Patents by Inventor Witold Kula

Witold Kula 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: 20190305211
    Abstract: A magnetic tunnel junction comprises a conductive first magnetic electrode comprising magnetic recording material, a conductive second magnetic electrode spaced from the first electrode and comprising magnetic reference material, and a non-magnetic tunnel insulator material between the first and second electrodes. The magnetic reference material of the second electrode comprises a synthetic antiferromagnetic construction comprising two spaced magnetic regions one of which is closer to the tunnel insulator material than is the other. The one magnetic region comprises a polarizer region comprising CoxFeyBz where “x” is from 0 to 90, “y” is from 10 to 90, and “z” is from 10 to 50. The CoxFeyBz is directly against the tunnel insulator. A non-magnetic region comprising an Os-containing material is between the two spaced magnetic regions. The other magnetic region comprises a magnetic Co-containing material. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 7, 2019
    Publication date: October 3, 2019
    Applicant: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Wei Chen, Witold Kula, Manzar Siddik, Suresh Ramarajan, Jonathan D. Harms
  • Patent number: 10396278
    Abstract: A magnetic cell includes an attracter material proximate to a magnetic region (e.g., a free region). The attracter material is formulated to have a higher chemical affinity for a diffusible species of a magnetic material, from which the magnetic region is formed, compared to a chemical affinity between the diffusible species and at least another species of the magnetic material. Thus, the diffusible species is removed from the magnetic material to the attracter material. The removal accommodates crystallization of the depleted magnetic material. The crystallized, depleted magnetic material enables a high tunnel magnetoresistance, high energy barrier, and high energy barrier ratio. The magnetic region may be formed as a continuous magnetic material, thus enabling a high exchange stiffness, and positioning the magnetic region between two magnetic anisotropy-inducing oxide regions enables a high magnetic anisotropy strength. Methods of fabrication and semiconductor devices are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Manzar Siddik, Andy Lyle, Witold Kula
  • Publication number: 20190252602
    Abstract: A magnetic cell includes a free region between an intermediate oxide region (e.g., a tunnel barrier) and a secondary oxide region. Both oxide regions may be configured to induce magnetic anisotropy (“MA”) with the free region, enhancing the MA strength of the free region. A getter material proximate to the secondary oxide region is formulated and configured to remove oxygen from the secondary oxide region, reducing an oxygen concentration and an electrical resistance of the secondary oxide region. Thus, the secondary oxide region contributes only minimally to the electrical resistance of the cell core. Embodiments of the present disclosure therefore enable a high effective magnetoresistance, low resistance area product, and low programming voltage along with the enhanced MA strength. Methods of fabrication, memory arrays, memory systems, and electronic systems are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2019
    Publication date: August 15, 2019
    Inventors: Gurtej S. Sandhu, Witold Kula
  • Patent number: 10374149
    Abstract: A magnetic tunnel junction comprises a conductive first magnetic electrode comprising magnetic recording material, a conductive second magnetic electrode spaced from the first electrode and comprising magnetic reference material, and a non-magnetic tunnel insulator material between the first and second electrodes. The magnetic reference material of the second electrode comprises a synthetic antiferromagnetic construction comprising two spaced magnetic regions one of which is closer to the tunnel insulator material than is the other. The one magnetic region comprises a polarizer region comprising CoxFeyBz where “x” is from 0 to 90, “y” is from 10 to 90, and “z” is from 10 to 50. The CoxFeyBz is directly against the tunnel insulator. A non-magnetic region comprising an Os-containing material is between the two spaced magnetic regions. The other magnetic region comprises a magnetic Co-containing material. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2019
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Wei Chen, Witold Kula, Manzar Siddik, Suresh Ramarajan, Jonathan D. Harms
  • Patent number: 10290799
    Abstract: A magnetic cell includes a free region between an intermediate oxide region (e.g., a tunnel barrier) and a secondary oxide region. Both oxide regions may be configured to induce magnetic anisotropy (“MA”) with the free region, enhancing the MA strength of the free region. A getter material proximate to the secondary oxide region is formulated and configured to remove oxygen from the secondary oxide region, reducing an oxygen concentration and an electrical resistance of the secondary oxide region. Thus, the secondary oxide region contributes only minimally to the electrical resistance of the cell core. Embodiments of the present disclosure therefore enable a high effective magnetoresistance, low resistance area product, and low programming voltage along with the enhanced MA strength. Methods of fabrication, memory arrays, memory systems, and electronic systems are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Gurtej S. Sandhu, Witold Kula
