Multiple Insulator Layers (e.g., Mnos Structure) Patents (Class 257/324)
  • Patent number: 11616021
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a lower structure, a stack structure on the lower structure and extending from a memory cell region into a connection region, gate contact plugs on the stack structure in the connection region, and a memory vertical structure through the stack structure in the memory cell region, wherein the stack structure includes interlayer insulating layers and horizontal layers alternately stacked, wherein, in the connection region, the stack structure includes a staircase region and a flat region, wherein the staircase region includes lowered pads, wherein the flat region includes a flat pad region, a flat edge region, and a flat dummy region between the flat pad region and the flat edge region, and wherein the gate contact plugs include first gate contact plugs on the pads, flat contact plugs on the flat pad region, and a flat edge contact plug on the flat edge region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Seungjun Shin, Siwan Kim, Bonghyun Choi
  • Patent number: 11616074
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a semiconductor device comprising: a block separator including a semiconductor film and a multi-layered insulating film, wherein the multi-layered insulating film surrounds the semiconductor film; memory block stacks divided from each other by the block separator, each memory block stack including interlayer insulating films and conductive patterns alternately stacked, wherein the conductive patterns are coupled to memory cells; and channel structures passing through the memory block stacks and electrically coupled to the memory cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 28, 2023
    Assignee: SK hynix Inc.
    Inventor: Nam Jae Lee
  • Patent number: 11610915
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes: a first stack structure; a second stack structure adjacent to the first stack structure in a first direction; a first insulating layer including protrusion parts protruding in a second direction intersecting the first direction and including a concave part defined between the protrusion parts; and a second insulating layer located between the first stack structure and the second stack structure, the second insulating layer inserted into the concave part and the second insulating layer in contact with at least one protrusion part among the protrusion parts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignee: SK hynix Inc.
    Inventors: Sang Yong Lee, Sang Min Kim, Jung Ryul Ahn, Sang Hyun Oh, Seung Bum Cha, Kang Sik Choi
  • Patent number: 11605644
    Abstract: Embodiments of 3D memory devices and methods for forming the same are disclosed. In an example, a 3D memory device includes a substrate, a memory stack, and a NAND memory string. The memory stack includes a plurality of interleaved gate conductive layers and gate-to-gate dielectric layers above the substrate. Each of the gate-to-gate dielectric layers includes a silicon nitride layer. The NAND memory string extends vertically through the interleaved gate conductive layers and gate-to-gate dielectric layers of the memory stack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 14, 2023
    Assignee: YANGTZE MEMORY TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Li Hong Xiao
  • Patent number: 11600634
    Abstract: A three-dimensional memory device includes a source contact layer overlying a substrate, an alternating stack of insulating layers and electrically conductive layers located overlying the source contact layer, and a memory opening fill structure located within a memory opening extending through the alternating stack and the source contact layer. The memory opening fill structure includes a composite semiconductor channel and a memory film laterally surrounding the composite semiconductor channel. The composite semiconductor channel includes a pedestal channel portion having controlled distribution of n-type dopants that diffuse from the source contact layer with a lower diffusion rate provided by carbon doping and smaller grain sizes, or has arsenic doping providing limited diffusion into the vertical semiconductor channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 7, 2023
    Assignee: SANDISK TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventors: Zhixin Cui, Satoshi Shimizu, Yanli Zhang
  • Patent number: 11594550
    Abstract: A nonvolatile memory device with improved product reliability and a method of fabricating the same is provided. The nonvolatile memory device comprises a substrate, a first mold structure disposed on the substrate and including a plurality of first gate electrodes, a second mold structure disposed on the first mold structure and including a plurality of second gate electrodes and a plurality of channel structures intersecting the first gate electrodes and the second gate electrodes by penetrating the first and second mold structures, wherein the first mold structure includes first and second stacks, which are spaced apart from each other, and the second mold structure includes a third stack, which is stacked on the first stack, a fourth stack, which is stacked on the second stack, and first connecting parts, which connect the third and fourth stacks.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kang Min Kim, Seung Min Song, Jae Hoon Shin, Joong Shik Shin, Geun Won Lim
  • Patent number: 11594486
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes: a stack structure including conductive patterns and stack insulating layers, which are alternately stacked; a channel structure penetrating the stack structure; a tunnel insulating layer surrounding the channel structure; a cell storage pattern surrounding the tunnel insulating layer; and a dummy storage pattern surrounding the tunnel insulating layer, the dummy storage pattern being spaced apart from the cell storage pattern. The conductive patterns include a select conductive pattern in contact with the tunnel insulating layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: SK hynix Inc.
