Patents by Inventor Darwin A. Clampitt
Darwin A. Clampitt 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).
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Patent number: 11495530Abstract: A microelectronic device comprises a stack structure, a stadium structure within the stack structure, and conductive contact structures. The stack structure comprises a vertically alternating sequence of conductive structures and insulative structures arranged in tiers. Each of the tiers comprises one of the conductive structures and one of the insulative structures. The stadium structure comprises a forward staircase structure having steps comprising edges of the tiers, and a reverse staircase structure opposing the forward staircase structure and having additional steps comprising additional edges of the tiers. The conductive contact structures vertically extend to upper vertical boundaries of at least some of the conductive structures of the stack structure at the steps of the forward staircase structure and the additional steps of the reverse staircase structure, and are each integral and continuous with one of the conductive structures.Type: GrantFiled: May 1, 2020Date of Patent: November 8, 2022Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventors: Darwin A. Clampitt, Roger W. Lindsay, Jeffrey D. Runia, Matthew Holland, Chamunda N. Chamunda
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Patent number: 11482536Abstract: An electronic device comprising lower and upper decks adjacent to a source. The lower and upper decks comprise tiers of alternating conductive materials and dielectric materials. Memory pillars in the lower and upper decks are configured to be operably coupled to the source. The memory pillars comprise contact plugs in the upper deck, cell films in the lower and upper decks, and fill materials in the lower and upper decks. The cell films in the upper deck are adjacent to the contact plugs and the fill materials in the upper deck are adjacent to the contact plugs. Dummy pillars are in a central region of the lower deck and the upper deck. The dummy pillars comprise an oxide material in the upper deck, the oxide material contacting the contact plugs and the fill materials. Additional electronic devices and related systems and methods are also disclosed.Type: GrantFiled: July 23, 2020Date of Patent: October 25, 2022Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventors: S M Istiaque Hossain, Tom J. John, Darwin A. Clampitt, Anilkumar Chandolu, Prakash Rau Mokhna Rau, Christopher J. Larsen, Kye Hyun Baek
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Method of fabricating electronic devices comprising removing sacrificial structures to form a cavity
Patent number: 11469249Abstract: A method of forming a semiconductor device comprises forming sacrificial structures and support pillars on a material. Tiers are formed over the sacrificial structures and support pillars and tier pillars and tier openings are formed to expose the sacrificial structures. One or more of the tier openings comprises a greater critical dimension than the other tier openings. The sacrificial structures are removed to form a cavity. A cell film is formed over sidewalls of the tier pillars, the cavity, and the one or more tier openings. A fill material is formed in the tier openings and adjacent to the cell film and a portion removed from the other tier openings to form recesses adjacent to an uppermost tier. Substantially all of the fill material is removed from the one or more tier openings. A doped polysilicon material is formed in the recesses and the one or more tier openings. A conductive material is formed in the recesses and in the one or more tier openings.Type: GrantFiled: February 10, 2021Date of Patent: October 11, 2022Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventors: Darwin A. Clampitt, David H. Wells, John D. Hopkins, Kevin Y. Titus -
Publication number: 20220216094Abstract: A microelectronic device comprises a stack structure comprising a vertically alternating sequence of conductive structures and insulative structures arranged in tiers, strings of memory cells vertically extending through the stack structure, the strings of memory cells individually comprising a channel material vertically extending through the stack structure, a conductive contact structure vertically overlying and in electrical communication with the channel material of a string of memory cells of the strings of memory cells, and a void laterally neighboring the conductive contact structure, the conductive contact structure separated from a laterally neighboring conductive contact structure by the void, a dielectric material, and an additional void laterally neighboring the laterally neighboring conductive contact structure. Related memory devices, electronic systems, and methods are also described.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 5, 2021Publication date: July 7, 2022Inventors: Darwin A. Clampitt, John D. Hopkins, Madison D. Drake
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Publication number: 20220216229Abstract: A microelectronic device includes a pair of stack structures. The pair comprises a lower stack structure and an upper stack structure overlying the lower stack structure. The lower stack structure and the upper stack structure each comprise a vertically alternating sequence of insulative structures and conductive structures arranged in tiers. A source region is vertically interposed between the lower stack structure and the upper stack structure. A first array of pillars extends through the upper stack structure, from proximate the source region toward a first drain region above the upper stack structure. A second array of pillars extend through the lower stack structure, from proximate the source region toward a second drain region below the lower stack structure. Additional microelectronic devices are also disclosed, as are related methods and electronic systems.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 5, 2021Publication date: July 7, 2022Inventors: Darwin A. Clampitt, John D. Hopkins, Matthew J. King, Roger W. Lindsay, Kevin Y. Titus