  • Patent number: 10276781
    Abstract: Magnetic memory cells, methods of fabrication, semiconductor device structures, and memory systems are disclosed. A magnetic cell core includes at least one magnetic region (e.g., a free region or a fixed region) configured to exhibit a vertical magnetic orientation, at least one oxide-based region, which may be a tunnel junction region or an oxide capping region, and at least one magnetic interface region, which may comprise or consist of iron (Fe). In some embodiments, the magnetic interface region is spaced from at least one oxide-based region by a magnetic region. The presence of the magnetic interface region enhances the perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA) strength of the magnetic cell core. In some embodiments, the PMA strength may be enhanced more than 50% compared to that of the same magnetic cell core structure lacking the magnetic interface region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Wei Chen, Sunil Murthy, Witold Kula
  • Publication number: 20190097125
    Abstract: Magnetic memory cells, methods of fabrication, semiconductor device structures, and memory systems are disclosed. A magnetic cell core includes at least one magnetic region (e.g., a free region or a fixed region) configured to exhibit a vertical magnetic orientation, at least one oxide-based region, which may be a tunnel junction region or an oxide capping region, and at least one magnetic interface region, which may comprise or consist of iron (Fe). In some embodiments, the magnetic interface region is spaced from at least one oxide-based region by a magnetic region. The presence of the magnetic interface region enhances the perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA) strength of the magnetic cell core. In some embodiments, the PMA strength may be enhanced more than 50% compared to that of the same magnetic cell core structure lacking the magnetic interface region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 28, 2018
    Publication date: March 28, 2019
    Inventors: Wei Chen, Sunil Murthy, Witold Kula
  • Publication number: 20190027681
    Abstract: A magnetic cell core includes at least one stressor structure proximate to a magnetic region (e.g., a free region or a fixed region). The magnetic region may be formed of a magnetic material exhibiting magnetostriction. During switching, the stressor structure may be subjected to a programming current passing through the magnetic cell core. In response to the current, the stressor structure may alter in size. Due to the size change, the stressor structure may exert a stress upon the magnetic region and, thereby, alter its magnetic anisotropy. In some embodiments, the MA strength of the magnetic region may be lowered during switching so that a lower programming current may be used to switch the magnetic orientation of the free region. In some embodiments, multiple stressor structures may be included in the magnetic cell core. Methods of fabrication and operation and related device structures and systems are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2018
    Publication date: January 24, 2019
    Inventors: Gurtej S. Sandhu, Witold Kula
  • Patent number: 10164168
    Abstract: Methods of forming memory cells, magnetic memory cell structures, and arrays of magnetic memory cell structures are disclosed. Embodiments of the methods include patterning a precursor structure to form a stepped structure including at least an upper discrete feature section and a lower feature section with a broader width, length, or both than the upper discrete feature section. The method uses patterning acts directed along a first axis, e.g., an x-axis, and then along a second axis, e.g., a y-axis, that is perpendicular to or about perpendicular to the first axis. The patterning acts may therefore allow for more uniformity between a plurality of formed, neighboring cell core structures, even at dimensions below about thirty nanometers. Magnetic memory structures and memory cell arrays are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Gurtej S. Sandhu, Witold Kula, Wayne I. Kinney
  • Publication number: 20180366516
    Abstract: Memory cells are disclosed. Magnetic regions within the memory cells include an alternating structure of magnetic sub-regions and coupler sub-regions. The coupler material of the coupler sub-regions antiferromagnetically couples neighboring magnetic sub-regions and effects or encourages a vertical magnetic orientation exhibited by the neighboring magnetic sub-regions. Neighboring magnetic sub-regions, spaced from one another by a coupler sub-region, exhibit oppositely directed magnetic orientations. The magnetic and coupler sub-regions may each be of a thickness tailored to form the magnetic region in a compact structure. Interference between magnetic dipole fields emitted from the magnetic region on switching of a free region in the memory cell may be reduced or eliminated. Also disclosed are semiconductor device structures, spin torque transfer magnetic random-access memory (STT-MRAM) systems, and methods of fabrication.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2018
    Publication date: December 20, 2018
    Inventors: Wayne I. Kinney, Witold Kula, Stephen J. Kramer
  • Patent number: 10121824