    Inventor: Nam Jae Lee
  • Patent number: 11587945
    Abstract: A semiconductor device is provided that can include a stack formed of word line layers and insulating layers that are alternatingly stacked over a substrate. A first staircase of a first block can be formed in the stack and extend between first array regions of the first block. A second staircase of a second block can be formed in the stack and extend between second array regions of the second block. The semiconductor device further can have a connection region that is formed in the stack between the first staircase and second staircase.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2023
    Assignee: Yangtze Memory Technologies Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Zhong Zhang, Zhongwang Sun, Wenxi Zhou, Zhiliang Xia, Zhi Zhang
  • Patent number: 11569391
    Abstract: A memory cell includes a substrate and a body including plural layers. The body has an inner body and an outer body, and the body is formed on top of the substrate. A nanotube trench is formed vertically in the body and extends to the substrate. A nanotube structure is formed in the nanotube trench. The nanotube trench divides the body into the inner body and the outer body and the nanotube structure is mechanically separated from the inner body and the outer body by a tunnel oxide layer, a charge trapping layer, and a blocking oxide layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: KING ABDULLAH UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Muhammad Mustafa Hussain, Nazek Mohamad El-Atab
  • Patent number: 11569256
    Abstract: A device includes a stack above a substrate in a first direction perpendicular to a surface of the substrate, the stack including conductive layers; a semiconductor layer neighboring the stack in a second direction parallel to the surface of the substrate; a memory layer between the first stack and the semiconductor layer; memory cells between the conductive layers and the semiconductor layer; a first transistor connected between one end of the semiconductor layer in a third direction parallel to the surface of the substrate and crossing the second direction and a first interconnect in the first direction; and a second transistor connected between the other end of the semiconductor layer and a second interconnect in the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: Kioxia Corporation
    Inventors: Kiyomi Naruke, Shinichiro Shiratake, Mutsumi Okajima, Hidetoshi Saito, Hirofumi Inoue
  • Patent number: 11562945
    Abstract: Embodiments of methods for forming contact structures and semiconductor devices thereof are disclosed. In an example, a semiconductor device includes an insulating layer, a conductive layer over the insulating layer, and a spacer structure in the conductive layer and in contact with the insulating layer. The semiconductor device also includes a first contact structure in the spacer structure and extending vertically through the insulating layer. The first contact structure includes a first contact portion and a second contact portion in contact with each other. An upper surface of the second contact portion is coplanar with an upper surface of the conductive layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2023
    Assignee: YANGTZE MEMORY TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Linchun Wu, Kun Zhang, Zhong Zhang, Wenxi Zhou, Zhiliang Xia
  • Patent number: 11563106
    Abstract: Structures and formation methods of a semiconductor device structure are provided. The formation method includes forming a fin structure over a semiconductor substrate and forming a first isolation feature in the fin structure. The formation method also includes forming a second isolation feature over the semiconductor substrate after the formation of the first isolation feature. The fin structure and the first isolation feature protrude from the second isolation feature. The formation method further includes forming gate stacks over the second isolation feature, wherein the gate stacks surround the fin structure and the first isolation feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2023
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Kuo-Cheng Ching, Shi-Ning Ju, Kuan-Ting Pan, Kuan-Lun Cheng, Chih-Hao Wang
  • Patent number: 11562785
    Abstract: A microelectronic device comprises local digit line structures, global digit line structures, source line structures, sense transistors, read transistors, and write transistors. The local digit line structures are coupled to strings of memory cells. The global digit line structures overlie the local digit line structures. The source line structures are interposed between the local digit line structures and the global digit line structures. The sense transistors are interposed between the source line structures and the global digit line structures, and are coupled to the local digit line structures and the source line structures. The read transistors are interposed between and are coupled to the sense transistors and the global digit line structures. The write transistors are interposed between and are coupled to the global digit line structures and the local digit line structures. Additional microelectronic devices, memory devices, and electronic systems are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2023
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Tomoharu Tanaka, Yoshiaki Fukuzumi
  • Patent number: 11563023
