Patents by Inventor Robert J. Mears

Robert J. Mears 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: 11978771
    Abstract: A semiconductor gate-all-around (GAA) device may include a semiconductor substrate, source and drain regions on the semiconductor substrate, a plurality of semiconductor nanostructures extending between the source and drain regions, and a gate surrounding the plurality of semiconductor nanostructures in a gate-all-around arrangement. Furthermore, at least one superlattice may be within at least one of the nanostructures. The at least one superlattice may include a plurality of stacked groups of layers, with each group of layers including a plurality of stacked base semiconductor monolayers defining a base semiconductor portion, and at least one non-semiconductor monolayer constrained within a crystal lattice of adjacent base semiconductor portions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 21, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: ATOMERA INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Keith Doran Weeks, Nyles Wynn Cody, Marek Hytha, Robert J. Mears, Robert John Stephenson, Hideki Takeuchi
  • Publication number: 20240063268
    Abstract: A method for making a semiconductor device may include forming a superlattice adjacent a semiconductor layer. The superlattice may include a plurality of stacked groups of layers, with each group of layers including a plurality of stacked base semiconductor monolayers defining a base semiconductor portion, and at least one non-semiconductor monolayer constrained within a crystal lattice of adjacent base semiconductor portions. The at least one non-semiconductor monolayer in a first group of layers of the superlattice may comprise oxygen and be devoid of carbon, and the at least one non-semiconductor monolayer in a second group of layers of the superlattice may comprise carbon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2023
    Publication date: February 22, 2024
    Inventors: KEITH DORAN WEEKS, NYLES WYNN CODY, MAREK HYTHA, ROBERT J. MEARS, ROBERT JOHN STEPHENSON, HIDEKI TAKEUCHI
  • Publication number: 20230411557
    Abstract: A semiconductor device may include at least one semiconductor layer including a superlattice therein. The superlattice may include a plurality of stacked groups of layers, with each group of layers including stacked base semiconductor monolayers defining a base semiconductor portion, and at least one non-semiconductor monolayer constrained within a crystal lattice of adjacent base semiconductor portions. The semiconductor device may further include quantum dots spaced apart in the at least one semiconductor layer above the superlattice and including a different semiconductor material than the semiconductor layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2023
    Publication date: December 21, 2023
    Inventors: MAREK HYTHA, NYLES WYNN CODY, ROBERT J. MEARS, HIDEKI TAKEUCHI, KEITH DORAN WEEKS
  • Publication number: 20230411491
    Abstract: A method for making a semiconductor device may include forming at least one semiconductor layer including a superlattice therein. The superlattice may include a plurality of stacked groups of layers, with each group of layers including stacked base semiconductor monolayers defining a base semiconductor portion, and at least one non-semiconductor monolayer constrained within a crystal lattice of adjacent base semiconductor portions. The method may further include forming quantum dots spaced apart in the at least one semiconductor layer above the superlattice and including a different semiconductor material than the semiconductor layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2023
    Publication date: December 21, 2023
    Inventors: MAREK HYTHA, NYLES WYNN CODY, ROBERT J. MEARS, HIDEKI TAKEUCHI, KEITH DORAN WEEKS
  • Patent number: 11848356
    Abstract: A method for making a semiconductor device may include forming a superlattice adjacent a semiconductor layer. The superlattice may include a plurality of stacked groups of layers, with each group of layers including a plurality of stacked base semiconductor monolayers defining a base semiconductor portion, and at least one non-semiconductor monolayer constrained within a crystal lattice of adjacent base semiconductor portions. The at least one non-semiconductor monolayer in a first group of layers of the superlattice may comprise oxygen and be devoid of carbon, and the at least one non-semiconductor monolayer in a second group of layers of the superlattice may comprise carbon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2023
    Assignee: ATOMERA INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Keith Doran Weeks, Nyles Wynn Cody, Marek Hytha, Robert J. Mears, Robert John Stephenson, Hideki Takeuchi
  • Patent number: 11837634
