Patents by Inventor Anton P. Eppich

Anton P. Eppich has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Publication number: 20230395528
    Abstract: A three-dimensional (3D) memory device including a stack of alternating supporting lattice layers and dielectric layers on a substrate, a plurality of memory pillars vertically penetrating the stack, each of the plurality of memory pillars including a plurality of vertically connected replacement gate (RG) memory cells that correspond to the supporting lattice layers, each of the memory pillars having a first square peripheral shape in a horizontal plane parallel to the supporting lattice layers, and a plurality of supporting buttress (SBT) pillars exclusive of any memory cells that are located at outside ends of the plurality of memory pillars and that vertically penetrate the stack, wherein the plurality of memory pillars and the plurality of SBT pillars are laterally connected by the supporting lattice layers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2022
    Publication date: December 7, 2023
    Inventors: Shruti Jain, Anton P. Eppich
  • Publication number: 20230395529
    Abstract: A three-dimensional (3D) memory device including a stack of alternating supporting lattice layers and dielectric layers on a substrate, a plurality of memory pillars vertically penetrating the stack, each of the plurality of memory pillars including a plurality of vertically connected replacement gate (RG) memory cells that correspond to the supporting lattice layers, each of the memory pillars having a first polygon shape having at least six sides in a horizontal plane parallel to the supporting lattice layers, and a plurality of supporting buttress (SBT) pillars exclusive of any memory cells that are located at outside ends of the plurality of memory pillars and that vertically penetrate the stack, wherein the plurality of memory pillars and the plurality of SBT pillars are laterally connected by the supporting lattice layers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 7, 2022
    Publication date: December 7, 2023
    Inventors: Anton P. Eppich, Shruti Jain
  • Publication number: 20230180467
    Abstract: The present disclosure includes apparatuses and methods for vertical access line in a folded digitline sense amplifier. An example apparatus includes an array of memory cells. The memory cells form active areas having adjacent access devices, each access device having a first source/drain region and a second source/drain region separated by a channel region and a gate opposing the channel region. A pair of adjacent memory cells can share a digitline contact at the second source/drain region. A storage node contact can be coupled to respective first source/drain regions and each gate can be connected to vertically oriented access lines formed on opposing side of a depletion region to each access device. An insulator material can be patterned between adjacent digitlines to isolate adjacent memory cells.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2021
    Publication date: June 8, 2023
    Inventor: Anton P. Eppich
  • Patent number: 11264320
    Abstract: Some embodiments include an integrated assembly having a set of true digit-lines and a set of complementary digit-lines. Each of the complementary digit-lines is comparatively coupled with an associated one of the true digit-lines. A semiconductor substrate is under the true digit-lines. The semiconductor substrate includes semiconductor features which project upwardly from a semiconductor base and which extend along a first direction. Each of the semiconductor features has opposing sidewalls. First source/drain regions are within the semiconductor features and second source/drain regions are within the semiconductor base. The true digit-lines are coupled with the first source/drain regions. Wordlines are along the opposing sidewalls and include gating regions which gatedly couple the first source/drain regions with the second source/drain regions. Storage-elements are coupled with the second source/drain regions. In some embodiments, memory may utilize a 4F2 layout.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Anton P. Eppich
  • Patent number: 9128383
    Abstract: Photolithographic apparatus, systems, and methods that make use of sub-resolution assist devices are disclosed. In the various embodiments, an imaging mask includes an optically transmissive substrate having a sub-resolution assist device that further includes a first optical attenuation region and a spaced-apart second optical attenuation region, and an optically transmissive phase adjustment region interposed between the first optical attenuation region and the second optical attenuation region, the phase adjustment region being configured to change a phase of incident illumination radiation by altering an optical property of the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Anton P. Eppich, Fei Wang
  • Patent number: 8952437
    Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a DRAM cell design with folded digitline sense amplifier. In one illustrative embodiment, a memory array having a plurality of memory cells having an effective size of 6F2 is disclosed which has a plurality of dual bit active areas, each of the active areas having a substantially longitudinal axis, and a plurality of digitlines arranged in a folded digitline architecture, wherein the active areas are positioned such that the longitudinal axis of the active areas is oriented at an angle with respect to a centerline of the digitlines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Fei Wang, Anton P. Eppich