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a channel structure arranged on a substrate and extending in a first direction perpendicular to a top surface of the substrate, the channel structure including a channel layer and a gate insulating layer; a plurality of insulating layers arranged on the substrate and surrounding the channel structure, the plurality of insulating layers spaced apart from each other in the first direction; a plurality of first gate electrodes surrounding the channel structure; and a plurality of second gate electrodes surrounding the channel structure. Between adjacent insulating layers from among the plurality of insulating layers are arranged a first gate electrode from among the plurality of first gate electrodes spaced apart along the first direction from a second gate electrode from among the plurality of second gate electrodes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2023
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jongseon Ahn, Youngjin Kwon, Jeehoon Han
  • Patent number: 11557597
    Abstract: A method used in forming a memory array comprising strings of memory cells comprises forming laterally-spaced memory blocks individually comprising a vertical stack comprising alternating insulative tiers and conductive tiers. Channel-material strings of memory cells extend through the insulative tiers and the conductive tiers. The conductive tiers comprise metal along sides of the memory blocks. Silicon is formed between the memory blocks over the metal of the conductive tiers. The silicon and the metal react to form metal silicide therefrom that is directly against and longitudinally-along the metal of individual of the conductive tiers. After the reacting, unreacted of the silicon is removed from between the memory blocks and intervening material is formed between and longitudinally-along the memory blocks. Other embodiments, including structure independent of method, are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: John D. Hopkins, Nancy M. Lomeli
  • Patent number: 11557519
    Abstract: Techniques herein include methods for fabricating complete field effect transistors having an upright or vertical orientation. The methods can utilize epitaxial growth to provide fine control over material deposition and thickness of said material layers. The methods can provide separate control of channel doping in either NMOS and/or PMOS transistors. All of a source, channel, and drain can be epitaxially grown in an opening into a dielectric layer stack, with said doping executed during said epitaxial growth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2023
    Assignee: Tokyo Electron Limited
    Inventors: Mark I. Gardner, H. Jim Fulford
  • Patent number: 11552012
    Abstract: Embodiments of 3D memory devices and methods for forming the same are disclosed. In an example, a 3D memory device includes a substrate, a memory stack including interleaved conductive layers and dielectric layers above the substrate, a structure extending vertically through the memory stack, a first dielectric layer on the memory stack, an etch stop layer on the first dielectric layer, a second dielectric layer on the etch stop layer, a first contact through the etch stop layer and the first dielectric layer and in contact with an upper end of the structure, and a second contact through the second dielectric layer and in contact with at least an upper end of the first contact.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: YANGTZE MEMORY TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hongbin Zhu, Juan Tang, Zi Qun Hua
  • Patent number: 11551736
    Abstract: A method for fabricating a semiconductor device is provided. The method includes forming a first memory cell and a second memory cell over a substrate, wherein each of the first and second memory cells comprises a bottom electrode, a resistance switching element over the bottom electrode, and a top electrode over the resistance switching element; depositing a first dielectric layer over the first and second memory cells, such that the first dielectric layer has a void between the first and second memory cells; depositing a second dielectric layer over the first dielectric layer; and forming a first conductive feature and a second conductive feature in the first and second dielectric layers and respectively connected with the top electrode of the first memory cell and the top electrode of the second memory cell.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2023
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Harry-Hak-Lay Chuang, Sheng-Huang Huang, Hung-Cho Wang, Sheng-Chang Chen
  • Patent number: 11532580
    Abstract: An interconnect structure includes a plurality of first pads, a plurality of second pads, a plurality of first conductive lines in a first layer, a plurality of second conductive lines in a second layer, and a plurality of nth conductive lines in an nth layer. The first pads and the second pads respectively are grouped into a first, a second and an nth group. Each of the first pads in first group is connected to one of the second pads in the first group by one of the first conductive lines. Each of the first pads in the second group is connected to one of the second pads in the second group by one of the second conductive lines. Each of the first pads in the nth group is connected to one of the second pads in the nth group by one of the nth conductive lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2022
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY LTD.
