Patents by Inventor Brad Herner

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

  • Patent number: 11158620
    Abstract: A memory array and single-crystal circuitry are provided by wafer bonding (e.g., adhesive wafer bonding or anodic wafer bonding) in the same integrated circuit and interconnected by conductors of an interconnect layer. Additional circuitry or memory arrays may be provided by additional wafer bonds and electrically connected by interconnect layers at the wafer bonding interface. The memory array may include storage or memory transistors having single-crystal epitaxial silicon channel material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 26, 2021
    Assignee: SUNRISE MEMORY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Scott Brad Herner, Eli Harari
  • Publication number: 20210320182
    Abstract: A thin-film memory transistor includes a source region, a drain region, a channel region, a gate electrode, and a charge-trapping layer provided between the channel region and the gate electrode and electrically isolated therefrom, wherein the charge-trapping layer has includes a number of charge-trapping sites that is 70% occupied or evacuated using a single voltage pulse of a predetermined width of 500 nanoseconds or less and a magnitude of 15.0 volts or less. The charge-trapping layer comprises silicon-rich nitride may have a refractive index of 2.05 or greater or comprises nano-crystals of germanium (Ge), zirconium oxide (ZrO2), or zinc oxide (ZnO). The thin-film memory transistor may be implemented, for example, in a 3-dimensional array of NOR memory strings formed above a planar surface of a semiconductor substrate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2021
    Publication date: October 14, 2021
    Inventors: Wu-Yi Henry Chien, Scott Brad Herner, Eli Harari
  • Publication number: 20210313348
    Abstract: A method to ease the fabrication of high aspect ratio three dimensional memory structures for memory cells with feature sizes of 20 nm or less, or with a high number of memory layers. The present invention also provides an improved isolation between adjacent memory cells along the same or opposite sides of an active strip. The improved isolation is provided by introducing a strong dielectric barrier film between adjacent memory cells along the same side of an active strip, and by staggering memory cells of opposite sides of the active strip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 15, 2021
    Publication date: October 7, 2021
    Applicant: SUNRISE MEMORY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Eli Harari, Wu-Yi Henry Chien, Scott Brad Herner
  • Publication number: 20210305464
    Abstract: This application describes a light emitting device or an assembly of light emitting devices, each with a small footprint. The light emitting device comprises two transistors, a capacitor, and an LED. The transistors comprise single crystal semiconductor. The capacitor is vertically-oriented. The LED overlies the transistors and capacitor. Methods to form the light emitting device or assembly are discussed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2020
    Publication date: September 30, 2021
    Applicant: Black Peak LLC
    Inventor: Scott Brad Herner
  • Patent number: 11133439
    Abstract: This application describes a light emitting device or an assembly of light emitting devices. In the completed light emitting device, a distributed Bragg reflector minimizes the possibility of disturbing adjacent light emitting devices. Methods to fabricate such devices and assemblies of devices are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 28, 2021
    Assignee: Black Peak LLC
    Inventor: Scott Brad Herner
  • Publication number: 20210225873
    Abstract: A staggered memory cell architecture staggers memory cells on opposite sides of a shared bit line preserves memory cell density, while increasing the distance between such memory cells, thereby reducing the possibility of a disturb. In one implementation, the memory cells along a first side of a shared bit line are connected to a set of global word lines provided underneath the memory structure, while the memory cells on the other side of the shared bit line—which are staggered relative to the memory cells on the first side—are connected to global word lines above the memory structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 2, 2021
    Publication date: July 22, 2021
    Applicant: SUNRISE MEMORY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Scott Brad Herner
  • Patent number: 11069711
    Abstract: A method to ease the fabrication of high aspect ratio three dimensional memory structures for memory cells with feature sizes of 20 nm or less, or with a high number of memory layers. The present invention also provides an improved isolation between adjacent memory cells along the same or opposite sides of an active strip. The improved isolation is provided by introducing a strong dielectric barrier film between adjacent memory cells along the same side of an active strip, and by staggering memory cells of opposite sides of the active strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2020
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2021
    Assignee: SUNRISE MEMORY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Eli Harari, Wu-Yi Henry Chien, Scott Brad Herner
