Controllable By Variation Of Magnetic Field Applied To Device (epo) Patents (Class 257/E29.323)
  • Patent number: 8415755
    Abstract: A magnetoresistive Wheatstone-bridge structure includes a magnetoresistive ring structure. The magnetoresistive ring structure includes a first magnetic layer comprising a ferromagnetic material. A second magnetic layer also includes a ferromagnetic material. A non-magnetic spacer is positioned between the first magnetic layer and the second magnetic layer. A vacant open region is positioned in the center region of the magnetoresistive ring structure. A plurality of magnetic states can exist in either the first magnetic layer or second magnetic layer. Furthermore, the magnetoresistive Wheatstone-bridge structure includes a plurality of voltage and current contacts arranged symmetrically upon the magnetoresistive ring structure. The magnetic state of the ring is detected by measuring its resistance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
    Inventors: Fernando J. Castano, Caroline A. Ross
  • Patent number: 8415756
    Abstract: There are provided a semiconductor device in which short circuit failures in magnetic resistor elements and the like are reduced, and a method of manufacturing the same. An interlayer insulating film in which memory cells are formed is formed such that the upper surface of the portion of the interlayer insulating film located in a memory cell region where the magnetic resistor elements are formed is at a position lower than that of the upper surface of the portion of the interlayer insulating film located in a peripheral region. Another interlayer insulating film is formed so as to cover the magnetic resistor elements. In the another interlayer insulating film, formed are bit lines electrically coupled to the magnetic resistor elements. Immediately below the magnetic resistor elements, formed are digit lines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Renesas Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Keisuke Tsukamoto, Shinya Hirano, Yuichiro Fujiyama, Tatsunori Murata
  • Publication number: 20130082339
    Abstract: A dual tunnel barrier magnetic element has a free magnetic layer positioned between first and second tunnel barriers and an electrode over the second tunnel barrier. A two step etch process allows for forming an encapsulation material on a side wall of the electrode and the second tunnel barrier subsequent to the first etch for preventing damage to the first tunnel barrier when performing the second etch to remove a portion of the free layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2011
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Applicant: EVERSPIN TECHNOLOGIES, INC.
    Inventors: Sanjeev Aggarwal, Kerry Nagel, Jason Janesky
  • Publication number: 20130082798
    Abstract: The subject application describes systems and methods that drive magnetization switching through magnonic spin transfer torque. A spin current is provided to a first magnetic layer with a first magnetic state. The spin current facilitates magnetization switching via a magnonic spin transfer torque in a second magnetic layer with a second magnetic state that is separated from the first magnetic layer by an interface. Alternatively, a spin current is provided to a first magnetic domain with a first magnetic state. The spin current facilitates domain wall propagation via a magnonic spin transfer torque. The domain wall is between the first magnetic domain and a second magnetic domain in a second magnetic state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 28, 2012
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Applicant: THE HONG KONG UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Xiangrong Wang, Peng Yan, Xiansi Wang
  • Publication number: 20130083593
    Abstract: MRAM cell comprising a magnetic tunnel junction comprising a storage layer having a net storage magnetization being adjustable when the magnetic tunnel junction is at a high temperature threshold and being pinned at a low temperature threshold; a sense layer having a reversible sense magnetization; and a tunnel barrier layer between the sense and storage layers; at least one of the storage and sense layer comprising a ferrimagnetic 3d-4f amorphous alloy material comprising a sub-lattice of 3d transition metals atoms providing a first magnetization and a sub-lattice of 4f rare-earth atoms providing a second magnetization, such that at a compensation temperature of said at least one of the storage layer and the sense layer, the first magnetization and the second magnetization are substantially equal. The disclosed MRAM cell can be written and read using a small writing and reading field, respectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2012
    Publication date: April 4, 2013
    Applicant: Crocus Technology SA
    Inventor: Crocus Technology SA
  • Patent number: 8410529
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a semiconductor device, includes a magneto resistive element including a first magnetic layer, a first interface magnetic layer, a nonmagnetic layer, a second interface magnetic layer and a second magnetic layer as a stacked structure in order; and a metal layer including first metal atoms, second metal atoms and boron atoms, the metal layer being provided at least one region selected from under the first magnetic, between the first magnetic layer and the first interface magnetic layer, between the second interface magnetic layer and the second magnetic layer, and upper the second magnetic layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 16, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Daisuke Ikeno, Koji Yamakawa, Katsuaki Natori, Yasuyuki Sonoda