    Inventors: Jung-Chou Tsai, Fong-Yuan Chang, Po-Hsiang Huang, Chin-Chou Liu, Yi-Kan Cheng
  • Patent number: 11515323
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a semiconductor device includes a stacked film alternately including a plurality of electrode layers and a plurality of insulating layers. The device further includes a first insulator, a charge storage layer, a second insulator and a first semiconductor layer that are disposed in order in the stacked film. The device further includes a plurality of first films disposed between the first insulator and the plurality of insulating layers. Furthermore, at least one of the first films includes a second semiconductor layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 29, 2022
    Assignee: Kioxia Corporation
    Inventor: Naomi Fukumaki
  • Patent number: 11508745
    Abstract: Embodiments of three-dimensional (3D) memory devices having a shielding layer and methods for forming the 3D memory devices are disclosed. In an example, a method for forming a 3D memory device is disclosed. A peripheral device is formed on a substrate. A first interconnect layer including a first plurality of interconnects is formed above the peripheral device. A shielding layer including a conduction region is formed above the first interconnect layer. A second interconnect layer including a second plurality of interconnects is formed above the shielding layer. The conduction region of the shielding layer covers an area of the first and second plurality of interconnects in the first and second interconnect layers. A plurality of memory strings each extending vertically above the second interconnect layer are formed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: YANGTZE MEMORY TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Zongliang Huo, Li Hong Xiao
  • Patent number: 11508754
    Abstract: A semiconductor memory structure includes a substrate, two doped regions in the substrate, a plurality of gate layers, a plurality of insulating layers, a column over the substrate, a charge-trapping layer, and a channel layer. The substrate includes dopants of a first conductivity type, and the two doped regions include dopants of a second conductivity type complementary to the first conductivity type. The gate layers and the insulating layers are alternately stacked over the substrate. The column penetrates the gate layers and the insulating layers, and includes an isolation structure, a source structure and a drain structure. at two sides of the isolation structure. The charge-trapping layer is at two sides of the column, and the channel layer is between the charge-trapping layer and the column. A bottom surface of the charge-trapping layer is in contact with the substrate and separated from the two doped regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY LTD.
    Inventors: Nuo Xu, Sai-Hooi Yeong, Yu-Ming Lin, Zhiqiang Wu
  • Patent number: 11508744
    Abstract: A memory device may include a substrate; a first stack structure comprising a plurality of first gate layers and a plurality of first interlayer insulating layers alternately stacked on the substrate; a second stack structure comprising a plurality of second gate layers and a plurality of second interlayer insulating layers alternately stacked on the first stack structure; and a channel structure penetrating the first stack structure and the second stack structure, wherein the channel structure comprises a first portion in a first channel hole penetrating the first stack structure, a second portion in a second channel hole penetrating the second stack structure, and a first protrusion located in a first recess recessed into one layer of the plurality of first interlayer insulating layers from a side portion of the first channel hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2022
    Inventors: Jisung Cheon, Kiyoon Kang
  • Patent number: 11502094
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a string of transistors stacked along a vertical direction above a substrate of the semiconductor device. The string can include a first substring, a channel connector disposed above the first substring, and a second substring. The first substring includes a first channel structure having a first channel layer and a first gate dielectric structure that extend along the vertical direction. The second substring is stacked above the channel connector, and has a second channel structure that includes a second channel layer and a second gate dielectric structure that extend along the vertical direction. The channel connector, electrically coupling the first and the second channel layer, is disposed below the second gate dielectric structure to enable formation of a conductive path in a bottom region of the second channel layer. The bottom region is associated with a lowermost transistor in the second substring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: YANGTZE MEMORY TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Ruo Fang Zhang, Enbo Wang, Haohao Yang, Qianbing Xu, Yushi Hu, Qian Tao
  • Patent number: 11502110
    Abstract: A display device includes a base substrate; an oxide semiconductor layer disposed on the base substrate; a first gate insulating layer disposed on a first channel region of the oxide semiconductor layer and that overlaps the first channel region thereof; a first upper gate electrode disposed on the first gate insulating layer; and an upper interlayer insulating layer disposed on the first upper gate electrode, the first upper gate electrode, and the oxide semiconductor layer, wherein the upper interlayer insulating layer includes a first upper interlayer insulating layer, a second upper interlayer insulating layer, and a third upper interlayer insulating layer, the first upper interlayer insulating layer includes silicon oxide, each of the second and third upper interlayer insulating layers include silicon nitride, and a hydrogen concentration in the second upper interlayer insulating layer is less than a hydrogen concentration in the third upper interlayer insulating layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: SAMSUNG DISPLAY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Jung Yub Seo, Tetsuhiro Tanaka, Hee Won Yoon, Shin Beom Choi
