the semiconductor devices includes a charge storing layer, such as an ONO layer. Such a dual-gate device is suitable for use in a non-volatile memory array.

Abstract: An improved method for fabricating a three dimensional monolithic memory with increased density. The method includes forming conductors preferably comprising tungsten, then filling and planarizing; above the conductors forming semiconductor elements preferably comprising two diode portions and an antifuse, then filling and planarizing; and continuing to form conductors and semiconductor elements in multiple stories of memories. The arrangement of processing steps and the choice of materials decreases aspect ratio of each memory cell, improving the reliability of gap fill and preventing etch undercut.

Abstract: The invention provides for polysilicon vias connecting conductive polysilicon layers formed at different heights. Polysilicon vias are advantageously used in a monolithic three dimensional memory array of charge storage transistors. Polysilicon vias according to the present invention can be used, for example, to connect the channel layer of a first device level of charge storage transistor memory cells to the channel layer of a second device layer of such cells formed above the first device level. Similarly, vias according to the present invention can be used to connect the wordline of a first device level of charge storage transistor memory cells to the channel layer of a second device layer of such cells.

Abstract: The traditional nitride-only charge storage layer of a SONOS device is replaced by a multifilm charge storage layer comprising more than one dielectric material. Examples of such a multifilm charge storage layer are alternating layers of silicon nitride and silicon dioxide, or alternating layers of silicon nitride and aluminum oxide. The use of more than one material introduces additional barriers to migration of charge carriers within the charge storage layer, and improves both endurance and retention of a SONOS-type memory cell comprising such a charge storage layer.

Abstract: An improved method for fabricating a three dimensional monolithic memory with increased density. The method includes forming conductors preferably comprising tungsten, then filling and planarizing; above the conductors forming semiconductor elements preferably comprising two diode portions and an antifuse, then filling and planarizing; and continuing to form conductors and semiconductor elements in multiple stories of memories. The arrangement of processing steps and the choice of materials decreases aspect ratio of each memory cell, improving the reliability of gap fill and preventing etch undercut.

Abstract: An improved method for fabricating a three dimensional monolithic memory with increased density. The method includes forming conductors preferably comprising tungsten, then filling and planarizing; above the conductors forming semiconductor elements preferably comprising two diode portions and an antifuse, then filling and planarizing; and continuing to form conductors and semiconductor elements in multiple stories of memories. The arrangement of processing steps and the choice of materials decreases aspect ratio of each memory cell, improving the reliability of gap fill and preventing etch undercut.

Abstract: An improved method for fabricating a three dimensional monolithic memory with increased density. The method includes forming conductors preferably comprising tungsten, then filling and planarizing; above the conductors forming semiconductor elements preferably comprising two diode portions and an antifuse, then filling and planarizing; and continuing to form conductors and semiconductor elements in multiple stories of memories. The arrangement of processing steps and the choice of materials decreases aspect ratio of each memory cell, improving the reliability of gap fill and preventing etch undercut.

Abstract: A thin film transistor with a channel less than 100 angstroms thick, preferably less than 80 angstroms thick, preferably less than 60 angstroms thick. The very thin channel reduces variability of threshold voltage from one TFT to the next. This is particularly advantageous for TFT memory arrays. It is possible that an extremely thin channel restricts the size of grains, forcing many small grains to be formed.

Abstract: A three dimensional monolithic memory comprising a memory cell allowing for increased density is disclosed. In the memory cell of the present invention, a bottom conductor preferably comprising tungsten is formed. Above the bottom conductor a semiconductor element preferably comprises two diode portions and an antifuse. Above the semiconductor element are additional conductors and semiconductor elements in multiple stones of memories. The arrangement of processing steps and the choice of materials decreases aspect ratio of each memory cell, improving the reliability of gap fill and preventing etch undercut.

Abstract: An exemplary NAND string memory array includes at least one plane of memory cells, said memory cells comprising thin film modifiable conductance switch devices and which cells are arranged in a plurality of series-connected NAND strings, and NAND strings including a series select device at each end thereof. Another exemplary NAND string memory array includes a group of more than four adjacent NAND strings within the same memory block each associated with a respective global bit line not shared by the other NAND string of the group. Another exemplary NAND string memory array includes NAND strings on identical pitch as their respective global bit lines.

Abstract: The traditional nitride-only charge storage layer of a SONOS device is replaced by a multifilm charge storage layer comprising more than one dielectric material. Examples of such a multifilm charge storage layer are alternating layers of silicon nitride and silicon dioxide, or alternating layers of silicon nitride and aluminum oxide. The use of more than one material introduces additional barriers to migration of charge carriers within the charge storage layer, and improves both endurance and retention of a SONOS-type memory cell comprising such a charge storage layer.

Abstract: A thin film transistor includes an insulating substrate, an active layer located over the substrate, a gate electrode located over the substrate; and a charge storage region located between the active layer and the gate electrode. The charge storage region includes a tunneling dielectric located adjacent to the active layer, a blocking dielectric located adjacent to the gate electrode and a charge storage dielectric located between the tunneling dielectric and the blocking dielectric. At least one of the tunneling dielectric, the charge storage dielectric and the blocking dielectric comprises a layer having a dielectric constant greater than 3.9, such as a metal oxide layer.

Abstract: An improved method for fabricating a three dimensional monolithic memory with increased density. The method includes forming conductors preferably comprising tungsten, then filling and planarizing; above the conductors forming semiconductor elements preferably comprising two diode portions and an antifuse, then filling and planarizing; and continuing to form conductors and semiconductor elements in multiple stories of memories. The arrangement of processing steps and the choice of materials decreases aspect ratio of each memory cell, improving the reliability of gap fill and preventing etch undercut.