  • Publication number: 20130075845
    Abstract: Perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PMA) type magnetic random access memory cells are constructed with a composite PMA layer to provide a magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) with an acceptable thermal barrier, A PMA coupling layer is deposited between a first PMA layer and a second PMA layer to form the composite PMA layer. The composite PMA layer may be incorporated in PMA type MRAM cells or in-plane type MRAM cells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2012
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Applicant: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Wei-Chuan Chen, Kangho Lee, Xiaochun Zhu, Seung H. Kang
  • Publication number: 20130075838
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a magnetoresistive random access memory (MRAM) device. The MRAM device includes a magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) stack on a substrate; and a dual-layer passivation layer disposed around the MTJ stack. The dual-layer passivation layer includes an oxygen-free film formed adjacent sidewalls of the MTJ stack; and a moisture-blocking film formed around the oxygen-free film.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2011
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Applicant: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Chih-Ming Chen, Chung-Yi Yu, Cheng-Yuan Tsai, Kai-Wen Cheng
  • Publication number: 20130075846
    Abstract: A memory includes an underlying layer of a ferromagnetic body, a first nonmagnetic layer on the underlying layer, a data memorizing layer laid on the first nonmagnetic layer and made of a ferromagnetic body having perpendicular magnetic anisotropy, a reference layer coupled through a second nonmagnetic layer with the data memorizing layer, and first and second magnetization fixed layers laid underneath the underlying layer to come into contact with the underlying layer. The data memorizing layer includes a magnetization liberalized region having reversible magnetization, and overlapping with the reference layer, a first magnetization fixed region coupled with an end of the magnetization liberalized region, and having a magnetization direction fixed to +z direction by the first magnetization fixed layer, and a second magnetization fixed region coupled with a different end of the magnetization liberalized region, and having a magnetization direction fixed to ?z direction by the second magnetization fixed layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 10, 2012
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Inventors: Katsumi SUEMITSU, Eiji Kariyada
  • Publication number: 20130077395
    Abstract: A magnetic memory device comprises a magnetic wire extending in a first direction, a pair of first electrodes operable to pass a current through the magnetic wire in the first direction or in an opposite direction to the first direction, a first insulating layer provided on the magnetic wire in a second direction being substantially perpendicular to the first direction, a plurality of second electrodes provided on the first insulating layer and provided at specified interval in the second direction, and a third electrode electrically connected to the plurality of second electrodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 16, 2012
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
    Inventors: Tsuyoshi Kondo, Hirofumi Morise, Shiho Nakamura
  • Publication number: 20130075843
    Abstract: A spin transistor according to an embodiment includes: a first magnetic layer formed above a substrate and serving as one of a source and a drain; an insulating film having a lower face facing to an upper face of the first magnetic layer, an upper face opposed to the lower face, and a side face different from the lower and upper faces, the insulating film being formed on the upper face of the first magnetic layer and serving as a channel; a second magnetic layer formed on the upper face of the insulating film and serving as the other one of the source and the drain; a gate electrode formed along the side face of the insulating film; and a gate insulating film located between the gate electrode and the side face of the insulating film.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2012
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Applicant: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Tomoaki Inokuchi, Takao Marukame, Tetsufumi Tanamoto, Hideyuki Sugiyama, Mizue Ishikawa, Yoshiaki Saito
  • Publication number: 20130075839
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a MTJ stack for an MRAM device. The MTJ stack includes a pinned ferromagnetic layer over a pinning layer; a tunneling barrier layer over the pinned ferromagnetic layer; a free ferromagnetic layer over the tunneling barrier layer; a conductive oxide layer over the free ferromagnetic layer; and a oxygen-based cap layer over the conductive oxide layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2011
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Applicant: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Chih-Ming Chen, Ya-Chen Kao, Ming-Te Liu, Chung-Yi Yu, Cheng-Yuan Tsai, Chun-Jung Lin
  • Publication number: 20130077391