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Publication number: 20220199644Abstract: Some embodiments include an integrated assembly having a base (e.g., a monocrystalline silicon wafer), and having memory cells over the base and along channel-material-pillars. A conductive structure is between the memory cells and the base. The channel-material-pillars are coupled with the conductive structure. A foundational structure extends into the base and projects upwardly to a level above the conductive structure. The foundational structure locks the conductive structure to the base to provide foundational support to the conductive structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 10, 2022Publication date: June 23, 2022Applicant: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventors: Darwin A. Clampitt, Matthew J. King, John D. Hopkins, M. Jared Barclay
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Patent number: 11302710Abstract: Some embodiments include an integrated assembly having a base (e.g., a monocrystalline silicon wafer), and having memory cells over the base and along channel-material-pillars. A conductive structure is between the memory cells and the base. The channel-material-pillars are coupled with the conductive structure. A foundational structure extends into the base and projects upwardly to a level above the conductive structure. The foundational structure locks the conductive structure to the base to provide foundational support to the conductive structure.Type: GrantFiled: January 10, 2020Date of Patent: April 12, 2022Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventors: Darwin A. Clampitt, Matthew J. King, John D. Hopkins, M. Jared Barclay
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Publication number: 20220068956Abstract: Some embodiments include apparatuses and methods of forming the apparatuses. One of the apparatuses includes a first deck located over a substrate, and a second deck located over the first deck, and pillars extending through the first and second decks. The first deck includes first memory cells, first control gates associated with the first memory cells, and first conductive paths coupled to the first control gates. The second conductive paths include second conductive pads located on a first level of the apparatus over the substrate. The second deck includes second memory cells, second control gates associated with the second memory cells, and second conductive paths coupled to the second control gates. The second conductive paths include second conductive pads located on a second level of the apparatus. The first and second conductive pads having lengths in a direction perpendicular to a direction from the first deck to the second deck.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 31, 2020Publication date: March 3, 2022Inventors: Darwin A. Clampitt, Shawn D. Lyonsmith, Matthew J. King, Lisa M. Clampitt, John Hopkins, Kevin Y. Titus, Indra V. Chary, Martin Jared Barclay, Anilkumar Chandolu, Pavithra Natarajan, Roger W. Lindsay
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Publication number: 20220028881Abstract: An electronic device comprising lower and upper decks adjacent to a source. The lower and upper decks comprise tiers of alternating conductive materials and dielectric materials. Memory pillars in the lower and upper decks are configured to be operably coupled to the source. The memory pillars comprise contact plugs in the upper deck, cell films in the lower and upper decks, and fill materials in the lower and upper decks. The cell films in the upper deck are adjacent to the contact plugs and the fill materials in the upper deck are adjacent to the contact plugs. Dummy pillars are in a central region of the lower deck and the upper deck. The dummy pillars comprise an oxide material in the upper deck, the oxide material contacting the contact plugs and the fill materials. Additional electronic devices and related systems and methods are also disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 23, 2020Publication date: January 27, 2022Inventors: S M Istiaque Hossain, Tom J. John, Darwin A. Clampitt, Anilkumar Chandolu, Prakash Rau Mokhna Rau, Christopher J. Larsen, Kye Hyun Baek
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Publication number: 20220005817Abstract: A method used in forming a memory array comprising strings of memory cells comprises forming a stack comprising vertically-alternating first tiers and second tiers. A channel-material string is in individual channel openings in the vertically-alternating first tiers and second tiers. A conductor-material contact is in the individual channel openings directly against the channel material of individual of the channel-material strings. The conductor-material contacts are vertically recessed in the individual channel openings. A conductive via is formed in the individual channel openings directly against the vertically-recessed conductor-material contact in that individual channel opening. Other aspects, including structure independent of method, are disclosed.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 1, 2020Publication date: January 6, 2022Applicant: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventors: John D. Hopkins, Darwin A. Clampitt, Michael J. Puett, Christopher R. Ritchie
