Patents by Inventor Injo Ok

Injo Ok 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: 12610751
    Abstract: A structure including an inner electrode and an outer electrode on a substrate and a phase change material layer, the phase change material layer vertically aligned above both the inner electrode and the outer electrode. A structure including an inner electrode and an outer electrode on a substrate and a phase change material layer, the phase change material layer vertically aligned above both the inner electrode and the outer electrode, where the inner electrode and the outer electrode are on the same horizontal plane. A method including forming an inner electrode and an outer electrode simultaneously on a substrate, forming a phase change material layer above both the inner electrode and the outer electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2026
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy Mathew Philip, Jin Ping Han, Ching-Tzu Chen, Kevin W. Brew, Injo Ok
  • Patent number: 12593621
    Abstract: A structure including alternating layers of phase change material layers and dielectric encapsulated heater element layers, the alternating layers of phase change material layers and the dielectric encapsulated heater element layers are sandwiched between a first electrode and a second electrode. A structure including horizontally aligned alternating layers of phase change material layers and dielectric encapsulated heater element layers, the alternating layers of phase change material layers and the dielectric encapsulated heater element layers are sandwiched between a first electrode and a second electrode. A method including forming alternating layers of phase change material layers and dielectric encapsulated heater element layers, the alternating layers of phase change material layers and the dielectric encapsulated heater element layers are sandwiched between a first electrode and a second electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2026
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Ching-Tzu Chen, Kevin W. Brew, Jin Ping Han, Timothy Mathew Philip, Injo Ok
  • Patent number: 12588217
    Abstract: Techniques for controlling the programming current of a PCM-based AI device using an external resistor are provided. In one aspect, a PCM cell includes: a PCM stack, that has a bottom electrode; a heater disposed directly on the bottom electrode; a PCM unit including a first material disposed on the heater; a top electrode including a second material disposed on the PCM unit; and a resistor adjacent to the PCM stack, wherein the resistor includes a combination of the first material and the second material. A PCM device that includes at least one of the PCM cells, and a method of forming the PCM cell are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 15, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2026
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Injo Ok, Soon-Cheon Seo, Youngseok Kim, Timothy Mathew Philip, Alexander Reznicek
  • Patent number: 12557564
    Abstract: An electrical device includes a first electrode in series with a second electrode. A phase change memory (PCM) is in series with the second electrode. A variable electrical element is in series with the phase change memory.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 23, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2026
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Ning Li, Andrew Herbert Simon, Injo Ok, Kangguo Cheng, Timothy Mathew Philip, Kevin W. Brew, Jin Ping Han, Juntao Li, Nicole Saulnier
  • Patent number: 12557556
    Abstract: Embodiments of present invention provide a magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) structure. The MTJ structure includes a MTJ stack, the MTJ stack including a tunnel barrier layer on a reference layer and a free layer on the tunnel barrier layer, wherein the free layer includes multiple sub free layers, the multiple sub free layers being multiple ferromagnetic strips placed parallel to each other on the tunnel barrier layer, the multiple ferromagnetic strips having respective first ends connected to a first electrode and respective second ends connected to a second electrode. A method of forming the MTJ structure is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 17, 2026
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy Mathew Philip, Ching-Tzu Chen, Kevin W. Brew, Jin Ping Han, Injo Ok
  • Patent number: 12402544
    Abstract: A memory structure comprises a ReRAM module embedded in a substrate. An insulative layer is formed on the substrate. A first electrode is located on the insulative layer. The first electrode is proximately connected to a first end of the ReRAM module and comprises a first surface area. A second electrode is located on the insulative layer. The second electrode is proximately connected to a second end of the ReRAM module. The second electrode comprises a second surface area, a plasma-interacting component, and a resistive component. The resistive component is located between the plasma-interacting component and the ReRAM module. A ratio of the first surface area to the second surface area creates a voltage between the first electrode and second electrode when the first surface area and second surfaces area are exposed to an application of plasma. The voltage forms a conductive filament in the ReRAM module.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2023
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2025
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Youngseok Kim, Soon-Cheon Seo, Injo Ok, Alexander Reznicek
  • Patent number: 12329045
    Abstract: A semiconductor device includes a PCM stack that includes bottom electrode liner over a lower heater. The bottom electrode liner has a top-down view plus (+) geometry with a ‘horizontal’ portion being orthogonal to a ‘vertical’ portion. An airgap is formed within the PCM stack in an area located adjacent and between the ‘horizontal’ portion and the ‘vertical’ portion. The airgap has a substantially smaller dielectric constant than the surrounding PCM stack material(s). Therefore, the airgap may effectively reduce the amount of current that leaks from the PCM stack when flowing from the bottom electrode liner to a top contact or top electrode. Further, the airgap may allow for expansion of the surrounding PCM stack material(s) that may result from the heating of the PCM stack.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2025