    Abstract: According to embodiments of the present invention, a magnetoresistive device is provided. The magnetoresistive device includes at least two ferromagnetic soft layers, wherein the at least two ferromagnetic soft layers have different ranges of magnetization switching frequencies. Further embodiments provide a magnetoresistive device including at least two oscillating ferromagnetic structures, wherein ranges of operating current amplitudes at which oscillations are induced for the at least two oscillating ferromagnetic structures are different. According to further embodiments of the present invention, writing methods for the magnetoresistive devices are provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2012
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Applicant: AGENCY FOR SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND RESEARCH
    Inventor: Agency for Science, Technology and Research
  • Publication number: 20130075837
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a semiconductor memory device. The device includes a pinning layer having an anti-ferromagnetic material and disposed over a first electrode; a pinned layer disposed over the pinning layer; a composite layer disposed over the pinned layer, the composite layer having a magnetic material randomly distributed in a non-magnetic material; a barrier layer disposed on the composite layer; a free layer disposed over the barrier layer; and a second electrode disposed over the free layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2011
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Applicant: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Chih-Ming Chen, Cheng-Yuan Tsai, Chung-Yi Yu, Kai-Wen Cheng, Kuo-Ming Wu
  • Publication number: 20130075844
    Abstract: A semiconductor device according to the present embodiment comprises a lower electrode provided above a semiconductor substrate and made of metal, an upper electrode provided above the lower electrode and made of metal, and a crystal layer provided between the lower electrode and the upper electrode. A thickness of each of the lower electrode and the upper electrode is smaller than a thickness of a skin layer deriving from a skin effect corresponding to a frequency of a microwave used to crystallize the crystal layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 11, 2012
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Inventors: Kiyotaka Miyano, Tomonori Aoyama
  • Patent number: 8405172
    Abstract: A semiconductor device excellent in the magnetic shielding effect of blocking off external magnetic fields is provided. The semiconductor device includes: an interlayer insulating film so formed as to cover a switching element formed over a main surface of a semiconductor substrate; a flat plate-like lead wiring; a coupling wiring coupling the lead wiring and the switching element with each other; and a magnetoresistive element including a magnetization free layer the orientation of magnetization of which is variable and formed over the lead wiring. The semiconductor device has a wiring and another wiring through which the magnetization state of the magnetization free layer can be varied. In a memory cell area where multiple magnetoresistive elements are arranged, a first high permeability film arranged above the magnetoresistive elements is extended from the memory cell area up to a peripheral area that is an area other than the memory cell area.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Renesas Electronics Corporation
    Inventors: Mikio Tsujiuchi, Masayoshi Tarutani, Yosuke Takeuchi
  • Patent number: 8405134
    Abstract: The output voltage of an MRAM is increased by means of an Fe(001)/MgO(001)/Fe(001) MTJ device, which is formed by microfabrication of a sample prepared as follows: A single-crystalline MgO (001) substrate is prepared. An epitaxial Fe(001) lower electrode (a first electrode) is grown on a MgO(001) seed layer at room temperature, followed by annealing under ultrahigh vacuum. A MgO(001) barrier layer is epitaxially formed on the Fe(001) lower electrode (the first electrode) at room temperature, using a MgO electron-beam evaporation. A Fe(001) upper electrode (a second electrode) is then formed on the MgO(001) barrier layer at room temperature. This is successively followed by the deposition of a Co layer on the Fe(001) upper electrode (the second electrode). The Co layer is provided so as to increase the coercive force of the upper electrode in order to realize an antiparallel magnetization alignment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignees: Japan Science and Technology Agency, National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology
    Inventor: Shinji Yuasa
  • Patent number: 8405173
    Abstract: A magnetic memory device includes a reference magnetic layer having a fixed magnetization direction, a tunnel barrier layer on the reference magnetic layer, a free layer having a variable magnetization direction on the tunnel barrier layer opposite the reference magnetic layer, and a magnetization reversal auxiliary layer on the free layer. The magnetization reversal auxiliary layer has a fixed magnetization direction that is substantially perpendicular to a plane along an interface between the tunnel barrier layer and the reference layer. The magnetization reversal auxiliary layer may be directly on the free layer, or an exchange coupling control layer may be provided between the magnetization reversal auxiliary layer and the free layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Woojin Kim, Sechung Oh, Jangeun Lee, Jeahyoung Lee, Junho Jeong, Woo Chang Lim
  • Patent number: 8405077