  • Patent number: 11502097
    Abstract: An integrated circuit device includes a channel layer in a channel hole penetrating a conductive line and an insulating layer, a charge trap pattern inside the channel hole between the conductive line and the channel layer, and a dummy charge trap pattern inside the channel hole between the insulating layer and the channel layer. In order to manufacture the integrated circuit device, a channel hole penetrating an insulating layer and a mold layer is formed. A mold indent connected to the channel hole is formed. A preliminary dielectric pattern is formed in the mold indent. The preliminary dielectric pattern is oxidized to form a first blocking dielectric pattern. A charge trap layer is formed in the channel hole. The mold layer is removed to form a conductive space. A portion of the charge trap layer is removed to form charge trap patterns and dummy charge trap patterns.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Eunyeoung Choi, Suhyeong Lee, Yohan Lee, Yongseok Cho
  • Patent number: 11495542
    Abstract: A semiconductor memory includes electrode structures that each includes horizontal electrodes stacked on each other a substrate, vertical electrodes between the electrode structures and extending along the horizontal electrodes, first contacts connected to the horizontal electrodes at end portions of the electrode structures, second contacts connected to upper portions of the vertical electrodes, and a first interconnection structure connected to top surfaces of the second contacts. The first interconnection structure includes first and second sub-interconnection lines. The sub-interconnection lines extend in a first direction and contact the top surfaces of the second contacts. The second sub-interconnection lines extended in a second direction crossing the first direction and contact the first sub-interconnection lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jiyoung Kim, Woosung Yang, Jungsok Lee, Byungjin Lee
  • Patent number: 11495293
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices supporting configurable resistivities for lines in a memory device, such as access lines in a memory array are described. For example, metal lines at different levels of a memory device may be oxidized to different extents in order for the lines at different levels of the memory device to have different resistivities. This may allow the resistivity of lines to be tuned on a level-by-level basis without altering the fabrication techniques and related parameters used to initially form the lines at the different levels, which may have benefits related to at least reduced cost and complexity. Lines may be oxidized to a controlled extent using either a dry or wet process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2022
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Koushik Banerjee, Isaiah O. Gyan, Robert Cassel, Jian Jiao, William L. Cooper, Jason R. Johnson, Michael P. O'Toole
  • Patent number: 11482535
    Abstract: Embodiments of structure and methods for forming a three-dimensional (3D) memory device are provided. In an example, the memory device includes a stack structure having interleaved a plurality of sacrificial layers and a plurality of dielectric layers over a substrate along a vertical direction. The memory device also includes a channel structure extending in the stack structure along the vertical direction. A thickness of at least one of the plurality of sacrificial layers is nominally proportional to a width of the channel structure at the same depth. A thickness of at least one of the plurality of dielectric layers is nominally inversely proportional to a width of the channel structure at the same depth.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignee: YANGTZE MEMORY TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Qiguang Wang, Wenxi Zhou
  • Patent number: 11482534
    Abstract: Some embodiments include a method of forming vertically-stacked memory cells. An opening is formed through a stack of alternating insulative and conductive levels. Cavities are formed to extend into the conductive levels. Regions of the insulative levels remain as ledges which separate adjacent cavities from one another. Material is removed from the ledges to thin the ledges, and then charge-blocking dielectric and charge-storage structures are formed within the cavities. Some embodiments include an integrated structure having a stack of alternating insulative levels and conductive levels. Cavities extend into the conductive levels. Ledges of the insulative levels separate adjacent cavities from one another. The ledges are thinned relative to regions of the insulative levels not encompassed by the ledges. Charge-blocking dielectric and charge-storage structures are within the cavities.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Fatma Arzum Simsek-Ege, Meng-Wei Kuo, John D. Hopkins
  • Patent number: 11476348
    Abstract: A manufacturing method of a semiconductor device includes the following steps. First patterned structures are formed on a substrate. Each of the first patterned structures includes a first semiconductor pattern and a first bottom protection pattern disposed between the first semiconductor pattern and the substrate. A first protection layer is formed on the first patterned structures and the substrate. A part of the first protection layer is located between the first patterned structures. A first opening is formed in the first protection layer between the first patterned structures. The first opening penetrates the first protection layer and exposes a part of the substrate. A first etching process is performed after forming the first opening. A part of the substrate under the first patterned structures is removed by the first etching process for suspending at least a part of each of the first patterned structures above the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2022
    Assignee: UNITED MICROELECTRONICS CORP.