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Publication number: 20210408029Abstract: A termination opening can be formed through the stack alternating dielectrics concurrently with forming contact openings through the stack. A termination structure can be formed in the termination opening. An additional opening can be formed through the termination structure and through the stack between groups of semiconductor structures that pass through the stack. In another example, an opening can be formed through the stack so that a first segment of the opening is between groups of semiconductor structures in a first region of the stack and a second segment of the opening is in a second region of the stack that does not include the groups of semiconductor structures. A material can be formed in the second segment so that the first segment terminates at the material. In some instances, the material can be implanted in the dielectrics in the second region through the second segment.Type: ApplicationFiled: September 13, 2021Publication date: December 30, 2021Inventors: Matthew J. King, Anilkumar Chandolu, Indra V. Chary, Darwin A. Clampitt, Gordon Haller, Thomas George, Brett D. Lowe, David A. Daycock
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Patent number: 11177279Abstract: In an example, a method of forming a stacked memory array includes forming a stack of alternating first and second dielectrics, forming a termination structure through the stack, the termination structure comprising a dielectric liner around a conductor, forming a set of contacts concurrently with forming the termination structure, forming a third dielectric over an upper surface of the stack and an upper surface of the termination structure, forming a first opening through the third dielectric and the stack between first and second groups of semiconductor structures so that the first opening exposes an upper surface of the conductor, and removing the conductor from the termination structure to form a second opening lined with the dielectric liner. In some examples, the dielectric liner can include a rectangular or a triangular tab or a pair of prongs that can have a rectangular profile or that can be tapered.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2020Date of Patent: November 16, 2021Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventors: Matthew J. King, Anilkumar Chandolu, Indra V. Chary, Darwin A. Clampitt, Gordon Haller, Thomas George, Brett D. Lowe, David A. Daycock
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Publication number: 20210343637Abstract: A microelectronic device comprises a stack structure, a stadium structure within the stack structure, and conductive contact structures. The stack structure comprises a vertically alternating sequence of conductive structures and insulative structures arranged in tiers. Each of the tiers comprises one of the conductive structures and one of the insulative structures. The stadium structure comprises a forward staircase structure having steps comprising edges of the tiers, and a reverse staircase structure opposing the forward staircase structure and having additional steps comprising additional edges of the tiers. The conductive contact structures vertically extend to upper vertical boundaries of at least some of the conductive structures of the stack structure at the steps of the forward staircase structure and the additional steps of the reverse staircase structure, and are each integral and continuous with one of the conductive structures.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 1, 2020Publication date: November 4, 2021Inventors: Darwin A. Clampitt, Roger W. Lindsay, Jeffrey D. Runia, Matthew Holland, Chamunda N. Chamunda
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Patent number: 11121146Abstract: A termination opening can be formed through the stack alternating dielectrics concurrently with forming contact openings through the stack. A termination structure can be formed in the termination opening. An additional opening can be formed through the termination structure and through the stack between groups of semiconductor structures that pass through the stack. In another example, an opening can be formed through the stack so that a first segment of the opening is between groups of semiconductor structures in a first region of the stack and a second segment of the opening is in a second region of the stack that does not include the groups of semiconductor structures. A material can be formed in the second segment so that the first segment terminates at the material. In some instances, the material can be implanted in the dielectrics in the second region through the second segment.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2018Date of Patent: September 14, 2021Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventors: Matthew J. King, Anilkumar Chandolu, Indra V. Chary, Darwin A. Clampitt, Gordon Haller, Thomas George, Brett D. Lowe, David A. Daycock
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Publication number: 20210272845Abstract: A method of forming a microelectronic device comprises forming a stack structure comprising vertically alternating insulating structures and additional insulating structures arranged in tiers. Each of the tiers individually comprises one of the insulating structures and one of the additional insulating structures. A first trench is formed to partially vertically extend through the stack structure. The first trench comprises a first portion having a first width, and a second portion at a horizontal boundary of the first portion and having a second width greater than the first width. A dielectric structure is formed within the first trench. The dielectric structure comprises a substantially void-free section proximate the horizontal boundary of the first portion of the trench. Microelectronic devices and electronic systems are also described.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 14, 2021Publication date: September 2, 2021Inventors: Anilkumar Chandolu, Christopher R. Ritchie, Darwin A. Clampitt, S M Istiaque Hossain