    Abstract: Memory cells are disclosed. Magnetic regions within the memory cells include an alternating structure of magnetic sub-regions and coupler sub-regions. The coupler material of the coupler sub-regions antiferromagnetically couples neighboring magnetic sub-regions and effects or encourages a vertical magnetic orientation exhibited by the neighboring magnetic sub-regions. Neighboring magnetic sub-regions, spaced from one another by a coupler sub-region, exhibit oppositely directed magnetic orientations. The magnetic and coupler sub-regions may each be of a thickness tailored to form the magnetic region in a compact structure. Interference between magnetic dipole fields emitted from the magnetic region on switching of a free region in the memory cell may be reduced or eliminated. Also disclosed are semiconductor device structures, spin torque transfer magnetic random-access memory (STT-MRAM) systems, and methods of fabrication.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Wayne I. Kinney, Witold Kula, Stephen J. Kramer
  • Publication number: 20180294403
    Abstract: A magnetic tunnel junction comprises a conductive first magnetic electrode comprising magnetic recording material, a conductive second magnetic electrode spaced from the first electrode and comprising magnetic reference material, and a non-magnetic tunnel insulator material between the first and second electrodes. The magnetic reference material of the second electrode comprises a synthetic antiferromagnetic construction comprising two spaced magnetic regions one of which is closer to the tunnel insulator material than is the other. The one magnetic region comprises a polarizer region comprising CoxFeyBz where “x” is from 0 to 90, “y” is from 10 to 90, and “z” is from 10 to 50. The CoxFeyBz is directly against the tunnel insulator. A non-magnetic region comprising an Os-containing material is between the two spaced magnetic regions. The other magnetic region comprises a magnetic Co-containing material. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 12, 2018
    Publication date: October 11, 2018
    Applicant: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Wei Chen, Witold Kula, Manzar Siddik, Suresh Ramarajan, Jonathan D. Harms
  • Publication number: 20180287053
    Abstract: A magnetic cell includes a free region between an intermediate oxide region (e.g., a tunnel barrier) and a secondary oxide region. Both oxide regions may be configured to induce magnetic anisotropy (“MA”) with the free region, enhancing the MA strength of the free region. A getter material proximate to the secondary oxide region is formulated and configured to remove oxygen from the secondary oxide region, reducing an oxygen concentration and an electrical resistance of the secondary oxide region. Thus, the secondary oxide region contributes only minimally to the electrical resistance of the cell core. Embodiments of the present disclosure therefore enable a high effective magnetoresistance, low resistance area product, and low programming voltage along with the enhanced MA strength. Methods of fabrication, memory arrays, memory systems, and electronic systems are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2018
    Publication date: October 4, 2018
    Inventors: Gurtej S. Sandhu, Witold Kula
  • Patent number: 10090457
    Abstract: A magnetic cell core includes at least one stressor structure proximate to a magnetic region (e.g., a free region or a fixed region). The magnetic region may be formed of a magnetic material exhibiting magnetostriction. During switching, the stressor structure may be subjected to a programming current passing through the magnetic cell core. In response to the current, the stressor structure may alter in size. Due to the size change, the stressor structure may exert a stress upon the magnetic region and, thereby, alter its magnetic anisotropy. In some embodiments, the MA strength of the magnetic region may be lowered during switching so that a lower programming current may be used to switch the magnetic orientation of the free region. In some embodiments, multiple stressor structures may be included in the magnetic cell core. Methods of fabrication and operation and related device structures and systems are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2018
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Gurtej S. Sandhu, Witold Kula
  • Publication number: 20180277752
    Abstract: A magnetic cell includes an attracter material proximate to a magnetic region (e.g., a free region). The attracter material is formulated to have a higher chemical affinity for a diffusible species of a magnetic material, from which the magnetic region is formed, compared to a chemical affinity between the diffusible species and at least another species of the magnetic material. Thus, the diffusible species is removed from the magnetic material to the attracter material. The removal accommodates crystallization of the depleted magnetic material. The crystallized, depleted magnetic material enables a high tunnel magnetoresistance, high energy barrier, and high energy barrier ratio. The magnetic region may be formed as a continuous magnetic material, thus enabling a high exchange stiffness, and positioning the magnetic region between two magnetic anisotropy-inducing oxide regions enables a high magnetic anisotropy strength. Methods of fabrication and semiconductor devices are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 22, 2018
    Publication date: September 27, 2018
    Inventors: Manzar Siddik, Andy Lyle, Witold Kula
  • Patent number: 10062835