    Inventors: Chuan-Chang Wu, Zhen Wu, Hsuan-Hsu Chen, Chun-Lung Chen
  • Patent number: 11469251
    Abstract: A memory device includes a semiconductor channel, a gate electrode, and a stack located between the semiconductor channel and the gate electrode. The stack includes, from one side to another, a first ferroelectric material portion, a second ferroelectric material portion, and a gate dielectric portion that contacts the semiconductor channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: SANDISK TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventors: Yanli Zhang, Johann Alsmeier
  • Patent number: 11469241
    Abstract: An alternating stack of insulating layers and spacer material layers can be formed over a substrate. The spacer material layers may be formed as, or may be subsequently replaced with, electrically conductive layers. A memory opening can be formed through the alternating stack, and annular lateral recesses are formed at levels of the insulating layers. Metal portions are formed in the annular lateral recesses, and a semiconductor material layer is deposited over the metal portions. Metal-semiconductor alloy portions are formed by performing an anneal process, and are subsequently removed by performing a selective etch process. Remaining portions of the semiconductor material layer include a vertical stack of semiconductor material portions, which may be optionally converted, partly or fully, into silicon nitride material portions. The semiconductor material portions and/or the silicon nitride material portions can be employed as discrete charge storage elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: SANDISK TECHNOLOGIES LLC
    Inventors: Raghuveer S. Makala, Senaka Kanakamedala, Fei Zhou, Yao-Sheng Lee
  • Patent number: 11469307
    Abstract: In some embodiments, the present disclosure relates to a semiconductor device that includes a well region with a substrate. A source region and a drain region are arranged within the substrate on opposite sides of the well region. A gate electrode is arranged over the well region, has a bottom surface arranged below a topmost surface of the substrate, and extends between the source and drain regions. A trench isolation structure surrounds the source region, the drain region, and the gate electrode. A gate dielectric structure separates the gate electrode from the well region, the source, region, the drain region, and the trench isolation structure. The gate electrode structure has a central portion and a corner portion. The central portion has a first thickness, and the corner portion has a second thickness that is greater than the first thickness.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Yi-Huan Chen, Kong-Beng Thei, Chien-Chih Chou, Alexander Kalnitsky, Szu-Hsien Liu, Huan-Chih Yuan
  • Patent number: 11462614
    Abstract: Semiconductor devices and their manufacturing methods are disclosed herein, and more particularly to semiconductor devices including a transistor having gate all around (GAA) transistor structures and manufacturing methods thereof. Different thickness in an epi-growth scheme is adopted to create different sheet thicknesses within the same device channel regions for use in manufacturing vertically stacked nanostructure (e.g., nanosheet, nanowire, or the like) GAA devices. A vertically stacked nanostructure GAA device may be formed with a topmost channel region that is thinner than a bottommost channel region. Furthermore, the topmost channel region of the GAA device may be formed with lightly doped drain regions with a highest concentration and/or a greater degree of lateral diffusion of implanted dopants as compared to the bottommost channel region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventor: Jhon Jhy Liaw
  • Patent number: 11462629
    Abstract: Transistors might include first and second semiconductor fins, a first source/drain region in the first semiconductor fin and extending downward from an uppermost surface of the first semiconductor fin, a second source/drain region in the second semiconductor fin and extending downward from an uppermost surface of the second semiconductor fin, a dielectric between the first and second semiconductor fins and adjacent to sidewalls of the first and second semiconductor fins, and a control gate over the dielectric and between the first and second semiconductor fins and extending to a level below upper surfaces of the first and second source/drain regions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Toru Tanzawa
  • Patent number: 11462474
    Abstract: Embodiments of three-dimensional (3D) memory devices and methods for forming the 3D memory devices are disclosed. In an example, a NAND memory device includes a substrate, a plurality of NAND strings on the substrate, one or more peripheral devices above the NAND strings, a single crystalline silicon layer above the peripheral devices, and one or more interconnect layers between the peripheral devices and the NAND strings. In some embodiments, the NAND memory device includes a bonding interface at which an array interconnect layer contacts a peripheral interconnect layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: Yangtze Memory Technologies Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Jifeng Zhu, Zhenyu Lu, Jun Chen, Yushi Hu, Qian Tao, Simon Shi-Ning Yang, Steve Weiyi Yang
  • Patent number: 11462563
    Abstract: A memory device and a manufacturing method are provided. The method includes: forming a first conductive pattern on a substrate; forming an active structure over the first conductive pattern, wherein the active structure comprises a gate pattern, a channel pillar and a charge storage layer, the channel pillar penetrates the gate pattern and electrically connects with the first conductive pattern, and the charge storage layer is disposed between the gate pattern and the channel pillar; forming a second conductive pattern over the active structure, wherein the second conductive pattern is electrically connected with the channel pillar; and performing formation of the active structure one more time, such that the channel pillars of the active structures are vertically spaced apart from each other, and electrically connected to the second conductive pattern extending in between the channel pillars.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Ltd.
