Patents by Inventor Roger W. Lindsay

Roger W. Lindsay 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: 11289611
    Abstract: A method to fabricate a three dimensional memory structure may include creating a stack of layers including a conductive source layer, a first insulating layer, a select gate source layer, and a second insulating layer, and an array stack. A hole through the stack of layers may then be created using the conductive source layer as a stop-etch layer. The source material may have an etch rate no faster than 33% as fast as an etch rate of the insulating material for the etch process used to create the hole. A pillar of semiconductor material may then fill the hole, so that the pillar of semiconductor material is in electrical contact with the conductive source layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Zhenyu Lu, Hongbin Zhu, Gordon A. Haller, Roger W. Lindsay, Andrew Bicksler, Brian J. Cleereman, Minsoo Lee
  • Publication number: 20220068956
    Abstract: Some embodiments include apparatuses and methods of forming the apparatuses. One of the apparatuses includes a first deck located over a substrate, and a second deck located over the first deck, and pillars extending through the first and second decks. The first deck includes first memory cells, first control gates associated with the first memory cells, and first conductive paths coupled to the first control gates. The second conductive paths include second conductive pads located on a first level of the apparatus over the substrate. The second deck includes second memory cells, second control gates associated with the second memory cells, and second conductive paths coupled to the second control gates. The second conductive paths include second conductive pads located on a second level of the apparatus. The first and second conductive pads having lengths in a direction perpendicular to a direction from the first deck to the second deck.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 31, 2020
    Publication date: March 3, 2022
    Inventors: Darwin A. Clampitt, Shawn D. Lyonsmith, Matthew J. King, Lisa M. Clampitt, John Hopkins, Kevin Y. Titus, Indra V. Chary, Martin Jared Barclay, Anilkumar Chandolu, Pavithra Natarajan, Roger W. Lindsay
  • Patent number: 11244725
    Abstract: Various embodiments include methods and apparatuses, such as memory cells formed on two or more stacked decks. A method includes forming a first deck with first levels of conductor material and first levels of dielectric material over a substrate. Each level of the conductor material is separated from an adjacent level of conductor material by at least one of the first levels of dielectric material. A first opening is formed through the first levels of conductor material and dielectric material. A sacrificial material is formed at least partially filling the first opening. A second deck is formed over the first deck. The second deck has second levels of conductor material and second levels of dielectric material with each level of the conductor material being separated from an adjacent level of conductor material by at least one of the second levels of dielectric material. Additional apparatuses and methods are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2022
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Akira Goda, Roger W. Lindsay
  • Patent number: 11239248
    Abstract: A method of forming a microelectronic device comprises forming isolated nitride structures on steps of stair step structures comprising stacked tiers comprising alternating levels of a first insulative material and a second insulative material, forming a photoresist material over some of the stair step structures, and replacing the isolated nitride structures and the second insulative material with an electrically conductive material to respectively form conductive pad structures and electrically conductive lines. Related microelectronic devices and electronic devices are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Lifang Xu, John D. Hopkins, Roger W. Lindsay, Shuangqiang Luo
  • Publication number: 20210343637
    Abstract: A microelectronic device comprises a stack structure, a stadium structure within the stack structure, and conductive contact structures. The stack structure comprises a vertically alternating sequence of conductive structures and insulative structures arranged in tiers. Each of the tiers comprises one of the conductive structures and one of the insulative structures. The stadium structure comprises a forward staircase structure having steps comprising edges of the tiers, and a reverse staircase structure opposing the forward staircase structure and having additional steps comprising additional edges of the tiers. The conductive contact structures vertically extend to upper vertical boundaries of at least some of the conductive structures of the stack structure at the steps of the forward staircase structure and the additional steps of the reverse staircase structure, and are each integral and continuous with one of the conductive structures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2020
    Publication date: November 4, 2021
    Inventors: Darwin A. Clampitt, Roger W. Lindsay, Jeffrey D. Runia, Matthew Holland, Chamunda N. Chamunda
  • Publication number: 20210151455
    Abstract: A method of forming a microelectronic device comprises forming isolated nitride structures on steps of stair step structures comprising stacked tiers comprising alternating levels of a first insulative material and a second insulative material, forming a photoresist material over some of the stair step structures, and replacing the isolated nitride structures and the second insulative material with an electrically conductive material to respectively form conductive pad structures and electrically conductive lines. Related microelectronic devices and electronic devices are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2019
    Publication date: May 20, 2021
    Inventors: Lifang Xu, John D. Hopkins, Roger W. Lindsay, Shuangqiang Luo
  • Publication number: 20210126007
    Abstract: Some embodiments include apparatuses and methods of forming the apparatuses. One of the apparatus includes a first conductive contact; a second conductive contact; levels of conductive materials stacked over one another and located over the first and second conductive contacts; levels of dielectric materials interleaved with the levels of the conductive materials, the levels of conductive materials and the levels of dielectric materials formed a stack of materials; a first conductive structure located on a first side of the stack of materials and contacting the first conductive contact and a first level of conductive material of the levels of conductive materials; and a second conductive structure located on a second side of the stack of materials and contacting the second conductive contact and a second level of conductive material of the levels of conductive materials.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 25, 2019