    Abstract: A magnetic tunnel junction comprises a conductive first magnetic electrode comprising magnetic recording material, a conductive second magnetic electrode spaced from the first electrode and comprising magnetic reference material, and a non-magnetic tunnel insulator material between the first and second electrodes. The magnetic reference material of the second electrode comprises a synthetic antiferromagnetic construction comprising two spaced magnetic regions one of which is closer to the tunnel insulator material than is the other. The one magnetic region comprises a polarizer region comprising CoxFeyBz where “x” is from 0 to 90, “y” is from 10 to 90, and “z” is from 10 to 50. The CoxFeyBz is directly against the tunnel insulator. A non-magnetic region comprising an Os-containing material is between the two spaced magnetic regions. The other magnetic region comprises a magnetic Co-containing material. Other embodiments are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 8, 2017
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2018
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Wei Chen, Witold Kula, Manzar Siddik, Suresh Ramarajan, Jonathan D. Harms
  • Publication number: 20180233657
    Abstract: Magnetic memory cells, methods of fabrication, semiconductor device structures, and memory systems are disclosed. A magnetic cell core includes at least one magnetic region (e.g., a free region or a fixed region) configured to exhibit a vertical magnetic orientation, at least one oxide-based region, which may be a tunnel junction region or an oxide capping region, and at least one magnetic interface region, which may comprise or consist of iron (Fe). In some embodiments, the magnetic interface region is spaced from at least one oxide-based region by a magnetic region. The presence of the magnetic interface region enhances the perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA) strength of the magnetic cell core. In some embodiments, the PMA strength may be enhanced more than 50% compared to that of the same magnetic cell core structure lacking the magnetic interface region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2018
    Publication date: August 16, 2018
    Inventors: Wei Chen, Sunil Murthy, Witold Kula
  • Patent number: 10020446
    Abstract: A magnetic cell includes a free region between an intermediate oxide region (e.g., a tunnel barrier) and a secondary oxide region. Both oxide regions may be configured to induce magnetic anisotropy (“MA”) with the free region, enhancing the MA strength of the free region. A getter material proximate to the secondary oxide region is formulated and configured to remove oxygen from the secondary oxide region, reducing an oxygen concentration and an electrical resistance of the secondary oxide region. Thus, the secondary oxide region contributes only minimally to the electrical resistance of the cell core. Embodiments of the present disclosure therefore enable a high effective magnetoresistance, low resistance area product, and low programming voltage along with the enhanced MA strength. Methods of fabrication, memory arrays, memory systems, and electronic systems are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2018
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Gurtej S. Sandhu, Witold Kula
  • Patent number: 10014466
    Abstract: A magnetic cell includes an attracter material proximate to a magnetic region (e.g., a free region). The attracter material is formulated to have a higher chemical affinity for a diffusible species of a magnetic material, from which the magnetic region is formed, compared to a chemical affinity between the diffusible species and at least another species of the magnetic material. Thus, the diffusible species is removed from the magnetic material to the attracter material. The removal accommodates crystallization of the depleted magnetic material. The crystallized, depleted magnetic material enables a high tunnel magnetoresistance, high energy barrier, and high energy barrier ratio. The magnetic region may be formed as a continuous magnetic material, thus enabling a high exchange stiffness, and positioning the magnetic region between two magnetic anisotropy-inducing oxide regions enables a high magnetic anisotropy strength. Methods of fabrication and semiconductor devices are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2018
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Manzar Siddik, Andy Lyle, Witold Kula
  • Publication number: 20180145112
    Abstract: A magnetic cell core includes a seed region with a plurality of magnetic regions and a plurality of nonmagnetic regions thereover. The seed region provides a template that enables formation of an overlying nonmagnetic region with a microstructure that enables formation of an overlying free region with a desired crystal structure. The free region is disposed between two nonmagnetic regions, which may both be configured to induce surface/interface magnetic anisotropy. The structure is therefore configured to have a high magnetic anisotropy strength, a high energy barrier ratio, high tunnel magnetoresistance, a low programming current, low cell-to-cell electrical resistance variation, and low cell-to-cell variation in magnetic properties. Methods of fabrication, memory arrays, memory systems, and electronic systems are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2018
    Publication date: May 24, 2018
    Inventors: Witold Kula, Wayne I. Kinney, Gurtej S. Sandhu