    Abstract: Provided is a magnetic memory device and a method of forming the same. A first magnetic conductive layer is disposed on a substrate. A first tunnel barrier layer including a first metallic element and a first non-metallic element is disposed on the first magnetic conductive layer. A second magnetic conductive layer is disposed on the first tunnel barrier layer. A content of an isotope of the first metallic element having a non-zero nuclear spin quantum number is lower than a natural state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 24, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ki Joon Kim
  • Patent number: 8405171
    Abstract: An apparatus and associated method for a non-volatile memory cell with a phonon-blocking insulating layer. In accordance with various embodiments, a magnetic stack has a tunnel junction, ferromagnetic free layer, pinned layer, and an insulating layer that is constructed of an electrically and thermally insulative material that blocks phonons while allowing electrical transmission through at least one conductive feature.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: Seagate Technology LLC
    Inventors: Yuankai Zheng, Xiaohua Lou, Wei Tian, Zheng Gao, Haiwen Xi
  • Publication number: 20130069184
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a magnetoresistive element comprises a first magnetic layer, in which a magnetization direction is variable and is perpendicular to a film surface, a tunnel barrier layer that is formed on the first magnetic layer, and a second magnetic layer that is formed on the tunnel barrier layer, a magnetization direction of the second magnetic layer being variable and being perpendicular to the film surface. The second magnetic layer comprises a body layer that constitutes an origin of perpendicular magnetic anisotropy, and an interface layer that is formed between the body layer and the tunnel barrier layer. The interface layer has a permeability higher than that of the body layer and a planar size larger than that of the body layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
    Inventors: Hisanori AIKAWA, Hiroaki YODA, Masahiko NAKAYAMA, Tatsuya KISHI, Sumio IKEGAWA
  • Publication number: 20130069185
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a magnetic memory element includes a stacked body including first and second stacked units stacked with each other. The first stacked unit includes first and second ferromagnetic layers and a first nonmagnetic layer provided therebetween. The second stacked unit includes third and fourth ferromagnetic layers and a second nonmagnetic layer provided therebetween. Magnetization of the second and third ferromagnetic layers are variable. Magnetizations of the first and fourth ferromagnetic layers are fixed in a direction perpendicular to the layer surfaces. A cross-sectional area of the third ferromagnetic layer is smaller than a cross-sectional area of the first stacked unit when cut along a plane perpendicular to the stacking direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2012
    Publication date: March 21, 2013
    Applicant: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Daisuke SAIDA, Minoru Amano, Yuichi Ohsawa, Junichi Ito, Hiroaki Yoda
  • Patent number: 8399942
    Abstract: A non-volatile magnetic memory element includes a number of layers one of which is a free layer which is graded. The graded free layer may include various elements with each element having a different anisotropy or it may include nonmagnetic compounds and magnetic regions with the non-magnetic compounds forming graded contents forming a unique shape such as cone shaped, diamond shaped or other shapes and whose thickness is based on the reactivity of the magnetic compound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Avalanche Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Rajiv Yadav Ranjan, Parviz Keshtbod, Roger Klas Malmhall
  • Patent number: 8399943
    Abstract: A non-volatile magnetic memory element includes a number of layers one of which is a free layer which is graded. The graded free layer may include various elements with each element having a different anisotropy or it may include nonmagnetic compounds and magnetic regions with the non-magnetic compounds forming graded contents forming a unique shape such as cone shaped, diamond shaped or other shapes and whose thickness is based on the reactivity of the magnetic compound.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2011
    Date of Patent: March 19, 2013
    Assignee: Avalanche Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Rajiv Yadav Ranjan, Parviz Keshtbod, Roger Klas Malmhall
  • Publication number: 20130064010
    Abstract: A magnetic cell structure including a nonmagnetic filament contact, and methods of fabricating the structure are provided. The magnetic cell structure includes a free layer, a pinned layer, an insulative layer between the free and pinned layers, and a nonmagnetic filament contact in the insulative layer which electrically connects the free and pinned layers. The nonmagnetic filament contact is formed from a nonmagnetic source layer, also between the free and pinned layers. The filament contact directs a programming current through the magnetic cell structure such that the cross sectional area of the programming current in the free layer is less than the cross section of the structure. The decrease in the cross sectional area of the programming current in the free layer enables a lower programming current to reach a critical switching current density in the free layer and switch the magnetization of the free layer, programming the magnetic cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: MICRON TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventor: Micron Technology, Inc.