    Abstract: A semiconductor device may include a semiconductor layer and a superlattice adjacent the semiconductor layer. The superlattice may include a plurality of stacked groups of layers, with each group of layers comprising a plurality of stacked base semiconductor monolayers defining a base semiconductor portion, and at least one non-semiconductor monolayer constrained within a crystal lattice of adjacent base semiconductor portions. The at least one non-semiconductor monolayer in a first group of layers of the superlattice may comprise oxygen and be devoid of carbon, and the at least one non-semiconductor monolayer in a second group of layers of the superlattice may comprise carbon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: ATOMERA INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Keith Doran Weeks, Nyles Wynn Cody, Marek Hytha, Robert J. Mears, Robert John Stephenson, Hideki Takeuchi
  • Publication number: 20230363150
    Abstract: A dynamic random access memory (DRAM) device may include an array of DRAM cells, with each DRAM cell configured to store a high logic voltage and a low logic voltage. The DRAM device may further include a precharge circuit configured to selectively provide a first reference voltage and a second reference voltage to a first line and a second line, respectively, and a sense amplifier comprising a cross-coupled transistor sensing circuit coupled between the first line and second line. The sense amplifier may include at least one transistor including a superlattice channel. The DRAM device may further include a refresh circuit configured to selectively couple a third reference voltage to a corresponding DRAM cell via the first line and based upon a voltage difference between the first line and the second line, with the third reference voltage being greater than the high logic voltage of the DRAM cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 3, 2023
    Publication date: November 9, 2023
    Inventors: Richard Stephen Roy, Robert J. Mears
  • Publication number: 20230352299
    Abstract: A method for making a radio frequency (RF) semiconductor device may include forming an RF ground plane layer on a semiconductor-on-insulator substrate and including a conductive superlattice. The conductive superlattice may include stacked groups of layers, with each group of layers including stacked doped base semiconductor monolayers defining a doped base semiconductor portion, and at least one non-semiconductor monolayer constrained within a crystal lattice of adjacent doped base semiconductor portions. The method may further include forming a body above the RF ground plane layer, forming spaced apart source and drain regions adjacent the body and defining a channel region in the body, and forming a gate overlying the channel region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 22, 2023
    Publication date: November 2, 2023
    Inventors: HIDEKI TAKEUCHI, ROBERT J. MEARS
  • Patent number: 11742202
    Abstract: A method for making a radio frequency (RF) semiconductor device may include forming an RF ground plane layer on a semiconductor-on-insulator substrate and including a conductive superlattice. The conductive superlattice may include stacked groups of layers, with each group of layers including stacked doped base semiconductor monolayers defining a doped base semiconductor portion, and at least one non-semiconductor monolayer constrained within a crystal lattice of adjacent doped base semiconductor portions. The method may further include forming a body above the RF ground plane layer, forming spaced apart source and drain regions adjacent the body and defining a channel region in the body, and forming a gate overlying the channel region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2022
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: ATOMERA INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Hideki Takeuchi, Robert J. Mears
  • Patent number: 11664427
    Abstract: A vertical semiconductor device may include a semiconductor substrate having at least one trench therein, and a superlattice layer extending vertically adjacent the at least one trench. The superlattice layer may comprise stacked groups of layers, with each group of layers comprising stacked base semiconductor monolayers defining a base semiconductor portion, and at least one non-semiconductor monolayer. Each at least one non-semiconductor monolayer of each group of layers may be constrained within a crystal lattice of adjacent base semiconductor portions. The vertical semiconductor device may also include a doped semiconductor layer adjacent the superlattice layer, and a conductive body adjacent the doped semiconductor layer on a side thereof opposite the superlattice layer and defining a vertical semiconductor device contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2022
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2023
    Assignee: ATOMERA INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Robert John Stephenson, Richard Burton, Dmitri Choutov, Nyles Wynn Cody, Daniel Connelly, Robert J. Mears, Erwin Trautmann