  • Publication number: 20140248554
    Abstract: Photolithographic apparatus, systems, and methods that make use of sub-resolution assist devices are disclosed. In the various embodiments, an imaging mask includes an optically transmissive substrate having a sub-resolution assist device that further includes a first optical attenuation region and a spaced-apart second optical attenuation region, and an optically transmissive phase adjustment region interposed between the first optical attenuation region and the second optical attenuation region, the phase adjustment region being configured to change a phase of incident illumination radiation by altering an optical property of the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 9, 2014
    Publication date: September 4, 2014
    Applicant: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Anton P. Eppich, Fei Wang
  • Publication number: 20140241025
    Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a DRAM cell design with folded digitline sense amplifier. In one illustrative embodiment, a memory array having a plurality of memory cells having an effective size of 6F2 is disclosed which has a plurality of dual bit active areas, each of the active areas having a substantially longitudinal axis, and a plurality of digitlines arranged in a folded digitline architecture, wherein the active areas are positioned such that the longitudinal axis of the active areas is oriented at an angle with respect to a centerline of the digitlines.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 5, 2014
    Publication date: August 28, 2014
    Applicant: MICRON TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventors: FEI WANG, Anton P. Eppich
  • Patent number: 8736811
    Abstract: Photolithographic apparatus, systems, and methods that make use of sub-resolution assist devices are disclosed. In the various embodiments, an imaging mask includes an optically transmissive substrate having a sub-resolution assist device that further includes a first optical attenuation region and a spaced-apart second optical attenuation region, and an optically transmissive phase adjustment region interposed between the first optical attenuation region and the second optical attenuation region, the phase adjustment region being configured to change a phase of incident illumination radiation by altering an optical property of the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2014
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Anton P. Eppich, Fei Wang
  • Patent number: 8716772
    Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a DRAM cell design with folded digitline sense amplifier. In one illustrative embodiment, a memory array having a plurality of memory cells having an effective size of 6F2 is disclosed which has a plurality of dual bit active areas, each of the active areas having a substantially longitudinal axis, and a plurality of digitlines arranged in a folded digitline architecture, wherein the active areas are positioned such that the longitudinal axis of the active areas is oriented at an angle with respect to a centerline of the digitlines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Fei Wang, Anton P. Eppich
  • Patent number: 8354317
    Abstract: According to one aspect of the invention, a memory device is disclosed. The memory device comprises a substantially linear active area comprising a source and at least two drains defining a first axis. The memory device further comprises at least two substantially parallel word lines, at least a portion of a first word line located between a first drain and the source, and at least a portion of a second word line located between a second drain and the source, which word lines define a second axis. The memory device further comprises a digit line coupled to the source, wherein the digit line forms a substantially zig-zag pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 15, 2013
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Anton P. Eppich
  • Patent number: 8183615
    Abstract: A memory cell, array and device include an active area formed in a substrate with a vertical transistor including a first end disposed over a first portion of the active area. The vertical transistor is formed as an epitaxial post on the substrate surface, extends from the surface of the substrate, and includes a gate formed around a perimeter of the epitaxial post. A capacitor is formed on the vertical transistor and a buried digit line vertically couples to a second portion of the active area. An electronic system and method for forming a memory cell are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2012
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Anton P. Eppich
  • Publication number: 20110235009
    Abstract: Photolithographic apparatus, systems, and methods that make use of sub-resolution assist devices are disclosed. In the various embodiments, an imaging mask includes an optically transmissive substrate having a sub-resolution assist device that further includes a first optical attenuation region and a spaced-apart second optical attenuation region, and an optically transmissive phase adjustment region interposed between the first optical attenuation region and the second optical attenuation region, the phase adjustment region being configured to change a phase of incident illumination radiation by altering an optical property of the substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 13, 2011
    Publication date: September 29, 2011
    Inventors: Anton P. Eppich, Fei Wang