  • Publication number: 20130063841
    Abstract: A “thermagnonic” spin-torque oscillator (STO) uses heat flow alone to cause the spin-torque (ST) effect and generate the persistent oscillation of the free layer magnetization. In addition to the conventional free and reference layers, the thermagnonic STO also includes a magnetic oxide layer having a fixed in-plane magnetization, a ferromagnetic metallic layer on one surface of the magnetic oxide layer, a nonmagnetic electrically conductive layer between the free layer and the metallic layer, and an electrically resistive heater on the other surface of the magnetic oxide layer. Due to the thermagnonic effect, heat flow from the magnetic oxide layer through the metallic layer, conductive layer and free layer ultimately results in a spin transfer torque (STT) to the free layer. Electrical sense current flowing in the opposite direction as the heat flow is used to monitor the frequency of oscillation of the free layer magnetization.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 8, 2011
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Inventors: Patrick Mesquita Braganca, Bruce Alvin Gurney
  • Publication number: 20130062674
    Abstract: A spin transfer torque random access memory includes a substance unit, a source line unit, an insulation unit, a transistor unit, a MTJ unit, and a bit line unit. The substance unit includes a substance layer. The source line unit includes a plurality of source lines formed inside the substance layer. The transistor unit includes a plurality of transistors respectively disposed on the source lines. Each transistor includes a source region formed on each corresponding source line, a drain region formed above the source region, a channel region formed between the source region and the drain region, and a surrounding gate region surrounding the source region, the drain region, and the channel region. The MTJ unit includes a plurality of MTJ structures respectively disposed on the transistors. The bit line unit includes at least one bit line disposed on the MTJ unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 27, 2011
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: INOTERA MEMORIES, INC.
    Inventors: TZUNG HAN LEE, CHUNG-LIN HUANG, RON FU CHU
  • Publication number: 20130062715
    Abstract: A spin transfer torque magnetic random access memory (STT-MRAM) device includes magnetic tunnel junctions (MTJs) with reduced switching current asymmetry. At least one switching asymmetry balance layer (SABL) near the free layer of the MTJ reduces a first switching current Ic(p-ap) causing the value of the first switching current to be nearly equal to the value of a second switching current Ic(ap-p) without increasing the average switching current of the device. The SABL may be a non-magnetic switching asymmetry balance layer (NM-SABL) and/or a magnetic switching asymmetry balance layer (M-SABL).
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 27, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Wei-Chuan Chen, Kangho Lee, Xiaochun Zhu, Seung H. Kang
  • Publication number: 20130062716
    Abstract: A method of forming a magnetic tunnel junction device is disclosed that includes forming a trench in a substrate, the trench including a plurality of sidewalls and a bottom wall. The method includes depositing a first conductive material within the trench proximate to one of the sidewalls and depositing a second conductive material within the trench. The method further includes depositing a material to form a magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) structure within the trench. The MTJ structure includes a fixed magnetic layer having a magnetic field with a fixed magnetic orientation, a tunnel junction layer, and a free magnetic layer having a magnetic field with a configurable magnetic orientation. The method further includes selectively removing a portion of the MTJ structure to create an opening in the MTJ structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventor: QUALCOMM Incorporated
  • Publication number: 20130064011
    Abstract: A magnetic memory cell including a piezoelectric material, and methods of operating the memory cell are provided. The memory cell includes a stack, and the piezoelectric material may be formed as a layer in the stack or adjacent the layers of the cell stack. The piezoelectric material may be used to induce a transient stress during programming of the memory cell to reduce the critical switching current of the memory cell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 9, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: MICRON TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventor: MICRON TECHNOLOGY, INC.