  • Publication number: 20210210506
    Abstract: A memory circuit includes: (i) a semiconductor substrate having a planar surface, the semiconductor substrate having formed therein circuitry for memory operations; (ii) a memory array formed above the planar surface, the memory array having one or more electrodes to memory circuits in the memory array, the conductors each extending along a direction substantially parallel to the planar surface; and (iii) one or more transistors each formed above, alongside or below a corresponding one of the electrodes but above the planar surface of the semiconductor substrate, each transistor (a) having first and second drain/source region and a gate region each formed out of a semiconductor material, wherein the first drain/source region, the second drain/source region or the gate region has formed thereon a metal silicide layer; and (b) selectively connecting the corresponding electrode to the circuitry for memory operations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 28, 2021
    Publication date: July 8, 2021
    Applicant: Sunrise Memory Corporation
    Inventors: Tianhong Yan, Scott Brad Herner, Jie Zhou, Wu-Yi Henry Chien, Eli Harari
  • Patent number: 11018122
    Abstract: This application describes a subpixel apparatus comprising two transistors, a capacitor, and a small LED. The transistors and capacitor are fabricated in such a manner as to occupy a reduced area and have the small LED overlie them. Methods to form the subpixel apparatus are discussed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 25, 2021
    Assignee: Black Peak LLC
    Inventor: Scott Brad Herner
  • Patent number: 11011544
    Abstract: A staggered memory cell architecture staggers memory cells on opposite sides of a shared bit line preserves memory cell density, while increasing the distance between such memory cells, thereby reducing the possibility of a disturb. In one implementation, the memory cells along a first side of a shared bit line are connected to a set of global word lines provided underneath the memory structure, while the memory cells on the other side of the shared bit line—which are staggered relative to the memory cells on the first side—are connected to global word lines above the memory structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 18, 2021
    Assignee: SUNRISE MEMORY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Scott Brad Herner, Eli Harari
  • Patent number: 11004895
    Abstract: Devices and methods of their fabrication for pixels or displays are disclosed. Pixels and displays having redundant subpixels are described. Subpixels are initially isolated by an unprogrammed antifuse. A subpixel is connected to the display by programming the antifuse, electrically connecting it to the pixel or display. Defective subpixels can be determined by photoluminescent testing or electroluminescent testing, or both. A redundant subpixel can replace a defective subpixel before pixel or display fabrication is complete.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Assignee: Black Peak LLC
    Inventor: Scott Brad Herner
  • Publication number: 20210134774
    Abstract: This application describes a subpixel apparatus comprising two transistors, a capacitor, and a small LED. The transistors and capacitor are fabricated in such a manner as to occupy a reduced area and have the small LED overlie them. Methods to form the subpixel apparatus are discussed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2019
    Publication date: May 6, 2021
    Applicant: Black Peak LLC
    Inventor: Scott Brad Herner
  • Publication number: 20200403002
    Abstract: A method addresses low cost, low resistance metal interconnects and mechanical stability in a high aspect ratio structure. According to the various implementations disclosed herein, a replacement metal process, which defers the need for a metal etching step in the fabrication process until after all patterned photoresist is no longer present. Under this process, the conductive sublayers may be both thick and numerous.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 3, 2020
    Publication date: December 24, 2020
    Applicant: Sunrise Memory Corporation
    Inventors: Eli Harari, Scott Brad Herner, Wu-Yi Henry Chien
  • Patent number: 10847677
    Abstract: This application describes a light emitting device or an assembly of light emitting devices. In the completed device, an LED at least partially overlies a thin film transistor and a reflective layer is disposed between the LED and the thin film transistor. Methods to fabricate such devices and assemblies of devices are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 24, 2020
    Assignee: Black Peak, LLC
    Inventor: Scott Brad Herner
  • Patent number: 10818692
    Abstract: A method addresses low cost, low resistance metal interconnects and mechanical stability in a high aspect ratio structure. According to the various implementations disclosed herein, a replacement metal process, which defers the need for a metal etching step in the fabrication process until after all patterned photoresist is no longer present. Under this process, the conductive sublayers may be both thick and numerous. The present invention also provides for a strut structure which facilitates etching steps on high aspect ratio structures, which enhances mechanical stability in a high aspect ratio memory stack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2020