  • Publication number: 20110156116
    Abstract: According to one aspect of the invention, a memory device is disclosed. The memory device comprises a substantially linear active area comprising a source and at least two drains defining a first axis. The memory device further comprises at least two substantially parallel word lines, at least a portion of a first word line located between a first drain and the source, and at least a portion of a second word line located between a second drain and the source, which word lines define a second axis. The memory device further comprises a digit line coupled to the source, wherein the digit line forms a substantially zig-zag pattern.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 10, 2011
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Applicant: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Anton P. Eppich
  • Patent number: 7961292
    Abstract: Photolithographic apparatus, systems, and methods that make use of sub-resolution assist devices are disclosed. In the various embodiments, an imaging mask includes an optically transmissive substrate having a sub-resolution assist device that further includes a first optical attenuation region and a spaced-apart second optical attenuation region, and an optically transmissive phase adjustment region interposed between the first optical attenuation region and the second optical attenuation region, the phase adjustment region being configured to change a phase of incident illumination radiation by altering an optical property of the substrate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2011
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Anton P. Eppich, Fei Wang
  • Patent number: 7915116
    Abstract: According to one aspect of the invention, a memory device is disclosed. The memory device comprises a substantially linear active area comprising a source and at least two drains defining a first axis. The memory device further comprises at least two substantially parallel word lines, at least a portion of a first word line located between a first drain and the source, and at least a portion of a second word line located between a second drain and the source, which word lines define a second axis. The memory device further comprises a digit line coupled to the source, wherein the digit line forms a substantially zig-zag pattern.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Anton P. Eppich
  • Publication number: 20110042734
    Abstract: A memory cell, array and device include an active area formed in a substrate with a vertical transistor including a first end disposed over a first portion of the active area. The vertical transistor is formed as an epitaxial post on the substrate surface, extends from the surface of the substrate, and includes a gate formed around a perimeter of the epitaxial post. A capacitor is formed on the vertical transistor and a buried digit line vertically couples to a second portion of the active area. An electronic system and method for forming a memory cell are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Applicant: MICRON TECHNOLOGY, INC.
    Inventor: Anton P. Eppich
  • Patent number: 7825452
    Abstract: A memory cell, array and device include an active area formed in a substrate with a vertical transistor including a first end disposed over a first portion of the active area. The vertical transistor is formed as an epitaxial post on the substrate surfaces extends from the surface of the substrate, and includes a gate formed around a perimeter of the epitaxial post. A capacitor is formed on the vertical transistor and a buried digit line vertically couples to a second portion of the active area. An electronic system and method for forming a memory cell are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2010
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Anton P. Eppich
  • Patent number: 7613025
    Abstract: The present invention is generally directed to a DRAM cell design with folded digitline sense amplifier. In one illustrative embodiment, a memory array having a plurality of memory cells having an effective size of 6 F2 is disclosed which has a plurality of dual bit active areas, each of the active areas having a substantially longitudinal axis, and a plurality of digitlines on a 3 F-pitch arranged in a folded digitline architecture, wherein the active areas are positioned such that the longitudinal axis of the active areas is oriented at an angle with respect to a centerline of the digitlines.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2008
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2009
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Fei Wang, Anton P. Eppich
  • Publication number: 20090215236
    Abstract: According to one aspect of the invention, a memory device is disclosed. The memory device comprises a substantially linear active area comprising a source and at least two drains defining a first axis. The memory device further comprises at least two substantially parallel word lines, at least a portion of a first word line located between a first drain and the source, and at least a portion of a second word line located between a second drain and the source, which word lines define a second axis. The memory device further comprises a digit line coupled to the source, wherein the digit line forms a substantially zig-zag pattern.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2009
    Publication date: August 27, 2009
    Applicant: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventor: Anton P. Eppich