  • Publication number: 20230122723
    Abstract: A method for making a semiconductor gate-all-around (GAA) device may include forming source and drain regions on a semiconductor substrate, forming a plurality of semiconductor nanostructures extending between the source and drain regions, and forming a gate surrounding the plurality of semiconductor nanostructures in a gate-all-around arrangement. Furthermore, the method may include forming at least one superlattice may be within at least one of the nanostructures. The at least one superlattice may include a plurality of stacked groups of layers, with each group of layers including a plurality of stacked base semiconductor monolayers defining a base semiconductor portion, and at least one non-semiconductor monolayer constrained within a crystal lattice of adjacent base semiconductor portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2022
    Publication date: April 20, 2023
    Inventors: KEITH DORAN WEEKS, NYLES WYNN CODY, MAREK HYTHA, ROBERT J. MEARS, ROBERT JOHN STEPHENSON, HIDEKI TAKEUCHI
  • Publication number: 20230121774
    Abstract: A semiconductor gate-all-around (GAA) device may include a semiconductor substrate, source and drain regions on the semiconductor substrate, a plurality of semiconductor nanostructures extending between the source and drain regions, and a gate surrounding the plurality of semiconductor nanostructures in a gate-all-around arrangement. Furthermore, at least one superlattice may be within at least one of the nanostructures. The at least one superlattice may include a plurality of stacked groups of layers, with each group of layers including a plurality of stacked base semiconductor monolayers defining a base semiconductor portion, and at least one non-semiconductor monolayer constrained within a crystal lattice of adjacent base semiconductor portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2022
    Publication date: April 20, 2023
    Inventors: KEITH DORAN WEEKS, NYLES WYNN CODY, MAREK HYTHA, ROBERT J. MEARS, ROBERT JOHN STEPHENSON, HIDEKI TAKEUCHI
  • Publication number: 20220384600
    Abstract: A method for making a semiconductor gate-all-around (GAA) device may include forming source and drain regions on a semiconductor substrate, forming a plurality of semiconductor nanostructures extending between the source and drain regions, forming a gate surrounding the plurality of semiconductor nanostructures in a gate-all-around arrangement, and forming a dopant diffusion liner adjacent at least one of the source and drain regions and comprising a first superlattice. The first superlattice may include a plurality of stacked groups of layers, with each group of layers including a plurality of stacked base semiconductor monolayers defining a base semiconductor portion, and at least one non-semiconductor monolayer constrained within a crystal lattice of adjacent base semiconductor portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2022
    Publication date: December 1, 2022
    Inventors: ROBERT J. MEARS, HIDEKI TAKEUCHI
  • Publication number: 20220376047
    Abstract: A semiconductor gate-all-around (GAA) device may include a semiconductor substrate, source and drain regions on the semiconductor substrate, a plurality of semiconductor nanostructures extending between the source and drain regions, a gate surrounding the plurality of semiconductor nanostructures in a gate-all-around arrangement, and a dopant diffusion liner adjacent at least one of the source and drain regions and comprising a first superlattice. The first superlattice may include a plurality of stacked groups of layers, with each group of layers comprising a plurality of stacked base semiconductor monolayers defining a base semiconductor portion, and at least one non-semiconductor monolayer constrained within a crystal lattice of adjacent base semiconductor portions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 18, 2022
    Publication date: November 24, 2022
    Inventors: ROBERT J. MEARS, HIDEKI TAKEUCHI
  • Publication number: 20220285153
    Abstract: A method for making a radio frequency (RF) semiconductor device may include forming an RF ground plane layer on a semiconductor-on-insulator substrate and including a conductive superlattice. The conductive superlattice may include stacked groups of layers, with each group of layers including stacked doped base semiconductor monolayers defining a doped base semiconductor portion, and at least one non-semiconductor monolayer constrained within a crystal lattice of adjacent doped base semiconductor portions. The method may further include forming a body above the RF ground plane layer, forming spaced apart source and drain regions adjacent the body and defining a channel region in the body, and forming a gate overlying the channel region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2022
    Publication date: September 8, 2022
    Inventors: Hideki Takeuchi, Robert J. Mears
  • Publication number: 20220285498