    Assignee: SUNRISE MEMORY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Eli Harari, Scott Brad Herner, Wu-Yi Henry Chien
  • Publication number: 20200335519
    Abstract: A staggered memory cell architecture staggers memory cells on opposite sides of a shared bit line preserves memory cell density, while increasing the distance between such memory cells, thereby reducing the possibility of a disturb. In one implementation, the memory cells along a first side of a shared bit line are connected to a set of global word lines provided underneath the memory structure, while the memory cells on the other side of the shared bit line—which are staggered relative to the memory cells on the first side—are connected to global word lines above the memory structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 3, 2020
    Publication date: October 22, 2020
    Applicant: SUNRISE MEMORY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Scott Brad Herner, Eli Harari
  • Publication number: 20200328228
    Abstract: A process for manufacturing a 3-dimensional memory structure includes: (a) providing one or more active layers over a planar surface of a semiconductor substrate, each active layer comprising (i) first and second semiconductor layers of a first conductivity; (ii) a dielectric layer separating the first and second semiconductor layer; and (ii) one or more sacrificial layers, at least one of sacrificial layers being adjacent the first semiconductor layer; (b) etching the active layers to create a plurality of active stacks and a first set of trenches each separating and exposing sidewalls of adjacent active stacks; (c) filling the first set of trenches by a silicon oxide; (d) patterning and etching the silicon oxide to create silicon oxide columns each abutting adjacent active stacks and to expose portions of one or more sidewalls of the active stacks; (e) removing the sacrificial layers from exposed portions of the sidewalls by isotropic etching through the exposed portions of the sidewalls of the active stack
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 26, 2020
    Publication date: October 15, 2020
    Applicant: Sunrise Memory Corporation
    Inventors: Eli Harari, Scott Brad Herner, Wu-Yi Chien
  • Publication number: 20200303414
    Abstract: A method to ease the fabrication of high aspect ratio three dimensional memory structures for memory cells with feature sizes of 20 nm or less, or with a high number of memory layers. The present invention also provides an improved isolation between adjacent memory cells along the same or opposite sides of an active strip. The improved isolation is provided by introducing a strong dielectric barrier film between adjacent memory cells along the same side of an active strip, and by staggering memory cells of opposite sides of the active strip.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2020
    Publication date: September 24, 2020
    Applicant: SUNRISE MEMORY CORPORATION
    Inventors: Eli Harari, Wu-Yi Henry Chien, Scott Brad Herner
  • Publication number: 20200258897
    Abstract: A memory circuit includes: (i) a semiconductor substrate having a planar surface, the semiconductor substrate having formed therein circuitry for memory operations; (ii) a memory array formed above the planar surface, the memory array having one or more electrodes to memory circuits in the memory array, the conductors each extending along a direction substantially parallel to the planar surface; and (iii) one or more transistors each formed above, alongside or below a corresponding one of the electrodes but above the planar surface of the semiconductor substrate, each transistor (a) having first and second drain/source region and a gate region each formed out of a semiconductor material, wherein the first drain/source region, the second drain/source region or the gate region has formed thereon a metal silicide layer, and (b) selectively connecting the corresponding electrode to the circuitry for memory operations.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 10, 2020
    Publication date: August 13, 2020
    Applicant: Sunrise Memory Corporation
    Inventors: Tianhong Yan, Scott Brad Herner, Jie Zhou, Wu-Yi Henry Chien, Eli Harari
  • Publication number: 20200258903
    Abstract: A method addresses low cost, low resistance metal interconnects and mechanical stability in a high aspect ratio structure. According to the various implementations disclosed herein, a replacement metal process, which defers the need for a metal etching step in the fabrication process until after all patterned photoresist is no longer present. Under this process, the conductive sublayers may be both thick and numerous. The present invention also provides for a strut structure which facilitates etching steps on high aspect ratio structures, which enhances mechanical stability in a high aspect ratio memory stack.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 17, 2020
    Publication date: August 13, 2020
    Applicant: Sunrise Memory Corporation
    Inventors: Eli Harari, Scott Brad Herner, Wu-Yi Henry Chien