Patents by Inventor David A. Daycock

David A. Daycock 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: 12363916
    Abstract: A method of forming an electronic device comprises forming a stack structure comprising vertically alternating insulative structures and additional insulative structures, and forming pillars comprising a channel material and at least one dielectric material vertically extending through the stack structure. The method comprises removing the additional insulative structures to form cell openings, forming a first conductive material within a portion of the cell openings, and forming a fill material adjacent to the first conductive material and within the cell openings. The fill material comprises sacrificial portions. The method comprises removing the sacrificial portions of the fill material, and forming a second conductive material within the cell openings in locations previously occupied by the sacrificial portions of the fill material. Related electronic devices, memory devices, and systems are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2023
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2025
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Daycock, Jonghun Kim
  • Publication number: 20250210581
    Abstract: A memory device includes a package substrate and at least one stack of a plurality of semiconductor dies disposed on the package substrate. The plurality of semiconductor dies can be stacked in a shingled configuration. Each semiconductor die includes a plurality of slits disposed in a first direction. An offset direction defining the shingled arrangement is in-line with the first direction. Each semiconductor die can include a die substrate and a plurality of memory planes disposed on the die substrate with each memory plane having a memory cell array. Each slit can divide and separate each memory plane into at least one of logic blocks or sub-logic blocks. The semiconductor die can include a plurality of bond pads linearly aligned in a second direction that is perpendicular to the first direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2025
    Publication date: June 26, 2025
    Inventors: Bharat Bhushan, Pratap Murali, Raj K. Bansal, David A. Daycock
  • Patent number: 12324154
    Abstract: Microelectronic devices include a stack structure comprising a vertically alternating sequence of insulative structures and conductive structures arranged in tiers. A series of pillars extends through the stack structure. At least one isolation structure extends through an upper stack portion of the stack structure. The at least one isolation structure protrudes into pillars of neighboring columns of pillars of the series of pillars. Conductive contacts are in electrical communication with the pillars into which the at least one isolation structure protrudes. Related methods and electronic systems are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 23, 2023
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2025
    Assignee: Lodestar Licensing Group LLC
    Inventors: Matthew J. King, David A. Daycock, Yoshiaki Fukuzumi, Albert Fayrushin, Richard J. Hill, Chandra S. Tiwari, Jun Fujiki
  • Publication number: 20250159944
    Abstract: Methods of forming semiconductor devices, memory cells, and arrays of memory cells include forming a liner on a conductive material and exposing the liner to a radical oxidation process to densify the liner. The densified liner may protect the conductive material from substantial degradation or damage during a subsequent patterning process. A semiconductor device structure, according to embodiments of the disclosure, includes features extending from a substrate and spaced by a trench exposing a portion of a substrate. A liner is disposed on sidewalls of a region of at least one conductive material in each feature. A semiconductor device, according to embodiments of the disclosure, includes memory cells, each comprising a control gate region and a capping region with substantially aligning sidewalls and a charge structure under the control gate region.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2025
    Publication date: May 15, 2025
    Inventors: Christopher J. Larsen, David A. Daycock, Kunal Shrotri
  • Patent number: 12266630
    Abstract: A memory device includes a package substrate and at least one stack of a plurality of semiconductor dies disposed on the package substrate. The plurality of semiconductor dies can be stacked in a shingled configuration. Each semiconductor die includes a plurality of slits disposed in a first direction. An offset direction defining the shingled arrangement is in-line with the first direction. Each semiconductor die can include a die substrate and a plurality of memory planes disposed on the die substrate with each memory plane having a memory cell array. Each slit can divide and separate each memory plane into at least one of logic blocks or sub-logic blocks. The semiconductor die can include a plurality of bond pads linearly aligned in a second direction that is perpendicular to the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2024
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2025
    Inventors: Bharat Bhushan, Pratap Murali, Raj K. Bansal, David A. Daycock
  • Publication number: 20250078911
    Abstract: A microelectronic device includes memory cells, hieratical digit line (HDL) structures, and sense amplifier (SA) devices. The memory cells are within an array region and respectively include an access device and a storage node device vertically underlying and coupled to the access device. The HDL structures are within the array region and vertically overlie and are coupled to the memory cells. The HDL structures respectively include a lower section, an upper section vertically overlying and at least partially horizontally offset from the lower section, and a middle section vertically extending from and between the lower section and the upper section. The SA devices are within the array region and vertically overlie and are coupled to the HDL structures. Related methods, memory devices, and electronic systems are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2024
    Publication date: March 6, 2025
    Inventors: Fatma Arzum Simsek-Ege, Haitao Liu, David A. Daycock
  • Publication number: 20250048614