    Publication date: April 29, 2021
    Inventors: Darwin A. Clampitt, Roger W. Lindsay, Christopher R. Ritchie, Shawn D. Lyonsmith, Matthew J. King, Lisa M. Clampitt
  • Patent number: 10978474
    Abstract: A method of forming a semiconductor device structure comprises forming a stack structure comprising stacked tiers. Each of the stacked tiers comprises a first structure comprising a first material and a second structure comprising a second, different material longitudinally adjacent the first structure. A patterned hard mask structure is formed over the stack structure. Dielectric structures are formed within openings in the patterned hard mask structure. A photoresist structure is formed over the dielectric structures and the patterned hard mask structure. The photoresist structure, the dielectric structures, and the stack structure are subjected to a series of material removal processes to form apertures extending to different depths within the stack structure. Dielectric structures are formed over side surfaces of the stack structure within the apertures. Conductive contact structures are formed to longitudinally extend to bottoms of the apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger W. Lindsay, Michael A. Smith, Brett D. Lowe
  • Patent number: 10879259
    Abstract: Methods for forming a string of memory cells, apparatuses having a string of memory cells, and systems are disclosed. One such method for forming a string of memory cells forms a source material over a substrate. A capping material may be formed over the source material. A select gate material may be formed over the capping material. A plurality of charge storage structures may be formed over the select gate material in a plurality of alternating levels of control gate and insulator materials. A first opening may be formed through the plurality of alternating levels of control gate and insulator materials, the select gate material, and the capping material. A channel material may be formed along the sidewall of the first opening. The channel material has a thickness that is less than a width of the first opening, such that a second opening is formed by the semiconductor channel material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Jie Sun, Zhenyu Lu, Roger W. Lindsay, Brian Cleereman, John Hopkins, Hongbin Zhu, Fatma Arzum Simsek-Ege, Prasanna Srinivasan, Purnima Narayanan
  • Patent number: 10833099
    Abstract: Some embodiments include apparatuses and methods having multiple decks of memory cells and associated control gates. A method includes forming a first deck having alternating conductor materials and dielectric materials and a hole containing materials extending through the conductor materials and the dielectric materials. The methods can also include forming a sacrificial material in an enlarged portion of the hole and forming a second deck of memory cells over the first deck. Additional apparatuses and methods are described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 10, 2020
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Zhenyu Lu, Roger W. Lindsay, Akira Goda, John Hopkins
  • Publication number: 20200243437
    Abstract: A method of forming circuitry components includes forming a stack of horizontally extending and vertically overlapping features. The stack has a primary portion and an end portion. At least some of the features extend farther in the horizontal direction in the end portion moving deeper into the stack in the end portion. Operative structures are formed vertically through the features in the primary portion and dummy structures are formed vertically through the features in the end portion. Horizontally elongated openings are formed through the features to form horizontally elongated and vertically overlapping lines from material of the features. The lines individually extend from the primary portion into the end portion, and individually laterally about sides of vertically extending portions of both the operative structures and the dummy structures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2020
    Publication date: July 30, 2020
    Applicant: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Sanh D. Tang, Roger W. Lindsay, Krishna K. Parat
  • Publication number: 20200243677
    Abstract: A method to fabricate a three dimensional memory structure may include creating a stack of layers including a conductive source layer, a first insulating layer, a select gate source layer, and a second insulating layer, and an array stack. A hole through the stack of layers may then be created using the conductive source layer as a stop-etch layer. The source material may have an etch rate no faster than 33% as fast as an etch rate of the insulating material for the etch process used to create the hole. A pillar of semiconductor material may then fill the hole, so that the pillar of semiconductor material is in electrical contact with the conductive source layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2020
    Publication date: July 30, 2020
    Applicant: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Zhenyu Lu, Hongbin Zhu, Gordon A. Haller, Roger W. Lindsay, Andrew Bicksler, Brian J. Cleereman, Minsoo Lee
  • Patent number: 10658285
    Abstract: A method of forming circuitry components includes forming a stack of horizontally extending and vertically overlapping features. The stack has a primary portion and an end portion. At least some of the features extend farther in the horizontal direction in the end portion moving deeper into the stack in the end portion. Operative structures are formed vertically through the features in the primary portion and dummy structures are formed vertically through the features in the end portion. Horizontally elongated openings are formed through the features to form horizontally elongated and vertically overlapping lines from material of the features. The lines individually extend from the primary portion into the end portion, and individually laterally about sides of vertically extending portions of both the operative structures and the dummy structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2020
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Sanh D. Tang, Roger W. Lindsay, Krishna K. Parat
  • Patent number: 10651315
    Abstract: A method to fabricate a three dimensional memory structure may include creating a stack of layers including a conductive source layer, a first insulating layer, a select gate source layer, and a second insulating layer, and an array stack. A hole through the stack of layers may then be created using the conductive source layer as a stop-etch layer. The source material may have an etch rate no faster than 33% as fast as an etch rate of the insulating material for the etch process used to create the hole. A pillar of semiconductor material may then fill the hole, so that the pillar of semiconductor material is in electrical contact with the conductive source layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Zhenyu Lu, Hongbin Zhu, Gordon A Haller, Roger W. Lindsay, Andrew Bicksler, Brian J. Cleereman, Minsoo Lee