  • Publication number: 20130062714
    Abstract: Partial perpendicular magnetic anisotropy (PPMA) type magnetic random access memory cells are constructed using processes and structural configurations that induce a directed static strain/stress on an MTJ to increase the perpendicular magnetic anisotropy. Consequently, reduced switching current of the MTJ results. The directed static strain/stress on the MTJ is induced in a controlled direction and/or with a controlled magnitude during fabrication. The MTJ is permanently subject to a predetermined directed stress and permanently includes the directed static strain/strain that provides reduced switching current.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 26, 2012
    Publication date: March 14, 2013
    Applicant: QUALCOMM Incorporated
    Inventors: Xiaochun Zhu, Xia Li, Wei-Chuan Chen, Seung H. Kang
  • Publication number: 20130056812
    Abstract: A semiconductor memory device may include a common source region on a substrate, an active pattern between the substrate and the common source region, a gate pattern facing a sidewall of the active pattern, a gate dielectric pattern between the gate pattern and the active pattern, a variable resistance pattern between the common source region and the active pattern, and an interconnection line.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 6, 2012
    Publication date: March 7, 2013
    Inventors: Sua Kim, Jin Ho Kim, Chulwoo Park, Sangbo Lee, Hongsun Hwang
  • Publication number: 20130049746
    Abstract: A semiconductor chip package and a method to manufacture a semiconductor chip package are disclosed. An embodiment of the present invention comprises a substrate and a semiconductor chip disposed on the substrate and laterally surrounded by a packaging material. The package further comprises a current rail adjacent the semiconductor chip, the current rail isolated from the semiconductor chip by an isolation layer, a first external pad, and a via contact contacting the current rail with the first external pad.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2011
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: Infineon Technologies AG
    Inventors: Volker Strutz, Stefan Landau, Udo Ausserlechner
  • Publication number: 20130049144
    Abstract: A method includes patterning a plurality of magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) layers to form an MTJ cell, and forming a dielectric cap layer over a top surface and on a sidewall of the MTJ cell. The step of patterning and the step of forming the dielectric cap layer are in-situ formed in a same vacuum environment. A plasma treatment is performed on the dielectric cap layer to transform the dielectric cap layer into a treated dielectric cap layer, whereby the treated dielectric cap layer improves protection from H2O or O2, and thus degradation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2011
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Applicant: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Bang-Tai TANG, Cheng-Yuan TSAI
  • Patent number: 8384183
    Abstract: An integrated circuit and a method of making the integrated circuit provide a Hall effect element having a germanium Hall plate. The germanium Hall plate provides an increased electron mobility compared with silicon, and therefore, a more sensitive Hall effect element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 19, 2010
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2013
    Assignee: Allegro Microsystems, Inc.
    Inventors: Harianto Wong, William P. Taylor, Ravi Vig
  • Publication number: 20130044538
    Abstract: Provided is a stacked magnetic random access memory (MRAM) in which memory cell arrays having various characteristics or functions are included in memory cell layers. The stacked MRAM device includes a semiconductor substrate and at least one memory cell layers. The semiconductor substrate includes a first memory cell array. Each of the memory cell layers includes a memory cell array having a different function from the first memory cell array and is stacked on the first memory cell array. As a result, the stacked MRAM device has high density, high performance, and high reliability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2012
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Inventors: Hyung-Rok OH, Se-Chung OH
  • Publication number: 20130043549
    Abstract: A semiconductor device and a method of manufacture are provided, such as a MTJ device and a method of manufacturing a MTJ device. The MTJ device may include a bottom electrode, a MTJ stack, and a top electrode, wherein the top electrode is formed using a hole-filling technique. The top electrode may have slanted sidewalls. The MTJ stack may be formed by depositing corresponding MTJ layers. A patterned mask may be formed and patterned over the MTJ layers to form an opening defining the top electrode. The opening is filled with a conductive material to form the top electrode. The top electrode is then used as a mask to pattern the MTJ layers, thereby forming a MTJ stack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2012
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Applicant: TAIWAN SEMICONDUCTOR MANUFACTURING COMPANY, LTD.