    Abstract: A microelectronic device comprises a first transistor structure comprising multiple vertical levels of channel regions, a second transistor structure neighboring the first transistor structure and comprising additional multiple vertical levels of channel regions, a storage device vertically overlying the first transistor structure and the second transistor structure, a first conductive contact structure contacting the first transistor structure, and a second conductive contact structure contacting the second transistor structure. Related memory devices and electronic systems are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2024
    Publication date: February 6, 2025
    Inventors: Fatma Arzum Simsek-Ege, David A. Daycock, Christopher K. Morzano
  • Publication number: 20240407154
    Abstract: A variety of applications can include an apparatus having a memory device including digit lines isolated from each other by filling an area directly under the digit line with a dielectric material. The dielectric material can be any insulating material such as oxides or nitrides. The provision of the area directly under each digit line can be accomplished without etching out an entire layer of epitaxially grown regions for the memory cells vertically stacked in a three-dimensional array. In a three-dimensional DRAM, metal plates for capacitors can be isolated in a manner similar to the isolation of digit lines. Such processing can be scalable, which may allow for a three-dimensional DRAM to have hundreds memory cell tiers.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 29, 2024
    Publication date: December 5, 2024
    Inventors: Albert Daen Liao, Ting Zhao, Cheng Li, Ruijing Ge, Matthew Jacob Jerry, David A. Daycock, Kolya Yastrebenetsky, Kamal M. Karda
  • Publication number: 20240274538
    Abstract: Methods for forming microelectronic devices include forming a staircase structure in a stack structure having a vertically alternating sequence of insulative and conductive materials arranged in tiers. Steps are at lateral ends of the tiers. Contact openings of different aspect ratios are formed in fill material adjacent the staircase structure, with some openings terminating in the fill material and others exposing portions of the conductive material of upper tiers of the stack structure. Additional conductive material is selectively formed on the exposed portions of the conductive material. The contact openings initially terminating in the fill material are extended to expose portions of the conductive material of lower elevations. Contacts are formed, with some extending to the additional conductive material and others extending to conductive material of the tiers of the lower elevations. Microelectronic devices and systems incorporating such staircase structures and contacts are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2024
    Publication date: August 15, 2024
    Inventors: Biow Hiem Ong, David A. Daycock, Chieh Hsien Quek, Chii Wean Calvin Chen, Christian George Emor, Wing Yu Lo
  • Publication number: 20240188299
    Abstract: Methods, systems, and devices for three-dimensional memory array formation techniques are described. A memory device may include a stack of materials over a substrate. The memory device may include an array of first pillars and an array of second pillars extending at least partially through the stack of materials. One or more first pillars may be excluded from one or more columns of pillars of the array first pillars. The memory device may include dielectric material in a slit extending at least partially through the stack of materials. Based on the exclusion of the one or more first pillars, the slit may have a greater width at a first portion through the stack of materials than a second portion through the stack of materials. The dielectric material located in the slit may also have a greater width at the first portion than at the second portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 30, 2023
    Publication date: June 6, 2024
    Inventors: Christopher J. Larsen, S M Istiaque Hossain, David A. Daycock, Kevin R. Gast, George Matamis, Lingyu Kong, Sok Han Wong, Lhaang Chee Ooi, Wenjie Li
  • Publication number: 20240145425
    Abstract: A memory device includes a package substrate and at least one stack of a plurality of semiconductor dies disposed on the package substrate. The plurality of semiconductor dies can be stacked in a shingled configuration. Each semiconductor die includes a plurality of slits disposed in a first direction. An offset direction defining the shingled arrangement is in-line with the first direction. Each semiconductor die can include a die substrate and a plurality of memory planes disposed on the die substrate with each memory plane having a memory cell array. Each slit can divide and separate each memory plane into at least one of logic blocks or sub-logic blocks. The semiconductor die can include a plurality of bond pads linearly aligned in a second direction that is perpendicular to the first direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 5, 2024
    Publication date: May 2, 2024
    Inventors: Bharat Bhushan, Pratap Murali, Raj K. Bansal, David A. Daycock
  • Patent number: 11967556
    Abstract: Methods for forming microelectronic devices include forming a staircase structure in a stack structure having a vertically alternating sequence of insulative and conductive materials arranged in tiers. Steps are at lateral ends of the tiers. Contact openings of different aspect ratios are formed in fill material adjacent the staircase structure, with some openings terminating in the fill material and others exposing portions of the conductive material of upper tiers of the stack structure. Additional conductive material is selectively formed on the exposed portions of the conductive material. The contact openings initially terminating in the fill material are extended to expose portions of the conductive material of lower elevations. Contacts are formed, with some extending to the additional conductive material and others extending to conductive material of the tiers of the lower elevations. Microelectronic devices and systems incorporating such staircase structures and contacts are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 25, 2021
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2024
    Inventors: Biow Hiem Ong, David A. Daycock, Chieh Hsien Quek, Chii Wean Calvin Chen, Christian George Emor, Wing Yu Lo
  • Publication number: 20240057337
    Abstract: Microelectronic devices include a stack structure comprising a vertically alternating sequence of insulative structures and conductive structures arranged in tiers. A series of pillars extends through the stack structure. At least one isolation structure extends through an upper stack portion of the stack structure. The at least one isolation structure protrudes into pillars of neighboring columns of pillars of the series of pillars. Conductive contacts are in electrical communication with the pillars into which the at least one isolation structure protrudes. Related methods and electronic systems are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 23, 2023