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Injo Ok, Soon-Cheon Seo, Alexander Reznicek, Youngseok Kim, Timothy Mathew Philip
  • Patent number: 12324365
    Abstract: A computer memory device includes a bottom electrode, a top electrode, and a memory component arranged between the top electrode and the bottom electrode. The memory component is made of a dielectric solid-state material and is in direct contact with the top electrode and the bottom electrode. The computer memory device further includes a proximity heater configured to increase a temperature of a portion of the memory component. The computer memory device further includes a layer of dielectric material in direct contact with the proximity heater. The layer of dielectric material is in direct contact with one of the bottom electrode and the top electrode.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 2022
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2025
    Inventors: Timothy Mathew Philip, Injo Ok, Jin Ping Han, Ching-Tzu Chen, Kevin W. Brew
  • Patent number: 12317764
    Abstract: Arrays of PCM devices and techniques for fabrication thereof having an integrated resistor formed during heater patterning for uniform voltage drop amongst the PCM devices are provided. In one aspect, a PCM device includes: at least one PCM cell including a phase change material disposed on a heater; and at least one resistor in series with the at least one PCM cell, wherein the at least one resistor includes a same combination of materials as the heater. A memory array and a method of forming a PCM device are also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2025
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Injo Ok, Soon-Cheon Seo, Alexander Reznicek, Youngseok Kim
  • Patent number: 12250889
    Abstract: A first phase change material layer vertically aligned above a bottom electrode, a dielectric layer vertically aligned above the first phase change material layer, a second phase change material layer vertically aligned above the dielectric layer, an inner electrode physically and electrically connected to the first phase change material layer and the second phase change material layer, the inner electrode surrounded by the dielectric layer, a top electrode vertically aligned above the second phase change material layer. A first phase change material layer vertically aligned above a bottom electrode, a filament layer vertically aligned above the first phase change material layer, a second phase change material layer vertically aligned above the filament layer, an inner break in the filament layer connecting the first phase change material layer and the second phase change material layer, a top electrode vertically aligned above the second phase change material layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 11, 2025
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy Mathew Philip, Jin Ping Han, Kevin W. Brew, Ching-Tzu Chen, Injo Ok
  • Patent number: 12237368
    Abstract: A method of forming a semiconductor structure includes forming a first middle-of-line (MOL) oxide layer and a second MOL oxide layer in the semiconductor structure. The first MOL oxide layer including multiple gate stacks formed on a substrate, and each gate stack of the gate stacks including a source/drain junction. A first nitride layer is formed over a silicide in the first MOL oxide layer. A second nitride layer is formed. Trenches are formed through the second nitride layer down to the source/drain junctions. A nitride cap of the plurality of gate stacks is selectively recessed. At least one self-aligned contact area (CA) element is formed within the first nitride layer. The first MOL oxide layer is selectively recessed. An air-gap oxide layer is deposited. The air gap oxide layer is reduced to the at least one self-aligned CA element and the first nitride layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2025
    Assignee: Adeia Semiconductor Solutions LLC
    Inventors: Injo Ok, Balasubramanian Pranatharthiharan, Soon-Cheon Seo, Charan V. Surisetty
  • Patent number: 12183826
    Abstract: A semiconductor structure, and a method of making the same includes a fin extending upward from a substrate, an epitaxially grown bottom source/drain region in direct contact with the substrate and a bottom portion of the fin. A bottom surface and sidewalls of a metal silicide layer are in direct contact with the epitaxially grown bottom source/drain region. A bottom spacer is located above and in direct contact with the metal silicide layer and a portion of the epitaxially grown bottom source/drain region not covered by the metal silicide layer, the bottom spacer surrounding the fin.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2021
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2024
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Choonghyun Lee, Soon-Cheon Seo, Injo Ok, Alexander Reznicek
  • Patent number: 12150393
    Abstract: An integrated circuit includes a field effect transistor (FET) and a phase change memory (PCM) cell. The PCM cell includes a heater, wherein a bottom surface of the heater is at or below a top surface of the FET.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2024
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Victor W. C. Chan, Jin Ping Han, Samuel Sung Shik Choi, Injo Ok
  • Patent number: 12144271