    Inventors: Wei-Hang Huang, Shih-Chang Liu, Chern-Yow Hsu, Fu-Ting Sung, Chia-Shiung Tsai
  • Publication number: 20130043471
    Abstract: Reading margin is improved in a MTJ designed for MRAM applications by employing a pinned layer with an AP2/Ru/AP1 configuration wherein the AP1 layer is a CoFeB/CoFe composite and by forming a MgO tunnel barrier adjacent to the CoFe AP1 layer by a sequence that involves depositing and oxidizing a first Mg layer with a radical oxidation (ROX) process, depositing and oxidizing a second Mg layer with a ROX method, and depositing a third Mg layer on the oxidized second Mg layer. The third Mg layer becomes oxidized during a subsequent anneal. MTJ performance may be further improved by selecting a composite free layer having a Fe/NiFeHf or CoFe/Fe/NiFeHf configuration where the NiFeHf layer adjoins a capping layer in a bottom spin valve configuration. As a result, read margin is optimized simultaneously with improved MR ratio, a reduction in bit line switching current, and a lower number of shorted bits.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2011
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Inventors: Wei Cao, Witold Kula, Chyu-Jiuh Torng
  • Patent number: 8378438
    Abstract: A method and system for providing a magnetic element are described. The magnetic element includes pinned and free layers, a nonmagnetic spacer layer between the free and pinned layers, and a stability structure. The free layer is between the spacer layer and the stability structure. The free layer has a free layer magnetization, at least one free layer easy axis, and at least one hard axis. The stability structure includes magnetic layers and is configured to decrease a first magnetic energy corresponding to the free layer magnetization being aligned with the at least one easy axis without decreasing a second magnetic energy corresponding to the free layer magnetization being aligned with the at least one hard axis. The magnetic element is configured to allow the free layer magnetization to be switched to between states when a write current is passed through the magnetic element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Grandis, Inc.
    Inventors: Dmytro Apalkov, Yunfei Ding
  • Patent number: 8378437
    Abstract: A magnetoresistive effect element includes a reference layer, a recording layer, and a nonmagnetic layer. The reference layer is made of a magnetic material, has an invariable magnetization which is perpendicular to a film surface. The recording layer is made of a magnetic material, has a variable magnetization which is perpendicular to the film surface. The nonmagnetic layer is arranged between the reference layer and the recording layer. A critical diameter which is determined by magnetic anisotropy, saturation magnetization, and switched connection of the recording layer and has a single-domain state as a unique stable state or a critical diameter which has a single-domain state as a unique stable state and is inverted while keeping the single-domain state in an inverting process is larger than an element diameter of the magnetoresistive effect element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2008
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Assignee: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventors: Masahiko Nakayama, Kay Yakushiji, Sumio Ikegawa, Shinji Yuasa, Tadashi Kai, Toshihiko Nagase, Minoru Amano, Hisanori Aikawa, Tatsuya Kishi, Hiroaki Yoda
  • Publication number: 20130039121
    Abstract: A magneto-resistance memory device includes a first pinned layer having a first magnetic polarity regardless of current applied to the first pinned layer, a first tunnel insulating layer arranged on the first pinned layer, a first free layer arranged on the first tunnel insulating layer and having a magnetic polarity that changes in response to current of a first amount, a second pinned layer coupled to the first free layer and having the first magnetic polarity regardless of current applied to the first pinned layer, a second tunnel insulating layer arranged on the second pinned layer, a second free layer arranged on the second tunnel insulating layer and having a magnetic polarity that changes in response to current of a second amount, wherein the second amount is smaller than the first amount, and a connection layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2011
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Inventor: Seung Hyun LEE
  • Publication number: 20130037896
    Abstract: A method for fabricating a semiconductor device includes forming a magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) element on a substrate, forming a first capping layer along the shape of the MTJ element, forming an insulating layer on the first capping layer, forming a trench exposing a portion of the first capping layer above the MTJ element by selectively etching the insulating layer, forming a second capping layer on sidewalls of the trench, removing the exposed portion of the first capping layer using the second capping layer as an etching mask to expose an upper surface of the MTJ element, and forming a conductive layer in the trench, wherein the conductive layer contacts the upper surface of the MTJ element.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2012
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Inventors: Jung Woo Park, Gil Jae Park, Ki Seon Park
  • Publication number: 20130037892