    Publication date: February 15, 2024
    Inventors: Matthew J. King, David A. Daycock, Yoshiaki Fukuzumi, Albert Fayrushin, Richard J. Hill, Chandra S. Tiwari, Jun Fujiki
  • Patent number: 11876068
    Abstract: A memory device includes a package substrate and at least one stack of a plurality of semiconductor dies disposed on the package substrate. The plurality of semiconductor dies can be stacked in a shingled configuration. Each semiconductor die includes a plurality of slits disposed in a first direction. An offset direction defining the shingled arrangement is in-line with the first direction. Each semiconductor die can include a die substrate and a plurality of memory planes disposed on the die substrate with each memory plane having a memory cell array. Each slit can divide and separate each memory plane into at least one of logic blocks or sub-logic blocks. The semiconductor die can include a plurality of bond pads linearly aligned in a second direction that is perpendicular to the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Inventors: Bharat Bhushan, Pratap Murali, Raj K. Bansal, David A. Daycock
  • Publication number: 20230380193
    Abstract: A method of forming an electronic device comprises forming a stack structure comprising vertically alternating insulative structures and additional insulative structures, and forming pillars comprising a channel material and at least one dielectric material vertically extending through the stack structure. The method comprises removing the additional insulative structures to form cell openings, forming a first conductive material within a portion of the cell openings, and forming a fill material adjacent to the first conductive material and within the cell openings. The fill material comprises sacrificial portions. The method comprises removing the sacrificial portions of the fill material, and forming a second conductive material within the cell openings in locations previously occupied by the sacrificial portions of the fill material. Related electronic devices, memory devices, and systems are also described.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 4, 2023
    Publication date: November 23, 2023
    Inventors: David A. Daycock, Jonghun Kim
  • Patent number: 11800717
    Abstract: Microelectronic devices include a stack structure comprising a vertically alternating sequence of insulative structures and conductive structures arranged in tiers. A series of pillars extends through the stack structure. At least one isolation structure extends through an upper stack portion of the stack structure. The at least one isolation structure protrudes into pillars of neighboring columns of pillars of the series of pillars. Conductive contacts are in electrical communication with the pillars into which the at least one isolation structure protrudes. Related methods and electronic systems are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 2022
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Inventors: Matthew J. King, David A. Daycock, Yoshiaki Fukuzumi, Albert Fayrushin, Richard J. Hill, Chandra S. Tiwari, Jun Fujiki
  • Patent number: 11756826
    Abstract: 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: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2023
    Assignee: 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
  • Patent number: 11744086
    Abstract: A method of forming an electronic device comprises forming a stack structure comprising vertically alternating insulative structures and additional insulative structures, and forming pillars comprising a channel material and at least one dielectric material vertically extending through the stack structure. The method comprises removing the additional insulative structures to form cell openings, forming a first conductive material within a portion of the cell openings, and forming a fill material adjacent to the first conductive material and within the cell openings. The fill material comprises sacrificial portions. The method comprises removing the sacrificial portions of the fill material, and forming a second conductive material within the cell openings in locations previously occupied by the sacrificial portions of the fill material. Related electronic devices, memory devices, and systems are also described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Daycock, Jonghun Kim
  • Publication number: 20230026960
    Abstract: A memory device includes a package substrate and at least one stack of a plurality of semiconductor dies disposed on the package substrate. The plurality of semiconductor dies can be stacked in a shingled configuration. Each semiconductor die includes a plurality of slits disposed in a first direction. An offset direction defining the shingled arrangement is in-line with the first direction. Each semiconductor die can include a die substrate and a plurality of memory planes disposed on the die substrate with each memory plane having a memory cell array. Each slit can divide and separate each memory plane into at least one of logic blocks or sub-logic blocks. The semiconductor die can include a plurality of bond pads linearly aligned in a second direction that is perpendicular to the first direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2022
    Publication date: January 26, 2023
    Inventors: Bharat Bhushan, Pratap Murali, Raj K. Bansal, David A. Daycock
  • Patent number: 11502053
    Abstract: A memory device includes a package substrate and at least one stack of a plurality of semiconductor dies disposed on the package substrate. The plurality of semiconductor dies can be stacked in a shingled configuration. Each semiconductor die includes a plurality of slits disposed in a first direction. An offset direction defining the shingled arrangement is in-line with the first direction. Each semiconductor die can include a die substrate and a plurality of memory planes disposed on the die substrate with each memory plane having a memory cell array. Each slit can divide and separate each memory plane into at least one of logic blocks or sub-logic blocks. The semiconductor die can include a plurality of bond pads linearly aligned in a second direction that is perpendicular to the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2022
    Assignee: Micron Technology, Inc.
    Inventors: Bharat Bhushan, Pratap Murali, Raj K. Bansal, David A. Daycock