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Patent number: 11101280Abstract: A method used in forming a memory array comprising strings of memory cells comprises forming a stack comprising vertically-alternating first tiers and second tiers comprising memory-block regions having channel-material strings therein. Conductor-material contacts are directly against the channel material of individual of the channel-material strings. First insulator material is formed directly above the conductor-material contacts. The first insulator material comprises at least one of (a) and (b), where (a): silicon, nitrogen, and one or more of carbon, oxygen, boron, and phosphorus, and (b): silicon carbide. Second insulator material is formed directly above the first insulator material and the conductor-material contacts. The second insulator material is devoid of each of the (a) and (b). Third insulator material is formed directly above the second insulator material, the first insulator material, and the conductor-material contacts. The third insulator material comprises at least one of the (a) and (b).Type: GrantFiled: December 27, 2019Date of Patent: August 24, 2021Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventors: Anilkumar Chandolu, S.M. Istiaque Hossain, Darwin A. Clampitt, Arun Kumar Dhayalan, Kevin R. Gast, Christopher Larsen, Prakash Rau Mokhna Rau, Shashank Saraf
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Patent number: 11094592Abstract: A method of forming a semiconductor device comprises forming sacrificial structures and support pillars. The sacrificial structures comprise an isolated sacrificial structure in a slit region and connected sacrificial structures in a pillar region. Tiers are formed over the sacrificial structures and support pillars, and a portion of the tiers are removed to form tier pillars and tier openings, exposing the connected sacrificial structures and support pillars. The connected sacrificial structures are removed to form a cavity, a portion of the cavity extending below the isolated sacrificial structure. A cell film is formed over the tier pillars and over sidewalls of the cavity. A fill material is formed in the tier openings and over the cell film. A portion of the tiers in the slit region is removed, exposing the isolated sacrificial structure, which is removed to form a source opening. The source opening is connected to the cavity and a conductive material is formed in the source opening and in the cavity.Type: GrantFiled: January 22, 2020Date of Patent: August 17, 2021Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventors: Anilkumar Chandolu, Matthew J. King, Indra V. Chary, Darwin A. Clampitt
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Publication number: 20210217766Abstract: Some embodiments include an integrated assembly having a base (e.g., a monocrystalline silicon wafer), and having memory cells over the base and along channel-material-pillars. A conductive structure is between the memory cells and the base. The channel-material-pillars are coupled with the conductive structure. A foundational structure extends into the base and projects upwardly to a level above the conductive structure. The foundational structure locks the conductive structure to the base to provide foundational support to the conductive structure.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 10, 2020Publication date: July 15, 2021Applicant: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventors: Darwin A. Clampitt, Matthew J. King, John D. Hopkins, M. Jared Barclay
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Publication number: 20210202515Abstract: A method used in forming a memory array comprising strings of memory cells comprises forming a stack comprising vertically-alternating first tiers and second tiers comprising memory-block regions having channel-material strings therein. Conductor-material contacts are directly against the channel material of individual of the channel-material strings. First insulator material is formed directly above the conductor-material contacts. The first insulator material comprises at least one of (a) and (b), where (a): silicon, nitrogen, and one or more of carbon, oxygen, boron, and phosphorus, and (b): silicon carbide. Second insulator material is formed directly above the first insulator material and the conductor-material contacts. The second insulator material is devoid of each of the (a) and (b). Third insulator material is formed directly above the second insulator material, the first insulator material, and the conductor-material contacts. The third insulator material comprises at least one of the (a) and (b).Type: ApplicationFiled: December 27, 2019Publication date: July 1, 2021Applicant: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventors: Anilkumar Chandolu, S.M. Istiaque Hossain, Darwin A. Clampitt, Arun Kumar Dhayalan, Kevin R. Gast, Christopher Larsen, Prakash Rau Mokhna Rau, Shashank Saraf
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Patent number: 11043412Abstract: A method of forming a microelectronic device comprises forming a stack structure comprising vertically alternating insulating structures and additional insulating structures arranged in tiers. Each of the tiers individually comprises one of the insulating structures and one of the additional insulating structures. A first trench is formed to partially vertically extend through the stack structure. The first trench comprises a first portion having a first width, and a second portion at a horizontal boundary of the first portion and having a second width greater than the first width. A dielectric structure is formed within the first trench. The dielectric structure comprises a substantially void-free section proximate the horizontal boundary of the first portion of the trench. Microelectronic devices and electronic systems are also described.Type: GrantFiled: August 5, 2019Date of Patent: June 22, 2021Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.Inventors: Anilkumar Chandolu, Christopher R. Ritchie, Darwin A. Clampitt, S M Istiaque Hossain