    Inventors: Yong-Sheng Huang, Ming-Chyi Liu
  • Patent number: 11456293
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes a method for forming polysilicon resistors with high-k dielectrics and polysilicon gate electrodes. The method includes depositing a resistor stack on a substrate having spaced apart first and second isolation regions. Further the method includes patterning the resistor stack to form a polysilicon resistor structure on the first isolation region and a gate structure between the first and second isolation regions, and doping the polysilicon resistor structure to form a doped layer in the polysilicon layer of the polysilicon resistor structure and source-drain regions in the substrate adjacent to the gate structure. Also, the method includes replacing the polysilicon layer in the gate structure with a metal gate electrode to form a transistor structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2022
    Assignee: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Meng-Han Lin, Wen-Tuo Huang, Yong-Shiuan Tsair
  • Patent number: 11450682
    Abstract: A semiconductor memory device comprises: a semiconductor substrate comprising a first and a second surface; a first and a second electrode provided on a first surface side; a third and a fourth electrode provided on a second surface side; a first through-electrode connected to the first and the third electrode; a second through-electrode connected to the second and the fourth electrode; and a first insulating layer comprising a first and a second portion. The semiconductor substrate comprises: a first impurity region of N type facing a surface of the first through-electrode via the first portion; a second impurity region of N type facing a surface of the second through-electrode via the second portion; and a third impurity region of P type provided between the first and the second impurity region.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: KIOXIA CORPORATION
    Inventor: Motoshi Seto
  • Patent number: 11450678
    Abstract: One illustrative integrated circuit (IC) product disclosed herein includes a selection gate electrode and a first gate insulation layer positioned above a substrate and a memory gate electrode positioned above the substrate and adjacent the selection gate electrode, wherein the memory gate electrode comprises a bottom surface and first and second opposing sidewall surfaces. This embodiment of the IC product also includes a plurality of layers of insulating material, wherein a first portion of the layers of insulating material is positioned between the first gate insulation layer and the first opposing sidewall of the memory gate electrode, a second portion of the layers of insulating material is positioned between the bottom surface of the memory gate electrode and the upper surface of the semiconductor substrate, and a third portion of the layers of insulating material is positioned on the second opposing sidewall of the conductive memory gate electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: GlobalFoundries U.S. Inc.
    Inventors: Hui Zang, Ruilong Xie, Shesh Mani Pandey
  • Patent number: 11450610
    Abstract: A vertical semiconductor device may include may include a substrate, a stacked structure, an insulating interlayer, a buffer pattern and a first contact plug. The stacked structure may include insulation patterns and conductive patterns stacked on each other on the substrate. The conductive patterns may extend in a first direction parallel to an upper surface of the substrate, and edges of the conductive patterns may have a staircase shape. The conductive patterns may include pad patterns defined by exposed upper surfaces of the conductive patterns. The insulating interlayer may cover the stacked structure. The buffer pattern may be on the insulating interlayer. The first contact plug may pass through the buffer pattern and the insulating interlayer. The first contact plug may contact one of the pad patterns. The buffer pattern may reduce defects from forming the first contact plug.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Seung Hyun, Dongug Ko, Joohee Park, Juhak Song, Jongseon Ahn, Sungwon Cho
  • Patent number: 11450653
    Abstract: Embodiments of bonded 3D memory devices and fabrication methods thereof are disclosed. In an example, a 3D memory device includes a first semiconductor structure and a second semiconductor structure. The first semiconductor structure includes a plurality of first NAND memory strings and a plurality of first BLs. At least one of the first BLs may be conductively connected to a respective one of the first NAND memory strings. The first semiconductor structure also includes a plurality of first conductor layers, and a first bonding layer having a plurality of first bit line bonding contacts conductively connected to the plurality of first BLs and a plurality of first word line bonding contacts conductively connected to the first conductor layers. A second semiconductor structure includes a plurality of second NAND memory strings and a plurality of second BLs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: YANGTZE MEMORY TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Shiqi Huang, Wei Liu, Bater Chelon, Siping Hu
  • Patent number: 11430809
    Abstract: Some embodiments include an integrated assembly having a first deck. The first deck has first memory cell levels alternating with first insulative levels. A second deck is over the first deck. The second deck has second memory cell levels alternating with second insulative levels. A cell-material-pillar passes through the first and second decks. Memory cells are along the first and second memory cell levels and include regions of the cell-material-pillar. An intermediate level is between the first and second decks. The intermediate level includes a buffer region adjacent the cell-material-pillar. The buffer region includes a composition different from the first and second insulative materials, and different from the first and second conductive regions. Some embodiments include methods of forming integrated assemblies.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: S. M. Istiaque Hossain, Prakash Rau Mokhna Rau, Arun Kumar Dhayalan, Damir Fazil, Joel D. Peterson, Anilkumar Chandolu, Albert Fayrushin, George Matamis, Christopher Larsen, Rokibul Islam