    Abstract: A vertical semiconductor device may include a semiconductor substrate having at least one trench therein, and a superlattice layer extending vertically adjacent the at least one trench. The superlattice layer may comprise stacked groups of layers, with each group of layers comprising stacked base semiconductor monolayers defining a base semiconductor portion, and at least one non-semiconductor monolayer. Each at least one non-semiconductor monolayer of each group of layers may be constrained within a crystal lattice of adjacent base semiconductor portions. The vertical semiconductor device may also include a doped semiconductor layer adjacent the superlattice layer, and a conductive body adjacent the doped semiconductor layer on a side thereof opposite the superlattice layer and defining a vertical semiconductor device contact.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2022
    Publication date: September 8, 2022
    Inventors: ROBERT JOHN STEPHENSON, RICHARD BURTON, DMITRI CHOUTOV, NYLES WYNN CODY, DANIEL CONNELLY, ROBERT J. MEARS, ERWIN TRAUTMANN
  • Publication number: 20220285152
    Abstract: A radio frequency (RF) semiconductor device may include a semiconductor-on-insulator substrate, and an RF ground plane layer on the semiconductor-on-insulator substrate including a conductive superlattice. The conductive superlattice may include stacked groups of layers, with each group of layers comprising stacked doped base semiconductor monolayers defining a doped base semiconductor portion, and at least one non-semiconductor monolayer constrained within a crystal lattice of adjacent doped base semiconductor portions. The RF semiconductor device may further include a body above the RF ground plane layer, spaced apart source and drain regions adjacent the body and defining a channel region in the body, and a gate overlying the channel region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2022
    Publication date: September 8, 2022
    Inventors: HIDEKI TAKEUCHI, ROBERT J. MEARS
  • Patent number: 11430869
    Abstract: A method for making a semiconductor device may include forming a superlattice on a substrate comprising a plurality of stacked groups of layers, with each group of layers including a plurality of stacked base semiconductor monolayers defining a base semiconductor portion, and at least one non-semiconductor monolayer constrained within a crystal lattice of adjacent base semiconductor portions. Moreover, forming at least one of the base semiconductor portions may include overgrowing the at least one base semiconductor portion and etching back the overgrown at least one base semiconductor portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignee: ATOMERA INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Keith Doran Weeks, Nyles Wynn Cody, Marek Hytha, Robert J. Mears, Robert John Stephenson
  • Patent number: 11387325
    Abstract: A vertical semiconductor device may include a semiconductor substrate having at least one trench therein, and a superlattice liner at least partially covering sidewall portions of the at least one trench and defining a gap between opposing sidewall portions of the superlattice liner. The superlattice liner may include a plurality of stacked groups of layers, each group of layers comprising stacked base semiconductor monolayers defining a base semiconductor portion, and at least one non-semiconductor monolayer, with each at least one non-semiconductor monolayer of each group being constrained within a crystal lattice of adjacent base semiconductor portions. The device may also include a semiconductor layer on the superlattice liner and including a dopant constrained therein by the superlattice liner, and a conductive body within the at least one trench defining a source contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 12, 2022
    Assignee: ATOMERA INCORPORATED
    Inventors: Robert John Stephenson, Richard Burton, Dmitri Choutov, Nyles Wynn Cody, Daniel Connelly, Robert J. Mears, Erwin Trautmann
  • Publication number: 20220005926
    Abstract: A semiconductor device may include a semiconductor layer and a superlattice adjacent the semiconductor layer. The superlattice may include a plurality of stacked groups of layers, with each group of layers comprising a plurality of stacked base semiconductor monolayers defining a base semiconductor portion, and at least one non-semiconductor monolayer constrained within a crystal lattice of adjacent base semiconductor portions. The at least one non-semiconductor monolayer in a first group of layers of the superlattice may comprise oxygen and be devoid of carbon, and the at least one non-semiconductor monolayer in a second group of layers of the superlattice may comprise carbon.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 30, 2021
    Publication date: January 6, 2022
    Inventors: KEITH DORAN WEEKS, NYLES WYNN CODY, MAREK HYTHA, ROBERT J. MEARS, ROBERT JOHN STEPHENSON, HIDEKI TAKEUCHI