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a pinned layer having a magnetic direction permanently set to a first direction, a tunnel insulating layer arranged on the pinned layer, a free layer arranged on the tunnel insulating layer and having a changeable magnetic direction, and a magnetic induction layer formed to surround the pinned layer and have a magnetic direction permanently set to a second direction different from the first direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Inventor: Ji Ho PARK
  • Publication number: 20130037092
    Abstract: Provided are diodes and photovoltaic devices incorporating a single-crystalline ferroelectric or pyroelectric with remnant electric polarization sandwiched with transparent or semitransparent electrodes.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 11, 2011
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: RUTGERS, THE STATE UNIVERSITY OF NEW JERSEY
    Inventors: Sang-Wook Cheong, Taekjib Choi, Seongsu Lee
  • Publication number: 20130037862
    Abstract: According to one embodiment, a magnetic random access memory includes a plurality of magnetoresistance elements. The plurality of magnetoresistance elements each include a recording layer having magnetic anisotropy perpendicular to a film surface, and a variable magnetization direction, a reference layer having magnetic anisotropy perpendicular to a film surface, and an invariable magnetization direction, and a first nonmagnetic layer formed between the recording layer and the reference layer. The recording layer is physically separated for each of the plurality of magnetoresistance elements. The reference layer and the first nonmagnetic layer continuously extend over the plurality of magnetoresistance elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 23, 2012
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: KABUSHIKI KAISHA TOSHIBA
    Inventors: Eiji KITAGAWA, Naoharu SHIMOMURA, Tsuneo INABA
  • Publication number: 20130037893
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a first free layer having a magnetic direction that changes according to a direction and an amount of a first current, a first tunnel insulating layer arranged on the first free layer, a pinned layer, arranged on the first tunnel insulating layer, having a magnetic direction set to a first direction, a second tunnel insulating layer arranged on the pinned layer, and a second free layer, arranged on the second tunnel insulating layer, having a magnetic direction that changes according to a direction and an amount of a second current.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2011
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Inventor: Seung Hyun LEE
  • Publication number: 20130037895
    Abstract: In a method for fabricating a semiconductor device, a conductive layer is formed on a substrate, where the substrate has a bottom layer formed thereon. A magnetic tunnel junction layer is formed on the conductive layer. The magnetic tunnel junction layer is patterned using an etching gas containing oxygen. An insulating layer is formed by oxidizing the conductive layer exposed outside the patterned magnetic tunnel junction layer using the etching gas.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2011
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Inventors: Min Suk LEE, Bo Kyoung Jung
  • Publication number: 20130037897
    Abstract: Disclosed is a novel non-volatile, ferroelectric random access memory (F-RAM) device and a method for fabricating a damascene self-aligned F-RAM device structure on a planar surface using a reduced number of masks and etching steps.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2012
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: RAMTRON INTERNATIONAL CORPORATION
    Inventors: Shan Sun, Thomas E. Davenport, John Cronin
  • Publication number: 20130037894
    Abstract: In a method for fabricating a magnetic tunnel junction, a fixed layer, a tunnel insulating layer, a free layer, and an anti-etch layer are formed on a substrate. A sacrificial layer having a hole is formed on the anti-etch layer. An upper electrode is buried in the hole. The sacrificial layer is removed. The anti-etch layer, the free layer, the tunnel insulating layer, and the fixed layer are etched using the upper electrode as a mask.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2011
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Inventor: Su Ock CHUNG
  • Publication number: 20130037871
    Abstract: An integrated circuit device includes a plurality of fins on an upper surface of a semiconductor substrate and extending in a first direction, a device isolation insulating film placed between the fins, a gate electrode extending in a second direction crossing the first direction on the insulating film; and an insulating film insulating the fin from the gate electrode. In a first region where a plurality of the fins are consecutively arranged, an upper surface of the device isolation insulating film is located at a first position below an upper end of the fin. In a second region located in the second direction as viewed from the first region, the upper surface of the device isolation insulating film is located at a second position above the upper end of the fin. In the second region, the device isolation insulating film covers entirely a side surface of the fin.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 1, 2012
    Publication date: February 14, 2013
    Applicant: Kabushiki Kaisha Toshiba
    Inventor: Gaku SUDO