  • Publication number: 20200111530
    Abstract: Various embodiments include methods and apparatuses, such as memory cells formed on two or more stacked decks. A method includes forming a first deck with first levels of conductor material and first levels of dielectric material over a substrate. Each level of the conductor material is separated from an adjacent level of conductor material by at least one of the first levels of dielectric material. A first opening is formed through the first levels of conductor material and dielectric material. A sacrificial material is formed at least partially filling the first opening. A second deck is formed over the first deck. The second deck has second levels of conductor material and second levels of dielectric material with each level of the conductor material being separated from an adjacent level of conductor material by at least one of the second levels of dielectric material. Additional apparatuses and methods are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 9, 2019
    Publication date: April 9, 2020
    Inventors: Akira Goda, Roger W. Lindsay
  • Publication number: 20200051904
    Abstract: A method of forming circuitry components includes forming a stack of horizontally extending and vertically overlapping features. The stack has a primary portion and an end portion. At least some of the features extend farther in the horizontal direction in the end portion moving deeper into the stack in the end portion. Operative structures are formed vertically through the features in the primary portion and dummy structures are formed vertically through the features in the end portion. Horizontally elongated openings are formed through the features to form horizontally elongated and vertically overlapping lines from material of the features. The lines individually extend from the primary portion into the end portion, and individually laterally about sides of vertically extending portions of both the operative structures and the dummy structures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 16, 2019
    Publication date: February 13, 2020
    Applicant: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Sanh D. Tang, Roger W. Lindsay, Krishna K. Parat
  • Publication number: 20190386021
    Abstract: A method of forming a semiconductor device structure comprises forming a stack structure comprising stacked tiers. Each of the stacked tiers comprises a first structure comprising a first material and a second structure comprising a second, different material longitudinally adjacent the first structure. A patterned hard mask structure is formed over the stack structure. Dielectric structures are formed within openings in the patterned hard mask structure. A photoresist structure is formed over the dielectric structures and the patterned hard mask structure. The photoresist structure, the dielectric structures, and the stack structure are subjected to a series of material removal processes to form apertures extending to different depths within the stack structure. Dielectric structures are formed over side surfaces of the stack structure within the apertures. Conductive contact structures are formed to longitudinally extend to bottoms of the apertures.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2019
    Publication date: December 19, 2019
    Inventors: Roger W. Lindsay, Michael A. Smith, Brett D. Lowe
  • Patent number: 10504596
    Abstract: Various embodiments include methods and apparatuses, such as memory cells formed on two or more stacked decks. A method includes forming a first deck with first levels of conductor material and first levels of dielectric material over a substrate. Each level of the conductor material is separated from an adjacent level of conductor material by at least one of the first levels of dielectric material. A first opening is formed through the first levels of conductor material and dielectric material. A sacrificial material is formed at least partially filling the first opening. A second deck is formed over the first deck. The second deck has second levels of conductor material and second levels of dielectric material with each level of the conductor material being separated from an adjacent level of conductor material by at least one of the second levels of dielectric material. Additional apparatuses and methods are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2019
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Akira Goda, Roger W. Lindsay
  • Patent number: 10475737
    Abstract: A method of forming circuitry components includes forming a stack of horizontally extending and vertically overlapping features. The stack has a primary portion and an end portion. At least some of the features extend farther in the horizontal direction in the end portion moving deeper into the stack in the end portion. Operative structures are formed vertically through the features in the primary portion and dummy structures are formed vertically through the features in the end portion. Horizontally elongated openings are formed through the features to form horizontally elongated and vertically overlapping lines from material of the features. The lines individually extend from the primary portion into the end portion, and individually laterally about sides of vertically extending portions of both the operative structures and the dummy structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2019
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Sanh D. Tang, Roger W. Lindsay, Krishna K. Parat
  • Patent number: 10446579
    Abstract: A method of forming a semiconductor device structure comprises forming a stack structure comprising stacked tiers. Each of the stacked tiers comprises a first structure comprising a first material and a second structure comprising a second, different material longitudinally adjacent the first structure. A patterned hard mask structure is formed over the stack structure. Dielectric structures are formed within openings in the patterned hard mask structure. A photoresist structure is formed over the dielectric structures and the patterned hard mask structure. The photoresist structure, the dielectric structures, and the stack structure are subjected to a series of material removal processes to form apertures extending to different depths within the stack structure. Dielectric structures are formed over side surfaces of the stack structure within the apertures. Conductive contact structures are formed to longitudinally extend to bottoms of the apertures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger W. Lindsay, Michael A. Smith, Brett D. Lowe