    Abstract: A semiconductor structure may include a resistive random access memory device embedded between an upper metal interconnect and a lower metal interconnect in a backend structure of a chip. The resistive random access memory may include a first electrode and a second electrode separated by a dielectric film. A portion of the dielectric film directly above the first electrode may be crystalline. The semiconductor structure may include a stud below and in electrical contact with the first electrode and the lower metal interconnect and a dielectric layer between the upper metal interconnect and the lower metal interconnect. The dielectric layer may separate the upper metal interconnect from the lower metal interconnect. The crystalline portion of the dielectric film may include grain boundaries that extend through an entire thickness of the dielectric film. The crystalline portion of the dielectric film may include grains.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2024
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Oleg Gluschenkov, Alexander Reznicek, Youngseok Kim, Injo Ok, Soon-Cheon Seo
  • Patent number: 12144270
    Abstract: A semiconductor structure may include a resistive random access memory device embedded between an upper metal interconnect and a lower metal interconnect in a backend structure of a chip. The resistive random access memory may include a bottom electrode and a top electrode separated by a dielectric film. A portion of the dielectric film directly above the bottom electrode may be doped and crystalline. The semiconductor structure may include a stud below and in electrical contact with the bottom electrode and the lower metal interconnect and a dielectric layer between the upper metal interconnect and the lower metal interconnect. The dielectric layer may separate the upper metal interconnect from the lower metal interconnect. The crystalline portion of the dielectric film may include grain boundaries that extend through an entire thickness of the dielectric film. The crystalline portion of the dielectric film may include grains.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2024
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Oleg Gluschenkov, Alexander Reznicek, Injo Ok, Soon-Cheon Seo
  • Publication number: 20240237544
    Abstract: Embodiments of present invention provide a vertical magnetic tunnel junction (MTJ) structure. The structure includes an L-shaped MTJ stack including an L-shaped reference layer conformally on an L-shaped performance enhancing layer; an L-shaped tunnel barrier layer conformally on the L-shaped reference layer; and an L-shaped free layer conformally on the L-shaped tunnel barrier layer, where a vertical portion of the L-shaped MTJ stack is adjacent to a sidewall of a metal stud, the metal stud being directly on top of a metal wire in a dielectric layer. The structure further includes a first and a second electrode contacting a horizontal portion and a vertical portion of the L-shaped MTJ stack. A method of forming the same is also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 6, 2023
    Publication date: July 11, 2024
    Inventors: Kevin W. Brew, Ching-Tzu Chen, Timothy Mathew Philip, JIN PING HAN, Injo Ok
  • Publication number: 20240215462
    Abstract: An electrical device includes a first electrode in series with a second electrode. A phase change memory (PCM) is in series with the second electrode. A variable electrical element is in series with the phase change memory.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2022
    Publication date: June 27, 2024
    Inventors: Ning Li, Andrew Herbert Simon, Injo Ok, Kangguo Cheng, Timothy Mathew Philip, Kevin W. Brew, Jin Ping Han, Juntao Li, Nicole Saulnier
  • Patent number: 12010930
    Abstract: A semiconductor structure includes a plurality of conductive lines formed within a dielectric, wherein each of the plurality of conductive lines electrically communicates with a respective contact, a metal layer disposed over each of the plurality of conductive lines, a phase change memory (PCM) element disposed over the metal layer of each of the plurality of conductive lines, and a projection liner encapsulating the PCM element. Spacers directly contact sidewalls of the projection liner and the PCM element includes a GeSbTe (germanium-antimony-tellurium or GST) layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2024
    Assignee: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Injo Ok, Hsueh-Chung Chen, Mary Claire Silvestre, Yann Mignot
  • Publication number: 20240188455
    Abstract: A computer memory device includes a bottom electrode, a top electrode, and a memory component arranged between the top electrode and the bottom electrode. The memory component is made of a dielectric solid-state material and is in direct contact with the top electrode and the bottom electrode. The computer memory device further includes a proximity heater configured to increase a temperature of a portion of the memory component. The computer memory device further includes a layer of dielectric material in direct contact with the proximity heater. The layer of dielectric material is in direct contact with one of the bottom electrode and the top electrode.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 2, 2022
    Publication date: June 6, 2024
    Inventors: Timothy Mathew Philip, Injo Ok, JIN PING HAN, Ching-Tzu Chen, Kevin W. Brew
  • Patent number: 11980111
    Abstract: A phase change memory bridge cell comprising a dielectric layer located on top of a at least one electrode, wherein a trench is located in the dielectric layer. A first liner located at the bottom of the trench in the dielectric layer and the first liner is located on the sidewalls of the dielectric layer that forms the sidewalls of the trench. A phase change memory material located on top of the first liner, wherein a top surface of the phase change memory material is aligned with a top surface of the dielectric layer, wherein the dielectric layer is located adjacent to and surrounding the vertical sidewalls of the phase change memory material, wherein a top surface of the phase change memory material is flush with a top surface of the dielectric layer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 8, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2024
    Assignee: International Business Machines Corporation
    Inventors: Injo Ok, Andrew Herbert Simon, Kevin W. Brew, Muthumanickam Sankarapandian, Steven Michael McDermott, Nicole Saulnier