  • Patent number: 11424266
    Abstract: Embodiments of 3D memory devices and methods for forming the same are disclosed. In an example, a method for forming a 3D memory device is disclosed. A NAND memory string extending vertically through a dielectric stack including a plurality of interleaved sacrificial layers and dielectric layers above a substrate is formed. A slit opening extending vertically through the interleaved sacrificial layers and dielectric layers of the dielectric stack is formed. A plurality of lateral recesses is formed by removing the sacrificial layers through the slit opening. A plurality of gate-to-gate dielectric layers are formed by oxidizing the dielectric layers through the slit opening and the lateral recesses. A memory stack including a plurality of interleaved gate conductive layers and the gate-to-gate dielectric layers by depositing the gate conductive layers into the lateral recesses through the slit opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 23, 2022
    Assignee: YANGTZE MEMORY TECHNOLOGIES CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Li Hong Xiao
  • Patent number: 11417679
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a semiconductor memory device includes a substrate; an insulating layer provided on the substrate; a conductive layer provided on the insulating layer; a stacked body provided on the conductive layer and including a plurality of electrode layers and a plurality of insulating layers respectively provided among the plurality of electrode layers; a columnar section piercing through the stacked body to reach the conductive layer and extending in a first direction in which the stacked body is stacked; and a source layer. The columnar section includes a channel body and a charge storage film provided between the channel body and the respective electrode layers. The conductive layer includes a first film having electric conductivity and in contact with the lower end portion of the channel body; and an air gap provided to be covered by the first film.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: Kioxia Corporation
    Inventor: Shinya Arai
  • Patent number: 11417669
    Abstract: A semiconductor memory device includes a semiconductor pillar including a semiconductor layer and extending along a first direction, a first wiring extending along a second direction crossing the first direction, a first electrode between the semiconductor pillar and the first wiring, a first insulating layer between the first electrode and the first wiring and adjacent to the first electrode, a second insulating layer between the first insulating layer and the first wiring and adjacent to the first insulating layer, the second insulating layer having a higher dielectric constant than the first insulating layer, and a third insulating layer between the second insulating layer and the first wiring. A shortest distance between the second insulating layer and the semiconductor layer in the second direction is greater than a shortest distance between the first electrode and the semiconductor layer in the second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 16, 2022
    Assignee: KIOXIA CORPORATION
    Inventors: Yefei Han, Yusuke Arayashiki
  • Patent number: 11411078
    Abstract: A semiconductor device including a substrate having a cell, peripheral, and boundary area; a stack structure on the cell area and including insulating and interconnection layers that are alternately stacked; a molding layer on the peripheral area boundary areas; a selection line isolation pattern extending into the stack structure; a cell channel structure passing through the stack structure; and first dummy patterns extending into the molding layer on the peripheral area, wherein upper surfaces of the first dummy patterns, an upper surface of the selection line isolation pattern, and an upper surface of the cell channel structure are coplanar, and at least one of the first dummy patterns extends in parallel with the selection line isolation pattern or cell channel structure from upper surfaces of the first dummy patterns, the upper surface of the selection line isolation pattern, and the upper surface of the cell channel structure toward the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hyojoon Ryu, Kiyoon Kang, Seogoo Kang, Shinhwan Kang, Jesuk Moon, Byunggon Park, Jaeryong Sim, Jinsoo Lim, Jisung Cheon, Jeehoon Han
  • Patent number: 11410708
    Abstract: Provided herein is a semiconductor memory device and a manufacturing method of the semiconductor memory device. The semiconductor memory device includes a contact pattern including a vertical contact part, and a sidewall contact part extending from the vertical contact part in a direction crossing the vertical contact part, a lower conductive pattern having a hole into which the vertical contact part is inserted, and an upper conductive pattern overlapping a portion of the lower conductive pattern. The upper conductive pattern includes a first side portion in contact with the sidewall contact part, and a second side portion facing the vertical contact part and spaced apart from the vertical contact part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: SK hynix Inc.
    Inventor: Nam Jae Lee
  • Patent number: RE49440
    Abstract: A vertical-type nonvolatile memory device is provided in which differences between the sizes of channel holes in which channel structures are formed are reduced. The vertical-type nonvolatile memory device includes a substrate having channel hole recess regions in a surface thereof. Channel structures vertically protrude from the surface of the substrate on ones of the channel hole recess regions, and memory cell stacks including insulating and conductive layers are alternately stacked along sidewalls of the channel structures. A common source line extends along the surface of the substrate on other ones of the channel hole recess regions in a word line recess region, which separates adjacent memory cell stacks. Related fabrication methods are also discussed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Assignee: SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Chang-hyun Lee